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Jenny’s This Week on TV
Welcome to a new week for This Week on TV! Things are definitely slowing down in the world of TV. Only a handful of new episodes each night from now until the new shows start up in January. But that’s a good thing for my DVRs! heh Let’s see what’s happening this week!
Sunday is the season finale of Dexter on Showtime at 9/8c. Lundy and the FBI settle the case of the Bay Harbor Butcher; Dexter’s world becomes an inferno.
Also tonight is the 3-hour season finale and reunion special of Survivor on CBS starting at 8/7c. Who will take it home? I dunno and frankly, at this point, not sure I care. Todd, I guess. Only cause I don’t like him the least. lol
Finally, tonight is the 90-minute SERIES finale of Extras on HBO at 9/8c. After becoming the star of a lowbrow sitcom, Andy discovers success is not what it seems.
Also on tonight:
- *Series Finale* – Extras – HBO @ 9/8c (90-Minute Series Finale)
- *Season Finale* – America’s Most Smartest Model – VH1 @ 9/8c
- *Season Finale* – Dexter – Showtime @ 9/8c
- *Season Finale* – Survivor – CBS @ 8/7c (3-Hour Season Finale & Reunion Special)
- *Sports* – Football Night in America – NBC @ 7/6c
- *Sports* – Sunday Night Football: Washington at New York Giants – NBC @ 8:15/7:15c
- *New* – American Dad – FOX @ 9:30/8:30c (Last New Episode of 2007)
- *New* – America’s Funniest Home Videos – ABC @ 7/6c
- *New* – CW Now – CW @ 7/6c
- *New* – Extreme Makeover Home Edition – ABC @ 8/7c
- *New* – King of the Hill – FOX @ 8:30/7:30c (Last New Episode of 2007)
- *New* – Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood – E! @ 10:30/9:30c
- *New* – The Girls Next Door – E! @ 10/9c
- *New* – The Shot – VH1 @ 10/9c
- *New* – The Simpsons – FOX @ 8/7c (Last New Episode of 2007)
Jason Dohring Talks MOONLIGHT
By: Amrie Cunningham
Readers of theTVaddict.com, and my column in particular [My Take on TV], know that there are few things I enjoy more than watching Jason Dohring do his thing (eating pizza from Frank’s in Lansdale, swooning over a certain Piemaker, and sleeping are probably the only three things that might tie for top 4 activities). Cut to me, trying to hold back on the gushing over Mr. Dohring on a great, informal conference call to celebrate new episodes of his show (one of my favorites this season), Moonlight. As fabulous on the phone as he is in person, Jason spent some time answering questions about the difference between Josef and Logan, the possibilities of some lovin’ for his character, the truly terrifying, albeit unconventional, fear he has, and how he prepares for a role.
How is the experience on Moonlight different from your experience on Veronica Mars?
Yeah, there’s a couple things I guess. The characters are obviously a bit different. You know, I think, they both have really interesting stories. Josef was kind of the expansion of a character, it’s like the 400 years aspect, as we’ll find more about as the story unfolds. There’s so much history. As an actor, each new script that comes out, you kind of add to that. You don’t know beforehand, when you first started, what your history is, but you sort of learn as you do it. You’re sort of picking that up and putting that in your character as you go. So I think it adds more to the storyline like that. And I think, just being on CBS is quite a bit different. It’s a bigger cast. You’re at Warner Bros which is quite close to my house so I don’t have to trek down to San Diego, which is kind of nicer. Just those two aspects more than anything else.
Do you know if the show will be delving more into his past, more of his past loves and how he managed to become so successful?
Absolutely. I think the successful thing [came] more in the first episode, with the hedge fund trader, and the real estate. In the episode this Friday, you find out basically why he’s always concerned about Mick dating humans and being with humans, like what is that? There’s basically a personal reason that Josef’s gone through. I don’t know if it’s proper or whatever, but I always kind of take the idea that maybe Josef has gone through what Mick’s going through. Maybe one time he was a good person, and you’ll sort of see glimpses of that, you know, with my former hairstyle, and my really nice suit in New York in this week’s episode.
Amrie’s Take on TV: Best Actors of 2007
Here we are, three weeks from the end of 2007. Feels like the year flew by, doesn’t it? Is it too early to start talking bests and worsts, favorites and least favorites? If it is, who cares ha, let’s discuss, shall we?
In the first of a three part column, I want to talk about my favorite actors and the characters they played in 2007. I’m sure I’m missing some of your favorites; hell, I’m missing some of my own favorites, but I had to narrow it down or the list would never end!
