Here's another "Lost In Thought"......
'Lost' finally returned from its holiday hiatus. Huzzah huzzah!
Sorry. Just wanted to continue with that "H" alliteration.
A curious thing struck me near the end - not surprising, in that so much of the show leaves me wondering what's going on by the time an episode ends.
During this episode, Shannon had been helping Sayid in deciphering the French notes of Danielle Rousseau in hopes that they might reveal a clue as to what the island was all about.
Shannon remarked that there was something familiar about the phrases and then it finally occurred to her. They were the lyrics to a song she heard over and over again on a video belonging to her French boyfriend's son.
And then she began singing the song in French. It was "Beyond The Sea", popularized by Bobby Darin.*
Although sung by Robbie Williams, the song is used in the movie "Finding Nemo".
Yet when Shannon referred to the movie, she only said it was "a fish movie; you know, one of those computer ones".
Why did Shannon dance around the title? It would have been much easier to just say "Finding Nemo", especially as it was a world-wide sensation. There was even a big plagiarism case against it lodged in the French courts before the plane crash.
Shannon always takes the easy way out; you'd think she would have just saved herself the hassle and said "Finding Nemo". And if Sayid still didn't understand, tough guppies.
I would have thought that at least behind the scenes, some synergy should have been employed. Especially as ABC - who broadcasts 'Lost' - is owned by Disney.
Ah, but Disney was basically just the distributor for "Finding Nemo"; Pixar was the animation company that created it.
And Disney and Pixar are having a parting of the ways. The evil empire of the rodent probably didn't want to give Pixar any more publicity, even though Disney would still reap profits from the movie.
I guess it's just a case of cutting off the nose to spite the fish......
["Beyond The Sea" was the favorite song of Dana Scully's father. He was a Navy man.... Was he somehow involved with the mystery of the island before he died?
Remember what his clone up in Twin Peaks said - "The owls are not what they seem......"
Okay, I'm rambling now.....]
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
* Good timing in the use of the song "Beyond The Sea" since the movie starring Kevin Spacey as Darin is now out in the theatres.
Bad timing with the sequence at the beginning, in which the beach was being destroyed by large waves. Everyone affected by the tsunami - and there are still 2,500 Americans alone missing from it - must have had some uneasy emotional responses to it.
And just a reminder - if you haven't already, please help in whatever you can with the disaster relief programs of the charity of your choice.
Thanks.
Friday, January 7, 2005
Tuesday, January 4, 2005
GIMME CAGNEY!
In response to my suggestion that Brian Dennehy should be considered as a retired cop now D.A.'s investigator to replace the late Jerry Orbach on 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury', my Toob buddy Hugh had this response:
"I was expecting you to pull out someone from Toobworld though --maybe a Hill Street alum."
I must be slipping. Why didn't I think of that???
That's the Toobworld way to go - find a cop from another old show and have him crossover to 'Trial By Jury'. And since Toobworld doesn't believe in the borders of network divisions, we can roam about at will to find a suitable cop.
Let's start with Hugh's suggestion of 'Hill Street Blues'. We know characters from the un-named city where the Hill Street precinct was located could go to New York City. Buck Naked, the flasher from 'Hill Street Blues', showed up twice on early episodes of 'NYPD Blue'.
But I'm not feeling the power from any of the surviving Hill Street cops. Too much of an ensemble show, perhaps. Or maybe it really was just too long ago and has lost its vitality.
Mick Belker could be the only possibility and he's too wacked to work for the D.A. - Arthur Branch would want nothing to do with him. More than likely they'd be prosecuting cases stemming from his involvement!
I don't think Frank Furillo would want to go back to actual detective work. He's probably quite comfortable in a position with some high-tech firm as a consultant by now.
And too many others from the original cast who played detectives have passed away.
Perhaps from the aforementioned 'NYPD Blue'? John Kelly might have been a possibility, but there's this lookalike of his named Horatio Caine who's working down in Miami, ('CSI: Miami'), and that might make it tough to bring Kelly back to the screens.
You don't want to go too far back; I think Adam Flint ('Naked City') is wayyyy too old to get back into a daily grind. And unfortunately, the Theo Kojak of the main TV Universe has passed away. (There's another Theo Kojak, soon to be found in the alternate Black TV dimension. Come back in February - Black History Month - for an explanation of that world.)
So here's a possibility - why does it have to be a retired MALE cop? Why not a woman?
And so I'm thinking.... why not one of the Lady Blues of 'Cagney & Lacey'?
For the same reasons mentioned in regards to John Kelly, I don't think we could get Mary Beth Lacey to take on the job with the D.A. We can blame it on a judge's mom up in Hartford, Connecticut. ('Judging Amy')
But there's always Chris Cagney.
Yes, I know. The same argument could be made because there's a waitress down in Pittsburgh who's very supportive of her gay son; she's a real broad-minded broad. ('Queer As Folk')
But the role isn't that central to the show, and if they've already got most of their latest season filmed, there shouldn't be too much of a scheduling conflict anyway. Besides, it doesn't seem as if the producers of 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury' were planning on putting too much of that show on the shoulders of Jerry Orbach. So maybe they could cut the same kind of slack for Sharon Gless while she juggled both roles.
I have no idea how Bebe Neuwirth will be playing her role as the A.D.A. on 'Trial By Jury', but even if it isn't a character as tightly wound as her brilliant portrayal of Lilith Sternin Crane on 'Cheers' and 'Frasier', I think there would still be a wonderful contrast of style with the more flamboyant and brassy Chris Cagney.
So there's another, more Toobworldian, suggestion for the new investigator for the D.A.'s office.
Hrmmm..... I wonder if Fox "Spooky" Mulder is looking for a job.....
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
"I was expecting you to pull out someone from Toobworld though --maybe a Hill Street alum."
I must be slipping. Why didn't I think of that???
That's the Toobworld way to go - find a cop from another old show and have him crossover to 'Trial By Jury'. And since Toobworld doesn't believe in the borders of network divisions, we can roam about at will to find a suitable cop.
Let's start with Hugh's suggestion of 'Hill Street Blues'. We know characters from the un-named city where the Hill Street precinct was located could go to New York City. Buck Naked, the flasher from 'Hill Street Blues', showed up twice on early episodes of 'NYPD Blue'.
But I'm not feeling the power from any of the surviving Hill Street cops. Too much of an ensemble show, perhaps. Or maybe it really was just too long ago and has lost its vitality.
Mick Belker could be the only possibility and he's too wacked to work for the D.A. - Arthur Branch would want nothing to do with him. More than likely they'd be prosecuting cases stemming from his involvement!
I don't think Frank Furillo would want to go back to actual detective work. He's probably quite comfortable in a position with some high-tech firm as a consultant by now.
And too many others from the original cast who played detectives have passed away.
Perhaps from the aforementioned 'NYPD Blue'? John Kelly might have been a possibility, but there's this lookalike of his named Horatio Caine who's working down in Miami, ('CSI: Miami'), and that might make it tough to bring Kelly back to the screens.
You don't want to go too far back; I think Adam Flint ('Naked City') is wayyyy too old to get back into a daily grind. And unfortunately, the Theo Kojak of the main TV Universe has passed away. (There's another Theo Kojak, soon to be found in the alternate Black TV dimension. Come back in February - Black History Month - for an explanation of that world.)
