Kripke Speaks: Chad Michael Murray to Replace Jensen Ackles Next Season!
Hi SnObs!
Kristen at E! has all kinds of goods on Supernatural today. She's got an article with Kripke that hits on a ton of issues, including: - The deal - Dean and hell - Bela - Mary - The Crotaon virus test - Season 4 - Season 5 - and more!
There's also this little nugget (which is clearly a joke, but a damn good one. Way to go, Kripke!)
Kristen: And then about the finale, "No Rest for the Wicked," I assume Jensen Ackles' character dies and that's the last we'll see of him on the show?
Kripke: Yes, Jensen wanted to focus on movies, and he wouldn't give me the 25 percent salary kickback I demanded, so he's leaving the series. Chad Michael Murray is joining the cast to replace him, and next year will be like that season on Dukes of Hazzard where it was Vance and Coy instead of Bo and Luke. Everything's gonna be a little bit off, but it'll be good...I think you'll like it.
Kristen also has two preview clips up from tonight's ep.
If you don't mind mild spoilers, it's definitely worth checking out. The link is here.
Work sucks today, so I really shouldn't be anywhere near the blogosphere, but with tv as good as it was last night, how could I not pop in and get a few things off of my chest:
(Spoilers below, just in case...)
Lost: Michael Emerson was freakin' amazing. I think he should submit last night's episode as his emmy ticket... in the lead role (not supporting).
RIP, Alex. My jaw hit the ground when Kemme (sp?) pulled the trigger. I'm not sure who was more shocked: Ben or me.
Ben, my sympathies for your loss, but keep away from Penny and Desmond!!
Sawyer's protectiveness of Hurley was such an awwwww moment. I loved it.
I also loved that Bernard got some more moments to shine last night. He is such a closet-bad-ass, and he proved his worth once again last night. (I hope that he and Rose are safe and together in Future-Hiding somewhere.)
The smoke monster... there are no words to describe the awesomeness of its return.
The mowing down of all Camp Locke Red Shirts at the beginning of the episode was crazy (in a good way).
Supernatural Such an awesome episode. I loved it.
The "you must be gay to save that intern" (or something like that) may just be the funniest line to ever hit Supernatural... and that's obviously really saying something.
Sam tied up with a birthday hat on his head as a tormented, psycho, ghost killer plays "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To" on the stereo... freakin' hilarious.
Dean has less than two months to live? I'm worried. I'm very worried. Especially given the pretty-revealing spoiler by Kristen at E! a few days ago.
I hope this isn't the last we've seen of the Ghostfacers on the series.
30 Rock Despite the grudge I have against this show because of Ben Silverman's "pro-30/anti-FNL" comments a few weeks ago, I do still love it so and last night's ep was genius. Absolute genius.
The "Phantom of the Opera" send-up was brilliant. Did Tina Fey sell her soul to a Crossroads Demon in exchange for comedic brilliance? She must have.
The Office Toby putting his hand on Pam's leg and then bolting the fence to move to Costa Rica was another laugh-your-coke-through-your-nose moment in a night that was full of them.
It was a little sad to see Pam and Jim lose the impromptu "best couple" vote to Ed and Angela
So was Ryan on coke or on E? It's not really important, I'm just curious.
"Like a famous person once said: 'Boys on the side.' But I say: 'Let's hear it for the boys.'" Rod says "let's hear it for the writers!!!"
Ugly Betty I never thought I would come to this conclusion, but I am on board Team Gio. As long as Henry continues to be the pussycat-of-the-year, I'm done with him. What exactly is Betty carrying a torch for? Bring old Henry back, or kick him and his baby's mamma to the curb.
Ana Ortiz is all kinds of awesome.
What's up with the new shaved-head look on Thursday nights (Gio on Betty, Jack on WAT, Alex on Grey's)?
Without a Trace Jack finally got the last SOB from the human trafficking ring. Fantastic!
I know it was a very small and subtle moment, but I thought that Samantha getting into the ambulance with Jack and the end of the ep (instead of going home like he told her) was an awesome moment.
