Oh brother. Normally, I'd call for a recount. But for all I know, Diversity - a dance troupe, for crying out loud - is good.
Susan almost doesn't seem to care, show's some thigh, etc. It's all quite odd. But now there's more. The Sun's reporting that she suffered from "nervous exhaustion" and was admitted to some clinic after the show. Here's the story.
Last night's very nice exit show had plenty to talk about. But better to watch than talk. The second two clips here include a good chunk of the Conan interview. (Check out how young Conan is in the clip-within-a-clip.)
But let's start with the most memorable moment, Jay's terrific closer - the legacy clip, with all the kids. It was a fine way to end (and strangely, in the back of mind, I feel like this was once done somewhere else, on another talk show, years ago when the host left...Is my memory playing tricks on me? Maybe...it does that.).
Who cares. Jay said this would be a special ending, and Jay was right. Good for him. He has no children, but his staff had 68 over 17 years.
NBCUPHOTOBANK/Rex Features
Heeeeeelpppppp!!!!!
Run for the exits.
Kill the TV.
Nadya's coming.
Per Us Magazine, the potentially horrific is no longer potential, but actual: She's coming. She and her brood of eight. Or however many. I've lost count.
Here's the Us piece below. I didn't mean to ruin your weekend. But it's best that you know these things. Forewarned, forearmed...
t’s official: Nadya Suleman and her brood of 14 are coming to a TV near you.
After weeks of meetings and negotiations, Suleman’s attorney Jeff Czech confirmed exclusively to Usmagazine.com that Suleman signed a deal Thursday night to star in her own reality series.
"[Nadya and the producers] are hoping to have an arrangement whereby several events in the children's lives would be filmed in a documentary series," Czech told Us.
“One of the events in the children's lives might be their first birthday.”
See Octo Mom’s family album.
Describing the as-yet untitled show as a “quasi-reality TV series”, Czech said that the production company, Eyeworks, was moving ahead to make a deal with a network.
“They might be several shows aired during a year. There are all kinds of possibilities. It really depends on what the networks want," her lawyer said.
Czech declined to comment on how much Nadya would be getting paid for the deal, citing confidentiality.
“Her television program will not be like the Jon and Kate Plus 8 show,” said Czech. "[Nadya] is looking forward to providing her side of the story."
(Getty)
And...heeeeere's Jay's last monologue!
The very last one - after 3775 monologues, or so...
Please head to the jump.
And, I'll post the nice interview with Conan later, or after the midnight embargo.
To the jump!
(Kevin Winter/Getty)
OK, gang. Snatches of the show, concluded not long ago, are dribbling in...Here's my starter wrap for tomorrow...
"I'm going to be going to a secluded spot where no one can find me," promised Jay Leno in his final "Tonight Show" appearance last night.
Anyone need to know what the punchline is?
After seventeen pretty good years as the host of a national TV institution that's had just four hosts, the latest one said goodbye, and, in a sense, he said "hello" as well. Jay Leno will be back in September at 10 p.m. on NBC, and if he's lucky, the jokes he told last night won't even be moldy by then.
"When we started this show," he told his final "Tonight" audience, "my hair was black and the president was white. When we started the show, Jon and Kate were both eight."
After a rapturous standing O, there were many people to thank, besides his wife, Mavis, in the audience. Monica Lewinsky. Bill Clinton. Michael Jackson. (O.J. Simpson, too: "I was cleaning my room today and I found O.J.'s knife. I had it the whole time.") He noted that former presidents George W. Bush and Clinton were about to meet for a debate in Toronto. “Oh, just one more day, just one more day” to host the show.
He thanked NBC, too. Sort of: "I'm betting everything that NBC will still be around in three months," adding: "That is not a given." (The network is deep in fourth place, one reason he gets the 10 p.m. shot.) He said his boss, Jeff Zucker, even offered to let him buy his robe in his dressing room for forty bucks.
Guests tongiht were Conan O'Brien, who takes over the whole shebang over on Monday, and James Taylor.
So, a sad, sentimental departure for the man who hosted 3,775 editions of "Tonight" through Friday? Hardly: He'll be back and in a better time period almost before you know it. What? Jay worry?
Meanwhile, when I get the vid clips, you know where to find 'em.
If you don't care to watch this Sunday's full-bore one-hour finale, "The Hills," you can instead watch the 45-second clip below. The headline is at the clip's conclusion. Someone walks into the most spectacular, most Speidi-ish wedding of all time, and gets dagger looks from members of the crowd - which includes Perez Hilton, who's sitting in the church too. Also, Lo...Brody...Audrina...about 85 others that I don't recognize...
Wondering what I'm talkin' 'bout?
Me too. In any event, that is Kristin Cavallari, newest/oldest star from the monster that spawned this monster - "Laguna Beach: The Real OC" in the clip from Sunday's finale, below. Is Talan somewhere in this crowd? How about Dieter? Jason? Jessica? Alex? And if not, why not? I guess Stephen or Jason won't be seated next to Lauren...
As you know, sanity or maybe a highly remunerative endorsement deal has convinced Lauren to walk after this Sunday's finale, which opens the door for Kristin who's had less-than-stellar post-"Real OC" career.
The clip...
A call for nomination: Anna Gunn for best actress (Doug Hyun/AMC)
I'm not in the habit of doing this and am pretty certain I have no intention of getting in the habit of doing this, but some things merit an exception to the rule.
This one exception: My immediate, visceral reaction to the finale of "Breaking Bad," airing this Sunday.
I've seen a lot of TV the last few weeks - finales mostly, or voting mishaps on "American Idol," and the like.
But this finale - yes, this one, entitled "ABQ" - quite literally made me double up in pain in the closing seconds. I drew in my breath, held it, then released it. I then posted this blog.
A promise, sworn on any book of faith you would wish me to swear this promise upon: This Sunday's "Breaking Bad," coupled with with last Sunday's "Phoenix," is the most extraordinary finale of the season. This is like nothing you have ever seen.
And once again, a prediction: "Breaking Bad" will be nominated for a best drama Emmy this July. If there is any justice, and often there is not, "Breaking Bad" will win in September. This is the best program on television, commercial or pay.
Plus, this prediction: Anna Gunn will be nominated and - justice, please - win as well.
My newspaper review, in Saturday's Newsday, on the jump...
As you know, reps of Fox and AT&T; yesterday hurriedly ran out to the parapets of the Bastille, looked down balefully upon the surging mob, and then threw down a pair of statements in an effort to quell the unruly peasants.
"They wants answers?" said the gendarme in charge. "THEN WE'LL GIVE THEM ANSWERS!"
Here are the statements, as reprinted (again) in this morning's LA Times, as referenced to the power voting that AT&T; sponsored for Kris Allen at a couple of venues in Arkansas:
AT&T; employees were "caught up in the enthusiasm of rooting for their hometown contestant. Going forward, we will make sure our employees understand our sponsorship celebrates the competition, not individual contestants."
And Fox: "Fox and the producers of 'American Idol' are absolutely certain that the results of this competition are fair, accurate and verified," the network and producers said in a joint statement Wednesday. "Kris Allen is, without a doubt, the American Idol. We have an independent third-party monitoring procedure in place to ensure the integrity of the voting process. In no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition."
But wait! Mr. Gendarme! If in "no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition" then what about the AT&T; employees who taught Allen fans how to power vote? Do you mean to say that these "individuals" thus FAIRLY influenced the outcome?
Note to Fox and AT&T;: Maybe next time you send out dueling statements, best to make sure they don't contradict one another.
Meanwhile: I have more questions...
- How much money does AT&T; make from the text votes cast during a regular edition of "American Idol?"
- As a condition of his victory, will Kris Allen be required to do any promotional activity for AT&T; or any of its various subsidiaries?
- Why doesn't Fox tell fans exactly how many text votes were cast and for whom? Why is this such a secret and how - as Fox seems to be saying - could such information somehow taint the voting process going forward?
Let me be clear - I'm not accusing anyone, even in my own rabble-rousing, storm-the-Bastille-via-blogging kind of way, that anything untoward happened. In fact, I believe Fox on this one - why allow ANYONE, even a powerful sponsor, to taint your most important franchise?
But it would be nice to have a little more than a few leaflets of meaningless paper tossed out the windows of the Bastille...
Meanwhile, check out MadDogUSA's message on the jump! It appears he has some answers...
We've got a new serial killer in the house - John Lithgow, who's not someone exactly typecast to do this, but hey, he's killed on Broadway. This shouldn't be a stretch.
Per Showtime: He'll be in all of season four, which launches Sept. 27, and will play, and I quote: "Walter Simmons, an unassuming, mild-mannered suburbanite who has been living a dual life as one of America’s most prolific and deadliest serial killers. Dubbed the 'Trinity Killer' because of his proclivity to kill in three’s, he relocates to Miami after being tracked by F.B.I. Special Agent Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine). Brought on to assist in the investigation of Miami’s latest serial killer, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) becomes fascinated with 'Trinity’s' unique killing methods and his ability to evade capture for almost three decades. "
(Pix of mild-mannered triplicate murderer, by Getty)
Sad news - Jack Reilly, the veteran producer of "Good Morning America," has died. Charlie Gibson sent out a nice note to ABC News staffers this morning: "One of the finest people I ever had the good fortune to work with and for. Modest, shy, self-effacing, not an ounce of inflated ego, and yet a cracker jack producer who understood when he should intrude, and when to stand back and let others do their work." Indeed, Reilly was the Quiet One - a rare presence in columns, and not one to boast about his many accomplishments, most notably (or at least memorably) the turnaround at "GMA." That success certainly had many fathers and mothers - notably David Hartman, Joan Lunden, Charlie (of course), and off camera, Phil Beuth, along with many many others. But Reilly's years there ('86-94) were among the best years of "GMA's" life...huge audience growth and the unseating (however briefly) of "Today." He went on to become an esteemed producer and executive at CNBC. He was 84 and the industry he helped build just got a little poorer.
Meanwhile, if you missed tonight's "World News," Charlie Gibson has a tribute that closes the broadcast. Here's the link, and the Reilly piece cues up after John Berman's story.
Yup, we wanted a recount. We demanded a recount.
And now I'm wondering: Will we ever get a recount?
On the jump, check out this piece by the Arkansas Post-Democrat, which wrote up some sort of party whereby AT&T; provided "about 50 display units and representatives to teach multiple 'power texting.' (The NYT picked up this week-old story last night,which suddenly made it "real news," I suppose.) AT&T; also made about 30 phones available in a 'texting zone' at a watch party at the Peabody Little Rock hotel, where Megan Lynch and friend Rainey Gibson, both 22, watched Allen perform his first song of the night..."
