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April 2010
Austin teen filmmaker profiled on PBS
Emily Hagins, the 17-year-old Austinite who scripted a feature-length zombie film, “Pathogen,’ at the age of 11, is featured on tonight’s episode of the PBS series “Biz Kid$.” Hagins has also been profiled in the documentary “Zombie Girl: The Movie,” which chronicled her efforts to make “Pathogen.”
The fast-paced “Biz Kid$,” from the creators of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” uses comedy and interviews to teach kids about the concepts of money and business. Hagins discusses the importance of persevering in a business venture and finding inspiration in a mentor in the episode, entitled “Escape the Box.”
“Biz Kid$” airs Fridays at 5 p.m. on KLRU.
Check out the series’ promo, below, or vist the “Biz Kid$” website for more information and past episodes.
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Local dance and music on KLRU tonight
PBS affiliate KLRU celebrates Austin’s creativity tonight with a presentation of Ballet Austin’s “Truth & Beauty/The Bach Project.”
Choreographed by Stephen Mills, the sensual dance production features music composed and inspired by J.S. Bach performed by by the Austin Chamber Music Center, Dr. Michelle Schumann (solo and with ensembles) and Graham Reynolds.
“This project was of special interest because so many local artists came together to make something beautiful,” said KLRU CEO Bill Stotesbery.
The event was recorded in February at The Long Center and airs on “In Context” at 8 p.m. tonight. Additional May air dates have yet to be announced.
Check out this short trailer:
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‘American Idol’ 2010: Top 6 results
I found myself nearly as unmoved by Siobhan Magnus’ ejection from “American Idol” Wednesday night as she appeared to be.
Once a frontrunner and probably the boldest, most exciting competitor this season, the exotic glass-blower from Boston has in recent weeks become predictable and only surprising in failing to surprise.
Honestly, Siobhan had one of the prettiest voices this season, but the judges decreed her most touching performances “boring.” Unlike last year’s runner-up Adam Lambert, to whom she was frequently compared, she proved to have a deceptive lack of range, relying too often on Lambert-esque high-note screaming. And when Magnus tried to sing low, her voice became so husky that she sounded like Kathleen Turner on a Marlboro bender.
She didn’t seem to be surprised to find herself in the bottom three, even after the (largely undeserved) accolades the judges slathered on her Shania Twain week, pimp-spot performance. She actually seemed kind of ready to go.
So now she can and, with the money she’ll make from this summer’s “Idols Live” tour, perhaps she can finally replace those windshield specs she inherited from Harry Carey and currently shares with the Six Flags guy.
Finally, what was Casey James — coming off one of his best weeks ever — doing in the bottom three? Who do you predict will take the top spot? Sound off in the comments.
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Sarah Silverman drops some f-bombs at BookPeople
Comedienne and freshly minted author Sarah Silverman spoke at BookPeople Wednesday night at a crowded reading and signing for her new book, “The Bedwetter.” About 200 people filled the second floor to see Silverman.
The signing and the book both carry the shock-and-awww humor that has made Silverman a popular stand-up comic and that fueled her Comedy Central show, “The Sarah Silverman Program,” through three seasons. (Sadly for fans, the possibility of a fourth season on the cable channel seems slim.)
The book, no surprise, is filled with silly photos, questionable chapter titles (several are called “Mein Kampf”), a crude line drawing of male genitalia and a foreword from Silverman (bookended with an afterword from “God”).
Silverman, wearing a short demin skirt, a blue hoodie and reading glasses, read from a chapter called “Calls from Schleppy” in which her father leaves her voicemails from Boca Raton. The f-bomb count accelerated quickly: at least a half-dozen dropped in the 10-minute reading. (There were two toddlers and an infant present, but none of the parents seemed to mind.)
Afterward, she posed for photos and signed books for fans. When asked by the American-Statesman about prospects for fourth season of “The Sarah Silverman Show,” she all but ruled it out.
“I would be shocked at this point” if it came back, she said. Silverman said she looked forward to seeing what others on the show, including co-creator, director and “Mini Coffee” actor Rob Schrab, go on to do. Her other “Sarah Silverman Program” co-creator, Dan Harmon, has found success on NBC this season with his freshman hit, “Community.”
See our Austin360 photo gallery of the event.
Other, photos (the tattoo is on a fan named Kyle, by the way. Silverman seemed impressed by it.):
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A Farewell to ‘Now’
As Bill Moyers honored journalism with his intellect and insight, PBS’s “Now” honored the journalistic mission on the road, in the field
Lost among so many tributes related to the retirement of broadcast journalist Bill Moyers is the gravity of a second “farewell” on PBS. This Friday, “Now” — the Emmy-winning weekly public affairs magazine hosted by David Brancaccio with senior correspondent Maria Hinojosa — will leave the air as well.
“Now” ran for eight years on PBS, and underwent several incarnations. Moyers hosted the original, hour-long show for three years, starting in 2002, with the intent to present “big picture” journalism in an age of crisis. And while the show (and the world) changed a great deal through the decade, the second 30-minute version of “Now” remained true to that mission statement to the end.
“Now” caught a second wind in recent years, producing some of its finest pieces in its stretch run. Part of its allure was in the way it complimented Moyers’ latest weekly show, “Bill Moyers Journal.” While Moyers worked in a world of ideas, conversation, wisdom, reflection … “Now” accentuated field work, traveling across America, traveling across the globe, to tell stories about the environment, health, war, and economic hardship.
“I have a hunch,” Brancaccio says he has told his staff each year, “that someday, when we’re no longer doing this show that all of us will look back at this as a golden moment of TV journalism … To everything there is a season. And there is something magical here in the fact that there is no public policy issue that was off limits to us. And it had an audience that was willing to rise to the occasion.”
Brancaccio’s versatility mirrored “Now’s” aspirations of reportorial breadth. He talked about the future with late author Kurt Vonnegut, traveled to Rwanda to consider a different approach to national health care, trekked to Himalayas to study accelerated glacier melt - and the frightening impact it will have on people along the Ganges River in the years to come.
Hinojosa brought a bigger heart to “Now” - making poignant connections, again and again, with those who live on the margins. She told stories about “child brides” in India and Guatamala as well as the American poor in Alabama. Remember when “death panel” became a part of the national health care conversation? Hinojosa went into the field and revealed what private “end of life” counseling looked like between seniors and doctors, between cancer patients and doctors — presenting a story of deep compassion with relevance for all of us.
Hinojosa’s 2009 portrait “Abortion Providers Under Siege” showed viewers an intensely human — and harrowing — story of two doctors stalked and threatened by anti-abortion factions in the American heartland. In an atmosphere of rage, in the aftermath of the murder of Dr. George Tiller, Hinojosa introduced America to a doctor working in an abortion clinic protected by bullet-proof glass, to a doctor whose family has to live in secret because of death threats.
“You have to be prepared as a journalist, that’s what I do,” says Hinojosa, known to many Austinites as the producer and host of “Latino USA” on National Public Radio for the last 16 years. “At the same time, I had a deep emotional investment in all those stories … a lot of my job is to be a citizen, in the moment, and to be able to ask important questions from a visceral place.”
PBS, which debuts a new public affairs program, “Need to Know,” in May, was somewhat oblique in its explaining its decision to cancel “Now” in December. Its stated intent, with “Need to Know”: “to revitalize public media in the context of today’s rapidly changing communications environment.”
Brancaccio and Hinojosa take heart in the fact that more than 14,000 Americans signed a petition launched by FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting) imploring PBS to preserve a spirit of investigative integrity that was at the foundation of “Now.” They also take heart in the conviction that their work mattered.
“I became a citizen in the late 1980s, so citizenship is no joke to me,” says Hinojosa, who was born in Mexico, grew up in Chicago and lives today in Harlem. “When I lectured not long ago at a citizenship ceremony on Ellis Island, I said, ‘What you need to understand is that what I do is a journalist is to question everything. That’s what we do as American citizens - and it’s what we SHOULD do as media.’
“People coming from other countries are like, ‘No. You’re supposed to RESPECT authority.’ And I understand. But here, questioning authority is patriotism. That’s what we do.”
bbuchholz@statesman.com; 912-2967
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‘American Idol’ 2010: The Top 6 perform
So, it was a pretty good week on “Idol,” right? Most of the deadwood is gone and it doesn’t hurt that the songs of mentor Shania Twain are so good that they can draw tears from anyone who has ever had their heart broken which are potent enough to smear the ink on a computer monitor, much less newsprint. (And … shhhh! … I’m not a country music fan).
There were a few odd notes (let’s call the show “pitchy” in Randy’s honor): Aaron Kelly’s ode to his mother was sweet but also a little creepy — at least he changed the line about making love! — and the musical “marry me” hammer with which Crystal Bowersox pummeled her clearly clueless boyfriend seemed innocuous and, in that context, a little desperate.
Ellen was more annoying than usual (did we really have to be subjected to the “Shania Twain pulling into the station, woo! woo!” joke twice?) and Simon is clearly tired of the whole thing. But the Top 6 were all pretty even, meaning that the public will be voting based on factors other than Tuesday’s performances.
Oh, right … the performances. Let’s get to ‘em:
Lee DeWyze, “You’re Still the One”
This was one of Lee’s most off-key renditions in recent memory, but it probably doesn’t matter. He’s got the judges in his pocket now and he truly does sport a radio-friendly voice along with the exact mix of confidence and humility the judges like. I don’t think Lee has to worry this week.
