watching expired appliances align

fall tv...yay.

i'm slowly getting back into writing about tv on www.recordingtelevision.com. there's nothing revolutionary there, but i do chime in with a sentence or two about the new fall shows i've watched.

tv recap by jon bohland

in case you've stopped reading my dvr blog (and i don't blame you), please note that i've just posted jon bohland's 2004-2005 tv season recap. good stuff. go read it now.

did they even try?

Tonight's episode of THE OC was terrible. And I was pulling for the show. Thirty-five minutes in I could see the writers pulling things together, trying their hardest for jokes that, yes, fell flat but that were at least on the right track. I managed to convince myself that the third season would be really good. I'm pretty sure I've gotten it wrong.

The mention of Chuck Klosterman and the appearance of his book couldn't redeem this episode. The re-appearance of Jimmy Cooper (Tate Donovan) was a tiny bright spot, but not enough to redeem this episode. An Oliver joke made me laugh. I liked the Oliver joke. It was an easy joke, though. And Kaitlin Cooper, Marisa's little sister was mentioned. That was a nice nod to long-term fans.

Those last three minutes? Terrible. What has this show become?

a look back at the past year in tv

earlier this week my friend phil emailed me with his 2004 - 2005 televsion season recap. i've posted it online for all to see. comments and discussion for the recap can be found on my dvr blog.

i'm moments from going to watch episode 3 of GREENLIGHT

Here are a few of my recent del.icio.us links:

Jimmy Page's Sweater Vest: A butterfly in the Amazon flaps its wings...
some talk of a new minor league ballpark for richmond, va

Undeclared - Apatow talks about music, extras, whether or not there will be a special edition, and whether the release is really in July!
i want it on cable and on-demand! i'm so greedy!

New (sub)Urbanism: Getting Around in Suburbia
with real trolleys you can just jump onto the sideboard, right?

music (for robots) - Smokey Turtle by EYEBALL SKELETON
i just heard this track on WXJM. there's nothing wrong with a good novelty song every now and again.

slowly untangling

Last night Handwashings and I went to the Museum of Television and Radio for an event entitled Unraveling The Wire. We had tickets to the overflow satellite room where we could watch the panel discussion on a large screen. Luckily, we were among the first ten to line up for that room. Doing so allowed us to enter the main room for the discussion (We spent an hour in the satellite room as episode one of the third season was shown to the assembled groups).

The panel featured creator David Simon along with Ed Burns (Producer/Writer),
John Doman (Dep. Commissioner Rawls), Idris Elba (Russell 'Stringer' Bell), Seth Gilliam (Sgt. Ellis Carver), Jamie Hector (Marlo Stanfield), George Pelecanos (Producer/Writer) and Karen Thorson (Producer). It was moderated by Ken Tucker.

During the discussion I was reminded that the show has a huge ensemble cast. Having four cast members and so many people behind the scenes on stage last night may have been too much. It didn't impact the panel poorly, it just made me wish the event had gone on for another hour. The second season about the docks was barely mentioned. David Simon also did a good job reminding the audience that the City of Baltimore really does play a huge roll in the series. While not pounding us over the head with the idea that the city is a character, he talked about the setting of the series as if it was just as strong an element as any of the lead actors.

The big question on your mind, I'm sure, is - what's up with season four. Tucker was quick to ask the question and initially Simon said nothing had been decided yet. About halfway into the conversation the topic came up again and Simon mentioned that season four is up to him. The ball is in his court. If he and the other producers can come up with credible stories that appeal to HBO (and to themselves), then it seems likely that season four can happen. The issue of ratings was discussed. The show didn't get huge numbers this past season but the way ratings are counted changed between seasons 2 and 3. All those airings of THE WIRE on HBO2 and HBO On-Demand don't count toward the ratings.

Simon went out of his way to praise HBO and my reaction is that his praise was genuine, especially when he mentioned that working with a network to figure out the direction of your series artistically is a much better problem to have than arguing with the network about how to get the ratings up. His one complaint was about the issuing of DVD's for seasons one and two after the start of season three. Now that we're three or four years into having tv shows on dvd, it's becoming common sense to most that a previous season for a show that's such a serialized drama should be made available to as many people as possible before the new stories begin.

Idris Elba was thoroughly praised by more than one audience member. In introducing the first question from the floor, one audience member suggested that Denzel Washington watch his back. Hearty laughter ensued.

Ed Burns seemed like an interesting guy, even though he didn't say an overwhelming amount. He's worked as a detective and he's also worked in the Baltimore City schools, thus providing one of the hints as to where the story for season four may find it's major arc.

All in all, it was a great event. I've got my fingers crossed that Handwashings will also provide a recap.

recording, recording

two hours ago i sat down and planned to quickly list the shows i'll be recording over the next few days. my blog entry for www.recordingtelevision.com turned out a little longer than expected.

keep an eye on that spot over the next few weeks, as i hope to share some thoughts about sex on television and the recent article in the new york times about the dvr industry. i also hope to introduce a new semi-regular feature. exciting things, i promise.

the new "herman's head"

look! one of my favorite actors, johnny galecki, has been cast in the pilot for a tv series called "peep show." it's the look into the minds of two roommates. now that i think about it, i may have watched the british version of this show a few weeks ago. it wasn't very good.

k.s.

hey. kevin smith is going to appear on an episode of degrassi. (via news askew)

i'm watching your eyes roll now.

speaking of kevin smith, i need a different costume for halloween this year. obviously, it must incorporate my slightly out of control beard.

whoosh

i just watched the final out in the houston / st. louis baseball playoff game. i think i heard a "whoosh" on that last strikeout. is that possible? am i hearing things? is fox "enhancing" the feel of the game for me?

during last night's yankees / red sox game i laughed at the audible "cracking" of the bat whenever there was a replay of a big hit. that sound effect was gone tonight, replaced by "whooooop" - sort of like a tiny slingshot firing. did anyone else hear these sounds? am i just making this up?

i'm all for a mic aimed at second base that captures the sound of a player sliding and stealing a base, but fake hit and strikeout sounds? what is this EA sports' MVP baseball 2004?

tap tap

a new interview with david simon, creator of THE WIRE.

go watch the surreal life

this is just a reminder that i also write a blog that's all about television. it's my dvr blog and i just updated it with the list of shows i'll be recording this week.

indtv

I just read the website for the new cable channel started by Al Gore went up recently. It's called INdTV.tv and they're currently looking for young people (ages 18-34) to become "digitial correspondents."

Terry Heaton's Pomo Blog delves into the concept a little more. Could be interesting.

The cable channel should also hold a contest to give away hundreds of video cameras to potential digital correspondents. I say that because I'm in the market for a new video camera.

must watch

in case you're not a regular reader of my dvr blog, make note that UTILITYMAN: THE QUEST FOR COOPERSTOWN airs tonight at 7pm on espn2. it's the show mitch has been working on all summer. it stars the sklar brothers and follows their attempts to have st. louis cardinal, jose oquendo, inducted into the hall of fame. a few of us watched the show with mitch last night and were all impressed. it's funny and silly and has some really hilarious moments.

joe schmo 2

does anyone in d.c. know any of the contestants that were on joe schmo 2? while watching the final episode tonight i learned they were all from d.c.. all seem like nice people. this season wasn't as good as the last, but there were a few really funny moments.

Some OC news?

THE BAIT SHOP is the new PEACH PIT AFTER DARK??????

from a wall street journal article about "underground" music being used on THE O.C. and other "hip" TV shows:

Next season, even more bands are likely to reap such benefits. Mr. Schwartz says "The O.C." is adding a new set to the program, a venue on the show called the Bait Shop, which he describes as an "all-ages club." Ms. Patsavas has already lined up bands -- including Modest Mouse, the Killers and the Walkmen -- for Bait Shop performances in three episodes next season.

i'm sure all the serious OC followers have already heard about this. but i don't read all the message boards and follow all the internet details, so this is news to me. very fun news as just yesterday i was involved in a ten minute conversation about 90210's peach pit after dark. basically, this news makes me think that there's one more good season of THE OC left, and then it's all downhill. (link via obscure store

again, not real

it's sunday morning and instead of cleaning my room i'm watching fake commercials that are very good.

every show under the sun

i couldn't be happier! the tv talk just won't stop. i got into work today and received an email from my friend phil who lives in dc. he's part of jamie's crew that travels to the outer banks every memorial day weekend. i don't think either of us went this year. i hope everyone goes next year, though. anyway, phil read jon's 2004 tv season recap and felt like a few shows were overlooked. phil sent me a list of his thoughts and i now post them for your reading and recording enjoyment.

phil's 2003-2004 season recap

here's an excerpt:

Everybody Loves Raymond

It's no surprise that this show garners top ratings year after year — it's fucking funny! Since the show has been around a while, the characters are established and the cast plays them to perfection. It is dysfunctional-family-situational-comedy at its finest. End of story!

