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September 2009
Review: ‘The Middle’
Who’da thunk that when Fox’s 2007-2008 Kelsey Grammer/Patrica Heaton sitcom “Back to You” was canceled, Heaton would come out on top? After all, Grammer had a great run playing effete Frasier Crane, first in a supporting role on “Cheers” and then, for eleven seasons, on his own show. Heaton spent nine years playing second-fiddle Debra Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Yet here’s Grammer basically playing Frasier again in the dreadful ABC sitcom “Hank,” while Heaton shines in the same network’s sweet, funny, delightful offering, “The Middle.” Heaton’s character, wife and mother Frankie Heck, truly is stuck in the middle: middle age, middle income, middle America. The third best salesperson (out of three) at the used car lot where she works, Frankie’s got a problematically frank spouse, Mike (Neil Flynn) and three kids.
If it sounds like “Malcolm in the Middle,” it’s not. I’ve watched incredulously and with some degree of frustration as the two shows keep getting compared (maybe it’s the name) but while “The Middle” is quirky, it embodies none of “Malcolm’s” mean-spirited humor or shrill tone. In fact, it reminded me of nothing so much as (the much better) “The Wonder Years.”
Perhaps this is because the pilot episode focuses so heavily on the children: teenage Axl (conceived during the Heck households “Guns n’ Roses” period); Sue, who fails with gusto at everything she tries; and oddball Brick (okay, he does look a little like “Malcolm’s” Dewey).
Eden Sher is an enthusiastic charmer as hapless Sue, whose involvement in show choir doesn’t end nearly as well as the productions on Fox’s “Glee.” Atticus Shaffer shines, too, as youngest child Brick. He has the disconcerting habit of repeating key words from his sentences, at the end of them, in a creepy, loud whisper, and he counts his backpack as his best friend — hey, it worked for Dora the Explorer.
Watching Heaton maneuver her life and job around and amongst these kids (she takes a car buyer on a test drive to Brick’s school when she’s summoned there by his teacher) is a lot of fun.
If the writing keeps up and the focus remains on the sweet family dynamics instead of contrived, goofy shenanigans — I’m looking at you, fellow car salesman Chris Kattan — “The Middle” could rise to the top.
“The Middle”
7:30 p.m., ABC
Grade: B+
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Tom DeLay’s “Dancing” departure delayed
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay made it through week 2 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” He and partner Cheryl Burke performed a relatively clean (if uninspired) tango Monday night. It was much less bizarre than last week’s lip-sync and air guitar YouTube-phenomenon cha cha to the Troggs’ “Wild Thing.”
The number received a lowish score of 18 from the judges. Combined with their score from the previous week, DeLay and Burke ended the night tied for the second lowest combined total and in a prime spot for elimination.
But viewers voted — Kathy Ireland and partner Tony Dovolani were sent packing instead — and the Hammer and his professional coach will return next week.
Did the judges and America make the right call? What type of dance would you like to see DeLay and Burke perform? Would you like to see DeLay go all the way or do you find his booty-shaking embarrassing? Sound off!
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Dan Rather’s suit against CBS dismissed
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court dismissed Dan Rather’s $70 million breach of contract suit against the CBS television network Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Rather, citing documents the network had obtained, narrated a report in 2004 on “60 Minutes II” that was critical of George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard. The documents later came under question and Rather filed suit after being removed from his “CBS Evening News” anchor slot.
The court ruled that no breach of contract took place because Rather’s annual salary was still paid to him after his dismissal.
Rather’s lawyer plans to appeal.
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Video: Conan O’Brien’s head injury
Ouch.
Conan O’Brien smacked his head hard on his studio’s concrete floor during taping for the Sept. 25 episode of “The Tonight Show.” It occurred during a bit with actress Teri Hatcher (“Desperate Housewives”). On Monday, he discussed the accident — what he remembers of it anyway — with sidekick Andy Richter.
I’m sorry Conan got hurt, but it was great to see Andy sitting next to him again on the sofa. Here’s video of Conan and Andy discussing the incident along with footage of the event. Honestly, the audible smack when his head hits the floor could probably be included on a sound effects record:
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‘SNL’s’ Jenny Slate lives to bomb another day
TV Guide reports that Jenny Slate will not be fired for her obscenity slip on the Sept. 26 season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”
In an awful sketch representative of the entire show, newcomer Slate accidentally dropped the f-bomb as the host of “Biker Chick Chat.”
“No truth to firing conjecture,” TV Guide reports NBC spokeswoman Sharon Pannozzo told the New York Daily News. “She will not be fired.” That paper also sees an FCC fine as unlikely, since the agency focuses most of its monitoring on prime-time programming.
Viewers at home will also be spared any penalties for bemoaning, post-show, “What the (expletive) was Lorne Michaels thinking putting that on television?”
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Tom DeLay and the politics of ‘Dancing’
I guess all of the contestants on “Dancing with the Stars” are viewed through the prisms of their notoriety, but entertainment (and political) pundits seem to be having an especially good time talking about Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s turns (and trips) on the popular ABC show.
Allow me to direct you to politico.com, where staffers weighed in on the Hammer’s latest performance — a “dignified” tango with partner Cheryl Burke.
Here are the highlights of their politically-tinged pokes:
“He’s known for his tough-love approach in Washington and The Hammer didn’t cut himself or his pre-stress fractured feet a break while dancing the tango tonight.”
“Like his rise to power in the House, DeLay on ‘Dancing’ came to win.”
“Who wants to talk about Tom DeLay’s criminal court case when he’s gingerly tangoing his way across the stage? He nailed the tango head-snap with a nasty glare - probably similar to the one he once gave House Republicans who wanted to break ranks.”
“Unlike his days whipping votes on the House floor, this time The Hammer couldn’t close.”
It’s also a good chance for the liberal punditry to remind America of DeLay’s political fancy footwork and missteps, as Leonard Pitts did in this opinion piece following DeLay’s inaugural “DwTS” performance writing, among other things, that DeLay “threatened judges and otherwise trampled the constitutional separation of powers during the Terri Schiavo affair, once likened the Environmental Protection Agency to the Gestapo, said in the wake of the Columbine massacre that guns have ‘little or nothing’ to do with juvenile violence, fought to make this country a fundamentalist Christian theocracy, and left Congress in 2006 under scandal clouds and criminal indictment.” To be fair, Pitts talked about DeLay’s dancing too, and gave the Hammer props for doing something he wouldn’t have the guts to do.
Here’s are some highlights of DeLay’s performance Monday night, including the near-drop at the end that may send him home (DeLay and Burke are tied for second lowest overall score):
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This week’s TV picks
Old Faithful erupts in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, as shown in Ken Burns six-part documentary series, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” beginning Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:00 p.m. EDT on PBS. (AP Photo/Florentine Films and WETA, Craig Mellish)
Tonight:
‘Lie to Me’ 8 p.m., FOX: Season 2 kicks off! A woman with multiple-personality disorder could be a witness or a killer. Hmm … that’s several times the usual number of lies to sift through.
Also premiering: ‘Trauma’ 8 p.m., NBC
‘The National Parks: America’s Best Idea’ 7 p.m., PBS: This episode covers the years 1890-1915 and the beginnings of a conservation movement led by the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society and Theodore Roosevelt. Additional episodes air Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Tuesday:
‘Melrose Place’ 8 p.m., The CW: Jane Mancini’s back! Josie Bissett returns to Melrose Place and immediately blackmails somebody. There’s a surprise.
‘The Good Wife’ 9 p.m., CBS: Julianna Margulies goes around the State’s Attorney to represent a stripper who claims she was raped.
Wednesday:
‘The Middle’ 7:30 p.m., ABC: Patricia Heaton stars in one of the fall’s best new comedies as a woman stuck in the middle: middle age, middle income, Middle America. It’s wacky, but sweet … like a twisted version of ‘The Wonder Years.’
Also premiering: ‘Hank’ 7 p.m., ABC
‘Modern Family’ 8 p.m., ABC: If there’s a less-qualified person than Phil to be giving anybody responsibility lessons, I’d like to meet him. But that’s just what he’s doing with son Luke. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron take their baby to ‘Mommy and Me’ class.
‘Glee’ 8 p.m., FOX: Recent Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth (‘Pushing Daisies’) tries to help Will up the Glee Club’s game.
Thursday:
‘Community’ 8:30 p.m., NBC: John Michael Higgins (‘Kath and Kim’) plays a quirky instructor who jeopardizes Winger’s plan for an easy A.
‘Fringe’ 8 p.m., FOX: A bomb blast in Philadelphia sends Olivia and Peter to Iraq. That must be one powerful bomb.
‘Flash Forward’ 7 p.m., ABC: A suspect in the global blackout is tracked to Utah and Olivia meets the man from her vision.
Friday:
‘Til Death’ 7:30 p.m., FOX: The season 4 premiere finds Ally and Doug returning from Ecuador as man and wife.
Saturday:
‘Austin City Limits’ 7 p.m., PBS: The Dave Matthews Band kicks off season 35 of the popular concert series. Were you at the taping?
Sunday:
‘Three Rivers’ 8 p.m., CBS: The transplants drama underwent its own switcheroo when this episode — originally the second of the series — was swapped to run first.
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Live from New York: It’s the f-bomb!
This is what you look like just after you use the f-word in front of millions of viewers on live television.
This is probably not how poor Jenny Slate pictured her “Saturday Night Live” debut.
An hour and 13 minutes into the predictably lame season opener (they always leave me thinking, “this is what they came up with after having the entire summer off?”) the new cast member and Upright Citizens Brigade alumnus did the unthinkable — she dropped the f-bomb.
In the middle of a talk show parody called “Biker Chick Chat,” in which every sentence contained the swear-substitute “frickin,” Slate said, “You stood up for yourself, and I (expletive) love you for that.” She immediately realized what she’d done and puffed out her cheeks in embarrassment (Twitterers were calling it her “ashamed chipmunk” face). You gotta love live television.
“You’re in my heart, babe, you’re in my heart,” fellow cast member Kristin Wiig’s character responded without missing a beat. But the audience was clearly stunned, too.
Three performers (not counting musical guests) have dropped the f-bomb on “Saturday Night Live”: In a 1980 incident similar to Slate’s misstep, Paul Shaffer accidentally used the word instead of “flogging” while playing an English Rock Star; one-time Weekend Update anchor Charles Rocket was fired following a 1981 broadcast in which he used the expletive while chatting with host Charlene Tilton at the end of the show, when the cast traditionally gathers on stage around the host; and Norm MacDonald used the word after getting something stuck in his throat during the Weekend Update segment.
MacDonald wasn’t around for very long after the incident, but he was probably let go because NBC’s West Coast division President Don Ohlmeyer didn’t like him and never thought he was funny. Ditto for Rocket, who was swept out with a wholesale cast turnover that only saw Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo survive (Rocket committed suicide in 2005). Back then, a slip of the tongue was a convenient excuse to can a performer. In these post Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction times, it’s almost a foregone conclusion.
So it will be interesting to see if Slate is slated next Saturday or if she’s frickin’ gone.
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A reader’s review of ‘Glee’
Erin Findley’s review of FOX’s “Glee” was the catalyst for my Sept. 27 TV column, which you can find by clicking here.
Findley revised her opinions following our correspondence and her discussions with others (see the linked column for details) but that change of heart led to other questions. She was kind enough to allow me to publish her initial review of the show as long as I posed these questions to you:
1. Can you present this kind of discrimination in television without people taking it the wrong way?
2. Where do you draw the line on what the American public can handle?
Here’s Findley’s review, written after her initial viewing:
Fox’s Glee not so PC
by Erin Findley
Wednesday’s premiere of Fox’s Glee was an unfortunate abuse of an otherwise opportune moment to celebrate diversity.
The much-awaited Primetime program chronicles high school teacher Will Schuester’s effort to resurrect the school’s Glee Club. Schuester’s rag-tag group of show choir members includes six students of different racial and social status backgrounds. Their passion to perform creates a common bond, and subsequent sense of camaraderie, that the typical social factions on high school campuses might not otherwise permit.
At first glance, it appears as if Glee’s characters and content may illustrate what can happen when a group of diverse individuals work together for a common cause.
Unfortunately, Glee’s punchy dialogue undermines this overall message. The use of derogatory statements toward historically disadvantaged groups occurs all-too-frequently in Wednesday’s premiere.
In the first fifteen minutes of the show, snarky cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester tells Schuester the “five and a half” members of Glee Club will not qualify for competition. Her next statement, regarding “that cripple in a wheelchair,” confirms the implication that the student with a disability is being called a half person. Not only does she use the derogatory term, “cripple,” to reinforce common discriminatory thoughts toward individuals with physical limitations, she goes further to insinuate individual’s with physical disabilities are not whole people.
