Hello folks.
Before I get into this, rumors of the end of this project and the podcast it supports demise are based in reality. Over the last few weeks I have considered whether or not this is really worth it. While it's no longer that dire, my mind is not completely made up as to whether or not we'll continue on into the new year. This could be a symptom of winter tv withdrawl, the lack of new Howard shows for inspirado, or the year end wrap up show that we did, and was great, but was unsalvagable from a tech error. Keep checking back, because I'll always be posting here even if the podcast goes the way of good shows on fox.
2005: The 10 best TV shows
To do this fairly, I am only counting shows that have started a season run in 05, not completed one. For example Veronica Mars season 1 would walk away on top, but it started in 04. Get what I mean? On to the shows:
10. 24 Season 5
09. Everybody Hates Chris Season 1
08. 30 Days Season 1
07. Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 5
06. Prison Break Season 1
05. Family Guy Season 3
04. Eyes - The first few episodes
03. Rescue Me Season 2
02. Arrested Development Season 3
01. Nip/Tuck Season 3
Color me crazy; even after the lackluster reveal of the focus of the entire season, Nip/Tuck continues on a path to be one of the great show of all time. Arrested Development, having already cemented it's spot, get's it's (maybe not??) swan song in the number 2 spot, but that isn't really fair considering I had to lump all genres into one list. Rescue Me improves upon it's first season even with the slightly rushed finale. The best flash in the pan show, Eyes, would still be around if it weren't for Housewives and Islands. Family Guy comes back from the dead and gives life to DVD as a new medium for first run TV. Prison Break remains great even though it spread itself pretty thin, Curb returns with an effort usurped only by the wonderous third season, the only reality show endorsed by SC kicks ass, the best new comedy of the season is based around a stand up act, and Jack Bauer(almost) returns to form after a hate it or hate it more season 3.
Biggest Busts: FX does Comedy, Lost gets Cloned
Music:
I had to dig a lot harder this time, because I just didn't buy into that much new music this year.
10. Foo Fighters - In your Honor
09. Beck - Guero
08. Kanye West - Late Registration
07. Nada Surf - Weight is a Gift
06. Common - Be
05. Dredg - Catch without Arms
04. Open Hand - You and Me
03. Dangerdoom - The Mouse and the Mask
02. Turbonegro - Party Animals
01. Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze
Queens reign supreme, the best concert in the game hits number 2, a recipe for disaster with adult swim liscensing turns out to be amazing at 3, coming from nowhere on a shitty hardcore record label gives us a whole new spin on guitar rock at 4, 5 brings us a band that upon first listen sounds like everything on your radio, but is much deeper than that, 6 brings a return to form with the best jazz rap record of all time, Nada Surf goes way beyond their one hit from 10 years ago with their latest effort, Kanye doesn't quite match the College Dropout, but provides one of the best hip hop cds of the year, Beck releases one of his experimental cds to moderate success, and the Foos come back after the awful 1x1 with this bloated in a good way set.
Biggest Busts: Kanye - while I love the cd, I couldn't help but feel disappointed after listening because his previous record actually came in and changed the hip hop world.
Movies:
I probably didn't see 10 movies from this year. Let's find out:
10.
09.
08.
07.
06.
05. Serenity
04. Sin City
03. The 40 Year Old Virgin
02. The Devil's Rejects
01. Batman Begins
Guess that answers your question. Truth be told, I did watch more than that from this year, but most were so mediocre that I plum forgot. Joss gives us a good movie that tanked, Rob R. gives us your next great franchise, Judd Apatow gives us our next great comedic talents, Rob Zombie kicks your ass, and Christian Bale is the best bat ever.
Busts: Cinema in general
Video Games:
I sure did play a whole lot, but I think most of that was a certain ditty from last year. Here's a top five anyway:
5. Lumines - PSP
4. Call of Duty 2 - 360
3. Perfect Dark Zero - 360
2. We Love Katamari - Ps2
1. Mario Kart DS
A classic at 1, roll shit up in balls at 2, 3 and 4 were a toss up but online play in PDZ gives it the edge, and rounded up by a little innovative puzzler, and still the best PSP game i have played (yes i have not played GTA for some reason).
Biggest Bust: Halo 2's new maps: Yes i still play hours and hours on end, but the new maps lack what made the first bunch so special. Specifically what that is, I can't tell you, but I do know i'd play on Headlong and Zanzibar before Relic and Containment any day. The train level was pretty cool though.
Website of the year:
YTMND.com - I am addicted to this site. I could try to explain it, but just do yourself a favor and check it out yourself.
Oh the wait is killing us!
Some stuff to look forward to in the coming year:
December:
Wolf Creek - With Australia and Japan kicking our ass at the genre that we gave birth too, it is only fitting that Wolf Creek comes with all the horror fanboy hype that surrounded Saw and Haute Tension. Personally, I don't know much about the story, but putting it in the same sentence as those three has me on Fandango, preordering tickets as we speak.
January:
Hostel - It's been pushed around, bouncing from release on Christmas day all the way to Summer 06, but coming from God (Quentin "Costa" Tarantino, and our hope for the future (Eli Roth) bring you what is being called the most fucked up grindhouse torture picutre to hit major release. Considering this comes 6 months after The Devil's Rejects I'm primed. Roth's previous homage outing, Cabin Fever, was flawed, but ultimately does more right than wrong. He really could go either way. Hostel will show us which, and with Tarantino involved, I have a feeling it's all gravy.
The Shield - It's fifth and final season begins in January. Look for it all to come crashing down on Vic Mackey and his strike team as Ghost Dog comes in to kick some ass. Great show that hasn't been it's self lately looks to come back for a strong finish.
24 - If they go through with the balls to the wall rumor that I heard about the first episode, look for the craziest season yet. Jack Bauer, no matter how rediculous it gets, helms a show I watch week in and week out. Gravitas.
Scrubs - With AD currently somewhere in limbo, Scrubs will sit on top as the best comedy on Television. Ask me again if HBO or Showtime comes through.
Howard Stern begins on Sirius - 1.9.06, the face of radio changes forever. My hero Howard goes uncensored in a few short days. I have my radio, do you?
March:
Sopranos!! - The best of the best is back to show these come-lately dramas how it is done. Enough Said.
V for Vendetta - This one had me worried considering the Wachowski's tendency to fuck things up, but early buzz is great, and the source material is some good stuff. I'll be there.
Spring:
PS3, Halo 3 - Something tells me neither of these will actually hit in the spring, but if Halo 3 is even a shadow of the experience that 2 was for me, I can tell you that most of my time will be spent there.
June:
return of Rescue Me, 30 days - FX commences summer ownage with what is sure to be a tense season of Rescue Me and the only reality show that I watch that doesn't involve comedians of comedy, Spurlock's 30 days. Hopefully this time out we get to see more of Morgan.
Fall:
return of Nip/Tuck - This current fall's BEST show, and I will defend the finale to anyone that has a problem. I can't wait for this to come back. Faze has said that it is this show's MO to drop storylines and pick them up when it is convenient (Kit, Daugher Macnamara, Julia's Mother, No Carver for 6 episodes). Faze is a fan of Lost, and therefore has no credibility on the matter. Remember when there was a monster on the island? A hatch? A Science vs Faith argument? A crazy French lady and a Desmond? Some of this shit stretched across seasons and this guy can't cut Nip/Tuck ,in it's half the episode run and fifty times the quality characterization that comprises a LOST season, some slack.
August:
Sin City 2 - RobRod, the yin to Tarantino's yang brings you the second chapter of his Sin City translations. When he wants to, he can make a great picture, so look for this to be as great as the first.
Winter:
Nintendo Revolution - This console has a lot of the Gen-why crowd excited, and for good reason, though I think by the time it finally launches, XBOX live arcade will have stolen much of the thunder of the whole back catalog thing. Granted, they will never be able to get Nintendo's back catalog, which consists of most of the greatest games of all time, but to johnny not hardcore videogamer, the services will look the same, unless Nintendo's is free.
There's all I can think of..what about you?
December:
Wolf Creek - With Australia and Japan kicking our ass at the genre that we gave birth too, it is only fitting that Wolf Creek comes with all the horror fanboy hype that surrounded Saw and Haute Tension. Personally, I don't know much about the story, but putting it in the same sentence as those three has me on Fandango, preordering tickets as we speak.
January:
Hostel - It's been pushed around, bouncing from release on Christmas day all the way to Summer 06, but coming from God (Quentin "Costa" Tarantino, and our hope for the future (Eli Roth) bring you what is being called the most fucked up grindhouse torture picutre to hit major release. Considering this comes 6 months after The Devil's Rejects I'm primed. Roth's previous homage outing, Cabin Fever, was flawed, but ultimately does more right than wrong. He really could go either way. Hostel will show us which, and with Tarantino involved, I have a feeling it's all gravy.
The Shield - It's fifth and final season begins in January. Look for it all to come crashing down on Vic Mackey and his strike team as Ghost Dog comes in to kick some ass. Great show that hasn't been it's self lately looks to come back for a strong finish.
24 - If they go through with the balls to the wall rumor that I heard about the first episode, look for the craziest season yet. Jack Bauer, no matter how rediculous it gets, helms a show I watch week in and week out. Gravitas.
Scrubs - With AD currently somewhere in limbo, Scrubs will sit on top as the best comedy on Television. Ask me again if HBO or Showtime comes through.
Howard Stern begins on Sirius - 1.9.06, the face of radio changes forever. My hero Howard goes uncensored in a few short days. I have my radio, do you?
March:
Sopranos!! - The best of the best is back to show these come-lately dramas how it is done. Enough Said.
V for Vendetta - This one had me worried considering the Wachowski's tendency to fuck things up, but early buzz is great, and the source material is some good stuff. I'll be there.
Spring:
PS3, Halo 3 - Something tells me neither of these will actually hit in the spring, but if Halo 3 is even a shadow of the experience that 2 was for me, I can tell you that most of my time will be spent there.
June:
return of Rescue Me, 30 days - FX commences summer ownage with what is sure to be a tense season of Rescue Me and the only reality show that I watch that doesn't involve comedians of comedy, Spurlock's 30 days. Hopefully this time out we get to see more of Morgan.
Fall:
return of Nip/Tuck - This current fall's BEST show, and I will defend the finale to anyone that has a problem. I can't wait for this to come back. Faze has said that it is this show's MO to drop storylines and pick them up when it is convenient (Kit, Daugher Macnamara, Julia's Mother, No Carver for 6 episodes). Faze is a fan of Lost, and therefore has no credibility on the matter. Remember when there was a monster on the island? A hatch? A Science vs Faith argument? A crazy French lady and a Desmond? Some of this shit stretched across seasons and this guy can't cut Nip/Tuck ,in it's half the episode run and fifty times the quality characterization that comprises a LOST season, some slack.
August:
Sin City 2 - RobRod, the yin to Tarantino's yang brings you the second chapter of his Sin City translations. When he wants to, he can make a great picture, so look for this to be as great as the first.
Winter:
Nintendo Revolution - This console has a lot of the Gen-why crowd excited, and for good reason, though I think by the time it finally launches, XBOX live arcade will have stolen much of the thunder of the whole back catalog thing. Granted, they will never be able to get Nintendo's back catalog, which consists of most of the greatest games of all time, but to johnny not hardcore videogamer, the services will look the same, unless Nintendo's is free.
There's all I can think of..what about you?
Episode 6 Timeframe
As sweeps ends and the shows go into reruns into the new year, we will be putting our our final podcast (for this year). An extra long year end wrap up special, we will put a spin on the happenings this year in good tv, our show and it's evolution, the future of the show and site around it, as well as discuss all of the happenings since episode 5. Why only one more this year? Working on the new site, and a certain fixation with a certain new videogame console has me tied up quite a bit...but yeah..keep checking back for ep 6 come early December.
Real TV show downloads + more
I wish I could say that these people listen to the show and took my idea, but unless one of the five people that heard me say it took it to Time Warner, that's probably not true.
LINK
In what I consider to be a great idea, some classic TV shows will be put on a controlled P2P network via AOL, downloadable for free, and supported by 1-2 minutes of ads. This is really the only way to combat illegal downloads, by making them free and readily available. Granted, it's only classic shows, but hopefully this catches on and becomes more popular than Video Itunes and CBS/NBC's venture.
What CBS/NBC venture? Click .
Which of these three end up most successful will likely determine the future of legal TV downloading. Also watch how Howard's subscription program pans out this Friday.
Did you know? Some inside Stealing Cable facts.
-most of our blog hits are from searches about how to steal cable.
-Canadian Jake was originally to be a guest to talk about Battlestar but worked out so well that we brought him on for a permanent host position
-Canadian Jake is actually in charge of the blog, but has posted fewer than anyone else.
-The actual show is drawn from a 2-3 hour skype call. Episodes 1, 2, and 4 were unedited.
-I plan on making the unreleased episode 1 available for download in a bundle with episode 6 on a torrent site. I just need to find a legal torrent site. We've come a long way.
The show will be back next week..there's so much to cover, it may be longer than usual. The new full blown Stealing Cable site has generated quite a bit of buzz amongst our little base, but just to calm that down a little bit, this is a little of a ways down the road. The show has already began to slowly morph into what I have in mind. The site to match that vision will be around next year.
LINK
In what I consider to be a great idea, some classic TV shows will be put on a controlled P2P network via AOL, downloadable for free, and supported by 1-2 minutes of ads. This is really the only way to combat illegal downloads, by making them free and readily available. Granted, it's only classic shows, but hopefully this catches on and becomes more popular than Video Itunes and CBS/NBC's venture.
What CBS/NBC venture? Click .
Which of these three end up most successful will likely determine the future of legal TV downloading. Also watch how Howard's subscription program pans out this Friday.
Did you know? Some inside Stealing Cable facts.
-most of our blog hits are from searches about how to steal cable.
-Canadian Jake was originally to be a guest to talk about Battlestar but worked out so well that we brought him on for a permanent host position
-Canadian Jake is actually in charge of the blog, but has posted fewer than anyone else.
-The actual show is drawn from a 2-3 hour skype call. Episodes 1, 2, and 4 were unedited.
-I plan on making the unreleased episode 1 available for download in a bundle with episode 6 on a torrent site. I just need to find a legal torrent site. We've come a long way.
The show will be back next week..there's so much to cover, it may be longer than usual. The new full blown Stealing Cable site has generated quite a bit of buzz amongst our little base, but just to calm that down a little bit, this is a little of a ways down the road. The show has already began to slowly morph into what I have in mind. The site to match that vision will be around next year.
