tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post8329214157160065357..comments2024-03-28T18:01:28.997-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Hairy situationsAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-71043451168826751292007-08-24T01:23:00.000-04:002007-08-24T01:23:00.000-04:00Yep, Californication is awful.But I'll keep tuning...Yep, Californication is awful.<BR/><BR/>But I'll keep tuning in for the women.SJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01245472084190224186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-25178369190519646852007-08-23T22:35:00.000-04:002007-08-23T22:35:00.000-04:00Saving Grace reminds me of the movie "Ray" - A fan...Saving Grace reminds me of the movie "Ray" - A fantastic performance by the star surrounded by a whole lotta mediocrity. I agree with all who have criticized the police plots. I don't know why so many cop shows feel the need to follow the Law & Order/CSI formula of having a case neatly wrapped up 58 minutes in. <BR/><BR/>Californication: The only thing going for this show is the fact that it has more gratuitous nudity than any "serious" show since the heyday of "Dream On".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-60303790515177067752007-08-23T20:35:00.000-04:002007-08-23T20:35:00.000-04:00And while I'd disagree with Maura about the overal...<I>And while I'd disagree with Maura about the overall quality of The Division, I think her larger point about female characters on these shows is valid and can be extended to the stereotypical "brilliant but broken" men on procedurals as well. Derek Powazek had a funny piece on this a few years ago, available here. (It also contains the best description of NCIS I've ever seen, though I only ever watched a few episodes of that show.)</I><BR/>I'll give you your point about The Division. I just happen to inexplicably be a Nancy McKeon fan.<BR/><BR/>Ah yes, the brilliant but broken man. I was going to mention that to, but had already gone on too long.<BR/>At any rate, I'm over it. Now that Jerry Orbach is gone, it never has to be done again. Why does everyone have to be so damned miserable?<BR/><BR/>@Alan:<BR/><I>Maybe "original" was the wrong word. My point is, I like the characters, couldn't care less about the stories.</I><BR/>I'm completely with you there. Is there a way for any fictional character to be original anymore? It's all been done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-63962457485269400122007-08-23T20:29:00.000-04:002007-08-23T20:29:00.000-04:00Great review. I like Californication, but agree w...Great review. I like <I>Californication</I>, but agree with most of the problems you pointed out as well. One thing's for sure, the <I>Californication</I> writers may not be doing a great job, but they're doing a better job than Hank with his blog...Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00296735742380188402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-42690557917797864562007-08-23T20:10:00.000-04:002007-08-23T20:10:00.000-04:00A question--does Paula Marshall being naked negate...A question--does Paula Marshall being naked negate her showkiller ability, or enhance it?Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00295270766215749309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-65423082120662037862007-08-23T19:41:00.000-04:002007-08-23T19:41:00.000-04:00Californication I'm still really liking, but that ...Californication I'm still really liking, but that said, it probably has one of the worst opening credit sequences of any show on television.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-12183483000992111612007-08-23T18:06:00.000-04:002007-08-23T18:06:00.000-04:00"I can't decide if greasy network fingerprints on ..."I can't decide if greasy network fingerprints on "Daisies" are a good thing or a bad thing.."<BR/>In this case I'd say it may be a very good thing because, if you take out the procedural element, what else'd be left over but boring pining between the so-called star-crossed lovers. I'm not a fan of this romance storyline because everything has been essentially spelled out in the pilot and there is nothing to keep me guessing there. I can't imagine having to tune in just for that for let's say 20 episodes or so, Lee Pace or no Lee Pace. So I am very happy to hear about about strengthening the procedural aspect in "Daisies" because that way they can bring in and out a lot of quirky characters doing wacky things, mix up the stories, get some dynamics between the characters going.<BR/>TinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-19865932620816829782007-08-23T14:44:00.000-04:002007-08-23T14:44:00.000-04:00It's probably sad that I mostly recognise Young as...It's probably sad that I mostly recognise Young as the Unbribeable Comptroller who fell for Dee from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".<BR/><BR/>I can't decide if greasy network fingerprints on "Daisies" are a good thing or a bad thing, because it's from a creator who makes artful, quirky stuff (i.e. Wonderfalls), but the suits may have been right to tamper, because not enough people actually watch artful, quirky stuff (i.e Wonderfalls).Sleepyheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13075155578377749386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-61812868037373815132007-08-23T14:25:00.000-04:002007-08-23T14:25:00.000-04:00Yeah, when I wrote that comment I was too lazy to ...Yeah, when I wrote that comment I was too lazy to look up his name. Not to sound like Troy McClure here, but you might recognise Young from such TV shows as The Comeback or a recent tiny role on Damages.<BR/>Or you could be like me and always know him as Bus Driver Stu from the Adventures of Pete and Pete.