Posts from — July 2008

The folks over at F/X and AMC are probably dancing a jig right now since “Mad Men” and “Damages” got record breaking Emmy nominations today.

“Mad Men”

“Damages”

The noms are certainly is well-deserved, and probably will open the door for more basic cable series.

Don’t forget about the “Mad Men” marathon this Sunday on AMC.

Yahoo Entertainment AP

I awoke this morning to a “Kingdom Hospital” marathon on SciFi channel.

It took me quite a few minutes to realize what I was watching. At first, I assumed it was just some whacked out episode of “The Outer Limits” that took place in a hospital. It was a really eerie scene of homeless men cackling at a doctor parking his car. But then in the next scene, I saw Andrew McCarthy’s doctor character appear and I knew exactly what it was. No TiVo information button necessary. =)

“Kingdom Hospital” is Stephen King’s take on the danish television mini-series, “Riget” and “Riget II” , which was created by Lars Von Trier. Trier later went on to garner international exposure from his next project, Breaking the Waves, which probably led to King discovering the series. King’s adaptation was criticized by viewers of the original. Apparently he trimmed all the humor bits and emphasized the mystery/horror elements. But would you expect anything less? I suppose not.

I tried to watch a few episodes when it premiered on NBC in 2004, but I ended up distracted and bored. Now, thanks to SciFi channel, viewers can give “Kingdom Hospital” another go. I swear if it’s got anything to do with sci-fi or horror, that channel will add it to their programming, even if it didn’t make the cut on network television. Sometimes I love their choices, while others I’m just kind meh about like this show.

You can rent or buy “Riget” and “Kingdom Hospital” on dvd today, if you’re curious to find out more.

I love that “Intervention” is back this summer. Yes it’s sad and heartbreaking, but it is so interesting that I simply cannot look away.

And after reading this interview, it looks like The Washington Post loves this show too. I love that the show is getting press, since it truly is raising awareness with each episode. Plus, at the end of each show, they offer a hotline for the families who have a loved one struggling with addiction. Some episodes even explain how seeing “Intervention” prompted them to contact someone.

According to the post, it turns out that Sam Mettler, the creator of the show, ended up getting a contact high. As Jezebel points out, I can’t believe I hadn’t thought about the safety of the camera men before. Maybe it’s because, I’m just in awe of what is happening on the screen, I forget that there’s an actual guy with a camera there having to witness crazy drug abuse behavior first hand! He really is putting himself in danger while making the show. I’m sure they take precautions, but seriously people are unpredictable.

Just yesterday, I was trying to convince my friend to give “Chuck” a chance when it returns this fall. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t watched it, esp since it’s produced by the creator of “The OC”, a show my friend desperately tried to get me to watch. My friend said he just hadn’t made it around to it. Thus, I proceeded to give him a brief overview of why he should.

I described “Chuck” as a geekier, more tongue-in-cheek version of “Alias” meets “30 Rock”. Chuck (Zachary Levi) works at the Buy More as the leader of the computer repair department, Nerd Herd. He’s the typical geek slacker, living with his sister, playing video games and discussing the merits of Metal Gear Solid with his best friend Morgan.

Then, one day, he accidently has all the top secrets of the C.I.A. downloaded into his head and he’s forced into working for the government. He’s protected by Sarah, his potential love interest and friend, and Casey (Adam Baldwin) , the hard nose agent who would kill Chuck on the spot if the order came down.

The best part of the show is def not the stupid love triangle or the spy stuff. It’s all about the comic performances at the Buy More. Casey works there to keep a closer eye on Chuck, so seeing a spy forced to work retail is quite hilarious. But really it’s the Nerd Herd and other Buy More characters that keep me laughing and coming back for more.

I wouldn’t go far as to say it’s one the best comedies out there, but it’s certainly entertaining and worth space on my dvr.

And I love that these Hellboy II viral videos gave me a legitimate reason to discuss the awesomeness of “Chuck” on this here blog.

“Chuck” returns to NBC on September 29th, 8/7c.

Source: /Film VOTD

Since the viral marketing get up worked for Cloverfield, the J.J. Abrams gang have concocted a few radio spots to promote “Fringe”.

They even have a “Fringe” blog to keep track of all this viral nonsense before the September premiere. Boy, I really hope this show airs long enough to reveal this mysterious “pattern” they’re going on about.

Pacey muses on the “pattern”.

Source: Pop Candy

As many before me have said, “The Wire” is simply one of the best television shows ever made.

David Simon and Ed Burns set out to depict the underbelly of Baltimore and managed to create a five season masterpiece. Each season is like another level of the city, revealing another layer of the tragic city. I love it for its realistic depiction of Baltimore, which the producers have gone to painstaking lengths to create.

Simon himself has said he doesn’t really care about awards. He just set out to tell a story and that’s what he did. Still, though season five was the bleakest season yet, I really think the Emmy voters should take notice. TV Addict said it’s in the top 10 of the drama category, but will it win? Things don’t look good if it’s nominated against “Lost”.

What I remember most is the acting. It is simply phenomenal, so the least they could do is nominate all or some of this fantastic ensemble.

Rent or buy this show, like now. Seriously, it may start slow, but it’s totally worth it.

The Wire - The Complete Seasons 1-4

What is the deal with this “Baby Borrowers” show? Teens are put through the ringer and given real babies to take care of, all too prove that child rearing is really difficult.

I don’t need a tv show to tell me that! Plus, hasn’t like every sitcom done the kid-parent switcheroo? It totally reminds of that episode on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” where Mr. Belding makes them take care of an realistic baby doll.

Bring teenagers and babies together and hilarity ensues, right? I disagree, but all this buzz about the “Baby Borrowers” proves that some people find this premise entertaining. Watch it on Thursdays on NBC.

If you prefer your teens only in nineties sitcoms, check out the original “Saved By the Bell” on dvd.