Lost Is In The Brig
I am a big fan of Lost. I am currently watching (or re-watching as the case sometimes is) the second season of lost just to keep myself up to speed. And I am enjoying even the episodes I have already seen and mysteries that I already know the answers too.
My re-watching of season one helped me to already figure out that Locke's father (Kevin Tighe) was Sawyer's (Josh Holloway) nemesis. And honestly, I knew that Locke (Terry O'Quinn) was lying after about 2 minutes of him telling Sawyer that he wanted Ben dead.
However, as I watched I kept telling myself that I didn't want Sawyer to do it. I knew he would, but I just wanted him to learn forgiveness. I would have settled for something else (like an earthquake or Jack) to get in the way of the murder, but it didn't happen either.
It's all about the murder. I was bothered when Michael killed Ana-Lucia (Michelle Rodriguez) last year and I don't like what Sawyer did in this episode. I understand that these murders play an important part in the development of the show, but I am not fond of them.
You might be thinking that after last week's episode, maybe they are already dead, so it shouldn't really matter. Or you might think that they too could be revived like the Russian (Andrew Divoff) was. However, there were too many references to them already being dead in these past two episodes for me to really believe it. You have to remember that this is the Hanso Foundation. They have power to cover anything up. Oceanic Flight 815 didn't really need to crash in the Pacific and they didn't really need to find the survivors, for others to be convinced otherwise.
The events of these past two episodes aren't about whether they are dead or not.
We have to remember that Ben (Michael Linus) is the mastermind here. Ben could have ordered Locke's father to the island. Locke's father's death could have been faked (remember the smiling man with the IV after the car crash, what was in that bottle?), he could have been brain washed into thinking that the Oceanic 815 passengers died, then he woke up in the box.
Also, this mystery woman (Marsha Thomason) from the helicopter could easily be an "other" that we haven't met yet. I am sure that the others have the back-story of Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) as they do for everyone else on the island. So they can talk about Penelope (Sonya Walger), and even have a copy of a picture with Desmond and Penelope.
All of this happened so that Locke could give Sawyer the tape recorder. Don't you think it was awfully convenient that Ben was listening to the tape just when Locke arrived at his tent? And I find it hard to believe that Ben would let the recorder get stolen that easily. This is just another masterly planned con by Ben.
Okay, I am getting too much into theories here. But it is to make a point. I think that the story line has gotten a little too obvious. The mystery is slipping a bit. Maybe I am just upset about the murder, but it just seems to me things are a little too obvious. It could also be that I am just being conned into thinking it is that simple when it is not really the case.
Either way, just like last year, it is near the end of the season and I am losing my interest in the show again. This is partly because of the murders, and partly because of the storyline.
Labels: Drama, Lost, Television, TV
Identity Is Fun, but Too Much Skin
I really love family shows when it comes to television. And so that often leads me and my family to watch a lot of reality TV and game shows. I know that they aren't the best type of family television entertainment, but of the choices lately, it's about all that I have.
Friday nights are one night when usually the kids and I can sit down and spend an hour or two watching television together before bed. And this has meant that we watch a lot of Identity. I don't think that it is a great show, and I honestly though that Penn Jillette would do a lot better hosting. We watch, however, for the most part because it is family-friendly.
If you haven't seen the show, basically the contestant is supposed to match 12 identities (from a doctor to a horseback rider, or an Olympic Gold Medalist to a mortician) with 12 strangers standing on a stage. Sometimes is really obvious, like when the the identity is a clown and one of the people is actually wearing a red nose. However, as the identities are narrowed down, it can often get harder.
The nice thing about this is you can play along. You can make your educated (or sometimes not-so-educated) guess, and then be embarrassed or take bragging rights depending on your accuracy. I have hid my head in shame several times.
I have one big problem with this show, however. This show has too much skin. It seems that every female stranger has to be in either a bikini or strapless, naval revealing outfit.
Sure it has provided me with excellent opportunities to talk to my children about modesty. But it really is getting to be too much.
If the bikini or skimpy outfit is directly related to their identity, then I can understand it (sort of), but when a missionary, preschool teacher, and morticians apprentice are all in bikinis, I just have to wonder if this isn't just blatant pandering to the perverts in the male audience.
Let's try to keep family friendly television to at least some level of decency. Between the poor hosting by Jillette and the immodesty, I don't suspect that this show has much of a future.
Labels: Identity, Television, TV
Choice = Better Television
I often find myself disagreeing with Scott Pierce, the television columnist at the Deseret News. However, I find his articles usually quite enjoyable to read. However, he is wrong in his latest column.