So here's a possibility - why does it have to be a retired MALE cop? Why not a woman?
And so I'm thinking.... why not one of the Lady Blues of 'Cagney & Lacey'?
For the same reasons mentioned in regards to John Kelly, I don't think we could get Mary Beth Lacey to take on the job with the D.A. We can blame it on a judge's mom up in Hartford, Connecticut. ('Judging Amy')
But there's always Chris Cagney.
Yes, I know. The same argument could be made because there's a waitress down in Pittsburgh who's very supportive of her gay son; she's a real broad-minded broad. ('Queer As Folk')
But the role isn't that central to the show, and if they've already got most of their latest season filmed, there shouldn't be too much of a scheduling conflict anyway. Besides, it doesn't seem as if the producers of 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury' were planning on putting too much of that show on the shoulders of Jerry Orbach. So maybe they could cut the same kind of slack for Sharon Gless while she juggled both roles.
I have no idea how Bebe Neuwirth will be playing her role as the A.D.A. on 'Trial By Jury', but even if it isn't a character as tightly wound as her brilliant portrayal of Lilith Sternin Crane on 'Cheers' and 'Frasier', I think there would still be a wonderful contrast of style with the more flamboyant and brassy Chris Cagney.
So there's another, more Toobworldian, suggestion for the new investigator for the D.A.'s office.
Hrmmm..... I wonder if Fox "Spooky" Mulder is looking for a job.....
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Monday, January 3, 2005
"TRIAL BY JURY": A CASTING SUGGESTION
When Jerry Orbach passed away a week or so ago, he had only completed three of the first six episodes of the latest spin-off from 'Law & Order', 'Trial By Jury'. Luckily for us who were fans of his work, we'll be able to see these when the show premieres in March. And we'll be able to say goodbye one more time to a great TV character.
But TV is a business, and I get this feeling that even as Orbach was dying, the suits were already trying to figure out who should replace him on the show. Not as Lennie Briscoe, obviously, but as another seasoned, veteran detective now retired and working for the D.A.'s office.
It would have to be somebody with the "oomph" to convey the experience of a cop who had seen it all in NYC, I would think. An actor who generated not only star power, but also the believability of his character's years in the trenches.
The other day the New York Daily News published pictures of those celebrities who attended Jerry Orbach's memorial service. And among them was an actor who worked with him in a movie back in the late 1980s. And just looking at him in his trenchcoat as he entered the chapel convinced me that the producers of 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury' should at least consider this suggestion, if not actually approach him with an offer.
Brian Dennehy.
Like I said, it's just a suggestion. But I think it's a winner from the perspective of not only the producers - who would be getting a powerhouse of an actor, - and of Mr. Dennehy - who would have the luxury of a settled location for working and in the heart of the theatre world to boot! - but also from the vantage point of the audience.
Hopefully somehow this suggestion has already come to mind for those who have some say in the casting......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
But TV is a business, and I get this feeling that even as Orbach was dying, the suits were already trying to figure out who should replace him on the show. Not as Lennie Briscoe, obviously, but as another seasoned, veteran detective now retired and working for the D.A.'s office.
It would have to be somebody with the "oomph" to convey the experience of a cop who had seen it all in NYC, I would think. An actor who generated not only star power, but also the believability of his character's years in the trenches.
The other day the New York Daily News published pictures of those celebrities who attended Jerry Orbach's memorial service. And among them was an actor who worked with him in a movie back in the late 1980s. And just looking at him in his trenchcoat as he entered the chapel convinced me that the producers of 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury' should at least consider this suggestion, if not actually approach him with an offer.
Brian Dennehy.
Like I said, it's just a suggestion. But I think it's a winner from the perspective of not only the producers - who would be getting a powerhouse of an actor, - and of Mr. Dennehy - who would have the luxury of a settled location for working and in the heart of the theatre world to boot! - but also from the vantage point of the audience.
Hopefully somehow this suggestion has already come to mind for those who have some say in the casting......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Sunday, January 2, 2005
JUST ONE MORE THING....
To kick off the yearlong birthday honors list of inductees into the TV Crossover Hall of Fame, and because the theme for January is TV Classics, we have chosen the most famous TV detective known only by one name - Columbo.
He's been a legendary TV icon for over 30 years, recognized the world over by his shabby raincoat, cheap cigar, and the shuffling demeanor that has tripped up nearly all of his suspects.
In the TV Universe, Lt. Columbo (as played by Peter Falk) first appeared in a pilot movie 'Prescription Murder' which was based on a Broadway-bound play by Levinson & Link. (This play had earlier been made for TV as "Enough Rope", an episode of 'Suspense' with Bert Freed as Columbo.)
A second pilot was ordered which brought forth 'Ransom For A Dead Man'. This led to the inclusion of 'Columbo' into the 'NBC Sunday Night Mystery' wheel, along with 'McCloud' and 'Macmillan & Wife', among others.
Years after 'Columbo' finally left the airwaves of the Peacock network, the police lieutenant showed up, older and even more rumpled, at ABC in a series of specials that continue to this day.
There is a format to 'Columbo' that can be as tradition-bound as some religious ceremonies. For instance, in the best episodes, the murderer is tripped up by either that which he killed for in the first place, or by something that he loves the most.
Those few experimental episodes that have strayed from the classic style ('Undercover' being the best - or rather, the worst - example) have not been too successful.
When an episode remains true to form, there's no more compelling TV, no matter how many times you view it.
The secret was never in the actual mystery. 'Columbo' dispensed with the conventional 'whodunnit'; it was more of a 'how to figure it out' mystery. In fact, because you always knew who the murderer was and because you followed his or her story first before ever meeting Columbo, it could be said that the guest murderer was the star role and Columbo a supporting player.
The secret to the longevity of 'Columbo' is the interplay between the adversaries; as best explained by the title of a later episode: "It's All In The Game".
Some might argue that despite two pilot films and two versions of the series on different networks, 'Columbo' should count as one long run. And therefore the Lieutenant doesn't meet the requirements of three different appearances.
I disagree. I do see these as four separate entries, and thus, more than eligible for induction.
As for the Bert Freed version and the Falkless "spin-off" first known as 'Mrs. Columbo', I brush them aside. The episode from 'Suspense' took place in an alternate TV dimension, and Kate Mulgrew's character was married to a different Lt. Columbo in the L.A. police force. (There's no law saying there could be only one.)
But there are two other appearances by Lt. Columbo, as played by Peter Falk, which I do include as part of his overall contribution and which therefore would make him eligible to the naysayers. But there is some fancy footwork involved, which is why the Lieutenant is being inducted this year rather than by the usual means.
First up, there was a convention for police detectives in Hawaii which was seen in an episode of the CBS TV show 'Magnum, P.I.'. There were several detectives at that convention who were unnamed, but it was obvious by their appearance that they were famous TV characters from other shows. Lt. 'Kojak' was one, recognizable by his bald head and lollipop. And another was 'Columbo'.
These little cameos weren't by the original actors playing them, of course. But the camerawork tried to stay far enough away to be good enough for the instant recognition without giving away too much detail.
The other appearance by Lt. Columbo took place during an episode of 'The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast of Frank Sinatra'.
Columbo made a surprise appearance on the dais to salute Ol' Blue Eyes, and never once was he identified as Peter Falk. He remained true to the character, going on and on about how the Mrs. loved Sinatra, and the fact that they came from the same place.... All of it was pure Columbo, just delivered in a humorous fashion.