Was Phil still asleep when he wrote this? EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND? I've never seen an episode. Phil, I'm going to watch one episode that airs in syndication and it better be "fucking funny." Or else.

okay, okay, i'll start watching chapelle's show

this past weekend at a wedding i had the chance to talk tv with a friend from college. i hadn't seen him in years. after the wedding jon wrote about his thoughts on the tv season that just ended and he's allowing me to post them on balgavy.com. now, i'm excited to share them with you:

Jon D. Bohland's Season Recap

the oc = good

i can finally have wednesday back. watched the oc tonight with the brooklyn crew (the tv club?) then went out for drinks. we were all happy with the episode. the final montage was excellent. a nice summation to the show - i was especially fond of the shot of ryan in theresa's (teresa's) car and the way it mirrored the shot of him leaving chino. very perfect for the wrap up nature of this episode. but what is up with seth on that boat????? someone please explain to me how he isn't going to die? more tomorrow.

17 going on 23

i think last night's episode of THE O.C. had something for everyone. i think it was a fun episode, but not one of the most memorable.

the fight between julie and hayley could've been a lot better! - why were there no underwater shots? why were there no over-the shoulder close-ups in the water? we see the two women jump into the pool and splash around a bit and that's it? bah. i wanted more.

but when jimmy decked caleb - that was great stuff. especially since sandy had been calling him k.k. all night. that was the best line of the night (when sandy first said that).

i'm just typing random notes here. no cohesive thoughts. i forgot to make this entry last night. i was too busy watching SMALLVILLE.

what else?

the trucker had thing was appropriately ridiculous.

and the poker nonsense was nonsenese.

we'll go pick up the keg

that's what we thought we heard ryan say to sandy, et al. turns out he and marissa were going to pick up the CAKE. it makes more sense that way. but it also removed the best part of the show.

what a snoozer of an episode for THE O.C.

the trailer for next week looked good, though.

all i do is talk

the new day 17 musings are now posted at bears will attack. they got a lot of submissions this month. i wrote something but it didn't make the cut and because there's very little that i've got to write about, i'll post it here:

I couldn’t stop talking about Matt Kennedy Gould, television’s Joe Schmo. I have no idea how we got onto the topic but as Friday night became Saturday morning my roommate and I excitedly traded sentences about why Joe Schmo was amazing TV. The tackiness of the show mixed with the enthusiasm of the participants and the meta-reality commentary was something we couldn’t have used more energy describing. We left the bar early Saturday morning knowing we’d convinced two of our friends that they missed the best thing that happened on television last year. April 17th should officially become Matt Kennedy Gould day. That guy is the nicest man to ever grace basic cable.

On Saturday night I went to a party with the two friends I thought I’d converted. Neither mentioned the show. Their lack of appreciation left me saddened and depressed.

welcome to portland

i just got home from o'connor's. i was there to meet the group i'm happy to call me tv club. we'd assembled at the local bar for a few drinks and talk of THE O.C.

first off - a few questions. what did summer mean when she said something about seth only being able to paint the ceiling? what was that about? why was there a joke that we all totally didn't get?

i guess that's my only question.

oh, and marissa's shirt - the sleeveless one that had a normal strap on the left side but then had a wooden or metal ring on the right? and was showing some kind of white undershirt? what was that about? very odd.

but seth and summer were great together. i can't remember what else i enjoyed. the seger line was repeated often at the bar. everyone loved that.

once again, a top notch episode. but next week looks troubling.

there was also discussion that it's about time one of the characters gets an episode all to herself. we decided on summer. everyone would love that. but then the ladies would miss out on having a non-seth episode and we don't think that would fly.

more later, i guess.

UPDATE (12:47pm): i want to also mention that while at o'connor's the text messaging on mobile phones got out of control. i had no idea people actually used their phones for texting. i mean, i knew it existed, but i had no idea it was as frequent and common as it is. it was very disconcerting. i think i'm going to have to get one of these mobile phone things soon.

wonderfalls off the schedule

all that smart water i've been drinking lately seems to be keeping me from falling asleep.

as you may not know, wonderfalls was cancelled. i think kfan was the only person besides me who watched it, so don't worry. you only missed a show that was developing into something good. i found out about the cancellation this weekend and sent kevin a note. he was pretty steamed. and i can understand why. but i also understand the other side of the story. for the past few days i've been trying to think about how the argument for that other side goes. just now i read it never ends on teevee.org which does a nice, cute job summarizing the world of network television.

now that i've mentioned that, i'll also mention that episode 4 of wonderfalls really had me coming around to liking the show more. i read earlier tonight that it's rumored the show may continue in canada. (via whedonesque)

they syrup is on the inside!

i got a little out of control tonight while watching baseball. i saw an ad for a mcdonald's commercial and starting blogging about it instead of watching the baseball game.

the post is on my dvr blog:

lovin' it a bit too much

ph meet rj45

obviously, this is of little consequence but it is sunday, so i don't mind posting this sort of thing. i just woke up from one of those morning dreams that combines all the things you've been thinking about lately.

basically, i was at a house where paris hilton and nicole richie were doing their 2nd season of the simple life. nicole was feeling under the weather, so she spent her entire visit on the couch. but paris hilton was out in the back yard participating in some kind of game of skill with the people who lived in the house. then i got to photograph paris and the owner of the property - and both of them were ridiculously tanned, like sizzling red!. when the dream started i was using my current digital camera, but in the course of the dream i switched to using my first, more square looking digital camera - there's nothing like learning something in a dream through the way something feels. anyway, i was trying to change the drive mode (to a mode that lets me take five or six shots within the span of a few seconds) of the camera to take photos. it wasn't working because i couldn't see the screen due to all the sun reflecting off the camera and the ridiculously tanned bodies. eventually it worked.

later that night and back inside everyone was lounging around the living room, paris was sort of talking with the host family. i was staring into the closet fumbling with something. somehow i ended up with the two ends of an ethernet cable in my ear, as if they were headphones. no one noticed. obviously, nicole didn't care. i chuckled, turned to paris and said "look, i accidentally put this ehternet cable in my ears, sort of like a stethoscope." but it didn't come out stethoscope. i fumbled with that word. but it was a dream so i can't remember the exact detail. i do remember that it was 7:58 pm and i had to get the remote control in order to make sure that i'd set up the tv to record the new episode of Beverly Hills, 90210. paris had mentioned earlier in the day that she wanted to watch. and i wasn't going to disappoint her.

i woke up looking around for my digitial camera, hoping those photos i'd taken were real.

AmerNexTopMod

if you haven't read andrea seigel's recent entry about the final episode of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, race to do so now.

she continues with her year of the nerd theme but this time turns her gaze on yoanna, the winner of the competition. my favorite sentence:

A lot of people have commented on Yoanna's habit of over-enunciation. It is my belief that she's fighting a number of voices ("Bread! Powerbar! Anything!") from within, so that she becomes distracted mid-syllable. This slows her down.

i wish this show was always on the air.

-marc

the rest of the week in tv

see jim's comments in the previous discussion about the oc for his thoughts on the final episode of ANTM, season 2. when i woke up this morning i mentally had this whole entry figured out. i was going to praise america's next top model to high heaven, and then complain about there being no actual ANTM magazine - don't you love those fake covers?

i'm fine with yoanna's win. of the final three, i liked all three of them as people and as reality tv show contestants and as average models. i didn't like any of them as superstar, TOP models. maybe yoanna or shandi will grow into that in a few years.

on wednesday night while at o'connor's i talked with bart and amy about ANTM and the voting. bart had some interesting theories. i just there was a lot of behind the scenes conversation the audience didn't get to see. i also think a few judges were pulling for yoanna, realized shandi was the biggest competition and voted her out early. as for mercedes, i loved her in this last episode. not her personality, but her hotness. that really came through in this episode.

THE APPRENTICE - jim, last night's episode was as good as always (except for those recap shows!). america can count on mark burnett.

CRACKING UP - last night we tried to watch monday's episode. i still can't believe i even recorded it, the jack black episode was terrible. this most recent episode was deleted after four minutes of viewing time.

WORLD POKER TOUR - they were in france on this week's episode. none of my favorite players from last season are making the final tables this season. what's going on? is there a conspiracy afoot?

i hope to have a more compelling tv show rundown sometime soon on my dvr blog.

Also, THE REAL WORLD / ROAD RULE CHALLENGE (THE INFERNO) would be a lot more satisfying if each episode ran 60 minutes instead of 30.

the oc (new episode)

seth and a graduate student played by paris hilton?

what will the creators of THE OC think of next?

seth's aunt as a dancer? why, YES!!! (i refuse to call her a stripper because i didn't see her stripping. she was just dancing - and picking up on anna's poor use of makeup)

low punch count this episode. high punch count potential, though.

juju cooper is my new favorite adult on the show.

update 1: i am evil. the two comments listed in the previous entry that were about the oc and not dan's baseball list have been deleted. i should've set up this oc post before going out last night. sorry about forgetting to do so. you guys and your oc talk are ridiculous. it's almost baseball season. let's focus on what's important here.

update 2: wow. i am out of control. deleting those comments was just ridiculous. maybe i'm a control freak. maybe i like things to go where they're supposed to go. so, instead of a running analysis today of the oc, you'll get a running analysis of me worried about how everyone will react to me removing two completely harmless comments. if you feel slighted, suck it up. you should've sent me an email telling me to add a new entry.

