tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post3031186576908189227..comments2024-03-28T18:01:28.997-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Similarity scores for actors?Alan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-33901547456704234522009-10-12T18:15:36.608-04:002009-10-12T18:15:36.608-04:00Although I did like "Mad About You" and ...Although I did like "Mad About You" and for the most part do like Helen Hunt, I never could really see her as a suitable replacement for Maura in this role. However, I do think that if there is one actress out there who could fill Maura's shoes, it's Lauren Graham. I am thrilled that she is the one TPTB chose. I think she will be a bit more bubbly than Maura would have been, but other than that the two of them are more similar than dissimilar. <br /><br />I was so looking forward to having Maura on TV again, and so soon after she left ER. I loved her on that show. But, her health does come first, and I hope and pray she gets better. In the meantime, I will look forward to watching Lauren, because I really do think she'll do a good job.<br /><br />Also, whoever said Jenna Fischer is like Maura's little sister is so right! I have thought that for years!Elocinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562183255459673435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-70531163689280777222009-10-12T14:22:24.818-04:002009-10-12T14:22:24.818-04:00So Lauren Graham it is! I wonder if the powers tha...So Lauren Graham it is! I wonder if the powers that be read this post?Lisabeth Laikenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01848968586816681576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-79706650164863679672009-10-01T16:05:24.301-04:002009-10-01T16:05:24.301-04:00Ok I am not good at all this stuff, but I love lov...Ok I am not good at all this stuff, but I love love love Maura Tierney, and my prays are with her. <br /><br />I cannot see anyone being able to bring what Maura would have brought but been reading your ideas and only 2 people spring to mind, One already mentioned.<br />Sherry Stringfield is classic and her and Maura had a lot of on screen awesomeness together playing off eachother, It could be a good fit.<br /><br />Also this may seem random and i may get attacked for it, also she hasn't done anything for a wee while but Holly Marie Combs was always awesome I thought and she has the comedy and the drama I dunno, i guess thats just me wishing to see her in something again - dont even know what she is up to.<br /><br />Um Lauren Graham is the only other one you guys have mentioned that I can see.<br /><br />I can see Hunt bringing her own thing to it, and I don't mind her so much, but when i watch this show i will just be reminded of what could have been. Anywho I hope Maura gets well soon.Amanda Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03323909348653678840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47144664378103488672009-09-23T08:27:42.113-04:002009-09-23T08:27:42.113-04:00Kind of a left-field suggestion, but.. Janel Molon...Kind of a left-field suggestion, but.. Janel Moloney? or Liza Weil?Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16094662392508415621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-75497709494589716612009-09-21T17:38:03.103-04:002009-09-21T17:38:03.103-04:00I am terribly upset to see the show loe Maura. Te...I am terribly upset to see the show loe Maura. Terribly. I thought the Helen Hunt choice was a good one because she falls in the same physical type as CT Nelson, Erika, Dax and Peter....which I thought was an attempt to cast against Tierney's type. Good idea as NO ONE will be able to replace her with any credibility. Now in thinking of others choices, I like Annabeth Gish and I LOVE Angie Harmon. I have read the pilot script however. Not sure either would be a good fit for the proposed character. Not sure HH would either for that matter. But that's what 'acting' is all about, right???Lynhttp://www.ryterrytes.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-89688086851318007902009-09-17T12:53:05.873-04:002009-09-17T12:53:05.873-04:00Of the actresses suggested so far, I think Laura L...Of the actresses suggested so far, I think Laura Linney, Tea Leoni, and Laura San Giacomo are good options. <br /><br />I don’t think anyone’s mentioned Minnie Driver so far. Previously, I wouldn’t have thought of her as someone whose similarity quotient (or elf/terrorist potential) is on par with Maura’s; but after seeing Minnie Driver in “The Riches,” I’m thinking she’d be an interesting casting choice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-16009627297714386802009-09-17T09:59:42.251-04:002009-09-17T09:59:42.251-04:00Jean Smart's 58, Dana Delany (who I left off m...<i>Jean Smart's 58, Dana Delany (who I left off my list) is 53. Both probably older than they're looking for.</i><br /><br />Same thing with Beth Broderick, who's 50. (Beth would be great as the congresswoman in that political sitcom Arianna Huffington is developing fp<br />or ABC. Heck, if Beth can do a Greek accent and return her hair to its original red, she'd make a great Arianna.)