tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post3875019112682557557..comments2024-03-28T18:01:28.997-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Sepinwall on TV: The dishonor roll (aka Happy Festivus!)Alan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-89975333188707856352007-12-28T17:18:00.000-05:002007-12-28T17:18:00.000-05:00The Heroes drop in quality makes sense, as one of ...The Heroes drop in quality makes sense, as one of the main writers is a comic book writer named Jeph Loeb, a hack to the first power. His comic stories are the same as Heroes. Rips off, I mean "homages" classic works in a way that makes it seem like the set up to a great story is coming. Then he runs out of things to rip off and the story comes crashing down.<BR/><BR/>Also, I didn't think the first episode of Reaper generated all that much goodwill. It just seemed like another slacker-geek-fratboy style show where you want to punch the lead manchild in the mouth. Similar to Chuck and the Apatow movies.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09193358874119591055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-18677217667299855262007-12-22T14:48:00.000-05:002007-12-22T14:48:00.000-05:00I was going to defend Hugh Laurie, but Bruce beat ...I was going to defend Hugh Laurie, but Bruce beat me to it. Also, add to the list "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" and I dare you to say he is one note.<BR/><BR/>He is more than eminently capable of handling the host duties of an awards show and it's a sad state of affairs if his British accent would confuse Americans. He is not always given the writing he deserves on House, but I don't think this procedural would have made it this long if Laurie didn't bring anything to the table. <BR/><BR/>I also support Alan on the Sopranos ending because I can live with untidy endings and it is a great TV moment.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11317568565085893849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-77132532099523162252007-12-22T00:27:00.000-05:002007-12-22T00:27:00.000-05:00I have to second bobman's comments on Seinfeld; ye...I have to second bobman's comments on Seinfeld; yes, he was smart enough on his show to surround himself with excellent talent (and when did that stop becoming a sign of intelligence and talent in itself?), but there was a real bravery in the nasty solipsism of Seinfeld's portrayal, and never a hint that he was good enough of an actor to pull off the transformation whole cloth. So the dislike at the man redounding upon what he pulled of with <I>Seinfeld</I> is odd, since it's exactly what he'd displayed for 9 (?) years.<BR/><BR/>Alex R and carolmr: Anyone's free to dislike Hugh Laurie or consider him overrated, of course; but if you've never seen his uproariously moronic stumbling doofus turns in <I>Blackadder</I> or <I>Jeeves and Wooster</I>, I'd say give it a shot. If you have and still can't stand him, fair enough.<BR/><BR/>My contribution to the dishonor roll: every second I heard anything about <I>The View</I>.Bruce Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03771574237432340308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-6613688380494861982007-12-21T23:31:00.000-05:002007-12-21T23:31:00.000-05:00Homertojeebus said..I vaguely remember a show that...<I> Homertojeebus said..</I><BR/><BR/>I vaguely remember a show that I think was called "the Liberty Boys, teenagers fight the Revolutionary War, but not by actually fighting.<BR/><BR/>Since Oprah and Letterman have come up tangentially, their reconciliation was a great disappointment to me. I'm not an Oprah-hater, to each his or her own. But with her being everywhere, his relentless sarcasm was a healthy antidote. As for her holiness pretending not to know why people thought they were feuding... maybe it was when his show was in Chicago and you not only cancelled your scheduled appearance, but flew out to LA to appear on Leno the night it was to air? <BR/><BR/>I've always found Jerry Seinfeld barely tolerable. I watched his show in spite of him for the supporting cast. His using his celebrity to strongarm Letterman into airing that bizarre phone in from Michael Richards was way over the line, especially scolding the audience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55827483560021725332007-12-21T22:59:00.000-05:002007-12-21T22:59:00.000-05:00I have watched the first 3 season of Grey's over t...I have watched the first 3 season of Grey's over the last 2 months. And you are right...the 3rd season is quite a disaster....they totally ruined George and Izzie. And I absolutely loved Addison (still do to an extent), but they made her into such a mess.SJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01245472084190224186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-7736083135103351082007-12-21T19:12:00.000-05:002007-12-21T19:12:00.000-05:00I so agree with you about Seinfeld. Starting back ...I so agree with you about Seinfeld. Starting back with the whole Michael Richards apology fiasco on Letterman, his smug, ego driven Bee Movie appearances were like nails on a chalk board.<BR/><BR/>Totally there on "Heroes". I knew it was bad when I found myself flipping to "Dancing with the Stars" I ask what happened?<BR/><BR/>The Izzie/George thing... a disaster. Should I say how often I shouted 'Stupid, Stupid!' at the screen. <BR/><BR/>Ditto with the "Lights" murder subplot, but I still love this show, Kyle, Connie et all.<BR/><BR/>Couldn't place why "Entourage" felt so lacking, but I see now how it lacks tension when you realize golden boy never loses.<BR/><BR/>David Chase was truly wise, he made the perfect ending for The Sopranos. Everyone will come to realize this, some sooner than others.