Michael C. Hall, Dexter Morgan, DEXTER
Can you imagine any other actor playing Dexter? Michael C. Hall is funny. And attractive. And endearing. I love this character. No matter how deeply disturbing, or dark, the character and show are, I am completely intrigued, enlightened, obsessed, you name the word of praise, I’ve used it to express my feelings about it. Just today, I asked my roommate Colleen why I was so incredibly “on his side”, meaning, why do I root for Dexter? Plain and simple, it’s the person playing him. I wouldn’t have any interest in relating to him if it wasn’t for the beautiful and fractured and breathtaking way MCH plays it.
Matthew Fox, Jack Shephard, LOST
I watched Party of Five. I know Matthew Fox had a lot of meaty storylines to work with, what with Daphne the pregnant stripper and all of the Kirsten problems. But I didn’t realize that when Lost started in 2004 that Matthew Fox as Jack would blow me away on a constant basis. He’s damaged. He’s angry. He’s sad. He’s jealous. He’s gullible and vulnerable and full of doubt and extremely stubborn. When he cries, I want to cry. When he’s fired up, I’m fired up. His intensity keeps me hooked. When the show wasn’t working for me, Matthew Fox still was. And he’s super hot, am I right?
Kyle Chandler, Coach Eric Taylor, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Coach Eric Taylor is hands down my favorite character in the history of my TV obsession (and that’s saying a whole lot. I’ve been hooked on TV since before I can remember. Lots of characters have come into my life in that time)! He’s full of love for his family, for his team, for his town. When he took the job in Austin, I was with his family as they counted the seconds until he returned to Dillon. His marriage to Tami Taylor is the stuff of which dreams are made. They fight, but deep down there’s a true bond and I learn more from watching these characters than any other TV marriage we’ve seen in recent years. He doesn’t always know the right things to say, but he finds a way to say them. I don’t have enough good things to say about him. He’s the best.
Jenny’s This Week on TV
Welcome to a new week for This Week on TV! Weeee! Only a few weeks til Christmas. I’m so excited! Christmas takes on a whole different feel when you have kids. For me, I enjoy giving my son gifts so much more than I enjoy getting them myself. We have some BIG gifts for him this year so I can’t wait to see his face when he opens up the boxes on Christmas day. Speaking of Christmas, let’s see what’s on the plate for this week on TV because new episodes of my favorite shows are just like gifts to me!
Sunday is the season premiere of The Girls Next Door on E! at 10/9c. It’s Independence Day at the mansion. What will the women get into now?
Tonight is also the series premiere of Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood on E! at 10:30/9:30c. The rapper’s family life is seriously funny business; the doors of the Dogg Pound will be thrown open wide. hah
If you were a fan of Saved By the Bell and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, check out Holiday in Handcuffs, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. It’s on ABC Family at 8/7c and is about a waitress that kidnaps a customer and forces him to pretend to be her beau to fool her parents. I adore both of them, so I can’t wait!
Also on tonight:
- *Series Premiere* – Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood – E! @ 10:30/9:30c
- *Season Premiere* – The Girls Next Door – E! @ 10/9c
- *Special* – Holiday in Handcuffs – ABC Family @ 8/7c (2-Hour TV Movie)
- *Sports* – Football Night in America – NBC @ 7/6c
- *Sports* – Sunday Night Football: Indianapolis at Baltimore – NBC @ 8:15/7:15c
- *New* – American Dad – FOX @ 9:30/8:30c
- *New* – America’s Funniest Home Videos – ABC @ 7/6c
- *New* – America’s Most Smartest Model – VH1 @ 9/8c
- *New* – Cold Case – CBS @ 9/8c (Last New Episode of 2007)
- *New* – CW Now – CW @ 7/6c
- *New* – Dexter – Showtime @ 9/8c
- *New* – Extreme Makeover Home Edition – ABC @ 8/7c
- *New* – King of the Hill – FOX @ 8:30/7:30c
- *New* – Life Is Wild – CW @ 8/7c (Last New Episode of 2007)
- *New* – Shark – CBS @ 10/9c (Last New Episode of 2007)
- *New* – The Amazing Race – CBS @ 8/7c
- *New* – The Shot – VH1 @ 10/9c
The TV Addict Saves HEROES
Suffice to say, if there’s one positive that fans can take away from this unfortunate WGA strike, it’s that showrunner Tim Kring and his team will have a nice long break to really think about where they’ve taken HEROES and how their once thrilling, surprising and highly enjoyable series suffered from an infection far more lethal than the Shante Virus — the dreaded sophomore slump.
Yet rather than go on a viscous and lengthy rant about how dreadful last night’s finale was [and believe me, I’ve got a long list of issues]. This TV Addict thought he’d lend Tim Kring a hand and offer up some solutions to ensure that HEROES Volume III doesn’t [for lack of a better word] suck.