While, I don't agree with the Parents Television Council's effort for more government control of television. I do agree that Cable Television should provide an a-la-carte menu. I don't think that it should be government mandated, I just wish that private industry would provide an a-la-carte cable option without force.
Peirce argues that by creating an a-la-carte style cable system then many of our favorite cable networks would disappear. His claim is that many of these cable stations make money from subscriptions. This is a complete lie. Most subscription services (magazines, newspapers, and even cable networks) make their money from advertising. Subscriptions are simply used to prove that the people view the ads are actually paying customers and not people looking for a free ride.
Of the 38 networks that Peirce lists, there are only a few that are free of advertisements. The rest rely on ads to pay the bills. They are also able to charge a premium ad rate because they can say that their viewers have a specific interest. DIY and TLC can charge more for home improvement ads, and Oxygen can charge more for ads targeted to women.
If people chose their favorite 20 channels, then the premium they could charge for ads would go up. I am sure that this increase would more than make up for lose due to subscription reductions.
Further, If you accept Peirce's premise that bulk rates are the only way for some of your favorite stations to survive, then I have one question. Why should my money go to support something I don't watch? If it couldn't survive without my minute contribution, then why should it survive.
Some might argue that if the a-la-carte style cable system would work, then why aren't they offering it. The simple answer is because people are willing to pay for bulk packages. It is cheaper to eat at a buffet and not at a cafeteria. However, there are many people who will go to a good steak house rather than get a tough slice of second rate beef from a buffet.
I don't subscribe to cable. I don't see that it is worth my money. However, if I could buy just a few extra channels, then I might consider paying more per channel just to get the best of what is available.
Labels: Cable, Television, TV
Heroes Renews It's Energy
In gearing up for last night's return of Heroes, I re-watched every season 1 episode on-line. Yeah, I have to admit I am a little obsessed. Since I did the same thing during the last Heroes drought, I have watched the pre-December episodes at least three times.
While watching these episodes again, I couldn't help but think that they had tied up too many loose ends. We found out who Claire's (Hayden Panetierre) real parents are. We had my suspicions that Mr. Bennet (Jack Coleman) was a good guy, and only the "face" of evil not evil itself, confirmed. We met Mr. Linderman (Michael McDowell), however, who he really is hasn't been revealed. And many more important parts of the story have been discovered.
I was honestly thinking that if they kept up the pace, then the show would be all over by the end to of this season. However, with this one episode, while having several questions answered, we had many new questions to keep our interest. Some of these interesting new questions are:
- Will Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) encourage his brother to explode?
- What is Mrs. Petrelli's (Cristine Rose) power?
- Does Claire need to stay in New York or go to Paris to save the World?
- Can Mr. Bennet stop the Company?
- Does he meet up again with Claire when in New York?
- Or do they end up going to Las Vegas instead?
- What happened 15 or so years ago to cause a former group of Heroes to separate?
- Was Mrs. Petrelli one of the group?
- Does Mrs. Petrelli work for Linderman?
- Who was in that group?
These are just some of the question that I have come up with, and I am excited to see them develop. I am also very interested to see what happens 5 years in the future that is so important to today, so next week is going to be another great episode.
It's great that I have Heroes to hold onto, because as of late, I have been losing a lot of interest in television. Sure, I am still watching Lost, but many of the other staples in my TV diet aren't as appetizing as they used to be.
I really don't want to get into the speculations about the show, I just want to point out how good this show is and has become. This show is so good; I even started to believe the tricks of this episode.
It should have been obvious to me that Peter just needed the glass pulled from his head. But for some reason, I was so caught up in mourning his loss (or trying to figure out how Linderman was going to save him), that I didn't really think too much about pulling the glass out of his head.
I was moved when Claire saved him and cited the all to cliche line "I guess we're even then." I just solidified their relationship in my head. Before it was just a young girl fantasy about an older brother figure. Now, it is a great uncle-niece relationship that I know will prove important through out the show, even perhaps during the next few episodes.
Labels: Drama, Heroes, Television, TV
Jericho Gets Nuked
As Jericho is one of my personal favorite new shows this year, I am upset to report that I won't be watching any more. I have said in the past there is one thing that will make me stop watching a show. I have been accused of being a prude and of not understanding real life because of it too.
Last weeks episode had an allusion to the fact that Bonnie (Shoshannah Stern) had spent the night with her boyfriend at her house while Stanley (Bradley Beyer) was in New Bern. I started to question if I should even bother watching the show then. However, I couldn't determine if Bonnie was a teenager or not. While I had alway thought she wast, I didn't want to give up on the show just then.
According to Stern's IMBD bio, she is 26 years old. However, it isn't uncommon for television to have actors portray people younger (or older) than they really are. So, I decided to reserve judgment. Honestly, I was hoping that they would just drop the issue and let me watch in peace.