Grey's Anatomy This wasn't the show's best ep, but it was still pretty dang good; and it just goes to show you that it is ok to like both Grey's and Supernatural. (More and more crossover fans are coming out... don't be afraid!) I like Rose (admittedly in the minority on that one, but that's ok), and it's sad to know that her heartbreak is only a matter of time.
Kudos to Clea Duvall and Jason O'Mara for great guest-spot performances.
Um, are Callie and Erica dating?
Smallville Unfortunately, Smallville has to wait for the weekend.
Ok, gotta run. The boss keeps mentioning something called a "deadline." What kind of nonsense is that?
Monday Quickies (Bones, Mother, Gossip, Big Bang, Samantha, Miami)
Mondays are back in full force, with way too many good shows crowded into one night. Thanks to DVRs and insomnia, I was able to catch my full line-up last night. Here are some really quick, knee-jerk reactions to the shows that I watched...
Bones
The head exploding through the vent all over Cam, Zack, and Hodgins... hysterical
The "new" Cam/Angela scenes... I thought they worked pretty well
The Bones/Booth dynamic in this episode... top notch
Bones saving the guy from shooting himself... a great moment (I really thought that the guy was going to off himself)
Bones' dismay at the quality of today's higher education system... funny, but also sadly true
Gossip Girl
Jenny losing herself in pursuit of the in-crowd... it was sad and tough to watch
Jenny turning her back on Dan and using Nate... just made it all that much worse
Chuck not being an ass... a nice change of character (we'll see if it lasts)
The set-up for the next "big bad" to rock S's world... I'm very intrigued
Dawn Ostroff's comments that Gossip Girl is the new face of the CW... don't get me started; you can see my rant on Gab's blog.
How I Met Your Mother
The new Robin Sparkles video... hysterical
Barney and Robin giving in to their undeniable chemistry... I'm surprisingly ok with it.
James Van Der Beek's comedic talents... eh, not too bad (on par with Brit's at least)
The Australian/Swedish accents... they were supposed to be Canadian, right?
The Big Bang Theory
The addition of Sara Gilbert as Leonard's nemesis... always a welcome return
The continuing lack of substance to Penny's character... it's getting old
Wolowitz stealing almost every scene he is in... as usual (that character is too funny!)
CSI: Miami
A vigilante who is killing pedophiles... I agree with Erik: why get in his way?
The show continuing to try and make Horatio an action hero/ bad-ass... give it up already, CBS.
Like a lot of other folks recently, I've cut back on the amount of original blogs I post (I can't believe my last blog was over a month ago). I've been working on a few things that I hope you'll find cool (coming soon), so I've turned mostly into a "lurker" here nowadays. I still read a lot of posts, but I admit that I've been pretty remiss in commenting and popping in and saying "hi" to my friends. This morning I got a little nostalgic and decided to "borrow" some time from my boss and post a new blog.
After reading Ausiello's bubble blog, I figured I would post my own personal hopes for our beloved bubble shows...
Shows I Desperately Want/Need Renewed:
-- Eli Stone (because it's actually one of the best new shows of the season)
-- How I Met Your Mother (because it rocks, most of the time)
Shows I Would Like Renewed:
-- Aliens in America (because it's actually quite funny)
-- Miss Guided (because ABC should pair this with Samantha Who and let it shine next season)
-- Moonlight (becuase there is a lot of SnOb crossover with this show, and I support their passion even though I don't watch the show)
-- October Road (because I only want to know who Sam's freakin' father is... this could be done in one episode, and then the show and the ridiculous airband could go on its way to the tv graveyard in the sky)
-- Reaper (because it has gotten so much better in its last few episodes)
-- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (because it deserves
-- The Unit (because cancelling decent shows about military personnel strikes me as disrespectful)
-- Women's Murder Club (because it does have potential, honestly)
Shows I Secretly Want To Go Away:
-- Big Shots (because too many good actors were wasted on this show)
-- Cane (because I want Nestor Carbonell back on Lost)
-- Cashmere Mafia (because Mirando Otto deserves so much better than this crap)
-- Cavemen (because ABC already renewed According to Jim, and that's punishment enough)
Shows I'm Indifferent About: -- Back to You -- Boston Legal -- Las Vegas -- Law & Order: Criminal Intent -- Men in Trees -- Life Is Wild -- New Amsterdam -- The New Adventures of Old Christine -- Shark
Thanking the TV God's for the Already-Announced Renewals of: -- Chuck -- Everybody Hates Chris -- Dirty Sexy Money -- Friday Night Lights (!!!!!) -- Gossip Girl -- Life -- Private Practice -- Pushing Daisies -- Samantha Who -- Supernatural (!!!!!)