My question: Why did AT&T; do this? Is it because AT&T; gets $$'s everytime someone texts a message via its service?
I wonder what the answer is.
And how many of these parties did AT&T; help/supply?
(I wonder what the answer is...)
And why is AT&T; the only provider that lets you text in "American Idol" votes?
(I wonder what the answer is...)
And finally, did 19 Entertainment, and "Idol" and Fox know about these parties, or other organized efforts, and know that a vast amount of texting would certainly create a curious end result? And because AT&T; is a major sponsor, did they turn a blind eye?
Altogether now: We wonder what the answers are...
1) -Click here for photos of all of Adam Lambert's "American Idol" outfits this season
-Click here for photos of all of Kris Allen's "American Idol" outfits this season
2) Photos of Adam, Kris and Danny with their hometown fans | "American Idol" trading cards
3) Inside the after-party for the 13 "American Idol" finalists
We in the media have tended to make some noise outta the fact that Jay will hypothetically have better access to guests than Conan, insofar as he's earlier in the night and - ipso facto - Conan will be in BIIIG trouble when he takes over "Tonight" next Monday.
But lo and behold, Co thinks the whole darn thing is "overblown." Said so in a conference call not too long ago, and he said a bunch of other things too.
- Guests? "There are so many people out there and I think the thing has been over-blown...I got terrific guests on 'Late Night' and I was farther down the totem pole than I am now. I'm not worried about the guest situation. To me it's not about who gets the guest first but what you do with the guests and how my chemistry might be different than with other people..."
- How will the advent of Jay at 10 affect the advent of Co at 11:35? Good question! And Co said so too..."It's a good question and nobody has the answer. This move is kind of unprecedented in television, but what I keep going back to is at the end of the day nothing has changed for me. I'm host June 1, 2009. I'm hostin ghte Tonight Show. 'Don't worry about what anybody else is doing...I have to do my thing and to the best of my ability and hope good things will come from that..."
- That biz about middle America and how Co may be too New York or too Boston (whatever that may be) for people who live near cornfields? "I try not to put that in the forefront of my mind. My best stuff that I've done over the years is just funny and I don't think there's anything hard to get. At my best, the show has always just been silly and should work for all kinds of people. But I don't put that in the front of my brain ever night. I do think the audience is smart and know when you pander to them."
Great bad guy: Hakeem Kae-Kazim (AP)
Yes, almost the long weekend, but before "24" becomes a distant memory (how's that for a non-sequitur? Hey, it's late...) I wanted to post one last thought about an actor named Hakeem Kae-Kazim. You probably don't know the name, but you do know him as Colonel Iké Dubaku on the series. I was a fan of the actor almost immediately - hard to be a fan of the character - because he brought great subtlety and intelligence to the role, which wasn't terribly easy considering what a rotten, duplicitous murderous scoundrel ol' Dubaku was. I said as much in various posts, and one day I got a note from his publicist - "would I like to talk to Hakeem?"
Hell yeah.
Anyway, please head to the jump if you want to find out more about this terrific actor and why he helped make "24's" just-concluded season such a memorable one...(And, please have a safe Memorial Day...)
Continue reading ""24:" Dubaku Lives! (And That's the Good News)" »
What happens when one of the world's finest news interviewers faces off with one of the world's great actors - someone whose vast range and exquisite taste put inferiors to deep shame?
Magic!
That's what happens. If you haven't yet seen - wrong word... If you haven't yet EXPERIENCED yesterday's Curry/Pitt interview, then take a few moments, sit back, put on sunglasses, accessorize some part of your body with an Hermes scarf, and mull the inescapable truth of this encounter: Ah, so this is what TV journalism is really all about...
The culprits?
It's a good thing I've had major computer problems all day because otherwise, I'd have continued to rant and rave, and made an even greater nuisance of myself than normal.
As it is, I've calmed down. Adam lost. The voters are idiots. I'll get over it, and in fact, I have.
But I had a nice chat with Richard Fobes of Votefair.org earlier today. Richard's an accomplished "creative problem solver," which means (in part) that he scrutinizes issues or concerns that would appear to be driven by obvious factors when in fact less-obvious ones may have equal or greater impact.
In any event, he says texting tipped the balance in favor of Kris, and that Adam was in the fact the more popular contestant - a fact born out on his website and others. (In fact, DialIdol, which does measure the busy signals, had Kris slightly ahead in the phone poll, but it also had Gilles Marini ahead in the phone poll too...)
Richard says all the stuff about homophobia etc. is bunk; young kids went for Kris and they blew out everyone with texting. If you wanna read a little more on this, I have a wrap on the subject in tomorrow's Newsday. On the jump.
(And check out the comment by "MsWrite" on comments; it's very informative...)
Continue reading ""American Idol:" Did Text Tip the Balance?" »
(Ray Mickshaw / Fox Photo)
For breakfast, an order of crow.
But first this -- I demand a recount. Can the Supreme Court get involved in this? Should that lawyer who worked for Al Gore back in 2000 get a call? On second thought, maybe not him.
A pox on the "American Idol" electorate. To repeat myself until blue, purple, green in the face: Does anyone anywhere really truly believe the best singer won tonight? In all my years of "Idolatry," this was the single grossest miscarriage of justice I've ever witnessed here. So bad that it calls into question the whole damn enterprise which is -- and I quote -- TO FIND THE BEST DAMN POP SINGER ON THE PLANET. Not the cutest, or nicest, or sweetest, or most pleasant, or most agreeable, or gosh-darned wonderful.
To find the best damn singer. Period. This year, miracle of miracles, silly old "Idol" did exactly that. Lambert's one of the best this show has ever produced, and instead of winning for all the right reasons, he lost for all the wrong ones -- too ambiguous, too glam, too left or right coast, too not-cute-enough.
How else could this happen? Simple theory: Fans of Danny Gokey sided with Kris Allen.
But enough of my rant. Congrats to Kris. Great kid. Fine talent. Good for him. On the jump, the newspaper wrap, plus some other quickie observations about the night, and finale -- which I thought was actually very good all in all, with the exception of the last three seconds. (And thanks for reading all this "Idol" stuff on "Zone" this season. I hope and pray no one put $ down on my prediction for the finale; refunds not available.)
Now, let's see what's on the menu for breakfast...
Continue reading ""American Idol:" Recount! Glambert Shoulda Won" »
(Mitchell Haaseth / NBC)
Do not adjust your set, etc.
This is really the CBS lineup and that's really "Medium" on it.
"Medium" has joined the lineup. 'Twas expected when NBC dropped it yesterday.
Here's the fall on CBS. Other big moves? "The Mentalist" moves to Thursdays, after "CSI.:" (New program descriptions on the jump)
MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (N)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES (N)
10:00-11:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (N)
WEDNESDAY
8:00-8:30 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
8:30-9:00 PM GARY UNMARRIED
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST (NT)
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM MEDIUM
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS
SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THREE RIVERS (N)
10:00-11:00 PM COLD CASE (NT)
No ambiguity: Adam wins tonight. (Becker/Fox)
Does anyone anywhere think Kris is going to win tonight? (Yes, my esteemed and astute colleague, Glenn Gamboa does. We diverge on this one...)
If so, I love their sense of adventure, that "anything-can-happen" spirit.
But, they are also wrong. If Kris wins tonight, it will be the biggest upset in "Idol" history - all eight seasons or so. Can upsets happen? Sure. Not this time. This is a talent competition, and the most talented should win. And tonight, the most talented will.
If I have to eat crow on this one tomorrow, fine. I'll eat crow. But if that turns out to be breakfast, than I can proceed with the grim satisfaction that at least the voters got it wrong.
Did Kris put up a good fight? Of course, though both guys struggled with Kara's song. (In the back of my head, this flitting thought - why a song from Kara? A parting gift from "American Idol?")
I've also sifted through all the various theories out there - the most notable one being, "Kris has a more marketable voice, while Adam is more Broadway-centric." What amazes me about the wrong-headedness of this is that the judges don't buy it. THEY clearly want Adam to win, and at some point, you have to ask yourself, "why do they want Adam to win?"
The answer is really really simple - because they, and Simon especially, believe he will sell more records than Kris. And why do they believe this? Because...Adam's more versatile and musically gifted. Believe me, they don't expect him to do cuts from "Phantom of the Opera" on his first studio album; he'll do stuff that'll get airplay and sell.
My wrap from last night...
Let's start off quoting Ryan:
"The guy next door versus the guy liner."
(Groan.)
And Ryan again:
"Plan on it" - tonight's finale - "going long."
Groan again. This time long and loud.
Because let's face it. The eighth season ended last night. Adam wins. Turn out the lights.
A nice penultimate night, but not a hair-raiser either. We started with a pair of well-known performances (Adam Lambert's Tears for Fear's "Mad World" and Kris Allen's "Ain't No Sunshine," courtesy Bill Withers.) A tie.
Then, the Simon Fuller ("Idol" boss) choice. This time, Lambert - singing Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" - pulled away from Allen ("What's Goin' On.")
Finally, they both performed a song by Kara DioGuardi, Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allan entitled “No Boundaries.” My thoughts? To quote Bart Simpson, "Meh."
And to quote Simon Cowell, "I'm not going to judge the song. I'm going to judge you...
"Congratulations."
Honestly, Adam Lambert – California guy with guy-liner and the spectacular stage presence - is so clearly, completely, ridiculously the winner of this season’s “American Idol” that you certainly don’t need to read this far to know that. But the larger, arguably more important point is that much-maligned “American Idol” had a pretty good season, and produced a first-rate winner.
What more can you expect from the show?
(ABC)
Closest ever...and the winner is: Shawn and Mark.
Don't be surprised, "Dancing With The Stars" fans.
She was the best. Absolutely the best. Mark Ballas too.
Congrats to both.
(Meanwhile, if there is anyone who doubts whether she was the best, check out her winning freestyle, on the jump, from the other night. Scroll in three minutes...This was a "no contest.")
>> Photos: "Dancing With the Stars" Season 8
Continue reading ""Dancing With The Stars:" Shawn Johnson Wins it All" »
My pick to win. (Pix: Getty)
Now, the post you've all been waiting for...
Who will win "DWTS?"
Here's Pierre Dulaine's order:
1.) Gilles wins
2.) Melissa/ 2nd
3.) Shawn/3rd
Now, here's Gay's picks.
1.) Shawn wins.
2.) Gilles/ 2nd
3,) Melissa/ 3rd
Of course, there's another dance tonight, and judges' scores to be factored into the vote. But...if Shawn and Gilles merely tie via the judges tonight, as they did last night, then I think the voters will push her over the edge. It'll be a slight margin of victory, but that's my hunch.
