LIVE: The TV Blog

LIVE: The TV Blog

Drama Mama: Labored days

September 03, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

Labor Day Weekend – the unofficial end to this hot summer. Mama’s already longing to don a pair of jeans, but until then, she’ll get in the mood for fall with the alternatives to the Jerry Lewis... Read on

Labor Day Weekend – the unofficial end to this hot summer. Mama’s already longing to don a pair of jeans, but until then, she’ll get in the mood for fall with the alternatives to the Jerry Lewis Telethon and some early autumnal offerings:

“Freaky Eaters”(Sunday, 10 p.m., TLC) It ain’t a scripted show, but Mama already can tell by the title that it will become one of her guilty pleasures.

“Perry Mason”(Monday, Encore Mystery) Long before the TV production factory churned out an endless line of lawyer dramas, Raymond Burr showed us how a defense lawyer could be a good guy and still win. Mama loves an old Perry Mason grandstanding speech, so will she be sucked into the made-for-TV movie marathon kicking off this weekend. Guilty!

“CBS Special: CBS Fall Preview”(Monday, 8:30 p.m., CBS) CBS vomits up the equivalent of the TV Guide Channel to fill its Labor Day schedule. Let’s play a little game and see how many different ways the Tiffany Network can say “crime procedural.”

“Sons of Anarchy”(Tuesday, 10 p.m., FX) It’s rare for Mama to be truly surprised by a TV series—she can usually spot her likes and dislikes from a mile away. So when she saw a Gang of Bikers with Feelings approaching, she assumed it was a “Sopranos” rip-off and kept her distance. However, by the middle of last season, Mama had to admit she was wrong about this tumultuous series. If you’re not watching this biker family’s travails, you are missing out on some of the most tender scenes on TV. That’s right, if you want to see a family who truly shares in each other’s love, grief as well as lighter moments, take a trip to Charming. And since Jax’s son was kidnapped and Gemma, TV’s strongest female matriarch, is on the run, Mama expects the Sons’ turmoil will rev into high gear this season.

“Hellcats”(Wednesday, 9 p.m., The CW) Among the new offerings from The CW is this series starring Ashely Tisdale – remember “High School Musical”? -- in a cheerleading drama. Could the stakes be any lower?

“The Vampire Diaries”(Thursday, 8 p.m., The CW) The heir to “Buffy” is resurrected for its second season premiere, picking up exactly where the season finale left us, with the evil Katherine returning amid the Founder’s Day carnage.

“Mandrake”(Saturday, 9 p.m., Syfy) Mama’s assuming that “The Shield’s” Benito Martinez got the estimate for remodeling his kitchen, which is why he agreed to be attacked by a mean-spirited tree root. Mama imagines the next Syfy installment will feature a killer bookmark.

Oh Baby:AMC wins the Speedy and Confident Award for holding a spot in Sunday night’s broadcast for the the congrats to "Mad Men" for its Emmy win while the awards show was still airing on NBC.

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Discovery employee posts story of hostage situation

September 02, 2010 , ι Kate Storey

Yesterday, after a gunman took hostages at Discovery Communications, most employees took to Facebook and Twitter to let friends and family know they made it out OK.But Grace Suriel, a marketing and... Read on

Yesterday, after a gunman took hostages at Discovery Communications, most employees took to Facebook and Twitter to let friends and family know they made it out OK.
	 
But Grace Suriel, a marketing and communications specialist for Animal Planet, is apparently made of sterner stuff. She posted this piece of TV writing on her Facebook page.
	 
We can’t link to it because of privacy settings. But here is a reprint:
	 
"TV Shows My Life Was Like Yesterday"
	 
1:00 p.m. - "PUNK'D"
	 
There is no way what you are telling me is true.
	 
1:10 p.m. - "Grey's Anatomy"
	 
It's true, and I've just witnessed a police officer (I think) running toward my building at full speed holding the biggest gun I've ever seen in my entire life. I'm flipping out. I don't know what's going on, but I know it's bad. I really hope everyone in this building gets home safe tonight. We take refuge in a supply closet with no windows. It's spacious enough to hold several people comfortably and has two exits in the event that we have to run for our lives. Thoughts that cross my mind include: "I wonder if I'll make it home tonight," and "Which way do I run if I hear gunshots?"
	 
1:40 p.m. - "Saved by the Bell"
	 
I am in an enclosed space with someone who is nine months pregnant...please God don't let her go into labor.
	 
(She didn't btw and she is doing fine today.)
	 
