2010 Golden Globes Wants and Desires

Wow, time flies. The Golden Globes are tonight and I haven't given them any coverage! Until now, of course. I am going to deliver my wants via video clips. This is not a list of who I think will win, although ideally it would, it is a list who I want to win. It will be short and to the point, I do not think much discussion is necessary. Aso, this is of course based on the nomines and not my final year lists as choosing those would just not make any sense. The nominees also point out to me that for as many movies as I see, there are many more to see that I have not yet had the opportunity. Here is who I want to win:

Best Motion Picture - Drama


Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
As much as I like (500) Days of Summer, that was more drama.


Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
I have only seen 2 of these, and I am going with one I haven' yet seen:


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
I have only seen one of these and I believe it to be the best.


Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Some fine performances here, I think I will go ouside the box:


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Again, have not seen them all, but I know who I like for it:


Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
This may be the easiest category:


Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture


Best Director - Motion Picture


Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
This was very close...


Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Wow... I like the Nine song, but had to go another way.


Best Original Score - Motion Picture
My favorite score was not nominate.


Best Animated Film
Two animated features made my top ten, here is the top ranked:


Best Television Series - Drama


Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy


Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy


Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy


Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama


Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama


Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television


Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Golden Globes 2009 - Predictions Clip Show

The 2009 Golden Globes are upon us, and I am sure that all interested parties are nearing (or past) their limit in reading rambling analysis on who win and who should win, not to mention all of the overlooked films. I am going to do my best to dispense with that. What you will find below are the categories (minus a couple where I am not familiar with the nominees), maybe a couple of brief notes and an embedded video of who I want as the winner, not a prediction, just who I want. Short, sweet, to the point, and hopefully mildly entertaining.

Best Motion Picture - Drama

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Frost/Nixon (2008)
The Reader (2008)
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Notes: My biggest issue here is that The Dark Knight was not nominated. I guess it was to be expected.
Winner: Slumdog Millionaire


Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Burn After Reading (2008)
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
In Bruges (2008)
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Notes: Well, I am not a fan of two of the films nominated and I have not seen a third. So, my opinion is down to a two film race. Also, in my opinion, the top overlooked film here is Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Winner: In Bruges


Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

Leonardo DiCaprio for Revolutionary Road (2008)
Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon (2008)
Sean Penn for Milk (2008)
Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler (2008)
Notes: Wow, I have not seen three of these performances, and the one I want to say is the winner is one that I have not yet seen. Of the two I have seen, I would say Brad Pitt, but that is not my ultimate choice.
Winner: Mickey Rourke


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

Anne Hathaway for Rachel Getting Married (2008)
Angelina Jolie for Changeling (2008)
Meryl Streep for Doubt (2008)
Kristin Scott Thomas for Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008)
Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road (2008)
Notes: In my mind, this is a two actress race, everyone else is a longshot. Any guess who the top two are?
Winner: Anne Hathaway


Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Javier Bardem for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Colin Farrell for In Bruges (2008)
James Franco for Pineapple Express (2008)
Brendan Gleeson for In Bruges (2008)
Dustin Hoffman for Last Chance Harvey (2008)
Notes: This is actually kind of tough, however I like the outside-the-box nominee, he will not win, but I would love to see it.
Winner: James Franco


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Rebecca Hall for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
Frances McDormand for Burn After Reading (2008)
Meryl Streep for Mamma Mia! (2008)
Emma Thompson for Last Chance Harvey (2008)
Notes: I think I would rather have seen Frances McDormand be nominated for Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Winner: Rebecca Hall


Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Tom Cruise for Tropic Thunder (2008)
Robert Downey Jr. for Tropic Thunder (2008)
Ralph Fiennes for The Duchess (2008)
Philip Seymour Hoffman for Doubt (2008)
Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight (2008)
Notes: I want to say this is all locked up, and I truly believe that. Then again, stranger things have happened like, say, Tom Cruise getting nominated. Seriously?
Winner: Heath Ledger


Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Amy Adams for Doubt (2008)
Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Viola Davis for Doubt (2008)
Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler (2008)
Kate Winslet for The Reader (2008)
Notes: Pretty strong looking bunch here. Not sure what I would change, if any. However, the winner is going to be, hopefully, the least known name in the bunch.
Winner: Viola Davis


Best Director - Motion Picture

Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Stephen Daldry for The Reader (2008)
David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon (2008)
Sam Mendes for Revolutionary Road (2008)
Notes: Again, no The Dark Knight? How about Clint Eastwood?
Winner: David Fincher


Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Eric Roth, Robin Swicord
Doubt (2008): John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon (2008): Peter Morgan
The Reader (2008): David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Simon Beaufoy
Notes: I have not seen a couple of the nominees, but I would like to have seen Burn After Reading and Gran Torino here. I also would bot be averse to In Bruges, or perhaps even Blindness.
Winner: Doubt


Best Original Song - Motion Picture

Bolt (2008)("I Thought I Lost You")
Cadillac Records (2008)("Once in a Lifetime")
Gran Torino (2008)("Gran Torino")
WALL·E (2008)("Down to Earth")
The Wrestler (2008)("The Wrestler")
Notes: Interesting choices, although I do not like the tune from Bolt.
Winner: "Gran Torino"


Best Original Score - Motion Picture

Changeling (2008): Clint Eastwood
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Alexandre Desplat
Defiance (2008): James Newton Howard
Frost/Nixon (2008): Hans Zimmer
Slumdog Millionaire (2008): A.R. Rahman
Notes: What? No The Dark Knight? What's a guy gotta do? That said, it is pretty easy to pick the winner here.
Winner: A.R. Rahman


Best Animated Film

Bolt (2008)
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
WALL·E (2008)
Notes: No complaints with any of these nominees, although it should be obvious to everybody who will win.
Winner: WALL·E (


Best Foreign Language Film

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (2008)
Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick (2008)
Gomorra (2008)
Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008)
Vals Im Bashir (2008)
Notes: I have not seen any of these films, unfortunately, but based on the trailers I think I have an idea of who I would like to win.
Winner: Vals Im Bashir


Best Television Series - Drama

Dexter (2006)
House M.D. (2004)
In Treatment (2008)
Mad Men (2007)
True Blood (2007)
Notes: Once again, Battlestar Galactica is overlooked. Also, what about Friday Night Lights? Unfortunately, I do not watch a few to give a fully informed opinion, but any opinion is a good one. Right? Don't answer that.
Winner: House M.D.


Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Californication (2007)
Entourage (2004)
The Office (2005)
30 Rock (2006)
Weeds (2005)
Notes: Scrubs is the perennial no show when it comes to awards season. Also, as much as I love The Big Bang Theory and How I met Your Mother, I cannot say I am surprised to not see them here. I am glad to see Two and a Half Men not here.
Winner: 30 Rock


Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock (2006)
Steve Carell for The Office (2005)
Kevin Connolly for Entourage (2004)
David Duchovny for Californication (2007)
Tony Shalhoub for Monk (2002)
Notes: What? No Zach Braff? Still, nice line-up.
Winner: Alec Baldwin


Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Christina Applegate for Samantha Who? (2007)
America Ferrera for Ugly Betty (2006)
Tina Fey for 30 Rock (2006)
Debra Messing for The Starter Wife (2008)
Mary-Louise Parker for Weeds (2005)
Notes: Nothing substantial to add here.
Winner: Tina Fey


Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama

Gabriel Byrne for In Treatment (2008)
Michael C. Hall for Dexter (2006)
Jon Hamm for Mad Men (2007)
Hugh Laurie for House M.D. (2004)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers for The Tudors (2007)
Notes: Again, nothing to add. (nice isn't it?)
Winner: Michael C. Hall


Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama

Sally Field for Brothers & Sisters (2006)
Mariska Hargitay for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)
January Jones for Mad Men (2007)
Anna Paquin for True Blood (2007)
Kyra Sedgwick for The Closer (2005)
Notes: SVU? Really? I like the show and all, but never really considered her to be at the top with such regularity.
Winner: January Jones


Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother (2005)
Denis Leary for Recount (2008) (TV)
Jeremy Piven for Entourage (2004)
Blair Underwood for In Treatment (2008)
Tom Wilkinson for John Adams (2008)
Notes: I never liked how the supporting roles get disrespected by being jammed together like this.
Winner: Neil Patrick Harris


Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Eileen Atkins for Cranford (2007)
Laura Dern for Recount (2008)
Melissa George for In Treatment (2008)
Rachel Griffiths for Brothers & Sisters (2006)
Dianne Wiest for In Treatment (2008)
Notes: See above.
Winner: Melissa George

Strike! The WGA Walks the Line in Hopes of a Better Future

On Monday November 5, 2007 at 12:01 AM the Writer's Guild of America officially went on strike. Writers for all of your favorite shows left their jobs, picked up signs and took up positions outside the studios and corporate offices on both coasts. Following months of stop and go talks between the studios and the WGA no agreement could be reached. With no agreement in place, and no apparent possibility in the near future, the writer's will be walking the line until such a time that serious talks can commence. However, neither side is budgin on their stance. What does this mean to you and me, the television fan? Well, in a few weeks the new episodes will run out, perhaps sooner, and we will be left with reruns and probably more game shows and reality programs (you know, the shows that don't "require" writers). Now, I am sure that many of you are upset at this prospect. Believe me, I am as upset as you are; however, I am in support of the WGA. Period. As long as it takes the writers are on the side of right.

You may be asking yourself why are they on strike? The big reason is a renegotiated contract that includes new technology. As years have passed the contracts that govern the pay-outs of residuals have not been updated and the studios are trying to keep from paying any type of residuals on new technology.

What is this new technology? That is easy to answer. Have you ever bought a video from iTunes, or from Amazon's Unbox? How about watching an episode streamed from a network site like NBC.com, or from another site like Hulu.com (just found out about that one myself)? Well, that is a great way to catch up on missed episodes or look for shows that you may like. The problem is that these methods are not covered by the residuals contract, meaning that the writers see no money from the revenue garnered. The studios call them promos and not eligible for residuals. Now if that isn't a joke, I don't know what is. Also, ever watch a webisode? You know, the shorts that can be viewed online like the ones for The Office? They aren't paid for either.

I am sure you are thinking: "Don't they make a lot of money already? Why do they need more?" The potential to earn a lot of money is there, but it is not a given, and for the majority it is not nearly as much as you think (though I do not have exact numbers to back that up). The writers depend on residuals to pay for healthcare, insurance, and to support their families. Here is another point that I like to bring up with questions like these: A lot of money is being made, and if that is not shared with the creative teams (or sports players, or whoever) it goes to those who already have a lot. I know I would like to see it spread around a little more.

Whichever way you slice it, the writers are not asking for anything outrageous or over the top. The writers want to be treated fairly. Here is a video that lays it out in an easy to understand manner:



Nearly a week into the strike, many are already feeling the affects. The first to go down were the late night shows. Late Night, The Tonight Show, The Daily Show and others, went immediately to reruns as they are written, primarily, the day of the show and with no writers.... well, you get it. Next up were the primetime series. The first to go down was The Office. A number of the cast members are WGA members, and a number of others will not cross the line.

Since that report, there have been a number of reports of other shows writings being seen picketing. You can see the report at Ain't it Cool News here and here. Among the shows affected are Back to You, Big Bang Theory, Everybody Hates Chris, Rules of Engagement, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, CSI, Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives, Pushing Daisies, and undoubtedly many more.

It is even affecting shows that have yet to premiere this season. Chief among those is Lost and 24. Fox has officially shelved the latter indefinitely. Rather than start a season they may not be able to finish, they have chosen to hold off until all is resolved and the entire season can be delivered.

I have also seen a report that the final completed episode of Heroes has had its ending changed. This is so it can serve as a season finale rather than a transitional story episode should the strike outlasts the completed episodes (I believe they have 4 or 5 left).

There have even been reports that daytime soap operas have begun hiring scab writers. They work under pseudonyms and hide their identity to keep the soaps in new eps and the cast and crews still working for their contracted pay. The writers work under the assumption that they will be hired (under their real names) once the strike ends, and no one will know who they were.

Now lest you think this only affects television, it most certainly does not. The WGA comprises writers of film as well. The only difference here is tha there is a much larger lead time for movies. There are many more of them in the can, and probably a number that have been shelved for years that can be pulled out. The effect is that it will take a bit longer for the strike to affect the movies you see each weekend.

As for my feelings? If it wasn't clear, I am in full support of the writers. They have the right to be recognized and compensated for their work. The writers could be the single most important piece of the creative puzzle. Sure directors and actors can be an important cog in the long lasting success of a given show or film, but, and there is a big but, without the words they will have nothing to work with. The root of the creative process lies with the writers. As the strike so perfectly demonstrates, no writers equals no shows.

Now, come on studio and network executives, get your head out of your ass and get to the negotiating table. Make this contract work so that all of these creative individuals can get back to doing what they love, creating shows and movies. You know you don't want to lose any time away from new episodes and you don't want to get the viewing public upset. You do not want to drive us away from our television sets. The viewing public has a strong voice, and the last thing you want is for them to turn away from your product. The writers deserve the contract changes, they deserve to be paid for their work.

Beyond the money, the writers deserve respect. Do not deny them that, where would you be without them?

Now, if you want more information on the topic, be sure to visit UnitedHollywood.com.

Show your support for the WGA, sign this petition, I did.