However, they continued the story this week, and during a conversation between Stanley and Mimi (Alicia Coppola), Bonnie's age is hinted to. She is referred to as a teenager, and it was specified that she was having sex with her boyfriend.
I struggled at that point. I love this show. While my interest in Jericho is starting to wane, I don't want to stop watching yet. I even contemplated not writing about it today and just letting the incident slide hoping that no one would notice my hypocrisy.
However, I can't do that. If I give in on one show, then I lose and those who are determined to normalize teen sex win. So, I am done with Jericho.
Before some of you start arguing that I don't know anything about teenagers, I want to point out, that yes I know teens are having sex. I also understand that sex is very much on most teenagers' minds. However, it isn't something that they should take casually, and too many television shows are treating this as a casual act.
I am also hopeful that there is still a large number of teens who are choosing to abstain. I am still waiting for a show that emphasizes that choice, and not as some fanatically religious reason for their choice. I am fine with religion being a part of the choice. I am just afraid that the media will make it some religious fanatical reason for the decision.
I predict that Jericho will lose a lot of viewers over the rest of this season, and I further predict that fewer will return for the next season. I am sure I am not the only person who feels this way. We need to have more viewers be more discerning about the shows they choose to watch. As for me, I am done with one of my favorite shows this year.
Labels: Drama, Jericho, Television, TV
Imaginary Raines Entertains
When I first read about
Raines, I was wondering how many more talking to the dead shows we need. Then I realized that Detective Michael Raines (
Jeff Goldblum) doesn't really talk to the dead. He just imagines them.
So, then I start wondering if we really need another Monk. However, after watching the past three episodes, I realize that this isn't Monk, and frankly, I think it is a lot better.
Prior to any of the first episode, Raines' partner, Detective Charlie Lincoln (
Milka Yoba) was killed and Raines is taking it pretty hard. So hard, that he sees the victims that he is investigating as he works on their cases. He even talks to his old partner in his imagination.
He is not however seeing their ghosts. He only imagines them, and the victim's character is slow developed as Raines learns more about them. Last week's episode started with the victim all covered in seaweed and half eaten by fish, until Raines sees a photo. Then the victim becomes normal.
Last night's episode we see the victim's clothes changes as Raines learned more about her. She went from looking like a homeless woman, to a suburban mother like individual.
These imaginary individuals, however, don't tell Raines more than he already knows. Sure sometimes they help him talk through problems to understand possible solutions. However, they don't tell him anything more than he already knows.
It really creates a very interesting story line, and helps you to understand better how Raines puts the cases together. It really is an excellent literary tool.
It is a really interesting premise and is very enjoyable. The monologue at the beginning is a little too
Dragnet, but it does work for this show, especially when you take into account that Raines talks to himself (or his imagination) throughout the show.
I will keep watching and enjoying Raines. It is perhaps the best new premier among this mid-seasons releases.
Labels: Drama, Raines, Television, TV
Ugly Betty Gets Uglier
If I had posted these comments about
Ugly Betty last November when last nights rerun originally aired, I would have been a lot more complimentary about the show. That's right I have been watching Ugly Betty.
At first I was watching the show to prove myself right that this show didn't deserve to be on the air. I was
convinced that it would be a complete and total mockery of everything good. And I was pleasantly surprised.
During the first half of this season this show actually proved to be a great show about how traditional family values will always prevail no matter what part of the world you lived in. Betty (
America Ferrera) managed to always save her boss, her company, or her own family by relying on the values and morals her parent taught her while growing us. These values were either never taught or were easily forgotten by her coworkers in the fashion industry.
I was also further caught up in the mystery surrounding the death of Bradford Meade's (
Alan Dale) mistress. Who killed her? Who was this mystery woman that was going to take over Mode Magazine by revealing Bradford's involvement? It was captivating.
It was really looking up to being a great show. However, after the winter break in new shows, Betty got Uglier. Betty Suarez didn't get uglier, just the show.
We find out that the mystery woman was supposedly Bradford Meade's deceased son, Alex(is) Meade (
Rebecca Romijn). He faked his own death in order to go into hiding so that he could have a sex change.
What little I know about sex changes, I know that there is no way you can take the offspring of Bradford Meade and Claire Meade (
Judith Light), have a boy, and then convert it into something as beautiful as Romijn. It's just not possible with today's technology.
This is where I realized the real agenda of this show. It is an advocacy program for the sexually confused. Two of the supporting characters are gay. Two of the supporting characters are sex addicts. And one of them is transgendered. That's five of a regular cast of eleven have some sort of sexual issues. Seems like a high percentage to me.