Update
As always I want to start out by saying how pleasantly surprised I am at the positive response that the show has been receiving and the increasing popularity. Thank you for your support. This podcast is for you.
With that, the staff here is looking at a full website. In order to make this happen, our staff would have to increase quite a bit. People with experience in html, blogging, podcasting, and fans of media (not just TV) in general that would be willing to work for glory and recognition, send an email to whattowatch@gmail.com with some contact information, and preferably a link to your work, be it a blog or website. What kinds of expansions am I talking about? Stay tuned.
There will be no podcast next monday, but this isn't your typical lull, we just decided to spend the week thinking about what we can do with a full site. Your suggestions, as always, are welcome. With that said, here are some news bits.
I haven't been able to confirm this yet, but the source appears to be pretty accurate: Arrested Development's episode order has been cut from 22 to 13, and it has been pulled completely from sweeps. This is all but cancelled folks, and it hurts to say it. At this point, I'm not militantly upset like earlier in the year when season 2 was cut, because Fox really gave it their all and probably got behind the show for 2 seasons longer than any other network would. This one is for reals, going out on top of the game. The funniest show of all time, and a huge inspiration for doing this Stealing Cable project.
Howard Stern's In Demand network goes live on November 18th, featuring uncensored versions of the old E show and new content beginning with Stern's January move to Sirius satellite radio, as well as whatever Stern dreams up. I'm a huge fan of Howard, so I am pretty excited, even though the monthly fee for the channel will be more than HBO. More importantly if this is a success, we could see a template for one of our favorite topics, alternative venues for TV shows.
Speaking of alternative venues, NBC and CBS will begin offering certain shows on In Demand for 99 cents a pop. I haven't been able to confirm DRM specifics, but while I am for this, this seems to be a half hearted step in the right direction with strings attached (kind of like I tunes.) This is cheaper than the ABC itunes offerings, but the strings attached could make that dollar worth it.
Finally, Stealing Cable has recieved the "Five Star" award from podspider.com. I'm not sure how or based on what criteria, but rest assured I will be referring to the show as the Award Winning Stealing Cable from now on.
The podcast will return on the 20th, so enjoy your new head blogger Canadian Jake, as well as the periodic updates from myself, Faze, and Brendan until then.
Much Love-
The King of all Podcast Media
With that, the staff here is looking at a full website. In order to make this happen, our staff would have to increase quite a bit. People with experience in html, blogging, podcasting, and fans of media (not just TV) in general that would be willing to work for glory and recognition, send an email to whattowatch@gmail.com with some contact information, and preferably a link to your work, be it a blog or website. What kinds of expansions am I talking about? Stay tuned.
There will be no podcast next monday, but this isn't your typical lull, we just decided to spend the week thinking about what we can do with a full site. Your suggestions, as always, are welcome. With that said, here are some news bits.
I haven't been able to confirm this yet, but the source appears to be pretty accurate: Arrested Development's episode order has been cut from 22 to 13, and it has been pulled completely from sweeps. This is all but cancelled folks, and it hurts to say it. At this point, I'm not militantly upset like earlier in the year when season 2 was cut, because Fox really gave it their all and probably got behind the show for 2 seasons longer than any other network would. This one is for reals, going out on top of the game. The funniest show of all time, and a huge inspiration for doing this Stealing Cable project.
Howard Stern's In Demand network goes live on November 18th, featuring uncensored versions of the old E show and new content beginning with Stern's January move to Sirius satellite radio, as well as whatever Stern dreams up. I'm a huge fan of Howard, so I am pretty excited, even though the monthly fee for the channel will be more than HBO. More importantly if this is a success, we could see a template for one of our favorite topics, alternative venues for TV shows.
Speaking of alternative venues, NBC and CBS will begin offering certain shows on In Demand for 99 cents a pop. I haven't been able to confirm DRM specifics, but while I am for this, this seems to be a half hearted step in the right direction with strings attached (kind of like I tunes.) This is cheaper than the ABC itunes offerings, but the strings attached could make that dollar worth it.
Finally, Stealing Cable has recieved the "Five Star" award from podspider.com. I'm not sure how or based on what criteria, but rest assured I will be referring to the show as the Award Winning Stealing Cable from now on.
The podcast will return on the 20th, so enjoy your new head blogger Canadian Jake, as well as the periodic updates from myself, Faze, and Brendan until then.
Much Love-
The King of all Podcast Media
Episode 5: Edited by Alan Smithee
Episode 5 is LIVE!
Featuring the hard hitting back and forth and the take no prisioners attitude you have come to love..or not.
Hear us discuss:
The weight of Jake's microphone
Kyle Corkum's essay of hate
Justin Vs. Lost
The three best shows of all time
Can a tv show exist without a network?
We answer every listener mail and comment...
+ more
Yes thats right, it's out and it's on time. Subscribers will have first bite at this, bit torrent will go live shortly there after.
Direct Link HERE!
Enjoy.
Featuring the hard hitting back and forth and the take no prisioners attitude you have come to love..or not.
Hear us discuss:
The weight of Jake's microphone
Kyle Corkum's essay of hate
Justin Vs. Lost
The three best shows of all time
Can a tv show exist without a network?
We answer every listener mail and comment...
+ more
Yes thats right, it's out and it's on time. Subscribers will have first bite at this, bit torrent will go live shortly there after.
Direct Link HERE!
Enjoy.
Editing
Eventually, once we get big time it is my vision to release behind the scenes looks into the recording of Stealing Cable. Often, some of the funniest stuff is stuff that is not relevant to the show and just us shootin the shit before we record off of skype.
Anyway, hang tight. Episode 5 should be cut for your pleasure come sunday night. Oh, and I got my iTunes working again. Man its really easy just to subscribe to our podcast. I sleep better at night knowing its so easy to access our genius.
Anyway, hang tight. Episode 5 should be cut for your pleasure come sunday night. Oh, and I got my iTunes working again. Man its really easy just to subscribe to our podcast. I sleep better at night knowing its so easy to access our genius.
What's The Best New Show of 2006?
"Studio 7 On The Sunset Strip."
Those of you who've read this site from the beginning know that in the pantheon of television creators, I believe Aaron Sorkin occupies a very small plateau. If he just created "Sports Night," that would be enough to secure him a devoted fanbase. But then the man went on to create and write almost all four seasons of "The West Wing," crafting some of the most legendary hours of television in history. (Please see my earlier argument that "Two Cathedrals," the second season finale, is the second-greatest dramatic tv episode of all time.)
Recently, the man set off a bidding war for his new hour-long drama/comedy (I refuse to use dramady), the aformentioned 'Studio 7.' NBC won, and has agreed to produce an unprecedented thirteen episodes. All based on a single spec script. Sorkin will co-produce the series with his directorial partner, the legendary Thomas Schlamme (or as we in the Sorkin obsessed fanbase call him, Tommy! Schlamme!)
The premise is simple enough: the high drama of 'West Wing' with the backstage antics of 'Sports Night,' all set at a long-running sketch comedy show in Los Angeles.
In short: Sorkin takes on SNL.
I've read some of the sides. They're brilliant. Bill Simmons, the best sports writer today, agrees with me.
Set your TiVos now. Sorkin and Schlamme are back, and you're not going to want to miss it.
Those of you who've read this site from the beginning know that in the pantheon of television creators, I believe Aaron Sorkin occupies a very small plateau. If he just created "Sports Night," that would be enough to secure him a devoted fanbase. But then the man went on to create and write almost all four seasons of "The West Wing," crafting some of the most legendary hours of television in history. (Please see my earlier argument that "Two Cathedrals," the second season finale, is the second-greatest dramatic tv episode of all time.)
Recently, the man set off a bidding war for his new hour-long drama/comedy (I refuse to use dramady), the aformentioned 'Studio 7.' NBC won, and has agreed to produce an unprecedented thirteen episodes. All based on a single spec script. Sorkin will co-produce the series with his directorial partner, the legendary Thomas Schlamme (or as we in the Sorkin obsessed fanbase call him, Tommy! Schlamme!)
The premise is simple enough: the high drama of 'West Wing' with the backstage antics of 'Sports Night,' all set at a long-running sketch comedy show in Los Angeles.
In short: Sorkin takes on SNL.
I've read some of the sides. They're brilliant. Bill Simmons, the best sports writer today, agrees with me.
Set your TiVos now. Sorkin and Schlamme are back, and you're not going to want to miss it.
Episode 5, so soon?
That's right people, we've recorded it. I'm not sure as to when you'll be able to get your hand on it. Most likely next week or so. I've got to say it's pretty good. Funny and informative; we also address "The Corkum" factor. You also get to find out why me and Faze call each other Booty and Storn. Justin makes some "interesting" points about Lost. All and all a good episode, and I'm sure you'll all love...minus one Kyle.
With shout outs,
Jake
With shout outs,
Jake
Sir, my I say one thing?
Greetings people, this is Jake. Justin has set me up on these lovely little blog/forums so I'll be posting alot. Anyhow, so I'm the Canadian guy. Who they sometimes call Storn.
With love,
Jake
With love,
Jake
updating yall
Thanks for downloading the latest episode. As we go on to work on our next episode, I thought it would be a good time to, what else, solicit feedback. What kinds of things would you like to see on the blog side of the site? Was the daily "What to Watch" something that should be brought back? More coverage of Kristen and Ausiello? Daily TV news events? Let us know. Episode 5 is coming sooner than you'd expect if you're a vet around here..if ep 4 was the first one you heard..we're pleased to actually pump them out on time! Also welcome Canadian Jake to the blog. His fine ass has just been such a hit on the show that I thought I would bring him on this side of things. Finally, I talked to our best blogger, Bud, and his writers block is finished..he will be back soon. Feedback people!
Episode 4: Borrowing Cable
The 'cast is now available via direct link here. Itunes and subscribers should have this available as soon as feedburner picks it up.
We tried something pretty different for this cast, steering away from long discussions about certain shows and trying to wrench or pad them out depending on time and went with more broad topics and a free form discussion. The results are much more natural and you will be hearing more of myself, Faze and Jake's personality coming through. I stand by this as our best podcast yet, and I think we have found our groove.
Topics:
Where the hell have we been?
Itunes TV show downloads
Howard Stern goes on-demand
One month into fall tv 05
Hope you have as much fun listening as we did making this one. Let us know what you think with the email link or hell, even leave a comment here!
Enjoy-
Justin
We tried something pretty different for this cast, steering away from long discussions about certain shows and trying to wrench or pad them out depending on time and went with more broad topics and a free form discussion. The results are much more natural and you will be hearing more of myself, Faze and Jake's personality coming through. I stand by this as our best podcast yet, and I think we have found our groove.
Topics:
Where the hell have we been?
Itunes TV show downloads
Howard Stern goes on-demand
One month into fall tv 05
Hope you have as much fun listening as we did making this one. Let us know what you think with the email link or hell, even leave a comment here!
Enjoy-
Justin
A thanks..
Just wanted to thank everyone that has stuck with us through this podcast dry spell..It looks like we might be in the market for a new host, but rest assured, even if no one is kind enough to offer services, the staff here is talking about getting our own. Hell or high water, episode 4 will be in your grimey hands very soon.
It continues to amaze me to see our circulation increase almost daily, so hopefully a good combination of word of mouth and Itunes searching has led to this. Keep it up, if you like the show and have a friend that enjoys good television, send them our way.
As always, reader/listener input is welcome. What are some ways that we can better the podcast or blog? Would there be any interest in a stealing cable supersite? Should we put more emphasis on keeping the blog current or working on the podcast? Let us know, and as always, keep that subscription up!
It continues to amaze me to see our circulation increase almost daily, so hopefully a good combination of word of mouth and Itunes searching has led to this. Keep it up, if you like the show and have a friend that enjoys good television, send them our way.
As always, reader/listener input is welcome. What are some ways that we can better the podcast or blog? Would there be any interest in a stealing cable supersite? Should we put more emphasis on keeping the blog current or working on the podcast? Let us know, and as always, keep that subscription up!
Episode 4: A Somewhat New Hope
I am happy to announce that episode 4 is in the can, as justin posted earlier. I gotta say I feel as proud if not more proud of this one. I think it achieves the atmosphere we were looking for perfectly. It should be a much funner listen. Thanks for all the support guys. We are constantly surprised at the amount of iTunes subscriptions we get. Tell your friends.
Episode 4 Finally Complete!!!...
Thats correct folks, the long awaited fourth episode is in the can. It took 3 tries and four weeks, but considering how it turned out, I think it is worth it. We took a new approach to the thing, and I think you will all be pleased with the results. When can you get your greedy podcast subscribing hands on it you ask? I'm currently awaiting word back from the average joes, our lovely hosts, on a link to post for your enjoyment. The second I get that, it will be headline news on here.
This is also a good time to solicit comments and emails..give us some feedback! We will likely read all feedback on the show even..is that begging? Questions for us, comments, suggestions, topics, penis enlargers, A/S/L for Jake, we'll take it all.
Also, if anyone is interested in doing a "call in" for episode 5, use the contact us link on the right side of the page to set something up. As we get more comfortable in our shoes, we would like to bring more of your influence on to the podcast.
Hopefully i'll have that link for you soon, but rest assured..this is no false alarm, the episode is completely finished.
This is also a good time to solicit comments and emails..give us some feedback! We will likely read all feedback on the show even..is that begging? Questions for us, comments, suggestions, topics, penis enlargers, A/S/L for Jake, we'll take it all.
Also, if anyone is interested in doing a "call in" for episode 5, use the contact us link on the right side of the page to set something up. As we get more comfortable in our shoes, we would like to bring more of your influence on to the podcast.
Hopefully i'll have that link for you soon, but rest assured..this is no false alarm, the episode is completely finished.
Stealing Cable returns
Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be returning from our hiatus this week. Stay tuned.
Topics:
One month through Fall 05 tv..
Apple TV show downloads
Howard Stern changing the face of television
thanks for all of the support.
I am considering expanding the show to include an autonomous second team to keep the flow more steady. Use the email link if you are interested and have the technological know how to make a podcast. Laugh Track fans need not apply.
Topics:
One month through Fall 05 tv..
Apple TV show downloads
Howard Stern changing the face of television
thanks for all of the support.
I am considering expanding the show to include an autonomous second team to keep the flow more steady. Use the email link if you are interested and have the technological know how to make a podcast. Laugh Track fans need not apply.