Some videos have been posted from the picket lines, here are a couple of them:

The Office:


Lost and Desperate Housewives:


Sandra Oh from Grey's Anatomy:


Grey's Anatomy:


The Showrunners (the people who captain the ship that is the show):

TV Premiere Week: 9/30-10/6 (Plus the Leftovers)

Last week saw the the busy middle week of premieres for the new television season. This week slows down a bit, in terms of volume of premieres, but we will have to deal with new shows conflicting with the ones we are attempting to build relationships with. However you want to slice it, young television seasons are always a busy time filled with uncertainty. Will our returning favorites welcome us back? Will the new shows dazzle us enough to get us to cheat? Will you be like me and try to absorb as much as you can in addition to feeding a movie and music addiction? So many shows, so little time.....

Anyway, here is my personal preview/thoughts on this week's premieres. Below that are the remaining shows that will be premiering through the end of the month, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Sunday

• Kicking off the evening is a show that I have no interest in, and therefore don't have much to say. That show is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. (ABC 8:00)
• I really liked the first season of Desperate Housewives, I lost interest early in the second season. I cannot point to any one reason other than just a plain lack of interest. I found myself not caring. (ABC 9:00)
• American Dad started off as Family Guy's weak little brother, but it has grown. Now it more than holds its own as a goofy cartoon. (Fox 9:30)
• Brothers & Sisters came out a winner at the recent Emmy awards. Sally Field walked away with the statue for Best Actress in a Drama. I watched the premiere last year, wasn't interested and I never looked back. (ABC 10:00)

Monday

• Now here is a show that I can get behind, Everybody Hates Chris is a fantastic comedy that the whole family can enjoy. Regardless of whether or not you like Chris Rock, it does not matter. This series is well acted, well written, and genuinely funny. (CW 8:00)
• Not sure if I'm going to like this one, but I am willing to give it a shot. Aliens in America is about a family that welcomes an exchange student from the Middle East. (CW 8:30)
• Never had much interest in Girlfriends. (CW 9:00)
• The Game: see above. (CW 9:30)

Tuesday

• I think I am going to have to watch Cavemen out of sheer morbid curiosity. I cannot imagine that this will be successful. A sitcom based on a series of popular commercials about cavemen in the modern world. I suspect this will not last long. (ABC 8:00)
• I cannot say I have much higher hope for Carpoolers. This one has a cast that features Fred Goss, Jerry O'Connell, and Allison Munn. It is about a group of friends who carpool to work. (ABC 8:30)

Wednesday

• Of the new series that are premiering this week, Pushing Daisies is my most highly anticipated. The concept is interesting, and the clips I have seen look promising. It is about a man who can resurrect the dead by touching them, but they die again when touched a second time. He uses his ability to collect rewards for those people who have been murdered. There is more to it and I look forward to seeing it. (ABC 8:00)

Thursday

• 30 Rock won the Emmy for Best Comedy Series. Frankly, I was surprised that it did, but after rewatching season one I am that much more excited for season two. The show is funny, quirky, and stands apart from the standard sitcom. (NBC 8:30)
• Entering its third season Supernatural continues to impress through its first two. It's combination of offbeat humor and supernatural creatures is a winner. Hopefully the third season will continue to grow stronger. (CW 9:00)

Friday

• Friday Night Lights was one of the best new shows of last year, and one of the best overall. I am surprised that it is back for season two with its rather low ratings, but I am very happy it is. My recommendation to all is to watch this and go get season one and watch that too. (NBC 9:00)

That covers this week, and the last full week of new releases. Below are the rest of the premieres through the end of October, ordered by date.

Sunday October 7th

• Life is Wild takes the family drama to a game preserve in Africa, which looks like the only interesting part of the show. The show takes a blended family, whose patriarch is a vet who volunteers to go to Africa. Aside from those animals, it looks rather generic. (CW 8:00)

Friday October 12th

• 20/20 returns with new episodes. (ABC 8:00)
• Women's Murder Club is about a group of four women friends, a DA, a cop, a reporter, and a forensic pathologist, who are drinking buddies who talk about their cases and solve them together. Angie Harmon leads the cast. This looks like it could be interesting. (ABC 9:00)
• Men in Trees returns in a new time slot. I never watched the show, and cannot say that it interested me all that much.(ABC 10:00)

Monday October 15th

• Samantha Who? looks kind of dumb. It stars Christina Applegate as a woman with amnesia looking to restart her life. (ABC 9:30)

Thursday October 18th

• Viva Laughlin is a new musical drama that is being produced by Hugh Jackman (who also makes a few guest appearances). I think this could be good, a breath of fresh air. Of course, it could simply fall apart as well. This is a preview prior to its official start on 10/21. (CBS 10:00)

Friday October 19th

• The Next Great American Band. Pass. (Fox 8:00)

Sunday October 21st

• Viva Laughlin. See above. (CBS 8:00)

Thursday October 25th

• Yeah! I love Scrubs. I am so glad to see it back this year, officially on the schedule rather than the mid-season replacement that is has been the past few years. (NBC 8:00)

That wraps up my series of previews for the new season. I know that this block has little that I am really interested in, but do not worry about my viewing habits. There are plenty of shows that I am going to try and watch on a weekly basis. Perhaps in a few weeks I will return with a column of what I'm watching and how I think they're doing. Any interest in something like that?

TV Premiere Week: Volume 2, September 23-29

Last week saw the beginnings of the new television season, kicked off by the Emmy broadcast. Now, be honest, was that awards show dull or was it just me? Sure, there were a couple of surprise winners, but I did not feel any energy. That "in the round" stage did not work out all that well at all. Anyway, last week had a few notable debuts, including Prison Break, K-Ville, and Kid Nation. This coming week promises to be considerably busier. Below is a a quick listing of this week's premieres. The list accompanied by my thoughts on what I will and won't be watching.

Sunday

• The long running news program, 60 Minutes. I cannot say that I watch it much, but it is a good show to have around. (CBS 7:00)
• CW Now is described as combining news and and entertainment to "create the ultimate source for that's hip, hot and happening right now in the world of young adults." Frankly, it sounds like something the corporate machine would say. Anyway, I doubt I am in its target audience and have zero interest in seeing it. (CW 7:00)
• Looking like a televised YouTube, CW's Online Nation is looking for video submissions. Yet another show I have no interest in. (CW 7:30)
• The Simpsons is returning for its 19th season, can you believe it? I don't think anyone would have said it would last this long after seeing those original shorts on the Tracy Ullman show. The series has been hit or miss for years, but the fans are still there. Hopefully the success of the movie this past summer will serve as inspiration for a better than average season. (Fox 8:00)
• I could have sworn King of the Hill was canceled a few years ago, somehow it just keeps coming back. It may disappear from time to time, but it always seems to pop back up. Sorry, I enjoy some of it, but when this lives on and Futurama gets canceled, well that's Fox for you. (Fox 8:30)
• Family Guy will have a one hour premiere this year, and it will be a Star Wars spoof. I like the show, I cannot lie and I will not apologize. It is funny, irreverent, and flat out goofy. I am glad the excellent DVD sales allowed the show to come back. (Fox 9:00)
• Cold Case is a show that I have watched sporadically, and is generally a pretty high quality show. I doubt I will ever be among the loyal watchers, but it is always there when I feel like it. (CBS 9:00)
• Moving to a new night, the James Wood legal drama Shark is set to return for its sophomore year. I started out watching this on a regular basis, but I am not sure if I will be this year. I may give it a shot and see how it goes. (CBS 10:00)