This is all couched in the message of fighting for the underdog. We cheer for the success of Betty in her poncho while saving a fashion magazine. We hope for her father Ignacio (
Tony Plana) and his plight for legal status in the United States. We have heart for the differences in personality of Betty's nephew Justin (
Mark Indelicato). We pine for Christina's (
Ashely Jensen) success as a fashion designer.
However, you really lose my interest when I have to accept the transformation of a man into a woman. This is agendized television and I just am not going to accept it.
It is a blatant attempt at trying to change the hearts and minds of American's to greater acceptance or at least tolerance towards the sexually confused, I was willing to bear it for a while, but I think I have had enough.
Labels: Drama, Television, TV, Ugly Betty
Preview: The Great American Dream Vote
Is Donny Osmond ready from prime time again? While he has done television, broadway, and other media productions. This is the first time in 20 plus years that Osmond will be starring in a prime time television show.
I was actually quite impressed at how well Osmond did on Pyramid. He was very well spoken, funny (though someone cliché), and rather enjoyable to watch.
As the Great American Dream Vote is more like a game show than a talk show, I would guess that Osmond will do well in this role. I am sure that he will bring is very natural charm to the screen and help the contestants and audience (both studio and broadcast audiences) feel at home.
However, I am not sure that this show will work. We often hear about the great American dream. As I was growing up I was always taught that this dream was home ownership. And I still think that it is.
However, we are dreaming bigger now. And this show is hoping to capitalize from our dreams.
Contestants in this show will tell America what their dream is. This can be anything from building a dance studio in your basement to starting up your own private business. The key is to convince America that your dream is better than the other contestants.
First, the studio audience will reduce the vote down to the two best contestants. Then America will decide who should have their dream fulfilled.
I often speak of celebrating the stories of ordinary people. This show starts with that premise and so there is a part of me that thinks it could be a great success. However, past experiments (like Three Wishes) with helping people fulfill their dreams have proven to be unsuccessful television shows.
While they often provide people with a great feeling about society and caring for others, these shows just aren't as entertaining as one would hope they would be.
Also, I feel that the competition part of the show will have its problems. How am I going to choose between one person's dreams and another’s? Sure some choices would be obvious, like voting for someone who wants fame and fortune versus someone who needs a home with wheelchair access for their disable child. But how do you choose between the wheelchair and the infertile couple? Or how do you choose between a pasture who wants to improve his church and a homeless shelter that needs more room?
Honestly, I wouldn't mind if this show does well. It could be like chicken soup for the television soul. But I don't hold out much hope.
Labels: Previews, Reality TV, Television, The Great American Dream Vote, TV, Unscripted Dramas
The Man from Tallahasee is the Confidence Man
As a general rule, I like to avoid posts that are directly related to theories about a show. However, I found this one a little interesting and I thought that I would share it with you all.
During the last episode of lost we learned how
John Locke (
Terry O'Quinn) lost the use of his legs and was in a wheelchair. For some this was a huge mystery revealed. For me, it was boring.
I like Locke; He is in my top three of favorite characters in
Lost. And I was looking forward to this episode mostly because it was focused on him. However, I wasn't genuinely peak interested in learning about how he lost the use of his legs.
That is until I rewatched
Episode 8 of Season 1. My wife missed most of season 1 and I know that there are a few that I have missed too. So, we decided to rent the season and watch it to keep us up on things.
Last night we watched the Episode where Sawyers is confronted by Kate about the Letter that he handles so gingerly and reads with heart. At first, Sawyer claims that it is a letter he received. After being tortured by Sayid and prostituting a kiss from Kate, Sawyer confessed to Kate that it is a letter he wrote to a Confidence Man who stole money from his father, which lead to the murder-suicide of his parents.
I just realized that the Man from Tallahassee is the Confidence Man. It fits perfectly. It is almost too obvious. If it hadn't been for the two plus year delay in the connection, I would think that it is too obvious to be the case. However, I can't wait now to see the episode where Sawyer meets up with
Anthony Cooper (
Kevin Tighe). I further think that it will start tying up some interesting loose ends.
Am I out in left field on this one? Has this been obvious for a long time and I am just catching up with the rest of you? Should I just not even bother worrying about the mysteries because I am so naive? What are your thoughts about some of the mysteries of Lost?
Labels: Drama, Lost, Television, TV
Jack Bauer is MacGyver on Adrenaline
I missed out on the first season of Fox's 24. I wasn't even aware that the show was being aired. My sister-in-law mentioned it to me, and I thought the concept was interesting. However, I didn't bother watching it until the second season.