Thoughts?
Rod's Odds and Ends
Hi Blog Buddies! Work has been crazy again, but it's finally settling down and life is getting back to normal. I've managed to catch up on a lot of shows that I was behind on. Here are my quick thoughts on a wide variety of things. (I've split them up by show so folks can avoid possible spoilers for eps that have already aired if theyd like.)
In no particular order...
Jericho
As thrilled as I am that Jericho was successfully resurrected for a second season, I have to admit that I'm not really loving this season's focus on conspiracy/revolution at the expense of the character/personal stories of the town's residents. I miss the personal and emotional dramas from the townsfolk that we came to know and love last year.
R.I.P. Bonnie Richmond. You will be dearly missed; but damn, girl, you went out like a champ. (She took down four Ravenwood mercs with her shotgun before going on to join her parents in the great beyond.) Coolest girl-power moment of the season!
I fear that this season's ratings aren't going to be enough to bring Jericho back for a third season, so I'm really hoping that the show gives us a terrific finale (with no big cliffhangers).
Supernatural
Is there any better news than the news that the show has already been renewed for Season Four??!!
Yep, there is: Ellen is coming back in the season finale (per the Sera Gamble interview). Whoo-hoo!!
Btw... Jensen Ackles and I are less than 6 months apart in age. Destiny? I'm just sayin'.
Battlestar Galactica
If you haven't seen BSG's, "What the Frak?" recap video yet, then you should definitely check it out. It's 8 minutes long; but it's totally worth it. I promise.
Season four promotional pictures have been circulating. It's good stuff. You can see some of them here, here, and here.
Could Tricia Helfer be any hotter?
Lost
Overall, I think Lost has been amazing so far this season.
Personally, I don't believe that either Aaron or Ben are part of the Oceanic 6. I'm holding out hope that the final two are Sun and Jin. (Of course, I'm also hoping that Rose, Bernard, Alex, Karl, Denise, Juliet, Penny, Desmond and Vincent are all alive somewhere else too just not part of the Oceanic 6.)
I love that the Penny/Desmond romance literally transcends time and space. I'm really hoping that the show reunites them (happily) before all is said and done.
American Idol
America, can we please get rid of Amanda Overmyer, Chikezie, and Luke Menard before the Final 12?? Please??
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
This show's first season took some time to catch on with me, but once the character of Derrek Reese (Brian Austin Green) was introduced the show entered a new level of awesomeness. I know the ratings haven't been stellar, but I hope that FOX brings the show back for a second season.
MI-5
At long last, BBC-America is going to play season 3 of MI-5 (Spooks). It's about bloody time. Episodes begin again this March 12th.
Eli Stone
Is anybody else watching Eli Stone? It's actually quite good in its own unique way.
I loved the shout-out to Veronica Mars in last week's ep.
In Treatment
Although it's somewhat of a time commitment (5 eps a week), In Treatment continues to be damn fine television. Terrific acting and writing.
Kyle XY
I'm really looking forward to what happens in these last three episodes of the season. Ally Sheedy as Jessi's mom was a perfect casting choice. Hopefully she'll give Brian Taylor the smackdown he truly deserves.
Why can't we have Tom Foss back?