Monday

• Speaking of new shows I am looking forward to, Chuck is one of them. It is taking up the lead in slot to Heroes, so hopefully that will help them out. It features an electronics nerd whose brain is downloaded with the nation's secrets, thus making him a target. Sounds like fun! (NBC 8:00)
• Dancing with the Stars, I have no interest. Pass. (ABC 8:00)
• The week in sitcoms begins with the returning How I Met Your Mother. I have caught a couple of episodes and it is pretty good, I've liked Alyson Hannigan since her Buffy days. Perhaps I will give it more of a shot here in its second year. (CBS 8:00)
• The Big Bang Theory is a show I have only seen a few clips of, and I cannot say I have found anything that entices me to want to see anymore. Here is a review of the pilot. (CBS 8:30)
• Heroes returns for its highly anticipated second season. It may have ended on something of a whimper, but there remains something very compelling about this superhero tale. More heroes will be revealed and more adventures will begin. (NBC 9:00)
• Two and a Half Men has its moments, but on the whole, it does not excite me all that much. (CBS 9:00)
• Rules of Engagement returns for another year. I have never watched the show and don't have a strong desire to. I like Patric Warburton, but Spade is generally more annoying than anything else. (CBS 9:30)
• The Bachelor. Um, no thanks. (ABC 9:30 )
• There are three flavors of CSI,Monday brings the Miami version. CSI: Miami is back for another go around. Unfortunately, I have only been able to get into the original. (CBS 10:00)
• NBC Monday has a trio of genre themed shows, anchoring them is the new series Journeyman.It is like a more serious version of Quantum Leap. It stars Rome's Kevin McKidd and it looks pretty good. I am definitely interested in this one. (NBC 10:00)

Tuesday

• Here is a show that I was sure would not last a single season. Fortunately, I was wrong. Bones is returning for its third go around, and moves back to Tuesday nights (this did start on Tuesday, right? Last year was Wednesday nights). Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz are back for some more murder mystery. (Fox 8:00)
• NCIS reminds me of Jag, it is one of those shows that is one for a good run, but I don't know anyone that watches it. Now, I am not making a comment about the quality. Needless to say, I probably won't be watching it this year. (CBS 8:00)
• I love House. The show is funny, smart, and is actually a little bit deeper than the formula it has developed would suggest. It will be interesting to see how season four will play out after what transpired at the end of season three. (Fox 9:00)
• Reaper is a show I am curious about. The premiere was directed by Kevin Smith, which makes me immediately interested. It concerns a slacker who learns his parents sold his soul to the devil, and now he must act as the devil's bounty hunter. Could be fun. (CW 9:00)
• I watched the first season, but the second season lost out in a busy time slot, though I can't recall what the others shows were, I know one was House. Anyway, The Unit returns for a third season. I always liked the combination of in the field action and at home drama. (CBS 9:00)
• Boston Legal never excited me, though the critics seem to love it. This season kicks off with a high note as James Spader won best actor in a drama for his role. (ABC 9:30)
• The Singing Bee doesn't excite me, though my mother likes it. (NBC 9:30)
• Cane stars Jimmy Smits, Nestor Carbonell, and Hector Elizondo in a drama set on a rum business. The stars are good, will the show be good? I am willing to give it a shot. (CBS 10:00)
• Law & Order: SVU is my favorite of the L&O series, but I don't consider it a must see. Especially when you consider how much these shows get rerun on the cable nets. (NBC 10:00)

Wednesday

• Deal or No Deal will not suck me in all that much, but it is moderately fun. It already had its Monday night debut, this will be its second weekly show. (NBC 8:00)
• Will NBC strike gold with a series remake? Seems to work for movies. This years sees the return of a revamped Bionic Woman. I know many have already seen the pilot, but I haven't and I am looking forward to what they have to offer. (NBC 9:00)
• Criminal Minds will have a cast change early this year as Mandy Patinkin leaves. Initially he quit, but then agreed to come back and wrap up his character. Joe Mantegna will be taking over the vacated position, in a new role. (CBS 9:00)
• Private Practice is th Kate Walsh spin-off series from Grey's Anatomy. Yes, my Grey's interest waned some time ago, but Walsh's character was one of my least favorites. Nah, won't be watching this. Paul Adelstein, so memorable on Prison Break will be among the co-stars. (ABC 9 :00)
• The second CSI spin-off, this one set in the Big Apple, failed to capture my attention much like the Miami version. CSI: NY returns for its third (?) season. (CBS 10:00)
• Dirty Sexy Money stars Peter Krause (Sports Night) and Donald Sutherland. It looks like it could be interesting, it is the story of an idealistic lawyer charged with tending the legal needs of an absurdly rich NYC family. (ABC 10:00)
• Here is a show that sounds interesting, though I have seen nothing from it yet. Life is about a police detective who was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, years later he is released and is able to return to the force (?!?). Well, potentially interesting anyway. (NBC 10:00)

Thursday

• Kicking off NBC's excellent sitcom lineup is the light and witty My Name is Earl. Entering its third season, the sitcom is high off Jamie Pressly's Emmy win. The show is a very funny and filled with good performances. This season will begin with Earl behind bars, after helping his ex-wife last year. It will have a one hour premiere. (NBC 8:00)
• Smallville returns for a seventh season and I can only hope that it is better than the last season. I also hope that we have less Lana, she was really annoying last year. I would like more of Green Arrow and the Justice League. This season will also see the arrival of Supergirl. (CW 8:00)
• Ugly Betty won best comedy and actress (for America Ferrera) at the recent awards ceremony, yet is another show I am not terribly interested in. (ABC 8:00)
• Here is one to interest me, CSI returns for its eighth season. My viewing has become a bit more sporadic over the past year or two, but the whole "miniature killer" thread last year was a good one. I wonder if it was inspired at all by the miniatures in Saw? (CBS 9:00)
• Grey's Anatomy lost me during season two, I doubt I will return. (ABC 9:00)
• Now this is what I'm talking. I am looking forward to season four of The Office. It is easily one of, if not the best sitcom running. It will be getting a one hour premiere. (NBC 9:00)
• Big Shots is the story of four friends that are also CEOs in dysfunctional relationships. I cannot say I will be watching this, but it is nice to see Christopher Titus back on TV, his sitcom was excellent, yet monkeyed around with by Fox a little too much. (ABC 10:00)
• ER has been around forever and has survived a near complete turnover of cast. It may not be the ratings juggernaut it once was, but it still a good enough show to bring me back. (NBC 10:00)
• Without a Trace returns to compete with ER. The show is quite good, although it is another one that I watch only sporadically. (CBS 10:00)