It shouldn't be too surprising that Columbo would be so entertaining in front of the cameras like that. He had experience on TV before, when he appeared on Norman Paris' cooking show.
And it's not surprising that Sinatra and the others act as though they knew who he was. By that point in his career, Columbo had investigated several very high-profile cases in which those involved - like publisher Arthur Kennicutt or psychiatrist to the stars Ray Flemming, - might have been friends to these celebrities. And then there were always those cases Columbo investigated which we never saw on screen!
So, questionable yet basically legitimate appearances in a rival network's detective show and a comedy roast; add those two to the more accepted output of 'Columbo' and the character deserves one more accolade to go with all of the others (which include being in the Top Ten most memorable TV characters of all time).
Just one more thing....
As will be established later this year, 'Columbo' did make a theoretical connection to another TV show with the episode "Identity Crisis". The murderer was Nelson Brenner, a double-agent played by Patrick McGoohan.
It's our belief that this character was none other than Number Twelve, the spy who was brought into "the Village" as a look-alike to 'The Prisoner' Number Six. Now, it looked like that character was killed off by "Rover" AKA Orange Alert, but as we learned from the last two episodes of 'The Prisoner', Death wasn't always permanent due to their scientific advancements.
And that's a fourth qualification, if accepted. And since this year's inductions are in celebration of my birthday, what I say goes.
Therefore! By the powers invested in me, I name Lt. Columbo a member of the TV Crossover Hall of Fame. This old man got the call. Now he can play "Knick-Knack" in the Hall.
Knick Knack, Paddywhack.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
He's been a legendary TV icon for over 30 years, recognized the world over by his shabby raincoat, cheap cigar, and the shuffling demeanor that has tripped up nearly all of his suspects.
In the TV Universe, Lt. Columbo (as played by Peter Falk) first appeared in a pilot movie 'Prescription Murder' which was based on a Broadway-bound play by Levinson & Link. (This play had earlier been made for TV as "Enough Rope", an episode of 'Suspense' with Bert Freed as Columbo.)
A second pilot was ordered which brought forth 'Ransom For A Dead Man'. This led to the inclusion of 'Columbo' into the 'NBC Sunday Night Mystery' wheel, along with 'McCloud' and 'Macmillan & Wife', among others.
Years after 'Columbo' finally left the airwaves of the Peacock network, the police lieutenant showed up, older and even more rumpled, at ABC in a series of specials that continue to this day.
There is a format to 'Columbo' that can be as tradition-bound as some religious ceremonies. For instance, in the best episodes, the murderer is tripped up by either that which he killed for in the first place, or by something that he loves the most.
Those few experimental episodes that have strayed from the classic style ('Undercover' being the best - or rather, the worst - example) have not been too successful.
When an episode remains true to form, there's no more compelling TV, no matter how many times you view it.
The secret was never in the actual mystery. 'Columbo' dispensed with the conventional 'whodunnit'; it was more of a 'how to figure it out' mystery. In fact, because you always knew who the murderer was and because you followed his or her story first before ever meeting Columbo, it could be said that the guest murderer was the star role and Columbo a supporting player.
The secret to the longevity of 'Columbo' is the interplay between the adversaries; as best explained by the title of a later episode: "It's All In The Game".
Some might argue that despite two pilot films and two versions of the series on different networks, 'Columbo' should count as one long run. And therefore the Lieutenant doesn't meet the requirements of three different appearances.
I disagree. I do see these as four separate entries, and thus, more than eligible for induction.
As for the Bert Freed version and the Falkless "spin-off" first known as 'Mrs. Columbo', I brush them aside. The episode from 'Suspense' took place in an alternate TV dimension, and Kate Mulgrew's character was married to a different Lt. Columbo in the L.A. police force. (There's no law saying there could be only one.)
But there are two other appearances by Lt. Columbo, as played by Peter Falk, which I do include as part of his overall contribution and which therefore would make him eligible to the naysayers. But there is some fancy footwork involved, which is why the Lieutenant is being inducted this year rather than by the usual means.
First up, there was a convention for police detectives in Hawaii which was seen in an episode of the CBS TV show 'Magnum, P.I.'. There were several detectives at that convention who were unnamed, but it was obvious by their appearance that they were famous TV characters from other shows. Lt. 'Kojak' was one, recognizable by his bald head and lollipop. And another was 'Columbo'.
These little cameos weren't by the original actors playing them, of course. But the camerawork tried to stay far enough away to be good enough for the instant recognition without giving away too much detail.
The other appearance by Lt. Columbo took place during an episode of 'The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast of Frank Sinatra'.
Columbo made a surprise appearance on the dais to salute Ol' Blue Eyes, and never once was he identified as Peter Falk. He remained true to the character, going on and on about how the Mrs. loved Sinatra, and the fact that they came from the same place.... All of it was pure Columbo, just delivered in a humorous fashion.
It shouldn't be too surprising that Columbo would be so entertaining in front of the cameras like that. He had experience on TV before, when he appeared on Norman Paris' cooking show.
And it's not surprising that Sinatra and the others act as though they knew who he was. By that point in his career, Columbo had investigated several very high-profile cases in which those involved - like publisher Arthur Kennicutt or psychiatrist to the stars Ray Flemming, - might have been friends to these celebrities. And then there were always those cases Columbo investigated which we never saw on screen!
So, questionable yet basically legitimate appearances in a rival network's detective show and a comedy roast; add those two to the more accepted output of 'Columbo' and the character deserves one more accolade to go with all of the others (which include being in the Top Ten most memorable TV characters of all time).
Just one more thing....
As will be established later this year, 'Columbo' did make a theoretical connection to another TV show with the episode "Identity Crisis". The murderer was Nelson Brenner, a double-agent played by Patrick McGoohan.
It's our belief that this character was none other than Number Twelve, the spy who was brought into "the Village" as a look-alike to 'The Prisoner' Number Six. Now, it looked like that character was killed off by "Rover" AKA Orange Alert, but as we learned from the last two episodes of 'The Prisoner', Death wasn't always permanent due to their scientific advancements.
And that's a fourth qualification, if accepted. And since this year's inductions are in celebration of my birthday, what I say goes.
Therefore! By the powers invested in me, I name Lt. Columbo a member of the TV Crossover Hall of Fame. This old man got the call. Now he can play "Knick-Knack" in the Hall.
Knick Knack, Paddywhack.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Saturday, January 1, 2005
HAPPY SECOND SEASON!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2005 marks my half-century in the Real World. [I've been a part of Toobworld since 1961, when I received my Citizen of Joyville certificate from 'The Hap Richards Show'.]
I'm cool with the idea of turning fifty. I know that inside, I'm still fifteen. In fact, I think my voice is finally changing!
But it does give me the excuse to expand the Birthday Honors Roll for the TV Crossover Hall of Fame so that it runs the entire year.
Some of the past inductees on the Birthday Honors List might not have made it into the Hall of Fame otherwise.
Some of their qualifications are less than official; in all but name they might have appeared in other shows. (Like Dr. Miguelito Loveless)
Some of them depend on connections to the movie universe. (There will be at least one of those this coming year.)
And others have been inducted in the past for their contributions to the world of TV in general. (Suzie MacNamara had only two series under her belt, but as she took place in the crossover that's generally accepted as the first, she got special notice.)