Other Thoughts
I miss my Friday nights in Dillon Texas. If I can't go back there next fall, I will enter a severe depression.
I now have to add No Country For Old Men to my "must-read-before-I-see-the-movie" list.
I wasn't particularly impressed with either Unhitched or New Amsterdam. I'm undecided if I'll give them another shot or not. What did other folks think?
I don't watch Moment of Truth, but I am secretly glad that the woman who was willing to sacrifice her marriage for money ended up losing both her marriage and the money... and her dignity too.
Work has been insane this week, and I haven't been on the blogs in days (which as you know, in blogosphere time, seems like weeks). A lot has happened in the past few days, and there's been some great television on as well. Here's my quick thoughts on a wide variety of entertainment-related items:
Hooray for the end of the Writers Strike!
Hooray for CBS renewing several of my favorite procedurals (Cold Case, Without a Trace, and NCIS), and for renewing The Big Bang Theory too; but how in the hell do they justify not renewing How I Met Your Mother (whose fate is still TBD). Not cool.
Last night's Supernatural episode ("Mystery Spot") wasn't my favorite episode, but it certainly had its moments. Sam without Dean is not a pretty picture; the hug at the end spoke volumes.
The previews for next week's Supernatural looked freakin' awesome.
I still haven't posted an entry in the Samantha Ferris contest yet, but I want to. Like I told Rap, I just can't imagine a "what has Ellen been doing" scenario that doesn't involve Rod and some very un-family-friendly situations. I am really digging Lost this season. I very much want Jin and Sun to be the remaining members of the "Oceanic Six."
Hooray for the renewals of Chuck and Life on NBC. I know that neither of these shows are ratings blockbusters, but they're both very good in their unique ways.
I'm still in panic mode about the possible lack of Friday Night Lights in the tv world. I am still prepared to do everything in my power to make this show come back.
I wonder why Breaking Bad premiered to so much fan fare, but now it seems like no one is talking about it.
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles finally gave me an episode I could get excited about this week. The show's ratings woes are a bit worrisome though.
It was nice to see the boys on Prison Break finally bust out of Sona, even if their escape plan was full of "oh come on, that's completely ridiculous" moments. I'm not happy that poor Sucre is going to get stuck behind. Bring on the Michael vs. Gretchen/Susan showdown!
I may be in the minority here, but I think the producers and/or judges on American Idol made the right call in not advancing Kyle Ensley (the future politician from Oklahoma) or Josiah Leming (the kid who lived in his car) to the final 24.
Battlestar Galactica returns in 7 weeks. I can't wait.
Kevin chose Scotty over Jason on Brothers & Sisters. Seriously? I certainly didn't see that one coming. I assumed that Scotty would be kicked to the curb (or to his car) once Jason returned.
It's great to have Jericho back, despite the cast changes and shortened season. I love that Stanley and Mimi appear to be a huge part of the upcoming season, and I'm psyched that Heather is finally back in town. Now we just have to get Jake away from Emily and hooked up with Heather. (Sorry Ranger! I know you're a Jake/Emily fan.)
My condolences to our beloved Keeper on the announcement that MLP has snagged JDM. That H-O-E. The new Indiana Jones trailer didn't really wow me like I was hoping it would.
On the other hand, the trailer for M. Night Shyamalan's new movie, The Happening, looked pretty cool. I hope this movie gets him back on track. (We don't need another Lady in the Water or The Village.)
I couldn't care less about Paris Hilton's brother being arrested. I could care less about who has custody of Britney Spears, and who has custody of her kids. Why is this news? Isn't there a war going on and a groundbreaking presidential election that Americans should care about more than this nonsense?
Jensen Ackles in Supernatural (like you didn't know that already!)
All right, seriously folks. All man-crushes aside (whether they be real, fake, or real but pretending to be fake!), how in the hell doesn't Jensen Ackles have a whole shelf full of emmys yet? Did you see last night's ep? Holy crap! Dream a Little Dream of Me was frakkin' awesome, as was Jensen's performance. The fact that this guy isn't recognized for his work on the show is criminal. (Ditto Kyle Chandler on Friday Night Lights, but that's another can of worms for another blog.)