We'll see.
And here's NBC, and here's the biggish news -- "30 Rock" will sit on the bench until those "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update" editions air.
That can't be good, right? Well, it's not that big a deal either: NBC will use Thursday 9:30 to pop "Community," the Chevy Chase/Joel McHale comedy about a community college, while "SNL" airs at 8. Nothing wrong with that move -- networks do it all the time. But they don't always pry out big hits to establish the newcomer; instead, they use the hit to give the newcomer a lead-in. "Office" stays at 9.
When will "30" move back to 9:30? I'm told in the fall, so while the sked below suggests mid-season, technically it'll be back long before. The "SNL" specials will air over about four weeks.
Here's a look at "Community;" schedule follows... (Pix: AP)
NBC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Heroes"
9-10 p.m.-"TRAUMA"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (two-hour edition)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "PARENTHOOD"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "SNL WEEKEND UPDATE THURSDAY" (multi-episode run)
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "COMMUNITY" (moves to Thursdays 8-8:30 p.m. after multi-episode
run "30 Rock" returns)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "TRAUMA" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"
NBC MID-SEASON 2010 SCHEDULE
(2010 WINTER OLYMPICS preempt regularly scheduled programming from February
12-28, 2010)
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Chuck" (season premiere)
9-10 p.m.-"DAY ONE"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-9:30 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (90-minute edition)
9:30-10 p.m. – "100 QUESTIONS"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "MERCY"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "COMMUNITY"
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "30 Rock"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. – THE MARRIAGE REF
9-11 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice" (season premiere; two-hour edition)
Ah, the new calculus of TV programming at NBC - get on the air, but sing for your supper, too. "Chuck" is indeed back as everyone long expected, but there's a significant quid pro ho - Subway will help pay for it.
As a result, expect many, perhaps thousands, of references to Meatball Marinara, Italian BMT®, Subway® Melt, Tuna, Cold Cut Combo, Spicy Italian, and of course Gay's personal fave, BL. A Subway franchise will almost certainly open in Buy More, while Chuck, Morgan, Ellie et al et al will live- breath-inhale Subways.
In fact, Buy More will be renamed Subway.
The ominous line from the NBC press release: "The multi-platform partnership with Subway will offer a variety of opportunities that will include significant integration into the show, as well as traditional advertising tie-ins. "
Let's all be grateful, OK? At least NBC didn't cut a deal with Viagra.
(Getty)
Herewith the line-up, gang.
And go to the jump for show description.
Quickie (quickie) analysis: Courteney Cox! Rebecca Romijn! Reiko Aylesworth! Sonya Walger! Elizabeth Mitchell! And Patricia Heaton!
You go, girls.
Oh, and Kelsey Grammer too.
DAY TIME SERIES
MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. “Castle”
TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Shark Tank”
9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show”
10:00 p.m. “The Forgotten”
WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Hank”
8:30 p.m. “The Middle”
9:00 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30 p.m. “Cougar Town”
10:00 p.m. “Eastwick”
THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Flash Forward”
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m. “Private Practice”
FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
9:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
10:00 p.m. “20/20”
SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”
SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”
All over, the seventh day from hell, and much to explore but no time to, so let's go to the bullets:
* Overall, inconclusive. This finale, more than any I can recall, built a bridge to the eighth day, in New York. Jack lives, of course, Mr. Big - AKA Wilson - may or may not. Tony definitely lives. Expect to see them all next season - Tony particularly, as an embittered, incarcerated, 20-day-old-stubbled crank in some jail cell, still spouting emotives about"MY SON MY SON" and establishing ties with the New Evil Baddie to wreak havoc on our fair city and revenge on our head-butting hero.
* Mister Big - AKA Wilson. So he's the master evil genius - the guy who piloted every nasty rotten duplicitous ignominious obstreperous act of infamy up to and including the offing of President Palmer? He looks like the guy who did my taxes and maybe your's too - as menacing as an accountant, as scary as an insurance adjuster. This is the problem with "24" - it kills off all the plausible bad guys and we're left, in the end, with an implausible one.
* Is Renee on the moral equivalency scale alongside Tony? I mean, if she kills Mr. Big, then wouldn't that be one conclusion - albeit an erroneous one given the fact that Tony did after all kill a few hundred, including Mr. Big's squeeze (and his), while Renee's body count, though considerable, is comprised of mostly bad guys? "24" likes to explore the various dimensions of its various action heroes, and how - on one extreme - they become Tony's and - on the other, lonely broken-down head-butters without life or love. Renee's on the fast-track to that extreme, with Larry's body now barely cold, though one suspects she and Jack will discover interpersonal salvation, if ya know what I mean, on day 8.
* Finally, Olivia, and the story that was much ado about nothing. I thought the Olivia-kills-Hodges storyline one of the weakest threads of the entire season and indeed, its silly resolution very nearly ruined the last hour (for me.) The whole premise wasn't only bogus but so was the set-up; there was dad, sitting in his chair the day after suffering a gunshot wound in the chest, looking as though the worst thing he was suffering from was a hang-nail, telling mom to destroy the tape! And there was mom, predictably upholding the Constitution - as though buried within it is some special codicil reading, "thou shalt not destroy the tape that implicates ye daughter in the assassination of a mass murderer." There was absolutely no emotional pay-off here because - well - Jonas did kill a few hundred on day 7, and so what if he joins them? It was all terribly silly, and absolutely drained the last hour of dramatic momentum. We needed to know about Mr. Big, and his motives, and...
* Oh yes, finally Jack. My last question/observation - Why couldn't all this business about stem cells have been resolved four hours ago? Yes, of course Jack told Kim to get lost, but - really - why? Why not just say, "OK, let's talk about this in a little more detail when the mayhem has ended..."
You're right. Always little to be gained from seeking pure logic in "24."
(NBC)
Yes, NBC should announce today that "Law & Order" is back for a 20th, tying "Gunsmoke." Hollywood Reporter has confirmation this morning. It would've been unthinkable to cancel, particularly on the eve of TV history and by virtue of the fact that NBC does own a chunk of the franchise. But ratings are ratings, and they've been spare of late for the old warhorse. "HR" says 16 episodes will be ordered, meaning likely "mid season."
Yes, Will Ferrell is first guest. And first musical guest:Pearl Jam.
On Conan's very first "Tonight" in a couple weeks.
Trivia quiz!
His first guests on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien?"
Answers on the jump...
"Will Ferrell will be the first guest on the couch for the debut of "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on June 1. Ferrell, who helped usher O'Brien out of New York on the final "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," will help welcome O'Brien to his new home in Los Angeles. In
addition Pearl Jam will be the inaugural band on Conan's "The Tonight Show." Pearl Jam will perform songs from their upcoming studio album. "
(Pix: Getty)
(Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images)
Out of the just concluded Fox conference call, there was THIS interesting little aside: Will Kara be back? You know - Kara DioGuardi, the fifth wheel on the four-wheel bus AKA the "Idol" judging panel.
Kevin Reilly, whom you know, was asked: How many judges will return? (which was a smart way of asking about Kara because we already know three will be back, and we know which ones.)
"I can't comment on that right now," while adding that after the season ends. "we'll sit down and look at the show, like we do every year."
(Which begs the question - they're not sitting down and looking at it NOW? But that's another story...)
When an exec issues a no comment with respect to talent, as opposed to an "O my God, we LOVE him/her, and the franchise would be lost without him/her," it usually means one of two things:
a.) They're in the middle of contract negotiations with the talent, or;
b.) They've already made up their minds, and it's over.
Why would Kara be gone if the answer lies behind Door B.? If she is - and I'm not drawing a conclusion one way or another - it's because they think she hasn't necessarily added anything, while soaking up extra minutes that the show has been -ill-prepared to adjust to, explaining the multiple overages this season, forcing several million people to physically hurl their DVRs through the living room window (and then submitting the bill to Fox.)
Moves to fall...
Here it is, gang..."So You Think You Can Dance?" Big winner here...
Other headlines? Not many. This looks like a pretty stable schedule, as evidenced by fact that three new hours are back. "Dollhouse" seemed doomed almost from the day it launched; but Joss Whedon is a persuasive as well as a talented guy....If you read the trades, that renewal was expected anyway. Kevin Reilly, Fox E boss, joked recently that he didn't want to cancel and get a get "a hundred and ten million emails from fans..."
"Dance?" As new Fox boss said on a conference call recently, this move means the fall "mirrors" the winter/spring lineup.
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME
TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Show
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM ‘TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
Mid season on the jump...plus new series loglines
Stomp 'Em Out Mike. (Tim Boyles, Gettty)
Amazing: I don't think this has ever happened before.
One year, someone helps win the Super Bowl.
Two years later, that someone becomes a wouldbe sitcom star.
What does this mean? I don't have a clue. (As you recall, Strahan had a cameo on "Chuck.")
Here's the program line on "Brothers," launching next fall, Fridays at 8. It's not a surprise really - been in development for months, and that's been widely reported. But fact that it actually made the line-up? That is...
"Starring Michael Strahan (“FOX NFL Sunday”) and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (“Ed,” “Veronica’s Closet”), BROTHERS is a new half-hour comedy about a former NFL hot shot who learns that even though you can always go home again, the trip back might be tougher than you think. MIKE TRAINOR (Strahan) seemingly has it all – he’s a good-looking, wealthy and recently retired NFL player living the high-life in New York City, but he’s about to get sidelined. When Mike gets a phone call from his MOM (CCH Pounder, “The Shield”) who orders him home to Houston, he quickly realizes the more his life has changed, the more his family has stayed the same. His brother CHILL (Daryl “Chill” Mitchell), whose life was altered drastically after a car accident left him in a wheelchair, is struggling to keep his restaurant afloat with the help of his loudmouth associate, ROSCOE (Colton Dunn, “MADtv”). The dynamics between Mike and Chill are the same as when they were kids, and their sibling rivalry hasn’t lessened with age. If they can stop their bickering, put aside their differences and learn to be teammates, the brothers might just turn out to be each other’s biggest asset. Wedged between Mike and Chill are their parents. Their father, whom everyone refers to as COACH (Carl Weathers, “Rocky”), is the local high school football coach and the conservative, opinionated alpha male of his clan. Coach thinks he runs the show, but really it’s Mom who calls the shots. Saucy, stern and a schemer, she is the mastermind of the family. And when she learns that Mike’s business manager took off with all his money, she orchestrates a plan to keep Mike in Houston, save Chill’s restaurant and bring the family back together under one roof again – all without anyone realizing what she’s up to. Mom’s plan helps Mike realize that his family – however dysfunctional they may be – is the only family he’s got. And although he may not have a penny to his name, as long as he’s surrounded by people who love him, he’ll always be a rich man."