Actually, that is somewhat of an over statement. I watch about the first half hour of the first episode of the second season. I thought it was boring drivel, turned off the TV, and never bothered watching again.
That is until this season. A co-worker said it is the only show that he watches. Considering this gentleman is rather finicky about his television viewing I thought that maybe I had misjudged the show. This is especially true when you consider that the second season is considered by most to be its worst iteration.
So, I have given Jack Bauer (Keifer Southerland) another try. And honestly, it is still the same old drivel.
Jack Bauer is just the MacGyver of the new millennium. He is MacGyver with enough adrenaline to just make it stupid.
You can expect the same thing every episode. Jack Bauer saves the day, just barely. Yesterday's episode was no different. Even though he is injured enough to be in an infirmary, Bauer manages to kill three men (single handedly, with two guy as unnecessary back up), then fly an UAV out of the air space of millions of people.
Yeah!!!! He did it again. And guess what next episode, he will be our hero. Why can't someone else save the day? Morris O'Brian (Carlo Rota) could have put a bug in a code to save the day. Tom Lennox (Peter MacNicol) could have prevented the assassination of the President. But the writers can only write a script in which Jack Bauer saves the day.
Boring... It is so predictable, that I am not even feeling like I am giving away any spoilers. Just watch, next week. If Jack Bauer is there, then the world will be saved, but if he is too far away trust me doom will happen.
If this were the real world, we would put Jack Bauer as the President's personal body guard, and then he would be immortal, because after all Jack Bauer is.
It is quite humorous. It's like watching a MacGyver episode all over again. When you put it all together Jack Bauer is just like MacGyver accept for one thing. Bauer does use a fire arm, and many more weapons of torture. Something that MacGyver would die before he would ever use.
Bauer can create anything (especially if it saves his life) out of anything. He can use a belt to stop a bullet from speeding to his head. He can fly a UAV. And MacGyver was famous for all the inventions he made out of everyday ordinary things.
Also, both MacGyver and Bauer are fighting terrorists. Sure MacGyver was more against the Russians, but hey they were our biggest enemy in his day. If MacGyver were still saving the world today, I am sure it would be from the Afghanis.
I should really be making the comparison, because at least MacGyver was entertaining. But I was kid then, so it might not be as entertaining for me now.
Labels: 24, Drama, Television, TV
The Haves and the Have-nots
It really isn't too surprising that two Mark Burnett productions are following the same theme this season. Both the Apprentice and Survivor are splitting their teams up into the haves and the have-nots, if you will.
The interesting thing is that it seems that this format isn't creating an insurmountable feat for the contestants on the Apprentice, while the Survivor have-nots (Ravu) can't overcome their deprivation. This week’s episode of the Apprentice was a turn around for Arrow Corp. Both Arrow and Kinetic have spent their time in the tents (the have not situation).
However, on Survivor, the unfortunate Ravu team hasn't won one challenge. They can't seem to get beyond their problems.
This seems like a strange difference. At first glance one might think that this is an anomaly. That it is just pure fluke that Arrow Corp. was ever able to make it past the first hurdle.
So you have to take into consideration the level or extremity of the deprivation. When you get a better night sleep and have just a little more food, you are going to do better in challenges. When the only difference between competitors is comfort of your sleeping arrangements it could be easier for the deprived team to defeat the other team. You know that your situation is surmountable, so you go forward and overtake the situation.
However, I think it goes deeper than just the level of deprivation. Ravu is still not the worst team to have played the game. Based on number of losses in a row, I believe that Stephenie and Bobby Jon's team in Survivor Palau had the worst record in the game.
When you look at the four teams (okay, two of them are technically tribes), you realize that there are two things that makes the Ravu tribe different from the rest. These characteristics were the same for the losing team of Palau.
The first problem that Ravu has is no cohesion. The team doesn't seem to work together. I get the strong feeling that they don't like each other very much, and that they are just putting up with one another. The strongest connections on the team are probably Anthony and Earl. And even at that suggestion, I am wondering if that is true.
I believe that James ("Rocky") is the person to blame for discontent on this team and I personally think he should be the one to go. But that just isn't going to happen, he is too strong in many ways.
When you look at the other teams, there is cohesion. The Moto tribe has an alliance of five between Alex, Boo, Lisi, Stacy, and Edgardo. Arrow Corp. has a strong relationship between Tim, James, Frank and Nicole. And Kinetic Corp. has a strong bond between the women, but especially between Angela, Kristine, and Heidi.
The other reason that Ravu Tribe has suffered is because there is no leadership. None of the players are willing to put their necks on the line and take their tribe to the top. Perhaps this is because Sylvia spoiled the leader role in that she wasn't a very good director of the tribe, nor was she a loved one.