Later, Sylvester turns the aim of her prejudiced comments toward homosexual parents. In a meeting with the school principal regarding the Glee Club’s racy presentation at an assembly, Sylvester remarks, “Gay parents encourage rebellion; there’s studies [sic] on this.” This comment reinforces negative and blatantly false stereotypes of homosexual parents; sadly, it does so in a way that further misleads viewers by claiming an empirical basis for those thoughts.
Sylvester is not the only character to reinforce stereotypes in Glee’s premiere. While viewing a princess-themed bedroom in a prospective home, Schuester’s wife, Terri, says, “This is where our daughter or gay son will sleep.” The stereotypical remark reinforces the idea that effeminate males are gay and the converse idea that gay males are effeminate. Unfortunately, neither belief is absolutely true; the comment acts only to pigeonhole individuals into preconceived categories.
All in all, the premiere of Fox’s Glee is less than politically correct. What might otherwise be an opportunity to celebrate diversity quickly becomes a breeding ground for discrimination and stereotyping of traditionally disadvantaged people—and for what, a laugh? Surely writers with such evident social insight might be able to use their insight in such a way as to include all people in the laughter.
Perhaps then I’ll have a more Glee-ming review.
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Another ‘Friday Night Lights’ casting call
On location casting is once again looking for paid extras to appear in “Friday Night Lights,” the locally-shot NBC/DirecTV show about central Texas football.
“We are currently filming all over the Austin, TX area and are looking for local residents to work as Extras on our show,” a casting agency spokesperson said.
If selected to work as an extra, all extras positions are paid at $7.25 per hour. All applicants must be US citizens and have valid photo ID and social security cards. No experience is necessary for these positions.
The agency is specifically seeking African American and Hispanic Extras of all ages to portray high school students, community neighbors, football fans and various other extras roles.
The casting call takes place Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Millennium Youth Center, 1156 Hargrave St. in Austin. No preparation is necessary (except for the valid ID and social security card) — just show up prepared to have your picture taken.
If you are not able to attend this open casting call, the agency invites you to visit its Web site and fill out a free Talent Application (you’ll need to upload a couple of photos).
For further information email the agency at fnl_extras@yahoo.com.
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Blanco band lends ‘FNL’ a hand
On Sept. 17, the Blanco High School marching band got its marching orders: grab your instruments, don’t bother tuning ‘em and report to San Marcos to appear on an episode of “Friday Night Lights.” The NBC/DirecTV show needed a band to sit in the stands and pose as the San Marcos Rattlers and Blanco band director, David Shirk got the call, according to this story in the Blanco County News.
The band is scheduled to appear in the third episode, airing sometime in November on DirecTV and summer 2010 on NBC.
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Review: ‘Flash Forward’
FBI agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) surveys the aftermath of the mass blackout on the premiere of “FlashForward.” (ABC/Ron Tom)
Let’s get this straight: “Flash Forward” is not “Lost.”
“Lost” opens with a twisting, white, sans-serif logo drifting across the screen for a few seconds before fading into its black background; “Flash Forward” opens with a non-twisting, white, sans-serif logo drifting back into the screen for a few seconds before fading into its black background.
The pilot episode of “Lost” shows the aftermath of a massive plane’s fiery, horrific crash; the first episode of “Flash Forward” shows the aftermath of a fiery, horrific, massive car crash.
“Lost” starred Dominic Monaghan and Sonya Walger. “Flash Forward” stars Sonya Walger and Dominic Monaghan.
There were polar bears wandering around “Lost’s” island and “Flash Forward” has a kangaroo hopping around downtown Los Angeles.
Lincoln’s secretary was named Kennedy; Kennedy’s secretary was named Lincoln.
Oops … wrong conspiracy.
The truth is that “Flash Forward” does owe an awful lot to “Lost” and it should tide over fans of that show until it returns in January. Both series are stylish and dramatic, with compelling characters and fantastic premises. Each hinges upon the idea that consciousness can travel through time. The production quality of both shows is top notch and look ridiculously expensive. And, like “Lost,” it appears that “Flash Forward” contains elements that fans are going to scrutinize — freeze-framing their DVRs and uploading screen shots to online fan forums.
Near the beginning of the first episode, everybody blacks out for exactly 2 minutes and 17 seconds. During that time, most have visions and as they regain consciousness they come to realize — doctors, cops, lovers and children waking in wrecked cars, on the floors of operating rooms or in their beds — that their visions were of the same day and time six months in the future.
Why this happened is, of course, the biggest question and it won’t be answered soon … in the lead character’s vision, he — an FBI agent — was still trying to solve it. But there are other compelling issues here: can the events in the visions be avoided or altered? What about those people who didn’t experience visions — will they still be alive in 6 months? And what type of story will the show have left to tell once the 6 month mark’s been reached?
Perhaps “Flash Forward” will be exactly like “Lost” after all, switching gears and becoming an entirely different show than it appeared to be at the outset. If future episodes are as compelling as the pilot, I’ll be along for the ride.
“Flash Forward” (pilot): A-
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Review: ‘Modern Family’
Cameron cradles his adopted Vietnamese child on ABC’s “Modern Family.”
‘Modern Family’ is like an ‘Arrested Development’ that people might actually watch.
Like the late, lamented story of the Bluth clan, ‘Family’ (premiering at 8 pm tonight on ABC) follows the interconnected machinations of an extended family in shaky, one-camera fashion with, thankfully, no laugh track.
Jay (Ed O’Neill) is the patriarch, married to — and often mistaken for the father of — a much younger woman, Gloria (Sofia Vergara, verging on channeling Charo). Together they’re raising Manny, an amorous child who, like his mother, is interested in an older partner.
An alternative partnership is found in the house of Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Jay’s son, a gay man living with Cameron (Eric Stonestreet, channeling Nathan Lane). The pair have just adopted a Vietnamese baby and one of the pilot’s best gags takes place on the flight home from that country.
Jay’s daughter, Claire (“Lost’s” Julie Bowen) is a former wild child married to an immature husband and raising three kids of her own. How they deal with a BB gun accident is nothing short of hilarious (check out the video, below).
Characters occasionally address the camera, which is problematic in the absence of any explanation (such as “The Office’s” faux documentary conceit) but maybe that’s been fixed since I watched the screener weeks ago.
But that’s a quibble. “Modern Family” is simply the best new comedy of the season.
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Cantu’s Telemundo newscasts begin October 1
KEYE finally announced what we’ve suspected for some time … Fred Cantu, local news stalwart and recent co-anchor of KEYE’s morning newscast, will anchor the new Spanish language newscasts on Telemundo 42.2.
New details on the 30-minute program, called “Conteo Noticias,” include the announcement of Karla Leal as co-anchor and the air time of the newscasts, 5:00 and 10 p.m. weekdays. Erika Gonzalez will serve as a reporter during the live newscasts.
Read KEYE’s full announcement after the jump.
KEYE-TV TO LAUNCH “CONTEO NOTICIAS” ANCHORED BY FRED CANTU ON OCTOBER 1 ON TELEMUNDO 42.2 IN AUSTIN
Austin, Texas (September 23, 2009) - KEYE-TV, the CBS affiliate serving the Austin market, announced today that Fred Cantu and Karla Leal will serve as anchor and co-anchor, respectively of Conteo Noticias, the 30 minute local newscast which will air weekdays in Spanish at 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Telemundo 42.2 beginning on October 1, 2009. In addition, Erika Gonzalez will join Mr. Cantu and Ms. Leal, serving as reporter during the live newscasts. Earlier this month, KEYE-TV entered into an affiliation agreement with the Telemundo Network whereby KEYE-TV will launch Austin’s first broadcasts of Telemundo programming on 42.2 on October 1.
Fred Cantu, known as “Uncle Fred” and the resident “Gadget Guy,” has been an anchor in Austin for almost 20 years, beginning his career at KTBC-TV in 1990. He has anchored at KEYE since 2002 and has a large local following from radio to television among the Hispanic community. Karla Leal comes from Bakersfield, CA where she was recently the lead anchor and reporter on KKEY-TV, Telemundo 11. She received Emmy nominations for the “El Arte de la Charreria” reporting series in 2008 and the “El Sueno Mexicano” series in 2007 and began her career with CAN-TV-TV in Chicago, IL in 2004. Erika Gonzalez joins Conteo Noticias from the Rio Grande Valley where she was an anchor on XRIO-TV, Fox 2 News and reported on Univision 48. She began her career at XRIO-TV in McAllen, TX in 2007.
Amy Villarreal, President and General Manager of KEYE, commented, “We are very excited that our new partnership with Telemundo allows us to serve Central Texas’ growing Hispanic viewer base. We are equally honored to have such reputable on-air talent as Fred, Karla and Erika onboard as the core of the Conteo Noticias Telemundo 42.2 news team. We are confident that their commitment and strong ties to the Hispanic community will be invaluable assets to KEYE and we look forward to having Conteo Noticias serve as the community’s source for local news, weather, sports and traffic.”
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Obama plays softball on ‘The Late Show’
So, President Obama was on Letterman last night. Would he be as calm, jovial, friendly and relaxed as he had appeared in his previous “Late Night” outings as a Senator and Presidential candidate? Or would he be more tense (and intense) … weary from the ongoing battle for health care reform? I had more or less predicted the latter.
I was wrong.
From the moment the President was introduced, smiling and waving to the crowd, he seemed confident, happy and, most importantly, relaxed. Following up on an earlier Letterman bit with an audience member who had brought a heart-shaped potato with her to the studio, Obama took control of the stage, telling Dave that was the real reason he’d come to visit. He then engaged in off-the-cuff banter with the potato’s owner — “Mary Apple? Is your real name? Mary Apple?” — and he pocketed the odd tuber at Letterman’s request, although I’ll bet Mary Apple got it back (along with a great story) after the show.
The first interview segment seemed designed to make Obama appear as normal as possible, given the whole “most powerful person in the free world” thing. Letterman asked about Obama’s summer and the President responded by talking about his daughters. “They basically goofed off all summer, which I couldn’t do,” he stated.
“Others have,” Dave pot-shot to laughter and applause.
Obama explained that his kids don’t really notice the Presidential hubbub; they have slumber parties and spend the night at their friends’ houses like other children. “But their parents get frisked,” Obama added.
“That happens at my house, too,” Letterman joked.
“The thing that we are happiest about is that they are wonderfully normal, happy kids so far,” Obama said. “I give Michelle all the credit.”
It turns out that the telegenic Obama was not on Letterman to sell health care reform to America as much as he was there to re-sell himself (which, granted, would go a long way in helping him sell health care reform). This was driven home by an exchange later in the program, when Letterman noted former President Jimmy Carter’s recent statements that vocal opposition to Obama was partially based upon race.
“Well, it’s important to remember,” Obama said, “that I was black before the election,” reminding America that we voted him in. And, throughout the first half of his “Late Show” appearance, he reminded us why: he appeared confident, smart, well-spoken, decisive. Quick.
Still, the second segment’s would have to be all health care, right? When Obama was on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” in March, nearly the entire appearance was a dry, jargon-filled push for the economic stimulus package — and that was never in as much trouble as health care reform.
Wrong again. Dave held up photos: There’s the President at his desk in the Oval Office, a young child hunkered down and peering mischievously at him from behind the couch.
“I hope that’s Sasha,” Obama quipped, “otherwise there’s been a breach of security that we did not know about.” Quick.
Another photo shows Obama in the White House screening room holding cardboard 3D glasses to his eyes (he couldn’t remember, but the film he’d watched was “Up”). The next picture was of the President and Hillary Clinton seated across from each other at a picnic table outdoors. “This just screams picnic to me,” Dave joked.
“We were having a wonderful time,” Obama replied.
“No potato salad,” Dave noted.
The final photo showed the President running with a football, Presidential dog Bo at his heels. See? Just like you and me.
But President Obama is not just like you and me, and halfway through the show, the pair finally got around to politics … specifically, the economy. Unemployment, housing, household bills, energy, jobs again. Dave asked Obama if the stimulus had worked. Obama explained that without it, things would have been much worse.
He kept things largely simple and matter-of-fact, but terms such as “smart grid” and “broadband” began to creep in, prompting Letterman to cut to a commercial.
41 minutes into the hour, the discussion of the recent shouting at town hall meetings (and Presidential addresses) which led to that Jimmy Carter reference finally leads to a discussion of health care. Time for some tough questions?
“In terms of health care, what am I missing about this?” Letterman asked, possibly the most open-ended, softball query ever. It’s clear that Obama was smart to choose Letterman’s venue to make his case. The President ran through his familiar arguments, largely uninterrupted by his host, whose interjections amounted mostly to comments such as, “I’m not a socialist, but it (universal health care) don’t sound that bad to me.”