3rd update: i didn't mean to tell you to suck it up. i'm a bad person. this whole things is spinning out of control. i'll try to get my mental state under control soon. but when is peter gallagher going to start getting the good dialogue again?

4th update - 2:02pm: and with that i think i've finally alienated everyone who reads this. if i can't even keep the oc fans happy...because as we all know, the oc is the only thing i comment on anymore. argh. yeah. this is the implosion of my brain you're watching. no more jokes.

update 5 - 3:40pm: if you haven't figured it out yet THE OC is on a direct course for implosion. that josh shwartz tookt he show so deeply meta last night is a bad bad sign!!! we're looking he pulled out of it as soon as he did. when seth was watching that dvd of the first season of the valley i was cringing with how painful things were getting. but then later in the episode that dark haired girl that wore the wonder woman costume talked about how she wished she was from the valley. and i thought that was cute. the whole thing is such a fine line and if the producers flirt so close with disaster soon they could be in trouble. this show will not be nearly as good when season two hits! or should i say Mix 2. did you guys all catch that at the end of the show when they rolled the music ads? seriously. barf. i mean "mix 1." ugh. get a life. or hire me.

analysis of the nerd

andrea seigel has an amazing examination of shandi's continued nerd-like behavior from the most recent AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL! wow. so perfect. if you haven't been watching top model, you're missing out! and if yoanna doesn't win this thing, she better get some kind of fashion column in Teen Vogue or one of those girl magazines. she's awesome and well spoken and someone that i want to see more from. (link via catherine via gawker (can't believe i missed this on there))

i am a robot

kfan posted a comment this morning asking about the location of the "alias" thread. here is the discussion space for "alias." did anyone else watch this besides kevin? (and me, obviously).

a few quick talking points (please excuse my poor spelling):

- the showdown between vaughn and his wife was good.
- the romance between vaughn's wife (i should really learn her name) and sark is getting steamy!
- i don't believe that arvin sloane is sydney's father.
- i didn't like the storytelling format that had the episode start repeating (with just a slightly different perspective) at the midway point.

with that blue shirt, marissa looked five years old

wednesday's episode of THE OC was terrible. discuss.

(i will add more comments during the next 24 hours):

1:18am - jim just emailed me and told me he enjoyed the episode. maybe i watched the show while in a bad mood. maybe i was upset because i read somewhere that someone had reigned in peter gallagher's eyebrows as the show got popular.

11:27am - while at the computer last night i let this episode run again in the background. normally, a good episode of THE OC would have me turning around in my chair to face the television. didn't happen last night. the whole thing came off as very disjointed. i knew we were in trouble when eric balfour made his appearance - another character? let's just have one more episode with the core group! is it still sweeps month? i want sweeps-worthy episodes that don't spend an hour shifting gears and re-aligning stories. my favorite moment was watching luke walk into a door after seeing juju cooper in the school hallway. that's funny. that's dramatic, in a blatently over-the-top way. that's what we want more of.

12:04pm - one thing i intended to ask about last night - what is summer's last name? (this question appeared on this week's tv gal column)

hello sunshine

last night's episode of THE OC was fun, right?

a few issues that came up during last night's discussion of the show:

1 - after i mentioned the liberal use of make-up on the show, cheryl suggested that the make up artist should be fired. a rather harsh assertion, i think. let's start with using less foundation on ryan's ex (as, i believe, katie suggested).

2 - i should refrain from commenting on how hot adam brody is. when i commented that the overhead shot of him in bed without a shirt was more bob, carol, ted and alice than 90210, the joke went over like a lead balloon.

3 - eliza postulated that THE OC is ONE TREE HILL's trashy, slutty cousin (or some words to that effect). i disagreed. then she reminded me that sandy on THE OC looks a lot like DAN on ONE TREE HILL. one dad is good and one is evil.

one more thought - before drifting off to sleep i caught samaire armstrong (anna) on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. i'm now trying to remember how she pronounced her name. something like sSah mee rahh. it was weird. and she's got all these hand to hand combat skills. with like spears. and rob schneider was the other guest who stayed on the couch while samaire and carson chatted. a perfectly bizarre ending to the night.

UPDATE: in case you missed it earlier this week, check out the ABC's of THE OC on popcrazy.com

the oc - our minds have been blown

how fantastic was tonight's episode of THE OC? there's so much to say! i don't know where to begin. i feel like everyone should meet at o'connor's in an hour to talk about it. every episode is like four episodes in one! the pace of the show is so fast. while watching the show sujan commented that she didn't want there to be a cliffhanger - she wanted this oliver trask nonsense cleared up by the end of the episode. with forty minutes left in the show i safely confirmed that it would be. the producers of THE OC don't mess around. and that leaves just one question - the one sujan asked after the scenes for next week's episode - what are they going to have in store for season two?

i mean - luke and marissa's mom! whoa!!! yeah. it makes me giddy like a teenager just thinking about how ridiculously overblown and amazing this show is.

and in typical marc fashion, i'll mention that i'm reading this interview with series creator josh schwartz at this very moment. i haven't finished reading it, but it mentions his recent writer's guild of america nomination and it talks about the nature of the oliver trask storyline being "season 2" like. let's all go read it and i'll see you at 11 for a drink.

really, it's not real

just a quick reminder:

snopes.com, the urban legends reference pages, is a great resource.

hopefully five years from now no one under 40 will ever need to spend more then an hour or two debating various urban legends. yes, that takes a lot of fun out of life. we now have more time to discuss why the lead reality television particpant in "my big fat obnoxious fiance" is so unsympathetic.

the surreal life - season 2

yesterday i checked in with jeremy paquette regarding his thoughts on the second season of the wb's "the surreal life." unlike last year, he's not recapping his thoughts on each episode, but here's what he had to say when i asked "any thoughts?":

it's all i think about.
i truly think they're off to an amazing start and it could possibly best the premier season blasphemy? hardly.

last season there were some likable guests and some detestable guests but so far this season has a mix of 6 crazy people, all with faults and positives but no one so loathsome as corey feldman nor as nice and safe as hammer. each could explode at any minute, with the exception of ron jeremy who is so sleazy and hammy that he need not be close to rage/insanity at all times like everyone else.

for some reason i find this lot more likable overall.

the first episode led me to thinking how this season could be full of greatness and episode two fulfilled that promise. it was like 6 episodes packed into one. there was madness, absurdity, lasciviousness, crying, rage, issues, and gary coleman. the scene of ice yelling "whatchoo talkin bout willis" while holding gary coleman off the ground and standing next to todd bridges was one of the greatest tv moments i have ever seen. then follow that with todd wearing the chefs outfit later on commenting on gary's meltdown...tears were streaming down my face. then erik's talking ice down off his emotional ledge was so transfixing. just amazing television.

i really wish i had the chance to write articles on this season but this job doesn't quite give me the time to do it. not that i'm that busy but the constraints of the desk make it much harder to do.

but it's nice to just watch them for pure pleasure without taking notes. i can't believe it's not a show that everybody talks about because i truly find it to be one of the most unique and mind bogglingly strange shows on tv. why watch fiction when you can watch meta-fiction. do these people really exist? how weird was their meeting on the trolley car? did erik estrada really think that baywatch lady was a "plant put here to bust (their) nut"?

i literally sit there in ecstatic glee for the entire hour the show is on.
i'm having a tv renaissance this year and the surreal life is the feather in the cap.

so yeah, i guess i have a few thoughts on this season on the surreal life.

anxiously awaiting episode 3,
jeremy

ooh, how i wish i could watch these episodes with jeremy! my quick two cents: the first episode was bad. the 45 second teaser for the upcoming season was brilliant. and, like jeremy, i think episode two begins fulfilling those promises. i can't wait to see what tonight holds.

unleashing a torent of update

this post on whedonesque reminded me that i watched part of a tv movie this past sunday called I WANT TO MARRY RYAN BANKS. it was a cute film about reality dating shows. jason priestley was actor ryan banks. emma caulfield (thus the buffy connection) starred as one of the main dating show contestants. and bradley cooper (will from alias) was banks' best friend and manager. i missed the first hour and only caught 60% of the second hour but i was entertained. i've become a simpleton, i guess. the hijinks between cooper and caulfield was a lot of fun! almost love-triangle-like. (and it's on again tonight at 8pm - abc family channel)

this afternoon i'm going to the bookstore. obviously, i'm watching too much tv these days.

blogging tv from LA

the star-ledger's tv critic alan sepinwall is blogging from the television critics associaton's winter press tour in hollywood. my fingers are crossed that he'll get some face time with the cast or creators of THE OC, which clocked another great episode wednesday night. peter gallagher can't get any better (that line about a clear tivo equaling a clear mind was right on the money). there was less of a focus on adam brody, and that made his character stronger. and the amount of eyeshadow worn by samaire armstrong as anna made me smile with glee.

ease into sleep

jimmy kimmel live has been extended for another season!

i recorded last night's first half of battlestar galactica. this is the sort of thing i have to resort to when the prime time shows i watch are in reruns!

also, i was sad when the pretty boy was picked on last night's conclusion of "average joe."

the oc (again, of course)

when did "traffic" become the defining film for how "a rough and tumble lifestyle in mexico and/or southern california" should be portrayed? last night's episode of THE OC found ryan and marissa headed back to the bad side of town where ryan grew up. it was shot with intense film grain and a complete blue cast - just like the drug dealing scenes in "traffic." this year's 24 is shooting the scenes in mexico the same way. the whole thing feels very frustrating and unoriginal.