People can overcome any situation. The have-nots in real life can over come. They need the strength to do so, but they also need good friends and good leadership. It's a simple fact of life.
Labels: Reality TV, Survivor, Television, The Apprentice, TV, Unscripted Dramas
Don't Delay My Drama
Why all the delays?!
Heroes,
Lost and
Jericho are perhaps my three favorite shows on TV. Most Americans would probably agree with me on that list too. And yet we find ourselves having to wait for at least several weeks before they air the next episode.
Jericho's delay is probably directly related to March Madness and I can forgive the CBS decision makers for that. However, I don't understand the NBC or ABC decision makers.
For the time being ABC is keeping Lost on the air until this season is over. That's great. But I don't understand the huge delay in the middle of the season. They finally bring the show back just in time for February's sweeps.
We got pretty much the same treatment from CBS and NBC too. We had to go on hiatus from these serialized shows for at least two months after the November sweeps.
Are the viewers only worth their votes on the ratings months? Sure we have value then. But when we are treated as though that is our only value to the producer, we aren't happy.
It's acceptable to have a break in a sitcom or a regular drama, but when the show is serialized, people hang on from week to week. I have even found that it is better to just wait and either rent the video, or watch the replay on the Internet.
I have to give NBC a little credit in that they did at least allow Peter to "save the cheerleader" before they took a break. We at least got some closure. Lost, however, didn't give us the same courtesy. If I recall correctly the best that they gave us was revealing that Jack, Kate and Sawyer were on a different island. However, Jack was also told by Juliet to kill Ben. We were left hanging even more.
Well-done serial stories are great, they keep us wanting to return. This is especially true when the story lines are as captivating as Jericho, Lost and Heroes. But the producers and broadcasters need more respect for their audience.
This is a call out the decision makers at the television networks. Have more respect for your viewers. If you string us along too much, we will get fed up and leave.
Labels: Drama, Heroes, Jericho, Lost, Television, TV
Good-bye Rob and Amber
This is perhaps the best
the Amazing Race All-stars episode so far. I liked this episode simply for one reason;
Rob and Amber were eliminated.
I have to be completely honest and say that Rob and Amber are perhaps one of the five teams to play in the game. They perhaps deserved a win. However, I am glad that they didn't
I never liked them as a team because of Rob. His comments during the race were very ego-centric and self-absorbed. He knew that many of the teams were focused on eliminating them. Knowing that is one thing, but Rob reveled in it. He loved that he was the center of attention.
For the first couple of episode Rob played a good game. But people can put on a good face when the cards are in their favor. However, when they get dealt a bad hand, that's when their true colors come out.
As a brief related aside, let's look at
David and Mary for a second. When the cards were down for them, they still took the time to help out another team. While this is perhaps not the smartest move during a race, it is a testament to their character.
On the other hand, to openly try and hinder another team during the race is rude. Amber was so afraid that
Charla and Mirna could beat them to the finish line that they lied to them for an advantage. They could have opted to keep their mouth shut, but instead they went for the deception in hopes of a win.
Under pressure, Rob and Amber's real personality is revealed. There personalities vindicate my dislike for them. They aren't nice people. Sure, they will always argue that's it was only a game. But games are meant to be played with a little integrity. In this episode, Rob and Amber showed that have little integrity.
Rob and Amber are aces when life is in their favor, but when the cards are down they can't handle the pressure. They aren't beneath any action to win.
That is why I am so glad to say "Good-bye!" to them. I can't foresee Rob manipulating himself onto another Reality TV show that I watch. I hope that the Television producers realize that the world has had enough of Rob.
I wish them the best of luck in their life ahead. I don't wish them any harm. I am simply glad they won't ever have to enter my home again.
Labels: All-star, Reality TV, TAR, Television, The Amazing Race, TV, Unscripted Dramas
Heroes Twists Are Disheartening
This was perhaps one of the more upsetting Heroes. Don't get me wrong. It was very well done, and I loved the show. But I am not sure I like the direction some of the story lines are taking.
First, Claire "outing" her father and calling him to the table was great. She needs to stand up to him. I am still not convinced that Mr. Bennett is a bad guy. However, I am not convinced he is a good guy either. His "tracking" the genetically different is definitely not right. However, I think that Mr. Bennett is doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. We will see how it develops over time.
I am probably the most bothered by the development in Matt Parkman's story. Matt is in my top three favorite characters (not because of his ability as much as because of who he is). Last week, Matt steals a bag of diamonds. This really bothered me. I hope that he turns them in eventually. This episode almost had Matt turn them in, but the story gets worse.