Much, much to choose from "SNL's" Will-Ferrell-stuffed finale - thanks to Hulu - but here's the opener(s) for starters, if you happened to miss. On the jump, Trebek...
Check 'em out, gang.
Haven't yet seen "OTH" season closer but "GG's" finale - "The Goodbye Gossip Girl" - is a winner...
Officially ghost on ghost.
How about last night?
I'm not sure where to begin on this one, except with a question, that now has an answer forming at the back of my head, taking shape, gathering energy, speed, momentum and now about to rush out my fingers in a mighty expression of eloquence and erudition...
....Sppplllllaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttt.
Good Lord.
So that was the end of George and Izzie?
I could have written a better end for George and Izzie. You could have written a better end for George and Izzie. Message to ABC: Next time send us the check (we'll split it up ourselves).
I mean really. George, as the hero though completely unrecognizable insofar as no one could recognize him following the meeting of face with bus. Didn't anyone think to check his pockets? Or did George, on the way to the Army recruiting station, throw his wallet down in the gutter, to be washed away by the Seattle rain along with his past identity?
Izzie: Dies two ticks before 11 p.m., and just about the same time dear George expires. And then we see their ghosts together; and let me say, two ghosts never looked so SMASHING. (Was that the same dress Izzie wore when she and Denny said their final goodbyes? I think so, but am not sure...)
Look, we all expected Izzie to die. That was indeed written - in the stars, in the contracts, in the need for her to do another movie with Seth Rogen. It was written, likewise, that George would move on too. But THIS WAY!?
[By the way, I see in the comments section that some readers have decided that they may not be dead. This is TV and sweeps and nonsense of the first order, so sure - I'll buy that.You may be right. In the meantime, I'm sticking with my dead-is-really-dead theory, until we're all suckered again next season. In fact, we're still being suckered the day after - I see that Shonda has an interview with Michael Ausiello, who asks, "Do you know which one of them lives and which one of them dies?" Said Rhimes, "Yes. And I don't know that you should be saying 'which one of them lives and which one of them dies.' I know what happens to the characters."]
How happy do you think Shonda Rhimes was with these two high-profile actors who hitched up an attitude last season, all huffy and haughty because they couldn't score better lines or scenes that had "Emmy, Baby, Emmy" written all over them? The last we see of Izz in this mortal coil, she is completely bald, absent makeup, lip-gloss or the other accoutrements and enhancers of Heigl-esque beauty. The last we see of George: A broccoli has had better close-ups.
What a disappointment.
No, on second thought, what a wonderful, hilarious, clever joke - as only a producer, who loves revenge served ice cold, could think up.
I think they'll come back anyway - next November, in sweeps. Denny, George, Izzie floating down the hallways of Seattle Grace, bickering, of course.
Denny: "Why's HE here?"
George: "I slept with her too, pal."
Izzie: "Now, boys, boys..."
I can hardly wait.
In fact, I can wait.
If you missed "World News" tonight, then you might want to check this out - James Anderer of Island Jeep in Linderhurst. One of over 700 dealers shut down by Chrysler, today:
Continue reading ""World News" Covers Chrysler's Demise...on LI" »
Pals, and the last guest on Jay's "Tonight." (Kevin White/Getty)
Just got off the call with Jay Leno - a long-planned conference call with about 8,000 reporters, columnists and critics (who says the news business is in trouble!) and he had so much to say, so many thoughts and observations that I'm afraid I'm gonna have to boil some of 'em down.
Let's go! (And in no particular order; all answers edited down so my fingers don't break off:)
On his recent hospitalization:
"I let them [NBC] talk me into this stupid, idiot idea..."
On whether he works hard to prove something (an old observation about JL, BTW):
"I work really hard because you have to work really hard..that's what it comes down to."
On the hand-off to Conan:
"He couldn't be a better guy. We're friends and it's a really smooth transition..."
On the final week's editions [his last day is the 29th]:
"Yeah, we'll do some looking-back shows [highlights]. That's easier than writing new stuff...the last week people don't want to work a lot harder."
On the new show:
"No, haven't had a whole lot of time to think about it. Looking at office space and trying to figure out who [staff-wise] will be there. The creative part hasn't started yet but the real key to this is having a lot more...in the last half hour. People like the monologue and the headlines and some of the bits - we'll freshen 'em up. Those seem to work and people like that,but the real trick is the second half hour. Although my job previous to this was to give Conan a lead-in, the job now is giving a lead-in to the eleven o'clock news and that's really important. I want to make sure they have strong lead-ins..."
On doing commercials himself in the new show, as suggested by towel-dancing head-of-NBC-Entertainment Ben Silverman:
"Ben is very enthusiastic. If it were up to him, I'd be out there doing a monologue wearing a McDonald's jacket and a Budweiser hat. We'll look at it and I'll see....if it's something that can be an integral part of the show, maybe that's one of the things that's open to speculation. I'm not quite sure. It's somewhere between 'Ben's enthusiasm' and 'no.'"
On the ABC flirtation:
"It was not that close. Nice to have people flirt with you. I didn't get John Edwards close."
On counter programming at 10:
"...everything is all murder [at 10] all these procedural shows. I enjoy 'em but fun to have something a little bit different. I said [to NBC], do some research if you guys think it can work...so they did research and it came back that people wanted comedy and [they] going earlier was a good idea too..."
On Conan:
"I don't need to give him any advice. He's been successful from day one...if he'd ask, I'd give it. I like the guy. We're friends. It's a peaceful transition of power. There's no bloodshed here...the key to Conan is he's always had material. The key to doing this is having the product, not just t he personality. [When he started] he was a writer and if there was clumsiness or awkwardness, it was backed up by strong jokes, well-written bits and strong material. Then he learned to become a performer...so often, people who get these jobs are good-looking performers but don't have the material to back it up."
On mysterious plans for the last show:
"We have something unusual and different, out of left field. Something personal and unusual. It's just really different, and has to do with our show and our staff. I think it will make people smile."
On, to quote one writer, "do you ever have any plans of retiring, or does your wife get on you?"
"My wife got on me last night."
Ba dum.
And with that, we bid you adieu.
Shocking...shocked...shockeroo? Nah...
This would seem to be weird'n last night's "Lost" capper: No major nomination for "Oprah" in the daytime Emmys, just announced.
[OK, perhaps nuking the Swan site, killing Jacob and discovering the body double for Locke is in fact weirder, but we're just splitting hairs at this point, aren't we?]
No "Oprah?!"
Oh, sure there are a handful of technical awards, but nothing in the key categories - like, "Greatest Talk Show Host Ever" Award, or stuff like that.
In fact...the dear girl hasn't entered the show for years and years because it would WIN and no one else would get a CHANCE. So, she keeps the show out...
>> Photos: Daytime Emmy nominees
Just in case you were wondering.
The list on the jump (abbreviated):
Can't let day get away without another word on Tara Costa, or as I refer to her: The Person Who Should Have Won "The Biggest Loser."
Here's my wrap in tomorrow's paper:
Don't worry. She's happy.
Tara Costa, runner-up in "The Biggest Loser" though arguably the most memorable female contestant in the franchise's history yesterday said it's all OK.
Really.
She means it (she says) and (really), she sounds like she does, too.
In a phone interview from California Wednesday morning after the upset that saw Bethpage's Costa fall just five pounds short of winning the season title, said: "Yeah, I worked my tail off and it didn't work out to my benefit but I came to the ranch [where the show is shot] long ago just wanting to change my life and now I can smile ear to ear because my life is going to change forever. I'm healthy. I'm happy. I feel good about every single thing I did while I was on the show, so no regrets. I played the game for myself that's why right now I can't help but feel grateful."
Costa and Helen Phillips - the winner who dropped 140 lbs. or 54.47% of her original body weight to Costa's 155 lbs. or 52.72% of her body weight - were the seventh season finalists, while fans voted in Michigan college student, Mike Morelli, as the third finalist. Costa admitted that she and Morelli were perhaps a little surprised at the tenaciousness of Phillips - who had long claimed that she never even really cared to win, but to just change her life; they were also surprised when they later learned she had once weighed 120 (or close to her winning weight of 117). Costa said she's never been slight, and during her run on the show struggled at times to lose additional weight as she built her muscles.
But no regrets. "I can't wait to explore Long Island," said the one-time model and financial analyst with L'Oreal. "I want to go out to the Hamptons and go the beach finally. I live on Long Island but I've never been to the beach and now I can go and have a good time. It's things like that. I will not allow myself to be disappointed because I came on the show with the intention of changing my life and leaving a completely different person. I won't allow myself to be upset."
Next up? She's meeting with "a few agents" to figure out her next opportunity. That's followed by photo shoots with Us Weekly and In Touch. Then, she's back in Bethpage on Saturday.
"There are millions of other Americans who would love to have the opportunity I've been given and I want to share the experience with them, and help them believe they have the power to change themselves too."
(Kevin Sweeny/STUDIO D, for Good Housekeeping; the new Tara.)
These little beauties just came to my attention - first looks at tomorrow night's closers.
"Office," as you know, sees the return of Holly (Amy Ryan) while Liz becomes a famous self-help celebrity. Expect many cameos.
(Becker/Getty)
Last week I mused about Lambert getting the boot - sort of a fraught "what if" post about the crazy possibility that people might actually not vote for Lambert because they think he's so good that he doesn't need their vote, so why bother.
Consider the fear allayed. He's in. He's won. Game over.
I mean, really. The U2 was not exactly an interpretation I'd embrace, but "Cryin'?" Just unbeatable. The best of the night. One of the best of the season (and if anything HAS been better, he's sung it), and one of the best performances in "Idol" history.
Plus, it was sage of Simon to close with a real insistence that people actually get off their duffs to vote for him. So, I'm thinking that in some small corner of his mind he too is afraid Lambert could be in trouble. After all, Simon's gone on every talk show from "Oprah" to local access cable predicting Lambert's ultimate victory; Sico doesn't want to look silly; Dr. Evil doesn't want Sico to look silly either. So he made a valiant effort to seal the deal for the leader last night.
Maybe what's most amazing about Lambert is to have watched the guy grow over the season; did anyone really truly expect, based on his audition, that he'd be the next "AI?"
Meanwhile, my other prediction: Danny's gone tonight.
Is it me or I the only one on the planet who thinks the business of selling your significant other's death-and-dying video - that she herself initiated - to a major network and then doing a long interview with said network to promote the primetime presentation is just a little....smarmy?
Meredith did a good job with this, but I wish she had asked or told Matt why Farrah didn't talk to her when she went out west last week to do this. Is she simply just too ill?