Even the Sam-girls have to agree with me on this one given last night's ep, no?
Here's some other quick reactions to the episode before I crash for the night and then get held hostage in work meetings all of tomorrow morning...
I almost spit out my drink when Mama Cass started playing in Dean's dream.
Having Lisa (Ben's mom) pop up in Dean's dream was a clever touch.
Dean's blow-up at the DreamDemonDean was simply awesome.
Loved getting Bobby's backstory, but how sad was it that he killed his wife before he knew how to exorcise demons.
Kudos for the show being set in Pittsburgh last night!
For the record, I'm still on board Bandwagon Bela. However, what was up with Sam having a wetdream about her? Was I the only who found that weird? When did Sam become attracted to Bela -- the chick who shot him!!??
Finally, if any of my fellow SnObs or blog buddies out there are sitting on Nielsen boxes, please, please, please watch Friday Night Lights tonight. For me (and for the good of television and for the good of America!). It desperately needs ratings tonight.
Eric Kripke Loves Ellen! (And I, In Turn, Love Eric Kripke)
Hi SnObs! The TV Guide interview with Eric Kripke is finally up here.
Good stuff. Check it out if you haven't already read it.
My favorite part: Kripke: "...we were breaking a story about the return of Ellen when we were forced to shut down. Hopefully, we'll still get a chance to tell that story, because I do love Ellen and think she's a fascinating character in this world."
Kripke loves Ellen, so all is right with the world.
On a different note, here's something that's puzzling me: KTMB talks about the overwhelming negative reaction to Bela's character. Um, what boards is he reading (the CW tween boards?), because I thought Bela kicked ass. Was I alone in that opinion?
The Giants Weren't The Night's Only Surprise: I Liked House (uh-oh!)
If the Giants upset wasn't surprising enough, imagine my surprise when I found myself leaving the tv tuned to FOX to watch House, and imagine my even further surprise to find out that I actually enjoyed the episode.
I know I watch a lot of television, but House has never been on my "watch list." I had seen a few season one episodes and I didn't like what I saw, so I tuned out. Color me surprised to find out that maybe I've been missing something all these years. Last night's ep was really good, and I was digging the new characters played by Kal Penn and Olivia Wilde (hotness personified).
The last thing I need is another show to watch, but if the strike lingers on, I might just have to add House to the list of shows I catch-up on.
For the Record: I Liked Cloverfield. A Lot. (No Spoilers Here!)
Cloverfield: Stahl-David, Lucas, Caplan
I saw Cloverfield last night, and I just wanted to state for the record that I really, really liked it.
Here's a few spoiler-free thoughts:
-- The movie did not give me a headache nor did it give me motion sickness given the "shaky cam" style.
-- The movie really is "Godzilla" meets "Blair Witch," but the merger works extremely well. It's a great film.
-- I was very impressed with the young cast: Michael Stahl-David (Black Donnellys), Lizzy Caplan (The Class), Odette Yustman (October Road), Mike Vogel (Grounded for Life), Jessica Lucas (The Covenant), and T.J. Miller (Carpoolers). I hope this film is a great springboard for them.
-- I won't comment on the storyline, since I'm keeping this strictly spoiler-free.
-- I've read quite a few negative reviews of the film (not on this site), and while reading them I couldn't help wondering if the reviewer and I had watched the same movie. To each their own of course, but I personally found the negative reviews to be way off base. (Sure, this movie isn't the next Oscar-sweeping tearjerker, nor is it the answer to every mama's-basement-fanboy's wetdream for a bloody monster flick, but it is a darn fun movie on its own.)
-- There is a something at the end of the credits, so you might want to stick around if you're so inclined.
Anybody Catch Breaking Bad Last Night? Plus Some Friendly Reminders
Hi, all!