For 2005, you can expect to see off-the-wall honorees every month of the year.
And an especially odd - yet apt! - choice will be made for the actual Birthday Honors berth.
Stay tuned!
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
2005 marks my half-century in the Real World. [I've been a part of Toobworld since 1961, when I received my Citizen of Joyville certificate from 'The Hap Richards Show'.]
I'm cool with the idea of turning fifty. I know that inside, I'm still fifteen. In fact, I think my voice is finally changing!
But it does give me the excuse to expand the Birthday Honors Roll for the TV Crossover Hall of Fame so that it runs the entire year.
Some of the past inductees on the Birthday Honors List might not have made it into the Hall of Fame otherwise.
Some of their qualifications are less than official; in all but name they might have appeared in other shows. (Like Dr. Miguelito Loveless)
Some of them depend on connections to the movie universe. (There will be at least one of those this coming year.)
And others have been inducted in the past for their contributions to the world of TV in general. (Suzie MacNamara had only two series under her belt, but as she took place in the crossover that's generally accepted as the first, she got special notice.)
For 2005, you can expect to see off-the-wall honorees every month of the year.
And an especially odd - yet apt! - choice will be made for the actual Birthday Honors berth.
Stay tuned!
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Thursday, December 30, 2004
BRISCOE COUNTED
In my own small, bloggish way, I'd like to pay tribute to Jerry Orbach.
Much has already been written about his popularity as Detective Lennie Briscoe during his 12 year run on 'Law & Order'. But he also made another contribution to the TV Universe with the spin-off of his recurring character from 'Murder, She Wrote': 'The Law & Harry McGraw'.
In his memory, the 2006 roster for the TV Crossover Hall of Fame will be devoted entirely to inducting 'Law & Order' characters. (2005 has already been set in stone, due to a personal milestone.)
And as January is dedicated to TV classics, there could be no better inauguration for such a theme than Lennie Briscoe.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Mike: Get this return address: "476 Avenue Bearing the Initial of Our Lord into the New Kingdom."
Lennie: Great. This time of day it's gonna' take us an hour to get downtown.
Mike: Since when do you have a roadmap to heaven?
Lennie: I don't. But I've been up and down Avenue C.
['Law & Order']
Much has already been written about his popularity as Detective Lennie Briscoe during his 12 year run on 'Law & Order'. But he also made another contribution to the TV Universe with the spin-off of his recurring character from 'Murder, She Wrote': 'The Law & Harry McGraw'.
In his memory, the 2006 roster for the TV Crossover Hall of Fame will be devoted entirely to inducting 'Law & Order' characters. (2005 has already been set in stone, due to a personal milestone.)
And as January is dedicated to TV classics, there could be no better inauguration for such a theme than Lennie Briscoe.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Mike: Get this return address: "476 Avenue Bearing the Initial of Our Lord into the New Kingdom."
Lennie: Great. This time of day it's gonna' take us an hour to get downtown.
Mike: Since when do you have a roadmap to heaven?
Lennie: I don't. But I've been up and down Avenue C.
['Law & Order']
IT'S THE END OF THE YEAR [AS WE VIEW IT]
Now that we've reached the end of the calendar year, but not the end of the TV season, I'd like to salute those shows and characters who made the best contributions to the TV Universe.
They aren't necessarily recognized for expanding the universe through the means of spin-offs and crossovers, but because they enriched - or as they say in 'The Simpsons', embiggened - the possibilities and various aspects of Toobworld.
BEST NEW TV SERIES
'LOST'
Striking out on its own, this drama has picked up the mantle of such off-beat, quirky, spooky shows as 'Twin Peaks' and 'The X-Files' without following in either of their footsteps.
It's been described as an unholy hybrid of 'Gilligan's Island', 'The Twilight Zone', 'The New People', 'The Outer Limits', and 'Survivor'. Yet it's none of the above and all of them and something else altogether.
For the first time in a very long while, I'm waiting for the next installment of a show as soon as the end credits are rolling for the current episode.
BEST TV MOVIE
'THE LIBRARIAN: QUEST FOR THE SPEAR'
The premise for this flick built on projects that had come before it - most notably 'The Raiders Of The Lost Ark' - and gleefully, shamelessly ripped them off. With its premise of a modern library housing the world's most magical antiquities, 'The Librarian' was able to be linked to a variety of other shows - 'Hercules', 'Arthur Of The Britons', 'Roar', 'Lois & Clark' etc.
And with the possibilities of sequels, its links can continue to be forged.
BEST NEW MALE CHARACTER
DR. GREGORY HOUSE - 'HOUSE'
It's been over twenty years since 'St. Elsewhere' forced us to lose our outdated views of all doctors as 'Marcus Welby, M.D.'. But not even Dr. Mark Craig could hold his own against such an unmitigated prick as 'House'. The world of medicine might not benefit from his presence, but Toobworld certainly gains.
BEST NEW FEMALE CHARACTER
GRACE McCALLISTER, 'JACK & BOBBY'
Like Dr. House, she certainly is not an easy character to like. But her hard-edged, bull-headed, opinionated attitude is certainly believable for molding the boy who would be President into everything he will be, as well as won't be.
BEST NEW MALE SUPPORTING CHARACTER
TONY BLUNDETTO, 'THE SOPRANOS'
For someone who was supposed to be so integral to Tony Soprano's early family life, "Tony B" seemed to come ouf of nowhere, rather than fresh out of prison. But it didn't take long to accept how Tony B's very existence was a shattered reflection of everything Tony S was and should have been and whom he would never be.
When Tony S finally killed his cousin himself, he had convinced himself it was to save Tony B from a far worse death. But it may be that he was removing that constant reminder of his own flaws.
Tony Blundetto was the most devastating blood relation Tony Soprano had since his mother Livia.
BEST NEW SUPPORTING FEMALE CHARACTER
BOBBI, 'JOEY'
There's no denying how bad I find this spin-off from 'Friends', but whenever Jennifer Coolidge shows up as Joey's boy-toy hungry carnivore of an agent, the stultifying shackles are thrown off and she sends this sitcom into loopy, giddy heights.
It's just a shame that such a brassy broad is stuck in such a leaden vehicle.
BEST CAST ENSEMBLE
THE SURVIVORS OF 'LOST'
Everybody on board Oceanic 815 has a secret. Nobody is as they appear, either. And the show's creators delight in dangling tantalizing little clues to keep us coming back for more, and willingly.
Everybody in the cast is so perfect for their roles that it would be a shame to lose any of them. But the producers have stated that a major character will die by the end of teh season. Yet even the worst of them are rich enough in backstory to hang around for years.
BEST NEW GUEST APPEARANCE
ARIK SOONG, 'ENTERPRISE'
It took three seasons, but it looks like 'Enterprise' has finally learned what made 'Deep Space Nine' better - a grasp of the rich history of 'Trek'.
And no one was a better link to all of that than the mad geneticist Dr. Arik Soong. "Grandfather" to the android Data of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', disciple of the goals fought for in the Eugenics Wars, Soong had a playful malevolence found in the best of villains.
And he had a fine eye for green-skinned Orion slave girls!
Finally, here are a few quickies:
BEST SERIES FINALE - 'Frasier' ('Friends' suffered from a built-up sense of overkill hype.)