<BR/><BR/>I'll add a big festivus disappointment to the NBC execs for not picking up Journeyman. Now that was truly a disappointment. Can someone go back in time and erase that decision?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-41684127680674159352007-12-21T18:54:00.000-05:002007-12-21T18:54:00.000-05:00Deadwood was cancelled in 2006, so it doesn't qual...Deadwood was cancelled in 2006, so it doesn't qualify. And Alan liked John From Cincinatti, so that doesn't qualify either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-91583431992314289322007-12-21T18:39:00.000-05:002007-12-21T18:39:00.000-05:00Was your lack of expecations the reason "John From...Was your lack of expecations the reason "John From Cincinnatti" and David Milch weren't on the list? I can't recall if HBO ending Deadwood was this year or 2007, but it would qualify as a dishonourable discharge.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16826413365790850707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-68815399808922565682007-12-21T17:35:00.000-05:002007-12-21T17:35:00.000-05:00I actually liked the Sporanos ending too, but Chas...I actually liked the Sporanos ending too, but Chase's attitude of "why should I have to explain anything to you fans" turned me off. He had to know what the reaction was going to be when he filmed that ending and for him to act so surprised that most people wanted closure struck me as condescending.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-16450452257241929932007-12-21T17:24:00.000-05:002007-12-21T17:24:00.000-05:00What's to disagree with? You're right about it all...What's to disagree with? You're right about it all.<BR/><BR/>Of course, if the writer's strike goes on too long, we may well find that the worst of 2007 is still better than anything we see in 2008.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-34632951567383446102007-12-21T15:20:00.000-05:002007-12-21T15:20:00.000-05:00I am beyond pleased that Shonda made the list twic...I am beyond pleased that Shonda made the list twice. She took one of my favorite shows and one of my favorite characters and ruined them both. Although the podcasts from last season tried to justify the George/Izzie pairing, the storyline this season has clearly given that up, thank goodness. <BR/><BR/>Also, I am upset by the whole strike thing; I miss new, non-reality programming.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15433685942766758829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-77548133529391237222007-12-21T13:55:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:55:00.000-05:00I know a lot of people feel that way, but I loved ...<I>I know a lot of people feel that way, but I <B>loved</B> the ending.</I><BR/><BR/>The more I see people STILL mad about that ending, and still talking about it, the more I love it (and I loved it a lot to begin with ).<BR/><BR/><BR/>On another note, I'm amazed at all the Seinfeld bashing lately, not because it's misplaced, but in the words of Denny Green, he is who we thought he was. What I always loved about Seinfeld was his smug refusal to pretend to be a nice guy or pull punches. Now it's 20 years after he popped on the scene, and nothing has changed, and people are suddenly surprised?Bobmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604050338240551711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-29143250059070429032007-12-21T13:49:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:49:00.000-05:00Since you were a fan of the show, I'm surprised yo...<I>Since you were a fan of the show, I'm surprised you didn't include Rescue Me. This past season was basically unwatchable - I think it was right up there with the collapse of 24.</I><BR/><BR/>As with "Studio 60," there's the whole lack of expectations issue. I hated most of the previous "Rescue Me" season as well (which made last year's list). I wasn't disappointed by this year -- even though it was worse -- because I didn't go in expecting it to be good.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27410064216667565442007-12-21T13:47:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:47:00.000-05:00An excellent list, although I was surprised not to...<I>An excellent list, although I was surprised not to see Jamie Murray for her recent stint on Dexter.</I><BR/><BR/>I didn't like Lila, but her presence would have had to do far more damage to "Dexter" than it did, IMO, to make the list. On the top 10 list (spoiler alert!), I mention her as a problem in the midst of otherwise praising the series.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-90324755592868943392007-12-21T13:46:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:46:00.000-05:00Though it's a bit rough getting angry at Idol for ...<I>Though it's a bit rough getting angry at Idol for spending time on a (weird and unwatchable, but still charitable) charitable event.</I><BR/><BR/>If Idol Gives Back had happened in another season, I would have been fine with it, but given how marginalized the kids already were, it was just another reminder that the actual point of the show was getting lost. They say they're going to do it again this year, but they're also going to focus a lot more on the contestants this year, so I hopefully won't feel the need to complain about the idea of it. (The execution, as you note, is another matter.)Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-75714403654610865572007-12-21T13:44:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:44:00.000-05:00One is "The Sopranos" ending. Sorry, but David Cha...