“That was absolutely the perfect song,” Simon
My grade: B
Michael Lynche, ”It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing”
Lynche delivers another vocally adroit performance, but is still lacking genuine emotion. It’s as if sentiment was another wardrobe choice. Imagine a rack of emotions in the “Idol” dressing rooms: browse and pick one. The feeling Michael chooses always looks pretty good, but never seems to quite fit.
“The performance was a little bit wet,” Simon
My grade: C
Casey James, ”Don’t”
Okay, Casey clearly does best when he’s out of his white-boy-sings-the-blues comfort zone. As with his cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” there was a spark of life in this performance woefully missing from the numbers he pulls from his bar-band wheelhouse. One of my favorites of the night.
“You were vulnerable and raw,” Kara
My grade: A
Crystal Bowersox, ”No One Needs to Know Right Now”
Here’s what I think: Crystal knows that Shania songs aren’t going to look good on her, so she overreacts by packing up her antique rug and glass bottle microphone stand and moving deep into “cornball country” country. It was a calculated risk and it didn’t pay off. Everyone agrees this was her first “average” performance. And the talking back didn’t help. First of all, it’s going to scare the bejabbers out of her reluctant future hubby. When it comes to one’s mouth, bigger isn’t always better.
“Shocker — we don’t like Crystal this week,” Simon
My grade: C
Aaron Kelly, ”It’s in the Way You Love Me”
I’m not buying that Aaron suddenly displayed an emotional connection that’s been missing (and it has been missing), but maybe I’m wrong. He did seem to be choking up when he confessed that he was singing the song to his mom, following a lot of inappropriate speculation from the judges on his level of “experience.”
“Tonight, you were like a different artist,” Simon
My grade: C
Siobhan Magnus, ”Any Man of Mine”
Ick. I’m not sure what the judges were watching (or listening to) but I really think this was one of Siobhan’s worst performances. Clearly, they prefer the sassy, bold Siobhan to the weak, vulnerable, pretty-voiced Siobhan we’ve been seeing lately. I don’t think I do. The high notes were okay, but the low parts were painful. And this just seemed so calculated and inauthentic.
“Guess who’s back? Siobhan!” Kara
My grade: D
My bottom 3: Crystal Bowersox, Aaron Kelly, Siobhan Magnus
Bottom 3 prediction: Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus
Say goodbye to: Tough one. Kelly or Lynche.
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Sarah Silverman at Book People tonight
Wristbands for the signing line are available at 4 p.m. to fans who have purchased the book from BookPeople.
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Ricky Williams doc on ESPN tonight
The life of two-time All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning former University of Texas running back Ricky Williams is explored in a gripping documentary premiering tonight on ESPN.
In ‘Run Ricky Run’, directors Sean Pamphilon and Royce Toni exploit their remarkable access to Williams, his family and physicians to tell a much more nuanced story than the one most of us are familiar with — that Williams is the guy who gave up pro football for marijuana.
As a few weeks’ worth of telephone interviews becomes five years of intimate examination, the film explores allegations of childhood abuse, Williams mental and marital states, his professional career with the Miami Dolphins and his post-NFL stint with the Toronto Argonauts.
Check out some excerpts by clicking here.
‘Run Ricky Run’ debuts at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.
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‘Friday Night Lights’ fans, stars mingle at premiere event
Several hundred fans of “Friday Night Lights” (and Texas film and television production) joined cast and crew members of the NBC/DirecTV drama at the Alamo Drafthouse Sunday night for a celebration of the show’s May 7 NBC return.
Following a screening of the 4th season’s premiere episode, “East of Dillon,” new cast members Michael B. Jordan and Jurnee Smollett fielded questions from attendees, many concerning their reception and integration into the ensemble. Also on hand were producer/director Michael Waxman and producer Nan L. Bernstein.
Smollett, whose character, Jess Merriweather, is introduced in the second episode fo the upcoming season, talked about her experience as a newcomer joining an established ensemble. “Everyone welcomed us with such open arms,” she said. “It was amazing, because ‘Friday Night Lights’ really is a family. There was so much effort made … to just make us feel like we were at home and welcome us into (that) family.”
Jordan, whose troubled Vince is introduced to coach Taylor by the police, praised the improvisational and collaborative approach encouraged by the show’s directors. “We have so much freedom as actors … to bring so much of our own personal experiences to the characters and really make them real,” he said. “It’s an amazing experience. There’s nothing (else) like it on television.”
“It is a dream, as an actor,” Smollett added, “to make a television show that’s so not like TV.” She talked about other shows’ rigidity with lines, etc. “You have to hit your mark and you have to make sure the light hits you a certain way. ‘Friday Night Lights’ just throws the book out.”
Jordan said the method results in the show’s ability to capture what he calls “real moments.” The actor got a laugh when he revealed that he had not seen the show prior to being cast. “I went back and I bought the first three seasons,” he admitted, setting up the Texas Motion Picture Alliance’s Central Texas Representative and panel moderator Paul Alvarado-Dykstra for the night’s biggest laugh line.
“They made you buy them?” Dykstra asked, incredulously.
Fans got a chance to mingle with the show’s stars at a post-screening party at Drafthouse neighbor Highball. Austin musician John Pointer provided a pleasant backdrop, but most of the action took place outside the banquet room in the facility’s lounge area where folks found it easier to converse and pose for photos.
That’s where I nabbed one of the newest cast members, Grey Damon, for a few quick questions. “Friday Night Lights” fans won’t see Damon’s character, Hastings Ruckle, until season 5, but he was able to give us some scoop on his character.
“Hastings is a kid who’s never lived anywhere for more than a year,” Damon explained. “He’s a basketball kid who gets into the whole football thing. He’s good because he has large hands for basketball and he’s also tall, so he becomes the new wide receiver.”
Damon has been in Austin for two weeks and already filmed two episodes. Fans anxious to get a look at him before his “Friday Night Lights” introduction can catch him in the upcoming season of HBO’s “True Blood” as Kitch Maynard. He described that character, intriguingly, as the new Jason Stackhouse in town. “He (Ryan Kwanten, who plays Stackhouse) was really fun to work with,” Damon said, “a great guy.”
Damon continues to audition as other opportunities arise, but promises that he won’t give his full attention to anything else until “Friday Night Lights” is over.
The length of time between the show’s filming and its airing on network television makes for some interesting situations and a feeling of time-travel more suited to a show such as “Lost” than our favorite football drama. I first spoke with Hutto actress Madison Burge, who plays “FNL’s” wild-child Becky Sproles, a year ago. She’s got an entire season under her belt and is filming another. Yet, unless you’ve got DirecTV, you haven’t even met her character.
“My year has been amazing,” Burge gushed. “The show is a great experience. I’ve definitely been spoiled with my first big production.” She called the producers’ suggestion that the actors take ownership of their characters “empowering” and she’s crazy about her own.
“I love Becky,” Burge said. “I think she’s got a really good spirit and I think people can learn a lot from just, like, her positive attitude. I can be a little bit of a downer in my personal life, but she’s always positive and that’s what I love about her.”
You hear the word “amazing” a lot when people talk about this show. Like Burge, Jordan used the adjective to describe his own first year. “I’ve done episodic television before and it’s nothing like ‘Friday Night Lights’,” he said. “It’s a show all its own.”
Jordan said he shares some traits with his character, Vince. “We’ve (both) come from some rough backgrounds and had to make some tough decisions for the betterment of our families,” he explained. I told him I was impressed with his intense, upcoming scenes with Angela Rawna, who plays his drug-addicted mother on the show (look for my interview with Rawna in this Sunday’s Austin American-Statesman). “There are so many homes with that exact situation that I’m glad that finally America gets a chance to see it. I can’t wait for people to check it out,” he said.
Season 5 will dig deeper into Vince’s dark past, Jordan offered while carefully avoiding spoilers. “People are really going to start to see why he is the way he is and why he acts the way he acts.”
One answer we didn’t get was what will happen after Season 5. With the fulfillment of NBC’s deal with DirecTV that kept the show on the air for the past several seasons and star Kyle Chandler’s courting by Fox for its dinosaur drama “Terra Nova,” the lights will likely be shut off at the end of that currently-filming season. Bernstein, however, never says never.
“It’s exciting that we keep coming back,” she said at the Q&A. “And maybe there’s still a life. You never know,” she added, to shouts and applause.
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This week’s TV picks
Catch Ballet Austin’s ‘Truth & Beauty/The Bach Project’ on PBS Thursday.
Monday:
‘American Experience’ 8 p.m., PBS: ‘My Lai’ explores the 1968 Vietnam massacre of 500 unarmed men, women and children and a chopper pilot who helped some villagers escape.
Tuesday:
‘Biggest Loser: Couples 7 p.m., NBC: The contestants run a 5K in Dallas. I sit on my couch eating potato chips and experiencing tremendous self-loathing.
‘Glee’ 8 p.m., Fox: Kristin Chenoweth is back to help Will save the glee club while Kurt arranges a date for his dad. Oh, and we’ll have to sit through about 50 musical numbers, if the past few episodes are any indication.
‘The Good Wife’ 9 p.m., CBS: Peter finds religion, and I’m guessing it’s not on an escort service website.
Wednesday:
‘Modern Family’ 8 p.m., ABC: Fred Willard is back as Phil’s dad, and Cameron temps as a drummer in Dylan’s band. I sit on my couch eating potato chips and mask the self-loathing with lots of laughter.