Did anybody else catch the premiere of Breaking Bad last night on AMC? I tuned in and I thought it was pretty good. I didn't think it was "amazing" or "the best show ever" or anything like that, but I thought it was definitely worth watching and also worth sticking around for to see where the story goes.
I could have done with less tighty-whitey shots, but maybe that's just me. What did other folks think?
A FEW FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
5 days until the return of Torchwood (Saturday 01/26, 9:00 PM, BBCA)
10 days until the return of Supernatural!! (Thursday 01/31, 9:00 PM, CW)
10 days until the return of Lost (Thursday 01/31, 9:00 PM, ABC)
I think Rev is still accepting nominations for the Fall Blogger's Choice Awards here.
The petition to tell Dawn Ostroff how much she sucks bring back Supernatural to the CW schedule is here.
Anyone jumping on board HBO's new 5-night-a-week series In Treatment? It looks like it's worth checking out. It starts next Monday (Jan 28, 9:30 PM, HB0).
The last two fresh episodes of Chuck are airing this Thursday on NBC, 8:00 and 10:00; before and after the show that makes me weep for the future of tvCelebrity Apprentice.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE:
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day, everyone. Hopefully your employers are much more respectful of the holiday than mine and granted you the day off.
Quick Reminder About Returning/New Shows:
Hi all!
I was setting my DVR schedule for the next couple of weeks and wanted to send a friendly reminder to my blog buddies of the return dates for some of our favorite shows and the premiere dates for some shows that sound worth watching in the next few days...
Friday January 11th: Monk (USA) Psych (USA) (Yay!!!)
Sunday, January 13th: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)
And coming later in January: Torchwood (BBCA) - January 26 In Treatment (HBO) - January 28 Lost (ABC) - January 31 (Whoo-hoo!!) Eli Stone (ABC) - January 31
Did I forget anything worth watching? If so, please let me know. I don't want to kick myself after the fact because no one reminded me. (hint hint)
Some Notes on "Best Of 2007 TV" Year-End Lists
I always find it enjoyable to read "best of" and "worst of" year-end lists, especially about television programs. Personally, I find it too difficult to think about television programs on a calendar year cycle as opposed to their normal "seasons" cycle which is why I don't do a year-end list myself. (I'll do a big "best of" season-end list instead this May.)
It was interesting to compare the "best-of" lists from different experts and critics this year. I spent much more time than I should have analyzing some of this year's "best of" lists from professional critics that I enjoy reading, and there are some very interesting, very happy, and very disturbing results.
Here's a quick rundown of the "Top Ten TV Programs of 2007" lists that I analyzed:
2.Matt Roush (at TV Guide) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Mad Men, Planet Earth, 30 Rock, The War, Pushing Daisies, Lost, The Sopranos, The Shield, Friday Night Lights, Showtime programs (which included Dexter, Brotherhood, Weeds, Californication, and The Tudors)
3.Michael Ausiello (at TV Guide) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Big Love, The Sopranos, Lost, Friday Night Lights, Ugly Betty, The Shield, 30 Rock, Pushing Daisies, Mad Men, Damages
4.Rob Owen (at The Pittsburgh Post Gazette) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Mad Men, The Sopranos, Pushing Daisies, Big Love, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, Corner Gas, Lost, The Tudors, Brothers & Sisters
5.Gillian Flynn (at Entertainment Weekly) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: 30 Rock, Pushing Daisies, The Sopranos, Planet Earth, Big Love, Dirty Sexy Money, Flight of the Conchords, Mad Men, Brotherhood, Andy Barker PI
6.Ken Tucker (also at Entertainment Weekly) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: 30 Rock, The Sopranos, CSI, Friday Night Lights, Tell Me You Love Me, Frisky Dingo, Burn Notice, Desperate Housewives, Life, Life of Ryan
7a.Time Magazine Top Ten Returning TV Programs of 2007: The Sopranos, Lost, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Big Love, The Office, The Colbert Report, The Shield, Weeds, Top Chef