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-29408200534523026272007-08-23T14:12:00.000-04:002007-08-23T14:12:00.000-04:00sleepyhead, The actor playing Bill is Damian Youn...sleepyhead,<BR/><BR/> The actor playing Bill is Damian Young, whom you've seen on all sorts of things.<BR/><BR/>michaela,<BR/><BR/> Bourdain's the best writer, by far, but any of chefs writing about what it takes to run a restaurant is interesting to me. (We're talking about pretty short blog posts, after all.) Also, I thought DiSpirito's response to some of Bourdain's blogging was thoughtful.<BR/><BR/>AnonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-20646369072713823352007-08-23T13:58:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:58:00.000-04:00Wow, they did that to Pushing Daisies? What a terr...<I>Wow, they did that to Pushing Daisies? What a terrible idea. </I><BR/><BR/>I think our anonymous poster was referring to something that's already there in the pilot: Lee Pace and Chi McBride using Pace's resurrection abilities to solve murders and collect rewards.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27928142448361785652007-08-23T13:55:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:55:00.000-04:00Wow, they did that to Pushing Daisies? What a ter...Wow, they did that to Pushing Daisies? What a terrible idea. (I already have a "it'll be cancelled" bet with a friend).<BR/><BR/>Californication - notjon, who's the actor that plays Bill? I certainly recognised him, though I mostly just kept trying to figure out what was up with his hair.<BR/><BR/>OK, the blog bit was shit, but I guess I'm the rare one who finds this show funny and engaging. Paula Marshall was inspired. Evan Handler and Pamela Adlon couple are funny in their disgust with Hank and their grudging support/enabling of his lifestyle. The 16-year-old Mia is dangerous and irresistible, a great foil for Hank. The daughter is great and her struggle with "do I love my dad or do I believe Mom who's figured out that he's a total douche?" should fuel the show for quite a while.Sleepyheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13075155578377749386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-38533412228336793562007-08-23T13:51:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:51:00.000-04:00Bourdain's Top Chef blog is definitely cool. DiSp...Bourdain's Top Chef blog is definitely cool. DiSpirito, meh. <BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.bravotv.com/blog/anthonybourdain/2007/08/train_in_vain.php" REL="nofollow">Here's the link to his blog about last night's episode</A>, which I agree with on multiple levels.<BR/><BR/>Men who can write are hott. *coff*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-18788138899787108962007-08-23T13:18:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:18:00.000-04:00Re: Top ChefThe second season was very skippable, ...Re: Top Chef<BR/><BR/>The second season was very skippable, it was more personality over talent and some of the challenges really sucked (the first one completely missed the 'play along at home as a competitor and judge' aspect that makes the show compelling). This season they recruited people based on talent (though final casting probably was about personality) and it really shows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47242147766456844092007-08-23T12:40:00.000-04:002007-08-23T12:40:00.000-04:00I agree with the epidemic of procedural stuff. I ...I agree with the epidemic of procedural stuff. I can't remember if it was you or Matt Roush who said he used to Tivo through all the police stories on Joan of Arcadia. It also bugs me that Pushing Daisies, easily this fall's best new show, added a procedural element to it at the request of the network. Do they really think people will be tuning in for the cases?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55857952788240246562007-08-23T12:30:00.000-04:002007-08-23T12:30:00.000-04:00Glad you're enjoying Top Chef, Alan! I only get t...Glad you're enjoying Top Chef, Alan! I only get the limited basic cable package (just the broadcast channels, Bravo, and for some reason VH1 -- no FX, TNT or TBS for us) and so it's pretty much the only show I watch in the summer.<BR/><BR/>With Tre gone I have no idea who will win the title, which in some ways makes the show more interesting. Dale is my favorite remaining contestant, personality-wise; Howie, on the other hand, can't get off my screen fast enough.<BR/><BR/>Season 2 was very skippable (the cast is filled with jerks) but I'm hoping Season 1 makes it to DVD soon. It's definitely worth checking out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-57177471883685345502007-08-23T12:08:00.002-04:002007-08-23T12:08:00.002-04:00Re: Californication I was on the fence after the ...Re: Californication<BR/><BR/> I was on the fence after the first episode, but this was ridiculously contrived: Not one, but <I>two</I> convenient expository speeches, plus a pompous blog that asks where all the "real women" have gone. I think Duchovny could have pulled off this role, but not with this kind of writing.<BR/><BR/>Re: Saving Grace<BR/><BR/> The procedural stuff is very very clunky -- clunky when it is religion oriented (like the last two weeks) and when it is not (this week). Don't know how they can get around that.<BR/><BR/> At the moment I still find Hunter's performance compelling enough to stick with it -- In fact, this week's episode of "Californication" made me appreciate her performance even more.<BR/><BR/> And while I'd disagree with Maura about the overall quality of <I>The Division</I>, I think her larger point about female characters on these shows is valid and can be extended to the stereotypical "brilliant but broken" men on procedurals as well. Derek Powazek had a funny piece on this a few years ago, available <A HREF="http://www.powazek.com/2005/11/000551.html" REL="nofollow"> here</A>. (It also contains the best description of NCIS I've ever seen, though I only ever watched a few episodes of that show.)