‘Happy Town’ 9 p.m., ABC: This stylish new series, which has been compared to ‘Twin Peaks’, begins promisingly with a mysterious murder in a small town filled with eccentrics. Unlike that classic series, the murder is solved in short order.
Thursday:
‘Community’ 7 p.m., NBC: Troy and Abed get to work on their bucket list. The bucket is graduation.
‘In Context’ 8 p.m., PBS: Tonight’s episode features Ballet Austin’s ‘Truth & Beauty/The Bach Project’, a work of contemporary dance recorded at the Long Center in February. Highlighting Austin’s creativity, the piece is choreographed by Stephen Mills and accompanied by the Austin Chamber Music Center, Dr. Michelle Schumann (solo and with ensembles) and Graham Reynolds. (Check out the promo at video at the end of this post).
‘The Marriage Ref’ 9 p.m., NBC: I like Sarah Silverman, Matthew Broderick and Martin Short, but I’m not sure I can make it through this show without a huge bag of potato chips.
Friday:
‘Who Do You Think You Are’ 7 p.m., NBC: Film director Spike Lee digs up his past, an effort which leads him to Texas.
‘Ghost Whisperer’ 7 p.m., CBS: A spirit accuses a nanny of being evil, but Melinda doesn’t buy it. Me neither. Ghosts are notorious liars. Plus, they don’t really exist.
‘Medium’ 8 p.m., CBS: A ghost helps Ariel get into a prestigious college. Okay, we’ve already established that I don’t believe in this stuff, but I have a son heading to UT this fall, and if there’s any chance an apparition can help us land some scholarship money, I’m willing to reconsider.
Saturday:
‘Doctor Who’ 8 p.m., BBC America: The Doctor and Amy run into Winston Churchill during a visit to World War II. Also, they run into arch-enemy Daleks and their plungers of doom.
‘America’s Worst Driver’ 9 p.m., Travel: Did you know that Dallas is the second-worst city in America for road rage? Well, stop going so slow in the fast lane and I’ll tell you about it!
Sunday:
‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ 7 p.m., ABC: Comedian Bill Engvall helps an east Texas couple with special needs children rebuild.
‘Family Guy’ 8 p.m., Fox: This hour-long special includes the series’ 150th episode followed by previously unaired musical segments.
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Casting comings and goings
Jeremy Sumpter, who plays J.D. McCoy, says he won’t appear in Season 5 of “Friday Night Lights.”
Mireille Enos (Kathy/JoDean from “Big Love”) has joined the cast of the upcoming AMC drama “The Killing.” Enos was great at making the saintly, departed Kathy and the justifiably cranky JoDean (the scene where she freed Frank and Louis’ birds was one of the best of a sorry season) very different, vivid characters, and she deserves this lead role. We’ll miss her out at Juniper Creek, though.
More smart casting: Recent widower Hal Holbrook will appear on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” as the father of Katey Sagal’s character.
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‘American Idol’ 2010: Top 7 results
Really? Tim Urban finally got sent packing?
Wow. ‘Idol’ really did give back!
On a night filled with musical performances by Black Eyed Peas, Sir Elton John, Carrie Underwood and this year’s top 12 contestants (welcome back, Didi Benami and Lacey Brown!) the biggest surprise was the show’s follow-through on its promise to eliminate one contestant. During the last outing of the charity event, all hopefuls were deemed “safe.”
Teflon Tim looked kind of relieved that the weeks of harsh criticism and scarecrow grinning were over. He enjoyed a rebound of sorts over the last few weeks, so he can hold his head high and go back to Duncanville, Texas proud of sticking around way longer than anybody could have predicted. After all, urban wasn’t originally in the Top 24. He slipped in at the last minute when fellow contestant Chris Golightly was disqualified.
The show also featured fairly humorous routines from comics George Lopez and Wanda Sykes: Lopez turned the tables on the judges, critiquing their catch phrases and often repetitive advice; Sykes mocked the cruelty of forcing any given week’s losing contestant to sing after his or her ejection (because the show ran long and, presumably, since we’d just sat through a ton of performances from people who can actually sing, we were spared Urban’s musical exit).
Less successful, comedically, were the interminable and patently unfunny running bits featuring Jonah Hill and Russell Brand. Host Ryan Seacrest engaged in awards-show-awkward segments with the comic actors who were attempting to staff a call-bank with celebrities (their top-tier finds were legendary “Idol” psycho Tatiana del Toro and a Woody Allen impersonator).
More than 415 million was raised during last night’s broadcast, according to “Idol” judge Simon Cowell. If you’re interested in adding to that total, click here for the charity’s website.
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Kyle Chandler’s possible new job, season finales and more
— Will “Friday Night Lights” star Kyle Chandler soon be chasing dinosaurs?
— When are your favorite shows wrapping up for the season? Check out this impressive list.
— Get ready for the return of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” on May 3.
— Before “Glee,” Jane Lynch was a regular on the darkly funny Starz series “Party Down”, which returns for its second season on Friday night (alas, without Lynch). If you think “The Office,” has gotten a little dopey in recent seasons, give this one a try.
— Jon Stewart vs. Bernie Goldberg!
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‘American Idol’ 2010: Top 7
Wow, the violins really got a workout tonight, didn’t they? I”ll bet the producers put Casey James’ number first so that those players had a few more minutes to rest their arms at their sides — that’s got to be brutal.
Speaking of brutal …
I kid, I kid! This week’s efforts weren’t too bad, but I’m speaking relatively. Remember a few weeks back when Randy said he was no longer judging Tim Urban against his competitors but, rather, on how he did on the scale of a “Tim performance?” That’s what I’m doing with “Idol” this year. They were pretty good for “2010 performances.”
Ryan Seacrest was a little more normal, pimping tonight’s “Idol Gives Back” and pointing out that all of the proceeds from this week’s iTunes downloads would go to the beneficiaries. I pictured thousands of teens texting each other and asking if anyone had heard of this band “The Beneficiaries.”
Okay, let’s get to it:
Casey James, “Don’t Stop”
No, stop. Stop coming out week after week and delivering the same performance. Stop inflecting your voice with the safest take on the blues you can muster. Stop singing as if you’re a waiter at T.J. Harmonica’s, or else put on the striped vest, fedora and shades. I guess if I really liked that kind of music, I’d like Casey. Because he’s good at it but, man, enough is enough. And this was such a Tim Urban song choice. As the lyrics say, Tim, yesterday’s gone. Let it go.
“You have to be great right now and it wasn’t great,” Ellen
My grade: C
Lee DeWyze, “The Boxer”
I may be a little harsh on Lee because I really like this song. Paul Simon’s a poet who plays a musician on TV, and Lee delivered that part of the song in a satisfactory fashion. But “The Boxer” also has a defiant, nearly angry undertone that Lee’s stringy arrangement totally glossed over. Plus, it’s hard to tell such a long and intricate story song in a minute and a half. But Lee’s vocals were good and he changed up the melody in pleasant ways.
“You are a great artist ready to make great music,” Randy
My grade: B
Tim Urban, “Better Days”
The judges are playing that game they love to play this season where they knock contestants who actually take their contradictory, elusive advice, badgering Tim because they don’t recognize him anymore. Hey, maybe that’s because you hated who he was before and beat him verbally for over a month because of it, ya’ think? Anyway, all I could think of during this workmanlike performance was that Time should play the David Cassidy role in the inevitable “Partridge Family” revival movie or series. Tim seems to be having a harder time smiling through the critiques. Maybe he’s tiring of the judges. I know I am.
“It just kind of laid there,” Randy
My grade: C
Aaron Kelly, “I Believe I Can Fly”
I had a comedian friend who used to come out onstage with bug eyes and wings and do a parody version of this tune called “I Believe I’m a Fly.” It was funny. He sang about trying to squeeze through holes in screen doors and stuff. I mention this because I couldn’t stop thinking about it during Aaron’s performance, and that’s not a good sign. Also an odd sign? I was out of the room when this number started and I thought it was Siobhan. Hmm. Anyway, it was about what I’d expect from an Aaron performance: technically good, not great; little emotional connection; kind of sleepy.
“If we’d heard that on the radio, I’d have turned it off within ten seconds,” Simon
My grade: B-
Siobhan Magnus, “When You Believe”
I’m starting to think Siobhan’s been possessed by the spirit of some long-departed diva. Of course, it’s kind of hard to wear a prom dress and combat boots on Inspirational Songs Night, but still … I miss the Siobhan who used to surprise me with her song choices and arrangements. This was pretty, but not especially inspiring.
“I’m starting to feel like I’d want to hang out with you more rather than buy your record,” Kara
My grade: C+
Michael Lynche, “Hero”
I actually liked this more than the judges did, but I still didn’t like like it. Maybe it was the swelling, orchestral arrangement that was big enough to swallow up Big Mike’s voice (no easy feat!). Perhaps it looked like Mike — licking his lips — was hungry and in danger of devouring Seacrest in the pre-interview. Maybe I’m just tired of Big Mike’s shtick.
“The theme tonight was inspirational songs and that was about Spiderman,” Simon
My grade: C
Crystal Bowersox, “People Get Ready”
Like the “Idol” judges, I am running out of superlatives to lather onto Crystal’s (was it super-inked?) back; she just knocks it out da’ park every. single. week. She forgot her guitar, but brought her goofy, homespun microphone stand with the glass bottle on it (hey — did Siobhan Magnus blow that?) and between that and the rug she trotted out several weeks ago, I think I know what’s up. Crystal is so clearly going to win and feels so at home on the “Idol” stage that she is quite literally making it her home. Next week she’ll perform from a recliner while sipping herbal tea and leafing through Healthy Hippie magazine. And it’ll still be the best performance of the night. From the a cappella opening to her genuine sobbing at the end, this was top notch. I think we all know what we need to get ready for … our next “American Idol.”