7b.Time Magazine Top Ten New TV Programs of 2007: Mad Men, Flight of the Conchords, Tell Me You Love Me, Planet Earth, Pushing Daisies, The Sarah Silverman Program, The Riches, Yo Gabba Gabba, The War, Kid Nation
8.Kristen De Santos (at E!) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Gossip Girl, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Friday Night Lights, Pushing Daisies, The Office, 30 Rock, Lost, Dexter [Note that she actually chose 11 programs]
9b.American Film Institute Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Dexter, Everybody Hates Chris, Friday Night Lights, Longford, Mad Men, Pushing Daisies, The Sopranos, Tell Me You Love Me, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty
10a.Ain't It Cool News Top Ten TV Comedy Programs of 2007: King of the Hill, 30 Rock, Flight of the Conchords, Weeds, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lucy, The Daughter of the Devil, The Sarah Silverman Program, The Office, Andy Barker PI, South Park
10b.Ain't It Cool News Top Ten TV Drama Programs of 2007: Brotherhood, Rome, Heroes, Mad Men, The Sopranos, Tell Me You Love Me, Pushing Daisies, Lost, Veronica Mars, Battlestar Galactica
11b.USA Today ("Popwatch" Section) Top Ten TV Programs of 2007: Torchwood, Friday Night Lights, Dexter, The Sopranos, Damages, The Office, 30 Rock, Heroes, Battlestar Galactica, Lost
[NOTE: To make things simpler, we'll consider the two Time Magazine's list (returning shows and new shows) as one list, and we'll also consider the two AICN lists (comedy shows and drama shows) as one list giving us 11 complete critic lists.]
A Glance at the Numbers: -30 Rock placed in the top ten on all 11 lists (the only show with such a distinction); -The Sopranos placed in the top ten on 9 of 11 lists; -Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, and Pushing Daisies all placed in the top ten on 8 of 11 lists; (Yay!!!) -Lost placed in the top ten on 7 of 11 lists; -Dexter placed in the top ten on 5 of 11 lists; (another yay!!) -Big Love, Flight of the Conchords, Tell Me You Love Me, The Shield, The Office, and Ugly Betty all placed in the top ten on 4 of 11 lists; -Battlestar Galactica, Brotherhood, Heroes, Planet Earth, and Weeds all placed in the top ten on 3 of 11 lists;
What's Interesting? -Ratings juggernauts CSI, Grey's Anatomy and House only placed in the top ten on 1 of the 11 lists; -Other ratings winners like American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, CSI: Miami, and Criminal Minds didn't place in the top ten on any of the lists; -There wasn't a lot of love for CBS or the CW on these lists; -There was major love for HBO, Showtime and other cable networks; -There was also major love for summer shows;
What's Bad? For everything these critics got right, they all made one huge mistake: not one of these lists includes Supernatural. WTF??!! It's almost enough to make you scrap the whole thing and never read another "top ten" list again. (Almost!)
Ok... thanks for indulging me. Like I said, I spent way too much time looking at those lists, so I needed to share the results with someone. Thanks for reading!
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
To all of my blog buddies, new and old: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
God bless you and yours.
Reactions After First Episodes: Dexter and Californication
Well, I took the plunge and gave myself both HBO and Showtime as a Christmas present, so I should be able to ride out the Writers' Strike for a while checking out all of the HBO and Showtime series. I started last night with the pilot episodes of Dexter and Californication. Here's my quick take...
Dexter Considering the somewhat-disturbing nature of the show's premise, I really enjoyed the pilot ep. I have a good feeling about this one, and I think I'm going to really like catching up with this show. (Thank you NetFlix and Showtime OnDemand!). Michael C. Hall was great as a character that could not be more of a 180-degree-turn from his character on Six Feet Under. And it was great to see Julie Benz again!
Californication: Um, so, does this show get any better? I wasn't really digging it. The gratuitous nudity was a little, well, gratuitous. And I just felt dirty seeing once-little Gracie from the Nanny topless. My how she's grown.
I'll be checking out Weeds, Brotherhood, The Wire, Extras, and others in the next few weeks.
