Tuesday, January 5th:
This was rather disappointing. The last Nuke episode was much nicer even though there was still a cloud of angst looming over them. And as much as I love good angsty drama, this is starting to get a little above and beyond. I understand that Noah is still upset about being blind, but not even letting Luke touch him? Come on, it’s like I’m watching an entirely different character. I’d like to see them fight this together.
As for the film, I do understand a little of how Noah feels. An award was won, but Noah feels that he didn’t accomplish any of it, but it's not like Luke meant to control anybody with it all. And I can’t believe that such a key element like the handling of the film was done off screen.
It feels as though this episode wasn’t complete. Like there’s footage still left in the editing room that wasn‘t put in the final print. There was no answer as to whether Luke was secondary to Noah's getting better. It's like it was edited out or something. This was another episode that shows that not enough potential is being put out into it when I know there’s more out there that‘s begging to be put through.
On a couple of positive notes, Van and Jake did rock their scenes, and props to the makeup people for continuing to make Noah’s injuries look as realistic as possible.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Online Pick of the Week (1/1): First Episodes!
I thought this would be a good way to start the year off; looking at the premiere episodes of some great shows! It makes me wish that networks like TVLand and GSN would continue this tradition.
There’s the classic beginning of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, with the ambitious and independent Mary Richards. This is always a favorite of mine; a perfect example of how well the characters are introduced from the very start. And who can forget Lou Grant’s “You got spunk!” line during Mary’s interview? On The Bob Newhart Show, we’re introduced to psychologist Bob Hartley, and his wife Emily, who is afraid to fly. Bewitched is another good one; introducing Samantha Stephens, a witch, naturally, and her mortal husband Darrin.
I think Jeopardy!’s first syndicated episode from 1984 is always a treat to see from a current perspective, especially when comparing the electronic theme to the modern one, how the contestants were introduced back then, the glittery set, and Alex Trebek’s different hairstyle. It took Match Game a little bit to get its groove in the 1970’s, since regulars like Brett and Charles weren’t immediately on and the questions weren’t quite as racy and hilarious in the beginning.
First episodes; my online pick of the week! Find your favorites!
There’s the classic beginning of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, with the ambitious and independent Mary Richards. This is always a favorite of mine; a perfect example of how well the characters are introduced from the very start. And who can forget Lou Grant’s “You got spunk!” line during Mary’s interview? On The Bob Newhart Show, we’re introduced to psychologist Bob Hartley, and his wife Emily, who is afraid to fly. Bewitched is another good one; introducing Samantha Stephens, a witch, naturally, and her mortal husband Darrin.
I think Jeopardy!’s first syndicated episode from 1984 is always a treat to see from a current perspective, especially when comparing the electronic theme to the modern one, how the contestants were introduced back then, the glittery set, and Alex Trebek’s different hairstyle. It took Match Game a little bit to get its groove in the 1970’s, since regulars like Brett and Charles weren’t immediately on and the questions weren’t quite as racy and hilarious in the beginning.
First episodes; my online pick of the week! Find your favorites!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
In Memoriam, A Recap
Since we lost so many great celebrities this year, I thought today would be the perfect time to recap once more some of those we lost in the television world.
Early in the year, we heard of the losses of both Ricardo Montalban of Fantasy Island and Steven Gilborn; Gilborn perhaps being most famous for his role as Ellen’s father on her ‘90’s sitcom, Ellen. Angel fans were saddened to hear about the loss of Andy Hallet; Britcom fans mourned the passings of Are You Being Served? alumni Mollie Sudgen and Wendy Richard. The comedy world said so long also to legends Bea Arthur, Arnold Stang, Fred Travelena, and Soupy Sales. There’s also game show host Ken Ober. We also said goodbye to three memorable stars around the same time: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Just recently Sesame Street and 227 fans learned of the death of Alaina Reed Hall-Amini. I'll admit I was never once a fan of his commercials, but I did think it was pretty awful to suddenly hear of Billy Mays' death.