<I>One is "The Sopranos" ending. Sorry, but David Chase thumbing his nose at his loyal audience should be included. </I><BR/><BR/>I know a lot of people feel that way, but I <B>loved</B> the ending.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-50209102218848153392007-12-21T13:43:00.000-05:002007-12-21T13:43:00.000-05:00also I'm surprised sorkin didn't make the list sin...<I>also I'm surprised sorkin didn't make the list since the last few episodes of S60 did air in this calendar year</I><BR/><BR/>To have disappointed me in 2007 would imply that I still had expectations for Studio 60 (which was near the top of last year's Festivus list) in this calendar year.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-3333788697051299722007-12-21T12:21:00.000-05:002007-12-21T12:21:00.000-05:00Since you were a fan of the show, I'm surprised yo...Since you were a fan of the show, I'm surprised you didn't include Rescue Me. This past season was basically unwatchable - I think it was right up there with the collapse of 24.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-71298758258574148682007-12-21T12:18:00.001-05:002007-12-21T12:18:00.001-05:00I don't even acknowledge "Grey's" as I find it to ...I don't even acknowledge "Grey's" as I find it to be the Hugh Laurie of TV shows - extremely overrated. it's a glorified soap with the only questions being "which hot doc is sleeping with which other hot doc". <BR/><BR/>The acting, the storytelling...it's maybe slightly better than dreck like "Desperate Housewives" but if it walks like a duck....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-29004037549190810832007-12-21T12:18:00.000-05:002007-12-21T12:18:00.000-05:00Actually, the Cult of Oprah predated the Cult of S...Actually, the Cult of Oprah predated the Cult of Seinfeld. Long before Jerry Seinfeld became a cultural touchstone, David Letterman was bagging on Oprah for having "all the money."<BR/><BR/>Here's the thing about Jerry Seinfeld: he got lucky. Larry David was one of the greatest TV comedy writers ever; and the other three were deft comedic actors. <B>Seinfeld</B> the show is rightly celebrated.<BR/><BR/>But his stand-up wasn't funny before (which was why I didn't watch it until the second season); his appearances on talk shows have always been painful; and there is no reason to think that he'll ever come close to creating something that awesome ever again.<BR/><BR/>Which is OK: none of us will, either.barefootjimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02619403344304134318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-12145151550490643172007-12-21T12:14:00.000-05:002007-12-21T12:14:00.000-05:00I pretty much agree, but I do have to confess that...I pretty much agree, but I do have to confess that I'm a bit sick of critics picking on Friday Night Lights over and over again. We get it, I'm sure Jason Katims gets it, and the actors probably do as well: the murder storyline was a mistake. It was, however, well-acted and well-produced. The idea, rather than its execution, is at fault. I think it's significant that even with a misguided murder plot, FNL is light-years better than Grey's Anatomy's been in a year and a half. <BR/><BR/>And while I didn't love the murder storyline, and thought it was out of character, it certainly made for gripping, interesting, controversial television. It didn't ruin the show by any means, whereas Shonda Rhimes has pretty much ruined Grey's for me with the George/Izzie mess.Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12161082806888156504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27348623993210631892007-12-21T11:39:00.000-05:002007-12-21T11:39:00.000-05:00Before the Cult of Oprah, there was the Cult of Se...Before the Cult of Oprah, there was the Cult of Seinfeld. Never a fan, I stood at the sidelines and watched, fascintated yet not comprehending why people worshipped at his altar so fervently. <BR/><BR/>With this Bee Movie PR misstep, I'm thrilled to see his fans falling away like Salome's veils.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-26852957732196351872007-12-21T11:21:00.000-05:002007-12-21T11:21:00.000-05:00Also, right on with the TV Juniors. They were ext...Also, right on with the TV Juniors. They were extremely self-indulgent.Homertojeebushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14716825626940216299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-64506248570808135142007-12-21T11:16:00.000-05:002007-12-21T11:16:00.000-05:00Alan, et al, I need your help remembering somethin...Alan, et al, I need your help remembering something. I'm 39, so I think we share TV touchstones. when I was a kid, there was some show on ABC, I think, Saturday mornings,that was live action, and shot on video, and featured stories from bicentennial times. I remember one story about a girl who ice-skated some plans to the colonial army, but gets shot by a redcoat. Does anyone remember this? I'm thinking it had to be 1976.Homertojeebushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14716825626940216299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-85064787355654673582007-12-21T10:47:00.000-05:002007-12-21T10:47:00.000-05:00An excellent list, although I was surprised not to...An excellent list, although I was surprised not to see Jamie Murray for her recent stint on Dexter. <BR/><BR/>Kudos to you for identifying the central problems with the awful Californication. The other irksome bit about that show is that Duchovny's character's writings, which are supposed to be novel and fresh, are as stale and clever as something someone posted on Usenet in 1995. Yawn.<BR/><BR/>Here's hoping that "Blink" and the first episode of "Jekyll" make your best of the year list.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com