BEST SENSE OF ONE'S OWN HISTORY - 'Enterprise', runner-up: 'Law & Order'
BEST BLEND OF TOOBWORLD AND REAL WORLD HISTORY - 'Deadwood'
BEST BLEND OF TOOBWORLD AND REAL WORLD CELEBRITY - 'Entourage'
BEST SPIN-OFF - 'Boston Legal'
WORST SPIN-OFF - 'Joey'
BEST CROSSOVER - 'All My Children' & 'One Life To Live' (the baby-swapping storyline)
WORST CROSSOVER - 'Monday Night Football' & 'Desperate Housewives' ('The Towel')
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
They aren't necessarily recognized for expanding the universe through the means of spin-offs and crossovers, but because they enriched - or as they say in 'The Simpsons', embiggened - the possibilities and various aspects of Toobworld.
BEST NEW TV SERIES
'LOST'
Striking out on its own, this drama has picked up the mantle of such off-beat, quirky, spooky shows as 'Twin Peaks' and 'The X-Files' without following in either of their footsteps.
It's been described as an unholy hybrid of 'Gilligan's Island', 'The Twilight Zone', 'The New People', 'The Outer Limits', and 'Survivor'. Yet it's none of the above and all of them and something else altogether.
For the first time in a very long while, I'm waiting for the next installment of a show as soon as the end credits are rolling for the current episode.
BEST TV MOVIE
'THE LIBRARIAN: QUEST FOR THE SPEAR'
The premise for this flick built on projects that had come before it - most notably 'The Raiders Of The Lost Ark' - and gleefully, shamelessly ripped them off. With its premise of a modern library housing the world's most magical antiquities, 'The Librarian' was able to be linked to a variety of other shows - 'Hercules', 'Arthur Of The Britons', 'Roar', 'Lois & Clark' etc.
And with the possibilities of sequels, its links can continue to be forged.
BEST NEW MALE CHARACTER
DR. GREGORY HOUSE - 'HOUSE'
It's been over twenty years since 'St. Elsewhere' forced us to lose our outdated views of all doctors as 'Marcus Welby, M.D.'. But not even Dr. Mark Craig could hold his own against such an unmitigated prick as 'House'. The world of medicine might not benefit from his presence, but Toobworld certainly gains.
BEST NEW FEMALE CHARACTER
GRACE McCALLISTER, 'JACK & BOBBY'
Like Dr. House, she certainly is not an easy character to like. But her hard-edged, bull-headed, opinionated attitude is certainly believable for molding the boy who would be President into everything he will be, as well as won't be.
BEST NEW MALE SUPPORTING CHARACTER
TONY BLUNDETTO, 'THE SOPRANOS'
For someone who was supposed to be so integral to Tony Soprano's early family life, "Tony B" seemed to come ouf of nowhere, rather than fresh out of prison. But it didn't take long to accept how Tony B's very existence was a shattered reflection of everything Tony S was and should have been and whom he would never be.
When Tony S finally killed his cousin himself, he had convinced himself it was to save Tony B from a far worse death. But it may be that he was removing that constant reminder of his own flaws.
Tony Blundetto was the most devastating blood relation Tony Soprano had since his mother Livia.
BEST NEW SUPPORTING FEMALE CHARACTER
BOBBI, 'JOEY'
There's no denying how bad I find this spin-off from 'Friends', but whenever Jennifer Coolidge shows up as Joey's boy-toy hungry carnivore of an agent, the stultifying shackles are thrown off and she sends this sitcom into loopy, giddy heights.
It's just a shame that such a brassy broad is stuck in such a leaden vehicle.
BEST CAST ENSEMBLE
THE SURVIVORS OF 'LOST'
Everybody on board Oceanic 815 has a secret. Nobody is as they appear, either. And the show's creators delight in dangling tantalizing little clues to keep us coming back for more, and willingly.
Everybody in the cast is so perfect for their roles that it would be a shame to lose any of them. But the producers have stated that a major character will die by the end of teh season. Yet even the worst of them are rich enough in backstory to hang around for years.
BEST NEW GUEST APPEARANCE
ARIK SOONG, 'ENTERPRISE'
It took three seasons, but it looks like 'Enterprise' has finally learned what made 'Deep Space Nine' better - a grasp of the rich history of 'Trek'.
And no one was a better link to all of that than the mad geneticist Dr. Arik Soong. "Grandfather" to the android Data of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', disciple of the goals fought for in the Eugenics Wars, Soong had a playful malevolence found in the best of villains.
And he had a fine eye for green-skinned Orion slave girls!
Finally, here are a few quickies:
BEST SERIES FINALE - 'Frasier' ('Friends' suffered from a built-up sense of overkill hype.)
BEST SENSE OF ONE'S OWN HISTORY - 'Enterprise', runner-up: 'Law & Order'
BEST BLEND OF TOOBWORLD AND REAL WORLD HISTORY - 'Deadwood'
BEST BLEND OF TOOBWORLD AND REAL WORLD CELEBRITY - 'Entourage'
BEST SPIN-OFF - 'Boston Legal'
WORST SPIN-OFF - 'Joey'
BEST CROSSOVER - 'All My Children' & 'One Life To Live' (the baby-swapping storyline)
WORST CROSSOVER - 'Monday Night Football' & 'Desperate Housewives' ('The Towel')
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Sunday, December 19, 2004
IN THE NEWS
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a few days, folks. But I've been a bit busy between trekking to Connecticut to see my brand-new nephew and with a 12 part allegory I've been writing in order to lambaste my friends in an email Digest group.
So here are a few news items to keep my toes in the water:
Aflac, the insurance company that rose to pop-cultural heights on the wings of a waterfowl, is launching a $50 million ad campaign that partly muzzles its web-footed friend and instead seeks to better define what the company does.
The move is a risky one, given the iconic status the feathered creature has reached since being introduced in January 2000. Known for its loud "Aflac" quack, the duck has become one of the country's most recognizable ad icons.
Before its first appearance, most people had never heard of the Columbus, Ga., purveyor of supplemental workplace insurance. Since that time, however, Aflac's brand awareness has skyrocketed to 90 percent from 12 percent, the company says. But in today's competitive business environment, name recognition alone isn't enough.
"Consumers were saying, 'I know you are insurance and you have this duck that quacks, but what can you do for me?"' says Al Johnson, Aflac's vice president of advertising and branding.
Madison Avenue is forever wrestling with the challenge of creating ads that entertain while also imparting enough information about a product or service. For Aflac, the idea of better defining what the company does is fraught with risk, say branding experts, since weighing down copy with big explanations might be an instant turn-off for consumers who are used to quick and fun ads that predominantly featured the quacking duck.
Aflac says it was prompted to redo its messaging after increases in sales began to slow and consumer research found that people were confused about Aflac. A survey of 1,000 consumers done in October 2003 by Bantam Group, a research firm in Atlanta, found that 60 percent of respondents said they weren't exactly sure what Aflac insurance was.
Moreover, a telephone poll of 600 consumers, done in April 2004, found that about half of the respondents said the current advertising doesn't explain what Aflac is.
One new commercial, created by Publicis Groupe's Kaplan Thaler Group and set to begin airing Jan. 1 during college-football bowl games, features a man with a broken leg talking to a friend. "Hey, you look relaxed for someone in your condition," says the friend. "It's because I have Aflac," responds the man with the cast. "When I'm hurt and miss work, Aflac gives me cash to help pay bills my health insurance doesn't." The friend chimes in: "What do you mean, like car payments, electric bills -- the rent?"
