Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 14 > Entry
‘Lights,’ ‘Idol’ and Dumb Donald
Where the heck is “Friday Night Lights?”
For the second week in a row, “Lights” is off the air, replaced by “Dateline NBC” at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Big bummer, but the show will be back to finish out its run.
Last night, the cast and crew held their wrap party at Six Lounge, the bar/club on West Fourth Street in the warehouse district.
The show ended its first season of production last weekend in Dallas, at Cowboy Stadium where the Dillon Panthers will play for the state championship. The season finale is scheduled to air April 11.
“Lights” is still waiting to hear whether NBC will pick up the series for next season. And it’s still waiting to hear if the city of Austin and state of Texas will offer financial incentives to keep the production here. Neighboring states such as Louisiana and New Mexico are pursuing the production with a vengeance.
Officially, NBC doesn’t announce its fall schedule until early May, but it is likely that the network will let the “Lights” folks know in mid- to late April. Fingers crossed.
‘Idol’ dozen disappoint
In Tuesday’s performance by the “American Idol” final 12, there were more misses than hits.
Three contestants forgot lyrics — Brandon, Haley and Stephanie. And even Blake, arguably the best of the guys, was less than impressive. It’s way past time to get rid of whispering mop-head Sanjaya. Come on, girls. Just because he’s cute and a “sweet soul,” as Paula says, doesn’t mean he can be a pop star.
Song selection shouldn’t have been a problem. How hard can it be to find a good song among Diana Ross’s collection of hits? And the Motown diva was even available to advise the wannabes.
As expected, front-runners Melinda and Lakisha were nothing short of fabulous. Perhaps surprisingly, so was Jordin. She totally wowed all three judges.
But overall, “Idol” contestants this season are weak compared with previous seasons. With a couple of months to go, it already seems like we’re down to a tiny few possibilities. Or an embarrassing winner.
The good news is that tonight’s results show is only a half-hour episode (8-8:30 on Fox).
Boo on The Donald
Why can’t Donald Trump just slink off somewhere and enjoy his wealth?
Well, he could, but then he wouldn’t be generating publicity for his soon-to-die reality show “The Apprentice.” Absolutely nobody is talking about this NBC dud now.
Hence Trump’s constant attacks on Rosie O’Donnell. The latest spew came after O’Donnell told the audience on “The View” Friday that she has suffered from depression since 1999. She uses medication and “inversion therapy” (in which she hangs upside down for several minutes each day).
“I have no compassion for Rosie,” Trump said with an orange-hued sneer. “I think she suffers from depression probably because she beats up so many people… . The picture of Rosie hanging upside down is a very, very unattractive picture… . If I looked like Rosie, I’d suffer from depression also.”
The Donald is beyond mean. He’s evil. Let’s ignore.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Entertainment
Comments
By stevemdx
March 15, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
How can the Michael Jackson wanna be still be on the show. Please have a wildcard this year so we can get Sundance back!
By Brocktoon
March 14, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
These "theme" weeks on "Idol" are the worst. Which can make them vastly entertaining.
I think your question "How hard can it be to find a good song among Diana Ross’s collection of hits?" is unfair. The fact is, that's not everyone's style of music. Contestants like Chris Sligh and Gina Glocksen are really at a disadvantage when they are forced to choose a number from the Diana Ross catalogue.
I understand she's a legend, but really -- putting aside the question of whether or not is SHOULD be -- how relevant is her music to the youth of today?
By austinights
March 14, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
FNL should get a second season for at least three simple reasons: 1) its good television programming; 2) NBC doesn't have anything else, unless you want a heavy dose of reality TV; and 3) this show has a growing manic fan base. I have a feeling it might end up shooting in Lousiana, though.
What I don't get....NBC Dateline's obssession with its own coverage of child predators. I think its sick of these guys who go after kids, but its been a little overkill to show it week after week with the guy jumping out of the closet with a camera crew and saying..."surprise, you're on NBC Dateline!"
American Idol - boring! The only time I watched and for 30 million Americans to tune into that each week - where's the beef? The should-be winner is obvious, but America will vote for the cutie who can't remember her lines.
And the Donald - forget the fight with psycho Rosie....what is up with him and Vince McMahon on WWE (wrestling). The battle of the billionaires?? Gimme a break!
By R
March 14, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
thanks for keeping us updated on FNL news - i hope they get to stay in central texas
By Tasha
March 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
"The Donald is beyond mean. He’s evil. Let’s ignore."
Um, I do. You're the one who can't stop writing about him. Please do us all a favor and follow your own advice.