<br /><br />BTW, this has inspired a thread at BaseballThinkFacotyr:<br /><br />http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/alan_sepinwall_similarity_scores_for_actors/VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47997345242769638942009-09-17T01:23:27.984-04:002009-09-17T01:23:27.984-04:00Kanye acted like a jackass but the low blow about ...Kanye acted like a jackass but the low blow about his mother was inappropriate. <br /><br />Jay Leno is Jay Leno. Seems like they didn't want to lose him to another network so they gave him a new space to work with.<br /><br />I think Carson Daily arguably now has one of the cooler late night shows. I know the cinematography is over the top but what he's done is unique. He's defied the traditional format.Tyro.k.yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05357669429570794640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-14786687205818535082009-09-17T00:31:06.864-04:002009-09-17T00:31:06.864-04:00I've read only half the comments so far, so I ...I've read only half the comments so far, so I don't yet know if this name has come up already: Kari Matchett.<br /><br />Entirely underrated; capable of whimsy and comedy (see Wonderfalls) and of drama and gravitas (see Invasion, note how good <i>she</i> was in it, how hard to keep one's eyes off of).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-57014828236700092002009-09-16T13:01:29.570-04:002009-09-16T13:01:29.570-04:00Maybe you should talk about Brad Rowe when he'...Maybe you should talk about Brad Rowe when he's actually IN the show you're talking about? But random hate is kinda rude, even from a "critic."Vivianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03401852177300512172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-48481077977115212992009-09-16T12:57:12.860-04:002009-09-16T12:57:12.860-04:00I wish Maura a speedy recovery and good health. I...I wish Maura a speedy recovery and good health. It's a tough battle and she needs all of her strength and support to get well. I believe once Tierney is recovered, she will get involved in a good, solid project.<br /><br />Alan, I loved "Empire Falls" - the book and the series was fairly decent. Helen Hunt's portrayal did not impress me. I will have a hard time tuning in if she is Tierney's replacement. I liked Hunt in "Mad About You" but I've grown to not appreciate her acting. Your description of her, to me, nailed it in full sum.<br /><br />I like the idea of Lauren Graham, Sherry Stringfield, Carla Gugino and Amy Ryan. <br />Marissa Tomei? My personal feeling is that she is film actor who has made some significant contributions in certain roles. I think Tomei should stick to film roles. <br />Someone mentioned Laura San Giacomo. They have one last season of Saving Grace so there would be a scheduling conflict. I do love her. She has the ability to do drama and humor with wonderful nuances of sarcasm.JanieJonesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-668012472753600752009-09-16T12:18:54.638-04:002009-09-16T12:18:54.638-04:00More gratuitous Brad Rowe bashing? You oughta get ...<i>More gratuitous Brad Rowe bashing? You oughta get a new hook, cause that one's getting old.</i><br /><br />No, it gets old if I do it a third time.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-14324805986599782172009-09-16T11:34:37.630-04:002009-09-16T11:34:37.630-04:00What's up with the Brad Rowe hate?
Do you hav...What's up with the Brad Rowe hate? <br />Do you have a problem with him for some reason?<br />If that's the case why don't you tell him in person and not here in an obscure blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-31916206493486344812009-09-16T11:10:43.842-04:002009-09-16T11:10:43.842-04:00More gratuitous Brad Rowe bashing? You oughta get ...More gratuitous Brad Rowe bashing? You oughta get a new hook, cause that one's getting old.Vivianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03401852177300512172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-59002485096600682972009-09-16T01:39:59.390-04:002009-09-16T01:39:59.390-04:00Hannah Lee, that's awesome.
Loving the Cynthi...Hannah Lee, that's awesome.<br /><br />Loving the Cynthia Watros idea. And I'll toss out two names I don't think I've seen yet: Debrah Farentino and A.J. Langer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86908058755110860282009-09-16T01:14:50.867-04:002009-09-16T01:14:50.867-04:00While I put forward Phoebe Cates earlier, I do thi...While I put forward Phoebe Cates earlier, I do think it would be better to go with an unknown (or not well known.) <br /><br />I like when TV creates new stars rather than using the same actors and actresses over and over and over. <br /><br />As a viewer there's a lot to be said for falling for an actor (or actress) as you get joy out of discovering them. (Something I did with Maura Tierney back on NewsRadio. And more recently with the entire cast of Mad Men.)Tyrocnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-36772904658941061312009-09-16T00:44:26.294-04:002009-09-16T00:44:26.294-04:00Hannah Lee, you rock.