“The thing I’d like to see is those ‘death panels’,” Letterman joked. “If we could get those in immediately …”
Health care, economy … what have we missed? The host and his guest finally dipped into foreign policy with a discussion of Iraq and Afghanistan. No tough questions on this topic either, but that’s not why the President was here; that’s what all those Sunday morning news show shots were for.
“I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to watch you work,” Letterman said, concluding the interview. “And remember, when things get tough as things tend to do, going forward … you, sir, are in possession of a heart-shaped potato.”
Former President Bill Clinton visits “The Late Show” tonight at 10:30 on CBS.
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Review: ‘The Good Wife’
It’s great to see Julianna Margulies back in the courtroom.
Okay, her last legal effort, 2008’s “Canterbury’s Law,” never took off. But “The Good Wife,” premiering on CBS tonight at 9 p.m., should fare better. Not so much for the conventional writing or the Deus Ex Machina case solving, but for Margulies’ nuanced, committed portrayal of her character, Alicia Florrick.
Florrick, a pampered (and probably unfulfilled) politician’s wife, returns to practicing law when her husband Peter (“Sex in the City’s” Mr. Big — Chris Noth) is jailed on ripped-from-the-headlines sex and corruption charges … hey, it’s Chicago.
After 13 years away from the courtroom, Florrick finds herself a junior associate at a big-deal windy city law firm under the curious — and attracted? — eye of former law school chum Will Gardner (Josh Charles, “In Treatment”). Competing for her job against a competitive Harvard graduate, and ultimately for her children’s welfare and family’s reputation, Florrick’s first case is a cut and dried retrial of a murder case. All she has to do is to follow the firm’s outline — it resulted in a deadlocked jury the first time around. But Florrick locks horns with her superiors over their courtroom strategy.
The outcome of the trial is a little too easy, but that’s okay; the best moments of “The Good Wife” take place outside of the courtroom, as Florrick is forced to deal, daily, with the fallout of her husband’s legal indiscretions and the players who put him away. She’s horrified and embarrassed as her teen children are haunted by YouTube videos of their incarcerated dad and taunted by their schoolmates.
It’s compelling stuff watching Margulies juggle the emotional demands of a character herself juggling fear, humiliation, fierce loyalty, pride, shame, certainty, confusion, doubt and anger. Margulies is up to the task; she’s perfectly capable of carrying this show, and its success will depend upon how much the writers trust her and forgo soapy romance and courtroom theatrics to focus on her character’s struggle for personal and professional fulfillment.
“The Good Wife,” 9 p.m., CBS. Grade: B-
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Tom DeLay: ‘Dancing’s’ wild thing
When we create a blog post, we have to categorize it. For this post I chose “Reality TV” and “Entertainment.” Too bad there wasn’t a category labeled “Oh, Dear God! My Eyes!”
Tom DeLay debuted on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” Monday night, performing a cha-cha to the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” with professional dancer Cheryl Burke. Wearing a long-sleeved brown shirt and pants and a sequin-studded brown vest, the former Speaker of the House strutted, lip-synced, shook his redistricting money maker and air guitared his way to infamy.
The “DWTS” judges gave DeLay and Burke a score of 21. Should he stay or go?
Here’s incriminating evidence — er, I mean, video:
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HBO: ‘Curb’ is back, ‘Bored to Death’ debuts
Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Schwartzman prowl the streets of New York in “Bored to Death.”
Now that the first season of “Hung” is over, we can start laughing at HBO again. Okay, maybe I’m a little tough on the disingenuously-marketed Thomas Jane “comedy” that’s exceptionally difficult to write about in a family newspaper. Still, the chuckles were few and far between.
Not so with the pay cable net’s new Sunday night combo of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Bored To Death.”
“Curb,” Larry David’s cringe-worthy comedy, is as crass and funny as ever. The 7th season opens on the flip side of the mirror from where last season ended. Then, an abandoned Larry (his wife, Cheryl, had finally left him earlier in the season) was blissfully in love with Loretta Black. Last night, in a new low of self-absorption, he was trying to break up with her — and quickly, before her impending cancer diagnosis came through (even Larry would find it difficult — but not impossible — to break up with someone who’d just been diagnosed with cancer).
If last night’s premiere — featuring a brilliant guest turn by comedienne Catherine O’Hara as Marty Funkhouser’s mentally-disturbed sister, Bam-Bam — is any indication (and having seen a few more episodes, I am happy to report that it is) “Curb” fans are in for a wonderfully petty, uncomfortable and hilarious ride this season. The machinations and falsehoods kick into high gear in a few weeks when the original cast of “Seinfeld” appears to stage a dreaded reunion episode for David’s purely selfish reasons.
“Bored to Death,” (you’ve got to have guts to give your show that name) HBO’s new “noir-otic comedy,” is a lot drier and loads more low-key. It stars Jason Schwartzman (“Rushmore,” “The Darjeeling Limited”) as Jonathan Ames, a writer’s-blocked novelist who’s just been dumped by his girlfriend; she wanted him to give up the three w’s — weed and white wine — and he couldn’t deliver.
A pulp novel fan, Ames (not to be confused with real-life series creator Jonathan Ames … or is he?) gets the notion he’d like to be a detective and slaps an ad — unlicensed private investigator” — up on Craigslist. With buddy Zach Galifianakis and, increasingly, his editor Ted Danson in tow, Ames’ “cases” find him tangling with the likes of druggies, prostitutes, single mothers, skate punks, Greek thugs and Jim Jarmusch.
Galifianakis is great and Schwartzman is Schwartzman, but Danson steals the show as the vice-riddled, hedonistic editor — an aging, drifting, effete stoner with a tinge of Sam Malone’s cockiness (and cluelessness).
“Bored to Death” had an early premiere at Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse because HBO thought Austinites would “get it.” In light of the material, that’s both a compliment and a likelihood.
What do you think of HBO’s Sunday night lineup? Sound off.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8:00 p.m.
“Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m.
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President Obama on Letterman’s ‘Late Show’ tonight
Following a sweep of the Sunday morning talk shows (with the notable exception of Fox News) look for President Barack Obama to be David Letterman’s sole guest on tonight’s “The Late Show,” 10:30 p.m. on CBS. Obama knows that he can deliver his message to more Americans in one Letterman appearance than on all of those Sunday shows combined.
Advocating health care reform, it’ll be Obama’s 6th appearance on Letterman, but his first as a sitting President (though he won’t be making history as he did in March when he became the first sitting President to visit a late-night talker — appearing on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” to discuss the economic stimulus package).
If past appearances are any indication, Letterman and Obama can create compelling television. Dave is exceptionally strong with political guests (remember his interview with Al Gore, or his turn with Republican Presidential nominee John McCain after McCain blew off a “Late Show” appearance?) and he has a natural chemistry with Obama.
Look for tonight’s appearance to be different in tone than, say, Obama’s campaign-era “Late Show” outing discussing the Sarah Palin “lipstick on a pig” controversy. Obama was jovial and winning, energetic and easygoing, poking fun at himself, occasionally leaning over and clasping his hand on Letterman’s shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. When the host asked about Palin’s then-ubiquity, Obama wistfully recalled when he used to be on the cover of Time and Newsweek, joking that he recently received an offer to be a centerfold in Popular Mechanics.
“Take it,” Letterman advised.
When Obama got a little windy, Dave called him on it: “You’re campaigning now, aren’t you?”
But Obama is President now — and he’s embattled and weary over the health care battle — so the tone of the interview is bound to be different. If Letterman can retain his frankness and good humor, it should serve the audience well. Too much chatter about policy minutiae during the President’s Leno appearance might have been informative, but it made for wonky and boring television. And, love him or hate him, it’s hard to make Obama boring on TV, where he normally excels.
You might not like the President’s message, but he knows what he’s doing by going on Letterman to get it across.
Former President Bill Clinton will be Letterman’s guest on Tuesday.
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KXAN’s 9 p.m. newscast debuts tonight on The CW
KXAN Austin News will premiere tonight at 9 p.m. on The CW, a week earlier than originally planned (The CW is KNVA, Time Warner cable channel 12 and HD cable channel 1550). Veteran reporter Shannon Wolfson will anchor the shorter, more concise newscasts.
“Our new 9pm newscast on The CW Austin offers great local news coverage and the area’s most popular local weather forecast in 30 minutes, 7 days a week,” says Eric Lassberg, president and general manager, KXAN-TV, KNVA-TV and KBVO-TV. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to provide viewers with more options and convenience.”
KXAN Austin News at 9pm will be followed by episodes of The Office at 9:30pm Monday through Sunday.
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TV Profile: Crestina Chavez
Each week we hop on the couch to find out what you’re watching. Check back every Monday to see who’s next.
Crestina Chavez
News 8 Austin Evening Anchor
Number of years in this position: 3-1/2 years; at News 8 Austin for almost 7 years.
I love my job because: There’s nothing more intriguing than meeting the characters in Austin that make it such a great place to live. I also love working in the town I grew up in.
Here’s what’s on my DVR: Last season’s final episode of “Lost,” just in case I ever get the urge to make sense of it all; last season’s final episode of “CSI” and “CSI: NY,” I WILL get around to watching them before the season begins; the latest episodes of “Monk” and “Psych”; a ridiculous number of episodes of “Yo Gabba Gabba” and “Little Einsteins” for my 2 year old to enjoy.
My all-time favorite TV show is: “The Dick Van Dyke Show” — classic!
You’ll never catch me watching: I’m not a big fan of reality TV — so no “Bachelor,” “Survivor,” “Fear Factor,” “Amazing Race,” or “America’s Top Model” for me. Having said that, I LOVE “American Idol”!
If I have insomnia, the show that lulls me back to sleep is: I’ll watch reruns of “CSI,” “Law & Order,” or “Law & Order: SVU.” It has to be a rerun or I’ll end up watching it.
A current show I never miss is: Thank goodness for DVR or I’d miss all my shows! My husband and I always watch “The Office,” “Lost” and “24” together. But, my guilty pleasure that I end up watching all by myself … “Grey’s Anatomy”.
If my TV is on, it’s probably tuned to this channel: Probably Channel 875! (The DVR Channel). Seriously, working at night means I have a lot of catching up to do. I watch “News 8 Austin” when I get ready for work. I do watch a ridiculous amount of ESPN.
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Emmys update: Best shows on TV
Comedy legend Bob Newhart introduced the nominees for best comedy. As Dale points out, Newhart has always looked old, but now he is really starting to look old. He makes a few jokes, but ends up talking a little bit longer than he probably needed to and eventually his rambling begins to show his age as much as his face does.
Tina Fey speaks on behalf of “30 Rock,” which wins again for best comedy. She sweetly thanks the families of the cast and crew for allowing their lives to be ruined over the past four years.
She also thanks NBC execs for allowing “30 Rock” to stay on the air, even though their show is way more expensive than a talk show.
The ageless Sigourney Weaver presents the nominees for best drama, stating that one could argue we are in a golden era of TV dramas.
“Mad Men” repeats as best drama on TV. Matthew Weiner says that it has been an incredible year, what with their win and the election and all. The election? Um, ok. Pretty sure that is the first political reference of the night.
He then says some things about something else I am sure is important, but I can’t actually understand what he is saying because seeing January Jones and Christina Hendricks on stage has melted my brain.
NPH concludes with a salute of, “may we see you again on broadcast television again next year.”
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Emmys update: Cranston repeats
Bryan Cranston wins for his brutally honest portrayal of a “good man who makes bad decisions,” according to him, in “Breaking Bad.” And single 30-something women around the country throw their empty wine glasses to the ground in anger as Jon Hamm is slighted.
He is humble and gracious, and uses a couple of canned lines for laughs: 1) Lee Trevino was struck by lightning twice, and now I know how he feels. 2) “I feel like Cindefella.”
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Emmys update: CBS fails at Twitter
Considering CBS was running promos before tonight’s show about how they would be Tweeting updates from the ceremonies, you would think they might have something fun or interesting to say. Not so much. Mostly rhetorical questions and trite observations.
This is what they’ve posted over the past three hours:
- What a touching.tribute!
- Ricky Gervais is hysterical!
- how much did you love the Dr Horrible skit?
- How awesome was Barbie our Best Seat in the House winner?
- Did you love Neils opener as much as us?
Groundbreaking, indeed.
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Emmys update: Have your say on tonight’s Emmy fashion
You’ve been watching the show. The winners. The losers. And everything in between. Now have your say on what the stars and nominees wore on the red carpet and during the Emmy telecast.
Did you like “Damages” star Marcia Gay Harden’s look?
Or what about “Ugly Betty’s” Vanessa Williams?
Or one of our favorites, the very pregnant “Project Runway” host Heidi Klum?
Visit our hot or not gallery now.
