tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post7277379745299585447..comments2024-03-19T03:23:06.738-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Party Down, "Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception": Talking comedy with Rob Thomas and John EnbomAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-82898040568837485582009-06-03T11:56:46.038-04:002009-06-03T11:56:46.038-04:00This is a tad bit off-topic, but ranting anonymous...This is a tad bit off-topic, but ranting anonymous makes me question something. Do you think it was a help or a hindrance to Rob Thomas to produce such a perfect television season as Veronica Mars season one? All it set him up for was inevitable backlash for the lesser seasons two and three (which is hard to judge him on because of network meddling and other situations -- and which also hold up better on repeat viewings than I expected, at least in the smaller moments). Granted, I admit the Cupid remake didn't help his cause but I am loathe to think that just because he's going to be involved in Party Down more it's going to begin to suck. Perhaps I'm just a Thomas apologist like the ones anonymous mentioned in his post? Maybe.<br /><br />Anyone else have thoughts on this? I'm probably too late to get a discussion started but I've noticed a lot of this backlash recently, especially in the light of Alan's "which shows would you end early" post and so many people picking Veronica Mars, and it got me wondering.Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570416707360842771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-72907861476173178202009-05-26T15:50:25.879-04:002009-05-26T15:50:25.879-04:00I just watched all the PDs this weekend via Netfli...I just watched all the PDs this weekend via Netflix. The show had me at the first episode when I saw Veronica Mars' dad, who I've thought is underrated since "Just Shoot Me." But I know now that was just the beginning of the show's awesomeness.<br />Two things: <br />1) Someone commented on Roman being unredeemable, which I disagree with. I like that he's such a totally sad, lonely and frustrated individual it makes him lash out at everybody and generally be a d*ck. He can't help himself.<br />2) I don't see how Ken Marino's character can be too much like Michael Scott. Ron was always a loser who now has a really simple dream to keep him straight. He's not a successful person (and probably won't ever be) in anyway. MS just seems to have a borderline personality.debbiehttp://celiacsavior.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-83730020028383373502009-05-26T08:27:34.457-04:002009-05-26T08:27:34.457-04:00Rob Thomas must have bullied someone in 3rd grade ...Rob Thomas must have bullied someone in 3rd grade or something because somebody is holding a grudge.<br /><br />Joking aside, there are many tv showrunners who are neither sprinters nor marathon runners but rather quadrepeligics (?). The man made a pretty good season one of VM, PD is solid comedy, Original flavor Cupid. That's enough of a resume.Robert Thomassonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-49378549329869186062009-05-26T05:47:03.169-04:002009-05-26T05:47:03.169-04:00The original Cupid's early cancellation was the be...The original Cupid's early cancellation was the best thing that could have happened to Rob Thomas, because it was one less show he had the chance to run into the ground. Veronica Mars deserved the axe after its drastic drop in quality, the Cupid redo was a joke to begin with, and his pilot for 90210 was somehow worse than what made it to air. To this day I still don't understand why so many online are so quick to give Rob Thomas such credit when he's proved to be a sprinter, not a marathon man. I was never much impressed with Party Down to begin with, but I can only imagine that the show will nosedive next year now that Thomas, with all of those projects that kept him busy last year blown, will probably be a greater presence. <br /><br />He's incredibly overrated, much like Kristen Bell, but at least it's only among the 'internet elite' and certain bloggers who act as though they were privy to some great secret because they followed/follow his shows. I hope he does stay at Starz, though. He and his ilk have already burnt bridges with a couple of the big networks, so something low-grade like Starz is better suited for his "talents."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-13401509142751377412009-05-25T02:20:40.412-04:002009-05-25T02:20:40.412-04:00I loved the way KB hit on Henry at the end. It wa...I loved the way KB hit on Henry at the end. It was almost stereotypically Germanic in its efficiency, hee hee :-)<br /><br />I hope the Emmy voters don't mind a lot of vomit....deznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-65744394213641276532009-05-24T20:17:15.600-04:002009-05-24T20:17:15.600-04:00Here's what Starz is going to push for with PD, Em...Here's what Starz is going to push for with PD, Emmy-wise:<br /><br />Comedy Series<br /><br />Actor: Adam Scott, Ken Marino<br /><br />Supporting Actor : Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr<br /><br />Supporting Actress: Lizzy Caplan, Jane Lynch<br /><br />Guest Actor: Ed Begley, Jr., Enrico Colantoni, J.K. Simmons, Steven Weber<br /><br />Guest Actress: Kristen Bell, Joey Lauren Adams, Marilu Henner<br /><br />Don't know about Adams or Henner, as KB was surely their top guest actress all season. But Caplan's the lead actress on the show. Why relegate her to Supporting?