Thanks, Alan. Right back a...<i>Hannah Lee, you rock. </i><br />Thanks, Alan. Right back at you. And thanks for giving us a forum to comment on these programs, for better or for worse.<br /><br />The President/Elf comparison started as just 2 questions to feel out the drama/comedy capabilities and serious/silly image of actors. "Could they play The President? and Could they play an elf?", but then when I was testing it out (in my head during my commute home) I got stuck on comparisons among the cast of The Office or Jon Hamm (and his MM costars) vs. Nathan Fillion vs Christopher Walken or Christine Baranski vs Megan Mullally vs Cybill Shepard, or Peter Krause vs. Michael C. Hall vs. Dax Shepard/Jeremy Sisco, so the other questions came into play and got added. <br /><br />I agree with Fienberg on Jenna Fischer. She's incredibly talented, and brings enormous realism and depth her projects, in the same way Maura Tierney does. JF serves as an anchor on The Office, in a good way. Check out Ken Levine's take on Jenna Fischer: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-i-love-jenna-fischer.html <br /><br />Personally, I think similar comments (to those Ken Levine applied to Jenna Fischer) could apply to Maura Tierney in whatever projects she's been a part of. I wish her a quick recovery and a long, healthy, happy and creative life once she gets through whatever she's going through now. (Some good news, apparently MT felt well enough to officiate at her brother's wedding in Massachusetts this past weekend)<br /><br />I'll probably still check out Parenthood without MT, though it's easier to picture Carla Gugino or Tea Leoni filling in the project then Helen Hunt.Hannah Leenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-80476173869673744822009-09-15T23:48:08.011-04:002009-09-15T23:48:08.011-04:00I was looking forward to watching Parenthood but i...I was looking forward to watching Parenthood but if Helen Hunt is going to be part of the cast I will not be watching that show.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-31329874625285562342009-09-15T23:28:31.126-04:002009-09-15T23:28:31.126-04:00well, I can't beat Lauren Graham, so I'll ...well, I can't beat Lauren Graham, so I'll try... Tracy Pollan.<br /><br />I think I have at least two things Tracy's done lately that are still sitting on my DVR so I don't know how she comes across these days, when she's acting. I've only seen her being interviewed. But I liked her as Ellen on Family Ties. (and she's prettier than Helen Hunt)<br /><br />I don't know what the character is supposed to be like. (I just searched to see if any had mentioned Tracy)<br /><br />Of course it wouldn't fly, given the commute. (is there any show Teri Polo hasn't killed (or been in the last season of?))Pamela Jayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06135379188588301400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-90692863597792110412009-09-15T22:51:35.507-04:002009-09-15T22:51:35.507-04:00Carla Gugino or Cynthia Watros would be at the top...Carla Gugino or Cynthia Watros would be at the top of my list. But, geez, anyone other than Helen Hunt would do.<br /><br />I've always liked Maura Tierney (not even for the obvious reason). I wish her the best.<br /><br />verification: "expups". Awwww.Maurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17301288188119355801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-73327149807723925902009-09-15T22:48:16.282-04:002009-09-15T22:48:16.282-04:00Haven't watched any clips of this show other t...Haven't watched any clips of this show other than the commercials, but it seems like a less camp version of Brothers & Sisters.<br /><br />Isn't Helen Hunt much older than Maura Tierney? Also, I would guess her asking price would be too high for an ensemble show with all of the others already on-board (as would Lisa Kudrow's & others mentioned here.) But maybe not considering that B&S manages to pay Field, Flockhart, Griffiths, Lowe, & the rest of the cast.<br /><br />Kim Raver is actually not a bad idea. I hated her on Third Watch, but after seeing her on 24 & particularly Lipstick Jungle realize that it was the terrible writing of her TW character, not her.Sharonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-33523794079713795362009-09-15T22:18:42.823-04:002009-09-15T22:18:42.823-04:00I have once again, found my people! Ugh. Helen Hun...I have once again, found my people! Ugh. Helen Hunt. Still can't believe she has an Oscar. Anon 1:21, too funny about Janeane Garofolo! I also like the Cynthia Watros suggestion. She could pass for a Krause/Christiansen sibling.<br /><br />--CincyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-18117820386891030662009-09-15T22:07:21.925-04:002009-09-15T22:07:21.925-04:00Sonya Walger's down to only 2 shows: she need...Sonya Walger's down to only 2 shows: she needs to stay busier.BFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15264282750160516858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-46802753889514624312009-09-15T21:04:48.626-04:002009-09-15T21:04:48.626-04:00I know someone who always gets Maura Teirney and J...I know someone who always gets Maura Teirney and Julie Bowen confused. Odd I know. Too bad she is already on Modern Family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-28105997189333832112009-09-15T19:54:37.535-04:002009-09-15T19:54:37.535-04:00Alison Janney.
Angie Harmon.
Kimberly Williams.
I ...Alison Janney.<br />Angie Harmon.<br />Kimberly Williams.<br />I like the idea of Cynthia Watros.<br /><br />While I don't dislike Helen Hunt as much as many of you seem to, every time I hear her name I wonder why Paul Reiser doesn't do much these days. He was in a solid three minutes of Funny People this summer, and I think that's the first time I've seen him since The Aristocrats (also for three minutes)Ricknoreply@blogger.com