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Emmys update: Now for some drama
Music to everyone’s ears … “the last category of the night,” which is the awards for dramas. (Which is kind of true. They still have to give out awards for best series in drama and comedy, as well.)
Michael Emerson from “Lost,” wins for best supporting actors in a dramatic series, his second win.
He says he feels like he is living out a character actors’ dream. His humility and nod to his “beautiful and steadfast wife” are gracious.
Despite it all, I still think Jon Slattery should have won for his awesome portrayal of Roger Sterling on “Mad Men.” Which reminds me, I hope I set my DVR for the show tonight. Although it is kind of losing me this season.
The country’s first female president, Cherry Jones of “24,” wins for best supporting actress. She looks radiant and seems to have lost a little weight. Her reference to the trophy being on the service table on set tomorrow makes me think she must still be president in the upcoming season. Kind of a spoiler, I guess.
Hey, that woman from the animal abuse commercials is singing. Sarah McLachlan sings a live version of her 1995 hit “I Will Remember You,” as they show a video tribute to the stars we lost over the past year. It is almost as sad as the animal commercial featuring the song “Angel.”
The best director award, presented by guest actor winners Michael J. Fox and Ellen Burstyn, is preceded by another bad video, this one of the nominated directors giving advice to other directors. It is lame, but fortunately the winning director from E.R. is not there to accept.
Best writing for a drama series goes to Matthew Weiner of “Mad Men.” His chances were pretty good, considering “Mad Men’ dominated the list of nominees in this category. Weiner thanks his wife (did not see that coming), and lords his creative freedom over those in the audience. Though I am sure he meant nothing by it. Writers are pretty awkward people.
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Emmys update: Auto-tuned Fallon and a bit of humor (finally)
Jimmy Fallon comes out with an auto-tuning device to sing an introduction for Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics. Of course, he does a pratfall and hurts his back and begins to exclaim that he is in pain. Mixing the commonplace (back injury) with the absurd (auto-tune) … brilliant! Not really.
Anyhow …
You would think that SNL’s “Mother Lover” might win, or maybe “Flight of the Conchords,” but nope … it is Hugh Jackman’s ridiculously awful song intro to this year’s Oscars ceremony. Oh lord, no. This can only mean one thing … more Hugh Jackman. If that is possible.
The writers actually are pretty charming with their self-effacing humor about being ugly nerds.
They give way to the next presenter, the brilliant Ricky Gervais, who actually got a few out-loud laughs from me and Dale, as he took the pi** out of award shows while gloating about the fact he is getting some serious royalty cash from the syndication of “The Office.”
Gervais, always quick with a joke also poked fun at the TV actors, saying he feels much more comfortable at the Emmys than the Oscars.
Of the Oscars, Gervais quipped that all of the handsome actors made him feel insecure, “what with their jaw lines and chiseled looks, making me feel bad. But in this room, I’m probably above average. Steve Carrell is considered handsome!”
Well played, Ricky.
Maybe Jon Stewart knew he was going to win, and saved his speech for Best Variety or Comedy Series. Stewart compliments NPH on his hosting, saying that these shows usually suck. Of course, his hosting of the Oscars was much better than this. He makes a hasty retreat to go back stage and watch the Giants and Cowboys game.
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Emmys update: ‘The Daily Show’/Austin tie
Congratulations to my friend, Tim Carvell, and the other writers at “The Daily Show,” for winning another Emmy award.
Tim lives in New York and visits Austin a few times a year. For the connection to A-Town, Tim’s parents live in North Austin.
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Emmys update: A little bit of Variety
The cast from “The Big Bang Theory” make a very bad run at humor before announcing some variety/music/comedy series awards. Apparently their banter is referencing their show, which it seems most people in the audience have not seen, as they are not laughing at all.
A taped piece with some inside baseball, behind-the scenes humor from production workers on the various nominated shows is equally not funny.
In a very short speech with a nod to his humble beginnings, Bruce Gowers accepts award for Outstanding Direction For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series for his work on “American Idol.” It is his first win after seven nominations. Nobody seems to care.
Jon Stewart and his team of writers win for Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series. A just win ever there ever was one. I am sure Stephen Colbert will tear into him on an episode this week. Unfortunately, Stewart lets one of his writers speak. He does deliver (slightly) with a line, in addressing his nerves and lack of words for the occasion, that he hasn’t had anything to say since George Bush left office. Of course, viewers of the show know this to be untrue. But, since they’ve been on hiatus for about four months now, who knows.
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Emmys update: Movies and Miniseries
Well, well, well … this category wasn’t quite the cakewalk for “Grey Gardens” I’d anticipated.
Shohreh Aghdashloo took the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for HBO’s “House Of Saddam.” Wait — there was another nominee in this category besides “Grey Gardens?”
Oustanding supporting actor in a Miniseries or Movie winner Ken Howard (“Grey Gardens” — there it is) told the evening’s third Kanye joke — with a twist: “I’ll make my speech as short as possible in the hopes it won’t be interrupted by a congressman or a rapper.”
Brendan Gleeson won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie Emmy for HBO’s “Into The Storm;” Andrew Davies took the Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or Movie or Dramatic Special award for “Little Dorrit” (PBS); and Dearbhla Walsh was awarded the Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special for “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Harris broke into the obligatory accountants segment as his Doctor Horrible character from Joss Whedon’s Internet musical, “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Harris touted the advantages of the Internet over broadcast television, including a much smaller picture which doesn’t show imperfections. Unfortunately, the Doctor’s takeover was hampered by a picture freeze while the content loaded. Hee. Hey! There was a shout out to keyboard cat!
Jessica Lange was honored as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for HBO’s “Grey Gardens,” which also took the Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie Emmy.”
The Outstanding Miniseries trophy went to “Little Dorrit.”
Okay, I’m handing off to Matt Odam. Play nice.
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Emmys update: Reality show awards
Short and sweet.
Outstanding Reality Program Host winner Jeff Probst (“Survivor”) threw the hosting accolades back to Neil Patrick Harris who, honestly, hasn’t done anything too Outstanding since his opening bit.
As a side note, John Hodgeman’s voice-overs as the winners are approaching the podium are really getting lost (and not very funny).
Presenting the Outstanding Reality Competition Program Emmy, Tracy Morgan was as messed-up as his Tracy Jordan character (subliminal plug for “30 Rock”?) The Emmy went to “The Amazing Race.”
“Unbelievable. Upsets at every turn,” Harris quipped.
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Emmys update: And the comedy awards go to …
The Emmys are breaking up the awards into genres tonight … comedy, drama, reality, etc. This is good news for me, because I can just tune out after the comedy awards are finished.
Just kidding.
Here’s how the comedy nods shook out:
Kristin Chenoweth took home the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role on the canceled “Pushing Daisies.” “I’m unemployed now, so I’d like to be on ‘Mad Men’,” she joked.
Matt Hubbard won for Outstanding Writing on a Comedy for the ‘Reunion’ episode of “30 Rock.”
Outstanding Supporting Actor Jon Cryer (“Two and a Half Men”) joked about how he thought awards were unimportant but had changed his perspective now that he’d won. He also praised co-star Charlie Sheen.
Justin Timberlake awarded the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy award to deserving Toni Collette, star of “United States of Tara,” passing over nominee Sarah Silverman who, when the camera cut to her, was wearing a bushy, black fake mustache. That was possibly the funniest moment of the Awards so far.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series winner Justin Timberlake provided the evening’s second Kanye joke: “Yo, Tina, I’m gonna’ let you finish,” he said to Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series winner Tina Fey. “No, Seriously, I’m going to let you finish.” Both performers heaped praise on “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels.
Jeffrey Blitz won the Outstanding Director in a Comedy Series trophy for “The Office.”
Rob Lowe awarded the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy to Alec Baldwin for “30 Rock.” Holding up the trophy and indicating Lowe, Baldwin joked, “I’d trade this to look like him.” He then added to the Lorne Michaels love. Lorne Michaels is like The Godfather of the Emmys tonight.
The comedy segment ended (they’re saving the Outstanding Series awards for the end of the night) with a violent, animated segment featuring “Family Guy’s” Stewie beating the bejabbers out of Brian the Dog with a towel rack, then basically waterboarding him in a toilet.
Stay classy, Emmys.
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Emmys update: Go Neil, and Best Supporting Actress Comedy
Neil Patrick Harris owns the Emmys. Can we just have three hours of him singing and dancing in his white tuxedo jacket? His opening number, “Put Down The Remote,” implored viewers to stick around. There was a good joke in the lyric about Paula Abdul leaving idol (cut to an empty chair) and the first Kanye West joke of the night — “Here’s hoping he likes 30 Rock,” Harris joked.
Kristin Chenoweth took home the evening’s first Emmy — and provided the night’s first upset — for her role on “Pushing Daisies.” “I’m unemployed now, so I’d like to be on ‘Mad Men’,” she joked. “Thank you so much to the Academy for recognizing a show that’s no longer on the air.”
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Emmys update: Bad fashion on the red carpet
We can’t forget the bad of the red carpet.
Here’s our short list of the bad looks:
Jay Manuel, Nancy O’Dell, Debra Messing, Shar Jackson, Jeff Probst, Lauran Velez, Padma Lakshimi.
The bad fashion winners were: Padma Lakshimi and Shar Jackson.
That was too much look.
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Emmys update: Fashion favorites
We’ve been seeing plenty of hot red carpet looks at the Emmys. Overall, there have been some beautiful gowns and frocks.
This is the year when we’ve seen three different dress styles on the red carpet: the asymmetrical, the halter and the strapless. But this year, it’s about having a strong feminine silhouette. Nothing too loose is the key of the night; and so is having wavy hair or having it pulled back off the face.
Among our favorite dresses of the moment are Sarah Silverman in a deep blue strapless dress; a pregnant Heidi Klum in a black strapless dress; Sigourney Weaver in an asymmetrical look; Jennifer Love Hewitt in a yellow Max Azria; Christina Applegate in blue with a deep asymmetrical-back gown; and Mariska Hargitay in a stunning silver gown.
The winner of the night by far is “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Sandra Oh. She looks studding in her golden frock. Just fabulous.
But what the heck, we have Jay Manuel from “America’s Next Top Model” and Nene from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” on E!’s red carpet telecast. Jay, what was he thinking. Are they the most fashionable of the all?
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Emmy update: Yep, ‘Family Guy’ is here
Giuliana Rancic just interviewed Stewie Griffin from ‘Family Guy’ on E!’s red carpet. Did the cartoon character really just say that he was going to forego Emmy chatter in favor of talking about his new project, a clothing-optional camp for wayward young men? Yikes. Looks like Seth MacFarlane knows that the Griffin clan has zero hopes of taking home a trophy for Best Comedy Series tonight and isn’t afraid of offending us.
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Emmys update: Red carpet
Tedious. Sarah Silverman atypically unfunny; Jimmy Fallon as unfunny as usual.
In case anyone wonders, here’s who I’m wearing: a Round Rock Express T-shirt and a pair of jeans from Ross Dress for Less that my dog has ripped up pretty good.
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Emmys update: Parsons wants to be on ‘Friday Night Lights’
Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory,” who’s a favorite to win an Emmy tonight, recently shared his love for the Austin-filmed “Friday Night Lights,” TV Squad reports.
Parsons says ‘FNL’ is his favorite show: “I don’t have a specific pitch for a role that I’ve had in mind, but that’s a damn fine show with some damn fine acting on it. Bravo. I am from Texas and think they’ve captured something about it perfectly.”
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Emmys update: Excuse me, Ms. Weaver ..
— Kaley Cuoco of “The Big Bang Theory” is a self-proclaimed “Emmys virgin” but she handled red-carpet patter like a pro. She said that she realized someone was standing on her long dress … and that it was Sigourney Weaver, whom she wasn’t about to tell to move.
— Stephen Colbert declared his occupation is being “professionally dumb,” and said he is “thrilled” over the epidemic of public outbursts lately.
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Emmys update: Emmys talk on Twitter
While you’re gearing up for the awards show, check out what some TV types are saying on Twitter:
Rainn Wilson of “The Office”: “@amychance is doing my make-up and my wife’s for the emmys. Theme? Lady Gaga (me) and Lady Bird Johnson (her).”
Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer”: “Back in LA for the emmys! Nice, glad to be invited. The show will be back with new episodes is December. 5 to be exact. They rock:)”
Justin Timberlake, who has already won a Creative Arts Emmy for guest-hosting “Saturday Night Live”: “Guess who’ll be presenting at the Emmys this year? One guess ;)”
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Highlights from the 2009 Emmys
Photos: Red carpet | Ceremony | Rate the fashions
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This week’s TV picks
Seth Rogan guest stars as a personal fitness trainer on the season premiere of “The Simpsons.”
Monday:
‘House’ 7 p.m., FOX: Aw, nuts! The season 6 opener finds the good doctor held against his will in a psychiatric facility.