Problem #1: The Blood
The fact that Claire’s blood has been proven to save virtually every gun shot victim’s life [see HRG] has completely robbed the show of two things integral to HEROES first season success: Suspense and danger. What could have been a fantastic final moment to last night’s episode becomes completely pointless when you quickly realize that Claire’s blood can so easily save Nathan’s life. Even after multiple gun shot wounds.
Solution: Kill Claire
Claire’s death will completely revitalize the show. Not only will it turn HRG into a seriously angry and vengeful father [translation: Baddass]. It will get rid of the deadweight known as HRG’s family and allow for writers to easily kill off lame and uninteresting Heroes that simply aren’t working. How disappointed were you that Claire’s blood saved Maya’s life last night? Do we really need Maya dragging down Volume III?
Problem #2: Elle
When the book is closed on HEROES, the show’s biggest crime may in fact be what it did to Kristen Bell’s career. Who’d have thought a show could so quickly evaporate the coolness of Veronica Mars. Paging Rob Thomas Stat!
Solution: Kill Bob
In a recent interview with TV Guide, Tim Kring had this to say about Elle saving Mohinder, Maya and Molly from Sylar in last night’s finale. “Kristen Bell gave us the perfect reaction in that scene. For a moment there, Elle sees she’s been given an opportunity to use her powers in a good way. And she absolutely likes the sound of that word ‘hero.'”
Our reaction. A villainous Kristen Bell is far more entertaining. The HEROES writers should be using Elle to get rid of her ‘father’ Bob. It’s time for Elle to stop acting like a teenager and take control of her life. Let’s have Elle take over The Company, team up with Sylar and create a school for super villains. It’s time the Heroes face a genuine threat. Not an ominous faceless company, or a virus nobody can comprehend.
Jenny’s This Week on TV
Welcome to a new week for This Week on TV! Welcome also to the first week of December! Let’s see what’s on this week, ok? (Btw, thanks to tedder for the info on the new shows I’m putting in!)
Sunday is a night of great specials and finales. First up is a great 2-hour tv movie called Pictures of Hollis Woods on CBS at 9/8c. It’s about a 12-year-old girl who lives her life in the foster care system until she meets a former art teacher who understands her and gives her unconditional love. It stars Alfre Woodard (Betty Applewhite on Desperate Housewives), James Tupper (Jack on Men in Trees!), Sissy Spacek, Jodelle Ferland (from the movie Silent Hill and guest star on quite a few shows, such as Stargate SG-1 as Adria at age 7) & Ridge Canipe (a young Dean on Supernatural).
Next is the 1-hour Comedy Central special, Comedy Central’s Last Laugh ’07 starring Lewis Black, at 10/9c. Comics reflect on the past year; hosted by Lewis Black.
The last special tonight is the first 2-hours of the 3-part mini-series on SciFi called Tin Man at 9/8c. From The Futon Critic: “A sometimes psychedelic, often twisted and always bizarre take on ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ SCI FI’s Tin Man is the epic tale of DG, a young woman plucked from her humdrum life and thrust into The Outer Zone (the O.Z.) – a fantastical realm rife with wonder, but oppressed by dark magic. In the adventure of a lifetime, DG discovers her true identity, battles evil winged-monkey-bats, and attempts to fulfill her destiny. Her perilous journey begins on the fabled Old Road that leads to a wizard known as the Mystic Man. Along the way, she is joined by a decidedly strange trio of companions – “Glitch,” an odd man missing half his brain; “Raw,” a quietly powerful wolverine-like creature longing for inner courage, and “Cain,” a heroic former policeman (who are known in the O.Z. as “Tin Men”) seeking vengeance for his scarred heart. Ultimately, DG’s destiny leads her to an emotional and terrifying showdown with the scintillatingly wicked sorceress Azkadellia, whose ties to DG are closer than anyone could have imagined. DG’s life, as well as the very future of the O.Z., hang in the balance.” This should be awesome. I’ve heard it described as a combination of Battlestar Galactica, Heroes and Pushing Daisies. haha Excellent!