(by the way, the odds are good i stole this idea from a comment dan made while we were watching 24)

k street revisited

i watched two episodes of hbo's "k street" and gave up. a few weeks ago i was in washington, dc and i tried to meet a friend for lunch. i got lost. some of the streets have the same names, but vary on the northwest / northeast / whatever part. i knew this at one time in my life. i forgot it on that day i was supposed to meet my friend for lunch. i swore off dc at that point. but thanks to matt zoller seitz's new review of "k street" i'm ready to give the show another chance. i think. i wish i'd read his review a few days ago so i could've spent the weekend catching up. two years from now this will be a show that everyone's talking about. five years from now? maybe i'm just amped on thoughts of cinema verite after watching the documentary (cinema verite: defining the moment) i mentioned recording a few weeks ago.

marc 2.0

ready to sell your soul to the marketers? give up your personal information here for a free jake 2.0 dvd. i've seen two episodes. i'll bet the two episodes i've seen are the ones on the dvd.

speaking of free dvd's, i picked up a ny post monday morning and got a free 20 minute preview of "master and commander." oooh, swords and ships. that's the hot new genre, isn't it?

what would hank kingsley say?

maybe tvbarn is becoming my "go to" place for weird television news. in the early 90s gene siskel, warren zevon and john ritter all appeared on the same episode of "larry sanders." tvbarn reports the episode aired last week in kansas city.

survivor - this season is good

it seems like the star ledger is becoming my go-to site for television reviews. alan sepinwall looks at the current season of 'survivor' and finds that it's pretty good. interesting twists. interesting players. worth watching this thursday if you miss reality tv done well (and, let's face it, 'average joe' wasn't as good as any of us wanted it to be).

this link has it all

a fan of letterman? how about tom shales? maybe you really just like reading the ny observer. aaron barnhart of tv barn was referenced in a recent episode of "ed" and goes on the explain why. the article is a great afternoon read when you're trying to avoid thinking about how lame your halloween costume is.

the surreal life 2

ready for a second season of the surreal life? according to variety the surreal life 2 is coming to the wb in 2004. the cast looks as bizarre as ever (erik estrada! trichelle from real world las vegas!). reality blurred has some news on the subject.

can't wait that long and want to recall the glory of the first season? read jeremy's episode by episode rundown. read all those but can't get enough of this jeremy character? check out tale seven of the innkeeper's reckoning.

the surreal life 2

ready for a second season of the surreal life? according to variety the surreal life 2 is coming to the wb in 2004. the cast looks as bizarre as ever (erik estrada! trichelle from real world las vegas!). reality blurred has some news on the subject.

can't wait that long and want to recall the glory of the first season? read jeremy's episode by episode rundown. read all those but can't get enough of this jeremy character? check out tale seven of the innkeeper's reckoning.

secondhand stories

this morning i recorded "second hand stories" on pbs. check your local cable guide right now and find out when it's on. it's a lot of fun following the two creators around the country as they visit thrift stores, yard sales and auctions buying and examining odd memorabilia. oh, and joe's record paradise in maryland makes an appearance.

it's a great show! by reading the description one would assume it covers the same territory as “hey remember!” on HGTV or another of those silly shows on the upper reaches of the cable television tier. SECOND HAND STORIES transcends all of those. chris wilcha’s voice as narrator shines through clearly and the direction of the episode is fun and carefree. the show does a great job mixing nostalgia for items with the quirkiness of buyers and sellers.

second hand stories airs again at 10:30 monday night in new york on channel 13.

some unknown person tipped me off to this via a comment on my dvr blog. if you see anything worth recording (like this show), let me know!

one of the nerds

an hour ago i watched the first complete episode of fear factor i've ever seen. that whole eating maggots things is gross. and the climbing around the bottom of a spinning helicoptor thing looks tough. and the flipping the car like a stunt person is awesome. so, yeah, not a show i'll watch again, but an episode i'm glad i made an exception for. a college friend of mine was on the show and carried herself quite well, even announcing that music from 'lord of the rings' was played during her wedding.

i haven't seen gina since the fall of '96 or the summer of '97, so it was pretty wild to see that same person on an nbc show competing against five people who weren't as interesting as she was. still. what a bizarre show. i have it saved on the dvr and can make a tape of it in case anyone wants to watch it. recording things to the dvr and then spitting out tapes of said things is my new guilty pleasure.

whaaat?

typically i don't like to repeat gossip. unless it's about my friends. and i haven't given "big brother" (the tv show) much thought during the past two years. but i just read that cbs president, les moonves, and big brother host, julie chen, are dating.

w.b.c.???

world beard championships via youth large. i am in awe. i don't know what to say.

victor garber had a brief beard on sunday night's alias. i assume it was fake.

g.g.

am i allowed to admit my extreme disappointment with the recent episode of gilmore girls?

did rory and lorelai both forget that rory spent a summer in dc rooming with paris????? why wasn't that mentioned? rory HAS shared a bathroom with someone (paris). rory HAS spent weeks, if not months, away from her mom. yale is how far away from stars hollow? 20 minutes?

this nonsense tonight is almost enough to make me stop watching the show.

dvr scheduled recordings

rather busy today. here's the list of scheduled recordings for this week. i may add a few comments when i have more time.

TUESDAY

Paradise Hotel - FOX 5 - 8pm-10pm

Gilmore Girls - WB 11 - 8pm - Season Premiere

One Tree Hill - WB 9pm

Food Finds - Food - 11pm - Bubby's in Manhattan

The Joe Schmo Show - SpikeTV - 11pm

WEDNESDAY

EGG the arts show - Trio - 2am - Pinhole cameras

Arts & Minds - Bravo - 5:30am - Art News

Independent Focus - IFC - 81- 2pm - Steven Soderbergh

BookTelevision - TRIO - 102 - 2pm

EGG the Arts Show - Trio - 102 - 2:30pm - artist, photographs, dance

Hilary Duff's Island Birthday Bash - WB - 8pm - How ridiculous is this going to be? I imagine gothamist will be watching.

Take This Job... - A&E 16 - 10pm - Spirit Seekers

THURSDAY

Survivor: Pearl Islands - CBS 2 - 8pm

Coupling - NBC - 4 - 9:27pm

Live by Request Starring Elvis Costello - A&E - 16 - live (viewer

requests)

Gotham Awards - IFC 81 - 11pm

FRIDAY

Thirsty Traveler - FineLvg - 144 - 12am - whiskey

Tracks: Impressions of America PBS WNET 13

from Martha's Garden - HGTV 131 - 7am "art of growing plants indoors"

Miss Match - NBC 4 - 8pm - Alicia Silverstone

Grounded for LIfe - WB - 9pm

SATURDAY

Better by Design - PBS WNET 13 - Burglar Alarm

EGG the arts show - TRIO 102 - 10am - Sally Mann

Tower Records: Next Big Thing - FUSE 132 - 2am - a Junior Senior video was in the last episode

SUNDAY

EGG the arts show - TRIO 102 - Land sculpture - craig baldwin

NextTV TRIO 102 - 10:30am

MediaTelevision - TRIO - 102

Born American - FineLVg - 144 12:30pm - three distinctive american beverage

companies

Singing/Children of Rock Royalty - Bravo 38 - 2pm

Digital Photography - DIY 145 - 2:30pm

Family Album - TRIO 102

The Ed Sullivan Show - PBS WLIW 21 - 7pm- Buddy Holly

The Genuine Article - FineLvg 144 - 35mm camera

Alias - ABC 9pm

scheduled recordings

Last week I gave a brief rundown of then current ‘scheduled recordings' that are set to happen on the dvr in my apartment. I hope to continue going through these random shows on a regular basis. – Please remember: all channel numbers listed are for Time Warner Cable in Brooklyn, NY.