Other season premieres: ‘Heroes’ 7 p.m., NBC; ‘How I Met Your Mother’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ 7:30 p.m., CBS; ‘Two and a Half Men’ 8 p.m., CBS; ‘The Big Bang Theory’ 8:30 p.m., CBS; ‘Castle’ 9 p.m., ABC; ‘CSI: Miami’ 9 p.m., CBS.
Tuesday:
‘The Good Wife’ 9 p.m., CBS: Julianna Margulies returns to television as a lawyer (anybody remember ‘Canterbury’s Law’?) in one of the fall’s best new dramatic series. Margulies’ Alicia Florrick rejoins the workforce as a junior partner in a Chicago law firm when her corrupt politico husband is jailed.
Other season premieres: ‘NCIS’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ 8 p.m., CBS; ‘The Forgotten’ 9 p.m., ABC.
Wednesday:
‘Modern Family’ 8 p.m., ABC: Ed O’Neill is just one standout in the best new comedy of the season, a mockumentary-style, ensemble examination of an extended family with razor-sharp writing and hilarious performances all around.
Other season premieres: ‘Mercy’ 7 p.m., NBC; ‘New Adventures of Old Christine’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘Gary Unmarried’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’ 8 p.m., NBC; ‘Criminal Minds’ 8 p.m., CBS; ‘Cougar Town’ 8:30 p.m., ABC; ‘Eastwick’ 9 p.m., ABC; ‘CSI: NY’ 9 p.m., CBS.
Thursday:
‘Flash Forward’ 7 p.m., ABC: The entire population of Earth blacks out for just over 2 minutes, receiving a vision of each of their lives six months in the future in this gripping, trippy sci-fi ride. ‘Lost’ veterans Sonya Walger and Dominic Monaghan appear in this series, strongly influenced by that series.
Other season premieres: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ 8 p.m., ABC; ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ 8 p.m., CBS; ‘The Mentalist’ 9 p.m., CBS.
Friday:
‘Dollhouse’ 8 p.m., FOX: Creator Joss Whedon wrote the second season premiere of his unconventional, critically-mixed sci-fi series which really picked up steam in the second half of it’s freshman year.
Other season premieres: ‘Brothers’ 7 p.m., FOX; ‘Law and Order’ 7 p.m., NBC; ‘Ghost Whisperer’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘Smallville’ 7 p.m., The CW; ‘Medium’ 8 p.m., CBS; ‘Num3ers’ 9 p.m., CBS.
Saturday:
‘Saturday Night Live’ 10:30 p.m., NBC: Live from New York, the ubiquitous Megan Fox hosts the sketch comedy show’s 35th season opener with musical guest U2.
Sunday:
‘The Simpsons’ 7 p.m., FOX: Seth Rogen co-wrote and stars in the 21st season opener as a personal trainer who whips Homer into shape for his role in Comic Book Guy’s superhero film, ‘Everyman’.
Other season premieres: ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ 6 p.m., ABC; ‘Amazing Race 15’ 7 p.m., CBS; ‘The Cleveland Show’ 7:30 p.m., FOX; ‘Family Guy’ 8 p.m., FOX; ‘Desperate Housewives’ 8 p.m., ABC; ‘American Dad’ 8:30 p.m., FOX; ‘Brothers and Sisters’ 9 p.m., ABC; ‘Cold Case’ 9 p.m., CBS.
‘The National Parks: America’s Best Idea’ 7 p.m., PBS: Ken Burns’ history of America’s national parks begins in 1851 in California’s Yosemite Valley.
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Austin stations get Lone Star Emmy nominations
The Lone Star Emmy Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced its nominations for the 7th Annual Lone Star Emmy Awards.
KLRU, Austin’s PBS affiliate, led Austin television outlets with 12 nominations, including 5 for programs or program segments from “Downtown,” the series produced in conjunction with Downtown Austin Alliance & Action Figure Studios. The station received another pair of nominations for episodes of “Texas Monthly Talks.”
Producer Elena Ramirez’ “Gifted/Talented Awareness Spot” was nominated for Community/Public Service (PSA) — Single Spot/Campaign; Editor Dutch Rall was nominated for Editor — Program (Non-News) for “Deja Donne: Deja View”; and Journalist Patricio Espinoza’s “The Women of ‘Fuerza Unida’ ” received a nod for Historic/Cultural — News Single Story/Series/Feature.
ABC affiliate KVUE received a trio of nods: one each for anchors Terri Gruca and Tyler Sieswerda and a Spot News nomination for a feature called “Mansion Fire.”
Fox affiliate KTBC received a nomination for a Single-Spot Program Promotion titled “So Justified” (Carissa Green, Producer/Editor) and Univision affiliate KAKW’s “Asi Quiero A Mi Presidente” (Juan Jose Rodas, News Reporter) was nominated for News Single Story/Series/Feature in Politics or Government.
The Lone Star Emmys will be awarded Saturday, October 17, 2009 in Dallas.
Read the list of Austin nominees after the jump, and the complete list on the Lone Star Emmy Web site.
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT - PROGRAM/SPECIAL/FEATURE/SEGMENT
Austin Lyric Opera’s Cinderella KLRU: Dutch Rall, Producer, Director, Editor
Republic of Texas Biker Rally Downtown Austin Alliance & Action Figure Studios: Molly Alexander, Executive Producer; Megan Field, Post Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Matt Hovis, Executive Producer; Lacy LaBorde, Production Consultant; Mark Miks, Executive Producer; Kevin Pruitt, Director; Ariel Quintans, Supervising Editor
TEXAS HERITAGE - PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
The Austin History Center Downtown Austin Alliance & Action Figure Studios: Molly Alexander, Executive Producer; Megan Field, Post Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Matt Hovis, Executive Producer; Lacy LaBorde, Production Consultant; Mark Miks, Executive Producer; Kevin Pruitt, Director; Ariel Quintans, Supervising Editor
MAGAZINE PROGRAM - PROGRAM/SPECIAL
Show #406: Austin’s Independent Businesses / Recycling / The New Music Model Downtown Austin Alliance & Action Figure Studios: Molly Alexander, Executive Producer; Megan Field, Post Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Matt Hovis, Executive Producer; Lacy LaBorde, Production Consultant; Mark Miks, Executive Producer; Kevin Pruitt, Director; Ariel Quintans, Supervising Editor
PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS - PROGRAM/SPECIAL/FEATURE/SEGMENT
Children’s Art Bus, KLRU: Dutch Rall, Producer, Director, Editor; Elena Ramirez, Producer
Creating a Great Downtown Downtown Austin Alliance & Action Figure Studios: Molly Alexander, Executive Producer; Megan Field, Post Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Matt Hovis, Executive Producer; Lacy LaBorde, Production Consultant; Mark Miks, Executive Producer; Kevin Pruitt, Director; Ariel Quintans, Supervising Editor
SPOT NEWS
Mansion Fire, KVUE: Jessica Vess, reporter; Justin Dehn, photographer
ON-CAMERA TALENT - ANCHOR - NEWS
Terri Gruca, KVUE anchor
Tyler Sieswerda, KVUE anchor
PROMOTION - PROGRAM - SINGLE SPOT
So Justified, KTBC: Carissa Green, Producer/Editor
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT - PROGRAM/SPECIAL/FEATURE/SEGMENT
Texas Monthly Talks #722: Billy Bob Thornton, KLRU: Lynn Boswell, Producer
POLITICS/GOVERNMENT - PROGRAM/SPECIAL/FEATURE/SEGMENT
Texas Monthly Talks #711: The Obama Administration, KLRU: Lynn Boswell, Producer
PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS - PROGRAM/SPECIAL/FEATURE/SEGMENT
Children’s Art Bus, KLRU: Dutch Rall, Producer, Director, Editor; Elena Ramirez, Producer
POLITICS/GOVERNMENT - NEWS SINGLE STORY/SERIES/FEATURE
Asi Quiero A Mi Presidente, KAKW: Juan Jose Rodas, News Reporter
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC SERVICE (PSA) - SINGLE SPOT/CAMPAIGN
Gifted/Talented Awareness Spot, KLRU: Elena Ramirez, Producer
EDITOR - PROGRAM (NON-NEWS)
Deja Donne: Deja View, KLRU: Dutch Rall, Editor
HISTORIC/CULTURAL - NEWS SINGLE STORY/SERIES/FEATURE
The Women of “Fuerza Unida,” KLRU: Patricio Espinoza, Journalist
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Digital transition causes problems for some
The Associated Press published a story about the continuing problems some viewers have picking up signals following the June 12 switch to digital broadcasting.
The article quotes Austin’s Andy Couch:
Some TV viewers simply have the wrong antennas. For years, “HDTV” antennas were sold that brought in only UHF. Andy Couch, a Web developer in Austin, Texas, installed one in his attic and was happy with it until this summer, when the local Fox station, KTBC, disappeared from his set. It had moved its digital signal from UHF to VHF.
“Now I have to get a VHF antenna for just one channel? No thanks,” he said.
How has the digital switch affected you? Is your television experience vastly better, about the same or — like Andy — are you having problems?
Let us know.
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‘Guiding Light’ goes out today
The “Guiding Light” gets extinguished today. The winner of 69 daytime Emmy awards over 72 years, the low-rated soap opera is one of the last of the fading genre to go.
The show’s dwindling fan base has remained dedicated. A solicitation for readers’ thoughts on the cancellation resulted in a pile of e-mail messages from fans, including several profiled in this recent column.
The final episode of “Guiding Light” airs today at 2 p.m. on CBS. If you miss it (or desire communal closure for the saga of the Bauer, Lewis, Cooper and Spaulding clans) the Alamo Drafthouse is hosting a final episode watching party at its Village location tonight at 10 p.m.
Here is a promo for the final episode:
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Oprah headed for State Fair of Texas
If you’re a fan of Oprah Winfrey and the State Fair of Texas, the stars are aligned for you: Winfrey will be taping her talk show Oct. 12 at the fair.
There are no details yet on how to attend the taping or when it will air, but we’ll keep you posted as we find out.
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Cantu’s last KEYE morning newscast is Friday
Fred Cantu wants you to tune in to his final newscast on KEYE Friday morning.
“Roll those DVRs Friday for the final KEYE TV Morning News. Radio’s JB & Sandy take over the time slot on Oct 5,” Cantu wrote on his Facebook page. Earlier, he wrote, “Just today & Friday left on the morning news before we vacate to make room for radio’s JB & Sandy. Roll those DVRs.”
Cantu would not comment when I asked if he had anything to say to his fans. He referred me to KEYE general manager Amy Villarreal, who did not return calls or e-mail messages. Cantu responded only sparingly to the comments his posts generated — many of which expressed dismay at his departure and disbelief about his replacement with a simulcast of JB & Sandy’s Mix 94.7 radio show beginning Oct. 5.
“Can’t imagine what the station is thinking! The last thing I’d ever do is ‘watch’ two radio people on tv. There’s a reason we have different medias!” one commenter posted. “Radio DJ’s on TV as NEWS CASTERS? Bad move on the station’s part. What the heck are they thinking??” read another typical response.
Many of the comments wished the venerable and beloved broadcaster well and asked about his future. KEYE will not comment on Cantu’s status nor his rumored transfer to its new venture with Telemundo. Cantu’s posts included this link to a Sept. 2 press release about KEYE’s changes, including this information: “Anchor Fred Cantu will remain at the station; his new role is yet to be announced.”
Cantu’s last KEYE morning broadcast is Friday from 5-7 a.m.
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Time Warner launches Hispanic programming package
Time Warner Cable has launched El Paquetazo, a Hispanic programming package that includes a basic service tier of channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo and Univision, among them) as well as “English Plus” programming from networks such as Animal Planet, CMT, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network and Travel Channel, according to Multichannel News. It also offers Music Choice, video on demand and high-definition channels.
Information about the package, which was previously made available in Los Angeles and New York City, can be found on Time Warner’s El Paquetazo site. Warning: There a short, looping clip of borderline-offensive, stereotypical mariachi music, but there’s a button you can click to turn off the sound.
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Review: “Community” (NBC)
(Left to right) Yvette Nicole Brown as Shirley, Danny Pudi as Abed, Gillian Jacobs as Britta, Joe McHale as Jeff, Alison Brie as Annie, Chevy Chase as Pierce, Donald Glover as Troy in “Community.” NBC Photo: Paul Drinkwater
Have you spent any time at a community college? Talk about a melting pot … all ages, races and economic backgrounds welcome. If there’s a better setting for a half-hour sitcom, I can’t imagine what it would be.
The creators of “Community,” the newest addition to NBC’s powerhouse Thursday night comedy line-up, have mined that setting for laughs and wrapped them around charismatic Joel McHale, host of E!’s “The Soup.”