Friday

• Another show that I watch on occasion is Ghost Whisperer. It is a fun show that doesn't get overly serious, yet is still serious enough in its supernatural roots. Besides, who doesn't like Jennifer Love Hewitt on their TV screen? (CBS 8:00)
• Here is the king of guilty pleasures, Las Vegas. I have liked this since day one. It is none too serious, and knows what it is, escapist fun. (NBC 9:00)
• Moonlight stirs up memories of Angel and Forever Knight. However, CBS says that it forges ahead in a different directions. I'm willing to give it a shot. It is the story of a vampire detective working under cover of night. (CBS 9:00)
• Numb3rs is a show that I think I would like, if I watched it. Sadly, I have not been able to squeeze it in. What is the consensus, is it any good? (CBS 10:00)

That wraps up week two of this year's premieres. It is considerably busier than week one. Week three slows down a bit, and then there will be stragglers for a little while after that. Then we get to start looking for the mid-season replacements and what new series get canceled early.

Stay tuned.

TV Premiere Week: Volume One, September 16-22

September signifies many things. Among them, the end of summer, the arrival of gradually cooling temperatures, the start of a a new school year, and the impending arrival of the new television season. As big a day as the first of September is for the television fan, there is one bigger. The Sunday that plays host to the annual Emmy awards is that bigger day. It officially welcomes the start of the season and usually kicks off the official start of the new season as the networks begin to roll out season and series premieres in the search of Fall success. That day is here, so let's take a look at the notable premieres for the week along with my comments on what I will and won't be watching. This is a complete list of network premieres from 9/16-9/22.

Sunday

• Start the week right with the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards. Who will take home the gold? Which network will leave with this years bragging rights? How many shows have commercials ready to go with Emmy Winner tags on them? I just hope the right shows win, and will be content that some won't as deserving shows don't always get nominated.

Monday

• NBC's hit game show Deal or No Deal returns to the network slate. I am not a big watcher, but this can be kind of fun. (NBC 8:00)
• Returning for its third season is the series that has been reinventing itself with each successive season, Fox's Prison Break. The first season saw the escape of eight inmates from Fox River Penitentiary. The second season saw those eight go their separate ways with wildly varied results, leaving the core group chasing a large cache of money all the way to Panama. The third season opens with the core characters trapped in a Panamanian prison where they will fight for their lives in the new season. I like this show and hope that the third season is as exciting as the first two. (Fox 8:00)
• Last year Fox tried following Prison Break with Kidnapped. That did not work out to well as the show was canceled in short order. This year they are trying another show in that spot to hold us over until 24 returns (in January, I believe). The new show is K-Ville. It stars Cole Hauser and Anthony Anderson as a mismatched pair of police officers in post-Katrina New Orleans. The commercials have looked decent, but I am withholding judgment until I see an episode or two. (Fox 9:00)

Tuesday

• The fourth (!) season premiere of the Ashton Kutcher championed reality show kicks off with a two hour episode. The CW is home for Beauty and the Geek, a show I have zero interest in. Sorry, this type of series just ain't my bag. (The CW 8:00)

Wednesday - The busiest of the first week of premieres.

• CBS premieres the controversial Kid Nation. The show has come under fire for contracts that the kids signed and possible violations of child labor laws. It is another reality type show that I don't particularly care to watch. This one follows a group of kids taken to an Old West type town that they have to make work, building a young society. I think I'll pass. (CBS 8:00)
• The first new sitcom to hit the airwaves is Fox's Back to You. Kelsey Grammer will attempt to step from the shadow of Frasier Crane as he plays a big shot news anchor who has to return to the local scene from the national stage, and to sharing the desk with his nemesis played by Patricia Heaton who returns for the first time since the series finale of Everybody Loves Raymond. I think this may be worth checking out. (Fox 8:00)
• 'Til Death returns for a second go around on Fox. This show also features a Raymond alum in Brad Garrett. I remember watching an episode or two of this relationship comedy centering on the stages of marriage and not particularly caring for it. I doubt I will tune in this season. (Fox 8:30)
• It wasn't long ago that Chef Gordon Ramsay had a rather painful kitchen experience of his own, will his disgust with his issue spill over to his new series? Time will tell as Kitchen Nightmares debuts on Fox. Either way, I doubt I will be watching. (Fox 9:00)
• America's Next Top Model returns to The CW. Frankly I have little to say, as it is another show that I won't be watching. (The CW 8:00)
• A brand new series for The CW follows Model. Gossip Girl is set at an exclusive prep school where an anonymous blogger has dirt on everyone. It is based off of a series of books. I haven't seen any early word on this, but the premise does not strike me as terribly exciting. I will likely give it an episode to prove itself. (The CW 9:00)

Thursday

• The latest season of the venerable reality series takes contestants to the Far East in Survivor: China. I have never been a a fan of Survivor or reality in general, but it continues to have strong ratings. (CBS 8:00)

That wraps up the first week of premieres. Next will be much, much busier, relax while you can.

Emmy 2007: Down and Dirty

These awards shows always creep up on me. I always seem to think I have a lot of time to look them over and put my predictions on the screen, but it never seems to work in my favor. I am left scrambling in the hours leading up to the broadcast to get something down before they announce the winners. This year is no different. I procrastinate until such a time that I force myself to sit down and take a look. By now there are a million places that you can get the full nominee lists, so I will dispense with that and just provide a link to them. Read on and you will find my picks for who/what will win and should win in the major categories. Along with the occasional nomination that I feel was overlooked.

Outstanding Drama Series.

• Will Win: Grey's Anatomy. I'm not positive, but I have a strong suspicion that this will be the year for this medical soap. I lost interest in season two, but the fan base seems to be growing.
• Should Win: Heroes. Much like the first season of Lost, this series took the world by storm when it premiered last September. It has brought an interesting comic book-like world to a large audience and does a good job of juggling the numerous characters.
• Missed Opportunities. Shows I would have liked to have seen nominated here include Rescue Me, Battlestar Galactica, Veronica Mars (although this was its weakest season as the format was tinkered in the search for ratings), and Friday Night Lights (which was outstanding in its premiere season).

Outstanding Comedy Series.