Here’s the list, as it stands now, for the next week:

WEDNESDAY 17 September 2003

Fantasy Camp – On a whim, I flipped through the upcoming schedule for the Fine Living channel. Somehow I saw this episode which is, according to the guide, about "campers playing and dining with former major-league baseball players." No word on whether or not recent hall-of-fame inductee, Eddie Murray, is one of them. FineLvg (channel 144) 8:30am Due to a typo this was left off the list from last week. I think this episode runs later this week, so check your local program guide.

BookTelevision Per the Trio website, I’ll be recording episode 413. Unfortunately, when I click on the BookTelevision website I can’t figure out which authors are going to be on episode 413. It’s rather frustrating. Please note this episode repeats at 2:30am on Thursday. Trio (channel 102) 2pm

Call for Help – I like this show. It’s a friendly show about computer problems and issues. I don’t watch it nearly enough. This episode features a segment about "making money from a personal web site." I feel like that’s the subject line to some spam email I’ll receive this weekend, but I’m going to record and watch anyway. TechTV (channel 105) 3pm

Jake 2.0 – I raved about the first episode. Before watching that first episode, I’d spent the better part of the evening with a constantly refilled bourbon in my hand. I’ll watch the second episode of this show sober and see if it holds up to my now high expectations. UPN (channel 9) 9pm

THURSDAY 18 September 2003

Wuthering Heights There is no good reason for this to be recorded. I am only recording it because Sujan mentioned it as being something that I would watch. And because I like to prove my friends right all the time, I’ll give this movie a chance. And one of the cast members from “Roswell” costars. MTV (channel 20) 12am

LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN – Tonight’s rebroadcast of an episode from years ago features comedian Bill Hicks. I have no idea what appearance this is or what material will be performed, but I’m looking forward to watching the segment. Trio (channel 102) 1am

Egg: The Arts Show - One of the segments on this episode profiles San Francisco based “experimental” filmmaker and film programmer Craig Baldwin. He’s the man behind some really enjoyable, collage-oriented films including “Tribulation 99” and “Spectres of the Spectrum.” During the spring of 1996 I programmed his film, “Sonic Outlaws,” at JMU. Very few people turned out but I really enjoyed the film about copyright law and culture jamming. I also taped an interview with Craig and presented it on the radio show I was doing at the time. I’ll dig around for that tape soon and see if I can convert it to an MP3 file. Or, I'll at least convert the promo I made. I was really happy with the promo I cut for it. Trio (channel 102) 2:30pm

FRIDAY 19 September 2003

American Home - One of the segments on this episode features a “bowling alley” home. I’m taping it because I want to compare it to the segment on HGTV’s “Extreme Homes” about a bowling alley converted into a home. Is it the same bowling alley? Did the producers change the look of the place more for one show than the other? Did the homeowner grow his or her hair? These are important questions that the owner of a DVR can answer! FineLvg (channel 144) 8:30am

At Home with the Braithwaites - Two nights ago I caught the first two episodes and thoroughly enjoyed them! In general, I’m not usually a fan of British television. I like the Braithwaites, though. The Mom wins the lottery but doesn’t tell her family. The Dad only cares about money and is sleeping with his secretary. The oldest daughter flunked out of university and has a crush on the next door neighbor. The middle-aged daughter wants to be an actress but didn’t get the big part. And the youngest daughter? She just stares a lot. BBC America (channel 106) 8pm

Coupling - It looks like there’s a mini-marathon of Coupling episodes scheduled for Friday night. I think these are a few episodes from season 3, but don’t hold me to that. The season 2 DVD is being released at the end of October. BBC America (channel 106) 9pm

Better by Design - I think I’ve got to start recording this show on a regular basis! The “better razor” episode turned out okay and I’m absolutely enthralled with the design subject of this episode – the shopping cart! Okay, okay, I’m not that excited but I’m curious. How much better can the shopping cart get? I have no idea. I only know that a lot went wrong with the design of the shopping carts used at the Costco in Brooklyn. WNET (channel 13) – 10:30pm

SATURDAY 20 September 2003

Soundstage –Not to be confused with “Summerstage.” Wilco and Sonic Youth perform. Check out the website, as it has plenty of details including photos, video clips and set lists. WNET (channel 13) - 12:30am

Tower Records: Next Big Thing - I have no idea what this is about. I skimmed the press release linked here but couldn’t figure out who will be featured during this episode. And have you ever visited Fuse’s website? I cannot figure it out. I think I’m not modern enough. It’s way too complex and busy for my attention span. These kids today! Fuse (channel 132) - 9pm

Music Choice Presents Neil Young - This might be interesting. When I first got the DVR I taped a Neil Young performance that aired on Trio. I think it was from the late 60’s. This one should be much more current. Metro (channel 70) 10:30pm

SUNDAY 21 September 2003

MediaTelevision - It looks like it’s going to be “culture jamming week” for Balgavy, the brand. This episode of MediaTelevision features a segment on culture jamming. Hopefully, it will be a nice compliment to the Craig Baldwin piece running on “Egg” earlier in the week. Trio (channel 102) 11am

Culturejam - I couldn’t find too much about what’s on this documentary but I’m looking forward to it as the culmination of “culture jamming week.” Trio (channel 102) 12 noon

Digital Photography - I’m not expecting too much from this instructional show. I think this episode is an introduction to digital photography. Maybe there will be some pretty pictures. I’d love to see a few of the episodes that deal with complex subjects. It would be really amazing if they producers created an episode about photoblogs. DIY (channel 145) 2:30pm

MONDAY 22 September 2003

From Martha's Garden - There’s a segment about gerbera daisies! I should record this, right? I’m all for exciting flowers! HGTV (channel 131) 7am

MediaTelevision - This episode features a segment about a company in SF called red ball tiger. I think they’re an ad agency. Their website looks pretty cool. Worth recording. Trio (channel 102) 2pm

mzs on carnivale

matt zoller seitz reviews "carnivale." he seems to like it. i guess i'll watch the 2nd episode.

currently saved on the device

To make everything current, here’s the quick rundown of the shows that are currently SAVED on the dvr:

THE OC – I’m waiting to spit out onto a tape to lend to friends who have missed the past three episodes.

THE OFFICE – One episode from that first season. I’m not in love with this show, but I hope this one final episode that I haven’t seen will convert me.

SKATEBOARD – This film from the late 1970’s aired recently on Showtime. Dan, Sujan and I watched the first half and haven’t gone back to it. It was fun but not "must watch" material.

BJORK AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE – This aired on Trio last month. Dan’s the Bjork fan and once he watches it, it’ll be deleted.

KEEPING TIME: NEW MUSIC FROM AMERICA’S ROOTS – There are two episodes saved on the device, one is the episode with the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow players.

AUDITION – I haven’t seen the film, but when it was in theatres a number of people raved about it on their movie lists.

QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY – Various episodes saved that I’m waiting to watch with Sujan.

FARGO – This is the pilot episode that Trio aired last week.

SICK IN THE HEAD – The pilot episode Trio aired recently of this Judd Apatow sitcom is funny. I’ve heard some grumbling that it’s not funny. I disagree with those people.

THE SCREEN SAVERS - Sonic Youth on file sharing. A somewhat interesting conversation.

REWRITE FOR MURDER – A previously unaired pilot starring a pre-ER post E/R George Clooney.

AT HOME WITH THE BRAITHWAITES - The first episode from BBC America.

GREAT AMERICAN GARDENS - I’m going to get around to watching the segment about the Denver Botanic Garden sooner or later.

BETTER BY DESIGN – WNET aired this episode about the shaving razor. I watched the first half one morning. I wasn’t as intrigued by it as I wanted to be, but I’ll get around to watching the rest this weekend.

TV411 – I have no idea what’s on this episode.

UNWRAPPED

TRAILER PARK BLUES – This moderately short documentary aired earlier this week on WLIW (public television). I watched 20 minutes and wasn’t in love with it. This may get erased if I need the space.

TIPical MARY ELLEN – There’s a segment on"planting with big pots."

MUSIC EXPRESS – I watched this last night. Assuming neither Sujan nor Dan want to watch it, it’ll be deleted tonight.

TAKE THIS JOB... – From A&E and it’s about "meter maids, tow truck operators and parking ticket judges."

DISH DOGS – This movie aired earlier this week on WE. I watched a bit of it last night. Turns out it’s about young philosopher guys who wash dishes. I was hoping it had something to do with satellite dishes. Sean Astin is in it, if anyone’s interested.

to be recorded - 9/12-9/17

I think the following is the real chunk of information that I’m trying to share with this series of blog entries about the new digital video recorder that also functions as my cable box. As I mentioned last night, I haven’t found that perfect source for telling me what I should be recording across the entire spectrum of available cable channels.

