October 25, 2004
the cast of "THE WIRE"
this article in newday about the racial make up of the cast of THE WIRE is the kind of thing i would normally just email to my friends who watch the show. but i have a blog, and as those who have blogs do, i'll post about it. i don't have much to add. skipping a week of the show because the world series is on is tough, though. and season one of THE WIRE is out now on dvd. (link via tv barn)
October 19, 2004
Upcoming Recordings 10/19 - 10/21
This week I'll be watching baseball with the occasional network drama. The DVR should be busy recording New York related shows. WNYE (channel 25) looks to have some interesting programming. Here's a quick rundown of what's on tap:
TUESDAY (10/19)
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES (WNYE 25, 10pm) - A show about the various archives in New York. This episode focuses on Bridges, FDNY, Public Charities, Sts Of NYC.
WEDNESDAY (10/20)
THE SOULS OF NEW YORK (WNET 13, 1:30am) - More New York stuff. I'm not sure what to expect with this program, but one of the segments is about a skateboard park attendant. That sounds fun, doesn't it?
THURSDAY (10/21)
ANATOMY OF A SCENE: GARDEN STATE (Sundance, 11:35) - I'm just looking for an excuse to mention Zach Braff's blog.
NEW YORK NOISE (WNYE 25, 10pm) - A quick show about the music scene in New York. I think this episode has a piece on INTERPOL. There are probably some other interesting things that go along with it.
Yeah, I'm really dissing the folks who don't live in New York here. Sorry about that. Trio doesn't look too exciting this week. Because, let's face it, all I normally do in this space is trumpet the new project from Trio.
I should also mention that I've been recording the Saturday repeats of ABC's DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. This show is a hit!!! That's why I've watched two episodes. Okay, Felicity Huffman is the reason I've watched two episodes. I don't love this show. I don't think I even really like it. Somehow I know I'll be watching the third episode, though.
Two weeks ago I was at a lunch meeting on a warm, sunny October day (remember those?). We ate outside and when the lunchtime conversation turned to ABC's LOST I swear a middle-aged guy from the next table over shot me a dirty look when I mentioned the program would be cancelled before season's end. I wanted to tap him on the shoulder and explain that I really like the program and that I don't want it to be cancelled at all. I just think that America is going to get bored and tired and perplexed by the weirdness after episode ten. This show is going to go all TWIN PEAKS on the country - strong start with a quick fade from the cultural radar.
October 15, 2004
is that really seattle?
the other day dan asked if LIFE AS WE KNOW IT is worth watching. teevee.org asked the same question this week. their review of the show was sort of like the other reviews i've read. basically, this show has some potential but after watching two or three episodes, we're not sure if it's going to be good or not. i feel the same way. matt zoller seitz was annoyed by the gimmickiness of the show.
this show isn't worth dan's time because he's ultra-picky about network television. it's not overly funny. it's not too dramatic. the acting isn't that great. i like db sweeney. i think he's kind of funny in a dopey guy kind of way. this show is just an "ehhh." i like VERONICA MARS a lot more, eventhough it has more obvious failures. at least it's trying. it's got more style. and the unbelievableness of VERONICA MARS is a lot more fun than the mild wackiness of LIFE AS WE KNOW IT.
October 05, 2004
Upcoming Recordings 10/06 - 10/10
the reason i don't really have anything worth suggesting this week has nothing to do with my desire to catch up on episodes of AMERICAN CANDIDATE (Showtime) that i've missed. i did not spend the bulk of my sunday afternoon watchying the show. the same way i am not watching LAGUNA BEACH: THE REAL ORANGE COUNTY (MTV) at this very second.
i'm now putting it in your hands. comment on this entry and tell me what i should be recording and watching this week.
anyway, here's a list of a few things i've scraped together. i looked through the guide this week the same way i do all the time.
before i start, i just want to ask: why doesn't the new girl on EVERWOOD have a blog?
WEDNESDAY (10/6)
TANNER ON TANNER (Sundance, 12:30am) This show reteaming Altman and Trudeau and Cynthia Nixon seems to be getting a lot of press. I tried watching TANNER '88 recently and couldn't handle more than one episode. Does that make me uncool? Maybe this will be better.
THURSDAY (10/7)
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (ABC, 9pm) I really have no idea what this show is about. It's got teenagers in it. And I think it's from some of the second tier guys from Freaks & Geeks. It's shows like this that remind me that THE WIRE is the best television show on the air.
FRIDAY (10/8)
DWELL (FineLiving, noon) The first episode of this new series started airing on October 3rd. I failed to record that and I think it reruns on Friday. New episodes air on Sunday nights. I had a subscription to the magazine for a year and it's always my favorite thing to read in airports. I hope the show brings some of the good qualities of the magazine to the cable dial.
SATURDAY (10/9)
VERONICA MARS (UPN (NY), 8pm) Because of the Vice Presidential debate, my local UPN affiliate is rescheduling the third episode of the show I raved about last week. I raved before watching the second episode. I won't be so quick to judge next time.
SUNDAY (10/10)
SOME SMALLVILLE THING (Family Channel, 10pm) That's not the official title. The family channel is airing a special of cast interviews and such. Promo material packaged as entertainment! I've been experiencing this phenomenon since accidentally renting a Making of The Raiders of the Lost Ark video sometime in the mid-80s. What can you do? My friend Hemal raves about Clark's hair. I figure if there are others out there who can't get enough of Tom Welling's new 'do they should know about this show.