• Will Win: Ugly Betty. Never had any desire to watch the show, but it has been a force to be reckoned with in its first year out of the box.
• Should Win: The Office. I love this show, no doubt about it. It is funny, smart, goofy, and never fails to put a smile on my face. However, I get the impression that it will be a perpetual nominee without winning.
• Missed Opportunities. I would have loved to have seen Scrubs, My Name is Earl, and Everybody Hates Chris in this category. Never cared for Two and a Half Men. I was happy to see 30 Rock included, as it had a strong first season.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama.

• Will Win: Hugh Laurie. Yes, I think the irritable doc will take the top prize. For as one note as the character may seem, there is a lot of subtext to him.
• Should Win: Denis Leary. Leary has come a long since I first saw him on those MTV commercials. He is absolutely fantastic on this show as the firefighter with every problem under the sun.
• Missed Opportunities. Kyle Chandler should have been included here. He captured the heart and soul of Friday Night Lights, helping the show to a genuinely great first season.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama.

• Will Win: Mariska Hargitay. Everyone seems to love her, and she is good. However, I feel the episodic nature hurts the overall growth. I never feel she is among the best despite that one or two episodes each year that put her in the running.
• Should Win: Kyra Sedgewick. I only watch The Closer sporadically, but her portrayal as the tough/sweet lead is captivating.
• Missed Opportunities. Kristen Bell. Her opportunity as Veronica Mars is up as the show has been sadly canceled, she was overlooked all three years as the lead. She is fantastic on the show, delivering a tough/vulnerable spunk that is reminiscent of Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy and Jennifer Garner on Alias.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy.

• Will and Should Win: Steve Carell. This is an easy one. While the show is likely to be overlooked, the lead will almost assuredly take home the prize. And to think Carell was almost cast on Titus.
• Missed Opportunities. Zach Braff, Jason Lee, and Tyler James Williams. All three of these actors should be considered contenders. Not winners, mind you, but definitely should be considered for the top prize.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy.

• Will Win: America Ferrera from that Ugly Betty juggernaut will likely exit triumphant.
• Should Win: Tina Fey. There is something about her performance that really hit home as the straight woman in the midst of chaos trying to keep her professional life going while trying to find a personal life.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama.

• Will and Should Win: Masi Oka. Stepping from the shadows of Scrubs, Masi Oka has stepped up as a favorite, not to mention the key role on the popular new series.
• Missed Opportunities. James Callis is fantastic as the evil, yet conflicted, Baltar on Battlestar Galactica.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama. Hmmm, Grey's Anatomy or The Sopranos?

• Will Win: Chandra Wilson. What better way to usher in the start of her spinoff series than with a golden prize?
• Should Win: I don't know, I do not have much of a vested interest. I don't watch either Grey's Anatomy or The Sopranos.
• Missed Opportunities. Katee Sackhoff, Connie Briton. Another slight for Battlestar Galactica and Friday Night Lights.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy.

• Will Win: Jon Cryer. Why? I Don't know. For some reason, this show is amazingly popular.
• Should Win: Rainn Wilson. Here is a role of comedic genius that should be recognized.
• Missed Opportunities. John Krasinski, Eddie Steeples, Neil Flynn. A second nominee from The Office, one from Earl, and one from Scrubs should all be in the bag. Maybe next year.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy.

• Will Win: Vanessa Williams. Could this be another win for Ugly Betty? Sure looks like it to me.
• Should Win: Jaimie Pressly. For my money, Pressly cracks me up all the time and I would love to see her rewarded for making me laugh.
• Missed Opportunities. Judy Reyes carries a lot of emotional weight while still being funny. Probably should have been nominated years ago.

Other random categories and who I would like to see win.

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. This category has a few shows that I really like and am glad to see them nominated. Here, I would like to see Battlestar Galactica "Exodus.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. This should go to Scrubs for "My Musical." It was a wonderfully staged episode that revolved around good timing. Although, I would not be sad to see The Office win.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. Hands down, this should wind up going to Battlestar Galactica "Occupation/Precipice." It is a fantastic two parter for the series that should have gotten some more love in the major categories.

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Hmmm, 30 Rock or The Office? With two nominations each, one of these two is sure to win the top prize. Frankly, I don't care which one, I will be happy either way.

That about wraps up my down and dirty run through! Be sure to tune in 9/16 to find out how close I was.

TV News: Nuts Save Jericho

This may not be the freshest of news, but CBS is bringing back Jericho. The freshman post-apocalyptic drama, starring Skeet Ulrich, had been sent off to the scrap heap after its final episode a month back. The premature cancellation sparked a fan campaign of peanut sized proportions.

Fans organized and began to send bags of nuts to CBS offices. So many nuts that, combined, there was over two tons of the salty snacks in the mailrooms. It was a successful campaign, and something that you do not see actually succeed all that often. I know there was the letter writing campaign in the 1960's that brought Star Trek back for one more year. Also, while not the same thing, the mammoth DVD sales of Family Guy prompted Fox to bring the animated series back, and it has been on for a couple of seasons now since the return. Sci Fi Channel brought Farscape back for a 4 hour mini-series to wrap up after its sudden cancellation after four seasons.

Now bags of nuts have saved Jericho. I did not partake in the fan response, but I cannot say that I am disappointed that it worked. I like the shoe, and I feel it had gotten much stronger during the second half of the season. Of course, the fact that CBS put it on the shelf from November through the end of January did not help matters. I understand the desire to run large stretches of new episodes without reruns and preemptions, but making a new show that is trying to build an audience disappear for two months is enough to make people stop caring. I know people who had forgotten about the show and thought that it had been cancelled.

Well, hopefully this will lead to a full return for the show. CBS is bringing it back for a 7 episode run as a mid-season replacement, and I am assuming if ratings are strong enough, those 7 episodes could turn into more.

Now, I am sure that you are wondering where the whole "nuts" thing came from, and no it is not because the fans are nuts, although that may be true in some cases. It stems from the season finale where a story is told where, during WWII, in the face of overwhelming odds a captain responded to a surrender request with "Nuts." Meaning, he would not give up. Skeet's Jake character remembered the story and responded in kind as Jericho was about to be invaded by a neighboring force looking for supplies. That was the end of the episode and sparked the nuts campaign.

Here is the famous clip that started the whole thing: Jericho "Nuts"

Now, here is the open letter to Jericho fans sent by Nina Tassler, President of CBS:

To the Fans of Jericho:

Wow!

Over the past few weeks you have
put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support
of a prime time television series. You got our attention; your emails and
collective voice have been heard.

As a result, CBS has ordered seven
episodes of "Jericho" for mid-season next year. In success, there is the
potential for more. But, for there to be more "Jericho," we will need more
viewers.

A loyal and passionate community has clearly formed around the
show. But that community needs to grow. It needs to grow on the CBS Television
Network, as well as on the many digital platforms where we make the show
available.