Here is the list of shows that are currently listed on the dvr as Scheduled Recordings (this list does not included shows from the Series Manager):

(fyi: all channel numbers listed are for Time Warner Digital Cable in Brooklyn)

FRIDAY - 12 September 2003

Music Express - According to the on-screen guide, this show presents an interview with Michael Stipe and Mike Mills of the rock group REM. The other day I taped one of these interviews with Beck. I watched it last night and it was some serious interview stuff. Lots and lots of talking, for those of you who are fans of that kind of thing. This show has potential, I think. Ovation (channel 83) 3:30pm

At Home with the Braithwaites – This is the second episode of the season. I have the first episode saved on the device’s hard drive. I have yet to watch it, so I’m waiting to be pleasantly surprised. It has something to do with winning the lottery and not telling your family. BBC America (channel 106) 8pm

Degrassi Crash Course / 100 Moments – I’m hooked on Degrassi. And when did JT get such long hair? Before the new season starts, The N is spending the month of September reviewing moments from the previous few seasons (were there two?). Each episode is being hosted by various cast members. Again, one of those fun, as long as the remote is in hand, kind of shows. The N (channel 129) 8pm

SATURDAY – 13 September 2003

P. Allen Smith's Garden Home – According to the program guide, this episode presents a segment about "the usefulness of garages and tool sheds in garden design." I’ve never seen this show, and it’s on way too early on a Saturday morning. But I’m curious and I have the dvr, so why not? WLIW (channel 21) 7am

Shalom Y'All – This film is about being Jewish and living in America’s South. It might be interesting. I think it’s only an hour long. I’m on a big "odd" documentary kick these days, so I think this should be entertaining. (This probably doesn’t fit into the category of "odd" documentaries. Maybe what I should say is that I’m on a documentary kick when it comes to watching docs that are 20 to 60 minutes long.) Sundance (channel 101) 2pm

TV Out of the Box – I don’t think I’ve seen this yet, but I get the feeling this has already run once or twice on Trio. Per the in-cable box guide, this is about "the creative process of making the show." I have no idea what show is "the show" but I guess I’ll find out sooner or later. During the past two or three weeks Trio has been all about TV as TV. I’ve been enjoying it, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for their programming. Trio (channel 102) 8pm

SUNDAY – 14 September 2003

Mixtape Mixdown – This show is on all the time, but the one airing tonight is this week’s "indie rock" episode. I’ve recorded this show a few times before and I usually don’t recognize any of the bands. I think this show covers the world of pay to play Canadian indie rock. But I may be making that up. I probably am making that up. As long as they don’t run that ridiculous Liz Phair video, I’ll be happy. Fuse (channel 132) 2:30am

First Time Gardener – I saw the title and I knew I had to record this show. Like that P. Allen Smith show from Saturday, this one is on way too early in the morning. I haven’t been in a garden since the mid-1980’s and I don’t really eat vegetables, but I’m fascinated by the idea of gardens and gardening. If this show is any good, I’ll start recording it on a regular basis. Maybe next I’ll buy a roto-tiller. DIY Network (channel ???) 7am

MediaTelevision – I think this is a show about making television shows but, again, I have no idea. The cable guide mentioned that there’s a segment about "shooting a baseball game." If the name of the show wasn’t enough to convince me to record this then that description was. Trio (channel 106) 11am

MONDAY – 15 September 2003

7th Heaven – It’s the season premiere. I’ve been following the story of the Camdens for much of my adult life. I think last season ended on some kind of pregnancy cliffhanger. Is David Gallagher still a teen heartthrob? WB (channel 11) 8pm

TUESDAY – 16 September 2003

Extreme Homes – This episode of Extreme Homes I plan to watch runs a few times this week. There’s a segment described as "bowling alley converted into home." How can I miss that? Why haven’t I gone bowling this summer? Someone needs to make bowling plans soon. I suggest using this show as motivation. HGTV (channel 131?) 2am

Music Wars: Open Mike – This is a repeat broadcast of a show about file sharing that’s actually on tonight (Friday). Maybe I should change the setting of my dvr when I get home. Looks to be pretty electrifying, but I hear the RIAA wouldn’t get involved. TechTV (channel 105) 10pm

The Joe Schmo Show – Have I raved about this show yet? I know I’ve gone off on a tangent to a few people. This show is amazing! But weird (in a not so good way) and it has some serious flaws. I think I missed the end of the second episode. And I can’t quite tell which episode is which on Tuesday nights, but I’m hooked. Joe Schmo is perfect in his role as the guy who thinks he’s on a show called "Lap of Luxury." Everyone else on the show is a professional actor playing the role of houseguest or "smarmy host." I can’t believe I’ve been watching this show. I am officially embarrassed. SpikeTV (channel 36) 11pm????

WEDNESDAY – 17 September 2003

Fantasy Camp – On a whim, I flipped through the upcoming schedule for the Fine Living channel. Somehow I saw this episode which is, according to the guide, about "campers playing and dining with former major-league baseball players." No word on whether or not recent hall-of-fame inductee, Eddie Murray, is one of them. FineLvg (channel 144) 8:30am

Call for Help – I like this show. It’s a friendly show about computer problems and issues. I don’t watch it nearly enough. This episode features a segment about "making money from a personal web site." I feel like that’s the subject line to some spam email I’ll receive this weekend, but I’m going to record and watch anyway. TechTV (channel 105) 3pm

Jake 2.0 – I raved about the first episode. Before watching that first episode, I’d spent the better part of the evening with a constantly refilled bourbon in my hand. I’ll watch the second episode of this show sober and see if it holds up to my now high expectations. UPN (channel 9) 9pm

i'm calling it "the device"

I can’t help it. I’m totally in love with the digital video recorder that now serves as my cable box. During the past few days I’ve combed the surface of the internet looking for a good website that lists EVERYTHING that’s worth recording on television for a given day. So far, I haven’t found it. I don’t think I’m up for the task of creating that, but I do want to share what I’m recording and what I’ll be recording in the near future.

Time Warner Cable’s DVR is set up into three sections – Series Manager, Saved Shows and Scheduled Recordings.

As of Wednesday evening, here’s how I have the device’s Series Manager set up:

Degrassi: The Next Generation - I never watched the original Degrassi and, frankly, I’m embarrassed that it’s not part of my tv knowledge. Now I’m hooked on this latest important from Canada. Network: The N. New Episodes: Friday nights

Gardening by the Yard – The host, Paul James, is completely ridiculous and over the top but I’m hooked on this show. I don’t have a garden, but all the tips seem really helpful. Zipping through this show with the remote is ideal for weekend mornings. Network: HGTV. I tape episodes on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Track 2- I’m not really sure what this show is. I saw it listed on the guide and thought it might be worth recording. I’ve got the device set up to record new shows only. I imagine I’ll check to see what artist is on, and then delete the show without watching it. Network: mtv2. I have no idea when this is on.

The OC – I have no idea how I’m going to handle October when this show is off the air! Network: Fox. New episodes on Tuesdays (moving to Thursdays after the baseball playoffs).

Unwrapped – I grew up watching “Double Dare” on Nickelodeon. How can I not watch Marc Summers presenting stories about classic American foods? Network: Food Network. New Episodes: Monday nights

Dinner for Five – Jon Favreau hosts a roundtable discussion, usually with film-related guests. It’s a fun show. Network: IFC. New Episodes: Monday nights.

The Screen Savers - I’m hooked on watching this show late at night while I’m at the computer working on my website. I don’t watch every episode, but the “witty banter” between hosts Leo and Patrick is fun and informative. Network: TechTV New Episodes: Daily.

Breakthrough Video - I’m not really sure what this show is. I saw it listed on the guide and thought it might be worth recording. I’ve got the device set up to record new shows only. I imagine I’ll check to see what artist is on, and then delete the show without watching it. Network: mtv2. I have no idea when this is on.

Subterranean - I watch this show with my finger hovering over the fast forward button. The show is an hour long and usually there’s only one or two videos worth watching. One out of every six episodes will have a musical guest worth watching. Unfortunately, the host of the show asks pretty lame questions. Network: mtv2 New Episodes: sometime during the weekend - Friday nights, maybe?

The Simpsons - I programmed this into the device because it seems like it should be there. I’ve got it set to record new episodes only. I imagine we’ll be waiting until November before anything actually gets recorded. Network: Fox New episodes: Sundays.