<br /><br />Source: http://tinyurl.com/q2qtsl (from the LA Times GoldDerby Emmy forum)Paul Hanlin Jrhttp://myspace.com/paulhjrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-68073198594678561832009-05-24T16:53:22.281-04:002009-05-24T16:53:22.281-04:00I just watched the finale, and holy crap, was Kris...I just watched the finale, and holy crap, was Kristen Bell (and George Takei, which was a really nice surprise for me!) a fun guest star. The show has such a great way of using their guest stars to the fullest without it being overdone or annoying. <br /><br />Great interview! I look forward to next season, and am crossing my fingers that they can all work it out so Lynch (and everyone else in the main cast) can stay in the next season as well. (I kind of miss not having Constance around in the finale, even though Coolidge did a pretty good job (though somewhat one note)).bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27004153398166146362009-05-24T08:46:23.085-04:002009-05-24T08:46:23.085-04:00Myles,
I know Marino should submit the penultimat...Myles,<br /><br />I know Marino should submit the penultimate episode, but he was really, really funny in CCCUC, especially when he tried to make amends for destroying the old American flag they had by "distressing" another one. The scene where everybody looked at him as the flag went up in flames was LMFAO funny. I just wanted to point out that that was his funniest episode out of many.Paul Hanlin Jrhttp://blogs.myspace.com/paulhjrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-56282617300148932422009-05-24T03:45:54.722-04:002009-05-24T03:45:54.722-04:00I always get the warm and fuzzies when a show live...I always get the warm and fuzzies when a show lives up to my own hype. The only aspect that struck me as a bit odd was Ken Marino; I think they originally had him hem a bit too close to the Michael Scott line of comedy. Somehow though, I really truly gave a damn for his triumph at the end of this episode. It's been an amazing, hilarious and downright disturbing ride to the top.<br /><br />I also think that there's something magical about channels like Starz and AMC becoming a refuge for creators who are too creative to actually work well with the "mainstream" networks.Steven Timbermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05505734483714313526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-4612927399121627552009-05-24T01:40:40.770-04:002009-05-24T01:40:40.770-04:00Paul, I love me some Emmy talk, so I'll bite.
Act...Paul, I love me some Emmy talk, so I'll bite.<br /><br />Acting choices all seem fine, although I would definitely have Marino use the High School reunion tape - the conservative episode felt too generic, the High School one is just so wonderfully personal in its tragic fall that it's hard not to empathize with the guy.<br /><br />As for series, I can't imagine a scenario where I could justify leaving Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh off the episode submissions. Yes, it's the most broad comedy the show has ever done, but it so embodies the basic premise of the series (actors working cater waiter jobs) and the way they are both famous and clearly not famous, all topped off by Weber's stunning performance.<br /><br />In reality, the show's only real Emmy shot exists in the writing/guest categories, with a long shot on Lynch - unless Starz pulls a Showtime-esque move and sends DVDs to academy members (unlikely for a non-HBO/Showtime cable network in this economic climate) I don't think the show itself is going to make its way onto that list. And even then, its guest stars are a bit too young for categories that are always dominated by geriatrics.<br /><br />All of which to say that Party Down shall become the new critical "The Emmys are irrelevant because they ignored this show for Entourage" series, at least for me.Myleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05935433249935469070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-83960214264674697302009-05-23T23:37:09.421-04:002009-05-23T23:37:09.421-04:00Now that the season is over, I think I'm more conf...Now that the season is over, I think I'm more confident with these placements in terms of Emmy submission tapes, since this show deserves the mega-push for comedy series honors as any other contender.