American Idol: Meaningful or Just Plain Mean?

American Idol has given us a plethora of talent throughout its tenure. Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Rube Studdard and, of course, Carrie Underwood. In the past, fans knew that Simon Cowell will be a jerk, Rand Jackson will say "Yo" and "Dog" way too many times and that good ol’ Paula will be there to encourage the contestants and have something nice to say, now matter how terrible the performance.

When AI announced that Paula would not be returning this season, we didn’t’ know what to expect. When auditions began, guest judges took Paula’s place and previewed what the void that couldn’t be filled. Victoria Beckham was boring, Mary J. Blige was especially mean and Avrile Lavigne in her devil hoodie was just plain scary. Other than Shania Twain and Neil Patrick Harris, the guest judges seemed to bring down the level of respect contestants received and reduce the other judges to juvenile antics.

I know that the talent is often terrible, and that horrific performances spell ratings gold. But this season it was evident that the judges didn’t have rhyme or reason to the people they advanced. Good people were passed over, while people with personality but no talent went to Hollywood.

When we finally reached the Hollywood round, Ellen DeGeneres made her first appearance as the new judge. I’m hoping that it was simply bad editing… but her first night on the show, she was a sour-puss, not very nice to the contestants and her jokes fell flat.

Night two wasn’t much better. The talent was subpar and there are no early front runners. In the past, the show focused on the gifted singers. Those with awful voices were sprinkled throughout the auditions, but this season, they were the main focus. Group night is always stressful, but you can’t blame an individual for a poor group performance. Contestants that judges praised in the individuals competition were callously eliminated after group performances, like Matt Lawrence from the Orlando auditions. I want fan favorites and I want talent. The drama seemed to emanate from the contestants and carry over to the judges. I’m hoping that Ellen cheers up a bit and warms up to the contestants.

Paula was the heart of AI, and without her, the judges seem exceptionally cold.

Best of Tube 2009

1. Glee – Both critics and fans have been singing the praises of Glee. Producer and writer Ryan Murphy shows us he has a deep connection and understanding with teens in the underrated and glorious Popular (1999). Murphy turned to darker fare with Nip/Tuck. His return to the teen genre is a total triumph. This new hit traces the lives of the struggles of the students in the high-school Glee club. It’s a show, set to music. Kudos go to an all-star cast! However, fan favorite Sue Sylvester (a character that you don’t know whether to love or hate) will hopefully reach her champion expectations when portrayer Jane Lynch wins a Golden Globe. Glee is nominated for four Golden Globes.

2. Modern Family ­– The times they are a changin’. The days of your typical husband, wife 2.5 children families are, for the most part, extinct. Now there are parents, stepparents, siblings, step siblings and same-sex partners, many with children. Although this may sound like a recipe for disaster, Modern Family manages to combine all of the ingredients and make a comedic success. Ed O’Neil plays against his Al Bundy character and is the glue that helps hold his “modern-day” extended family together. Modern family is nominated for the best television or musical comedy Golden Globe.

3. Vampire Diaries – Oh, Kevin Williamson, we’ve missed you! Joey and Dawson ruled the Creek for years and years. Your angsty team drama formula still holds true. Who cares that the hero is a vampire or the heroine’s best friend is a witch. You’ve simply modernized the themes of love, independence and longing for a Twilight/Harry Potter audience. Viewers be warned; good and evil is subjective and who you root for can change from episode to episode. Grab the popcorn, put on a turtleneck and enjoy the show!

4. Community – Very few shows would take the risk of having the lead character be ashamed of returning to college to complete a college degree. However, when your antihero is played by Joel McHale and he is supported by a band of misfits, including Chevy Chase and Danny Pudi, you know the show is going to at least make you giggle. Make way for hysterical laughter. Our lead is an attorney whose lie on his resume ensures that he is primed to get “schooled.”

5. Bored to Death – Jonathan Ames, you have created a monster … a massive intellectual comedy. The lead character, also named Jonathan Ames, (Jason Schwartzman Rushmore) is a writer who is struggling to complete his second novel. He freelances for a wealthy magazine owner (Ted Danson) and finds support and solace from his best friend Zach Galifianikis (The Hangover). Ames has always been a detective novel fiend, so he decides to post an ad on Craig’s List for an unlicensed private detective. The wry comedy in each episode is an adventure for the viewer. If you have lost faith in comedies, Ames can help you find your funny bone again.

Men of A Certain Age Faces An Uncertain Fate

Can three well-established male television stars save a show that is pushing mediocrity at best? Watching Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) and Andre Braugher (Homicide) in Men of A Certain Age was a painful experience. Braugher was the only actor to give a standout performance as Owen, an overweight diabetic who isn’t meeting his father’s high expectations.

Owen isn’t the only troubled character. It seems that the only thing these three college buddies now have in common is a general unhappiness and state of discontent with their current lives. Terry (Bakula) is a between work actor who is teaching yoga and living life in the moment and Joe (Romano) is a divorced dad and storeowner who is struggling with a gambling problem. The show is based around their lives and relationships with each other.