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
He feels fine.Thanks for asking. (AP)
Good God, Jay: Now it's a "fever" that put you in the hospital?
That officially makes Reason # 6, others including food poisoning, heat rash, attack by killer bees, adult onset of acute loss of late night hosting gigitis.
I do hope NBC has a straight answer from The Most Important Guy on the NBC Payroll (By Far).
This is starting to look worrisome.
Anyway, here's a big outtake of today's chat with Ellen.
Pretty funny line below on "Lipstick Jungle" - which is almost certainly true. But to read this, one gets the sense that Jay is saying that because he IS the Most Important Guy on the NBC Payroll (By Far), the network over-reacted.
So, I guess that's reason No. 7: "It's wasn't the bee sting - the network made me go."
He kinda said that before. But think about it - network exec tells Jay to go to hospital because he has fever; Jay happily agrees and goes.
Does this sound plausible?
It gets better! At the end of this, Jay notes that he "wanted to make sure" that he passed the baton on to the best person, and that would be Conan. I see: So Jay happily planned his own succession and everything has worked out perfectly according to plan. He never really wanted to stay beyond seventeen years, and "seventeen" does have a lovely ring to it, does it not?
I'm gonna miss Jay when he's gone. Oh, wait: He's not going anywhere, is he?
Ellen: How are you feeling?
Jay: I am feeling fine. There is nothing wrong with me.
Ellen: You were in the hospital Jay.
Jay: I was only the hospital because my show makes money for NBC. We have an ODN at the show. An overly dramatic nurse. I came in and I had a fever. I've done the show with a 103 fever before it's not too big a deal. If I was on "Lipstick Jungle" I could have had a bullet in my head and they wouldn't of taken me to the hospital. When you have a show that makes money..Oh my God. So they take me to the hospital...I'm in the hospital, I'm lying in the bed and not an hour later I hear (knock) yes, I'm Mr. Leno's Priest, I'm here to see him. Well, I'm not even Catholic. It's a Catholic hospital and the nurse goes..where are you from? We're the Jesuits, I'm a Jesuit Priest so and so and the nurse goes, well most Jesuits call themselves Father. Oh, (and the guy runs off.) So NBC says, well let's send some guards down. Now there are guards ..It's like the Godfather. I'm in the room at the end of the hall with armed guards. It was ridiculous.
Ellen: Well, you know I worried because I know after the motorcycle accident, I know how tough you are and you'll work through anything and when I heard that we called (the show)
Jay: I appreciate that. It's not tough. Exhaustion is like a rich man's disease. Poor people don't get exhausted....when you have a TV show you make a lot of money...'he's exhausted.'
Ellen: Now you're moving almost 17 years to the day. How are you feeling? Is it a little sad? Are you excited?
Jay: It was great fun. "The Tonight Show" is sort like the "America's Cup" you don't want to be the guy to screw it up and lose it. It's been the number one show since the 50's. Jack Parr gives it to Johnny (Carson). Johnny of course has the greatest run ever, and [they] give it to you...I didn't screw it up. Conan take it. You don't want to be the guy who drops it and loses it. So that's the great fun of it and all the tradition that goes with it. It's been a great experience over the years.
Ellen: And it was important to you to make it a smooth transition then for Conan.
Jay: Yeah, really important because the last time it happened I had been guest hosting since 1986 and I got the show in 1992. At the time Dave (Letterman) thought he would get the show but I had been guest hosting all along and the network came and said we want you to have it and then there were bad feelings and it was just handled poorly. So I just wanted to make sure the next person that got it, Conan, [was] most deserving and it was an easy transition and it will be and it has been."
Still feeling bummed over the loss of my bud Tara Costa on last night's "Biggest Loser." So, to cheer me up, I watched this good mini-interview with Darlton. Alan Frutkin of the Hollywood Reporter does the honors...
Before/After. (NBC)
Not Tara.
Words cannot express the disappointment.
Except maybe these words: Not right. Not fair. Not reasonable. Not good.
Not good at all.
She won this show in every way, shape and form that counted - excepting that last frivolous stipulation, "weight loss percentage," as if this show should be called "The Biggest Weight Loss Percentage."
Oh, that would be catchy. Really rolls off the tongue.
Speaking of tongues, I bit mine in the newspaper wrap, which I posted below. I couldn't say how much this stinks, and how ridiculous this outcome is. I couldn't tell readers in the short space allotted that this was someone who gave everything to pull this down and - but for five pounds - did not. The weight loss percentage accountants are sticklers. Rules must be followed.
But still, not good.
Of course, of course, of course:Congratulations to Helen Phillips. She seems like a very nice woman. She worked hard too.
But the real winner - as far as I'm concerned - is Tara Costa.
The wrap:
" In a game of inches and (of course) pounds, Bethpage native and the surest of sure bets on this season's NBC hit reality show, "The biggest Loser: Couples" didn't lose quite enough last night.
"Tara Costa, 23, who spent the last eight months of her life sweating off 135 pounds - a regular season record for a woman - needed to shed a total of 160 pounds to win the $250,000. Instead: .She lost 155 off of her original weight of 294. So winner of the seventh season is Helen Phillips of Sterling Heights, Mich., who lost 140 pounds off of her original weight of 257, meaning she had a higher weight loss percentage than Cost, while in third place was Mike Morelli, "TBL'' youngest competitor ever who started at 388 and lost 207 pounds.
"A disappointment for Costa? What else? An NYU grad and former plus-size model who’s been employed as an analyst for L'Oreal in New York, she returned from the so-called ranch weeks ago to continue her weight loss regimen which involved (among other things) endless hours on the treadmill, giving her time to develop her own Karmic brand of what goes around-comes-around: 'Sometimes,' she said in one chat with Newsday a couple months ago, 'you [have] to allow yourself to be weak because you'll become stronger in those moments of weakness.'
Time to think about friends, too: 'I know I have my friends,' she said last night. I love you all and thank you for being with me.
A couple dozen of them gathered at B.K. Sweeney's Parkside Tavern on Broadway in Bethpage, including. Lisa Buonagura. who couldn't leave work for the finale; she and a friend 'watch with her mom every week.' Another pal, Christine Frost, said, '"She's been amazing, and an inspiration to everyone.'"
And still is.
Meanwhile, Jerry Hayes, won the show's at-home prize of $100,000.
- Pat Burson contributed to this story.
Front 'o the pack? (ABC)
As faithful readers know, I've had the chance to rely this season on one of the world's great dance teachers - Pierre Dulaine - for my weekly analysis. PD's been on the road last two weeks, but he's back just in time for next week's finale, bless 'im.
(Also, please go here to find out more about Pierre and the fine work he does in New York City and environs...)
In any event, he gives last night to Melissa and Gilles; Ty is gone. Here's Pierre's wrap:
Melissa and Tony: Quickstep: Lively - energetic - good choreography; PD 10, Judges 9 - 10 - 9
Cha Cha: Not grounded enough here for real Latin feel; PD 9, Judges 9 - 9 - 9
Gilles and Cheryl: Waltz: Elegant - good partnering, stiff at times; PD 9, judges 10 - 10 - 10
Salsa: Excellently choreographed - very loose & relaxed; PD 10, Judges 10 - 10 1- 10
Shawn and Mark: Argentine Tango: Was not impressed - too rough, music from Take the Lead; PD 9, Judges 10 - 10 - 10
Jive : Was O.K....but looked 'heavy going,' was disappointed; PD 9, Judges 9 - 8 - 9
Ty and Chelsie: Viennese Waltz: Tried very. hard - awkward and not smooth enough; PD 8, Judges 8 - 9 - 8
Samba: Too physical - not relaxed - looked rushed; PD 8, Judges 8 - 7 - 8
"Dream on." (Fox)
...Fixer-upper!
Thank heaven the dear boy has the summer to recover from everything.
Insanity...Cuddy sex that never happened...Vicodin...anger...illusions, illusions, illusions.
Are you OK, Cuddy asks him? No, he is not OK.
To recap:
Yes, as predicted, Kutner - Kal Penn - came back last night, as an hallucination inside that poor, besotted, cluttered head of House, but the question, "why," remains stubbornly without answer.
"So, this is the story you made up about who you are," whispers Amber into his ear.
Cut to Kutner: "To bad it isn't true."
As "House" fans are now aware, it ended this way - a one-way ticket to the insanity ward for their hero, while Cameron and Chase finally married. (These, by the way, were not illusions.)
House and Cuddy are not to be, now, or forever more.
But I remain resolute in this opinion: "House" and House need to resolve two major stories. The death of Amber, and - especially - the death of Kutner. In some sense, this season's closer was exactly about House's inability to tie those loose ends. Imagine, now, how fans feel? They must wait a summer, too, wondering about Kutner and the question - why - which still has no answer.
And may never have one.
Clever reader - you've come to exactly the right place for clips of "Smallville" and "Supernatural" finales. Both are so "shocking" - I'm reliably told by a completely objective CW representative - that you may wish to take special precautions before watching.
Finale airdates: Thursday...
I'm tempted to say "hires Joan," but that would be parroting the press release; we'll just go with "gets."
Yup, she'll do a show called "How'd You Get So Rich?" Here's the press release:
"The economy may be in the tank, but like it or not, there are still millionaires out there – and they didn’t all get rich by stealing your money! After allowing the notoriously uncensored Joan Rivers into your living room all these years to ask her signature questions 'Can we talk?'' and 'Who are you wearing?,' Rivers is coming back to TV to ask her next question -- “How’d You Get So Rich?” The 30-minute series, of the same name, premieres on TV Land on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. "
In our deep, dark, desperate and vaguely ridiculous search for clues to this Wednesday's finale, we - Ok, OK me - came across this on Dark Ufo.
It's the Sky TV promo for the two-part "The Incident." I'm not sure how radically different this is from ABC's - and I'd be surprised if they're markedly dissimilar - but it does offer intriguing tidbits.
That metal - thingo? - for instance. What IS that metal thingo? Does Jacob reside therein? Or Widmore? Or the guts of "Jughead," the bomb...? Who or what is inside that metal thingo?
Now, check out ABC's - also posted on Dark UFO - for comparison purposes...(below)
(Getty)
There's a very interesting story in LA Times this morning about Farrah Fawcett, and if you haven't seen, head here to check it out...
Essentially all based on an interview with then-LA Timesman, Charles Ornstein - held some time ago - and goes into considerable detail about her battle to unmask someone at the UCLA Medical Center who was selling her records to the National Enquirer.
And guess what? Far short of it being some sad sort of quixotic venture, Fawcett won! She found out that the leaks were in fact coming from UCLA and that the center, initially, did nothing about it, while trying to get her to donate millions to a foundation in her own name.