What bothers me the most is that Matt is hooking up with people who have a less than reputable nature. I am not saying that they are the bad guys, because after all, they are fighting Mr. Bennett. However, breaking into someone's house isn't my idea about doing the right thing.
I still hold hope that this will turn out for good. However, it makes me nervous. Perhaps, this will lead to Claire's breaking away from her dad.
Another disturbing development is that Simone Devaraux died. I wasn't a big fan of Simone, but I hate to think that she died out of jealousy and misunderstanding between Peter Petrelli and Isaac Mendez. Does this create a rift between Isaac and Peter? Or does it bring them together? My hope is that it brings them together.
One nice aspect about this part of the show is the Peter has finally learned to control his powers. I don't think that he has prevented his exploding yet. However, he has become the most powerful Hero so far, and as a fan of Peter, I like that.
The last disheartening aspect of this episode was that Ando and Hiro separated. I am sure they will bring the two back together. I am sure that this is just to add some more drama, but I really don't like seeing them separate. Ando will now need to work hard to prove himself to Hiro. Maybe now would be a good time for Ando to discover his powers (or maybe he already has, who stopped the bullet?).
Finally, Mohinder needs to wake up. He is so desperate to please his father that he hooked up with the evilest character of them all. About the only thing that could make this story line work is if Sylar killed Mohinder... Oh, did I say that. I meant to say that this leads to the death of Sylar.
This is still a great show. The twists are what makes it great. It's the twists that keep me watching. I just like some twists more than others.
Labels: Drama, Heroes, Television, TV
The Amazing Race: Some Teams Never Change
I am tired of
Rob and Amber. Yes, they won the first leg of the race. However, did they do anything different than anyone else? Perhaps, they were nicer (in one instance) than some of the other teams. But they didn't do anything different.
I am not one to say that competition-based reality TV is fixed. Perhaps, it is just that I don't want it to be. However, I am starting to wonder. Rob and Amber dominated the race the first time they competed, and it looks like they will again. Is this the work of a producer to try and boost his viewer ratings?
I guess I will just have to be happy in my loving to hate Rob and Amber. I guess I could also be consoled that it appears that I am not the only one. You will notice that you didn't see any of the other teams making friends with Rob and Amber. Well,
David and Mary tried, but it looked like Rob and Amber just snubbed them.
The problem with the lack of friendliness by the other players toward Rob and Amber is that it will just fuel their fire, and keep them in the race. They need a friend or two to through them off of their game. Keep it up Mary and David; your down home, good natured attitude may just be the ruin of Rob and Amber. And the best part is that you aren't being nice just so you can win.
I am even more upset by my favorite team,
Kevin and Drew. They came in second to last. I hope that they can pull it together. It seems that they aren't as entertaining as they were in the first race. I don't know if it's because they aren't doing as well, or if they have just matured since their fraternity days.
I am still cheering for them to win (with a close second by David and Mary). However, after watching today, I don't hold out much hope.
Mary and David are continuing to play a good honorable race. It is wonderful to see the star struck nature with the other players. David and Mary are truly down to earth folks, whom America will continue to love. They too are shying away from alliances which may or may not be good. However, I think that they will earn some good will that will prove helpful later on.
It is still early, and I am going to hold of on any predictions. However, I can say that this competition is going to be fierce. The teams are all holding off from making alliances. That is smart. Alliances do not win this game. That is perhaps the only thing that Rob and Amber do right in this game.
The Amazing Race is won on street smarts, book smarts, athleticism, and sometimes just dumb luck. Right now each of teams have interesting combinations of all of those. It will be a great season.
Labels: Reality TV, TAR, Television, The Amazing Race, TV, Unscripted Dramas
George Takei Is Not a Hero
I think that use of
George Takei in
Heroes is an excellent move, and I love the role that he played. I just have to say that I am glad he is not "special." Honestly, I am glad that no new characters have been introduced into the show this week.
I have been really bothered by all the hype-like advertisement for Heroes lately. It seems like they are trying to have a tag line for every episode. And it is just too much.
"Save the cheerleader, save the world" worked for me. I thought it was unique, short, and matched the show. The winter promo, however, just didn't stick with me. What did they mean by "Are you on the list?" I would have rather they went with "How do you stop and exploding man?"
But this past week's over emphasis of "Who's her daddy?" was just unoriginal, uninteresting, and really a turn off. There wasn't the play up to finding out who dad was, and I just wasn't as invested in it. Not to say that I would have rather they drag it out. Just to hype it up without some foundation.
Along with the over use of tag lines, I didn't like the "who's her daddy?" tag line because I am tired of them adding new characters with new powers. Sure I expect there to be more gifted individual, but right now it seems too many too soon. Let me work with the Heroes that I know now. Let me understand them more. Let me develop a deeper relationship with them first.