Atlantans lost a true local legend in November, as we bid farewell to WAGA-TV anchorman and personality, Jim Axel. And speaking of news legends, we also lost one of the biggest ones in the
business, Walter Cronkite.
May they all rest in peace.
Early in the year, we heard of the losses of both Ricardo Montalban of Fantasy Island and Steven Gilborn; Gilborn perhaps being most famous for his role as Ellen’s father on her ‘90’s sitcom, Ellen. Angel fans were saddened to hear about the loss of Andy Hallet; Britcom fans mourned the passings of Are You Being Served? alumni Mollie Sudgen and Wendy Richard. The comedy world said so long also to legends Bea Arthur, Arnold Stang, Fred Travelena, and Soupy Sales. There’s also game show host Ken Ober. We also said goodbye to three memorable stars around the same time: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Just recently Sesame Street and 227 fans learned of the death of Alaina Reed Hall-Amini. I'll admit I was never once a fan of his commercials, but I did think it was pretty awful to suddenly hear of Billy Mays' death.
Atlantans lost a true local legend in November, as we bid farewell to WAGA-TV anchorman and personality, Jim Axel. And speaking of news legends, we also lost one of the biggest ones in the
business, Walter Cronkite.
May they all rest in peace.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Yearly Review: GSN
There’s been good moments this year, but way too few. I loved Clark Pyramid coming back, 1 vs. 100, Oodles, and seeing George and Brad on The Newlywed Game, but too many bad decisions have been made this year. For instance, losing the rights to about 98% of the Goodson-Todman/Fremantle libraries. The schedule changes that followed continued to lack variety. For instance, I actually don’t really have a problem with Karn Feud airing; it’s how many times daily it is shown. I was never expecting to see an exact copycat rendition of the 1997 Dark Period schedule, but it would have been nice to see a few of the Sony shows dusted off; maybe air a few shows early in the day or on weekends. And one can’t forget the constant technical difficulties. No station is perfect, but it should not take over 8 months to adjust to new broadcasting equipment.
It really seemed from about April 2005 to March 2009, schedule changes and so forth would occur as they always do. And in spite of any negativity within them, the positive would almost always seem to outweigh the negative. It was never perfect, although really when it comes to the best schedule, that’s really in the eye of the individual anyway. But there was still a lot of fun to be had. Ever since the majority of the Goodson-Todman/Fremantle shows left, this has no longer been the case. I’d say there’s still some good, for instance, Pyramid with Dick Clark has been a joy, but the mediocrity and just plain bad overpower any much of it. And knowing the fact that reality programming is coming back into the picture after how badly it tanked in 2004, it leaves me thinking that with this decision along with no on-air mention whatsoever of their 15th year on the air (which I found to be absolutely inexcusable), the new folks running the channel now either don’t know the history of the network they’re running or they plain just don’t give a damn.
I wish I could look positively in 2010 for this network, but really I don't think I can at this point.
It really seemed from about April 2005 to March 2009, schedule changes and so forth would occur as they always do. And in spite of any negativity within them, the positive would almost always seem to outweigh the negative. It was never perfect, although really when it comes to the best schedule, that’s really in the eye of the individual anyway. But there was still a lot of fun to be had. Ever since the majority of the Goodson-Todman/Fremantle shows left, this has no longer been the case. I’d say there’s still some good, for instance, Pyramid with Dick Clark has been a joy, but the mediocrity and just plain bad overpower any much of it. And knowing the fact that reality programming is coming back into the picture after how badly it tanked in 2004, it leaves me thinking that with this decision along with no on-air mention whatsoever of their 15th year on the air (which I found to be absolutely inexcusable), the new folks running the channel now either don’t know the history of the network they’re running or they plain just don’t give a damn.