2:00 p.m. - "24"
	 
We've been evacuated. I'm outside and my building is surrounded by SWAT teams and hellicopters. Armored cars are driving around, reporters are everywhere. I feel like I'm watching a movie. Where's Jack Bauer when you need him?
	 
2:30 p.m. - "Friends"
	 
So thankful and humbled with all of the well wishes pouring in via text message, Twitter, Facebook and IM. It feels so great to know that so many of my friends kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I'm really fortunate to have such an amazing group of people who care so much for me.
	 
3:00 p.m. - "Cheers"
	 
We're hanging out in a restaurant, swapping stories over food and drinks. It's not quite a celebration, but we are all really relieved to be out of the building. Everyone in the restaurant knows each other -- we're all watching the news together and updating our families. People are offering rides, places to stay, cash for the metro...no one is leaving until they know that their team members are taken care of. High-level execs offer up company dollars to pay for taxi rides or private cars home. Overall, an incredible display of what a tight-knit community Discovery Communications really is. We take care of each other, and we have each others backs.
	 
6:15 p.m. - "Glee!"
	 
Home safe with everyone I love. Big hugs all around and an evening of doing absolutely nothing. I'm so thankful to everyone who played a part in yesterday's evacuation/situation/friggen miracle.

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Drama Mama: Alternative 'Rock'

September 02, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

If you have tweens, then it’s no news to you that the next sequel of “Camp Rock” will be dancing and singing its way through your entire Labor Day Weekend and into your head for the next three months. If your eyes and ears are already bleeding at the thought of Campapalooza, Mama has a few slightly more grownup alternatives:

“Warehouse 13”(Tuesday, 9 p.m., Syfy) The welcome return of Claudia’s ex was tainted by the revelation that Todd is not the innocent hardware store employee that we had hoped he was. But the dorky couple’s awkward gun draw followed by a makeup smooch was worth the discovery that he’s simply in the witness protection program. And now that H.G. Wells is aboard--without Artie’s approval—the “Warehouse” has stocked up on some much-needed conflict among the team.

“The Vampire Diaries”(Thursday, 8 p.m., The CW) Catch up with the season finale tonight before next week’s season premiere of this smoldering heir to “Buffy,” which will pick up where the fiery finale drops off – amid the bloody carnage of Founder’s Day and the resurrection of Katherine.

“Human Target”(Friday, 8 p.m., Fox) The new season of this fun comic-come-to-life doesn’t kick off until October, but you can prepare with the reruns in its new timeslot on Friday, where all superhero-based series eventually end up. Unaware the show even existed? You’re not alone—sadly, Mark Valley-led series are seemingly doomed, despite his charm and increasingly impressive acting chops. This week, “Battlestar Galactica’s” Alessandro Juliani takes on Mama’s favorite shape-shifter.

“Leverage”(Sunday, 9 p.m., TNT) TV’s best con job wraps up season three with Robin Hood and his not-so-merry band still tracking Moreau. No worries if you haven’t been keeping up Timothy Hutton & Co. this season—despite its ongoing storyline, “Leverage” is viewer-friendly enough to be enjoyed as a single episode, even if it’s the ending.

“True Blood”(Sunday, 9 p.m., HBO) Apparently, vampires get Labor Day off, because the bloodsuckers are in reruns this week. But if that Jonas Brothers’ song is still stuck in your head after you put the kids to bed, regain your adulthood with the three-hour marathon of the most recent episodes of this very mature series.

“As the World Turns”(Weekdays, 2 p.m., CBS) As yet another in the line of old-school soaps draws near its end, this week’s adieu to matriarch Nancy Hughes, whose real-life portrayer Helen Wagner died in May, was that much more touching. For “World” fans, Nancy was the touchstone—she had the first line in the first episode back in 1956--and the trip down memory lane allowed us to reflect on the all that the daytime drama gave us over the past 50-plus years.

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Conan O'Brien's new show to be called 'Conan'

September 01, 2010 , ι Christina Amoroso

Sometimes, simplicity is best.Such is the case with the title of Conan O'Brien's upcoming TBS show, "Conan." On Wednesday morning he announced the show's name via a YouTube video, filmed in what he... Read on

Sometimes, simplicity is best.
	 
Such is the case with the title of Conan O'Brien's upcoming TBS show, "Conan." On Wednesday morning he announced the show's name via a YouTube video, filmed in what he called his new "crappy office."
	 
“I wanted one word that captured my essence, and 'Oprah' was already taken," O'Brien told
	 New York Magazine's Vulture blog.
	 
The late-night funnyman, who was just nominated for an Emmy for his short-lived run hosting NBC's "Tonight Show," reportedly settled on the name weeks ago, but it took time for the title to be cleared legally.
	 