“That was inspirational,” Simon
My grade: A+
My bottom three: Michael Lynche, Tim Urban, Casey James
Should go home: Tim Urban
Say goodbye to: Probably nobody. This is “Idol Gives Back” week and last time they didn’t want to discourage any potential donors by sending home their favorite performer. Plus, it’ll give the producers a chance for another dramatic double elimination next week.
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‘Next Food Network Star’ casts two Austin chefs
When the Food Network’s popular reality show “The Next Food Network Star” returns for its sixth season on June 6, two Austin chefs will be among the 12 contestants.
Dzintra Dzenis, 44, owns and operates Plate by Dzintra, a supper club and catering business. She graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Brad Sorenson, 25, opened Black Creek Bistro in Columbus, Ohio, when he was 22. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he recently relocated to Austin and works at ASTI Trattoria in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Hosted by Bobby Flay and set in Los Angeles, the show follows 12 contestants as they compete for the chance to host their own show on the Food Network. The chefs take part in challenges in which they have to cook for a celebrity or use a specific ingredient. Guest stars this season will include Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray and Paula Deen and singer Colbie Caillat.
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‘Fashion Show’ to hold Austin auditions
Got designs on a fashion career? Bravo will be holding open-call auditions in Austin for the second season of “The Fashion Show.”
The competition show for fashion designers is hosted by Isaac Mizrahi. Austin auditions will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 8 in the student lounge at The Art Institute of Austin, 101 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 100.
For more information, visit BravoTV.com.
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‘Parenthood’ will be back next season
Good news for fans of the NBS series “Parenthood”: The drama that debuted as midseason replacement in March will be back for a full season next fall. The show boasts a high-caliber cast, including Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard and Joy Bryant. Behind the scenes, “Parenthood” shares some personnel with Austin-filmed “Friday Night Lights,” including executive producer Jason Katims.
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Dust off your fedoras: ‘Mad Men’ returns July 25
The smash hit AMC show ‘Mad Men’ returns to the air (or, rather, cable) for a fourth season July 25.
(Spoilers ahead for those who have not seen the third season. And if not, what is wrong with you?)
When we last left Don Draper (or “Don Draper”), he revealed to his wife Betty that his name was Dick Whitman and that he had been lying for years. Betty was last seen heading West for a Reno divorce. Most of core of Sterling Cooper has formed the new agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Sal Romano is still fired and everyone seems to be dealing with the Kennedy assassination not at all well.
Will this be the season that Draper engages what we think of as the Sixties? Or will the changing times leave Don looking like Mr. Jones?
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NBC loses $223 million on Winter Olympics
But none of those storylines could keep NBC from hemorrhaging money at this year’s Winter Olympics. The much ridiculed network posted a $223 million loss in the first quarter, according to the Associated Press.
Sadly, that is the good news for NBC, which was estimated by its parent company, General Electric Co., to lose $250 million.
The Olympics did bring about $800 million in extra revenue to GE. But NBC had a lot of production and other expenses, including $820 million just to acquire the rights to carry the Vancouver Games on television and online.Still, GE executives say the high-profile event had ratings that were 14 percent better than the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, for which NBC paid $613 million.
Image from ASSOCIATED PRESS
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FNL party on Sunday
The Texas Motion Picture Alliance is hosting a season premiere screening and party on Sunday, April 25, in advance of the May 7 debut of Season 4 of ‘Friday Night Lights’ on NBC.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Alamo South with a screening of the first episode, ‘East of Dillon,’ with cast and crew in attendance. A party at the Highball follows, with live music by John Pointer.
Tickets: $25 for TXMPA members, $35 for public. www.originalamo.com. Seating is limited, and a sell-out is expected. 1120 S. Lamar.
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Local documentary to air on KLRU
Austin filmmaker Karen Skloss’ enchanting documentary “Sunshine” will air at 9 p.m. May 4 on KLRU for the PBS series Independent Lens, hosted by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The movie played the 2009 South by Southwest Film Festival, when we wrote: “Skloss weaves something singular and powerful from several threads dealing with adoption, unexpected pregnancy, relationships and the impervious ties between parent and offspring. It’s Skloss’ own story, yet it’s completely universal. … The filmmaker’s lyrical storytelling gets a nice assist from the expressive, sometimes dreamy camerawork by longtime Richard Linklater collaborator Lee Daniel.”
“Sunshine” will also screen this week, at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Studio 4D in the Communications Building at the University of Texas (2501 Whitis Ave.). The free screening is followed by a panel discussion with Skloss and others. It shows with Marianela Vega’s short film ‘Conversation.’ Details HERE.
Read Charles Ealy’s SXSW interview with Skloss HERE.
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This week’s TV picks
‘Romantically Challenged’ debuts Monday on ABC.
Monday:
‘American Experience’ 8 p.m., PBS: The history of Earth Day is explored via the movement’s movers and shakers (and tree huggers).
‘Romantically Challenged’ 8:30 p.m., ABC: A new, formulaic, mildly amusing sitcom starring Alyssa Milano is somewhat redeemed by engaging supporting actress Kelly stables channeling Leslie Mann and ‘Will & Grace’s’ Megan Mullally.
‘Damages’ FX, 9 p.m.: Season three ends tonight.
Tuesday:
‘Ancient Aliens’ 7 p.m., History: This program presents evidence of alien visitation to primitive societies and my wife, son and I get in another big fight.
‘Glee’ 8 p.m., Fox: It’s the Madonna episode, so ‘Glee’ fans are freaking out. It includes the Sue Sylvester ‘Vogue’ number those same fans were freaking out about last week.
‘Lost’ 8 p.m., ABC: The good news? Nadia appears. The bad news? The L.A. segment focuses on Jack.
Wednesday:
‘Through a Dog’s Eyes’ 7 p.m., PBS: Neil Patrick Harris narrates these accounts of dogs that help the disabled.
‘Accidentally on Purpose’ 7:30 p.m., KEYE: Tonight’s this Jenna Elfman vehicle’s first season finale, if you’re keeping track.
‘P.O.V.’ 8 p.m., PBS: Season 23 kicks off with the controversial ‘Food, Inc.,’ profiling supporters and critics of the U.S. food industry.
Thursday:
‘Spongebob Squarepants’ 7 p.m., Nickelodeon: Patrick and Spongebob celebrate Earth Day by fighting an undersea highway construction project.
‘The Office’ 8 p.m., NBC: Have I told you that I’m kind of down on this show? Well tonight’s episode could be good because it sports a lot of Oscar, Kevin, Erin and Andy (and little Jim, Pam and Michael).
‘15 Bodacious Outdoor Kitchens’ 8 p.m., FLN: One outdated adjective.
‘Project Runway’ 9 p.m., Lifetime: The conclusion of the two-part Season 7 finale ends in the revelation of the winning designer.
Friday:
‘MLB Baseball: Cubs at Brewers’ 7 p.m., WGN America: I know, ‘MLB Baseball’ is redundant, just like ATM machine. So, umm … go Cubs!
‘Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution’ 8 p.m., ABC: Turns out the ‘Revolution’ won’t be televised after all. Not after tonight, anyway, the first season finale.
Saturday:
‘Genesis Awards 2010’ 11 a.m., Animal Planet: The Oscars of the animal world celebrate the promoters of animal issues, including TV shows ‘Bones’ and ‘Family Guy.’
‘America’s Worst Driver’ 9 p.m., Travel: Until they profile that guy in the Subaru on I-35, I’m calling foul on this reality show’s title.
Sunday:
‘The Simpsons’ 7 p.m., Fox: The Springfield family installs a wind turbine in their yard while Homer and Lisa rescue a beached whale in an episode tied to Earth D’oh. Er, ‘Day.’
‘Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking’ 8 p.m., Discovery: This new documentary series kicks off with the search for alien life and my wife, son and I get in another big fight.
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Another ‘FNL’ cast member, another goofy character name
This comes hot on the heels of recent news that actor Grey Damon had been cast as another student, Hastings Ruckle. Also not a typo.
Season 5 is currently shooting; season 4 hits NBC on May 7.
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Seacrest stops Bowersox from quitting ‘Idol’
Is it Friday yet?
Sigh.
I hate it when I have to end the week with something that makes me like “American Idol” goofball host Ryan Seacrest.
But TMZ.com reports that Seacrest prevented frontrunner Crystal Bowersox from leaving the show a few weeks ago in an apparent homesick meltdown.
I can’t imagine slogging through the rest of this Fox juggernaut’s season without Crystal’s 2 or 3 minutes per week to keep me from throwing my shoe at my TV. So thanks, Ryan.
Seacrest (but, luckily, not Bowersox) out.
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TV news roundup
Your friendly neighborhood TV critic is taking a week off. I’ll be holed up in my Round Rock compound painting the kitchen, reading books, watching TV (yes, I can’t get away from it even when I’m off) and trying to decide whether to keep or sell the iPad I purchased so I could write this story.
I’ll probably be blogging and tweeting, but less frequently. In between those sporadic posts, look for clever, informative and thought-provoking items from my newsroom friends, who have kindly volunteered to post here on top of their regular duties.