Apple on top, Jobs video Ipod to include TV show downloads
It seems that someone has finally listened to me and looked at downloading TV shows legally as a boon to serial television. Steve Jobs announced today that along with his video Ipod, Certain ABC TV shows will be available for download for 1.99 an episode from the Itunes Music Store. This is an important step forward in tv and will perhaps help shows that otherwise aren't able to attract the audience that they deserve. I don't have exact details yet..this news just broke, but I would assume that these shows will also work on your computer, so you won't have to purchase a new ipod to get them to work. Support this service guys, this is good good stuff for serial TV fans. Let's rally more networks to support this service!
Stealing Cable: The podcast is currently pre-empted. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming shortly. The scoop is that we all kind of needed to take a step back and see where we were going with the show after we recorded a terrible (and never to be released) episode 4. I will try my damndest to get a show out very soon, even if I have to do it myself.
Stealing Cable: The podcast is currently pre-empted. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming shortly. The scoop is that we all kind of needed to take a step back and see where we were going with the show after we recorded a terrible (and never to be released) episode 4. I will try my damndest to get a show out very soon, even if I have to do it myself.
Stealing Cable: Pre-Empted
Hey folks, all's not dead on the front..we ran into one of those dry spells after recording a terrible episode 4. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming shortly.
episode 4 update
Episode 4 is being recorded and will be available tomorrow.
The agenda is:
Lost
Nip/Tuck
My Name is Earl
and Everybody Hates Chris.
Check back early tomorrow for the linkage!
The agenda is:
Lost
Nip/Tuck
My Name is Earl
and Everybody Hates Chris.
Check back early tomorrow for the linkage!
Halfway Done
Last night sported the beginning of My Name is Earl and the return of Nip/Tuck. Which was incredible and which was incredibly overanticipated?
Tonight, it's pretty much Lost's time to shine. Find out what's in the hatch at 9, or start at 8 with a refresher course if you haven't had time to watch the dvd set. Next week, things won't be so simple.
Tonight, it's pretty much Lost's time to shine. Find out what's in the hatch at 9, or start at 8 with a refresher course if you haven't had time to watch the dvd set. Next week, things won't be so simple.
Episode 3: Cylon and Garfunkel
Episode 3 now available:
Direct Link here.
Here's the rundown:
SC on Itunes
House MD returns
Bones
Faze Finishes Veronica Mars
The Hatch
Defending Battlestar Galactica
Listener Mail
+ our most obscure Bruce references yet and much more. Our best yet!
Direct Link here.
Here's the rundown:
SC on Itunes
House MD returns
Bones
Faze Finishes Veronica Mars
The Hatch
Defending Battlestar Galactica
Listener Mail
+ our most obscure Bruce references yet and much more. Our best yet!
What to Watch, Monday Sept 19 2005
I'll make this one easy on you..at 8 pm, Turn on FOX and leave it on.
New podcast drops tomorrow for sure! We're pretty proud of this one..keep checking here and the avg. joes..
New podcast drops tomorrow for sure! We're pretty proud of this one..keep checking here and the avg. joes..
Week 1 coverage update
Here are the changes to our show coverage for this week of the fall season:
Prison Break: Picked up
Reunion: Temporary Stay of Execution
Bones: Temporary Stay of Execution
Head Cases: Cancelled
Threshold: Picked up
Next week is the big one..hope you enjoyed relaxing last Wednesday at 9!
Joe from theaveragejoes.net just got back to me..Episode 3 of the podcast will be online early Monday. Keep on listening!
Prison Break: Picked up
Reunion: Temporary Stay of Execution
Bones: Temporary Stay of Execution
Head Cases: Cancelled
Threshold: Picked up
Next week is the big one..hope you enjoyed relaxing last Wednesday at 9!
Joe from theaveragejoes.net just got back to me..Episode 3 of the podcast will be online early Monday. Keep on listening!
Thanks and keep listening
I figured its about time I chimed in. As the co-host of Stealing cable, I would like to extend my thanks to the few hundred who have checked out episode 2. I hope you liked what you heard, or were at least intrigued enough to check out the upcoming episode 3 because I feel its a much better listen.
We are still trying to work out our own interpersonal dynamics during the shows, but we hope the content that we provide is entertaining and informative. Feel free to drop us emails and get in touch with us. I can pretty much guarantee that we will answer any email sent to us in the following episode because we care...and we have a lot of time on our hands.
Keep listening bitches.
We are still trying to work out our own interpersonal dynamics during the shows, but we hope the content that we provide is entertaining and informative. Feel free to drop us emails and get in touch with us. I can pretty much guarantee that we will answer any email sent to us in the following episode because we care...and we have a lot of time on our hands.
Keep listening bitches.
What to Watch - Friday September 16, 2005
There's really only one thing tonight, the 2 hour series premiere of the best of the Lost clones, Threshold, starring Karen Sis...er..Carla Gugino, Peter Dinklage, and Roc. That's at 9 on CBS for those of us football haters who didn't see the barrage of ads last Sunday.
Episode 3 Finished!
We just got done recording Episode 3, and I'm confident that this one is our best yet. We welcome for the first time a third voice into the show, Jake Prestwich. While he has no real relevance to tv, he adds an important dynamic to the show. We hit up everything from House to Veronica Mars, to Battlestar Galactica. The show, at latest, will be downloadable on Monday, but if I can help it, it will be in your hands before then with a good summary here. Thanks for all of the support and keep checking back for the availability of Episode 3.
What to Watch, Wednesday September 12
Enjoy the relaxing Wednesday schedule while you can..in a week, there will be 70 shows on at the same time.
The only thing to check out tonight is Fox's "Head Cases" at 9. The buzz here has been decidely mixed, but enought to warrant a one off shot. I don't expect much here, and I even hesitate to give it a recommendation due to it being in the worst timeslot on the grid.
In other news, House apparently kicked ass in the ratings last night. More on this on Monday's podcast, or Episode 3: Still trying to ape a clever subtitle.
The only thing to check out tonight is Fox's "Head Cases" at 9. The buzz here has been decidely mixed, but enought to warrant a one off shot. I don't expect much here, and I even hesitate to give it a recommendation due to it being in the worst timeslot on the grid.
In other news, House apparently kicked ass in the ratings last night. More on this on Monday's podcast, or Episode 3: Still trying to ape a clever subtitle.
Now Available on Itunes
Stealing Cable is now available in several flavors for syndication, including Itunes' podcast directory. SO get our stuff! New show will be out every Monday with blog updates nearly daily!
What to Watch, Tuesday September 13
Tonight, for me anyway, is the real kickoff of the fall season.
8 - Bones (FOX) The series premiere is rather mediocore, but if this show picks up like it has the potential to, you'll be glad you got in on the ground floor.
9 - House (FOX) While this series didn't go with it's most interesting arc for season 2, it still looks to be masterful now that they know they have a full season, they can do some more multi-episode arcs.
10- Rescue Me (FX) The season finale of the summer's best show promises to be an explosive one. This is also Diane Farr's last. Of all of the new shows, if you can only watch one tonight, this is it.
Honorable Mention:
9 - Supernatural (WB) The series premere of the best new sci fi show of the season, and possibly the beginning of a beautiful cult friendship. It's also in the second worst time slot of the week. If you hate House, or love Sci Fi, point your tivo's to the frog.
8 - Bones (FOX) The series premiere is rather mediocore, but if this show picks up like it has the potential to, you'll be glad you got in on the ground floor.
9 - House (FOX) While this series didn't go with it's most interesting arc for season 2, it still looks to be masterful now that they know they have a full season, they can do some more multi-episode arcs.
10- Rescue Me (FX) The season finale of the summer's best show promises to be an explosive one. This is also Diane Farr's last. Of all of the new shows, if you can only watch one tonight, this is it.
Honorable Mention:
9 - Supernatural (WB) The series premere of the best new sci fi show of the season, and possibly the beginning of a beautiful cult friendship. It's also in the second worst time slot of the week. If you hate House, or love Sci Fi, point your tivo's to the frog.
Prison Break Holds out
Almost guarenteeing itself an extention for another season, Prison Break not only held it's ground during the regular season premere of Monday Night Football, but actually increased on it's audience by 15 percent. It is highly unusual for a serial drama to ever gain viewers on subsequent episodes because of the nature of the story, but hopefully this trend continues and extends to some other great shows.
The Podcast is ALIVE
Folks, here in all of it's glory: 35 minutes of TV nerd talk, just for you.
The direct link: CLICK
To subscribe to the podcast, click on the feedburner button in the right column.
Itunes support coming soon.
Enjoy!
The direct link: CLICK
To subscribe to the podcast, click on the feedburner button in the right column.
Itunes support coming soon.
Enjoy!
The FEED
Click there on the right side of your screen, the feedburner logo. Our shiny new rss feed...Subscribe to it! This is the easiest way to get the podcasts as soon they are available, as well as our great rants. Itunes support coming soon.
New Podcast Available!
The Fall Preview podcast is in the can and available right now! You can get it directly from me now, and our wonderous hosts, http://www.theaveragejoes.net , should have it up by the end of the night in all of it's podcast glory.
In the show we discuss:
Man with the Screaming Brain
New Fall 2005 shows worth watching
Returning Favorite Shows
Fan Mail
Bruce Campbell references: 1 extended reference
This one is pretty good, so get a hold of me now, or look for a link to the permanent host a little bit later today. For those of you wondering when the next will be, hopefully next week.
In the show we discuss:
Man with the Screaming Brain
New Fall 2005 shows worth watching
Returning Favorite Shows
Fan Mail
Bruce Campbell references: 1 extended reference
This one is pretty good, so get a hold of me now, or look for a link to the permanent host a little bit later today. For those of you wondering when the next will be, hopefully next week.
Fall Preview Podcast
I will be recording a Fall Preview Podcast tomorrow night with reviews (yes, I have actually seen the pilots for these) of:
Everybody Hates Chris
Bones
Supernatural
Invasion
Threshold
Surface
Night Stalker
E-Ring
Kitchen Confidential
Global Frequency
and if I can find the damn EW DVD, My Name is Earl.
Also, a review of Bruce Campbell's made for TV opus "Man with the Screaming Brain,"
written and directed by Bruce Campbell, a Fall 2005 week 1 What to Watch, and our own season outlook.
Everybody Hates Chris
Bones
Supernatural
Invasion
Threshold
Surface
Night Stalker
E-Ring
Kitchen Confidential
Global Frequency
and if I can find the damn EW DVD, My Name is Earl.
Also, a review of Bruce Campbell's made for TV opus "Man with the Screaming Brain,"
written and directed by Bruce Campbell, a Fall 2005 week 1 What to Watch, and our own season outlook.
Happy Fall season 2005!
Officially kicking off with Fox's third season premiere of the O.C. and series premiere of Reunion tonight, Fall 2005 looks to be a black black night with a few bright stars compared to last year's love fest. Prison Break was great, but my other most anticipated serial drama, Reunion, was complete butt. With a tempting murder story dressed in crappy teen soap drama and a package of writing and directing that Dr. Uwe Boll would be proud of, Fox has dropped the first stain on what looks to be a flood of crap fall season. Thank god Nip/Tuck is coming back soon.
In other news, I have my paws on the pilots for Supernatural, Bones, and an interesting one you may have heard of called Global Frequency. My Name is Earl's pilot is on the DVD that comes with select issues of Entertainment Weekly. As soon as i find the son of a bitch, I will put up a review.
In other news, I have my paws on the pilots for Supernatural, Bones, and an interesting one you may have heard of called Global Frequency. My Name is Earl's pilot is on the DVD that comes with select issues of Entertainment Weekly. As soon as i find the son of a bitch, I will put up a review.
And now for something completely...
Unfortunately the site was inundated with comment spam this morning, so I had to turn on word verificaton. I hope I don't have to make it necessary to register, but that is the next step if necessary.
For those still wondering, Faze and I are still trying to work out a schedule where we have enough time to do the show. It takes much longer to do than the actual recording time, between technical issues, editing, and even deciding on talking points. I had hoped to be in a groove by now with the show, but obviously we are not. For the time being, the blog will be at full flow, and if Faze and I can't get something together by the end of next week, I will radically change the format that you lucky few have heard so that this will no longer be a problem. It is a must to have this going, in some form or another, for the new fall season.
Finally, by reading the fall preview posts below, you can get an idea of what shows we will be covering. In our greatness, sometimes a show slips between the cracks and we may never hear of it. I am going to beg now..suggest some television that you haven't heard about on here, because not only am I looking to make this the all encompassing TV nerd site, I love good TV. Think we should include Battlestar Galactica or ER? Let me have it. Leave a comment, or send an email to whattowatch at gmail dot com. This is for tv nerds by tv nerds, and if you think we are making a glaring omission, or a bad inclusion, let us know.
For those still wondering, Faze and I are still trying to work out a schedule where we have enough time to do the show. It takes much longer to do than the actual recording time, between technical issues, editing, and even deciding on talking points. I had hoped to be in a groove by now with the show, but obviously we are not. For the time being, the blog will be at full flow, and if Faze and I can't get something together by the end of next week, I will radically change the format that you lucky few have heard so that this will no longer be a problem. It is a must to have this going, in some form or another, for the new fall season.
Finally, by reading the fall preview posts below, you can get an idea of what shows we will be covering. In our greatness, sometimes a show slips between the cracks and we may never hear of it. I am going to beg now..suggest some television that you haven't heard about on here, because not only am I looking to make this the all encompassing TV nerd site, I love good TV. Think we should include Battlestar Galactica or ER? Let me have it. Leave a comment, or send an email to whattowatch at gmail dot com. This is for tv nerds by tv nerds, and if you think we are making a glaring omission, or a bad inclusion, let us know.
Arrested Development MIA from Fox's Jan Schedule?
An astute chewer has noticed that on Fox's 06 schedule, Arrested Development's slot is overtaken by House MD, and AD is nowhere to be found. Since Arrested was picked up for a full season, basic math tells us that only about half of the season will have aired by then, so what gives? Have we been screwed after all? Not bloody likely..I'd be willing to bet a nut that Bones won't be on the air come that time, and im a little less confident, but still rather sure that Reunion won't either. Thats not even getting into their new sitcoms. For all of those shows to last on a network famous for not giving too long a chance to anyone would be batshit. Fox is in good hands with Liguori, so don't worry your bananagrabber just yet.
Prison Break Ratings
The first new show that we're rooting for, Fox's excellent Prison Break has nailed some pretty damn good ratings, according to this Futon Critic article. Here Here! Word of mouth should be pretty good, so we may be in luck with this gem.