"Conan" debuts Nov. 8 on TBS.
	 
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Drama Mama: AlternaEmmy

August 27, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

Sunday is Emmy night, which means Mama’s breaking out the extra-large wine cube to get through the long-winded ceremony, hosted by former crush Jimmy Fallon. To make this year’s TV lovefest a little more interesting, Mama has spiced up a few of the categories:
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Show that Wasn’t Nominated: “Sons of Anarchy.” Led by the amazing Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman, the violent family drama has evolved from “Sopranos” on bikes into appointment TV.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Actor And Actress Who Sadly Don’t Have A Snowball’s Chance in New York in August:Despite critical acclaim, “Friday Night Lights” still seems like the drama nobody notices, even with its wealth of underrated actors and actresses. And there is no better, more solid, more real married couple on TV than Eric and Tami Taylor. Sadly, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton have little hope of upstaging the lauded gang they’re competing against, so Mama’s awarding them the Best Couple of Actors … Sigh statue.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Supported Actress:Oh, Christina Hendrickson, wherever did you find undergarments that could not only hold but enhance the curves that put to shame all those twigs across the rest of the TV dial? It’s no wonder all the men are “Mad” about Joan.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Surprisingly Good Supporting Actor:“Parenthood’s” Dax Shepard. Seriously, he’s acting against two of Mama’s all-time faves, Peter Krause and Lauren Graham, and the former Punk is stealing the scenes.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Actor You Shouldn’t Get Too Attached To:Rob Lowe, who did amazing work on both “The West Wing” and “Brothers & Sisters,” has the tendency to ditch shows before the party is over. So enjoy him as he moves on to a comedy, “Parks & Recreation,” but just remember he’s only going to break your heart.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Guest Star Who Wasn’t Actually A Guest Star But In Nearly Every Episode:Beating out the actual winner, John Lithgow of “Dexter,” is Zach Gilford of “Friday Night Lights.” This season, we witnessed Matt’s breakdown after his father’s death—if his sad, lonely journey didn’t melt your heart, then you may not have one.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
Best Music:“Treme.” First off, “24” won an Emmy for Best Music Score during the second-tier Emmy awards last week. Isn’t the music for “24” just beep-beep-beep-beep? That wins you an Emmy?!? But apparently it’s original. Amazingly, there isn’t a statue for using existing music on a show’s soundtrack, which the New Orleans-based saga would win every time.“Parenthood” edges out the Dixieland drama for best theme song, though, but only because Bob Dylan holds a special place in Mama’s heart.
	 
 
	 

	 

	 

	 
“Psycho” Award For Undramatic Exposition Dump:"The New Man in Charge" extra on the "Lost" Complete Series DVD Set, which answers fans' dangling questions in the least exciting way possible.

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'Jersey Shore' cast part of gay rights prank

August 26, 2010 , ι Anthony Sulla-Heffinger

It appears as if someone wants the cast members of the “Jersey Shore” to fist-pump for a cause.While the members of the toned and tanned “Jersey Shore” crew were out grocery shopping and doing... Read on

It appears as if someone wants the cast members of the “Jersey Shore” to fist-pump for a cause.
	 
While the members of the toned and tanned “Jersey Shore” crew were out grocery shopping and doing laundry, a prankster decided to place a sign reading “Gay Men On Board” to the back of their car in Seaside Heights, NJ.
	 
“Jersey Shore” Guidos Vinny Guadagnino and Paul “DJ Pauly D” Delvecchio were the first to discover the gay rights sign taped to the back of their black Cadillac Escalade yesterday after returning from a “GTL” excursion.

Brian P/Ryan T Splash News

The sign, which also read “Gay rights is all we ask,” isn’t the first time the cast of the “Jersey Shore” has been linked to the gay community.
	 
Before Season Two of MTV’s hit reality show aired, Guadagnino, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro posed shirtless for the cover of the Village Voice’s “queer” issue.
	 
In addition to that, earlier this year Ortiz-Magro reportedly shouted anti-gay slurs and expletives during an altercation with a fellow bar patron.
	 
Ortiz-Magro apologized shortly after the incident via his Twitter account.
	 
‘I apologize to my fans, In the heat of the moment I said a lot of things I didn't mean and I'm very sorry,’ he tweeted.
	 
The footage of the brawl was never aired on MTV.
	 
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, whose relationship with Emilio Massella deteriorated during the filming of Season Two, said in last week’s episode that she believed that the number of lesbian’s in the US was rising due to infidelity in males.