Romano may be a good comedian, but his funny bone was missing when he wrote the pilot episode. He was able to set up good jokes, but the punchlines fell flat. Men might have been more tolerable as a half-hour series. The premiere did let viewers get a sense of each of the leads and what their lives entail. The show fis a bit heavy on theatrics. So, if you are looking for comedic entertainment, you would be better off channel surfing for reruns.

Braugher’s performance and a nostalgia for Quantum Leap may lead viewers back for an encore performance. Hopefully, episode two will be a more enjoyable experience. Only time will tell if Men of A Certain Age will survive a full season.

Grade:

2009 TV: Skivo Skan, Skip or Just Plain Skary

Week of 9/27

The Cleveland Show – Remember, ratings are not entirely indicative of quality … This Family Guy spin off has a few entertaining moments, but misses the funny mark. The writers have replaced a smart dog (Family Guy) with Cleveland’s new neighbors – a family of talking bears, sporting Scottish accents. The show is not my cup of tea, but if you are a fan of the Family Guy and American Dad, it may be worth a one-time viewing. Grade:D Skip

Trauma – The over-the-top first 10 minutes of the show set the premise for the season. Viewers are bludgeoned over the head with the message that being part of a trauma team is both dangerous and (wait for it) “traumatic.” Each character’s backstory is way too elaborate and inundated with melodramatic overtones. The introductory episode should pique the viewer’s interest … not bog them down with the entire emotional baggage of each character. For the sake of my health, I’m going to skip this one. Grade:C- Skip

Hank – Kelsey Grammer, we’ve missed you. Frasier was a brilliant show and we missed your presence on national TV. Then, you returned teamed with Patricia Heaton for the terrible Back to You. We had two great actors in one bad show. We were willing to forgive the misstep and open our televisions to you again. The opening episode of Hank showed that you are still entertaining, but the choices you continue to make to show your talent are not! Grade:C- Skip

The Middle –. Patricia Heaton has the role of a harried, overworked mother down to an art. Her role is not the only part of the show that should feel familiar. Casting a child who looks identical to one of the children in Malcolm in the Middle does not mean your show is on the same quality level. The only thing I liked about this show was that it didn’t include a laugh track. Maybe the producers knew before the air date that it wasn’t funny. Grade:D Skip

Three Rivers – This drama has a slight edge over the other new medical dramas released this season – it is tolerable. Not particularly good, not remotely plausible, but watchable. Stars Alex O Loughlin (Moonlight) and Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives) are likable enough. The hospital is full of high-tech gadgetry that is remarkably similar to NCIS Los Angeles. Since it is the same network, I’m left wondering if they are cutting costs by using the same sets. If you are looking to fill the gap left by ER and you want a show that doesn’t require much brain power … you’ve found it. Grade:C- Skip

Posted 10/5/09

Tudorific Series

Many of us dread the long summer months of abysmal television. We don’t want to watch Big Brother 10,000 or some other reality show. Thus, we take advantage of these months to catch up on shows we’ve missed or pick up new ones. As summer is drawing to a close, I insist you take advantage of these last few days by catching up on the three seasons of the Showtime series The Tudors.

With Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Match Point, August Rush) as King Henry VIII, history is anything but boring. Then again, with six wives – two were divorced, one died and one beheaded – the writers did have a lot to work with. Viewers are able to watch the King rise from his happy youth to a troubled adulthood. The writers also have loaded the show with enough erotica to keep both men and women interested.

It is intriguing to watch relationships and alliances build and crumble. Allies one week become nemesis the next, and then bounce back to friend again. The three seasons span more than 10 years and it’s fascinating to watch characters grow and mature. The time span also allows for the introduction of new characters who keep the show fresh.

Reason to watch each season
Season 1: Meyers is compelling as a king gaining his footing and power. Viewers become acclimated to the jockeying for position and status and learn how quickly the king’s favor can change. You will wonder who is truly in control of the kingdom. Maria Doyle Kennedy is fantastic as Queen Catherine of Aragon. Her performance as a devoted wife and a woman of faith is worthy of an emmy! Watch for a few memorable appearances by Gabrielle Anwar (Scent of A Woman).

Season 2: The king has gained his footing and is ready to rule with an iron fist and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Religious wars and wars for independence rage, while the quest for a male heir takes center stage. The second season of The Tudors basks in character development. Secondary characters in the first season take center stage. Although the cast is large, viewers get a real sense of growth in certain characters and an increased sense of greed in others. Guest appearances by Peter O'Toole (Caligola) as Pope Paul III will only increase your viewing pleasure.

Season 3: Find out who is truly in control, who keeps their wits and who loses their faith… This is the weakest season of the three, but viewers will be interested in following Henry’s potentially troubling flight.

Friend or foe, all characters should watch their heads. Creative liberties have been taken, but a quick google search shows that much of the information is both accurate and enthralling. Use these last days of summer to catch up on some "extracurricular" history before the school year begins ….