Here are a few items y’all should know about:
“Friday Night Lights” has cast a BFF for Principal Tami Taylor. EW.com’s Michael Ausiello reports that stage performer Lynn Blackburn has been cast as “smart, tough, dedicated” teacher Laurel. She’ll join bad boy newcomer Grey Damon in season 5 (season 4 begins airing on NBC May 7). There’s a little more information about Blackburn in the linked article, but it includes a pretty big spoiler, so beware.
Former KVUE morning news anchor Jason Hill has joined the Austin Water Public Information and Marketing team (Hill was part of a four-person lay off by the ABC affiliate in March 2009). He seems well suited to the job, which includes media relations. Says Austin Water Utility spokesman Kevin Buchman, “Jason’s vast experience working in the media will greatly enhance our ability to provide … information important to the community concerning Austin Water, specifically information about water conservation.” After leaving KVUE, Hill joined Austin City Living as a real estate agent. In February, KVUE reporter and occasional anchor Clare Tuma took a similar position with the Lower Colorado River Authority. I guess you can lead a KVUE personality to water.
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‘American Idol’ week eight: Results
Wow, “Idol” was really anxious to get rid of Andrew Garcia.
There was no bottom three this week, since the judges’ previous save of Michael Lynche meant two hopefuls had to be booted Wednesday night. Host Ryan Seacrest didn’t try any goofy fake-outs, he pretty much asked Andrew how he felt and then told him he was going home.
Honestly, it’s about time. Garcia, once a front-runner and with probably the best voice out of this season’s male contestants, was partially thwarted by the judges’ conflicting and inconsistent advice (and their refusal to forget his Hollywood-week performance of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”) but he never rose above that and turned in week after week of snoozy pop pap.
Joining Garcia at the bus station — finally! — is the smug Katie Stevens. Seacrest tried to fool us by putting Katie and Lynche together and telling us one of them was going home. Even though America voted to send Lynch home last week, Katie has been a consistent bottom dweller and it was pretty obvious that she’d be sent packing. I’m kind of scared of hyper-ambitious Katie, though. I’m pretty sure she’s got a war room set up somewhere and she’s directing legal teams to search for loopholes as we speak.
Meanwhile, did we really have to sit through that horrible song by former contestant Brooke White (really? Brooke White?0 and some Internet guy I’ve never heard of? Adam Lambert fared better, although I’ll admit I fast-forwarded through the second half of his number.
I feel the need to add my voice to the chorus of those who mocked “Idol’s” choice of Lambert as a mentor but was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the practical and sometimes harsh advice he gave the contestants.
Next week’s theme is inspirational songs, so I’ll be brewing an extra pot of coffee before the show. How about you? I had pegged Garcia and Aaron Kelly to go home Wednesday and I’m a little surprised that Aaron made it through. Unfortunately, inspirational songs are right up his vocal alley, so he’ll probably breeze through next week’s contest. The most likely to have trouble with the category are Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Tim Urban (although Urban previously scored high marks with his rendition of “Hallelujah”).
Next week is “Idol Gives Back,” though, and last time they did that nobody got sent home. Who do you think will be in the final two? Add your thoughts below.
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Couric, Muppets, Hospice Austin tackle grief
“When Families Grieve,” an original special featuring Katie Couric and the Muppets, airs tonight (Weds., Apr. 14) at 7 p.m. on CBS. The program, a continuation of Sesame Workshop’s award-winning Talk, Listen, Connect initiative, presents families’ personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward.
Sesame Workshop will distribute 1 million free “grief kits” geared for young children who have lost a parent. The bi-lingual (English and Spanish) kits include a DVD of the program as well as a guide for caregivers providing tips, strategies, and activities to help comfort and reassure children; a children’s storybook; and a facilitator’s guide. There are two versions of the grief kit, one for the general public, and one for the military. Information on the kits will be available beginning April 15 at the program’s Web site.
Locally, Hospice Austin’s Camp Brave Heart is now accepting applications. The free three-day camp, to be held Aug. 2-4, combines grief support with the fun of a recreational camp and is open to any child in the community age 6 through 17 who has lost someone due to death in the past year (a majority of the losses involve parents or siblings). The camp can accommodate 100 kids and tends to fill up fast. Parents and guardians can receive more information and an application by calling 342-4784 or by visiting www.hospiceaustin.org.
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‘Wheel of Fortune’ giving away $5,000 prizes in Austin
Need an extra $5,000? KXAN and “Wheel of Fortune” are holding a viewer contest next week.
You can register at kxan.com for a chance at the five, $5,000 prizes that will be given away in the Austin area starting Monday and running through April 23.
To win, you’ll have to know a designated puzzle solution that will be announced nightly on the game show, which airs at 6:30 p.m.
For more info on the contest, visit KXAN’s Web site.
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‘American Idol’ week eight: Top 9 (again)
Elvis isn’t dead, the “Idol” contestants just make him sound that way. Or at least, irrelevant. The most entertaining things about tonight’s 90-minute commercial for “Glee” show were The Heat Miser’s Adam Lambert’s hair and Seacrest’s general freakiness. But enough yakking. In the spirit of the king, I’m going to go with a little less conversation and a little more recapping action. Here’s my take on this week’s performances (remember — because Michael Lynch was “saved” last week, two contestants go home tonight). What’s yours?
Crystal Bowersox “Saved”
Crystal rocked it with gospel-y goodness this week. You’ve gotta think the “Idol” producers are pretty confident in the performances when they put Crystal first because, honestly, I was tempted to just flip the channel after her awesome turn.
“It could have been the second coming of Bonnie Raitt,” Randy
Grade: A
Andrew Garcia “Hound Dog”
Andrew seems to have taken a tip from the scarecrow Tim Urban. He’s grinning all the time and doesn’t seem to give the judges’ comments a second thought. Which is good, because they really weren’t very kind. Not like the screaming fans, anyway, who were going inexplicably nuts after this lackluster, slow performance of a usually energizing tune.
“All your coolness has been sucked out,” Simon
Grade: C-
Tim Urban “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Is anybody else terrified that Tim seems to be coming into his own? His stripped-down performance of this Elvis classic was blissfully free of the goofy stage gimmicks and blatantly phony emotion that are registered under Tim’s name at the U.S. Patent Office. Instead, it actually seemed … sincere. And he did some interesting change-ups on the melody, too. Oh, Tim, we hardly knew ye! Somebody must punch Seacrest in the face for calling him “Turban,” though. In “country week” he’ll be calling Tim “Turban Cowboy.” Just watch. Oh, Ryan, we know ye all too well!
“This may surprise you. I actually like it,” Randy
Grade: B
Lee Dewyze “A Little Less Conversation”
Another strong performance from Lee. This was certainly not as out-of-the-box as one could go with this song, and it was a safe choice for Lee, but I think that’s true of all of tonight’s performances … the “Idol” hopefuls each seemed to pick a tune that rested squarely in his or her own wheelhouse. I guess Lee fired the bagpiper, ‘cuz he was no where in sight this week.
“You really went for it and I loved it,” Kara
Grade: B+
Aaron Kelly “Blue Suede Shoes”
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Oh, Aaron … don’t worry about singing a line about drinking liquor — the “Glee” cast members in the audience are big kids; they can take it.
“You’re out of your comfort zone and I liked it,” Kara
Grade: C-
Siobhan Magnus “Suspicious Minds”
I’m a little worried about Siobhan. As weird as she is used to be, you’d have thought this would be a banner week for this season’s chameleon. Instead, her performance was kind of a mess. Her low-register vocals in the first half of the song reminded me of the voice that Maya Rudolph used on “Saturday Night Live” when she played Donatella Versace, and when she returned to her high-register screeching in the second half it seemed unconvincing and calculated. I used to look forward to hearing what Siobhan would do with a song any given week; now I’m just afraid and hoping it won’t be like this was.
“You’ve lost who you were two weeks ago,” Simon
Grade: C
Michael Lynche “In the Ghetto”
“Hi, I’m Danny, I’ll be your waiter tonight. Our specials are—” oh, sorry. I thought I was in a dinner theater for a moment. Maybe that’s because of Big Mike’s dramatic rendition of this mawkish Elvis tune. It certainly wasn’t as large as his performance last week, but it was just as emotional, cloying and nearly as annoying. It’s frustrating — or, as Simon would say, fruSTRAting — because his vocals are spot on. I’m still waiting for Lynche to have that “moment” the judges keep talking about. Oh, the judges? They luurved it.
“I’m glad we saved you,” Ellen
Grade: C+
Katie Stevens “Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do”
I’ll tell you what I want you to do: go away. Or at least act (and sing) your age. Katie’s got way too much calculated ‘tude for a 17-year-old. That said, her vocals weren’t bad tonight, just annoying. Bonus points, though, for getting Ellen to say “horny” on national television about 47 times.
“You just showed us judges,” Kara
Grade: C+
Casey James “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”
Been there, done that, got the pony-tail holder. After his subtle and sublime “Jealous Guy” last week, Casey closed out the show with another perfectly adequate, blues-rock hopper. It was fun but, man, we’ve been to this well a lot this season.
“You look comfortable surrounded by a whole sea of women,” Ellen
Grade: B-
Bottom Three Prediction: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Siobhan Magnus
Should go home: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia
Say goodbye to: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia
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Spoon joins Conan for tour opener
Austin band Spoon was alongside ousted “Tonight Show” host (and underdog?) Conan O’Brien as he kicked off his nationwide “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television” stage tour Monday in Eugene, Oregon. O’Brien promised on his last night hosting the “Tonight Show” that he would keep performing, even if he had to do so in parking lots.