Here's a pull-out: "Fawcett said she decided to speak up about the ordeal because she wants to see the Enquirer charged criminally for inducing UCLA workers to invade her records. "They obviously know it's like buying stolen goods," she said. "They've committed a crime. They've paid her money."
"I'm a private person," she said in the interview. "I'm shy about people knowing things. And I'm really shy about my medical [care]. It would be good if I could just go and heal and then when I decided to go out, it would be OK.
"It seems that there are areas that should be off-limits."
Fascinating piece. Good for Fawcett.
Instead,Victor and Tammy. Sister and bro. Somehow I don't think these two were the popular choice to win "Amazing Race." But the Bickersons pulled it off - and probably only because Luke couldn't remember one surf board from the next.
Luke and Margie Adams - mom and son. Now they were the pair to beat. A deaf contestant, as winner of TV's (if the Emmy voters are to be trusted) unscripted? That woulda been a big deal. Plus, mother and son were ferocious contestants.
Two good clips below. The first is an extended look at the final moments. The second, when Luke and Margie realize it's all over. A heart-breaker for them...
The winner of "Celebrity Apprentice," as you now now, is Joan Rivers.
But why not Annie Duke?
Given that build-up by the Trumpster last night, this coulda gone either way ... If you missed it, here's the end:
Now: I don't pose this question to get anyone's hopes up, or to state definitively that it will happen.
But I ask this as a simple, declarative, could-it-possibly-happen type of question.
Could Kal Penn's Kutner return for the finale? I think it needs to happen, and should happen. But will it...? Obviously, if he does, he'll be back as an Anne Dudek/Volakis-type hallucination, but as her storyline has demonstrated, there is life after death inside that cluttered cranium of House's, and sometimes it's more vivid in death than real life....
Here's my rationale for one last Kutner farewell visit, as stated in my Monday preview of the finale for Newsday. See if you agree...
"'House' hasn't been a barrel full of giggles since Kutner's shocking suicide in late March - an act that opened not only a new and unusually morbid window on House's psyche, but deeply polarized fans. Go ahead and ask one - was Kutner's exit the worst and most shocking in 'House' history? 'House' needs to heal, and to a certain extent so do these fans. In a wonderful scene a few weeks ago, Wilson - as usual - got to the core of House's desperation. 'After Amber died, I withdrew and hoped to find some deeper truth. I was wrong. I should have gotten back to the here and now.' But House, down to his stubble, NEEDS answers. That's how he's engineered. 'Sometimes there isn't any reason,' said Wilson. 'You should be losing it." For our hero or a primetime entertainment, that’s hardly satisfactory. He needs a reason. We need one too. This is why I think Kutner (also as hallucination?) is back one last time. The fifth season is screaming for closure."
Realistically, could Kutner return? Realistically, could Amber?
And here's another question you need to be asking: Why did Kutner kill himself in late March? I know, I know, Kal Penn had to get to work for the Obama administration, but you're telling me the president wouldn't have understood if he said, "Mister President, can I join a few weeks late? I need to wrap the fifth season?"
Of course he could have. But the producers wanted him gone early to set up this final arc, which has pried open a whole new dimension to House.
But we need closure. We need answers. Honestly, I think there's only one person who can give us those. We'll see if he does.
If she can come back for a little while . . . why can't he? (Fox Photo)
Slim Shady (or Marshall Mathers or M&M;) is on "Kimmel" (or "Jimmy" or "James" or "JK") next Friday for an "exclusive" performance, and then...per the press release, "additional Eminem performances will be featured on both Tuesday, May 19th and Friday, May 22nd, with the performance on the 22nd featuring two live songs from Detroit. " Will perform songs from "Relapse," to be released the 19th AND his first studio album since '05.
Here's Slim's last appearance on "Kimmel:" I think (but cannot entirely vouch for) that this is g (or PG-rated). From '08...
And . . .speaking of promos, here's Stephen Colbert's "birthday" one for DonorsChoose.org; it's amusing and for a good cause. His b'day (No. 45) by the way is next Wednesday...
After she kills Annie Duke -- or vice versa -- will create public service campaign.
This is curious: Joan Rivers and Annie Duke, the surviving contestants on "Celebrity Apprentice" -- out with a bang (more on that in a sec) this Sunday -- will create their own "The More You Know" campaign for this Sunday's closer.
"More You Know" (as you know) is TV's long-running public service campaign, now in it's 20th year, and seems like millions of celebs have created their own special twist on "TMYK," and if you star on an NBC show, it's pretty much a given that you'll do one...
But this one is curious: I thought Rivers and Duke were supposed to blow each other away on this Sunday's show. I thought the on-air promos for the finale promised that Trumpster was supposed to give them each a gun, a Glock, and then tell them to go outside and settle their differences like men (who are armed, insane, and really really stupid.) I thought this was supposed to be a sweeps extravaganza to end all sweeps, because they do truly appear to hate each other.
And now, instead, they create public service campaigns?
What a let down.
(Getty Images Photo)
For some reason, "Late Show" has offered this truncated "Top Ten" list from tonight, presented by LM. (His promo for William Bell and the "Fringe" finale," on the jump.)
Herewith you will only see three (or maybe four) of the full list; one of em's pretty good:
I'm on a roll: Yet more ways to waste...errr, amuse yourself...this afternoon -
The newest "Office" webisode. I'm told it's not yet live at NBC.com, but it IS live at TVZone...Entitled "Blackmail," and take it away:
As you know, "TBL/Couples" wraps Tuesday (Go Tara), and I'd be remiss not to post this...this one comes from the imitable (and formidable) Corris Little, of Newsday.com.. It's a look at last week's marathon - which Tara ran, and Mike walked.
Did I already say - "Go Tara?" In case I haven't, I'll say it again: Go Tara.
I can think of more ways for you to waste away....ummm amuse yourself...this afternoon.
By which I mean: Clips! As you may know, Stewie Griffin has a cameo on "Bones" tonight (yup, must be sweeps), in which he visits Booth who's visiting some fertility clinic...Stewie offers advice. (Haven't seen, but I imagine this one's PG, at the very minimum.)
Second one: Booth attempts to understand his curiouser and curiouser visions...It's basically just a commercial, so skip if you must.
(Getty)
That Simon! Where WILL he show up next? "Oprah," that's where, this Monday.
Per the release: "Megaproducer and "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell is setting the record straight, addressing rumors about his possible departure from "American Idol.."
Plus, Susan Boyle: She'll apparently turn up via tape remote from her home in Scotland; but, for a "tour" of her home. I'm guessing this exchange with O will involve questions about her future as well, so, worth checking out.
SiCo, as you know, has been pretty upfront - or as upfront as he's going to be - about his plans for the future. To summarize, he'll be on the show next season, and then... (He did "Ellen" Tuesday.)
He seems to be setting the stage for an "X Factor" debut this side of the pond.
More from the release: "In an episode packed with incredible talent from around the world, Cowell will also debut the artists he calls "the next big thing."
There's a pretty good story on Farrah Fawcett in People right now, and worth reading - interview with Ryan O'Neal about her status - sleeps most of the time, sees a few close friends, on IV's for nourishment. One quote: "She stays in bed now. The doctors see that she is comfortable...The treatment has pretty much ended." Another: "I told [Redmond], 'She's rebounding.' I lied to him. I lie to her. It's the best thing."
In the avalanche of press this morning on Kiefer Sutherland's latest head-butt with the law, you'll probably notice multiple references to his famous body-block on a Christmas tree a few years ago.
It's often been cited as exhibit A (or b, c and d) in his uneasy relationship with alcohol. But this evidence -- just to continue the metaphor -- is not admissible in a court of law. Reason: It was probably staged for his 2006 documentary, "I Trust You to Kill Me." The clip is most often seen out of context, as a 10-second bleep of a madman who looks suspiciously like Jack Bauer tackling a defenseless spruce. But -- while he might not have been 100 percent sober and the tree DID do nothing to provoke this attack -- it was also a joke for the film, and Sutherland happily used it to promote the flick.
The flick? A semi-mockumentary about his efforts to promote the band he had signed to his Ironworks label, Rocco Delucca and the Burden.
I bring this up simply to say -- as you read more about Kiefer's latest mess, keep in mind: No Christmas tree was injured in the filming of "I Trust You to Kill Me."
Life's not fair, but someone's gotta go . . . (Becker/Fox)
And...my wrap for tomorrow:
"Cry Baby"..."Slow Ride"..."Someone to Watch Over Me..."Hot Stuff." Is there any song that this gutsy kid messed up over the last three or four weeks? Over the last two months? Not really, but Los Angeles native Allison Iraheta still came up on the short of a vote that totaled 64 million. That's an "Idol" record for a non-finale, by the way, so Iraheta knows she has at least gone out in a blaze of glory.
This end was not pre-ordained, by the way. She way better than Danny Gokey’s now-famous shriek performance from Tuesday's show, and had more vocal power than Kris Allen. (Adam Lambert? He's the winner anyway, so...)
Some more thoughts on last night:
Slash? Who woulda thought he would have been the best mentor/judge of the season, but that he was. His criticisms actually seemed constructive -- not the usual "he/she can REALLY sing" blather. Then last night, the group sing, "School's out for Summer;" not bad, either, and maybe the reason the set collapsed in rehearsal Tuesday.
Paula, singing her "I'm Just here for the Music" single? Why not just pretend to be Simon at this juncture? Here goes: "Good, but just a little old-fashioned. And why channel Britney, or yourself, from 10 years ago? And that ghastly light show. It just gave me a headache. But that said, Paula, I'm fairly certain you'll be back next week..."
Chris Daughtry, back, on this stage: This was a big deal, no doubt (yes, No Doubt also sang; quite nice.) He then performs a new single off a new July album, which is officially titled, "Leave this Town." How vivid, Ryan asked, was his loss on this stage three years ago? "Very, very vivid. In that time it felt like the world was coming to an end, but I got over that in 30 seconds." Good perspective for Allison.
"GMA "is billing as exclusive, and airs Friday...
Details: " In an emotional and inspirational interview, Connie Culp reveals the events leading-up to a moment of violence that destroyed her face and changed her life forever. Culp talks with Sawyer about the donor, the man who shot her, the decision to undergo the transplant surgery, as well as her journey of recovery and aspirations for the future.
"Connie Culp is the first person in the United States of America to undergo a face transplant. The first face transplant was performed in 2005 on Isabelle Dinoire of France."
(Pix: ABC)
Former "Fast Money" guy fast-tracks back to NBC (AP Photo)
Appears to have been colder on the outside than Dylan Ratigan anticipated: He's back, this time at MSNBC. He'll anchor the mornings, 9 to 11, starting June 29.