<br /><br /><B>Comedy Series</B>: Willow Canyon Homeowners Association Party, Taylor Stiltskin Sweet 16, Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br /><br /><B>Actor</B>:<br />Adam Scott: Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br />Ken Marino: California College Conservative Union Caucus or James Rolf High School 20th Reunion<br /><br /><B>Actress</B>:<br />Lizzy Caplan: Brandix Corporate Retreat or Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br /><br /><B>Supporting Actor</B>:<br />Ryan Hansen: Pepper McMasters Singles Seminar<br />Martin Starr: Brandix Corporate Retreat or Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br /><br /><B>Supporting Actress</B>: <br />Jane Lynch: Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh<br /><br /><B>Guest Actor</B>: <br />Enrico Colantoni, Willow Canyon Homeowners Association Party; J.K. Simmons, Taylor Stiltskin Sweet 16; Steven Weber, Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh<br /><br /><B>Guest Actress</B>: Kristen Bell, Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br /><br /><B>Writing</B>: Taylor Stiltskin Sweet 16, Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception, Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh<br /><br /><B>Directing</B>: Willow Canyon Homeowners Association Party, Taylor Stiltskin Sweet 16, Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception<br /><br />What say you? :)Paul Hanlin Jrhttp://blogs.myspace.com/paulhjrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-6793602366839844762009-05-23T21:06:51.724-04:002009-05-23T21:06:51.724-04:00Lizbeth, I don't have Starz, either, but I do have...Lizbeth, I don't have Starz, either, but I do have Netflix, and Netflix offers Party Down via its online streaming feature.<br /><br />That's how I watched the season.Kensingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745826428431759073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-43039411537385337352009-05-23T20:49:06.812-04:002009-05-23T20:49:06.812-04:00I liked the two episodes I watched online but do n...I liked the two episodes I watched online but do not have Starz. It's very frustrating. I wish they would put the other episodes online or on Hulu or iTunes, because this is definitely something I would watch regularly.Lizbethhttp://travelswithlizbeth.typepad.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-90355635180159871102009-05-23T19:43:33.058-04:002009-05-23T19:43:33.058-04:00"Read between the lines in the quote about Rob's r...<I>"Read between the lines in the quote about Rob's relationship with Starz."</I>Yeah, I guess that probably does say it all, doesn't it?<br /><br />Ah, well, I guess all that's left to do is wonder what might have happened if Starz had produced Cupid, or if Party Down had ended up at the mercy of meddling ABC execs. Probably less, and more, wacky music, respectively.<br /><br />As to Party Down, what a wonderful finale to a truly impressive debut season. The best thing I can say is that it leaves me really excited about seeing a new season. I wonder if they'll be asked to do a longer season two? It seems to be the kind of show that could easily accommodate a longer run without running out of steam, and I'd love to see them do a good 13 if not 22 next time.<br /><br />Also, whilst Jennifer Coolidge was an okay substitute for Jane Lynch (moreso last week), I really hope that Jane will be back for season two. The unique combination of reckless immaturity with oblivious naivete worked beautifully, and she provided what were probably my two favorite memories of the entire season, first when she didn't know what ecstasy was (in the porn episode) and then later reveling in Taylor Stiltskin's bad sweet sixteen behavior.<br /><br />It's a wonderful series, and if you're reading this Rob Thomas, I'm sorry about Cupid, but thank you so much for Party Down!Kensingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745826428431759073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-11973399075056922932009-05-23T16:08:49.812-04:002009-05-23T16:08:49.812-04:00Alan, in the comments of your last Cupid post you ...<I>Alan, in the comments of your last Cupid post you suggested that there would be relevant information about network meddling regarding the Cupid remake in this interview. Did I misread that, or did you decide to hold that over for another post?</I><BR><BR>Read between the lines in the quote about Rob's relationship with Starz.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-66015761260474145582009-05-23T15:22:51.192-04:002009-05-23T15:22:51.192-04:00Thank you so much for this interview, Alan - your ...Thank you so much for this interview, Alan - your showrunner talks are invaluable treats for the discerning scripted-TV-nerd.<br /><br />I embarrass a bit too easily to be a wholehearted fan of the crescendoing-farce structure <I>Party Down</I> employs, but the excellent characters and the gobsmacking quality of the show's craft (acting, writing, directing, younameit) has kept me around for the season. And I'm really glad I managed to keep my embarrassquirming in check for the whole season, since the perfect storm that was last week's episode is surely one of the best comedic half-hours on TV ever.[/hyberbole]Karl Rubenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17046303307901837031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-49542921333215511382009-05-23T15:10:03.149-04:002009-05-23T15:10:03.149-04:00Alan, in the comments of your last Cupid post you ...Alan, in the comments of your last Cupid post you suggested that there would be relevant information about network meddling regarding the Cupid remake in this interview. Did I misread that, or did you decide to hold that over for another post?Kensingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745826428431759073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-13924589433670960952009-05-23T13:51:36.444-04:002009-05-23T13:51:36.444-04:00Fantastic interview(s), Alan. Thank you.