“This is the first time anyone has paid to see me. They’ve paid me to go away,” O’Brien told the crowd, according to The Associated Press. “You may have heard I got a new job: new assistant manager at Eugene’s Banana Republic.”
The show included musical numbers, sidekick Andy Richter, an appearance by Triumph the insult comic dog and other signature bits, along with guest Jack McBrayer, Kenneth the page from NBC’s “30 Rock.”
A sold-out Austin Music Hall plays host to the traveling Conan show on May 14. Cable network TBS announced earlier Monday that O’Brien will be joining it’s late night lineup in November, appearing four nights a week at 10 p.m. CT.
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Conan O’Brien takes late night show to TBS
The Associated Pres is reporting that ousted “Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien, who kicks off his live, nationwide “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour” tonight in Eugene, Oregon, is going to TBS.
“I will be doing a show on TBS starting in November! The bad news: I’ll be playing Rudy on the all new Cosby Show,” O’Brien told his fans via social media networking service Twitter.
The move to the basic cable network, where his show will bump current late-night host George Lopez back an hour to 11 p.m. CT, came as a surprise to those who had speculated that O’Brien’s most likely television home would be Fox. According to the report, O’Brien only began seriously negotiating with TBS a week ago.
Some Fox affiliates are said to have balked at carrying O’Brien’s show, a network offering, instead of the lucrative reruns they currently run in the 10 p.m. slot.
TBS says O’Brien’s show will debut in November. His sold-out live show arrives at the Austin Music Hall on May 14.
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Meet ‘Friday Night Lights’ new bad boy
New York Magazine reports that a Riggins replacement has been cast for season 5 of DirecTV/NBC’s “Friday Night Lights.”
Grey Damon (“90210,” “Greek”) has filled the role of Hastings Ruckle — that’s right, Hastings Ruckle — a “super, super hot guy” with a “dark, hippie, party-guy vibe” who, apparently, has baby-naming-challenged parents.
NBC viewers’ final year of Riggins begins when season 4 of “FNL” begins on May 7 at 7 p.m. From NBC:
As season four opens, a redistricting plan has left Dillon a town divided. After being ousted from his role as head coach at Dillon High School, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) finds himself faced with the daunting task of building a football team from scratch as well as motivating and disciplining the unmanageable East Dillon Lions. Tensions follow Coach Taylor off the field as he and Tami (Connie Britton), who remains principal of West Dillon High, find themselves increasingly at odds with one another. The new year will also focus on the fate of several returning characters including last season’s graduates Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly), and Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) as well as Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden) and Landry Clark (Jesse Plemons).
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This week’s TV picks
Monday:
‘Chuck’ 7 p.m., NBC: Tonight’s episode has an Austin connection, as in ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, who gives Chuck grief on an intercontinental flight. Brandon Routh (‘Superman’) also stars, although I’m guessing he’s not flying next to the plane.
‘Life Unexpected’ 7 p.m., The CW: It’s the first-season finale of this crazy, mixed up, sweet family show.
‘24’ 8 p.m., Fox: Charles Logan returns and Jack lets his emotions get the best of him.
‘King of Dirt’ 8 p.m., DIY: Hear ye, hear ye! Your presence is humbly requested at tonight’s installation of synthetic turf and pine tree removal.
Tuesday:
‘Lost’ 8 p.m., ABC: Tonight’s episode is called ‘Everybody Loves Hugo,’ so we can hope for the long-awaited return of Libby and maybe, judging from the title, Patricia Heaton and Ray Romano.
‘Melrose Place’ 8 p.m., The CW: Season one ends tonight. Mourn or rejoice as you see fit.
‘Construction Intervention’ 9 p.m., Discovery: TV must have finally run out of bodies and homes to renovate, because it’s moving onto businesses in the opener of this new series.
Wednesday:
‘Human Target’ 7 p.m., Fox: Armand Assante guest stars in this origin episode, the freshman series’ first season finale.
‘Modern Family’ 8 p.m., ABC: This cast and a baseball plot? Seriously, can Wednesday nights get any better?
‘Ugly Betty’ 9 p.m., ABC: Remember when this past-its-prime series used to win all kinds of awards? Celebrate those long-gone, good times by tuning back in for tonight’s show, the series’ last ever.
‘CSI: NY’ 9 p.m., CBS: Ozzy Osbourne’s new song ‘Let Me Hear You Scream’ makes its debut in this installment. And you will Ozzy. Hear me scream. The minute it starts.
Thursday:
‘Fringe’ 8 p.m., Fox: Hey, Cedar Park readers … I don’t want to say this commuter train episode is creepy, but if you see guest star Peter Weller sitting near you some morning you might just want to get off at Parmer and walk the rest of the way.
‘Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time and Again’ 8 p.m., NBC: Relive the hilarious Will Ferrell years and then watch the show get kind of bad again in this retrospective that highlights, among other topics, several election cycles.
Friday:
‘Wife Swap’ 7 p.m., ABC: A family of doomsday nut jobs trade moms with another family that boasts a 12-year-old golf-prodigy. I can’t think of a single thing to say about this that’s goofier than what I just typed.
‘Secrets of the Mountain’ 7 p.m., NBC: They still make TV movies? I guess so! Paige Turco and Barry Bostwick star. Of course they do.
Saturday:
‘Strikeforce Nashville: From Nashville’ 8 p.m., CBS: Mixed martial arts: From mixed martial artists.
‘Doctor Who’ 8 p.m., BBC: Meet the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, in the fifth-season premiere. And meet my spell checker, which keeps suggesting I change the show’s title to ‘Doctor Whom.’
Sunday:
‘Academy of Country Music Awards’ 7 p.m., CBS: Reba McEntire hosts the 45th annual event, this year from Las Vegas, with performers including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum, who leads the pack with seven nominations.
‘Chefs vs. City’ 9 p.m., Food: A foodie face-off kicks off season 2.
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SXSW special on IFC Friday
Remember SXSW? IFC does. The cable channel, which sponsored the IFC Crossroads House downtown during the film, interactive and music festival, is debuting the “SXSW 2010 Wrap-Up Special” Friday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn, the program includes musical performances by She & Him, Jakob Dylan & Three Legs, Broken Social Scene, The Antlers, The Sword, Neon Indian, Phantogram an others.
Film highlights include interviews with Ed Norton, Patrick Wilson, Jonah Hill and the cast of “MacGruber.”
Additional SXSW performances and interviews can be found on the channel’s Web site.
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KLRU scares up local ghost program
The commercial broadcast networks aren’t the only outlets ordering up pilots. Local PBS affiliate KLRU is airing the pilot episode of “Haunted Texas” tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The show, written and hosted by Austin Ghost Tours owner Jeanine Plumer, seems light on scares but long on interesting historical information. There are the requisite night shots of the crew experiencing the odd noises and temperature changes routinely included in these types of shows (and way too much detailed explanation of the audio equipment used to capture those sounds), but the background information on Peyton Colony, a freedman’s settlement outside of Blanco, Texas, is rich and interesting. Plumer interviews 69-year area resident Lawrence Coffee, and the producers’ partnership with the General Land Office’s Save Texas History project netted them access to relevant documents and photos. Finally, the production is slick: the show’s graphics are creative and compelling and the background music appropriately creepy.
The producers are currently seeking funding to expand the pilot into a full-blown public television series.
“Haunted Texas” won’t change any skeptics’ minds, but it reinforces my belief that KLRU is doing a great job supporting creative, local programming. Encore showings take place Tuesday, April 20 at 10:30 p.m. and Monday, April 26 at 9:30 p.m. For a complete list of showings, visit the KLRU Web site.
In the meantime, take a look at this sneak peek and tell me what you think:
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‘American Idol’ week seven: Results
Okay, I blew it again.
Or did America blow it? Hmm?
Here were my predictions for this week:
Bottom Three: Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban, Andrew Garcia
Should go home: Tim Urban
Say goodbye to: Aaron Kelly
Actually, the country and I were pretty much in sync this week: Aaron, Tim, Andrew and Michael got my lowest marks of the night, and the trio that landed in the bottom three — Aaron, Andrew and Big Mike — came from that group.
I knew Tim wouldn’t go. I’ll say it again: he’s on track to win, perhaps as a viewer protest to letting Paula go and bringing in Ellen and allowing Simon to leave after this season and choosing historically and epically awful “talent” and all the other things the producers have done to muck up a fun show and make this the last season anybody will probably watch.
In case you missed it, Lynch was left singing for his life Wednesday night and it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the judges would use the “save” option (you know, the one they should have utilized weeks ago for Lacey Brown) to keep Big Mike around for another week.
“Idol” really needs to stop with the fake-outs. Could it be more obvious that every time Seacrest gets all serious, the contestant in question is totally safe? I can’t be the only one who knew that not one of those three remaining women would be sent packing. And when Simon tries it — as he did with Lynch last night — it’s even worse. Hey, Simon … you’re valuable because you ONLY SAY WHAT YOU MEAN. Knock it off, knucklehead.
All future performance shows should be an hour and results shows should be 30 minutes. There. I said it.
On the plus side, it was nice to see that former hopeful David Archuleta has apparently overcome the hyperventilating that looked so painful (but was vastly more compelling than most of what he sang as a contestant).
Next week’s theme: “Two ‘Idols’ go home.”
Which two should they be? Please leave your comments below.