We will count on you to rally around the show, to recruit new
viewers with the same grass-roots energy, intensity and volume you have
displayed in recent weeks.

At this time, I cannot tell you the specific
date or time period that "Jericho" will return to our schedule. However, in the
interim, we are working on several initiatives to help introduce the show to new
audiences. This includes re-broadcasting "Jericho" on CBS this summer, streaming
episodes and clips from these episodes across the CBS Audience Network (online),
releasing the first season DVD on September 25 and continuing the story of
Jericho in the digital world until the new episodes return. We will let you know
specifics when we have them so you can pass them on.

On behalf of
everyone at CBS, thank you for expressing your support of "Jericho" in such an
extraordinary manner. Your protest was creative, sustained and very thoughtful
and respectful in tone. You made a difference.

Sincerely,

Nina
Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment

P.S. Please stop sending us
nuts :-)

Looking at the Sunday Network Upfronts

Last week, the networks all announced their initial schedules for next season. Beginning September 2007, this is what the Friday grid is going to look like, at least tentatively. There is always the chance of reshuffling and other various changes to be made before the schedules actually go live. Now rather than take a look at each of the networks, I thought it would be better to take a look at the daily grids. Better to see how the networks stack up against one another. Today is Friday, so let's see how it looks.

Bold= New Show Italics= What I plan to watch

Sun	7:00	7:30	8:00	8:30	9:00	9:30	10:00	10:30
ABC	America's Funniest Home Videos		Extreme Makeover: Home Edition		Desperate Houesewives		Brothers and Sisters
CBS	60 Minutes		Viva Laughlin		Cold Case		Shark
NBC	Football Night in America		NBC Sunday Night Football
FOX	The OT (NFL Postgame)		The Simpsons	King of the Hill	Family Guy	American Dad	Local Programming
CW	CW Now	Online Nation	Life is Wild		America's Next Top Model Encore		Local Programming

Not much new on Sunday nights to report on.

CBS has one new series, Viva Laughlin. It is a drama/thriller/musical that is being executive produced by Hugh Jackman, who will also be guesting in a recurring role. It is about a man who is struggling to open a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Sounds like an intriguing premise, although I am not sure how it will be received.

The CW is the only other network with new offerings. First, at 7:00 is CW Now, what looks like an Entertainment Tonight style magazine show. It will be followed by Online Nation, its synopsis reads like a YouTube for the TV. Lastly, they have Life is Wild, a family drama about a blended family that moves to South Africa.

Sunday's are sure to be ruled by some combination of Fox comedies The Simpsons and Family Guy, and CBS' Desperate Housewives. CBS will also have the James Woods drama Shark returning for its sophomore season on a new night and time. I am also quite interested in the Jackman series.

Looking at the Friday Upfronts

Last week, the networks all announced their initial schedules for next season. Beginning September 2007, this is what the Friday grid is going to look like, at least tentatively. There is always the chance of reshuffling and other various changes to be made before the schedules actually go live. Now rather than take a look at each of the networks, I thought it would be better to take a look at the daily grids. Better to see how the networks stack up against one another. Today is Friday, so let's see how it looks.

Bold= New Show Italics= What I plan to watch

Fri	8:00	8:30	9:00	9:30	10:00	10:30
ABC	Men in Trees		Women's Murder Club		20/20
CBS	Ghost Whisperer		Moonlight		Numb3rs
NBC	1 vs 100 / The Singing Bee		Las Vegas		Friday Night Lights
FOX	Search for the Next Great American Band		Nashville		Local Programming
CW	WWE: Smackdown				Local Programming

ABC's new friday features Women's Murder Club. This show features a talented detective who is tired of waiting for months or years for criminals to be prosecuted, so she puts together an all female group who work these cases to get them completed faster, while also being a support group for each other. Angie Harmon leads the cast. This is on following Men in Trees, returning for a second season on a new night and time.

CBS is opening and closing with the same pair of shows, Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs. The new bridge is Moonlight, whose description recalls memories of another show cut before its time, Angel. The preview I saw looks pretty slick, it is about a man who was turned into a vampire by his bride 60 years prior, now works as a private investigator, while being in love with a mortal. Looks good to me.

NBC will open with a pair of shows that will be splitting time, though I am not sure what the split will be. The shows are the returning 1 vs 100 and the new competition show The Singing Bee. The latter show features contestants singing lyrics to popular songs when the band stops playing. That will be followed by the returning Las Vegas, a favorite guilty pleasure, and then Friday Night Lights in a new time slot.

Fox will be filling their friday with a pair of music related reality shows, both of which are likely to undergo name changes prior to airing. The first is Search for the Next Great American Band, from the producers of the ubiquitous American Idol comes the show that looks to be the same thing except for bands. It will be followed by Nashville, a docu-drama about those in and around the music scene in the city of Nashville. I guess I won't need anything from Fox Friday!

The CW continues on with WWE: Smackdown on fridays. No changes there.

I am looking forward to the return of Las Vegas, a show that is always up for some fun. Meanwhile, I cannot wait for Friday Night Lights. I am very glad that it is back, but I feel that it is going to die in this time slot. Moonlight looks promising, and I will catch episodes of Ghost Whisperer from time to time, that is generally a good series as well.

CBS Clip Show: The Big Bang Theory, Viva Laughlin, Cane, Moonlight

Now that the network upfronts are out, and we have gotten the show descriptions, they are starting to get some clips of those shows out there. All trying to get you excited about their new offerings and drum up ad support. The first clips I have gotten to look at are for new CBS series The Big Bang Theory, Viva Laughlin, Cane, and Moonlight.

Jump right to the clips? Big Bang Theory, Cane, Moonlight, Viva Laughlin 1 2 3

First up is The Big Bang Theory, which I have seen someone describe as a retread of Stacked, the defunct Pam Anderson sitcom that ran for a brief time on Fox. That description seems apt. It features a hot, but not terribly bright, blonde (at least at first glance) surrounded by a few guys with definite leanings towards the nerd side of life. This will be filling the hole left by the cancelled Jason Ritter series, The Class, in between hits How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men. Frankly, I don't see this one going anywhere, and as goofy as The Class was, I think I am going to miss it. The new series features Johnny Galecki (Roseanne, Suicide Kings) as one of the nerds and Kaley Cuoco (Eight Simple Rules, Charmed) as the sexy neighbor. The clip has the guys talking in the living room, interrupted by a towel clad Kaley with a shower problem. I don't know, the humor strikes me as forced and not terribly funny. Take a look at the clip and judge for yourself.