If you didn't catch it, or didn't catch the whole thing, they are re-airing the premiere on Thursday at 8. Don't miss out on the ground floor of what is likely to be the best new drama this year.
If you didn't catch it, or didn't catch the whole thing, they are re-airing the premiere on Thursday at 8. Don't miss out on the ground floor of what is likely to be the best new drama this year.
New Fall TV: RUNDOWN
A rundown of the new shows of interest.
Thursday, September 8:
Reunion (FOX)-- The premise of this show is enough to overcome some "guilty pleasure" buzz and a pretty awful cast. This one could go either way, but I think odds are against. Even if it would succeed, the very premise of the show will shoot it in it's foot eventually. Do check it out.
RATING: WATCH
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: Considering Fox's history and how they are pushing this show, not a chance. That's not even getting into it's god awful time slot.
Tuesday, September 13:
Bones (FOX) -- The premise here is pretty awful, the buzz is pretty bleh, and all the cast has going for it is the cred of Boreanez. This looks like a run of the mill procedeural.
RATING: PASS
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: No way.
Supernatural (WB) -- Odd network, but buzz on this one is relatively good. No cred, and the premise is OK. Could go either way. Bad time slot.
RATING: WATCH
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: Well, on the WB, ratings that would get a show canned on day one could be the top rated show, so this one has more of a shot than it would at say....FOX...but I still say the chances are pretty low. Look for this one to be that annual show that garners a cult following followed by a failed effort to save it.
Wednesday, September 14:
Head Cases (FOX) -- It's unclear whether this one has a laugh track or not. The premise is pretty awful, but the cast might just pull this one together, and the buzz is actually pretty good. Give it a shot.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Probably not. I would be surprised if this caught on.
Monday, September 19:
Surface (NBC) -- The first of the Lost clones out of the gate has garnered some pretty bad buzz and a rediculous premise. Out of solidarity for the genre, I will say you should record this one, but DO NOT watch it over some of the other stuff on that night.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: This one just doesn't look to have the quality to pick up a huge following, and as such will likely not last.
Kitchen Confidential (FOX) -- The only new show sandwiched between two shows that have received our highest honor. If you are a Stealing Cableite, you'll catch this one anyway. The premise is incredibly stupid, but this is a case where the cast and potential outweigh it. Featuring players from Abrams, Whedon, and Apatow, this is a tv nerd's wet dream cast. You'll watch, you'll be disappointed, but the buzz says this one has plenty of potential.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Possibly, considering the shows surrounding it.
How I met your Mother (CBS) -- Decent buzz, cult cast rivaling Kitchen Confidential, but it still looks like a run of the mill sitcom. If you have the resources to watch both this and Kitchen, go ahead. If not, go with Kitchen.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Doubtful.
Tuesday September 20
My Name is Earl: The most positively buzzed new comedy of the season along with Jason Lee equals an automatic recommendation from me, even if the premise seems a bit stupid.
RATING: WATCH FOR SURE
PICKED UP: Look for Arrested Development syndrome here. I hope not, but I don't see this catching on if it is as good as buzz has been.
Wednesday, September 21
Threshold: The second Lost clone has just as bad a premise, but a much better cast and better production values. Again out of genre solidarity, I'll say watch it.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Considering the push this gets and relatively good time slot, anything's possible.
Thursday, September 22
Everybody Hates Chris(UPN)-- Buzz only behind "Earl," this one looks good, and actually has a decent premise. Chris Rock's wonder years, works for me.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Upn at this point needs the cred, I think this one will stick around.
Sunday, September 25
Extras (HBO) -- I have no idea what this is about and it doesn't matter. Any show on HBO will automatically get a watch rating.
Thursday, September 29
Night Stalker (ABC) -- A great premise with negative to mediocore buzz and cast. Give the pilot a watch.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Considering it's lead in, natch.
Thursday, September 8:
Reunion (FOX)-- The premise of this show is enough to overcome some "guilty pleasure" buzz and a pretty awful cast. This one could go either way, but I think odds are against. Even if it would succeed, the very premise of the show will shoot it in it's foot eventually. Do check it out.
RATING: WATCH
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: Considering Fox's history and how they are pushing this show, not a chance. That's not even getting into it's god awful time slot.
Tuesday, September 13:
Bones (FOX) -- The premise here is pretty awful, the buzz is pretty bleh, and all the cast has going for it is the cred of Boreanez. This looks like a run of the mill procedeural.
RATING: PASS
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: No way.
Supernatural (WB) -- Odd network, but buzz on this one is relatively good. No cred, and the premise is OK. Could go either way. Bad time slot.
RATING: WATCH
LIKELY TO FINISH SEASON: Well, on the WB, ratings that would get a show canned on day one could be the top rated show, so this one has more of a shot than it would at say....FOX...but I still say the chances are pretty low. Look for this one to be that annual show that garners a cult following followed by a failed effort to save it.
Wednesday, September 14:
Head Cases (FOX) -- It's unclear whether this one has a laugh track or not. The premise is pretty awful, but the cast might just pull this one together, and the buzz is actually pretty good. Give it a shot.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Probably not. I would be surprised if this caught on.
Monday, September 19:
Surface (NBC) -- The first of the Lost clones out of the gate has garnered some pretty bad buzz and a rediculous premise. Out of solidarity for the genre, I will say you should record this one, but DO NOT watch it over some of the other stuff on that night.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: This one just doesn't look to have the quality to pick up a huge following, and as such will likely not last.
Kitchen Confidential (FOX) -- The only new show sandwiched between two shows that have received our highest honor. If you are a Stealing Cableite, you'll catch this one anyway. The premise is incredibly stupid, but this is a case where the cast and potential outweigh it. Featuring players from Abrams, Whedon, and Apatow, this is a tv nerd's wet dream cast. You'll watch, you'll be disappointed, but the buzz says this one has plenty of potential.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Possibly, considering the shows surrounding it.
How I met your Mother (CBS) -- Decent buzz, cult cast rivaling Kitchen Confidential, but it still looks like a run of the mill sitcom. If you have the resources to watch both this and Kitchen, go ahead. If not, go with Kitchen.
RATING: WATCH
PICKED UP: Doubtful.
Tuesday September 20
My Name is Earl: The most positively buzzed new comedy of the season along with Jason Lee equals an automatic recommendation from me, even if the premise seems a bit stupid.
RATING: WATCH FOR SURE
PICKED UP: Look for Arrested Development syndrome here. I hope not, but I don't see this catching on if it is as good as buzz has been.
Wednesday, September 21
Threshold: The second Lost clone has just as bad a premise, but a much better cast and better production values. Again out of genre solidarity, I'll say watch it.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Considering the push this gets and relatively good time slot, anything's possible.
Thursday, September 22
Everybody Hates Chris(UPN)-- Buzz only behind "Earl," this one looks good, and actually has a decent premise. Chris Rock's wonder years, works for me.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Upn at this point needs the cred, I think this one will stick around.
Sunday, September 25
Extras (HBO) -- I have no idea what this is about and it doesn't matter. Any show on HBO will automatically get a watch rating.
Thursday, September 29
Night Stalker (ABC) -- A great premise with negative to mediocore buzz and cast. Give the pilot a watch.
RATING: Watch
PICKED UP: Considering it's lead in, natch.
Fall 2005 ratings system
For the new season, Stealing Cable will be using a new ratings system for shows in addition to the #/5. Must see, top of the line shows are "One to Watch" This is truely the cream of the crop, and what you should be checking out if you are only watch a little TV.
Next, the moderate rating of "OKTV" is a good, SC approved show. Shows rated OKTV are not necessarily the best in their time slot, but at least warrant a TIVO. Bottom line, if you are looking for more tv to watch and already tune in religiously to the top of the line shows, check these out.
Finally, the rating of "Cancelled" is usually garbage, and shouldn't be tuned in by anyone without a need for inflicting pain on one's self. Shows that would already be cancelled, eg Will and Grace, will not be covered, so you will see this rating exclusively for new shows.
For new shows that we haven't yet seen, a provisional rating of Watch or Pass will be assigned, based on show cred, premise, and buzz alone. Be aware that these ratings are the most likely to change wildly, as quite a few new shows could go either way in spite of all of my ratings criteria. For example, I would have passed on what went on to become my favorite show of last season, Veronica Mars. Take these ratings with a grain of salt until I actually check the show out.
Here is a current list, updated as the pilots begin to roll out:
ONES TO WATCH
MONDAY: Arrested Development, Prison Break, 24
TUESDAY: Nip/Tuck, House
WEDNESDAY: God help you in the 9:00 hour: Veronica Mars, Lost
THURSDAY: Scrubs
FRIDAY/SATURDAY: No shows earn the top rating
SUNDAY: Family Guy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Desperate Housewives, various adult swim shows
OKTV
MONDAY: Las Vegas, CSI:Miami
TUESDAY: Office
WEDNESDAY: CSI: NY
THURSDAY: Alias, CSI, Without a Trace
FRIDAY: Numb3rs
SUNDAY: Simpsons, Cold Case, West Wing, Grey's Anatomy
observations: Two of the OKTV shows would have in the past been up at the top..bet you can't guess which. Looks like Sunday night is the most good tv, Wednesday is the most crowded, and FOX owns Monday night. Check the next post for an outlook on new shows.
Next, the moderate rating of "OKTV" is a good, SC approved show. Shows rated OKTV are not necessarily the best in their time slot, but at least warrant a TIVO. Bottom line, if you are looking for more tv to watch and already tune in religiously to the top of the line shows, check these out.
Finally, the rating of "Cancelled" is usually garbage, and shouldn't be tuned in by anyone without a need for inflicting pain on one's self. Shows that would already be cancelled, eg Will and Grace, will not be covered, so you will see this rating exclusively for new shows.
For new shows that we haven't yet seen, a provisional rating of Watch or Pass will be assigned, based on show cred, premise, and buzz alone. Be aware that these ratings are the most likely to change wildly, as quite a few new shows could go either way in spite of all of my ratings criteria. For example, I would have passed on what went on to become my favorite show of last season, Veronica Mars. Take these ratings with a grain of salt until I actually check the show out.
Here is a current list, updated as the pilots begin to roll out:
ONES TO WATCH
MONDAY: Arrested Development, Prison Break, 24
TUESDAY: Nip/Tuck, House
WEDNESDAY: God help you in the 9:00 hour: Veronica Mars, Lost
THURSDAY: Scrubs
FRIDAY/SATURDAY: No shows earn the top rating
SUNDAY: Family Guy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Desperate Housewives, various adult swim shows
OKTV
MONDAY: Las Vegas, CSI:Miami
TUESDAY: Office
WEDNESDAY: CSI: NY
THURSDAY: Alias, CSI, Without a Trace
FRIDAY: Numb3rs
SUNDAY: Simpsons, Cold Case, West Wing, Grey's Anatomy
observations: Two of the OKTV shows would have in the past been up at the top..bet you can't guess which. Looks like Sunday night is the most good tv, Wednesday is the most crowded, and FOX owns Monday night. Check the next post for an outlook on new shows.
Prison Break: Reviewed!
Folks, this was by far my most anticipated new drama for this season, and by dammit, fall 2005 is off to a good start.
Prison Break, in spite of it's convoluted premise and sometimes large leaps in logic, is one highly entertaining show, and one that is in the same league as class of 2k faves 24, The Shield, and Alias. Great pace and well written, I will be hooked on this one. 4.5/5.
Usually I'd go into more detail, but I'll just say that it's better not to spoil anything. If you missed it, watch the encore on Fox Thursday night at 8.
Prison Break, in spite of it's convoluted premise and sometimes large leaps in logic, is one highly entertaining show, and one that is in the same league as class of 2k faves 24, The Shield, and Alias. Great pace and well written, I will be hooked on this one. 4.5/5.
Usually I'd go into more detail, but I'll just say that it's better not to spoil anything. If you missed it, watch the encore on Fox Thursday night at 8.
Fall Season Countdown
Just a reminder that the Fall TV season officially kicks off in 6 days with Stealing Cable's most anticipated new show, Fox's Prison Break. Don't forget to check it out Monday at 8. There will be ample opportunity to see this one, I believe that it is being shown twice more, but let's show a good genre show some support out of the gate and get this one some love.
FX News
In a sign that FX has pulled it's head out of it's two week ass retreat, Aint it cool news is reporting that Rescue Me has been renewed for a third season that will begin shooting early next year, possibly meaning a pre summer run for the show. In other Rescue Me news, Diane Farr (the female fire-fighter) will be leaving the show to join the cast of CBS' kinda weak CSI with a small twist Numb3rs.
On the flipside of that coin, struggling FX (but not FX worthy) comedies Starved and It's always sunny... have been re-shuffled. Starved will go back to it's original thursday time slot, and Sunny will move to directly after Rescue Me. Unfortunately I think that is a sign that they have more resources devoted to Sunny, by giving it the better lead in, and thus returning Starved, the (slightly) better show, to where it suffered the most. I doubt either show will finish it's season run. Hopefully FX's next comedy will learn from those mistakes.
On the flipside of that coin, struggling FX (but not FX worthy) comedies Starved and It's always sunny... have been re-shuffled. Starved will go back to it's original thursday time slot, and Sunny will move to directly after Rescue Me. Unfortunately I think that is a sign that they have more resources devoted to Sunny, by giving it the better lead in, and thus returning Starved, the (slightly) better show, to where it suffered the most. I doubt either show will finish it's season run. Hopefully FX's next comedy will learn from those mistakes.
Channel Surfing: Random Updates
Well, since my colleagues on this site have been busy (and I have not), I thought I'd chime in with some recent thoughts about television. For those who don't know (or who care), I'm currently working as an Outdoor Education Instructor at a camp in Northeastern Ohio. Phone access is scarse, but technology is not, and thus, I'll be able to watch TV on DVD with some regularity.
Speaking of which, a pet peeve of mine when it comes to TV on DVD sets is the lack of a "play all" feature. Some of us don't have remotes to our DVD players, and thus, are only able to watch one episode at a time. Warners is very good at always including the "play all" feature.
MGM? Not so much. The reason I bring them up is because I bought the second season of "Dead Like Me" last Saturday and have only been able to watch one episode of it. This show, about grim reapers, got cancelled by Showtime last season, so watching these episodes is going to be bittersweet. But the show's so good that I don't mind.