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‘American Idol’ week seven: Top 9
So, we were spared a celebrity mentor during Lennon-McCartney week (really — they couldn’t even round up a Ringo?) as Sir Paul appeared only via video, wishing the “Idol” hopefuls good luck. Because there are only nine remaining contestants and the show inexplicably remains at two hours, we had to sit through a lot of padding, including those stupid, post-performance sound bites and, this week, pre-song clips where the contestants described the other contestants. Thanks; I really needed two extra minutes on Tim Urban’s goofy yearbook grin.
Okay, here’s the roundup:
Aaron Kelly, “Long and Winding Road”
Zzzzzzzzz … huh? Oh, sorry, I nodded off there. My wife is going to be really upset when she sees that I spilled my Diet Coke all over the sofa. Yeah, I drink from a big, red, Coca-Cola cup like the “Idol” judges. Have you got a problem with that? Anyway, Aaron, yeah. The bad news is that his take on this boring song was boring. The worse news is that his doppelganger, David Archuleta, is going to be on the results show tonight with his snuffly nose and he might steal the hearts of the tween girls who keep bringing Aaron back week after dull, competent week. This style didn’t make Archuleta his year’s “Idol,” and it’s not going to work for Aaron either.
“You’re 17, old-fashioned and boring,” Simon
Grade: C
Katie Stevens, “Let It Be”
This week, Tracy Flick Katie did a little better. Another song from the Lennon/McCartney canon that even Adam Lambert couldn’t make contemporary, but at least the arrangement had a little twang (even if perky Patty’s vocal’s didn’t). It was totally competent, but I’m beginning to think that competence is destroying our nation. Who, oh who will be the first tonight to bring the excellence?
“You never sounded better,” Ellen
Grade: C+
Andrew Garcia, “Can’t Buy Me Love”
Well, crap. It looks like Andrew won’t be the first tonight to bring the excellence. In fact, he’s thoroughly mediocre and goofy with another song that would be hard to contemporize (although my wife noted that a revved-up, power-through Lemonheads-type arrangement might do it — not for Andrew, though. The judges are right: the too-loud, too-brassy back-up totally sapped any of Andrew’s considerable originality out of this performance. Andrew’s in trouble this week.
“You and the band got it all wrong tonight,” Simon
Grade: D
Michael Lynche, “Eleanor Rigby”
Okay, I’m going to have to disagree with the judges on this one. They drooled all over Big Mike’s version of this song, but I just thought it was weird and way too dramatic. Remember a few weeks ago when Jermaine Sellers was still on the show and the panel routinely ripped him for being all Broadway? Halfway into this song I thought perhaps Jermaine came back to Hollywood, got exposed to a radioactive something-or-other and Hulked into Big Mike. I thought this was horrible, in case I haven’t made myself clear, but at least it was different than the R&B lovey-dovey stuff he’s doled out every other week.
“Those vocals were hot,” Kara
Grade: D
Crystal Bowersox, “Come Together”
Finally, somebody brought the excellence. I’ll be honest: I was a little worried when I realized that the producers stuck Crystal in the middle of the pack, and I wasn’t sure this would prove to be a good song choice. And I really started to panic when I saw that she was accompanied by a guy playing a didgeridoo. But Crystal nailed it with shades of Bonnie Raitt, as the judges correctly noted. And she wisely chose a song she could twist into a contemporary sound. Crystal hasn’t delivered a bad performance yet, and she might be the only one who can still say that. At this point in the competition, appearing to coast can be a liability, but as long as she continues to surprise and deliver each week, there’s no reason to expect that she won’t win. Unless Tim Urban does.
“Another solid performance,” Randy
Grade: A
Tim Urban, “All My Loving”
I think the judges are strategizing. Their over-the-top praise of Tim’s goofy, Beatle-mania version of this song can only be the end result of a conversation that went something like this:
Simon: What are we going to do? Americer (hey, that’s how he pronounces it) keeps voting for this wanker.
Randy: I dunno, dawg. I can’t be any harder on the poor guy. Why aren’t the voters feelin’ it?
Kara: Maybe we should try really lathering on the praise so that people stop feeling sorry for him and finally vote him off.
Ellen: I could bring back that thing where I compare contestants to various states of ripened fruit …
Simon: I like Kara’s idea. Let’s go with that.
At least Randy decided to not judge his performance as a part of the competition, but on the basis of how it ranked as “a Tim performance.” Now that was funny.
“You’ve done well, I’m proud of you,” Simon.
Grade: C
Casey James, “Jealous Guy”
Now this I liked (and I’m not a Casey fan). I get frustrated week after week because Casey’s clearly got talent, but he always seem to be coasting on his wavy, golden locks and considerable charm. Tonight, however, it was clear that Casey put some thought and effort into his performance; he actually seemed to be competing. Imagine that. I thought his bluesy rendition of this great Lennon song was maybe a little too slow and intense, but that’s niggling. Casey brought it.
“It was the best performance of the night,” Simon
Grade: A
Siobhan Magnus, “Across the Universe”
I thought this performance was simply beautiful. Siobhan is some kind of changeling or shape-shifter, I think. You certainly can’t ever predict what she’ll do. Who’d have thought that after weeks of screeching, this season’s most exciting contestant would come out with an understated, pitch-perfect, quiet and personal (but powerful) performance? The judges didn’t quite know what to make of it, and I can understand why: it was stunning, and they were stunned. Still, it was hardly contemporary (unless the next Disney Princess movie is contemporary) and that could mean trouble. So maybe not the smartest move, competition-wise, but a moment to remember, for sure. I must admit that I don’t think Siobhan is the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I was worried when Simon asked her an open-ended question about her song choice. Luckily, the hopeful gave a heartfelt, lucid answer (and no small amount of tears) and made Simon look like a heel. Bonus!
“You are special,” Ellen
Grade: B+
Lee Dewyze, “Hey Jude”
Hey — Lee took a bad song and made it … average. I am a huge Beatles fan, but I loathe “Hey Jude.” Seriously, this was the performance they chose to stick in the pimp spot? It must have been the bagpiper. Yes, Lee hired a bagpiper in full-on bagpiper bagpiperage to walk down the stairs bagpiping during that neverending “nah nah nah” refrain. I imagine the “Idol” producers thought that anybody, even Tim Urban, could follow a didgeridoo, but nobody could follow a bagpipe. Kudos to Seacrest for not making an inappropriate comment about what might or might not have been under the guy’s kilt. Now that I type that, I wish Lee would have done a better job. Then I could have said, “How did he do? He kilt it!”
“No disrespect to you, but I wouldn’t have done that,” Simon
Grade: B-
Bottom Three Prediction: Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban, Andrew Garcia
Should go home: Tim Urban
Say goodbye to: Aaron Kelly
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“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” pretty much owning late night music booking
The music booker on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” is a 33-year old former Billboard reporter named Jonathan Cohen. Inside of a year, he has made that embattled late-night show broadcast TV’s most interesting venue for live music.
Nothing else comes close.
“In my earliest discussions with Jimmy, the thing that was most important to him was variety, almost like someone’s iPod,” Cohen said Tuesday. “That’s the principle on which I’m booking.”
To that end, Cohen occasionally books acts that have been out of the spotlight for a long period or legendary bands that have never played on TV before.
For example, when the ’90s rock band Jawbox wanted to promote the 2009 reissue of their 1994 album “For Your Own Special Sweetheart,” instead of disrupting their children’s lives with a tour, they played a reunion gig on “Fallon.”
This was huge news for 30-somethings who remembered the band from countless ’90s club shows. It was moving to see the band blaze and roar like Clinton was still in the White House.
“I had been a fan for a long time and had corresponded with (Jawbox) as a journalist,” Cohen said. “Lo and behold, they were interested in talking about (playing on the show). It turned into an open soundcheck for their friends and family where they played a number of songs. That was really a special thing.”
It helps the show that the hip-hop act the Roots serves as house band. The crew brings both impeccable chops and hip-hop’s world-view to the notoriously bland world of late-night TV bands. (Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is also an infamous record nerd, which can’t hurt.)
“The Roots also provides a distinctive element that allows us to do some collaborations that you might not otherwise see,” Cohen says. “That’s very appealing to artists.”
On April 2, “Fallon” played host to Liquid Liquid, a New York band who blended post-punk’s spare instrumentation with disco and dub reggae rhythms and arrangements.
The band was active only from 1980 to 1983, though they began playing together again now and then in 2008. Their song “Cavern” became part of hip-hop’s grammar when Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five sampled the bassline for the anti-cociane anthem “White Lines.”
Now, there was no real reason to book Liquid Liquid. The band’s last album was an anthology of old material released in 2008.
“That started as a conversation with Questlove,” Cohen said. “I don’t think he knew the band was active and I had never seen them. I floated the idea to him about the Roots playing ‘Cavern’ with the band because I don’t think a lot of younger people knew where that sample came from.”
The results were hypnotic and joyous.
Check out the performance here.
“I don’t want to go too niche with all this stuff, but it’s trying to find that sweet spot between cool things and broader stuff,” Cohen says. “That’s all coming from Jimmy.”
A few interesting upcoming bookings on “Late Night:”
The Specials play April 13; it’s their first U.S. gig since 1980. That band is currently on tour.
April 16, the Flaming Lips play a song from “Dark Side of the Moon.”
And May 10 to 14, Cohen says the show will have a five-day tribute to the Rolling Stones’ classic “Exile on Main Street.” Four bands will play covers off that record Monday through Thursday. Friday, a new documentary on the album called “Stones in Exile” will premier.
Two bands have not been announced, but Keith Urban performs May 11 and Phish performs May 13, their first TV performance in six years.