Whaaa, you reasonably stammer-ask? He left CNBC in what appeared to be white-hot fury - bugged that it didn't match his considerable talents. I think he wanted to be a late-night talk show host, or failing that, get a high-profile gig with ABC News. (But it's a recession, Dylan! Media jobs are scarce! Particularly late-night hosting ones!)
But all's well that ends well...etc. "MSNBC is on a terrific roll, and adding Dylan really bolsters our lineup of strong personalities," said Phil Griffin, MSNBC boss and clearly a world-class diplomat, too. "Dylan will be the perfect complement to 'Morning Joe' and he rounds out a great team in the morning."
Said DR, who's learning to become a diplomat, too: "I am grateful to Phil Griffin for this incredible opportunity to create a program and collaborate with the impressive talent that makes up MSNBC. While I look forward to broadening my scope in covering the multitude of issues facing our country today, what draws me to MSNBC is that they have offered me a 2-hour forum to discuss any and all political issues with no directive other than to provide compelling content. Which apparently now I actually have to do."
The Palin baby saga remains (and forever shall) a strange asterisk on the 2008 campaign, but today's interview on "Today" with mother and baby was an asterisk to the asterisk ... Check out Bristol's ice-cold reax when Matt tries to ask her about father Levi -- not once, but twice, then thrice. Even that old pro Lauer seemed a little taken aback; the question was a logical one, and she treated it as though he was going through her sock drawer ...
Full clip below but for this exchange push the scroll bar up to the 6:35 mark ...
Meanwhile, Levi doing his own thing on "The Early Show," on the jump...
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
(Fox Photo)
I hope that catches your attention because it was supposed to, but the question is a serious one: Could he go?
Maybe a better way to put this: Is there a chance? Sure. A big one? No. But a chance ...
And I think the reason is this: There comes a time in any "Idol" season, last one excepted, when a performance is so outstanding that it seems to magically, mysteriously or maddeningly turn off a switch in the heads of millions of viewers who would normally pick up the phone, or text the vote, or otherwise call attention to the best in the only way this show allows. So good is a particular performance that there's almost a shrug, or numbness, translated as - the performance was so outstanding that the very gods will take care of him (or her) so why bother?
This reflex has scuttled Jennifer Hudson, Melinda Doolittle and Chris Daughtry: They were not merely the best in their respective seasons (3, 5 and 6) but outrageously the best; so far and away the best that the need to actually vote for them seemed redundant.
Will this happen with Lambert - so far and away the best that the eighth season is now officially over? (And last night's performance was probably one of the five most memorable in "Idol" history). Probably not, but last week's hiccup was a warning sign: Simon blamed it on the staircase, which seems to me like blaming bad weather here on a butterfly's wing-beat in China. He came in the bottom two because the switch had been turned on - the illogic of inaction had superseded the logic of action: Lambert is so good that he'll be OK.
Again, this probably won't happen again tonight because last week was a wake-up call, and fans really have learned - as per last season - that if they didn't vote for Archuleta or Cook, then Castro or White would have gotten to the finish line.
(Getty Images Photo)
Nice picture of Lil' Kim, above, from the 2008 BET Awards, and nice run on "DWTS," now officially over.
Surprised? Well, yeah, sure. She was, too. But between her and Ty - in a draw (which it wasn't, in fact) - I always figured he'd pull out ahead in the popular vote. She and Derek beat him/Chelsie soundly on Monday - 52 to 46, which is a big margin this late in the game. But the viewers liked Ty. The other interesting thing about him - he's gotten better week to week. She always seemed pretty good. That may have played in his favor, too, with the viewer/voter.
And so now, over, for Lil.'
Your final four: Shawn vs. Gilles vs. Ty vs. Melissa...
So "Biggest Loser/" Tara Costa fans: What about tonight? A big night? A Tara night? A night that will set the field for next Tuesday's finale and which may see Tara IN that finale?
All of the above. Spoke with Tara this morning, on the eve of her trip out to LA for next week's endgame - all contestants, as you may be aware, head out tomorrow.
Said she, after this eight-month long journey: "I'm just ready to start my life. Really, I feel good, but I just want to start living now, to have that balance in your life and be able to give back, and to help others who are struggling."
How does she feel? "Tired...tired."
And there's reason for that. For the last few months, since taping ended, Tara's been on a relentless work/exercise/diet routine that would crush a lesser mortal; when we talk, she's usually on a treadmill, with phone on speaker; her voice is often breathless or full of fatigue. She's a workhorse, and next week, the pay-off arrives, I predict.
From the beginning she had a singular balance to achieve - losing weight and building muscle strength. But too much of the latter tended to fight the former; the stronger Tara got, in other words, meant the harder it was to lose weight.
"It's one of those things where you push your body, and keep pushing; it's kind of where your body will go, and that's it. After that, it's out of your hands. You reach that plateau. I feel good now. It's more about muscle definition." How does she look? "I look good AND feel good. but I'm not going to hurt myself. I'm not going to tear my muscular tissue."
For Long Island fans, tonight's a key night: Tara goes home to Bethpage, and meets with a new set of challenges there (namely, her old life). There's also a "kitchen makeover," with Tara and mom; Tara hanging out with pals; and finally...
Tara's biggest moment of the entire season.
I won't tell you what happens - you have to watch. But tune in next week.
Tara will be back.
Do I have to add? Vote for her, too.
Simon thinks she's "cute" (Access Hollywood pix)
Well, this is about as official as it gets - Simon just told viewers of "Ellen" that he wants Kara DioGuardi back on "Idol" next season.
"I think everyone's back - yeah, absolutely..."
Adds: "The advantages [of having her] outweigh the disadvantages. I've gotten to know Kara. I like her. She's cute."
More interesting stuff about Adam Lambert, who he says he wants to win..and will win ("it's Adam's to win...")
So why last week's bottom three?
"The staircase...one hundred percent."
The stairs! Yes, the stairs... Said the stairs, which Ryan wanted as a prop : "Made him appear pompous...you don't give yourself that type of entrance."
Ellen wondered: "What if he gave himself an escalator?"
(Getty)
Farrah Fawcett - struggling with cancer, as you're aware - sold her story several weeks ago to NBC via an independent production deal. Now...here comes the special.
It'll air Friday May 15, 9 to 11, under the NBC News banner. Here's outtakes from the press release, posted on the jump:
"'Farrah's Story' chronicles the actress' two and half year battle with cancer. Intensely intimate and emotional, the footage becomes Farrah's video diary in which she not only shares her thoughts and feelings but also her treatments in the U.S. and Germany. This is Farrah Fawcett's story in her own words as she explains her battle and her journey with cancer, and it is her narration that tells this story.
"This film is very personal," Fawcett said during filming. "At the time, I didn't know if anybody would ever see it. But at some point, the footage took on a life of its own and dictated that it be seen."
(Brian Snyder / Reuters Photo)
Interesting high-profile interview on "Oprah" this Thursday: Elizabeth Edwards. This is, the show informs, a TV first.
Here's one take-away quote, or two:
Winfrey: Is it a day by day thing?
Edwards: Neither one of us is out the door so I guess it's day by day, but
maybe it's month by month.
Winfrey: So you are still living together?
Edwards: Still living together.
Winfrey: Are you still in love with him?
Edwards: You know, that's a complicated question.
(Kelsey McNeal / Fox Photo)
You've come to the right place, oh loyal friends of one of TV's greatest shows, "24"...
Today, The Baddies Poll.
Over seven seasons, we've had hundreds of baddies, and virtually all of them have received their just desert. But without them, "24" would have been a Sunday picnic (without the ants). Jack would have had no one to battle, no evil to languish, no inner torment over which to anguish.
These are the unsung heroes of this show -- yet they die, never to be heard from again.
But no more! Today, at TVZone, we celebrate them.
With the death of Jonas Hodges last night, we bring the vote to you: Who has been the best bad guy in the history of "24"?
Here's the poll, followed by the rogue's gallery, to prod memories. Yes, it's a selective list, somewhat, and I may have missed someone, and probably have; my sincere apologies to the baddy who didn't make this list and should have...
Continue reading "'24': The Post-Jonas Ultimate Baddies Poll" »
Indie-prod star Jared Harris has joined "Mad Men," per Hollywood Reporter, as financial officer of Sterling Cooper (which means - another antagonist for Don!). Very interesting hire of very interesting actor, most recently in "Benjamin Button" and Tug Boat Guy in "Fringe." Question: What happens to his mad scientist role on "Fringe"? Last seen in a hospital room, having blasted through a wall, leaving a note for Olivia with just two words ("you passed") and that appeared to have been that. He teleported himself away - to a new series on a new network.
Side note: He's son of Richard Harris. Below, a nice clip from TV Guide:
Is it just me...or is this new Jay Leno promo that the network's getting the blogorati, from sea to shining sea, to post...unbearably awful?
Yes, it's awful. Painful, even. (No, I take that back. Fox reality shows, with the exception of "American Idol," on some nights, but not all nights, are painful; and then, there's TV Land's "The Cougar." "The Bachelorette" is arriving May 18. That could set a new standard, but the new bachelorette seems nice. Ryan Seacrest reality shows? Maybe those set the standard of true awfulness. Digress, digress...)
Five nights a week of this? Week after week? Month after month? Year after year?
I'm sure "The Jay Leno Show" will be just fine. Jay's a great showman, so he'll figure it out. But what's that line about putting the best foot forward...?
What do I know? Maybe you'll find this brilliant. Let me know if you do...
Janet Mayer / PR Photos
Just-concluded (well, just concluded an hour or so ago) press conference with NBC bossmen Marc Graboff and Ben Silverman has yielded this intriguing nugget: There's an offer on the table, they said, to Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay to return to "SVU."
And - they added wistfully - they hope they return, but show will go on without 'em...
But wait! The show's been renewed! How could it return without its TWO MAIN STARS? Would they have to re-name it? ("Law & Order: SV" maybe?)
The money must be huge; "SVU" is, I believe, NBC's top drama, and each must be pushing $1 million per episode. NBC may secretly hope they walk, if that's the real money. Make Richard Belzer's Munch the lede... (Hargitay, as you are aware, has had health issues, though how serious is a mystery.)
Other news tidbit: The fate of "L&O;," "Chuck" and "Medium" will be known on May 19th, at the official upfront (today was the "infront.") My guess: Mid-season.
"Life," the the way, is gone...
And, if you want to watch clips of the new shows announced today...go here...