King of the Hill – I programmed this into the device because it seems like it should be there. I’ve got it set to record new episodes only. Network: Fox. New episodes: November 2nd.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy - I guess this was the show of the summer. It’s usually on the funny side. But I’m often cringing in horror. I’m glad there aren’t too many people examining the way I live and dress. Network: Bravo

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - The device is set to record new episodes but it never records any of them. I’m not quite sure what the deal with that is. Network: Comedy Central

Food Finds – Ideal for interesting food related nuggets. Network: Food Network

Once and Again – I probably watched ten episodes when this show originally aired on ABC a few years ago. A few nights ago I watched three episodes in a row! It was incredibly relaxing. I’m much more into this show than I should be. Network: Lifetime Real Women

Keeping Time: New Music from America's Roots – I started recording this on Sundance and now I can’t stop. The opening title sequence is gorgeous. The segments about various musicians are also pretty interesting. So far I’ve managed to catch a segment about the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players and a segment with Gillian Welch talking about the religious influences in her music. I have no idea how many episodes are in this series or how long it will run. I’m also frustrated that the cable’s online guide doesn’t tell me anything about the individual episodes. Network: Sundance

Extreme Homes –I recently added this to the series manager – but only to tape new episodes. I have been taping random episodes every so often. Like a lot of shows, it’s a fun twenty minute diversion worth watching with your finger hovering over the fast forward button. Network: HGTV

Coupling - I raced out and bought the first season on DVD as soon as it became available. I’ve missed episodes from seasons two and three. Dan, Sujan and I can’t get enough of this incredibly funny British sitcom. Network: BBC America

A Cook's Tour – Sujan recently added this to the list of shows to record on a regular basis. I’ll probably watch, but I’m afraid it’ll just remind me that I’m really not a “foodie.” Network: Food Network

Book Television – I stumbled over this show when setting up the dvr. I’ve watched two episodes so far, and I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve found. One episode featured a segment on Michael Chabon. A second episode featured a segment on Paul Feig of “Freaks and Geeks” fame. The Paul Feig episode was about his book “Kick Me” and was filled with photographs taken of him while he was growing up. Like “Keeping Time,” I wish the television guide let me know the content of the segments before I started watching the show. Network: Trio

Everwood – New episodes from the second season start Tuesday! Network: The WB

jake 2.0

i haven't finished watching the first episode, but i think i'll be watching jake 2.0 this season on upn. it's like "alias" meets "the six million dollar man" with a hint of "dead at 21."

thurston v. baseball

i just got an email from dan with the subject heading "what are the dvr's plans for october?"

according to pitchfork's daily music news two good music shows will be returning to sundance channel on fridays this october. one of them, "sonic cinema," will be hosted by thurston moore.

no end (#4)

this frustration didn't develop until last night - and it's not a full blown frustation. yet. i'm sure that will change once fall officially begins.

after reading a post last week on gizmodo regarding the new time warner cable dvr series 8000 box i told myself that i never wanted to geek out and write about technology stuff again. reading all those comments reminded me that as much as i want to be the guy with the new toys, i don't want to be the guy with the new toys who talks to the manufacturers and all that.

anyway, one of the complaints about the dvr is that i can't tell how much free space is on the hard drive! it's ridiculous. instead of having a number - or even a simple graph displaying that i've got half the thing filled up, i've got to look at a tiny hourglass displayed next to each show. each entry suggests that the show will be erased in about two days or one day or three days.. i think. it's not even explained. and i worry. dan, sujan and i watched the first half of 1978's "skateboard" the other night but we didn't finish. will this movie be deleted before we find out what happens to leif and the rest of the gang????

mind-boggling hits in every quarter

i just watched slamball on spike tv. my mind has been blown. seriously. it's like basketball. but on specially placed trampolines. and the show is already on season 2!!!!! whatever resources i've been using to find out what i should be watching on tv need to be reevaluated. how in the world did i miss this show?

actually, i'm serious about collecting new resources that tell me about the good things coming up on television. now that the dvr is in full effect, i'd like to start taping things that have the potential to be good.

monday tv, of course

last night was the first monday in a month that i didn't watch "7th heaven." but that's because i convinced myself it was a rerun. instead, i tuned into "boston public" from david e. kelley. whew, talk about recycled plots! instead of trading sexual favors for grades, a woman volunteered to trade sexual favors for cocaine! and the student who tried to get her the cocaine ... was just interested in the sexual favors, not in supplying the cocaine! the audience is being asked to believe this kid on the debate team isn't the big supplier of the school! but i think there's something shady going on with him and that his story arc isn't complete. and poor harry senate. his troubles seem to get worse every season.

at 12:30am i realized i missed 'degrassi.' good thing i can click here to find out the time of the next broadcast.

oh, and illinois was a weekend chock full of fun!

extended scenes of a shirtless john schneider

if my occasional wb tuesday night wrap up isn't enough for you, check out this article a friend of mine wrote about smallville and gilmore girls.

teach me how to photoshop.

allergies are the worst. and i'm using my runny nose and itchy eyes as an excuse to avoid working on my website. but then i look out the window and notice the amazing blue of the sky and i'm inspired to go on. especially knowing the first episode of 'gilmore girls' will be playing on the wb in just a few minutes.

re: my tv watching. i missed 'firefly' this past friday. i plum forgot about it. same goes for that jennie garth tv show.

and i just looked over some photos i took during the past week. why don't i ever use the red-eye reduction option on my camera?

alias

there is nothing better than spending a sunday afternoon watching all the episodes of ALIAS that i missed this past spring! it's an ALIAS marathon on the abc family channel.

what's my demographic?

Here's the rambling (and very dashed-off) run-down of my interest in the 2002 Fall Television Season. Before I really get into things, I’ll mention that I plan to watch every episode of Gilmore Girls.

Monday, Sept 16

Dr. Phil (syndicated)- Well, this one's important for Chris Larry (I won't be watching unless I’m checking in to reaffirm my belief that Dr. Phil and Jeffrey Tambor are the same person).

7th Heaven (wb) - I don't think I’ll watch much, but I like knowing the show is still a ratings powerhouse for the WB. After seeing Beverley Mitchell on MTV’s Cribs I learned the wholesomeness of the show actually carries over into the lives of the cast members. That scared me and I quickly lost a lot of interest in 7th Heaven. Maybe I am interested in watching the rest of the season. Tonight's episode featured a chimpanzee!

Everwood (wb) - I'll give this one a shot, but I’m not expecting much...Treat Williams as a tv dad is just bizarre. But, hey, if Ken Tucker likes it...!

Tuesday, Sept 17

8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter (abc) - I’m a sucker for John Ritter. And if I actually end up taping this series premiere episode (because there’s no way I’ll watch during the actual broadcast) I’m 90% sure I’ll never watch another episode. But the curiosity factor is pretty high, especially since I’ll be watching so few new shows this fall.

That 70's Show (fox) - I like watching this when everything else I watch is in reruns. I never meant to get hooked, but if I’m able to watch, I will.

Grounded for Life (fox) - Chris Larry called this one pretty early on...I think it's worthwhile and I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about it. But who really talks about sitcoms these days?

Thursday, Sept 19

Do Over (wb) – Of the "thirtysomething guy goes back to relive high school tv shows," this is the first to actually air. From what I’ve read this is the one intended to be funny. Odds are pretty good I’ll be going out Thursday nights and not worrying about whether or not my vcr is actually working. Where’s Judd Apatow? I could go for some Undeclared or Freaks & Geeks right now.

Friday, Sept 20

Firefly (fox) - I’m giving it a shot because it's the new show from Joss Whedon, and I like the work he’s done in the past. Of course, I can’t remember the last time I committed to watching a show set in outer space! Other than the fans who want Farscape to remain on the air, is there anyone out there who watches sci-fi? Whedon better be at the top of his dialogue writing game for this show. The Fox advertisements haven’t given me much hope, though.

What I Like About You (wb) - Jennie Garth! Do I need to say anything more?

Tuesday, Sept 24

Buffy (upn) – By now an old standard that remains interesting. I look forward to following Xander and the gang as they reach their mid-20’s. Will someone please explain why Dawn is still around? Other than being ‘the key," what role does she play? I do hope it’s expanded this season.

Smallville (wb) – This show got much better at the end of last season. I thank my cousin, Steve, for convincing me to stick it out. The final episode of last season had a great cliffhanger and I look forward to the incremental story evolution.

Gilmore Girls (wb) - Everyone in the world is rooting for Jess and Rory to end up together and I’m no different. It’s time Rory gets a little less prissy and a lot more action. The doofus boyfriend was a nice touch but he gave her a car??!!??! As Vanilla Ice once said, "Lose the Zero and Get with the Hero!" I just wish I was inventive enough to come up with local ‘flavor’ the town of Star’s Hollow will add this year - a troubadour? A grocery cart vendor? An angry woman who runs a music shop? What will Amy Sherman-Palladino think of next?

Friday, Sept 27

That Was Then (abc) - Of the "thirtysomething guy goes back to relive high school tv shows," this is the second to be foisted upon the viewing public. From what I’ve read this is the one intended to be serious and poignant. Odds are even better than pretty good I’ll be going out Friday nights and not worrying about whether or not my vcr is actually working. Again, where’s Judd Apatow? I could still go for some "Undeclared" or "Freaks & Geeks" right now.

Sunday, Sept 29

Alias (abc) - A great action show worth taping while you're watching The Sopranos. It’s one I always forget about. If any show demands a Tivo, this is the one. Word on the street is this series will have more accessible episodes this year. Whatever. It’s just fun to watch.