Can't w...Fantastic interview(s), Alan. Thank you. <br /><br />Can't wait for this show to come back. What a delightful, unforced yet wonderfully structured gem. And the chemistry of the cast is amazing. <br /><br />Hoping Jane L can come back. From what Rob T said when I interviewed him a few weeks ago, Season 2 won't start filming until around the end of the year, some time in the last few months of the year. Given that Glee is in production right now, I can't see that that would take up Jane's time for the entire rest of 2009. In any case, I'm hoping Starz and Fox can work it out. <br /><br />Given that, as Thomas and Enbom say, they really know the actors' strengths and the show has a rep as a fun place for guest stars, I'm expecting an even better time next year.Mo Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01685367085407381479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-37306897297747479802009-05-23T11:11:35.354-04:002009-05-23T11:11:35.354-04:00Absolutely fantastic episode and KBell nailed it a...Absolutely fantastic episode and KBell nailed it as usual! I still prefer Jane Lynch to Jennifer Coolidge though, so I hope FOX would be willing to play nice, if it's not impacting Glee at all!<br /><br />I hope we get to see Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring & Enrico all come back in the second season but I'd absolutely *love* if Francis Capra joined Party Down as a cater waiter. The comic possibilities are endless, especially since most people assume he's Latino instead of Italian! Considering Francis actually a naturally funny guy, it would be perfect!Anitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16586603094251183742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-82691502780707543312009-05-23T08:42:40.376-04:002009-05-23T08:42:40.376-04:00From Jan:
Great show, and I sure hope everyone co...From Jan:<br /><br />Great show, and I sure hope everyone comes back for the second season--they're a great ensemble. I'm going to have to go back and watch the first episodes again now that I've become more familiar with all of the characters. I seemed to enjoy the episodes more and more as the season went on, and I'm thinking it's just because I felt like I knew each one of them a little better each time. Thanks for the reviews, Alan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-20051313223457092272009-05-23T08:33:29.631-04:002009-05-23T08:33:29.631-04:00My favorite new show.
Alan, thanks for the early ...My favorite new show.<br /><br />Alan, thanks for the early reviews, as I wouldn't have checked it out otherwise. Also, great interview.<br /><br />I love Paul Rudd, but Adam Scott leaves nothing wanting.<br /><br />Lizzy Caplan is adorable.<br /><br />Martin Starr and Ryan Hansen have incredible chemistry... Jim-Dwight level of chemistry.<br /><br />Jane Lynch is a veteran who nails every role, and Jennifer Coolidge stepped into it last minute and did a great job as well.<br /><br />Ken Marino was Ken Marino. That deer-in-headlights panic attack he does every episode is great to watch.<br /><br />Kristin Bell... what else is there to say about her? She is phenomenal and has been marvelous since VM.<br /><br />What a great season. I tell all my friends to watch it.Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47346389054952218672009-05-23T06:54:00.790-04:002009-05-23T06:54:00.790-04:00We'd have never checked this out if not for you bl...We'd have never checked this out if not for you blogging about it Alan. We watched an episode on Directv's "The 101 Network" and loved it so much, we immediately put the entire series into our Netflix streaming queue. We watched all the episodes within a 36 hour period (sad, maybe? ;) ) and are already waiting for the second season. <br /><br />If this were on HBO we'd be hearing about how great it is, because it is great. Nearly perfect actually. More laughs per minute than anything on TV.bsangshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11292004104772610373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-88888855679042442962009-05-23T02:35:16.341-04:002009-05-23T02:35:16.341-04:00kristen bell was/is amazing. great epkristen bell was/is amazing. great epAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-46690269574979619542009-05-22T23:30:13.477-04:002009-05-22T23:30:13.477-04:00Ok, with the season ending on that hilarious note ...Ok, with the season ending on that hilarious note it makes me wonder, is this the best first season of a comedy since Arrested Development? Extras was pretty good, but nothing else is coming to mind.<br /><br />I thought Kristen Bell knocked it out of the park. She was channeling Maude Lebowski when hitting on Henry at the end, very funny stuff.<br /><br />Can't wait for next season.J-bonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04108655961771817437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-50097253504960860192009-05-22T23:12:35.747-04:002009-05-22T23:12:35.747-04:00Thanks for an awesome season and an awesome ahow.Thanks for an awesome season and an awesome ahow.MattBnoreply@blogger.com