As the two banter on, the duck fiddles around in the background writing checks and mailing bills -- and even gets cash ready for the Chinese-food deliveryman.
In another spot, dubbed "Pet Store," comedian Gilbert Gottfried, the voice of the Aflac duck, tries to return the Aflac duck to a pet shop. "He just says the same thing over and over," complains Mr. Gottfried, who becomes frustrated when the duck fails to quack. A parrot weighs in with the Aflac name and what the company does. In a surprising twist, this is one of the few times the duck doesn't reveal the company name.
While Aflac hopes to tone down the duck's call, the company says the familiar squawk might return. "You don't want to annoy consumers," adds Mr. Johnson. "The duck is evolving."
Rumors of a lesser role for the popular duck have percolated for months in ad circles, but the company says the duck's return was never in question. In fact, the duck is even being promoted: He now will be perched on the company's logo.
___________________________________
Top 10 alternative comedy sketches
(as chosen by British TV viewers)
1. Dead Parrot (Python)
2. Four Yorkshiremen (Python)
3. Lou and Andy by the Pool (Little Britain)
4. Going for English (Goodness Gracious Me)
5. Brown baby (Harry Enfield)
6. Ministry of Silly Walks (Python)
7. One Leg Too Few (Dudley Moore)
8. Papa Lazarou (League of Gentlemen)
9. Two Soups (Julie Walters in Victoria Wood)
10. The Spam Song (Python)
_________________________
‘Law & Order' stays orderly
Creator explains cast changes
By Gary Levin
USA TODAY
Forget those homicidal maniacs: There's even more drama behind the scenes at Law & Order.
The shows easily have weathered their share of cast changes, proving that compelling scripts — not stars — draw viewers. But this season brings more than the usual revolving-door changes.
Elisabeth Rohm exits the original Law & Order (Wednesdays, 10 p.m. ET/PT) in early January in what creator Dick Wolf calls a surprise, “water-cooler” moment. She will be replaced a week later by Annie Parisse (As the World Turns). As the show's sixth assistant D.A., she “has the most sophisticated, almost European sexuality; she's smart and hot,” he says.
Jesse L. Martin is departing early to film an adaptation of Rent but returns next fall. And The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli guest-stars in the final four episodes as nephew and temporary partner of Detective Fontana (Dennis Farina).
And on SVU (Tuesdays, 10 p.m. ET/PT), the only Law to gain viewers, Mary Stuart Masterson filmed a multi-episode arc to pinch-hit for B.D. Wong, who's performing in Broadway's Pacific Overtures.
Lately, the rumor mill has been in overdrive about other changes both real and imagined. Wolf sets things straight:
•Vincent D'Onofrio, star of Criminal Intent (Sundays, 9 p.m. ET/PT), is not being replaced by Chris Noth. Rumors started swirling that the combustible D'Onofrio posted anti-Bush screeds on the set, irritating other cast and crew members. Rumors were compounded when the star had two fainting spells, forcing a brief hospital stay.
The Bush-bashing rumors amounted to “tabloid journalism,” Wolf says, and the offending “signage” actually took place on L&O's upcoming fourth edition, Trial by Jury, which D'Onofrio has nothing to do with.
Wolf acknowledges that Noth, previously on L&O, was on a short list of possible replacements drafted during the hospitalization. But D'Onofrio is back, so “that step was not necessary. Vincent's done an incredible job the past 3½ years, and I would like him to be there for the rest of the show's run.”
•Jerry Orbach's prostate cancer did not force his exit or stall production on Trial by Jury. The decision to shift Orbach, 69, from an L&O lead to a Trial supporting player, Wolf says, “was made prior to my knowledge of his medical problem,” revealed last week. But it had the side effect of shielding L&O from delays, because his new role is part-time. Scenes are being shot around his treatment, and “it has not impacted production.”
______________________
Alanis Morissette doesn't just love music -- she's into comedy, too.
The Canadian songbird just inked a deal with Comedy Central (with none other than Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks on board as a producer). Morissette will star in a ''mockumentary''-style TV show.In a premise that sounds a lot like ''The Chris Isaak Show,'' Morissette's half-hour series will follow her on tour next year.
The singer will play herself, but the rest of the cast will be comprised of improv actors playing her managers, technical aides, security guards and wardrobe assistants.
Morissette whetted her appetite to create her own comedy show with roles on HBO's ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' and Fox's ''Mad TV,'' playing her own fictional little sister -- a Britney Spears-type pop tart.
_________________________
The American Film Institute's top 10 television programs of the year were HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Deadwood," "The Sopranos" and "Something the Lord Made," ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," FX's "Nip/Tuck" and "The Shield," Fox's "Arrested Development" and Comedy Central's "South Park." ___________________
The pig aroused by Rebecca Loos on TV show 'The Farm' did not feel degraded by the experience, watchdogs have ruled.
David Beckham's former PA was asked to give the boar - and nature - a helping hand.
Ofcom received 37 complaints about the act which lasted for ten minutes.
Most of the complaints criticised her antics as "akin to bestiality".
The RSPCA also condemned the scenes, shown on Five.
But the channel was cleared of breaching taste and decency standards.
Ofcom's ruling said: "Rebecca Loos was selected by a qualified veterinary surgeon to assist him extracting semen from a boar on a neighbouring farm.
"The task performed by Rebecca Loos is one that occurs regularly on UK farms. We do not believe the scene was degrading or harmful to the boar."
__________________
And finally, here's a quote from Rowan Atkinson:
"To criticise a person for their race is manifestly irrational and ridiculous but to criticise their religion, that is a right. That is a freedom.
"The freedom to criticise ideas, any ideas - even if they are sincerely held beliefs - is one of the fundamental freedoms of society.
"A law which attempts to say you can criticise and ridicule ideas as long as they are not religious ideas is a very peculiar law indeed."
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
So here are a few news items to keep my toes in the water:
Aflac, the insurance company that rose to pop-cultural heights on the wings of a waterfowl, is launching a $50 million ad campaign that partly muzzles its web-footed friend and instead seeks to better define what the company does.
The move is a risky one, given the iconic status the feathered creature has reached since being introduced in January 2000. Known for its loud "Aflac" quack, the duck has become one of the country's most recognizable ad icons.
Before its first appearance, most people had never heard of the Columbus, Ga., purveyor of supplemental workplace insurance. Since that time, however, Aflac's brand awareness has skyrocketed to 90 percent from 12 percent, the company says. But in today's competitive business environment, name recognition alone isn't enough.
"Consumers were saying, 'I know you are insurance and you have this duck that quacks, but what can you do for me?"' says Al Johnson, Aflac's vice president of advertising and branding.
Madison Avenue is forever wrestling with the challenge of creating ads that entertain while also imparting enough information about a product or service. For Aflac, the idea of better defining what the company does is fraught with risk, say branding experts, since weighing down copy with big explanations might be an instant turn-off for consumers who are used to quick and fun ads that predominantly featured the quacking duck.
Aflac says it was prompted to redo its messaging after increases in sales began to slow and consumer research found that people were confused about Aflac. A survey of 1,000 consumers done in October 2003 by Bantam Group, a research firm in Atlanta, found that 60 percent of respondents said they weren't exactly sure what Aflac insurance was.