I wish I could look positively in 2010 for this network, but really I don't think I can at this point.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Online Pick of the Week (12/25): Jeopardy! Rehearsal Games
This is a good pick for any Jeopardy! fan, especially one who wants to see how things are done when it comes to the practice and planning processes of the show. It's a clip montage of several rehearsal games from the first season of the current syndicated version of the show, which was uploaded (and hosted) by the then-contestant coordinator, Mark Richards.
I love how laid back they are with this; especially with the way the contestants are introduced in the opening portion of the clip. It’s always a little weird seeing someone else besides Alex host this show, but this is still good fun, and any glimpse of classic Jeopardy! is worth a look.
Hardcore game show fans will notice Whew! contestant Randy Amasia as one of the practicing players; he would be on Jeopardy! playing real-time in 1986.
A look at Jeopardy! rehearsal sessions, my online pick of the week!
I love how laid back they are with this; especially with the way the contestants are introduced in the opening portion of the clip. It’s always a little weird seeing someone else besides Alex host this show, but this is still good fun, and any glimpse of classic Jeopardy! is worth a look.
Hardcore game show fans will notice Whew! contestant Randy Amasia as one of the practicing players; he would be on Jeopardy! playing real-time in 1986.
A look at Jeopardy! rehearsal sessions, my online pick of the week!
ATWT: A Very Snyder Christmas
Friday, December 25th:
No Damian and no Meg? Both this and Dr. Bob Hughes serving as narrator are worthy enough in
themselves to give this episode an overall decent review. Seriously, a really nice touch having Bob do a voiceover.
Lucinda and Emma working together was absolute goodness. And I absolutely LOVED the care package Luke gave Noah. It was made of pure love and it was obvious how much thought it took. Even with Noah having doubts about where to go in the relationship, it's as plain as day how much he still loves Luke.
The family feel was very nice to see today, and yesterday as well… it’s something that’s really often been missing on this show for the past 2 ½ years. And I loved seeing Holden interact with Luke, Faith, and Natalie. It just makes me wish for more Luke/Holden scenes. And if another character on this show says Luke is just like Damian one more time, I may throw something!
I hope everyone had a lovely holiday!
No Damian and no Meg? Both this and Dr. Bob Hughes serving as narrator are worthy enough in
themselves to give this episode an overall decent review. Seriously, a really nice touch having Bob do a voiceover.
Lucinda and Emma working together was absolute goodness. And I absolutely LOVED the care package Luke gave Noah. It was made of pure love and it was obvious how much thought it took. Even with Noah having doubts about where to go in the relationship, it's as plain as day how much he still loves Luke.
The family feel was very nice to see today, and yesterday as well… it’s something that’s really often been missing on this show for the past 2 ½ years. And I loved seeing Holden interact with Luke, Faith, and Natalie. It just makes me wish for more Luke/Holden scenes. And if another character on this show says Luke is just like Damian one more time, I may throw something!
I hope everyone had a lovely holiday!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Online Pick of the Week (12/18): Beat the Clock
A week before Christmas is a pick of the week which comes from my own collection.
This is an episode of the original version of Beat the Clock from 1952, with Bud Collyer hosting. This has always been my favorite version of the show. The stunts were the best I thought here, and you can tell how much Bud gets into them; especially if someone tries the bonus stunt and wins. It’s obvious he always wanted the contestants to win.
My favorite part is at the end. I won‘t give too much away, but I will say this: I found it to be very touching and is totally like what you’d see if you were watching a show like Ellen.
Beat the Clock, my online pick of the week!
This is an episode of the original version of Beat the Clock from 1952, with Bud Collyer hosting. This has always been my favorite version of the show. The stunts were the best I thought here, and you can tell how much Bud gets into them; especially if someone tries the bonus stunt and wins. It’s obvious he always wanted the contestants to win.
My favorite part is at the end. I won‘t give too much away, but I will say this: I found it to be very touching and is totally like what you’d see if you were watching a show like Ellen.
Beat the Clock, my online pick of the week!
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