A few posts ago, I talked about how there are certain topics in our culture where if you go too far, you've turned something potentially funny into something incredibly offensive. While "Six Feet Under" did this with ease, they were a drama with occasional bits of humor. "Dead Like Me" is very different in that it jumps back and forth. For example, in the first episode, I found myself laughing out loud at one character's comments who had me screaming "No!" later in the show. For a rather morbid show, this has heart to spare. And Mandy Patikin, as the lead reaper, just kicks ass. In an ideal world, he'd have gotten some kind of award recognition for this.
Before I left home, I was watching "House" on DVD. It comes out pretty soon, and even if you haven't seen the show, I recommend picking it up. I only got through half the season before I had to leave, but this is one of those shows where the lead character pretty much carries the entire show on his back. The plots are rote and you know it'll probally all work out, but that's not why you watch. Hugh Laurie just astounded me, from his flawless American accent to, again, his ability to turn on a dime. I'm actually now rooting for him over another one of my favorites, Ian McShane, on Emmy Night.
There's a great line that Tom Shales used to describe "Homicide" (which I think I quoted before), where he said, "No matter what was going on in the episode, Andre Braugher was sure to be fascinating." And I think in the case of both "Dead Like Me" and "House," you can expect the same from Patinkin and Laurie.
Finally, I recently picked up a few Broadway show soundtracks on a recent trip to Borders. My interest in Broadway is something that's only developed over the past year or so, and much of it came after watching a marathon of PBS' "Broadway: The American Musical" documentary. This is only the most recent example of how television has enriched my life in ways beyond giving me something to do on a Saturday night. I think if we look back at our childhoods and our adulthoods, we can find that TV's introduced us to something we carry forever, whether it's a love of history from "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," or the joy of public service found in "The West Wing." Those are just a few of mine--what are yours?
(And, of course, how to kill vampires from "Buffy.")
Speaking of which, a pet peeve of mine when it comes to TV on DVD sets is the lack of a "play all" feature. Some of us don't have remotes to our DVD players, and thus, are only able to watch one episode at a time. Warners is very good at always including the "play all" feature.
MGM? Not so much. The reason I bring them up is because I bought the second season of "Dead Like Me" last Saturday and have only been able to watch one episode of it. This show, about grim reapers, got cancelled by Showtime last season, so watching these episodes is going to be bittersweet. But the show's so good that I don't mind.
A few posts ago, I talked about how there are certain topics in our culture where if you go too far, you've turned something potentially funny into something incredibly offensive. While "Six Feet Under" did this with ease, they were a drama with occasional bits of humor. "Dead Like Me" is very different in that it jumps back and forth. For example, in the first episode, I found myself laughing out loud at one character's comments who had me screaming "No!" later in the show. For a rather morbid show, this has heart to spare. And Mandy Patikin, as the lead reaper, just kicks ass. In an ideal world, he'd have gotten some kind of award recognition for this.
Before I left home, I was watching "House" on DVD. It comes out pretty soon, and even if you haven't seen the show, I recommend picking it up. I only got through half the season before I had to leave, but this is one of those shows where the lead character pretty much carries the entire show on his back. The plots are rote and you know it'll probally all work out, but that's not why you watch. Hugh Laurie just astounded me, from his flawless American accent to, again, his ability to turn on a dime. I'm actually now rooting for him over another one of my favorites, Ian McShane, on Emmy Night.
There's a great line that Tom Shales used to describe "Homicide" (which I think I quoted before), where he said, "No matter what was going on in the episode, Andre Braugher was sure to be fascinating." And I think in the case of both "Dead Like Me" and "House," you can expect the same from Patinkin and Laurie.
Finally, I recently picked up a few Broadway show soundtracks on a recent trip to Borders. My interest in Broadway is something that's only developed over the past year or so, and much of it came after watching a marathon of PBS' "Broadway: The American Musical" documentary. This is only the most recent example of how television has enriched my life in ways beyond giving me something to do on a Saturday night. I think if we look back at our childhoods and our adulthoods, we can find that TV's introduced us to something we carry forever, whether it's a love of history from "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," or the joy of public service found in "The West Wing." Those are just a few of mine--what are yours?
(And, of course, how to kill vampires from "Buffy.")
TV on DVD this week
In my bag today:
Undeclared: The complete series
Profit: The complete series
The Job: The Complete series
You may notice something tying those three together.
For the record, I watched the pilot of Undeclared when it first aired on Fox. I loved it. Back in these less geeky times, TiVo was a pipe dream, and I was too lazy to use a VCR, so I wasn't able to keep up with it. By the time I tried to watch again, the show was no more, and I never expected to hear of it again. Guys, this show is one of the best sitcoms of all time, right underneath Arrested Development and Scrubs. Not quite as dramatic as it's big brother, the also wonderful and short lived "Freaks and Geeks," but not quite the balls out comedy as one certain Jason Bateman sitcom, this one manages to walk the line and do it well. Writing is on, acting is on, and goddammit this is funny stuff. Go buy it, sight unseen. You'll thank me in the morning.
Profit is a show that I do not remember at all. I have never seen it before, and only picked it up based on one of my favorite cancelled shows of last season, John McNamara's "Eyes". This is his critically acclaimed show from the mid 90s. I'll give a review once I get into it.
Again with The Job, I have not seen a single second of it, nor do I remember it being on air. That said, this shows kid brother, Rescue Me, is undeniably one of the best shows on television, and the similar cast and premise had me looking at this one since the day it appeared on dvd shelves.
Finally, one I didn't buy but I know is popular with some folks, a show called the Simpsons released it's sixth season, marking halfway through the golden age of the show. While I didn't pick this one up (for reasons you will hopefully hear on a future Stealing Cable podcast), I can't give enough props to fox for not only giving us a cool case (the set comes in a plastic mold of Homer's head), but catering to the "I need all my dvd boxes to look nice beside each other" crowd by offering a replacement case that looks just like the previous five seasons for free! This gesture shows that even though the show is always going to be a sure fire hit on DVD, they don't forget about the collector. Unlike those certain retailers where finding a title in widescreen is a chore, Fox is trying to keep it real. Thanks.
One final bit: Getting Faze and I online together long enough to do a full podcast has been even more of a chore than I could have ever imagined. We are trying our best to get out a premiere in timely fashion, but I may have something up my sleeve to tide you over.
Undeclared: The complete series
Profit: The complete series
The Job: The Complete series
You may notice something tying those three together.
For the record, I watched the pilot of Undeclared when it first aired on Fox. I loved it. Back in these less geeky times, TiVo was a pipe dream, and I was too lazy to use a VCR, so I wasn't able to keep up with it. By the time I tried to watch again, the show was no more, and I never expected to hear of it again. Guys, this show is one of the best sitcoms of all time, right underneath Arrested Development and Scrubs. Not quite as dramatic as it's big brother, the also wonderful and short lived "Freaks and Geeks," but not quite the balls out comedy as one certain Jason Bateman sitcom, this one manages to walk the line and do it well. Writing is on, acting is on, and goddammit this is funny stuff. Go buy it, sight unseen. You'll thank me in the morning.
Profit is a show that I do not remember at all. I have never seen it before, and only picked it up based on one of my favorite cancelled shows of last season, John McNamara's "Eyes". This is his critically acclaimed show from the mid 90s. I'll give a review once I get into it.
Again with The Job, I have not seen a single second of it, nor do I remember it being on air. That said, this shows kid brother, Rescue Me, is undeniably one of the best shows on television, and the similar cast and premise had me looking at this one since the day it appeared on dvd shelves.
Finally, one I didn't buy but I know is popular with some folks, a show called the Simpsons released it's sixth season, marking halfway through the golden age of the show. While I didn't pick this one up (for reasons you will hopefully hear on a future Stealing Cable podcast), I can't give enough props to fox for not only giving us a cool case (the set comes in a plastic mold of Homer's head), but catering to the "I need all my dvd boxes to look nice beside each other" crowd by offering a replacement case that looks just like the previous five seasons for free! This gesture shows that even though the show is always going to be a sure fire hit on DVD, they don't forget about the collector. Unlike those certain retailers where finding a title in widescreen is a chore, Fox is trying to keep it real. Thanks.
One final bit: Getting Faze and I online together long enough to do a full podcast has been even more of a chore than I could have ever imagined. We are trying our best to get out a premiere in timely fashion, but I may have something up my sleeve to tide you over.
The FX comedies revisited
Starved: Not so much a complete turnaround, but I will keep watching. Episode 2 has the show with it's feet a little more on the ground, not so much concerned with shocking the viewer. With that breathing room, we now have filled that sympathy void, and given these characters a little more personality (except the black cop for some reason). I'm going to, based on this move in the right direction, give the show it's entire season run as a chance. I encourage you to check it out too.
Philly: Forget this garbage.
Philly: Forget this garbage.
The FX Comedies: A review
FX, from the beginnings of the Shield to it's more recent shows 30 Days and Over There, has challenged HBO for the golden standard of television. Every show that they have put out has been incredible. Watching the last few episodes of the Shield and the first half of Rescue me, I was inundated with advertisements for two new FX shows: Starved, and It's always Sunny in Philadelphia. The ads left me no idea of the content of the shows, other than they appeared to be laugh track-less comedies. Great, I thought, Arrested Development and Scrubs could use some company to fend off the ever growing ward of crap on network tv. One problem though: The ads weren't very interesting, and I probably wouldn't have even bothered to watch had this not come from FX.
Last Thursday night, I got home from work and was excited to see the shows on my DVR. What happened from there, I had hoped to never remember, and put into print only to warn you, the loyal reader.
Starved is a laugh-track less sitcom revolving around three guys and a girl, friends with one common strand, eating disorders. The premise actually has a good deal of potential, depending on the direction they take. This could have lead to something like scrubs: great comedy mixed with moving drama. Not so much, as this show goes out of its way to make all four main characters unlikable. From the police officer who pulls over an Asian food delivery man and solicits a bribe for food, to the main character who eats detergent covered cupcakes out of his trash and has sociopathic traits in his dating. These four are an unsympathetic bunch, and as such, there is just no feeling in the sappy music wrap up at the end. Of the two, however, this is the one with all the potential. The writing is better, and the jokes are on a higher level. As for the whole eating disorder controversy, the jury is out as to whether this is a gimmick that goes out of it's way to be disturbing, or it can truely work in the show. One thing for sure, the groups up in arms about this are giving it more publicity than it's worth. 2/5, with a hope that this one picks itself up.
It's always sunny.., the more balls out comedy, the more (they wish) Arrested Development to Stacked's Scrubs, is pure garbage. The only thing that this one has going for it is the lack of laugh track, but it could be on there and not make a difference. The writing is weak, relying on copious amounts of exposition to give the characters...character. The jokes are of the ultra-contrived, see them coming a mile away variety, making must see tv look like Arrested Development in the process. The no name actors look as if they are reading cue cards, and worst of all, the pilot is the most derivative crap I have ever seen. There is not one new strand of anything here, it's all recycled garbage. 0/5, and those responsible should be shot. I want that 22 minutes back. At least the show is tanking in ratings and will likely be Mineared shortly.
All in all, FX, WTF? I know HBO hasn't exactly been golden with the Comeback and Deadwood lately, but at least those shows aren't complete ass like Philly, or utter failures like Starved. Liguori, you are already missed. Hopefully you'll bring FOX up to the standard that you set, in the Pre-Comedy era of FX.
Last Thursday night, I got home from work and was excited to see the shows on my DVR. What happened from there, I had hoped to never remember, and put into print only to warn you, the loyal reader.
Starved is a laugh-track less sitcom revolving around three guys and a girl, friends with one common strand, eating disorders. The premise actually has a good deal of potential, depending on the direction they take. This could have lead to something like scrubs: great comedy mixed with moving drama. Not so much, as this show goes out of its way to make all four main characters unlikable. From the police officer who pulls over an Asian food delivery man and solicits a bribe for food, to the main character who eats detergent covered cupcakes out of his trash and has sociopathic traits in his dating. These four are an unsympathetic bunch, and as such, there is just no feeling in the sappy music wrap up at the end. Of the two, however, this is the one with all the potential. The writing is better, and the jokes are on a higher level. As for the whole eating disorder controversy, the jury is out as to whether this is a gimmick that goes out of it's way to be disturbing, or it can truely work in the show. One thing for sure, the groups up in arms about this are giving it more publicity than it's worth. 2/5, with a hope that this one picks itself up.
It's always sunny.., the more balls out comedy, the more (they wish) Arrested Development to Stacked's Scrubs, is pure garbage. The only thing that this one has going for it is the lack of laugh track, but it could be on there and not make a difference. The writing is weak, relying on copious amounts of exposition to give the characters...character. The jokes are of the ultra-contrived, see them coming a mile away variety, making must see tv look like Arrested Development in the process. The no name actors look as if they are reading cue cards, and worst of all, the pilot is the most derivative crap I have ever seen. There is not one new strand of anything here, it's all recycled garbage. 0/5, and those responsible should be shot. I want that 22 minutes back. At least the show is tanking in ratings and will likely be Mineared shortly.
All in all, FX, WTF? I know HBO hasn't exactly been golden with the Comeback and Deadwood lately, but at least those shows aren't complete ass like Philly, or utter failures like Starved. Liguori, you are already missed. Hopefully you'll bring FOX up to the standard that you set, in the Pre-Comedy era of FX.
Hosting Confirmed
Those wondering where the hell we've been, I'm back with some news: hosting for the show has been confirmed. That said, we are not going to release the first show. It did it's job as something of a pilot run, and it did get us hosting, but we are going to take the feedback and amp up what worked, and cut what didn't for a all new first show, which should be in your itunes playlist in a few short days. Thanks for sticking around.
On the new first show, we will be covering:
The FX Comedies Starved and Sunny...Philadelphia. A hint? FX dropped the ball bigtime.
The top 5 new shows to watch for the fall season
and more. Check soon for all the info.
Finally, if anyone would like to hear the unaired pilot for our show, shoot us a message. I'm not comfortable giving it a full release just because now it's pretty dated, but if you are interested in hearing what you'll be in for and can't wait for the real premiere, I'll throw you a bone.
On the new first show, we will be covering:
The FX Comedies Starved and Sunny...Philadelphia. A hint? FX dropped the ball bigtime.
The top 5 new shows to watch for the fall season
and more. Check soon for all the info.
Finally, if anyone would like to hear the unaired pilot for our show, shoot us a message. I'm not comfortable giving it a full release just because now it's pretty dated, but if you are interested in hearing what you'll be in for and can't wait for the real premiere, I'll throw you a bone.