Wednesday, Oct 2

Dawson's Creek (wb) - It's a miracle this show is still on the air. I’m quite happy about that. I just wish I knew why the alt. weekly film reviewer was written out of the show! She was a great love interest for Dawson. Joshua Jackson has charisma. And my friends Eric & Amie insist Jen Lindley is the real key to the show. She’s in college and the depth of her character is

growing.

Sunday, Oct 6

Angel (wb) - I guess I’ll watch but I missed a lot of episodes last year.

Wednesday, Oct 9

Birds of Prey (wb) – It’s a dark superhero show. These never last. I say that knowing nothing about the show. I’ve seen a few ads and I hear it’s based on a comic book. I used to get my hopes up so high for these shows, and then The Flash was canceled.

Tuesday, Oct 29

24 (fox) - The show fell apart last season when it was actually picked up for the full season. Now that the producers are doing a second season, I hope they have their act together. I also hope Sean Weitner will be doing more recaps/reviews for Flak

magazine.

Sunday, Nov 3

Simpsons (fox) – It’s hard to stop a habit.

King of the Hill (fox)– Back on Sundays. I may tune in a bit more this fall than I did last. I hope for a few good episodes focusing on Bobby Hill.

Whew. Let me know if I missed anything that might be good.

Of course, I managed to watch the season premieres of The Sopranos and Curb Your Enthusiasm this past Sunday.

I really am excited for Fall TV. This is probably the most excited I’ve been in a decade. Something is wrong with me, I’m sure of it.

e. feiss

it's confirmed. any skills i once had at tracking down cool cultural items have disappeared. i'm embarassed. i had to read about the great "ellen feiss" 'switch' ad in the new york times. the paper of record had to tell me what all the kids are getting hooked on!

but, wow...what a great ad. errol morris is at the top of his advertising game!

r.a.

i saw a guy on the subway this morning who reminded me of rene auberjonois of 'benson' fame.

AI (and this isn't Kubrick)

After letting the hype fill my bloodstream I finally tuned into American Idol this past Tuesday. Kevin's keeping track of how things are going down.

ooh, my stomach hurts

nothing makes me giggle like a good episode of seventh heaven! how can you beat a tv show that has a sixth grader using the phrase "save face?"

i do love the real world, though

i'm not really the 'reality tv' fan i once was. 'survivor' and 'big brother' are no longer on the list of television shows i watch. i missed that pbs show about people pretending it was the 1880s and roughing it in america's midwest. i don't care one lick about popstars and like minded shows or their british & australian equivalents. yet, somehow, i can't escape my enjoyment of reality blurred. it really is the finest collection of all things related to reality television.

the streets of baltimore

i'm hooked on hbo's 'the wire.' i didn't start watching it until last night. my roommate and i taped the first two episodes and finally got around to viewing the first one last night. i'm moments from watching the second episode and i can barely contain myself (i hear the second episode is better than the first - which didn't grab me until 35 minutes in).

the show is compelling and reminds me so much of 'homicide.' revisiting david simon's baltimore feels like returning to 1999 (or was it 2000?) when CourtTV started running all the 'homicide' episodes in order.

my favorite aspect of the show? listening to the background phones ring in the police station.

not over The Creek

I'm not even a full week into being the proud new owner of my blog and I'm already "re-purposing" content. Shame on me. He's a Dawson's Creek episode recap I wrote to a friend of mine earlier today:

Last night's Dawson's Creek episode was strange because neither Jen nor Jack made an appearance. There was no mention of them at all - just a mention of Jen's grandmother being busy with her new boyfriend!

Everyone's favorite 'Twin Peaks' vixen, Sherilyn Fenn, has grown up (recovered from her alcoholism - or should I say recovered from her unwatchable Showtime series) and now she's playing Pacey's new boss at the soon-to-be a Boston chain restaurant, Civilization. She has arrived just in time to create a bit of drama now that Pacey and Audrey have confirmed they're a couple. Wednesday's storyline introduces Fenn who quickly promotes Pacey and fires Audrey. During the final scene in the restaurant Pacey (having stayed late) enters the office of the new boss to ask about re-hiring Audrey. To no one's surprise, she locks lips with him. He backs away. The preview for next week's episode looks positively sizzling!!! Sparks will fly and there should be some great Audrey/Pacey tension.

Dawson and his writer friend are in New York to meet with the agent they blew off last week. The boyish charm of the writer is growing on me and I think he makes a nice addition to the show. After waiting for who knows how long the agent finally meets with them and Dawson's friend won't stop talking. He doesn't let the agent get a word in and manages to say some offensive things about deals the agent's company has packaged. The meeting ends pretty abruptly with no resolution. In the parking lot Dawson and his buddy have a bit of a shouting match and it looks like Dawson will be driving to Boston alone. Ever the wide-eyed innocent, our hero goes back into the building to wait for the agent to leave his office. Instead of being arrested for stalking and thrown out, Dawson (all of 19 years old) manages to convince the agent to give them a chance. To no one's surprise, he does. The preview offered no word as to whether or not the agent will actually be "putting some feelers out."

As always, Joey has no idea what she wants. Her story opens with Audrey walking toward their dorm room and turning away - there's a pink scrunchie on the doorknob. Joey and that no-good Charlie Todd are sharing a bed. She's under the covers. He's not. He's fully clothed and she appears the same way. I can only assume they slept together, but that's all left very vague. Charlie is getting serious about Joey. She thinks she just wants a fling with him. The opportunity for Charlie and his band to go on the road arises, and he tries to convince Joey to join them (as his girlfriend - not as the singer). Later that week as Charlie's band plays their final Boston gig, Audrey tries to start a fight over Pacey, attempting to convince Charlie that Joey still has feelings for Pacey. It's an odd scene with a lot of fake slapping. Charlie and Joey talk - she tells him to go on the road with his band. The next morning Audrey and Joey awake to find Charlie outside their dorm playing guitar trying to woo Joey one last time. A few 'Say Anything' references are exchanged and Joey's outside having a heart to heart with him. Off he goes and it seems Joey has finally had a somewhat successful fling. To no one's real surprise, she ends the night walking to get pizza with Dawson. Ahh, they're such lovable old friends.

Luckily, today is Thursday and there's no television viewing on my horizon.

tv tuesdays

yesterday i purchased a box of Cheerios. i have them as a snack at work. sometimes in the morning. sometimes in the middle of the afternoon. the taste of fresh cheerios reminds me of The Empire Strikes Back. eating dry cereal (because that's how i've always eaten it) is just something better suited to children. i refuse to grow up. i ate dry cereal while watching Love Boat and i ate dry cereal while watching My So Called Life. maybe i'll even have dry cereal tonight as i watch 24.

which brings me to the best thing about Tuesdays during the 2001-2002 television season. the vcr's in my apartment get the chance to work overtime! Undeclared, 24, Gilmore Girls, Smallville, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Roswell - i'd tape and watch all! tuesday is a night of television mayhem. a special night when one can spend hours and hours focusing on boxy escapism. since april isn't a sweeps month (and Undeclared has finished up for the season - maybe even forever?) there are fewer things to tape. it's just one big rerun after the other. of course, there's a new Roswell on tonight. about two months ago i was ready for the series to be over and i was okay with the cancellation... i hope i'm hooked again after tonight's episode. whenever i need a Roswell fix, i visit crashdown.com.

the baby networks

24 - good. UPN and The WB - bad. Why the re-runs? Huh? Can someone explain the need?

It was bad enough when AS IF was cancelled.

tv/decisions/creativity

was tonight a repeat of last night? no shelf unit built. watched showtime instead of hbo. "the chris isaak show" is the best show on tv that you're not watching. (sometimes it's good to sound like a tv guide cover)

and it's amazing what brushing your teeth and cleansing your face will do for your attitude. i was tired right after watching "varsity blues" but now i'm awake and ready to tackle (sorry, it was a football movie) the evening.

while brushing my teeth i started thinking about how i sometimes don't follow through on projects or things i start. and i feel like i'm not following through on my relationship that just ended. what else could i have said? what else could i have done? it was a strange situation, and i knew the risks, and i still got involved. and it turned out like predicted. only i wanted it to turn out happy. living in the suburbs. with a wife. kids. a house. maybe a dartboard in the basement. and a big bay window.

i could have gone to the red sox/yankees game tonight. i passed because i wasn't in the mood and the tickets were too expensive. is now the right time to fill my head with thoughts about how the decision making process works?

at saturday night's party i found myself deep into a conversation about creativity. i'd just climbed five flights of stairs, my brain thinking thoughts of tweezer, looking for a lighter so i could light yet another of the cigarettes i had that night. i don't think i was ready for a conversation about how "everything we do involves creativity." i sort of plodded my way through that conversation until the group conversation turned to the subject of previous parties where everyone got naked and ran through the streets of chicago. is that creative, or just silly?