Tonight’s episode does a good job of introducing the characters, including McHale’s scheming Jeff Winger, a former lawyer whose license was revoked when his college degree came into question: “I thought you got a degree from Columbia?” his friend and client — and Greendale Community College head — asks. “Yes. And now I have to get one from America,” Winger replies. “And it can’t be just an e-mail attachment.”
The dialogue is snappy and the characters are diverse, including “The Daily Show’s” John Oliver as the ethically bound leader and a surprisingly tolerable Chevy Chase as moist towelette fortune heir Pierce. Characters that sound problematic in theory, such as Danny Pudi’s Abed, who has trouble differentiating between movies and real life (he can’t help but compare Winger’s faux study group to “The Breakfast Club”) really work well within “Community’s” twisted community. Pretty Gillian Jacobs — Abed can’t get past her resemblance to Elisabeth Shue — is a formidable foil for Winger as the street-smart object of his obsessive, slightly creepy affection.
If the name Winger sounds familiar, it might be because McHale’s misdirected character — it’s hard to call him a slacker when he works so hard on his schemes — is a direct descendant of Bill Murray’s John Winger from “Stripes.” “Community” shares (or, I guess, steals) much of that film’s comic sensibility.
You won’t see him tonight, but watch next week for Ken Jeong (King Argotron from “Role Models”) as scene-stealing Senor Chang, an Asian Spanish teacher with a hilarious chip on his shoulder.
“Community” airs at 8:30 p.m. on NBC. Tonight’s episode: B Next week’s episode: B+
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Susan Boyle on ‘America’s Got Talent’ finale tonight
Remember Susan Boyle? For seven weeks this spring it was hard to escape her. We couldn’t watch the demure, now 48-year-old Scottish singing sensation storm “Britain’s Got Talent,” but we couldn’t avoid the links and forwards of her amazing performances from YouTube.
Boyle went on to take 2nd place in that competition but, according to people.com, her other wish, to perform in America, will come true tonight. Boyle is slated to appear on the season finale of “America’s Got Talent” at 7 p.m. on NBC.
People reports that Boyle’s first album is set to drop on Nov. 24. In the meantime, here’s Boyle’s “Britain’s Got Talent” audition for old time’s sake:
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Swayze tributes to air on A&E, Hallmark Movie Channel
A&E, home of “The Beast,” Patrick Swayze’s recent television series, will pay tribute to the actor Wednesday, Sept. 16 with a special presentation of “Bio Remembers: Patrick Swayze” at 9 p.m. CT and a marathon of “The Beast” from 1-5 p.m. EST/PST along with an encore showing of “The Beast” at 10 p.m., according to The Futon Critic. Swayze died Sept. 14 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD is honoring Swayze with multiple encore performances of his 2004 Hallmark Channel miniseries, “King Solomon’s Mines.” The programs will air Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5-9 p.m. CT and Sunday, Sept. 20 from 1-5 p.m.
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our generation’s greatest talents and a member of the A&E family,” said Bob DeBitetto, President & General Manager, A&E Network, in a network press release. “Patrick’s work on ‘The Beast’ was an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Swayze’s biography.com bio can be found here.
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KEYE kicks off ‘We Are Austin Live’ at 4 p.m. today
Co-hosts Jason Wheeler and Michelle Valles rehearse the opening of “We Are Austin Live.” (weareaustin.com photo)
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE kicks off its new lifestyle show, “We Are Austin Live,” today at 4 p.m. The show stars former morning show co-anchor Michelle Valles and Jason Wheeler, former weekend news anchor. The show was originally slated to debut Monday, Sept. 14, but was delayed a day due to televised tennis.
“It is unlike any other show I’ve ever worked on in my 11 year television career,” Valles wrote in her blog. “We were given some talk orders to create fun-paced show using limited resources. And our production crew has done a fabulous job rolling with the punches. It is going to be a great time.”
Valles told me the show would focus on lifestyle subjects and community events. “We are taking a major leap of faith,” she said, “but knowing our personalities it is going to be a lot of fun! And it’s going to look different; we are going to dress very casual and hip, and there will be very little news.”
Is now the right time for less news and more entertainment? Take a look today and let me know what you think.
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Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley are workin’ for the weekend
If there’s an afterlife, I like to think Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley are giving a command performance of this classic “Saturday Night Live” sketch and Phil Hartman is watching and busting a gut:
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Review: The Jay Leno Show
Well that was … uneventful — safe, pleasant enough, not hilarious — yep, Jay is back.
Jay Leno’s new, nightly prime-time comedy show debuted Monday night and it was a lot like Jay Leno’s old, late-night comedy show. Oh, the desk and couch were gone (replaced with two easy chairs) and Leno did his popular “headlines” segment at the end of the show instead of the beginning, but otherwise, you’d hardly know the difference.
The show opened on a particularly low-key note that failed to live up to the hype. Jay was announced, walked out and slapped hands with a few audience members standing at the foot of the stage. They then awkwardly returned to their seats (weird) while the host delivered a standard-issue, topical monologue. A taped “Cheaters” segment with Leno confronting his band leader Kevin Eubanks (cavorting in the park with a Leno look-alike) was one of the funnier pieces of the night, although it had an odd, homophobic undercurrent.
The segment with musical comedians The Dan Band (“The Hangover”) was really long, as they serenaded a young woman while her car was washed. That bit was marginally funny, but it’s going to get old fast (and, frankly, it seemed more “Conan” than Jay, except Conan would have done it himself instead of sending out hired guns).
I like Jerry Seinfeld (he’s hilarious later this season on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) but I have to admit I agreed with his confession to Jay that, when he heard that Jay had chosen him as his first guest, he was a bit disappointed. As the tuxedo-clad Seinfeld put it, “I haven’t been on TV in 11 years.” Jerry had a few good lines: referring to Leno’s return, the comic said, “In the ’90s, when we quit a show, we actually left. But not in the Brett Favre, Lance Armstrong double o’s.” Jay asked Jerry leading questions that allowed the comic to launch into a few well-rehearsed bits, including parts of his stand up routine and a short segment with Oprah Winfrey that was more than a little too obvious.
A faux interview with President Barack Obama that spliced Jay’s questions with answers from an actual Obama appearance (pretty lame but technically well-done) was followed by Kanye West, who caused a stir Monday night by stealing the spotlight from Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards. Leno practically made the contrite musical guest cry by asking him how his mother would have reacted to the VMA incident, then immediately and enthusiastically asked him if he was ready to sing. Nice, Jay. And by nice, I mean nice and awkward. This is the kind of situation that David Letterman deals with really well; Leno just wasn’t up to it.
The most interesting thing that happened all night was that KXAN cut smack into the middle of West’s performance (with Jay-Z and Rihanna) to promote its upcoming newscast’s top stories, then cut back to the end of the song. I’m assuming it was a timing glitch, but after watching the show I wouldn’t blame the station for wanting to grab any remaining viewers before they fell asleep (and besides, there’s something poetically just about West’s moment in the spotlight getting interrupted). NBC affiliates across the country are worried about Leno providing a weak lead-in to their local newscasts and I now think that fear is justified. “The Jay Leno Show” had little competition tonight, going up against reruns and movies. But the fall season is here and it’ll be up against real programming soon.
The show-closing “headlines” segment scared me for a minute: Jay used to do this piece at the top of the show and, for a second, I was afraid that I’d have to sit through another 40 minutes or so.
I’m not a big Leno fan and I’ll admit that I did not go into Monday’s debut with high hopes. That said, Jay didn’t even meet my low expectations. Twitter commentary was brutal: “You couldn’t pay me to watch Leno every night. He’s the least funny thing on TV,” one Austin Twitterer wrote during the show. “It’s just boring. Missed first part of monolog. So far haven’t seen anything funny. If Seinfeld isn’t on soon, it’s good bye Jay,” another local tweet read. But Jay’s not going anywhere. The show is cheap to produce and doesn’t need to win its time slot to be considered successful.
That’s the financial bottom line. The bottom line for viewers is this: if you liked “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (and a lot of people did) you’ll probably like “The Jay Leno Show.” If you weren’t a fan before, there’s nothing new here. Move along.
Did you watch the show? Will you tune in again? Sound off!
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Pelikan off the air at KEYE
KEYE, Austin’s CBS television affiliate, has pulled weekend sports anchor and sports reporter Chris Pelikan from its roster. According to sources close to the station, Pelikan was dismissed Sept. 8 following a Sept. 7 broadcast from the locker room of the Round Rock Express. During that segment, a brief moment of nudity aired in the background of an interview shot.
KEYE management did not return repeated phone calls requesting comment on Pelikan’s firing, which is reminiscent of the station’s dismissal of sports anchor Robert Flores in 2004. In that instance, a tape was aired that found Flores muttering an expletive under his breath. Similarly, neither KEYE nor parent company Viacom would comment on that matter, although a Viacom spokesman at that time cited the group’s “zero tolerance” for these types of incidents.
Sources expressed regret and shock over the firing of Pelikan, whose wife recently gave birth to the couple’s first child. A Midwest native, Pelikan joined KEYE in February 2008.
All traces of Pelikan have been wiped from the station’s Web site, but an archived copy can be seen by clicking here.
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Was Kanye’s outburst a Leno ‘Swift’-boating?
So, Kanye West was Kanye West last night and the Twittersphere exploded.
Call me jaded, but I wouldn’t be surprised if his outburst, in which he grabbed the microphone (and spotlight) from country crooner Taylor Swift — who had just been awarded MTV’s Moon man trophy for Best Female Video — to extol the virtues of a competing video from Beyonce Knowles, was just a big publicity stunt.
After all, West is appearing on Jay Leno’s new prime-time comedy hour (debuting at 9 p.m. tonight on NBC) and the network has been doing a lot of unusual promotion for Leno, including his awkward and terribly unfunny interview with Bob Costas during Sunday night’s dismal Bears/Packers NFL match up. My U-verse feed froze up for almost two minutes during that game; unfortunately it was during a particularly exciting drive and not during the Costas/Leno train wreck.
At the very least, you can bet Leno’s writers are champing at the bit to reference West’s obnoxious grandstanding in some way tonight. Will Jay let Swift interrupt West’s performance? Will you be watching? I will, and I’ll be tweeting throughout the program (and probably commenting on Facebook).
You can friend me on Facebook here and follow me on Twitter here.
Then check back here on the TV Blog Tuesday morning for my thoughts on Jay’s new show, and be sure to leave your own.
Here’s MTV’s video of West’s outburst:
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TV Profile: Bill Stotesbery
Each week we hop on the couch to find out what you’re watching. Check back every Monday to see who’s next.
Bill Stotesbery
General manager, KLRU
Number of years in this position: 5-1/2
I love my job because: It’s all about Austin, and I love Austin
Here’s what’s on my DVR: I don’t have a DVR!
My all-time favorite TV show is: Firing Line, Austin City Limits, Lost
You’ll never catch me watching: Poker tournaments
If I have insomnia, the show that lulls me back to sleep is: Baseball
A current show I (TRY TO) never miss is: News Hour, Charlie Rose, 30 Rock
If my TV is on, it’s probably tuned to: KLRU or CNN
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This week’s TV picks
FOX gets ‘Glee’ful on Wednesday nights.
Monday:
‘Jay Leno Show’ 9 p.m., NBC: Jay’s new, nightly prime time gig gets an easy launch tonight with first guest Jerry Seinfeld and little competition from the other networks, which are either airing movies or reruns. Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna perform.
Tuesday:
‘Biggest Loser’ 7 p.m., NBC: The peacock network’s fall rollout continues with a firefighter, a military wife and this show’s heaviest contestant ever among season 8’s 16 contestants.
‘Melrose Place’ 8 p.m., The CW: Prostitution! Career clawing! Secrets and intrigue! No, not a repeat!
Wednesday:
‘The Beautiful Life: TBL’ 8 p.m., The CW: From the mind of Ashton Kutcher (hee! I love saying that) comes a saga of backstabbing in the world of modeling. The CW may be trying to brand this show “TBL,” but I’m just calling it “Melrose Face.”
‘Glee’ 8 p.m., FOX: Are y’all still watching this show? I’m already on the fence and Josh Groban’s appearance tonight might not help. The kids go behind Will’s back for a choreography coach while he’s busy with a new all-male a cappella group.
Thursday:
Comedy premieres 7-9 p.m., NBC: The funniest night in network comedy arrives with the season debuts of ‘Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday’ (whew!) at 7 p.m.; ‘Parks and Recreation’ at 7:30 (okay, so not every NBC Thursday show is funny); ‘The Office’ at 8 p.m. and Joel McHale’s ‘Community’ at 8:30 p.m.
‘Survivor: Samoa’ 7 p.m., CBS: Are y’all still watching this show? Season 19 places the contestants in this South Pacific Island nation and, simultaneously, makes me feel really, really old.