Also on tonight:
- *Season Finale* – Brotherhood – Showtime @ 10/9c
- *Season Finale* – Keeping Up with the Kardashians – E! @ 10:30/9:30c
- *Special* – Comedy Central’s Last Laugh ’07 – Comedy Central @ 10/9c (1-Hour Special)
- *Special* – Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project – HBO @ 8/7c (90-Minute Special)
- *Special* – Pictures of Hollis Woods – CBS @ 9/8c (2-Hour TV Movie)
- *Special* – Tin Man – SciFi @ 9/8c (2-Hour 1st Part of 3-Part MiniSeries)
- *Sports* – Football Night in America – NBC @ 7/6c
- *Sports* – Sunday Night Football: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – NBC @ 8:15/7:15c
- *New* – American Dad – FOX @ 9:30/8:30c
- *New* – America’s Funniest Home Videos – ABC @ 7/6c
- *New* – America’s Most Smartest Model – VH1 @ 9/8c
- *New* – Brothers & Sisters – ABC @ 10:01/9:01c
- *New* – CW Now – CW @ 7/6c
- *New* – Desperate Housewives – ABC @ 9/8c
- *New* – Dexter – Showtime @ 9/8c
- *New* – Extreme Makeover Home Edition – ABC @ 8/7c
- *New* – Life Is Wild – CW @ 8/7c
- *New* – The Amazing Race – CBS @ 8/7c
- *New* – The Shot – VH1 @ 10/9c
Great News for JOURNEYMAN Fans
Aint It Cool News has some great news for JOURNEYMAN fans. Contrary to the rumors, NBC will indeed air the 12th [and possibly] final episode of the show on Wednesday December 19th at 10PM. Explained JOURNEYMAN Mastermind Kevin Falls in an email to AICN, “There’s still no news on our long term future, but we can promise you this: three terrific episodes inside of ten days. Oh, yeah, and you’ll get some answers, too” Falls added, “But don’t rest. We need you. We want a back nine–and beyond.”
So JOURNEYMAN fans, the proverbial ball it seems is in your court. What’s next? What’s the plan? Aside from pleading with friends, family and relatives — how are you going to help spread the word that JOURNEYMAN is this season’s best new show that nobody’s watching.” 
Channel Surfing with C.T.
That’s it. I quit. I’m fed up with LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIM UNIT. What finally pushed me over the edge? The fact that last night’s episode might just as well have been GREY’S ANATOMY. First, Stabler questioned the paternity of his soon-to-be-born child (because, of course, the case he was working involved an illegitimate kid) and then the entire last act involved his wife giving birth. Of course, she only did so after being in a car accident… with Olivia. Did I mention that Olivia then saved her life and practically delivered the child? I officially have an opening in my Tuesday night schedule.
I’m a week behind on PROJECT RUNWAY, so forgive me for only just now fawning over Sarah Jessica Parker’s appearance. Is it just me, or would she be an excellent choice to host the show should Heidi Klum decide to focus on being a mom? I have to say, however, that I disagreed with the judge’s final decision as to who to send packing. I laughed when Heidi actually said of Marion’s Pochahontusy dress, “You have left us very sad.” I can’t imagine what watching the nightly news would do to those poor judges! But come on… Marion’s sadness-inducing garb was at least inventive and kinda cool. Christian’s dress, on the other hand, had only one thing going for it: that electric blue fabric. The jacket was just ugly and didn’t go with the dress at all, which would seem to be the point of an assignment in which you were asked to make a two-piece look. In any case, I will say right now, on the record, that I would kill or die to have SJP be my new best friend. Who’s gonna step up to the plate and make that happen?
Why was last week’s episode of UGLY BETTY so… blah? There were a few amusing moments, and Daniel’s ultimate solution to the cover problem was lovely and emotional, but overall, the episode felt flat at best and at worst — whenever Eliza Dushku was on screen, for example — almost annoying. For some reason, the entire hour felt as if it lacked heart, which is the very essence of the show. Is that really the best way to head into a post-sweeps rerun period?
Exclusive Interview: THE UNIT Star Abby Brammell
By: Amrie Cunningham [My Take on TV]
I’ll be the first to admit that the only reason I started watching The Unit was because it featured 24’s President Palmer and Felicity’s Noel Crane working side by side as members of a secret government organization . I have to say, though, that what keeps me coming back is the story of the wives and how they deal with their lives as a part of The Unit.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Abby Brammell, who plays Tiffy Gerhardt (one of my favorites, second only to the amazing Regina Taylor’s Molly Blane). We spoke for a few minutes about what’s coming up for Tiffy, who Abby would choose (the Colonel or Mack), and what she does in her downtime.
My first question is what about Tiffy made you want to play this character?
She’s so troubled. I really gravitate towards the troubled, soul-searching character. I really like she was caught up in the affair and she was struggling with right and wrong. And also that she’s married to a soldier. That seemed really fantastic to me. I’ve always loved the kind of archetype of the warrior, so to be a warrior’s lady, is like pretty great, too.
It seems like it’s not an easy role to play, which I’m sure gives you a lot of rewarding challenges.
You have to kind of let go of what you think is right and wrong, and really just deal with trying to love your character. And accept them for who they are with all of the terrible mistakes they make. And not judge them. You really can’t judge your characters; you just have to love them and try to portray them as honest as possible. It’s hard.