Moreover, a telephone poll of 600 consumers, done in April 2004, found that about half of the respondents said the current advertising doesn't explain what Aflac is.
One new commercial, created by Publicis Groupe's Kaplan Thaler Group and set to begin airing Jan. 1 during college-football bowl games, features a man with a broken leg talking to a friend. "Hey, you look relaxed for someone in your condition," says the friend. "It's because I have Aflac," responds the man with the cast. "When I'm hurt and miss work, Aflac gives me cash to help pay bills my health insurance doesn't." The friend chimes in: "What do you mean, like car payments, electric bills -- the rent?"
As the two banter on, the duck fiddles around in the background writing checks and mailing bills -- and even gets cash ready for the Chinese-food deliveryman.
In another spot, dubbed "Pet Store," comedian Gilbert Gottfried, the voice of the Aflac duck, tries to return the Aflac duck to a pet shop. "He just says the same thing over and over," complains Mr. Gottfried, who becomes frustrated when the duck fails to quack. A parrot weighs in with the Aflac name and what the company does. In a surprising twist, this is one of the few times the duck doesn't reveal the company name.
While Aflac hopes to tone down the duck's call, the company says the familiar squawk might return. "You don't want to annoy consumers," adds Mr. Johnson. "The duck is evolving."
Rumors of a lesser role for the popular duck have percolated for months in ad circles, but the company says the duck's return was never in question. In fact, the duck is even being promoted: He now will be perched on the company's logo.
___________________________________
Top 10 alternative comedy sketches
(as chosen by British TV viewers)
1. Dead Parrot (Python)
2. Four Yorkshiremen (Python)
3. Lou and Andy by the Pool (Little Britain)
4. Going for English (Goodness Gracious Me)
5. Brown baby (Harry Enfield)
6. Ministry of Silly Walks (Python)
7. One Leg Too Few (Dudley Moore)
8. Papa Lazarou (League of Gentlemen)
9. Two Soups (Julie Walters in Victoria Wood)
10. The Spam Song (Python)
_________________________
‘Law & Order' stays orderly
Creator explains cast changes
By Gary Levin
USA TODAY
Forget those homicidal maniacs: There's even more drama behind the scenes at Law & Order.
The shows easily have weathered their share of cast changes, proving that compelling scripts — not stars — draw viewers. But this season brings more than the usual revolving-door changes.
Elisabeth Rohm exits the original Law & Order (Wednesdays, 10 p.m. ET/PT) in early January in what creator Dick Wolf calls a surprise, “water-cooler” moment. She will be replaced a week later by Annie Parisse (As the World Turns). As the show's sixth assistant D.A., she “has the most sophisticated, almost European sexuality; she's smart and hot,” he says.
Jesse L. Martin is departing early to film an adaptation of Rent but returns next fall. And The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli guest-stars in the final four episodes as nephew and temporary partner of Detective Fontana (Dennis Farina).
And on SVU (Tuesdays, 10 p.m. ET/PT), the only Law to gain viewers, Mary Stuart Masterson filmed a multi-episode arc to pinch-hit for B.D. Wong, who's performing in Broadway's Pacific Overtures.
Lately, the rumor mill has been in overdrive about other changes both real and imagined. Wolf sets things straight:
•Vincent D'Onofrio, star of Criminal Intent (Sundays, 9 p.m. ET/PT), is not being replaced by Chris Noth. Rumors started swirling that the combustible D'Onofrio posted anti-Bush screeds on the set, irritating other cast and crew members. Rumors were compounded when the star had two fainting spells, forcing a brief hospital stay.
The Bush-bashing rumors amounted to “tabloid journalism,” Wolf says, and the offending “signage” actually took place on L&O's upcoming fourth edition, Trial by Jury, which D'Onofrio has nothing to do with.
Wolf acknowledges that Noth, previously on L&O, was on a short list of possible replacements drafted during the hospitalization. But D'Onofrio is back, so “that step was not necessary. Vincent's done an incredible job the past 3½ years, and I would like him to be there for the rest of the show's run.”
•Jerry Orbach's prostate cancer did not force his exit or stall production on Trial by Jury. The decision to shift Orbach, 69, from an L&O lead to a Trial supporting player, Wolf says, “was made prior to my knowledge of his medical problem,” revealed last week. But it had the side effect of shielding L&O from delays, because his new role is part-time. Scenes are being shot around his treatment, and “it has not impacted production.”
______________________
Alanis Morissette doesn't just love music -- she's into comedy, too.
The Canadian songbird just inked a deal with Comedy Central (with none other than Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks on board as a producer). Morissette will star in a ''mockumentary''-style TV show.In a premise that sounds a lot like ''The Chris Isaak Show,'' Morissette's half-hour series will follow her on tour next year.
The singer will play herself, but the rest of the cast will be comprised of improv actors playing her managers, technical aides, security guards and wardrobe assistants.
Morissette whetted her appetite to create her own comedy show with roles on HBO's ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' and Fox's ''Mad TV,'' playing her own fictional little sister -- a Britney Spears-type pop tart.
_________________________
The American Film Institute's top 10 television programs of the year were HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Deadwood," "The Sopranos" and "Something the Lord Made," ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," FX's "Nip/Tuck" and "The Shield," Fox's "Arrested Development" and Comedy Central's "South Park." ___________________
The pig aroused by Rebecca Loos on TV show 'The Farm' did not feel degraded by the experience, watchdogs have ruled.
David Beckham's former PA was asked to give the boar - and nature - a helping hand.
Ofcom received 37 complaints about the act which lasted for ten minutes.
Most of the complaints criticised her antics as "akin to bestiality".
The RSPCA also condemned the scenes, shown on Five.
But the channel was cleared of breaching taste and decency standards.
Ofcom's ruling said: "Rebecca Loos was selected by a qualified veterinary surgeon to assist him extracting semen from a boar on a neighbouring farm.
"The task performed by Rebecca Loos is one that occurs regularly on UK farms. We do not believe the scene was degrading or harmful to the boar."
__________________
And finally, here's a quote from Rowan Atkinson:
"To criticise a person for their race is manifestly irrational and ridiculous but to criticise their religion, that is a right. That is a freedom.
"The freedom to criticise ideas, any ideas - even if they are sincerely held beliefs - is one of the fundamental freedoms of society.
"A law which attempts to say you can criticise and ridicule ideas as long as they are not religious ideas is a very peculiar law indeed."
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
NICE GLOBES
Here in the "Real World", the nominations for the Golden Globe awards have been announced.