Samantha Harris - whom I like and you may like too - will host "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" for one week only - that week being the one after this. Meredith is somewhere - vacation? spa? sabbatical? spiritual retreat? She was on "assignment" - that all-purpose catch-word that can mean anything from "flu" to "hang-over" to "actual work-related-absence" - from "Today" this morning. And clearly will be away for a chunk o' this week. I don't think she's ever missed "WWTBAM." [Wait a minute, Gay - she has. Read Eric's comment in the comments' section; he's got chapter and verse on this; thanks, Eric.]
(Samantha? "DWTS," of course, but in case you didn't know...)
(Pix: Celebspin)
I add that "!" because jeez, it's a month away, and we already got a first look at our boy in Universal City (what kind of name is that? "Universal City?" Do people live there? Digress, digress...)
But TVtattle.com has found this, and you must watch. Very funny: NBC's new website for "Tonight Show" and a Conan O'Brien I-guess-you-could-call-it-a-webisode. He looks good: Tan, relaxed, rested, and he's even grown a couple inches over his summer vacation.
Appears that he'll do what Jimmy F did during his run up to "Late Night" stardom - post periodic I-guess-you-could-call-it-webisodes. Meanwhile, NBC's got a new "Jay Leno" site too...
Triumph... (Getty)
Yes, the cameras start rolling this morning. AMC just said production on the third season was about to get underway; August premiere, no date yet.
Note this line: "Returning cast members include Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm (“We Were Soldiers”), Elisabeth Moss (“West Wing”), Vincent Kartheiser (“Angel”), January Jones (“We Are Marshall”), and Christina Hendricks (“Kevin Hill”), as well as guest star John Slattery (“Charlie Wilson’s War,” “K Street”). "
I'm sure it's just a meaningless oversight, or maybe a way save money on ink, that Bryan Batt (Salvatore Romano), Michael Gladis (Paul Kinsey), Aaron Staton (Ken Cosgrove ), Rich Sommer (Harry Crane), or....Robert Morse (Bert Cooper) weren't mentioned.
At least I hope so.
(And nothing to worry about. Just heard from AMC, and I quote: "They are all back!"
Now I can enjoy the rest of the day...)
Old poster, now new show...
Among the network's new shows? This: "Parenthood," based on the '89 movie, and Ron Howard and Brian Grazer or e-p'ing; Howard was ep of the old Steve Martin flick too...
The cast: Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen and Sarah Ramos.
(A tragic side-story to "Parenthood:" NBC's top drama development exec, Nora O'Brien, was on set last week, when she collapsed and later died; reports attributed death to an aneurysm. )
Then, there's "Day One:" ""Day One" tells the story of life on earth following a global catastrophe that has devastated the world's infrastructures. Beginning with the immediate aftermath of the cataclysmic event, an eclectic band of survivors..."
No, this has nothing to do with the old ABC newsmag of the same name, but it sure does sound like "The Day After," the hugely memorable/controversial Jason Robards movie on ABC from 1983...
More, on the jump...
Continue reading "NBC: Peter Krause...Craig T. Nelson...Chevy Chase" »
Will this great actor beat "Gunsmoke?" (Nicole Rivelli/NBC)
...And don't expect to see "Chuck," "My Name is Earl" or "Medium" there either.
The network just sent out its new season release - head to the jump for EVERYTHING - and you won't see those names anywhere on it.
But when NBC does unveil the whole shebang before advertisers in a few hours, I fully expect that they'll all (with the exception of officially-in-limbo "Earl") get mid-season orders. "L&O;" has been a mid-season entry before - though the 19th launched in November - and the same with "Medium" and "Chuck." The trades have already announced that "M" and "Chuck" will be back. They've been notably silent on "L&O.;"
So...should you worry? Maybe: There's always the possibility I will have to retract in a little while though what could I possibly say about the demise of "L&O;," a show that has been part of our lives nineteen years (and mine, twenty-one...another story.)
The problem for "L&O;," and any hour at NBC this fall, is the simple fact that "The Jay Leno Show" will absorb fully one-third of the primetime weeknight lineup...More Jay means less of everything else. NBC can say they're adding shows like "Medium" mid-season, but where will the show go - particularly if everything else is working. That - of course - is the point: Everything else won't be working, which is why you have mid-season shows in your back pocket.
Meanwhile, pickups as expected were announced for "Heroes," "Southland," "Parks and Recreation" and new eps of the "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" series...Previously picked up: "The Office," "30 Rock," "The Biggest Loser," "The Celebrity Apprentice," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Friday Night Lights,"
Yeah, he looked just fine - after last fall's devastating 'bike accident, there wasn't even a certainty he'd ever be back on TV, much less "DH" - and in case you missed last night's show, Jackson - spoiler alert! - asked Susan to marry him.
Because, he needed an American wife since his student visa had expired six years earlier and he was about to be booted back to Canada.
All in all, a good recovery for Gale Harold AND "DH," which had to really scramble when Harold was hurt (I believe his last episode was in January). Last night - per his explanation - he figured Susan had booted him out, and that he had to "heal his heart," or something like that.
And in true "DH" twist fashion, Jackson's return - and marriage proposal - literally saves Susan's life, and MJ's.
Good episode...
Last season, during David Cook's victory sprint, there were occasional references to Adam, his brother who was undergoing treatment for cancer. David himself rarely brought it up but you knew his personal struggle was there, in the background - a part of his life that was inescapable. Adam was in the audience too, on occasion. He was - it now seems in hindsight - his biggest supporter, and David seemed to be his.
Adam, 37, has succumbed; per AP, "David Cook announced the Saturday death at the 12th annual Race for Hope 5K in Washington, D.C., where he was serving as grand marshal. The singer says the cause of death was a brain tumor."
And the rest of the piece:
"Adam Cook was a lawyer and married father from Terre Haute, Ind., who battled cancer for more than a decade. He famously cheered for his singing sibling in the audience of the popular Fox signing competition's seventh season in 2008.
"Adam is the eldest of Cook's brothers. A younger sibling, Andrew, also tried out for the show but didn't make it to Hollywood.
"The death was first reported by People.com."
Now, we learn: He was "exhausted..."
(What next? He had Lyme disease? or the mumps?)
Like you, I like Jay Leno enormously - he's not only one of the great talents of the business but one of the great guys, too. But honestly - this is like the third (or fourth) different ailment ascribed to his recent absence...flu...dehydration...food poisoning...
He told People yesterday that he was just "exhausted." Go to the jump for the story.
But ask yourself this: Do you go to the hospital if you are "exhausted?" What do you tell the attending nurse in the ER waiting room? "I'm really tired..." She'd say: Get a cup of coffee...
I kid, of course - "exhaustion" can be a serious condition, and debilitating one. But Jay is the most important person at NBC, by far. We've now heard several different stories. Is this the final one...?
People story on the jump...
Because I like you so much and you like "Gossip Girl" so much, I couldn't let this lovely wet weekend sneak up us without giving you some clips...Here they are, for Monday's all new episode... (Go to the jump for the rest):
Boys wondering about life after death of "Life on Mars" (ABC)
Did you know that ABC is about to get a full save-our-show treatment from diehard fans of the recently canceled "Life on Mars?" You do now...
This campaign sounds like a fairly low-key one - truckloads of Mars Bars, in other words, will not be delivered to Steve McPherson. But these fans do sound serious... (I'm a little surprised: Certainly much to be admired about "LoM," but it did turn awfully awfully silly, and that end - dreaming of being a cop in "French Connection"-era New York? While en-route to Mars? While in a deep freeze? Where does this show go from here?)
Here's what the group says:
"Our goal at this point is to solicit ABC to rerun Life on Mars over the summer in an effort to increase the fan base with the end result being a renewal of this phenomenal program. To date, our efforts have included appealing to ABC in a congenial and collaborative manner. We are not attacking ABC for canceling the show; rather, we are conveying a professional attitude. ABC is a leader in the introduction of original and innovative programming, and as consumers of their programs, we are endeavoring to work with them from an audience perspective to ensure quality programming, like Life on Mars, has a chance to succeed. Pairing Life on Mars with a similar show like October Road over the summer is one way in which we could draw new viewers."
Hardcore fans contact Frank...at fabal2@aol.com.
Slash as mentor next week...now (hear) this: Daughtry will be back (again) on the stage that made him famous. He'll perform a new single called "No Surprise" from his new album, out mid-July. Said Chris in a statement, "'American Idol' fans have been so loyal to this band, we wanted to give them the first listen to our new single."
(Getty)
That's the big question this Friday morning.
Or allow me to re-phrase: It's my big question.
NBC is bringing advertisers to 30 Rock on Monday for it's so-called "In Front" meeting - a cute little play on the word "upfront," which means the fourth place network will be "in front" of its competitors by announcing its development slate.
In any event, the question on everyone's mind should be, and very possibly will be: What about Jerry Seinfeld? Will he appear in his new reality show, "The Marriage Ref?"
"He's not appearing on the show," says his spokesperson, Elizabeth Clark, a little while ago.
And for re-emphasis, she repeated - "he's not appearing. It's his project, he is going to be working on it actively, and it's going to have his [comic] voice. He is an active executive producer - it's going to be his vision but he's not handing it over." And he's not appearing...
But when NBC hears - loudly and clearly - from advertisers on Monday that they want Jerry on-screen, what will Jerry say then?
Would advertisers prefer Seinfeld to have an on-air role as opposed to an off-air one? Silly, silly question!
"Yeah, because he could talk about like with his wife," says Shari Anne Brill, senior v.p. and director of strategic audience analysis for ad firm Carat.
"He's better 'in front' - to borrow an NBC term - of the camera. He had the number one comedy on television...if [he] did a comedy that did half the rating of 'Seinfeld,' it'd still be one of their highest-rated..."
"The Marriage Ref" is a go for this fall, and as you know, this reality series will be exec produced by Seinfeld. A team of celebrities - still to be named - will moderate a married couple's woes, or comment on them; they'll be different celebs each week, though there will also be a "ref" who will determine which spouse is right or wrong in a certain situation. This is Seinfeld's first production gig for the network since "Seinfeld," and as such, probably - make that definitely - the most important new show on its fall lineup.
During a talk at the 92nd Street Y recently, Jerry said of the show: It's not going to "be a serious show, it's not going to be a helping show, as is my tradition. It's gonna really be about the fights that married couples have that are actually quite funny when it's not your marriage."
Here's an absurdly modest proposal: Have Jerry appear as the "ref." Why wouldn't he want to? And why has he so steadfastly refused to appear on the show?
My Speculation: If he did appear and the show flops, then the one person not yet cursed by the Seinfeld curse would also be cursed. The perfect post-"Seinfeld" career would no longer be perfect. By not appearing on screen, he avoids this fate. But doesn't Jerry owe his new creation every possible chance of success, and isn't the most obvious means of assuring a chance of success to appear on-screen?
Expect JS to provide more details Monday...
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