Viva Lauglin is a musical/drama that will be on Thursday night and has the starpower of Hugh Jackman as executive producer. In addition to his screen credit, he will also have a recurring role. The series follows a businessman who has a strong desire to get a casino going in Laughlin, NV. I am intrigued by the musical aspects, but am unsure how well it will work for a television series. CBS has offered three clips of the show, two of them featuring musical numbers, and they have served to interest me even more, even without much of the surrounding context, they offer something different to the primtime landscape. The first clip is of Hugh Jackman, arriving via helicopter and singing the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" as he makes his entrance from the roof down into the casino. Second clip features Owen Lloyd, as Ripley Holden, singing Elvis Presley's "Viva, Las Vegas." The last clip is a non-singing meeting between the two where Lloyd is trying to get Jackman to buy in as an investor. The series, a remake of the UK series Blackpool, looks good, I am eager to see how it plays out.

Jimmy Smits co-stars with Nestor Carbonell and Hector Elizondo, at least in this clip, of the new drama Cane. The show centers on a family who has made a fortune in the rum and sugar business, the family is at a crossroads and the son(Carbonell) and the brother-in-law(Smits) of the Duque family have differing views on the future of the business. This clip has the two butting heads with Elizondo in between as they talk about pursuing sugar, as opposed to rum, as the primary export. I cannot say that it excites me, but the three featured in the clip I like.

The final show in this group of clips is the vampiric series Moonlight. Taking cues from Forever Knight and Angel, features a vampire working as a detective. I like the idea, and still have attachments to Angel, so I am interested in how this one plays out, but this clip has left me less than excited. In the bit, we see Alex O'Loughlin, as Nick St. John, in his first moments as a member of the undead, being turned by his lover. This really left me flat, what with the voiceover and all, it just seemed like I had seen it many times before. Still, I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. We shall see.

We shall see, indeed.

Looking at the Thursday Network Upfronts

Last week, the networks all announced their initial schedules for next season. Beginning September 2007, this is what the Thursday grid is going to look like, at least tentatively. There is always the chance of reshuffling and other various changes to be made before the schedules actually go live. Now rather than take a look at each of the networks, I thought it would be better to take a look at the daily grids. Better to see how the networks stack up against one another. Today is Thursday, so let's see how it looks.

Bold= New Show Italics= What I plan to watch

Thur	8:00	8:30	9:00	9:30	10:00	10:30
ABC	Ugly Betty		Grey's Anatomy		Big Shots
CBS	Survivor		CSI		Without a Trace
NBC	My Name is Earl	30 Rock	The Office	Scrubs	ER
FOX	Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader		Kitchen Nightmares		Local Programming
CW	Smallville		Supernatural		Local Programming

Thursday only offers up few new shows for our consumption, along with a few shuffle moves. For the most part it is a rather stable night.

ABC offers up a new show to anchor the evening in Big Shots. The show looks like the drama version of their new Wednesday night sitcom, Carpoolers. Instead of four guys with problems in a car, it is four guys with corner offices who find refuge in their country club. The clips look a little dry, although it is nice to see Christopher Titus (Titus) back on TV, along with Michael Vartan (Alias).

Fox is the only other network with a new Thursday show, Kitchen Nightmares. It features chef Gordon Ramsay, who was previously featured on Hell's Kitchen. Just what I wanted, more reality shows....

Thursday is a pretty solid night for me, which usually finds CSI getting th short und of the viewing stick. NBC puts together a solid lineup of comedies, and it is nice to see Scrubs returning for a seventh season, and starting out on the schedule, rather than being used as a replacement like it has been for the past few years. Granted, it will only be an 18 episode season, but any new Scrubs is a good thing with me. On the other hand, NBC will be offering up 30, yes 30, new episodes of The Office, with five of them being hour longs.

Looking at the Wednesday Network Upfronts

Last week, the networks all announced their initial schedules for next season. Beginning September 2007, this is what the Wednesday grid is going to look like, at least tentatively. There is always the chance of reshuffling and other various changes to be made before the schedules actually go live. Now rather than take a look at each of the networks, I thought it would be better to take a look at the daily grids. Better to see how the networks stack up against one another. Today is Wednesday, so let's see how it looks.

Bold= New Show | Italics= What I plan to watch

Wed	8:00	8:30	9:00	9:30	10:00	10:30
ABC	Pushing Daisies		Private Practice		Dirty Sexy Money
CBS	Kid Nation		Criminal Minds		CSI: New York
NBC	Deal or No Deal		Bionic Woman		Life
FOX	Back to You	Til Death	Bones		Local Programming
CW	America's Next Top Model		Gossip Girl		Local Programming

ABC features an entirely new lineup for Wednesday nights. The evening kicks off with Pushing Daisies, an interesting high concept crime/fantasy/romance series. It is about a man, a baker, who can bring people back to life for a short period of time, enough for them to name their killers, although if he touches them again, they are gone for good. That is followed up with Private Practice, the spin-off to their hit Grey's Anatomy. My interest in Anatomy has waned, and such I have not that much interest in this, although it does look like a good cast with Kate Walsh joined by Paul Adelstein (Prison Break), Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly, and Taye Diggs. The night is anchored by Dirty Sexy Money, a show whose synopsis reads like that of Arrested Development, only without the clever humor and wit. It is about Nick (Peter Krause) who had a falling out with his family and now may be the only one that can keep it going. It is about a wealthy family that always seems to be getting into trouble, clips look a little dull to me.

CBS is replacing Jericho with a reality series called Kid Nation. This new show has 40 kids spending 40 days on their own in an abandoned mining town in New Mexico, where they have to build a new society. Sounds lame to me, I would much rather have Jericho back, it was really picking up in the second half of the season.

NBC is moving Deal or No Deal to Wednesday nights, although this show seems to be a good fill-in across the board. It is followed by a pair of new series. The first new show is a re-imagining of The Bionic Woman being championed by Battlestar Galactica mastermind Ronald D. Moore. I have seen some clips of the show and it looks quite promising. Anchoring the evening is Life (at least until Lost returns in January), yet another new crime drama, but this one looks pretty interesting. It is about Detective Charlie Crews who has spent a long time in prison for a crime he did not commit, now he is freed and back on the force, looking to reclaim his life.

Fox has revamped Wednesday nights, adding a new sitcom, bringing in the surviving Til Death and moving Bones to the 9:00 hole. The new show is called Back to You, it brings together a pair of stars from other long running comedies, Kelsey Grammar and Paricia Heaton as co-anchors of the Pittsburgh news. May be funny, but I am not holding my breath. However, I will be there for Bones, returning for its third season.

The CW's offering is Gossip Girl. This just sounds awful. The show takes people's penchant for gossip and the popularity of blogging and combines them into a teen soap. I am clearly not the target for this, but there you have it. Another good reason for the cancellation of Veronica Mars....

Lots of new shows, but the evening doesn't seem to offer up much for this TV addict. I am glad to see that Bones has lasted this long, it is not exactly a deep show, but it has good characters with good chemistry. I am also very interested in if The Bionic Woman lives up to the hopes I have for it.