We may have a break..
The first good thing to happen to this project on the tech side may have just..happened. If all goes well, we may just have a host, and we can finally get you the podcast, in all its RSS glory, either tomorrow or the day after. If this goes through as planned, SC will be available on itunes, and I'll even be able to jazz up this dull blog. Check back tomorrow night.
Aristocrats, Fundamentalist Mormons, Dead Babies, and Other Forms of Decency on TV
Q: How many feminists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: One--and that's NOT funny!
There's an independent film coming out in the next couple of weeks. You might have heard of it. "The Aristocrats," from Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller) and Paul Provenza, features at least a hundred comedians telling some variation on what's known as "the world's dirtiest joke." This joke frequently describes acts of pedophilia, bestiality, and other such acts to be related elsewhere. "The Aristocrats" has been acclaimed as both the filthiest and funniest film in years; it is also the only film to be threatened with an NC-17 on the basis of its language alone (although I thought this almost happened to "Clerks" as well).
I'm a very liberal guy, and I am really looking forward to "The Aristocrats." I laugh at Michael Jackson jokes and dead baby ones, too. But I can't help but think HBO's upcoming series "Big Love" will cross that line between being funny and being...wrong.
"Big Love," premiering in 2006, stars Bill Paxton, Chloe Sevigny, and Harry Dean Stanton (among others) as a family of polygamist, fundamentalist Mormons. And anyone who knows just a little bit about fundamentalist Mormonism knows that girls as young thirteen and fourteen frequently are married off and impregnated by men twice their age. (Read Jon Krakaur's "Under The Banner of Heaven" for an indepth look at this.) See, it's hard to imagine anyone wringing humor from that situation.
The problem, I think, comes from the approach. "Big Love," which boasts some staff from "Six Feet Under," describes itself as a 'dramady.' "Six Feet" is able to be both hilarious and moving about another taboo subject in our culture. I just can't see how this series is going to do it with the ritualized, community-encouraged child rape that goes on in most hard-line fundamentalist Mormon communities. If it were a grossly exagerated satire of this culture and perhaps religion in general, then it might work.
But right now, this looks like HBO wants to have its cake and eat it too. I'm not saying that it will suck, I'm not trying to armchair quarterback all that much, and if it turns out to be awesome, I'll be right back on here eating my words.
I'm just wondering how they're going to make it funny without making you feel like you want to take a shower afterwards. Speaking of which:
Q: What's blue and knocks on glass?
A: Baby in a fishtank.
(All hate mail, dead baby jokes, or attempts to enlighten me to the truth about fundamentalist Mormons can be sent to me through e-mail.)
A: One--and that's NOT funny!
There's an independent film coming out in the next couple of weeks. You might have heard of it. "The Aristocrats," from Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller) and Paul Provenza, features at least a hundred comedians telling some variation on what's known as "the world's dirtiest joke." This joke frequently describes acts of pedophilia, bestiality, and other such acts to be related elsewhere. "The Aristocrats" has been acclaimed as both the filthiest and funniest film in years; it is also the only film to be threatened with an NC-17 on the basis of its language alone (although I thought this almost happened to "Clerks" as well).
I'm a very liberal guy, and I am really looking forward to "The Aristocrats." I laugh at Michael Jackson jokes and dead baby ones, too. But I can't help but think HBO's upcoming series "Big Love" will cross that line between being funny and being...wrong.
"Big Love," premiering in 2006, stars Bill Paxton, Chloe Sevigny, and Harry Dean Stanton (among others) as a family of polygamist, fundamentalist Mormons. And anyone who knows just a little bit about fundamentalist Mormonism knows that girls as young thirteen and fourteen frequently are married off and impregnated by men twice their age. (Read Jon Krakaur's "Under The Banner of Heaven" for an indepth look at this.) See, it's hard to imagine anyone wringing humor from that situation.
The problem, I think, comes from the approach. "Big Love," which boasts some staff from "Six Feet Under," describes itself as a 'dramady.' "Six Feet" is able to be both hilarious and moving about another taboo subject in our culture. I just can't see how this series is going to do it with the ritualized, community-encouraged child rape that goes on in most hard-line fundamentalist Mormon communities. If it were a grossly exagerated satire of this culture and perhaps religion in general, then it might work.
But right now, this looks like HBO wants to have its cake and eat it too. I'm not saying that it will suck, I'm not trying to armchair quarterback all that much, and if it turns out to be awesome, I'll be right back on here eating my words.
I'm just wondering how they're going to make it funny without making you feel like you want to take a shower afterwards. Speaking of which:
Q: What's blue and knocks on glass?
A: Baby in a fishtank.
(All hate mail, dead baby jokes, or attempts to enlighten me to the truth about fundamentalist Mormons can be sent to me through e-mail.)
Somehow this is fitting
Somehow this is fitting with the path we have taken to finally do the damn episode..the webspace that I was planning to use has an extremely limited bandwidth and does not support xml. So the file will be down until further notice. You can get a hold of Faze or myself if you would like it, but it will be until I can find a suitable host before you get your sweet RSS feed goodness.
Episode 1 Available now + Show Notes
--UPDATE: The File is currently being converted into an RSS Feed and will be down for a short wile. If this message is still here..It's not up folks.
Click here for your 16mb of goodness. There are no RSS enclosures just yet, I wanted to get you the show ASAP. Let us know what you think. Here are shownotes:
Length: 43 minutes, 17mb mp3 file
Websites referenced:
http://www.chud.com
Music Used:
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Throw Away Your Television
CKY - Familiar Realm
Talking Points:
1. Tim Minear's Inside Cancelled
2. 2005 Emmy Noms
3. TV Downloads
What to Watch, week of July 24:
Justin - Rescue Me (FX Tuesday 10), Over There (FX Wednesday 10)
Faze - Hogan Knows Best (VH1 Sunday Celebreality), Over There, 4400 (USA Sunday 10)
Bruce Campbell references: 1
Next week we will be discussing the past season and the upcoming fall season, as well as any relevant news items. Listen and get everyone you know to do the same.
Click here for your 16mb of goodness. There are no RSS enclosures just yet, I wanted to get you the show ASAP. Let us know what you think. Here are shownotes:
Length: 43 minutes, 17mb mp3 file
Websites referenced:
http://www.chud.com
Music Used:
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Throw Away Your Television
CKY - Familiar Realm
Talking Points:
1. Tim Minear's Inside Cancelled
2. 2005 Emmy Noms
3. TV Downloads
What to Watch, week of July 24:
Justin - Rescue Me (FX Tuesday 10), Over There (FX Wednesday 10)
Faze - Hogan Knows Best (VH1 Sunday Celebreality), Over There, 4400 (USA Sunday 10)
Bruce Campbell references: 1
Next week we will be discussing the past season and the upcoming fall season, as well as any relevant news items. Listen and get everyone you know to do the same.
Production Update: Episode 1 COMPLETE!
Yes you can read, and yes hell has indeed frozen, the first episode of Stealing Cable was completed tonight and is currently in post-production, which I can tell you will be minimal. Things went extremely well and I will have this up for download very shortly. I hope you have as much fun listening as Faze and I did recording it. 45 minutes of bad inside jokes will be all yours in a few short hours, along with show notes on the blog end.
There are a few things that will make producers/audiophiles cringe, but I feel for the first time through this process doing a full show, it is really great stuff. Homeboys in Space was worked in to the conversation? How was Bruce Campbell refrenced? What Minear show was cancelled this week? You'll just have to listen. Check back soon for your download link!
There are a few things that will make producers/audiophiles cringe, but I feel for the first time through this process doing a full show, it is really great stuff. Homeboys in Space was worked in to the conversation? How was Bruce Campbell refrenced? What Minear show was cancelled this week? You'll just have to listen. Check back soon for your download link!
Production Update: Ep 1 v 4
Well, Monday's over everywhere but the wild west, and no show yet. WTF Gives? A technical glitch has pushed us back a few days, but to try to sooth that wound, I will attempt to produce the episode that we will be recording either tomorrow night or the night after in real time so that it can be almost immediately posted. Yeah, this means we will have to go guest free but I think in the name of getting this thing out, it is a necessary sacrifice. In order to do guest spots, we have some technical hurdles to jump, and I just need more time to figure it out. In the mean time however, by the end of the week you'll have your show.
Production Update: Episode 1 V3
The plan is to put the show out on Monday. Hope you enjoy!
In honor of Bud's "Best Episode Ever" post, I thought I would chime in with my own, less well written tribute to what I consider to be such: "Whoever Did This" on the show "The Sopranos." For those unfamiliar with The Sopranos, stop reading and do not ever come back to this site or listen to the show. For those unfamiliar with episode titles, this is the one where Tony kills Ralphie.
Smack in the middle of an otherwise meandering and somewhat lackluster season of one of the greatest shows of all time, "Whoever Did This" jams together significant plot movement, incredible direction, and the cap to one of the show's longest arcs. Ol' Ralphie had had it coming for quite a while. Even those who didn't follow the Ralphie story couldn't help but feel nervous as Tony and Christopher proceed to hack and bury the corpse. The rest of the episode after the murder kept me on the edge of my seat, like things were going to tip off the edge at any second.
A close runner up: The series finale of Twin Peaks, actually titled "episode 29 part 2." I will try to do this the best I can without spoilers because I know quite a few people haven't seen the show, and the final season isn't even available on DVD yet. David Lynch got me into movies. Twin Peaks got me in to serial TV. This last episode still stands as the best and most ballsy series finale that I have seen in my time. So ballsy in fact that I'm sure on original airing that America collectively scratched it's head and wondered what the hell? I love stuff like that. At any rate, you may be able to find the VHS at your local video store, and the first season SANS PILOT is available here. If you have any kind of class, you'd import the complete series from one of the much better European releases.
Cutting back for a moment, I hope you all enjoy the first episode of our podcast, it should (barring disaster) be live Monday.
In honor of Bud's "Best Episode Ever" post, I thought I would chime in with my own, less well written tribute to what I consider to be such: "Whoever Did This" on the show "The Sopranos." For those unfamiliar with The Sopranos, stop reading and do not ever come back to this site or listen to the show. For those unfamiliar with episode titles, this is the one where Tony kills Ralphie.
Smack in the middle of an otherwise meandering and somewhat lackluster season of one of the greatest shows of all time, "Whoever Did This" jams together significant plot movement, incredible direction, and the cap to one of the show's longest arcs. Ol' Ralphie had had it coming for quite a while. Even those who didn't follow the Ralphie story couldn't help but feel nervous as Tony and Christopher proceed to hack and bury the corpse. The rest of the episode after the murder kept me on the edge of my seat, like things were going to tip off the edge at any second.
A close runner up: The series finale of Twin Peaks, actually titled "episode 29 part 2." I will try to do this the best I can without spoilers because I know quite a few people haven't seen the show, and the final season isn't even available on DVD yet. David Lynch got me into movies. Twin Peaks got me in to serial TV. This last episode still stands as the best and most ballsy series finale that I have seen in my time. So ballsy in fact that I'm sure on original airing that America collectively scratched it's head and wondered what the hell? I love stuff like that. At any rate, you may be able to find the VHS at your local video store, and the first season SANS PILOT is available here. If you have any kind of class, you'd import the complete series from one of the much better European releases.
Cutting back for a moment, I hope you all enjoy the first episode of our podcast, it should (barring disaster) be live Monday.
The Box: On The Greatest Episode of All Time
Watch TV long enough and you start to think about The Question. Talk about it enough, others ask it for you. Pretty soon, it stalks the viewer like Delta Force in the Columbian jungle.
"What's your favorite TV show?"
That question is, of course, in reality two, for the devoted fan knows there are favorites and there are the best. One may grow up watching "Salute Your Shorts" and become addicted to "The Apprentice," but they wouldn't call those the best programs on TV. They don't hold up alongside, say, "Scrubs" or "Deadwood." Not to mention the best shows of all time--that's a seperate subject with its own set of complicated criteria.
Still, I get The Question quite a bit and I'm asking it just as much. I'm, also, asking myself a variety of other questions relating to tv; best actor, best single season, greatest moment, and so forth. I am, at heart, a list maker and obsessive organizer.
Of these varied and complex television inquries, the most complicated is, perhaps, the question of the best hour of dramatic television, or, in a less flowery fashion, the best episode.
It's a complex question because I can separate the best from the favorites, and while many of my favorites I also consider the best, my top choice (like "The Godfather Part II") is one I respect and admire much mroe than one I enjoy watching.
That episode is 'Three Men and Adena' from the first season of "Homicide: Life on the Street."
When talking about the Best. Episode. Ever, I often tie 'Adena' with 'Two Cathedrals', the second season finale of "The West Wing." 'Cathedrals' (or, as I call it, 'The One Where Bartlet Has Had It Up To Here With The Almighty') is probally my favorite episode ('Dead Irish Writers' from season three is a close second) from my favorite show ever. It's certainly the hour of tv I've watched the most. Even after I'd seen it three, four, and six times, I'd still leave meetings early just so I could be home in time for that episode. It sums up what's wonderful about "West Wing," rewards repeat viewing, and continues to kick my ass seven ways till Sunday.
(For those of you who've seen it, think about this the next time you do: The whole episode is about the aformentioned Almighty telling the aformentioned Bartlet, 'No, it's not good enough.')
But as wonderful as 'Two Cathedrals' is, it's also not 'Three Men and Adena.'
'Adena,' for the uninitated, is the climax to the first part of "Homicide"'s Adena Watson saga. His first night on the Baltimore squad, rookie Tim Bayliss (Kyle Secor) finds himself the primary detective on the high-profile "red ball" murder case of a young girl, Adena Watson. Enduring public humiliation from the media and private skepticsm from his partner, Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher, creating a legend), Bayliss neverless pursues the case with fervor. He narrows the suspects down to Risley Tucker, an arborer (which is like a street vendor...I think), and brings the man in for questioning.
And that is where 'Adena' begins, with Bayliss watching Tucker head towards "The Box," the squad's notorious interrogation room, while his colleagues pump him up for a long night. They know Tucker is guilty but the little evidence they've been able to collect isn't enough to prove what they (and we) already know. Bayliss and Pembleton, therefore, have twelve hours to extract a confession from the man or he'll walk free--period.
When Bayliss, with his crates and photographs, and Frank, knowing he's the smartest person in the room, enter The Box, everything starts to change. Over the course of that hour, ninety percent of it takes place in the tiny, dingy interrogation room. The handheld cameras of "Homicide"'s signature style push in on the participants. Sometimes, it feels so cramped you can smell Tucker's sweat.