Published 8/26/09

Grade: Season 1: A+ Season 2: A Season 3: B

In The Spotlight: The Tudor's Cast Interviews

See Nurse Jackie: STAT- (TV)

Many female-led television series struggle to have viewers connect with their lead. It is tricky to make a woman strong, passionate and conflicted, and compelling enough for viewers to rally behind week after week. You need a character that people want to watch. Edie Falco (Carmela, Sopranos) is exemplary in that role in the wry, dark-dramedy Nurse Jackie.

From the opening scene, where Falco is lying on the floor of the hospital, we know that this will be a different kind of show. Jackie, an experienced nurse at a New York hospital, struggles to get through her hospital shifts. Falco draws in the viewers, by being a tough-as-nails nurse, who knows exactly what she’s doing. She has no problem telling the young, new Dr. Cooper (played by Peter Facinelli from Damages) when he makes a mistake.

Falco is adept at playing a dual role. She is a healer, but she is flawed and has the potential to harm herself and others. Jackie suffers from back pains and is addicted to painkillers and finds creative and entertaining ways to get her “fix.”

Showtime has given her entertaining supporting actors. She mentors a new nurse and confides in her two friends, an acerbic male nurse and a fashionista doctor. Jackie works her way in and around the system to make sure all of the patients receive the care they “deserve.”

Jackie’s nuanced performance in the first episode gives the double-whammy surprise ending an even more powerful punch. The second episode does not disappoint either. We find out that her coworkers are also, in many instances, he coconspirators. In both episodes Jackie’s authoritative role in the hospital is a bit implausible, but watching her say exactly what is on her mind to the higher-ups, while advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves, make this show a guilty summer pleasure (Showtime).

Grade: B+

HBO Captures Manila’s Harshest Ring Tones

It's gonna be a chilla, and a killa, and a thriller, when I get the Gorilla in Manila, Muhammad-Ali said in 1974. What was once billed as the sports-marketing campaign for the third and final boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier turned out to be the last straw in both boxers’ tumultuous relationship. HBO's has hit a homer with the critically acclaimed sports documentary Thrilla in Manila. The film vividly recaptures the pandemonium behind one of boxing’s fiercest and most heralded rivalries of all-time – Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali.

Manila played host to one of the most gruesome televised sporting contests of all of time. Director John Dower portrays Muhammad Ali as the sole perpetrator behind the feud with Frazier that escalated during the course of three vicious battles between 1971 and 1975. Frazier is depicted as the victim who was maliciously ambushed by his former friend. The film reveals that Smokin’ Joe never forgot Ali’s smear campaign, which tarnished his professional boxing career. At the crux of their dispute, devout Muslim Ali scorned Frazier for hiring a boxing promotion team that he believed was controlled by the “white man.” (This turned out to be a fallacious argument.)

The documentary superbly illustrates how Ali turned on Frazier after regaining his boxing license. Thrilla strategically blends poignant archived television interviews and press conferences to show the depth of Ali’s vicious crusade to character assassinate Frazier. His smear campaign included referencing Joe as a “gorilla,” an “uncle tom” and dim-witted. Dower’s documentary shows how the former Nation of Islam leader Abdul Rahman recruited and taught Ali to believe that all white men were “blue-eyed-devils.”

In an ironic twist of fate, the documentary accurately illustrates that each fighter still anguishes 35 years later from the wounds inflicted both in and out of the ring. To this day, Ali remains a world-renowned public figure who has grossed more than $50 million in endorsement deals. But his life has been greatly diminished due to his progressive case of Parkinson’s disease.

Meanwhile, HBO Films finds Frazier confined to a small backroom in his private gym serving as a youth boxing trainer in the ghetto district of Philadelphia. Thrilla reveals Frazier is still embittered by his ordeal in Manila and basks in glory at the notion that his punishment may have contributed to Ali’s illness. “He’s paying for what he did ... and then some,” Frazier said with devilish smile.

During their three highly anticipated fights, Both Ali and Frazier managed to each convincingly win a match. HBO’s 90-minute documentary provides some evidence that Ali garnered newfound respect for Frazier after both fighters savagely fought through 14 grueling rounds of boxing in their third match. The documentary reveals a quote from Ali’s post-game victory press conference, “he’s (Frazier) tough, I would want him to fight alongside me in a holy war.” This commentary may offer some insight that Ali deeply lamented his behavior toward Frazier.

HBO’s documentary is one of the best sports documentaries in recent history because it reintroduces us to two men, Ali and Frazier, who still have a major score to settle outside of boxing. Dower’s documentary provides evidence to viewers that both former heavyweight prizefighters must resolve their differences outside the ring for them to recapture what may be the essence of a true champion.
Grade: A+
By Aaron Malofsky

In The Spotlight: Thrilla in Manila (HBO Documentary)

Thrilla in Manila
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