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Drama Mama: Anti-Emmy Watch

August 26, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

The Emmys are upon us, but what’s out there for those of us who aren’t waiting breathlessly to find out if the same five people from the same five shows will take home more statues: “The Pillars of... Read on

The Emmys are upon us, but what’s out there for those of us who aren’t waiting breathlessly to find out if the same five people from the same five shows will take home more statues:

“The Pillars of the Earth”(Friday, 10 p.m., Starz) Expect a few Emmy nominations next year for this miniseries that kept Mama entertained this summer. The two-hour finale promises love, justice and plenty of religious statues.

“Persons Unknown”(Saturday, 9 p.m., NBC) Guess they’ll remain that way, since this is the series finale of the show that started with such promise but ended with a bunch of unlikable jerks.

“Rubicon”(Sunday, 9 p.m., AMC) AMC has enjoyed the success of “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” but the network has not yet earned the status of give-it-a-couple-episodes HBO. We accepted the slower momentum of the early Mad&Bad because its leading men, John Hamm and Bryan Cranston, were so interesting and charming that were willing to wait to find out what they would do next. So far, the only thing we’ve learned in “Rubicon” is that Will Travers has a large enough New York apartment to disassemble a motorcycle. Although James Badge Dale has the acting chops, his character is mostly just a mopey, suspicious cipher, and we need a little more if we’re going to follow him through this ’con.

“Mad Men”(Sunday, 10 p.m., AMC) Sure, you could watch three hours of the Emmys in the hopes of seeing John Hamm in a tux, or you could save yourself some time and check out Don Draper, who looks good in anything.

“Supernova”(Sunday, 7 p.m., Syfy) If you really want to shun the Emmys by watching some good-awful TV, there’s no better treasure trove of dreck than a cheesy Syfy movie. The repeat of the 2005 3 ½- hour miniseries features Peter Fonda, Emma Samms, Tia Carrere and Luke Perry, who utters gems like: “This entire planet is going to start to boil like an egg in hot water.” Can they stop the sun from exploding? Can they stop their careers from imploding? You decide.

“Rescue Me”(Tuesday, 10 p.m., FX) What was once the most inventive series on TV has devolved into a “Nip/Tuck” redux with rehashed stories, increasingly outrageous predicaments, and serious issues played for little more than a couple laughs despite the wealth of Emmy-worthy actors who could do the stories justice. Do you think that Tommy’s godson getting smashed by a beam in a fire will have any real effect and force the gang to re-examine their meaningless, empty lives in time for next week’s finale? Don’t bet on it.

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NBC says to go 'FCU' yourself

August 24, 2010 , ι Maxine Shen

If you haven't checked out NBC's new Web series, "FCU: Fact Checkers Unit," you're missing out on a true slice of wacky Web hilarity. The series - think of it as "CSI" for nerds - centers... Read on

If you haven't checked out NBC's new Web series, "FCU: Fact Checkers Unit," you're missing out on a true slice of wacky Web hilarity.
	 
The series - think of it as "CSI" for nerds - centers around a pair of magazine fact checkers who get sent out on 6 minute-long missions to find out if some random tidbit about a celebrity is true. The scenarios are bizarre, the celebs (playing themselves) ham it up like they're hosting "SNL" and each clip is brilliantly shot.
	 
The latest installment of "FCU" hit the Interwebs today and it's another quality clip. This time around, the inquiry subject is "Friday Night Lights" star Zach Gilford, less commonly known by his crime-fighting nom de plume, the Gilfornator.
	 
Previous episodes have featured scaredy-cat Donald Faison, Karolina Kurkova and her edible headcheese (really) sunblock and a very Dylan McKay-looking Luke Perry dealing with ghost issues. A little birdie's told me that there's an upcoming episode starring Pauley Perrette of "NCIS" fame and that it's a real riot...
	 
Look out for a new episode every Tuesday.
	 
Check it out this week's offering here:
	 
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If you've got another 6 minutes, check out Luke Perry's episode. The dance party at the 5 minute mark is a gem.
	 

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Drama Mama: See you next summer

August 20, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

Mama’s packing up the house and saying so long to another summer season of dramas. Here are the cable dramas that will linger in her memories as she returns to the arms of fall network series: ... Read on

“Army Wives” (Sunday, 10 p.m., Lifetime)As the uneven season four draws to a close, we can assume Denise will deliver her baby sans hubby Jeremy and Pamela will make a choice about leaving the base for a new career with the Atlanta PD (portrayer Brigid Brannagh won last year’s Lifetime blog survey “Who Should Get Their Own ‘Army Wives’ Spin-Off Show?”). And little Emmalin may finally get to don a cap and gown.