‘Fringe’ 8 p.m., FOX: Season 2 pulls a ‘24’ by placing Olivia and the gang under Congressional scrutiny for their weird investigations (and lack of results). The mind-bending season 1 finale is kind of explained, and there’s a ‘don’t sneeze or you’ll miss it’ shout-out to ‘The X-Files’.
Friday:
‘2009 ALMA Awards’ 7 p.m., ABC: A tribute to Ricardo Montalban caps off the 14th annual American Latino Media Arts Awards honoring Hispanic achievement in movies, music, sports and television. Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez host.
Saturday:
‘College Football: Texas Tech at Texas’ 7:07 p.m., ABC: It’s the Longhorns! And it’s not on pay-per-view! Tech won last year, but the Longhorns look to increase their all-time series-winning total to 44 tonight.
Sunday:
‘61st Primetime Emmy Awards’ 7 p.m., CBS: ’30 Rock’ and ‘Mad Men’ are the leading contenders in a ceremony that might actually be entertaining — ‘How I Met Your Mother’s’ Neil Patrick Harris, who was so good as emcee for The Tony Awards, hosts.
Pay cable series premieres, 8-9 p.m., HBOe: ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ finds Larry unhappily (surprise) living with Loretta in this episode featuring a great guest-star turn by Catherine O’Hara. ‘Bored to Death’ (8:30 p.m.) stars laconic Jason Schwartzman as a frustrated writer who moonlights, via Craigslist, as an ‘unlicensed private detective.’ Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis co-star.
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‘M*A*S*H’ creator Larry Gelbart dead at age 81
The Hollywood Reporter and other news outlets are reporting that Larry Gelbart, creator of the television series “MASH,” has died.
The article says Gelbart’s wife, Pat, told the Los Angeles Times in June that her husband had been diagnosed with cancer in June. The Emmy and Tony winner — and Oscar nominee — was 81.
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‘Vampire Diaries’ sinks its teeth into viewers
The CW is justifiably proud of the ratings garnered by its premiere of “The Vampire Diaries” Thursday night. The show took off like a bat out of, well, you know. Setting a record for the most-watched CW premiere ever, the teen-based supernatural drama scored 4.84 million viewers, beating ABC and FOX.
The CW seems to have jumped on the vampire bandwagon at just the right time: anticipation is high for the second “Twilight” movie and ratings for HBO’s “True Blood” have exploded.
It will be interesting to see if the angsty love story can hold onto those viewers — the first episode played like “Twilight” lite (I’ve seen it referred to as “Dawson’s Creek” with fangs).
Did you watch “Vampire Diaries?” Will you tune in for further entries?
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Jenna Bush Hager’s “Today” debut in Texas
TVNewser.com has posted an item about Jenna Bush Hager’s first appearance as a “Today” show correspondent on Friday, Sept. 18.
“The ‘Everything is bigger in Texas’ themed-show (my comment: sigh) will broadcast live from the new Cowboys Stadium two days before the Sunday Night Football match-up between the Cowboys and New York Giants,” the site reports.
According to NBC, Hager will profile Dalton Sherman, an 11-year-old motivational speaker from Dallas.
Here’s video of Sherman from YouTube:
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In Transylvania, cupcakes eat YOU*
The CW sent over some … interesting swag this morning to promote “The Vampire Diaries,” premiering at 7 p.m. tonight. You can check out my thoughts on the show in my fall TV preview. My friend (and Statesman food critic) Mike Sutter predicts that “The Vampire Diaries” will be better than “The Diary of Anne Frankenstein.”
*Apologies to Yakov Smirnoff.
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On Ellen, “Idol” and Rep. Joe Wilson
Ellen DeGeneres is the new, permanent, fourth “American Idol” judge.
I guess I should have blogged this last night, but I wanted to let it sit for a while. Frankly, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Ellen’s been on ‘Idol” before (back when the show was popular enough to have to “give back”) and I’ve been a fan ever since her earliest television appearances on stand-up specials and the short-lived sitcom “Open House,” but something doesn’t seem right about this.
“Idol” has tried comedy before and failed (remember Brian Dunkleman?). And I’ve got to wonder how a comic’s advice is going to help the contestants. Still, maybe it’s a good idea to place a truly funny, actually gay person on the panel so that Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest can stop slathering each other with juvenile, offensive, accusatory “you’re gay!” “no, you’re gay” innuendo. If that happens, I’m on board.
In any event, I want to go on the record as saying that I think it was a bad political move for Rep. Joe Wilson to shout “You lie!” last night after Sen. John McCain leaned over and whispered the DeGeneres/”Idol” gossip into his ear. There’s just no place for that during a Presidential address.
The Twittersphere seems to be reacting to the Ellen news positively. What do you think?
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Attend KLRU screening, join in the discussion
The public is invited to visit the KLRU studios for the kick off of the station’s Community Screenings project at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The evening will feature a special presentation of “Latin Music USA.”
KLRU has designed the Community Screenings project to use television programs as a vehicle to spur discussion around important topics. Each month, KLRU invites the community to come together to get a sneak peak at an upcoming show or series and to get a chance to connect with others.
“Latin Music USA” tells the story of the rise of new American music — from Latin jazz and mambo to salsa, Tejano, Chicano rock, Latin pop and reggaeton — forged from powerful Latin roots. It reveals the often overlooked influence of Latin music on jazz, hip hop, rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll — and on all of American culture. Immediately following the screening, Michael Crockett, host of KUT’s “Horizontes;” Rich Garza, co-founder of the Pachanga! Festival; and musician David Garza will discuss Austin’s Latin Music scene.
The documentary will be broadcast on KLRU in October as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The free screening begins at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. To RSVP (required), visit KLRU’s site here.
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Cronkite’s grandsons at Lincoln Center tribute today
This morning’s Lincoln Center memorial to Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS News anchor who died in July at age 92, will include appearances by Cronkite’s grandsons Will Ikard, an Austin law student and political consultant; and John Ikard, who recently left Austin to attend the French Culinary Institute.
“The entire immediate family — his children and grandchildren — are going to be receiving the Intrepid Award on behalf of my grandfather for service to the country,” Will Ikard says. “The award itself is a piece of the deck of the USS Intrepid, which is kind of neat.”
President Obama and former President Clinton are scheduled to appear, in addition to CBS president Leslie Moonves and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Jimmy Buffet and Wynton Marsalis are among the musicians slated to perform.
It’s a given that none of these luminaries knew the legendary broadcaster as well as his family did, and it’s easy to forget that the Ikard boys might have been more or less oblivious to their grandfather’s celebrity.
“I don’t have any point for comparison,” Will Ikard says. “You know, he was just my granddad. In the ways that he was my granddad, he was just like any other wonderful grandfather. I spent summers with him sailing; Christmas in New York with him. I can always remember his eyes lighting up when we came downstairs on Christmas morning, that kind of thing.”
But Will realizes that Cronkite’s career lent his own childhood some extraordinary opportunities.
“He was still this worldwide celebrity, so we’d have Gloria Steinem or Ted Kennedy at dinner with us over the summer; and I flew on the Concorde when I was 6 or 7 to go to Europe with him. Those were experiences that most other people don’t have,” he admits. “It was a combination of just a regular kind, attentive grandfather and a really special, unique experience.”
John Ikard says he perceived his grandfather in much the same way the average viewer would have.
“In person he was exactly like you would hope he would be based on his television persona,” he claims. “Admittedly, I don’t really remember much of my early childhood; by the time I do remember he was already getting older. But he was very kind and very, very funny, which I’m not sure came out as much in his broadcasts as it did in person.”
John recounts that Cronkite enjoyed using his natural gravitas to pull one over on the family by telling “the worst shaggy dog stories of all time,” holding the assembled spellbound for up to 20 minutes at a stretch.
“Because he had so many fascinating stories on so many topics, it was always gripping,” he recalls. “We always were waiting for the finish for some amazing insight into politics or religion or science or whatever and then it was, you know, a terrible pun. It was wonderful.”
This morning’s 2-hour tribute will not be televised, but it will be streamed in a live Webcast on CBSNews.com, CBS.com, ustream.com and, locally, on CBS affiliate KEYE’s Web site, weareaustin.com, beginning at 9:30 a.m. central time.
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Here’s when your favorite shows return
Sure, the shiny, new shows get all the hype. But what about the old reliables? Our TV buddies who’ve been around for years or our conquering heroes, who beat the odds and made it back for a second or third season? Here’s an alphabetical list of series returning to network, basic cable and pay cable networks:
NETWORKS; BASIC CABLE
‘30 Rock’ (NBC)
Returns: Thursday, Oct. 15
‘90210’ (The CW)
Returns: Tuesday, Sept. 8
‘American Dad’ (FOX)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘America’s Next Top Model’ (The CW)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 9
‘Bones’ (FOX)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘Brothers & Sisters’ (ABC)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Castle’ (ABC)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘Cold Case’ (CBS)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Criminal Minds’ (CBS)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 23
‘CSI’ (CBS)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 24
‘CSI: Miami’ (CBS)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘CSI: NY’ (CBS)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 23
‘Dancing With the Stars’ (ABC)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘Desperate Housewives’ (ABC)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Dollhouse’ (FOX)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘Family Guy’ (FOX)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Friday Night Lights’ (DirecTV)
Returns: Wednesday, Oct. 28
‘Fringe’ (FOX)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘Gary Unmarried’ (CBS)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 23
‘Ghost Whisperer’ (CBS)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘Glee’ (FOX)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 9
‘Gossip Girl’ (The CW)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 14
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (ABC)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 24
‘Heroes’ (NBC)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘House’ (FOX)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘How I Met Your Mother’ (CBS)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (FX)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘Law & Order’ (NBC)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘Law & Order: SVU’ (NBC)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 23
‘Lie to Me’ (FOX)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 28
‘Lincoln Heights’ (ABC Family)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 14
‘Medium’ (CBS — new network)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘NCIS’ (CBS)
Returns: Tuesday, Sept. 22
‘New Adventures of Old Christine’ (CBS)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 23
‘Nip/Tuck’ (FX)
Returns: Wednesday, Oct. 14
‘Numb3rs’ (CBS)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘One Tree Hill’ (The CW)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 14
‘Parks and Recreation’ (NBC)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘Private Practice’ (ABC)
Returns: Thursday, Oct. 1
‘Smallville’ (The CW)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 25
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (FOX)
Returns: Wednesday, Sept. 9
‘Sons of Anarchy’ (FX)
Returns: Tuesday, Sept. 8
‘Southland’ (NBC)
Returns: Friday, Oct. 23
‘Supernatural’ (The CW)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 10
‘Survivor: Samoa’ (CBS)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘The Big Bang Theory’ (CBS)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘The Biggest Loser’ (NBC)
Returns: Tuesday, Sept. 15
‘The Mentalist’ (CBS)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 24
‘The Office’ (NBC)
Returns: Thursday, Sept. 17
‘The Simpsons’ (FOX)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Til Death’ (FOX)
Returns: Friday, Oct. 2
‘Two and a Half Men’ (CBS)
Returns: Monday, Sept. 21
‘Ugly Betty’ (ABC)
Returns: Friday, Oct. 9
PAY CABLE
‘Californication’ (Showtime)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
‘Crash’ (Starz)
Returns: Friday, Sept. 18
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (HBO)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 20
‘Dexter’ (Showtime)
Returns: Sunday, Sept. 27
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TV Profile: Quita Culpepper
You might know them, but do you know what they watch? This week we hop on the couch with our first KVUE victim. Check back each Monday to see who’s next.
KVUE Reporter/Weekend Daybreak Anchor
Number of years in this position: almost 11 years (I started at KVUE in Nov. 1998). Time flies when you’re having fun!
I love my job because: I’m a storyteller at heart — not only do I get to bring interesting, compelling issues to the forefront, I get to meet so many great people, and every day is something new and different
Here’s what’s on my DVR: Iron Chef, Dr. Who, Being Human and The Soup
My all-time favorite TV show is: Family Guy — funny, raunchy genius!
You’ll never catch me watching: Jon and Kate Plus 8
If I have insomnia, the show that lulls me back to sleep is: A golf tournament. Zzzzzzzz
A current show I never miss is: Private Practice
If my TV is on, it’s probably tuned to: BBC America or the Food Network
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Labor Day TV marathons
Our friend Charlie over at Interesting Pile has posted a list of television marathons being aired this Labor Day weekend. We’re a little late in getting this posted (Charlie’s had it up for days) but you might want to check it out — there are 28 marathons tomorrow alone.
Thanks Charlie!
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This week’s TV picks
The pretty people of The CW’s “Melrose Place.”