The mood of the room goes from unleashed, frantic rage to heated sexuality to, finally, desperation. By the time another detective tells them their twelve hours are nearly over, even the great Frank Pembelton is worn raw.
He knows Tucker is guilty. Bayliss does, too. Then something rather unexpected happens in TV land. They it the twelve hour mark, and the arborer walks free. The Adena Watson murder remained unsolved for the rest of "Homicide"'s run.
That dose of reality, however, isn't what makes 'Adena' the greatest episode of all time. It's what happens after. Not only did writer Tom Fontana (who won an Emmy for this episode) have the guts to pull off this grueling, emotionally rendering encounter in The Box, but he had the balls to follow what happened there to its natural conclusion. Looking at 'Adena, within the context of "Homicide" and its seven seasons, one can truly see that episode as 'The One Where Everything Changed.' And that's a very rare thing in TV land.
(Note: I will now discuss, en detalie, spoilers for "Homicide"'s seventh season and the TV-movie finale.)
Both Frank and Tim never quite recovered from their interrogation of Risely Tucker. The latter's commitment to the Adena Watson case broke him that night, and we watched for six more seasons (all played with quiet heartbreak by Secor) as Bayliss struggled to calm the demons unleashed by that time in The Box. Finally, in the seventh-season finale, Tim took the law into his own hands when an internet serial killer walked free. He got his vengance, at last, for Adena and all the other victims.
Fontana knew, though, that vengance (like fear) eats the soul, and in the TV movie serving as the show's finale, Bayliss confessed to Pembleton, who by that time had left the force. After the events in 'Adena,' the lone wolf Pembelton found himself partnering with Bayliss and trying to develop other relationships at work. We saw that, in many ways, Bayliss was the first person Frank respected as a peer. He might have even been his first friend on the job.
We never saw what happened to Bayliss after his rooftop confession. Some interpretations have Frank, so bound by his duty to God and the law, turning in his friend. Others say Bayliss took his own life after Frank refused to turn him in. I think the second is the right one (despite the totally awesome "SVU" that Fontana and Dick Wolf could do), and the appropriate follow-through from the events in 'Adena.'
It all changed there. Watching it now, even knowing what's in store, you wait for it to go a different way. You wait for Tucker to confess--and Fontana puts you there alongside the two men, begging him to confess. When he never does, it makes the knowledge of what's to come all the more painful to see. The conclusion to 'Adena,' where the emotionally distant Frank tries to provide some support to a shattered Bayliss, Bayliss pulls away just as Frank is reaching out.
'Adena' is also a masterwork of television not just because of its future, but because of the past it draws upon. In the early days of broadcasting, shows like "Playhouse 90" offered interpretations of Broadway dramas to a mass audience. Television is often described as "radio with pictures." 'Adena', then, is an episode that, with a few modifications, could appear in both those forms. Fontana is aware of that, but he is also aware that for many years, the conclusion to 'Adena' would have been a different one. While shows like "Hill Street Blues" and "St. Elsewhere" pushed the boundaries of drama through the eighties, they, too, often made dramatic sacrifices to the network. Fontana, a writer/producer on "St. Elsewhere," knows that, too.
'Adena' is the one where everything changed: for the show, for the viewer, and yeah, for TV. While there are many hours I could watch forever, I don't think I'll find a more honest one than 'Three Men and Adena.' That's why it deserves to be called "The Greatest Episode of All Time," and that's why I'll always do so.
"What's your favorite TV show?"
That question is, of course, in reality two, for the devoted fan knows there are favorites and there are the best. One may grow up watching "Salute Your Shorts" and become addicted to "The Apprentice," but they wouldn't call those the best programs on TV. They don't hold up alongside, say, "Scrubs" or "Deadwood." Not to mention the best shows of all time--that's a seperate subject with its own set of complicated criteria.
Still, I get The Question quite a bit and I'm asking it just as much. I'm, also, asking myself a variety of other questions relating to tv; best actor, best single season, greatest moment, and so forth. I am, at heart, a list maker and obsessive organizer.
Of these varied and complex television inquries, the most complicated is, perhaps, the question of the best hour of dramatic television, or, in a less flowery fashion, the best episode.
It's a complex question because I can separate the best from the favorites, and while many of my favorites I also consider the best, my top choice (like "The Godfather Part II") is one I respect and admire much mroe than one I enjoy watching.
That episode is 'Three Men and Adena' from the first season of "Homicide: Life on the Street."
When talking about the Best. Episode. Ever, I often tie 'Adena' with 'Two Cathedrals', the second season finale of "The West Wing." 'Cathedrals' (or, as I call it, 'The One Where Bartlet Has Had It Up To Here With The Almighty') is probally my favorite episode ('Dead Irish Writers' from season three is a close second) from my favorite show ever. It's certainly the hour of tv I've watched the most. Even after I'd seen it three, four, and six times, I'd still leave meetings early just so I could be home in time for that episode. It sums up what's wonderful about "West Wing," rewards repeat viewing, and continues to kick my ass seven ways till Sunday.
(For those of you who've seen it, think about this the next time you do: The whole episode is about the aformentioned Almighty telling the aformentioned Bartlet, 'No, it's not good enough.')
But as wonderful as 'Two Cathedrals' is, it's also not 'Three Men and Adena.'
'Adena,' for the uninitated, is the climax to the first part of "Homicide"'s Adena Watson saga. His first night on the Baltimore squad, rookie Tim Bayliss (Kyle Secor) finds himself the primary detective on the high-profile "red ball" murder case of a young girl, Adena Watson. Enduring public humiliation from the media and private skepticsm from his partner, Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher, creating a legend), Bayliss neverless pursues the case with fervor. He narrows the suspects down to Risley Tucker, an arborer (which is like a street vendor...I think), and brings the man in for questioning.
And that is where 'Adena' begins, with Bayliss watching Tucker head towards "The Box," the squad's notorious interrogation room, while his colleagues pump him up for a long night. They know Tucker is guilty but the little evidence they've been able to collect isn't enough to prove what they (and we) already know. Bayliss and Pembleton, therefore, have twelve hours to extract a confession from the man or he'll walk free--period.
When Bayliss, with his crates and photographs, and Frank, knowing he's the smartest person in the room, enter The Box, everything starts to change. Over the course of that hour, ninety percent of it takes place in the tiny, dingy interrogation room. The handheld cameras of "Homicide"'s signature style push in on the participants. Sometimes, it feels so cramped you can smell Tucker's sweat.
The mood of the room goes from unleashed, frantic rage to heated sexuality to, finally, desperation. By the time another detective tells them their twelve hours are nearly over, even the great Frank Pembelton is worn raw.
He knows Tucker is guilty. Bayliss does, too. Then something rather unexpected happens in TV land. They it the twelve hour mark, and the arborer walks free. The Adena Watson murder remained unsolved for the rest of "Homicide"'s run.
That dose of reality, however, isn't what makes 'Adena' the greatest episode of all time. It's what happens after. Not only did writer Tom Fontana (who won an Emmy for this episode) have the guts to pull off this grueling, emotionally rendering encounter in The Box, but he had the balls to follow what happened there to its natural conclusion. Looking at 'Adena, within the context of "Homicide" and its seven seasons, one can truly see that episode as 'The One Where Everything Changed.' And that's a very rare thing in TV land.
(Note: I will now discuss, en detalie, spoilers for "Homicide"'s seventh season and the TV-movie finale.)
Both Frank and Tim never quite recovered from their interrogation of Risely Tucker. The latter's commitment to the Adena Watson case broke him that night, and we watched for six more seasons (all played with quiet heartbreak by Secor) as Bayliss struggled to calm the demons unleashed by that time in The Box. Finally, in the seventh-season finale, Tim took the law into his own hands when an internet serial killer walked free. He got his vengance, at last, for Adena and all the other victims.
Fontana knew, though, that vengance (like fear) eats the soul, and in the TV movie serving as the show's finale, Bayliss confessed to Pembleton, who by that time had left the force. After the events in 'Adena,' the lone wolf Pembelton found himself partnering with Bayliss and trying to develop other relationships at work. We saw that, in many ways, Bayliss was the first person Frank respected as a peer. He might have even been his first friend on the job.
We never saw what happened to Bayliss after his rooftop confession. Some interpretations have Frank, so bound by his duty to God and the law, turning in his friend. Others say Bayliss took his own life after Frank refused to turn him in. I think the second is the right one (despite the totally awesome "SVU" that Fontana and Dick Wolf could do), and the appropriate follow-through from the events in 'Adena.'
It all changed there. Watching it now, even knowing what's in store, you wait for it to go a different way. You wait for Tucker to confess--and Fontana puts you there alongside the two men, begging him to confess. When he never does, it makes the knowledge of what's to come all the more painful to see. The conclusion to 'Adena,' where the emotionally distant Frank tries to provide some support to a shattered Bayliss, Bayliss pulls away just as Frank is reaching out.
'Adena' is also a masterwork of television not just because of its future, but because of the past it draws upon. In the early days of broadcasting, shows like "Playhouse 90" offered interpretations of Broadway dramas to a mass audience. Television is often described as "radio with pictures." 'Adena', then, is an episode that, with a few modifications, could appear in both those forms. Fontana is aware of that, but he is also aware that for many years, the conclusion to 'Adena' would have been a different one. While shows like "Hill Street Blues" and "St. Elsewhere" pushed the boundaries of drama through the eighties, they, too, often made dramatic sacrifices to the network. Fontana, a writer/producer on "St. Elsewhere," knows that, too.
'Adena' is the one where everything changed: for the show, for the viewer, and yeah, for TV. While there are many hours I could watch forever, I don't think I'll find a more honest one than 'Three Men and Adena.' That's why it deserves to be called "The Greatest Episode of All Time," and that's why I'll always do so.
Little Kevin Arnold's All Grown Up: Televisual 180s
Most fans of "Lost" will tell you the moment they fell in love with the series: The conclusion to "Walkabout," the third episode and first glimpse into the life of John Locke (Terry O'Quinn). While I've since become disenchanted with that series, viewing "Walkabout" remains one of my greatest experiences in watching television. O'Quinn, a second-tier but reliable character actor, turned the charming menace he was best known for ("The Stepfather") into a pathetic pathos that damn near broke my heart. With his performance, he set a bar so high for "Lost" that it never reached again and created a character that he'll forever be identified with.
Now, let's see if he can do that again.
That kind of surprise from an actor is one of the greatest things about watching television. So many times, we can come to know an actor who, years later, gives us another, completely different performance. Fred Savage, the tititular Kevin Arnold of the nostalgic "Wonder Years," built a new career for himself playing rapists on shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Both the current presidential candidates on "The West Wing" are TV icons--Jimmy Smits of "LA Law" and "NYPD Blue" and Alan Alda of "M*A*S*H*." Of the two, Alda is best at making us forget about his past roles, but you can't help Smits for trying.
For me, it happened with O'Quinn, one of my main reasons for watching "Lost" in the first place, and with Adam Baldwin (an actor, like O'Quinn, best known for playing military guys), turned in two very different yet stellar performances on "Firefly" and "Angel." More recently, I've been surprised by Peter Krause, who I loved so much on "Sports Night" I decided to watch "Six Feet Under" after years of holding out (and am astonished by him there, too), and Treat Williams (fan favorite "Deep Rising") of "Everwood" as a brokenhearted country doctor/widower of two in Colorado.
Right now, there are two performances fresh in my mind that sum up why we keep watching. The first is Eric Palladino, who played Dr. Dave 'NAZI DYKE!' Malluci on "ER" and is one of the stars of "Over There." As I've said before, I found "Over There" so intense, I only got through ten minutes of it, but Palladino's performance in that ten minutes left me stunned. He plays the Iraqi War version of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman from "Full Metal Jacket" crossed with Dr. Cox on "Scrubs." So yeah, a lot of yelling. If you can handle "Over There" (and hopefully, I'll be able to talk with you more about it this week), Palladino makes it appointment viewing.
The second performance comes from an actor who got me thinking about this whole phenomenon in the first place: Michael J. Anderson, of "Twin Peaks" and "Carnivale." Like "Six Feet," "Carnivale" was a series that I resisted watching for a long time, and I even found the first three or so episodes to be bafflingly cryptic and uninteresting. I'm glad I kept going--now, the acting in this show is enough for me to whip through it as fast as I can. I like many of the supporting players (particularly Tim DeLay and Amy Madigan), but if any actor ever deserved Emmy nominations for this show, it's Anderson.
There's a scene in the episode "Pick A Number" where the three-foot-tall man goes from disarming affabilty to cold vengance to frightened heartbreak within the course of a few minutes. And Anderson makes you believe it all.
Watching that scene, I thought about the first time I heard John Locke say "Don't tell me what I can't do" and a million other moments in a history spent in front of the TV. But those are why we're willing to sit through all the reality shows and the formulaic sitcoms.
Moments like those are why we watch, waiting for the next great turn from the place we least expect it.
Now, let's see if he can do that again.
That kind of surprise from an actor is one of the greatest things about watching television. So many times, we can come to know an actor who, years later, gives us another, completely different performance. Fred Savage, the tititular Kevin Arnold of the nostalgic "Wonder Years," built a new career for himself playing rapists on shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Both the current presidential candidates on "The West Wing" are TV icons--Jimmy Smits of "LA Law" and "NYPD Blue" and Alan Alda of "M*A*S*H*." Of the two, Alda is best at making us forget about his past roles, but you can't help Smits for trying.
For me, it happened with O'Quinn, one of my main reasons for watching "Lost" in the first place, and with Adam Baldwin (an actor, like O'Quinn, best known for playing military guys), turned in two very different yet stellar performances on "Firefly" and "Angel." More recently, I've been surprised by Peter Krause, who I loved so much on "Sports Night" I decided to watch "Six Feet Under" after years of holding out (and am astonished by him there, too), and Treat Williams (fan favorite "Deep Rising") of "Everwood" as a brokenhearted country doctor/widower of two in Colorado.
Right now, there are two performances fresh in my mind that sum up why we keep watching. The first is Eric Palladino, who played Dr. Dave 'NAZI DYKE!' Malluci on "ER" and is one of the stars of "Over There." As I've said before, I found "Over There" so intense, I only got through ten minutes of it, but Palladino's performance in that ten minutes left me stunned. He plays the Iraqi War version of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman from "Full Metal Jacket" crossed with Dr. Cox on "Scrubs." So yeah, a lot of yelling. If you can handle "Over There" (and hopefully, I'll be able to talk with you more about it this week), Palladino makes it appointment viewing.