Herewith are those nominations that matter for Toobworld:
TELEVISION
Drama Series
"24," FOX
"Deadwood," HBO
"Lost," ABC
"Nip/Tuck," FX
"The Sopranos," HBO
Comedy Series
"Arrested Development," FOX
"Desperate Housewives," ABC
"Entourage," HBO
"Sex and the City," HBO
"Will & Grace," NBC
Miniseries or TV Movie
"American Family: Journey of Dreams," PBS
"Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
"The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
"The Lion in Winter," Showtime
"Something the Lord Made," HBO
Lead Actor -- Drama Series
Michael Chiklis, "The Shield," FX
Denis Leary, "Rescue Me," FX
Julian McMahon, "Nip/Tuck," FX
Ian McShane, "Deadwood," HBO
James Spader, "Boston Legal," ABC
Lead Actor -- Comedy Series
Jason Bateman, "Arrested Development," FOX
Zach Braff, "Scrubs," NBC
Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," HBO
Matt LeBlanc, "Joey," NBC
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk," USA
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men," CBS
Lead Actor -- Miniseries/Movie
Mos Def, "Something the Lord Made," HBO
Jamie Foxx, "Redemption," FX
William H. Macy, "The Wool Cap," TNT
Geoffrey Rush, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Patrick Stewart, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Lead Actress -- Drama Series
Edie Falco, "The Sopranos," HBO
Jennifer Garner, "Alias," ABC
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU," NBC
Christine Lahti, "Jack & Bobby," The WB
Joely Richardson, "Nip/Tuck," FX
Lead Actress -- Comedy Series
Marcia Cross, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Teri Hatcher, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Felicity Huffman, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Debra Messing, "Will & Grace," NBC
Sarah Jessica Parker, "Sex and the City," HBO
Lead Actress -- Miniseries/Movie
Glenn Close, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Blythe Danner, "Back When We Were Grownups," CBS
Julianna Margulies, "The Grid," TNT
Miranda Richardson, "The Lost Prince," PBS
Hilary Swank, "Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
Supporting Actor -- Series, Miniseries or Movie
Sean Hayes, "Will & Grace," NBC
Michael Imperioli, "The Sopranos," HBO
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO
Oliver Platt, "Huff," Showtime
William Shatner, "Boston Legal," ABC
Supporting Actress -- Series, Miniseries or Movie
Drea de Matteo, "The Sopranos," HBO
Anjelica Huston, "Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
Nicolette Sheridan, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Charlize Theron, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Emily Watson, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Making my own off-the-top-of-my-head predictions:
"Lost," ABC
"Desperate Housewives," ABC
"The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Ian McShane, "Deadwood," HBO Zach Braff, "Scrubs," NBC
Geoffrey Rush, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Christine Lahti, "Jack & Bobby," The WB
Marcia Cross, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Glenn Close, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO
Drea de Matteo, "The Sopranos," HBO
My choices are based on a combination of my personal favorites, buzz, and a general sense of how the foreign correspondents might vote....
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Herewith are those nominations that matter for Toobworld:
TELEVISION
Drama Series
"24," FOX
"Deadwood," HBO
"Lost," ABC
"Nip/Tuck," FX
"The Sopranos," HBO
Comedy Series
"Arrested Development," FOX
"Desperate Housewives," ABC
"Entourage," HBO
"Sex and the City," HBO
"Will & Grace," NBC
Miniseries or TV Movie
"American Family: Journey of Dreams," PBS
"Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
"The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
"The Lion in Winter," Showtime
"Something the Lord Made," HBO
Lead Actor -- Drama Series
Michael Chiklis, "The Shield," FX
Denis Leary, "Rescue Me," FX
Julian McMahon, "Nip/Tuck," FX
Ian McShane, "Deadwood," HBO
James Spader, "Boston Legal," ABC
Lead Actor -- Comedy Series
Jason Bateman, "Arrested Development," FOX
Zach Braff, "Scrubs," NBC
Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," HBO
Matt LeBlanc, "Joey," NBC
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk," USA
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men," CBS
Lead Actor -- Miniseries/Movie
Mos Def, "Something the Lord Made," HBO
Jamie Foxx, "Redemption," FX
William H. Macy, "The Wool Cap," TNT
Geoffrey Rush, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Patrick Stewart, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Lead Actress -- Drama Series
Edie Falco, "The Sopranos," HBO
Jennifer Garner, "Alias," ABC
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU," NBC
Christine Lahti, "Jack & Bobby," The WB
Joely Richardson, "Nip/Tuck," FX
Lead Actress -- Comedy Series
Marcia Cross, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Teri Hatcher, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Felicity Huffman, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Debra Messing, "Will & Grace," NBC
Sarah Jessica Parker, "Sex and the City," HBO
Lead Actress -- Miniseries/Movie
Glenn Close, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Blythe Danner, "Back When We Were Grownups," CBS
Julianna Margulies, "The Grid," TNT
Miranda Richardson, "The Lost Prince," PBS
Hilary Swank, "Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
Supporting Actor -- Series, Miniseries or Movie
Sean Hayes, "Will & Grace," NBC
Michael Imperioli, "The Sopranos," HBO
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO
Oliver Platt, "Huff," Showtime
William Shatner, "Boston Legal," ABC
Supporting Actress -- Series, Miniseries or Movie
Drea de Matteo, "The Sopranos," HBO
Anjelica Huston, "Iron Jawed Angels," HBO
Nicolette Sheridan, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Charlize Theron, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Emily Watson, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Making my own off-the-top-of-my-head predictions:
"Lost," ABC
"Desperate Housewives," ABC
"The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Ian McShane, "Deadwood," HBO Zach Braff, "Scrubs," NBC
Geoffrey Rush, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," HBO
Christine Lahti, "Jack & Bobby," The WB
Marcia Cross, "Desperate Housewives," ABC
Glenn Close, "The Lion in Winter," Showtime
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO
Drea de Matteo, "The Sopranos," HBO
My choices are based on a combination of my personal favorites, buzz, and a general sense of how the foreign correspondents might vote....
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Monday, December 13, 2004
ROCKIN' (CHAIR) NEW YEAR'S EVE?
News story:
Regis Philbin will fill in as host of ABC's 'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2004' for Dick Clark, who suffered a mild stroke last week, the network announced Monday. Philbin, co-host of the syndicated 'Regis & Kelly', has made subbing for ailing entertainers something of a specialty, coming to David Letterman's aid when Letterman underwent heart bypass surgery in 2000 and recovered from an eye infection in 2003.
"It's the greatest 'temp job' in the world," Philbin said.
~~~~~~
Yep...... Nothing says "rockin" like Regis Philbin!
Yeesh.
Won't Regis be up waaaay past his bedtime? Maybe he'll have to be put down for nappies right after he gets the four o'clock dinner special at Denny's.
I think Clark pushed for him out of fear that a young up-and-comer at the network - like, say, oh, I don't know..... Jimmy Kimmel??? - would be such a hit in re-invigorating the audience that Clark would never be able to resume the job next year.
Except maybe as the old fuddy who takes us back down memory lane with clips of past shows... before he's wheeled back to the ICU.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Regis Philbin will fill in as host of ABC's 'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2004' for Dick Clark, who suffered a mild stroke last week, the network announced Monday. Philbin, co-host of the syndicated 'Regis & Kelly', has made subbing for ailing entertainers something of a specialty, coming to David Letterman's aid when Letterman underwent heart bypass surgery in 2000 and recovered from an eye infection in 2003.
"It's the greatest 'temp job' in the world," Philbin said.
~~~~~~
Yep...... Nothing says "rockin" like Regis Philbin!
Yeesh.
Won't Regis be up waaaay past his bedtime? Maybe he'll have to be put down for nappies right after he gets the four o'clock dinner special at Denny's.
I think Clark pushed for him out of fear that a young up-and-comer at the network - like, say, oh, I don't know..... Jimmy Kimmel??? - would be such a hit in re-invigorating the audience that Clark would never be able to resume the job next year.
Except maybe as the old fuddy who takes us back down memory lane with clips of past shows... before he's wheeled back to the ICU.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
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