Monday
‘Unwrapped’ 8 p.m., FOOD: Grab a cup of coffee and check out this discussion on donuts, including Krispy Kremes and Mrs. Baird’s. I don’t see anything about my precious Round Rock donuts here, but that’s okay — more for me!
Tuesday
‘Get Schooled: You Have The Right’ 7 p.m., TVLAND, COMEDY, SPIKE, BET, LOGO, NICK, MTV, MTV2, MTV3, MTV-U, VH1, CMT, CMTP: Whew! That’s a lot of networks for one program, but this one’s worth it. Kelly Clarkson and LeBron James discuss the importance of education to their success. Also covered is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s “Get Schooled” initiative, developed with Viacom, which addresses problems in America’s public schools. Find more information at www.getschooled.com.
‘Melrose Place’ 8 p.m., The CW: Yay! The Fall TV season is officially here! Finally. Didn’t it seem like it was never going to arrive? It’s been a long, long summer. Oh, right … ‘Melrose Place’. Dead bodies. Sex. Laura Leighton. Trashy fun.
Wednesday
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ 7 p.m., FOX: 6th season premiere finds hopefuls showing the crazy legs in Boston.
‘America’s Next Top Model’ 7 p.m., The CW: ‘ANTM’ features a shorter season in it’s 13th year: each of the 14 contenders is under 5’7”.
‘Glee’ 8 p.m., FOX: Okay, so we all saw the premiere months ago. The much-hyped musical comedy’s season really kicks off tonight with the show’s second episode, featuring the glee club’s unexpectedly racy first public performance.
Thursday
‘Vampire Diaries’ 7 p.m., The CW: Did I mention that the Fall season is here? “Lost’s” Boone, Ian Somerhalder, plays the bad boy in this new-pernatural series about two Vampire brothers fighting over an orphaned high-schooler.
‘Fringe’ 8 p.m., FOX: In its new time slot, this repeat of the first season finale ends with the single most stunning and surprising camera shot of any entertainment series from last season, and sets up what should be a great sophomore effort.
‘I Was Bitten’ 9 p.m., Discovery: No, this doesn’t have anything to do with ‘The Vampire Diaries’. It’s actually, appropriately enough, a show about people who have been bitten by tigers, snakes and elephants. Man, I would not want to be bitten by an elephant — not only is that probably a huge chunk out of you, but I’ll bet the wound smells like peanuts.
Friday
‘Dog Whisperer’ 8 p.m., NGC: The host works with problematic dogs at an office. Hmm … I wonder if there’s a co-worker whisperer?
Saturday
‘Lightning Strikes’ 8 p.m., Syfy: A monster rides a lightning bolt to Earth and causes a lot of problems. I hope this isn’t a documentary.
Sunday
‘King of the Hill’ 7 p.m., FOX: Bye-bye Hank, Bobby and Peggy. There’s competition for Bobby’s hand to the homecoming dance in the finale of this venerable animated series set in fictional Arlen, Texas.
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The weather doesn’t change — just the KVUE weather staff
In the wake of weekend weatherman (say that five times fast!) George Kanuck’s exit from KVUE — his last appearances were August 30; he left to take a job outside of television — you’re probably seeing a familiar face.
Ilona McCauley (you may remember her as Ilona Torok) has temporarily rejoined KVUE while the station continues to search for a new weekend meteorologist. She’s on Weekend Daybreak weather for about a month, much to the delight of Quita Culpepper, anchor of that show (“Yay!” Culpepper writes on her Facebook page; the anchor will be the subject of this blog’s TV Profile feature next Monday, Sept. 7).
“These days, Ilona is a science teacher in one of our local schools. She loves it!” says KVUE chief meteorologist Mark Murray. “And, speaking of science teachers, I heard from Tom Harris the other day (Harris, former weekend meteorologist & environmental reporter, left KVUE in June). He’s now an 8th grade science teacher in Corpus Christi. I think it’s great that two former members of the ‘KVUE Storm Team’ are now science teachers. It says a lot about the quality of the people that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with at KVUE over the years.”
What do you think? Are you happy Ilona’s back? Will you miss Kanuck? Sound off, below!
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The KEYE puzzle comes together
Michelle Valles, Sandy McIlree, Jason Wheeler, J.B. Hager and Fred Cantu: one big, happy KEYE family?
A puzzle piece stream of KEYE announcements over the past week — through social media channels such as Facebook and official press releases — have interlocked into a more or less coherent picture of what’s happening at the Austin television station.
On August 26, Michelle Valles announced on her Facebook page that she would be leaving KEYE’s morning newscast to co-anchor a new, lifestyle-oriented show on that channel.
“Happy to announce I will co-hosting our new lifestyle show on KEYE TV beginning Sept. 14th at 4pm. No more 2am wake up calls! More details to come. Stay tuned:),” Valles wrote.
She later revealed that her co-host would be KEYE weekend anchor Jason Wheeler.
Okay, so what about the morning show? Who would be Valles’ replacement? Would co-anchor Fred Cantu go it alone?
The list of questions only increased 5 days later when KEYE sent out a press release stating that it would begin to air Telemundo programming on Channel 42.2 beginning Oct. 1, displacing the Retro TV network.
Anchors for the Telemundo signal’s two Spanish language newscasts — weekdays at 5 and 10 p.m. — would be announced soon, KEYE president and general manager Amy Villarreal said.
It wasn’t a big leap to imagine Cantu anchoring a Telemundo newscast, a good idea that became even more obvious with Wednesday’s announcement that KEYE would be canceling the morning newscast and replacing it with a one-hour simulcast of radio’s JB & Sandy show (and leaving local news legend Cantu without a gig).
Re-enter Valles, who announced, again via Facebook, that Cantu would be anchoring at Telemundo.
KEYE management will neither confirm nor deny that information. “A press release has not been sent out regarding this,” is all Jerry Wagley, KEYE’s director of creative services, would say via e-mail.
If it’s true, it seems like all of the talent wins: Valles gets a sweet lifestyle gig that suits her personality; the cherished Cantu becomes the face of Telemundo in Austin; Wheeler gets a nice weekday slot; KEYE gets more exposure in Austin’s ever-expanding Spanish language market; and JB and Sandy get their mugs on TV for an hour a day.
It’s a bit frustrating that information from a trusted news source was disseminated in such a piecemeal fashion, but aside from official word on Cantu’s fate, the only remaining question seems to be: what will viewers think?
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Austin’s Mehcad Brooks joins ABC legal drama
Mehcad Brooks, the former Austinite who appeared as a regular cast member on the just-ending second season of the HBO vampire drama “True Blood,” has signed onto “The Deep End,” an ABC mid-season legal drama.
Brooks, a graduate of Anderson High School, previously appeared on television in “Boston Public,” “Desperate Housewives,” “The Game” and “Dollhouse,” and has been seen in movies including “In the Valley of Elah” and “Glory Road.”
On “The Deep End,” Brooks will play Malcolm Bennet, an associate at the program’s fictional L.A. law firm.
Does this mean the actor’s “True Blood” character, Benedict “Eggs” Talley,” is on his way out? I hope so. The “zombie” arc that has dominated the second half of the season has been fun (and increasing viewership has certainly raised Brooks’ profile) but it’s wearing out its welcome. It will be nice to see the actor in a role where he can stretch out a little.
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JB & Sandy bringing their act to KEYE-TV
UPDATE: Michelle Valles is posting, via Facebook, that KEYE morning co-anchor Fred Cantu will be assigned to KEYE partner Telemundo. Valles announced last week, in a similar fashion, that she would be leaving the KEYE morning newscast to co-host a 4 p.m. lifestyle show with weekend anchor Jason Wheeler.
Details to follow.
==============
Austin’s award-winning morning radio talk show “JB and Sandy in the Morning” will be aired on KEYE-TV live every morning beginning October 5. KEYE-TV cameras will be in the studio every morning with the talk show hosts for the first hour (6am 7am) of their four-hour radio show.
Here is KEYE’s press release:
Austin, Texas (September 2, 2009) - KEYE-TV, the CBS affiliate serving the Austin market, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Entercom Communications and KAMX-FM “Mix 94.7” to launch Austin’s first television broadcast of the JB and Sandy in the Morning radio show beginning October 5, 2009 at 6:00 am CT on Channel 42.
Amy Villarreal, President and General Manager of KEYE, commented, “As most of our viewers are aware, Austin has four great television news morning shows that are all essentially the same. Through KEYE¹s unique partnership with Entercom, KAMX, and the JB and Sandy radio morning show, we will offer our early morning Central Texas viewers and advertisers an innovative, entertaining approach to morning television.”
JB and Sandy in the Morning launched in January 1996 and is hosted by morning team personalities JB and Sandy, sidekick Alex Franco (Digitz) and features Sara Osburn and Cassiday Proctor. The award-winning show has emerged as a leading radio morning show in Austin with its compelling blend of humor, reality and listener involvement and interaction and airs weekday mornings from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on Mix 94.7 and worldwide at mix947.com.
During the KEYE-TV television broadcasts, KEYE¹s morning meteorologist Kelly Slifka will provide live local weather and traffic updates from the KEYE-TV studios.
In addition to hosting one of Austin’s leading morning shows, JB and Sandy have used the show as a platform to underscore their commitment to community service and their loyal listeners. Over the past 12 years, their “Bikes for Kids” program has raised more than one million dollars and put more than 10,000 new bicycles in the hands of Central Texas children in need. Recently, they raised $600,000 for a Child Life Activity Center on the oncology floor of the Dell Children¹s Hospital.
“There are only a handful of radio personalities across the country that engage their listeners, serve their communities and deliver superior advertiser results like JB and Sandy,” said Nancy Vaeth-DuBroff, Vice-President & Market Manager for Entercom Austin. “Partnering with KEYE-TV and CBS will allow JB and Sandy to reach a larger audience, thus benefiting our valuable advertisers, listeners and viewers and the local Austin community.”
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SNL welcomes two new female cast members
“Saturday Night Live” cast member Bill Hader has confirmed the rumors that the venerable sketch comedy show, entering its 35th season in a couple of weeks, has hired two relatively unknown, female cast members.
Jenny Slate has performed all over New York, from a one-woman show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre to improv shows in the East Village and Williamsburg, according to MTV.com, while Iranian-born Nasim Pedrad staged a one-woman show in Las Vegas and has performed with the Groundlings.
Megan Fox hosts and legendary band U2 provides the music when ‘SNL’ returns on Sept. 26.
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Diane Sawyer replaces Charles Gibson at ABC
Charles Gibson, the anchor of ABC’s “World News” since 2006, will retire at the end of this year. Diane Sawyer will fill his “World News” position beginning January, 2010.
Gibson, who co-anchored both “Good Morning America” and ABC’s “Primetime” prior to his nightly news assignment, hopes to continue contributing to ABC News.
Sawyer served as co-anchor on those same shows and currently co-anchors the network’s morning news program with Robin Roberts.
Read ABC’s story on Gibson’s retirement by clicking here.
Read the e-mail messages Gibson and ABC News President David Westin sent to the network’s staff today by clicking here.
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Ryan Seacrest wants to hear your dreams
Got a dream?
Is it extraordinary? Selfless? Off the wall?
Need money to make it happen?
Producer Ryan Seacrest (he really is the new Dick Clark!) is holding an open casting call in Austin on Saturday, Sept. 12, to hear your pitches for a new cable network show called “Chance.”
“Is there something you’ve always wanted but could never quite afford?” Seacrest’s press release reads. “Do you have a lifelong ambition that you are desperate to fulfill? We’re looking for people 14+ to come up with unique, inspiring, outlandish and exciting ideas! If you need money and want your dreams to come true, come plead your case at one of our open calls. Whether you’re asking for $50 or $250,000 — if you’ve got passion and the gift of gab, the money could be yours!! You can literally ask for anything!!!”
(My dream is to be able to purchase more exclamation points, since I just used the last 50 I had quoting Seacrest’s press release.)
The ‘American Idol’ host’s peeps are only making five stops nationwide and our city is on the list, so maybe your odds are pretty good. The Austin stop will be Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Town Lake Branch, 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Make sure to check out the show’s Web site before you go; there’s an application form there and a list of required items you must bring with you.
Happy begging!
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Bush twin nabs NBC correspondent slot
Pop quiz: which member of the Bush family has parlayed a natural ability to communicate and connect with people into a spell in the national spotlight?
According to Jim Bell, executive producer of NBC’s “Today,” that’d be Bush twin Jenna Bush Hager, who has been hired as a contributing correspondent for the popular morning news and talk program.
“She has great passion about important subjects, especially education and literacy,” Bell says, according to news agency Reuters.
Bush Hager, a University of Texas graduate and school teacher who has authored two New York Times best sellers and is currently the Young Leadership Ambassador & Chair for UNICEF’s Next Generation committee will begin her “Today” gig on Sept. 14.
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