“Huge” (Monday, 9 p.m., ABC Family)This year’s best summer camp ends its freshman season with a two-part finale that starts this week. It’s parents weekend at Camp Victory, which may help explain some of the underlying reasons many of the kids are here in the first place. And what would summer camp be without a couple of last-chance romantic connections?

“Hawthorne” (Tuesday, 9 p.m., TNT)Didn’t watch it all season, and not starting now with the second season finale. Jada Pinkett Smith, you can do better than this.

“Memphis Beat” (Tuesday, 10 p.m., TNT)It took a while for this “CSI: Graceland” to win over Mama, but she can’t deny that star Jason Lee is irresistible as the cocky but lovable detective who can make even the most predictable case enjoyable by capping each episode with a selection from the King’s greatest hits catalog. This week’s mystery causes Dwight to consider a career change. May Mama suggest hitting the road for a concert tour?

“Burn Notice” (Thursday, 9 p.m., USA)Whenever Robert Patrick shows up, Mama still feels a chill run down her spine, certain that the icy-eyed T2 robot will punch a metallic fist through one of the characters. His arrival should help make this an interesting two-hour end to a season that got a boost in hotness quotient with the addition of Coby Bell.

“The Pillars of the Earth” (Friday, Starz)The miniseries that kept Mama entertained this summer draws to a close. The two-hour finale is all set up for Jack’s triumphant return as his destiny can finally be realized. And in true melodramatic form, chances are good that Walleran, Regan and Stephen will at last get their comeuppances.

Oh Baby:One finale that has Mama has grown fonder of with distance is the “Lost” whopper. The finale, along with the rest of the series and a few bonus tracks, arrives in the massive “Lost: The Complete Collection” Tuesday.

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Drama Mama: Scoping the Male Perspective

August 19, 2010 , ι Tiffany Wendeln Connors

Last week was ladies’ night, so it only seems fair that this one be for the boys. Mama checks in with her favorite testosterone-led dramas: “Being Human” (Saturday, 9 p.m., BBCA) If you’ve had... Read on

Last week was ladies’ night, so it only seems fair that this one be for the boys. Mama checks in with her favorite testosterone-led dramas:

“Being Human” (Saturday, 9 p.m., BBCA)If you’ve had your fill of teen-angsty vamps and are wondering what to do with yourself as “True Blood” shuts the casket on another season, consider this British import. Sure, it sounds like the beginning of a joke – so a vamp, a werewolf and a ghost rent an apartment …-- but it’s quirky, dark humor provide some supernatural fare for after you put the kids to bed. This week, we’ll finally find out why hottie bloodsucker Michael turned his back on killing.

“Leverage” (Sunday, 9 p.m., TNT)Mama’s favorite part of this “Ocean’s 11” clone is trying to figure out the references to classic sci-fi shows. She’s counted numerous references to “Doctor Who,” a couple of former “Star Trek: The Next Generation” stars and accompanying jokes, and a nod to Christian Kane’s former afterlife on “Angel.” It also doesn’t hurt that the likable leader of this con, Timothy Hutton, has aged into a handsomely rugged Robin Hood.

“Lie to Me” (Monday, 9p.m., Fox)Exec Producer Shawn Ryan reunited some of the old gang from “The Shield” for Monday’s “Lie to Me”—David Marciano, Catherin Dent, Kenny Johnson, David Rees Snell and Cathy Cahlin Ryan appeared in various roles, although Benito Martinez was the standout as the red-herring papa. Mama misses the twisted police drama, so she enjoyed the visit, even though the most familiar faces were absent. Next week, Lightman may finally may have to confess the truth about his feelings for Foster when her new beau gets abducted.

“Memphis Beat” (Tuesday, 10 p.m., TNT)Although “CSI: Graceland” is predictable and at times clunky, its star Jason Lee is irresistible as the cocky but lovable detective who can charm Mama every time by crooning one of the King’s greatest hits.

“Castle” (Wednesday, 10 p.m., ABC)Bucking the current trend of depicting “reality” as people bouncing off inflatable balls, living with bartenders and mocking the blind in a desperate attempt at love, there are a few actual reruns this summer. So if you missed a great scripted crime-solver like “Castle” during the regular season, you’re in luck. Last night, Alyssa Milano fell victim to Nathan Fillion’s heart-stealing grin, and next week includes a cameo from the omnipresent celeb chef Rocco DiSpirito. You won’t be disappointed if you catch up on this self-effacing drama before the new season begins this fall.