<BR/><BR/>Re: Top Chef<BR/><BR/> If you're enjoying the show, you might also want to check out the blogs maintained by Anthony Bourdain and Rocco DiSpirito on the Bravo site.<BR/><BR/>AnonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-44622162501739301362007-08-23T12:08:00.001-04:002007-08-23T12:08:00.001-04:00I love Dr. Nick's process. Since I traded gum for ...I love Dr. Nick's process. Since I traded gum for Bacon chewing I've never been better. Sure, my arm tingles a lot, but...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-71375827747342639072007-08-23T12:08:00.000-04:002007-08-23T12:08:00.000-04:00Grace mentioned how she has 4 brothers and 2 siste...Grace mentioned how she has 4 brothers and 2 sisters (one of which died in the OK City bombing). As for her father, it was clear that he assisted with the rescue/recovery (e.g. interview with reporter and photograph of the two of them together during the rescue) and died sometime later.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-21258388738265848512007-08-23T11:56:00.000-04:002007-08-23T11:56:00.000-04:00The cop stuff on "Saving Grace" is so boring that ...The cop stuff on "Saving Grace" is so boring that I don't even understand what is happening half the time. The angel part is compelling, though. My husband keeps saying that he is going to ditch the show, but we still tune in each week :-).Dani In NChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-9970425248273350442007-08-23T11:55:00.000-04:002007-08-23T11:55:00.000-04:00The second episode of Californication was more sou...The second episode of Californication was more soulless than a dozen Entourages. The worst part (for me) however, were all the scenes with Bill, the new boyfriend.<BR/>We're supposed to hate him, but he comes off infinitely more likable than Hank who just acts like a d**k for no reason.<BR/>Am I really supposed to find it endearing that Hank ruins this poor guy's painting? And then laughs about it?!?<BR/>And of course, since this is retard male-fantasy land, they have to hint that this guy is incompetent sexually.<BR/><BR/>It sure doesn't help that they cast an actor I like to play this supposed "villain".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27004667404321867862007-08-23T11:53:00.000-04:002007-08-23T11:53:00.000-04:00Are they interesting and original, though?Maybe "o...<I>Are they interesting and original, though?</I><BR/><BR/>Maybe "original" was the wrong word. My point is, I like the characters, couldn't care less about the stories.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86010544063816937962007-08-23T11:49:00.000-04:002007-08-23T11:49:00.000-04:00There's a weird epidemic going on in TV right now ...<I>There's a weird epidemic going on in TV right now -- both with current series and a lot of the fall pilots -- of cop shows with interesting, original leads and completely uninspired procedural stories.</I><BR/><BR/>Are they interesting and original, though? Honestly, I'm fed up with fucked-up, temperamental, petulant, stubborn, humorless female characters, no matter what their profession. They might have different quirks, weaknesses and faults (Brenda Leigh Johnson has a thing for sweets; Grace smokes and drinks and sleeps with a married man), but they're still cut from the same cloth. In fact, several years ago, Nancy McKeon played the exact same role Hunter is playing now, in a cop show on Lifetime. Don't laugh. McKeon was just as good.<BR/><BR/>That's not to say that Hunter and Sedgwick don't bring something special to their roles. I mostly love Brenda Leigh, but that's because Sedgwick is great as a sweet-addicted, badly dressed, messy purse carrying control freak. But I can't say that either she or Hunter is playing an original role. Amy Breneman did it with Amy Grey (not to good effect though. I was never able to find one redeeming quality in that character.) Joyce Davenport was just as cranky and pushy on Hill Street Blues. Also completely fabulous. That was 25 years ago.<BR/><BR/>To me, the most original, realistic, interesting female character I've seen on television in years (and I'm totally jumping genres here) is Lorelai Gilmore. She was a first.<BR/><BR/>I agree, though, that the cases on most cop shows are uninspired. I don't know if that's because the show runners want to focus on the characters, or if it's because they can't find decent writers. If I want an interesting case, I watch Law&Order. Good cases and good characters.<BR/><BR/>Slightly off topic rant over.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-73087058922095168362007-08-23T11:27:00.000-04:002007-08-23T11:27:00.000-04:00Hunter and Glenn Close are the only reasons to wat...Hunter and Glenn Close are the only reasons to watch their respective shows. Fortunately, both of them are dynamic enough performers that they make the shows work almost through sheer willpower.<BR/><BR/>(Hunter does have some decent supporting cast to work with though--Tom Irwin and Laura San Giacomo both still have residual goodwill.)Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00295270766215749309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-66762925374545662652007-08-23T10:58:00.000-04:002007-08-23T10:58:00.000-04:00On "Rescue Me" the inexplicable chick-magnet thing...<I>On "Rescue Me" the inexplicable chick-magnet thing didn't bother me until it claimed Diane Farr as a victim. I think that was in the middle of season 2. </I><BR/><BR/>She was with Franco, though, and his chick-magnet-ness isn't inexplicable :-)<BR/><BR/>I've found enough funny in "Californication" so far to give it at least one more viewing. I also appreciated them showing a grown man preferring his women not shave themselves bald "down there." Viva la bush!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com