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Tickets available for second Austin “Glee” sneak preview
The 7:30 p.m. spring premiere sneak preview of Fox’s “Glee” at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar sold out fast. Tickets for the added April 8, 9:30 p.m. show have been a little slower to move.
Admission for the charity event, which benefits the Grammy Foundation’s “Grammy In the Schools” music education programs for young people, is $15. Tickets can only be purchased online; to get yours, surf on over to www.ticketsforcharity.com.
Still can’t make it? “Glee” returns to Fox on April 13, right after “American Idol.” The Alamo Drafthouse is located at 1120 South Lamar Boulevard.
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‘Idol’s’ Benami critiques show’s judges
Rejected “American Idol” contestant Didi Benami has found her voice. She let loose on the popular Fox reality competition’s judges (especially Simon Cowell), knocking them for their inconsistent advice and harsh critiques.
The 23-year old waitress was sent home after a dramatic rendition of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” Cowell compared sitting through that performance to “swimming through a bowl full of jelly.”
Benami, who made the show’s top ten and gets to go on “Idol’s” live summer tour, also called the panel’s critiques “really, really hurtful.”
What do you think? Were the judges too harsh? Should a different contestant have been sent home last week? Sound off in the comments.
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St. Ed’s dean on ‘Millionaire’
St. Edwards University’s dean of university programs will be testing her knowledge on the syndicated game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’
Marianne Hopper will appear on “Millionaire” episodes airing Friday and April 26. Her husband, Clive, and son Anthony were in the audience for the tapings.
‘Millionaire” airs at noon on KEYE.
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This week’s TV picks
Monday:
‘24’ 7 p.m., Fox: Now that the network has announced that this will be Jack Bauer’s last season, it’s kicking off the remainder with a special 2-hour episode. If my 6-8 a.m. was like this, I would just go back to bed.
‘NCAA Basketball Championship’ 8 p.m., CBS: the title game, broadcast live from Indianapolis, the basketball capital of the world. (I have no idea what Indianapolis is the capital of).
Tuesday:
‘American Idol’ 7 p.m., Fox: Nine finalists compete and former contestant Didi Benami sits at home on her couch and weeps.
‘Lost’ 8 p.m., ABC: Show-runner Damon Lindelof has promised that after this episode, “the conversation will change.” I’m hoping that means I won’t be saying, “Huh?” any more.
‘Parenthood’ 9 p.m., NBC: Minka Kelly from ‘Friday Night Lights’ guest stars.
Wednesday:
‘American Idol’ 7 p.m., Fox: One finalist is sent packing and Didi Benami sits at home on her couch and weeps.
‘Top Chef Masters’ 10 p.m., Bravo: Season 2 opens with a table full of aphrodisiacs. I guess the way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach, although my cardiologist always takes issue with that.
Thursday:
‘The Marriage Ref’ 9 p.m., NBC: Tracy Morgan, Nathan Lane and Kathy Griffin weigh in on couples’ marital difficulties. This would be funnier if the panelists had to appear in character: Tracy Morgan could be his Tracy Jordan character from ’30 Rock,’ Nathan Lane could be Timon from ‘The Lion King,’ and Kathy Griffin could be that annoying, unfunny woman from reality TV.
Friday:
‘Wife Swap,’ 7 p.m., ABC: A Goth family meets a hockey family. I’m picturing a lot of people in the penalty box.
‘Private Chefs of Beverly Hills’ 9 p.m., Food: This new reality show centers on a chef-placement agency that caters to a ridiculously entitled clientele.
Saturday:
‘X-Treme Eating’ 9 p.m., FLN: Unusual dining establishments include a hospital-themed restaurant and another place where dogs serve the food. I’m thinking after eating at the dog diner I might need a visit to the hospital-themed joint.
Sunday:
‘Life’ 7 p.m., Discovery: The first of tonight’s back-to-back episodes studies predators and their prey. The second installment tackles insects. It’s all so HD and beautiful and Didi Benami sits at home on her couch and weeps.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment, Random thoughts, TV tips
‘Flash Forward,’ medical dramas face cancellation
News service Reuters has a story from Hollywood Reporter writer James Hibberd wrapping up which network TV shows are likely to be renewed, canceled or are on the bubble.
His analysis? It doesn’t look good for ABC’s “FlashForward” or NBC’s medical dramas “Trauma” and “Mercy.”
One can only hope Hibberd is an accurate prognosticator. Check out his other predictions in the full story.
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Actor John Forsythe dies at 92
The Associated Press reports that actor John Forsythe has died at age 92.
His biggest television hits were the 1950s’ “Bachelor Father” and the 1980s’ “Dynasty,” although I’ll always remember him as the unseen voice of Charlie in the 1970s’ “Charlie’s Angels.”
A member of the freshman class of The Actors Studio, Forsythe also appeared on Broadway and in feature films including “The Trouble with Harry,” “In Cold Blood” and “Scrooged.”
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Review: ‘Miami Medical’
Elisabeth Harnois and Jeremy Northam in “Miami Medical.”
The procedural formula doesn’t work so well when you’re trying to prevent the appearance of corpses instead of finding out how people turned into them.
That’s the biggest problem with Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Miami Medical,” the new trauma drama debuting at 9 p.m. tonight on CBS. With just 60 minutes to save the graphically-injured victims wheeled through the door — the “golden hour,” the last chance to save a life — there’s little suspense: the trauma team assesses injuries, makes snap judgments on available options and then proceeds to patchin’.
In the absence of procedural suspense the only real entertainment lies in character. It remains to be seen if viewers will care about these doctors once they’ve spent some time with them — an hour is just too soon to tell. They are clever and crack wise but, thankfully, do so just shy of an annoying degree. And the cast — including Jeremy Northam, Lana Parrilla, Omar Gooding and a briefly appearing Andre Braugher — is certainly just as pretty and far less annoying than the characters on NBC’s awful “Trauma.” Will we get a chance to get to know them better? Networks don’t usually dump properties for which they’ve got high hopes onto the Friday night schedule.
Have I mentioned that the show is graphic? I had to cover my eyes a few times, but I’m notoriously squeamish. Still, it’s nice to have a reason to avert my gaze other than general awfulness.
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S. Epatha Merkerson leaving ‘Law & Order’
Emmy Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson tells EW.com’s Michael Ausiello that she’s vacating the role of “Law and Order’s” Lt. Van Buren which she has filled for 16 years.
“I’ve given it my best for 16 years. It’s time to move on,” the actress said.
Merkerson, who is currently producing and directing a documentary about African-American benevolent societies, called her time on ‘L&O’ “a dream gig.”
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TV’s Judge Pirro to speak in Austin
On April 10, Judge Jeanine Pirro of the TV show ‘Judge Pirro’ will be keynote speaker at ‘A Day to Shine.’ The day of events will benefit loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. At 2 p.m. that day, the Dessert and Fashion Show will feature KVUE’s Olga Campos as master of ceremonies. Tickets: $25 per individual reservation. At 6:30 p.m. the Evening Gala and Fashion has KXAN’s Robert Hadlock and Leslie Rhode as masters of ceremonies. Tickets: $100 per individual reservation. Pirro will speak at both the 2 p.m. and 6:30 events. Austin Country Club, 4408 Long Champ Drive. loveisrespect.org/get-involved/a-day-to-shine/
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‘Bones,’ ‘Fringe’ return Thursday
Does this mean those annoying promos are going to end? “Bones” and “Fringe” return to Fox tonight after a nearly two-month hiatus.
“Bones” is a rather standard episode revolving around murder on a subway train. Let’s talk “Fringe.” The episode, entitled “Peter,” has several key revelations important to followers of the mythology of the show, just renewed for a third season. After the “parallel universe” reveal this year (and the OMG realization that the entire first season was basically a risky set-up for the real show which began last Fall) tonight’s episode explains a good deal about that other universe and also much of the history of Walter and Peter’s past (and it’s a joy to see Walter pre-breakdown).
Perhaps it’s because this episode was written while the show’s future was still in limbo, but it’s really good. In fact, had the show not been renewed, tonight’s entry could have served as a satisfying ending Take note, “Losties” … this is how a satsfying mythology episodes that answers questions is supposed to look).
While you’re waiting for “Bones” (7 p.m.) and “Fringe” (8 p.m.), here’s that annoying promo one more time:
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‘American Idol’ week six: Results
Nailed it.
If I were Crystal Bowersox or Siobhan Magnus, I’d start packing my bags, because America continues to vote off any “American Idol” contestant with a shred of originality or uniqueness of voice and those two are about the only hopefuls left who’ve got either.
And we get to watch grinning scarecrow Tim Urban and Stepford-contestant Katie Stevens warble for another week. Yay, America! Dare to be you!
If I were one of the four “Idol” judges, I’d be feeling pretty grim right about now (and can’t you just tell that Simon regrets his decision to stick it out through the rest of the season?). But I don’t feel sorry for them because they dug their own graves by choosing such poor contestants and then overhyping the strength of this year’s talent pool.
As for Wednesday’s guest performer, I’m not sure what caused more seizures: the strobe light (complete with prior crawl warning!) or Diddy’s overtly sexual gyrations with his female dancers, which had to produce convulsions among the parents of the tween viewers who keep sending Tim Urban through to the next round. The only thing missing was narration by Mary Hart.
What do you think? Did America send the right person home? Can’t we just send three or four home at a time? Will next week’s theme be “Wizard of Oz” songs, assuring Dorothy and the Scarecrow yet another reprieve?
Sound off!
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