The second performance comes from an actor who got me thinking about this whole phenomenon in the first place: Michael J. Anderson, of "Twin Peaks" and "Carnivale." Like "Six Feet," "Carnivale" was a series that I resisted watching for a long time, and I even found the first three or so episodes to be bafflingly cryptic and uninteresting. I'm glad I kept going--now, the acting in this show is enough for me to whip through it as fast as I can. I like many of the supporting players (particularly Tim DeLay and Amy Madigan), but if any actor ever deserved Emmy nominations for this show, it's Anderson.
There's a scene in the episode "Pick A Number" where the three-foot-tall man goes from disarming affabilty to cold vengance to frightened heartbreak within the course of a few minutes. And Anderson makes you believe it all.
Watching that scene, I thought about the first time I heard John Locke say "Don't tell me what I can't do" and a million other moments in a history spent in front of the TV. But those are why we're willing to sit through all the reality shows and the formulaic sitcoms.
Moments like those are why we watch, waiting for the next great turn from the place we least expect it.
HBO At The Crossroads: The Future of "Not TV"
By this time next year, the last of HBO's flagship shows, "The Sopranos" will be gone. Along with "Sex and the City" and "Six Feet Under," the David Chase drama formed a triumverate of innovative television that paved the way for, among others, "The Shield," "Deadwood," and "Rescue Me." Two of those shows are on FX, described by my colleagues at Stealing Cable as "the new HBO."
"Sex and the City" ended last summer. "Six Feet Under" (which I'm just now discovering on DVD and absolutely loving) wraps up soon. And while HBO continues to put on fresh programming like "Entourage," their new drama "Rome," has yet to generate the buzz of shows like "Deadwood" and "Carnivale" (which, in a suprising move, was cancelled by HBO after only two seasons).
I've seen a little bit of "Rome," and despite its pedigree (director/gun nut John Millus is one of the creators, and it boasts writers from "Six Feet", among others), it's not very good--in fact, it just reminded me of a more expensive version of ABC's "Empire." "Deadwood" continues to amaze, and "Entourage" (which I haven't seen) is generating the reviews and press that "Sex" got early in its career.
However, with the end of "Sopranos," HBO still finds in a precarious position. There are more cable channels willing to take risks than there were when "Sopranos" started--FX is one, TNT with "The Closer" and the upcoming "Wanted" (both quite good) is another--and HBO finally must begin competing with those networks for ratings and press. The cancellation of "Carnivale," which ended after two out of a planned six seasons, was a bold, controversial move for a network which built its reputation on allowing shows to build an audience. One can only hope that this doesn't become a pattern.
My advice is for HBO to continue what they've always done: find original, dependable creators like David Milch and Alan Ball and support them in whatever they choose to do. In addition, I'd like to see them to continue reinventing genres like the western or the family drama. There's a huge audience out there that's craving smart, challenging sci-fi, and "Battlestar Galactica" ain't cutting it. Someone like Aaron Sorkin (or, gasp, Joss Whedon, if he can be persuaded to play nice with his old nemesis Time-Warner) could do wonders with that form--"The West Wing" in space, for example. I'd also like to see someone tackle the police procedural differently--the comic "Gotham Central," about cops working the beat in Batman's turf, could be amazing with the right cast and show-runner.
I'd also like to see HBO revisit its tradition of the anthology series. It's been a long while since "Tales from the Crypt" went off the air, and I think it's high time we saw something like that again. Don't bring back the horror anthology though (although we could use something equally scary, too).
"James Ellroy's Hollywood Nocturnes," anyone?
"Sex and the City" ended last summer. "Six Feet Under" (which I'm just now discovering on DVD and absolutely loving) wraps up soon. And while HBO continues to put on fresh programming like "Entourage," their new drama "Rome," has yet to generate the buzz of shows like "Deadwood" and "Carnivale" (which, in a suprising move, was cancelled by HBO after only two seasons).
I've seen a little bit of "Rome," and despite its pedigree (director/gun nut John Millus is one of the creators, and it boasts writers from "Six Feet", among others), it's not very good--in fact, it just reminded me of a more expensive version of ABC's "Empire." "Deadwood" continues to amaze, and "Entourage" (which I haven't seen) is generating the reviews and press that "Sex" got early in its career.
However, with the end of "Sopranos," HBO still finds in a precarious position. There are more cable channels willing to take risks than there were when "Sopranos" started--FX is one, TNT with "The Closer" and the upcoming "Wanted" (both quite good) is another--and HBO finally must begin competing with those networks for ratings and press. The cancellation of "Carnivale," which ended after two out of a planned six seasons, was a bold, controversial move for a network which built its reputation on allowing shows to build an audience. One can only hope that this doesn't become a pattern.
My advice is for HBO to continue what they've always done: find original, dependable creators like David Milch and Alan Ball and support them in whatever they choose to do. In addition, I'd like to see them to continue reinventing genres like the western or the family drama. There's a huge audience out there that's craving smart, challenging sci-fi, and "Battlestar Galactica" ain't cutting it. Someone like Aaron Sorkin (or, gasp, Joss Whedon, if he can be persuaded to play nice with his old nemesis Time-Warner) could do wonders with that form--"The West Wing" in space, for example. I'd also like to see someone tackle the police procedural differently--the comic "Gotham Central," about cops working the beat in Batman's turf, could be amazing with the right cast and show-runner.
I'd also like to see HBO revisit its tradition of the anthology series. It's been a long while since "Tales from the Crypt" went off the air, and I think it's high time we saw something like that again. Don't bring back the horror anthology though (although we could use something equally scary, too).
"James Ellroy's Hollywood Nocturnes," anyone?
Production Update: Episode 1 V2
Folks,
Bear with me on this page, I know it's ugly, it's a template, and I haven't even updated the links. With time my friends.
As for the show, Faze and I (and hopefully Brendan) will be recording Friday and Saturday. How much in the way of stuff I can use this will yield is a whole different story, but if all goes well, you may have the show mid next week. While we will touch on some of the points that I mentioned in my last post, the main "Theme" of episode 1 is one that I consider close to home: the downloading of full episodes of TV shows, and whether or not this is a good thing for television. I'll withhold my opinion for the sake of not spoiling the show, but how's that for a good segue into my internet philosophy, and how it will play into this show.
We are doing the show for fun and on our own free time. You will never pay for the show, and you will never hear an ad. We are not bound to anything and will only do the show as long as we feel it is relevant. What I hope to accomplish is an intelligent and respectful discussion of TV shows that we love. Community will hopefully become a big factor here, we would hope that as we begin to do more interactive things with the show, that we can keep it respectful and intelligent. This is a thing for tv nerds and by tv nerds, so we're all one happy family, whether we think that Whedon is a demigod or semi-hack. Catch the drift? In more plain terms, my grand scheme is to keep this as open as the audience will allow. If this would deteriorate into a mudfest of...oh, lets say AICN proportions, the comments section goes. That's not to say I even expect a torrent of comments, but I wanted to throw that out there.
As for censorship: Faze and I have decided that the show would be best done with a minimum of the seven dirty words. Expect a PG show (maybe PG 13 when I argue with Corkum about the Simpsons).
Ah, the long and rambling stream of consciousness. Hopefully my next update will be the finished show. See you soon folks.
Bear with me on this page, I know it's ugly, it's a template, and I haven't even updated the links. With time my friends.
As for the show, Faze and I (and hopefully Brendan) will be recording Friday and Saturday. How much in the way of stuff I can use this will yield is a whole different story, but if all goes well, you may have the show mid next week. While we will touch on some of the points that I mentioned in my last post, the main "Theme" of episode 1 is one that I consider close to home: the downloading of full episodes of TV shows, and whether or not this is a good thing for television. I'll withhold my opinion for the sake of not spoiling the show, but how's that for a good segue into my internet philosophy, and how it will play into this show.
We are doing the show for fun and on our own free time. You will never pay for the show, and you will never hear an ad. We are not bound to anything and will only do the show as long as we feel it is relevant. What I hope to accomplish is an intelligent and respectful discussion of TV shows that we love. Community will hopefully become a big factor here, we would hope that as we begin to do more interactive things with the show, that we can keep it respectful and intelligent. This is a thing for tv nerds and by tv nerds, so we're all one happy family, whether we think that Whedon is a demigod or semi-hack. Catch the drift? In more plain terms, my grand scheme is to keep this as open as the audience will allow. If this would deteriorate into a mudfest of...oh, lets say AICN proportions, the comments section goes. That's not to say I even expect a torrent of comments, but I wanted to throw that out there.
As for censorship: Faze and I have decided that the show would be best done with a minimum of the seven dirty words. Expect a PG show (maybe PG 13 when I argue with Corkum about the Simpsons).
Ah, the long and rambling stream of consciousness. Hopefully my next update will be the finished show. See you soon folks.
The Return of the Bandu
I suppose I should, also, take this opportunity to introduce myself. I'm Bud Leonard, though some of you may know me as Brendan. The son of a TV critic, I've been around television my entire life, but it wasn't until recently that I decided television studies/writing tv was what I wanted to do with my life. Well, that and outdoor education, which is what I do now.
Anyway, I'm going to be the very special correspondent who tells you what's good and what's bad before it gets on the air (hopefully). I've already seen some of the new shows for the Fall season, and I look forward to talking with you about them.
For point of reference, my favorite shows include "The West Wing," "Scrubs," "Arrested Development," "Deadwood," "Six Feet Under," and pretty much everything Joss Whedon's ever done....ever.
Except for the "Tales of the Vampires" comic.
Anyway, I'm going to be the very special correspondent who tells you what's good and what's bad before it gets on the air (hopefully). I've already seen some of the new shows for the Fall season, and I look forward to talking with you about them.
For point of reference, my favorite shows include "The West Wing," "Scrubs," "Arrested Development," "Deadwood," "Six Feet Under," and pretty much everything Joss Whedon's ever done....ever.
Except for the "Tales of the Vampires" comic.
Greetings from your friendly neighborhood Fazer
Wassup people. This is Faze Ahmed, Justin's crazy counterpart in this podcasting endeavor. I actually sort of snuck my way into the whole thing after Justin brought up the idea of doing a TV related podcast during a recent AIM conversation. But the important thing is that we both love TV and that is the impetus behind doing this show.
There is a very strong community of intelligent TV watchers out there, who rabidly follow their favorite shows whether its Arrested Development or The Gilmore Girls. I hope this podcast can be a platform to voice opinions and have friendly debate over our favorite TV shows. Of course, I don't think this show can be successful if it isn't very entertaining to listen to. So, we are going to do our best to make an engaging and entertaining 30-40 minutes.
Three words; WE'RE TAKING OVER
There is a very strong community of intelligent TV watchers out there, who rabidly follow their favorite shows whether its Arrested Development or The Gilmore Girls. I hope this podcast can be a platform to voice opinions and have friendly debate over our favorite TV shows. Of course, I don't think this show can be successful if it isn't very entertaining to listen to. So, we are going to do our best to make an engaging and entertaining 30-40 minutes.
Three words; WE'RE TAKING OVER
Episode 1 Production Update: 1.0
As a few of you know, we had planned to get the "series premiere" out to you the week of July 10th. Because of my internet troubles over the past week, (as in I had no access to the internet at all), that is probably not going to happen. In that time, Faze and I were going to do a test run, as well as hammer out content and guests. Since we haven't been able to talk at all, I'll say we're now aiming for hmm...late next week or early the week of the 17th for the first show.
The initial test on my production end is and has been finished for a while now. I was extremely pleased with the results. Next is a test with Faze. I'd look for recording for the actual first ep to begin this weekend. After recordings are finished, I'll go to my cave to edit and produce your final product. After everyone involved hears and gives the OK, we will go live.
For the first ep we have lined up:
The best shows of last season
FX: The new HBO?
Correspondent Brendan on new shows for next season
News and views on...news surrounding the shows we call our own
I have been talking with a potential guest for the first show, but as of this time, nothing is confirmed.
For the time being, this blog will likely act as a frontpage for the show, so check here often for updates as I get them. The TV Blog "What to Watch" will be on hiatus for now so that I can concentrate on making this show awesome.
The initial test on my production end is and has been finished for a while now. I was extremely pleased with the results. Next is a test with Faze. I'd look for recording for the actual first ep to begin this weekend. After recordings are finished, I'll go to my cave to edit and produce your final product. After everyone involved hears and gives the OK, we will go live.
For the first ep we have lined up:
The best shows of last season
FX: The new HBO?
Correspondent Brendan on new shows for next season
News and views on...news surrounding the shows we call our own
I have been talking with a potential guest for the first show, but as of this time, nothing is confirmed.
For the time being, this blog will likely act as a frontpage for the show, so check here often for updates as I get them. The TV Blog "What to Watch" will be on hiatus for now so that I can concentrate on making this show awesome.
Welcome!
Hey folks, welcome to the blog-end of what will soon become the "Stealing Cable" empire. Here all hosts and correspondents will be posting information relating to the twice a week-ly podcast. For those of you who don't know, "Stealing Cable" will consist of discussion and news related to TV shows that we like. Why listen you ask? Well in my experience, it seems that there is a large group of people who watch pretty much the same shows, and perhaps we could help this group find some shows that they otherwise wouldn't have given a chance, and even hear discussion about their favorite shows.
I am Justin Kelly (one god damn American Idol reference and I will slit your throat), a host and your producer. I am a drug and alcohol counselor. What the hell right does that give me to talk about TV? I watch more than you do. You may know me from my TV rants on my blog "What to Watch" or at Chud.com's MB. You may know me from my old TV blog "Damn That's Good" which is now "Damn, that got erased." You may know me from Halo 2. You may know me from my political rants at "Left Times," or any number of spinoffs and guest spots. Wherever you come from, I hope that you all will enjoy the show.
I am Justin Kelly (one god damn American Idol reference and I will slit your throat), a host and your producer. I am a drug and alcohol counselor. What the hell right does that give me to talk about TV? I watch more than you do. You may know me from my TV rants on my blog "What to Watch" or at Chud.com's MB. You may know me from my old TV blog "Damn That's Good" which is now "Damn, that got erased." You may know me from Halo 2. You may know me from my political rants at "Left Times," or any number of spinoffs and guest spots. Wherever you come from, I hope that you all will enjoy the show.
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