So, when in this episode we learned that Hiro's Father was not associated with Linderman (at least for now we are lead to believe that), and more importantly, that he has no special powers (at least for now we are lead to believe that), I was happy. I hope to see future episodes with Takei, and I think it adds a great piece to the puzzle.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see that Claire's father is no one new. He is a character we already know and love (or hate, I haven't decided yet). It will be interesting now to see how these interrelationships work.
I would like to see the Heroes come together. We have seen the Heroes work together, but they are not a team yet. I want this to happen by the end of the seasons. Sure, leave a few stragglers behind (i.e.,
Niki, DL, and
Micah), but let's start getting a team together (i.e.,
Hiro,
Peter, and
Isaac).
Also, I am waiting to find out what super power
Simone, Ando, and Zach have. You have been thinking it. I know that you have, and I have finally said it. I just can't wait until they find out their powers. I am also thinking that Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have powers too. Mr. Bennett is obviously keeping it a secret from Mrs. Bennett (the brain zapped).
Okay, we may already know Mr. Bennett's power. He appears to be able to block the powers of the others. But, I am still stumped why he wasn't able to stop Sylar in this last episode.
So, these are some of my thoughts on the show, and I have been very impressed. Personally, I like what is going on. I think that it is well developed. It is providing new mysteries, while answering some old ones. I can't wait for each new episode.
Just an apology for posting this so late, my VCR didn't record the show, and I couldn't get it on the Internet until now. Also, it looks like NBC's Video Rewind has made some changes for the better.Labels: Drama, Heroes, Television, TV
Winter Preview: The Amazing Race - All Stars
The contestants for the
All Star Edition of the Amazing Race have officially been posted. And for the most part, I am happy with the selections.
My number one pick for the All Stars was
Kevin and Drew, and they made the cut. Trust me if you missed Season 1, then you are in for a real treat. These are a couple of frat brothers/friends that are funny, charming, and just all around good guys. I can't wait to see them in action again.
On a less positive note, my number one pick to
not be on the show is in the All Stars.
Rob and Amber can't seem to get enough of the spot light. Next thing you know, they will have a reality TV spot on the pregnancy and birth a new child (Before the rumor mill starts, no they aren't pregnant, I am just speculating about the future). If it wasn't for Kevin and Drew, I don't think that I would even bother with the All Stars with Rob and Amber in it. Oh well, at least this is a couple that I love to hate. I hope that are out in the first round. (I just cursed myself, and now they will be in the final three, again.)
Obviously, I am excited to see
David and Mary compete again. I suspect that they will team up with
Charla and Mirna. Maybe this grouping will prove to be better. Charla and Mirna weren't afraid to take any risks like
Erwin and Godwin. However, I think their loyalty will be a lot more like
Lyn and Karlyn. I was surprised that neither Charla nor Mirna tried and convince
Phil Keoghan to leave his wife for her. I hope that both of these teams do well. But I wouldn't be surprised to see them out early either.
Danny and Oswald got back on, and they were entertaining. I probably won't be cheering for them much, but I won't mind seeing them go far.
Joyce and Uchenna will be okay to see again, but they have already won, so I won't be cheering for them much, either.
I am not excited to see
John Vito and Jill,
Dustin and Kandice, or
Eric and Danielle back in the race. I didn't like them in their first races, and I doubt I will like them now. I guess Eric and Danielle are interesting because they are the Amazing Race's first match up. But that too is still a yawner.
Regardless of what you think of each of the contestants, this looks to be a good season. Let's hope it proves to be as successful as some of the other All Star Reality shows.
Labels: All-star, Previews, Reality TV, TAR, Television, The Amazing Race, TV, Unscripted Dramas, Winter Preview
Winter Preview: Rules of Engagement
This may sound like a repeat of my
critic of
'Til Death. However, I find it important to keep alive the discussion about media's negative portrayal of marriage.
Rules of Engagement is a comical look at relationships primarily from the man's perspective. To do this, they focus on a married man (
Patrick Warburton), an engaged man (
Oliver Hudson), and the single guy (
David Spade).
The unfortunate thing is, that while this is advertised to be about relationships, the real story is that it is a put-down-marriage forum. When compared to
'Til Death, this show is worse. At least in 'Til Death it appears that Eddie and Joy are genuinely in love. However, in
Rules of Engagement Jeff and Audrey (
Megyn Price) seem to just barely get a long. And in the engaged couple, Adam appears to already be looking to get out of the commitment with Jennifer (
Bianca Kajlich).
The only person who appears to be happy is the still single Russell, who it appears that Jeff and Adam aspire to be. However, their commitments are holding them down. The underlying message is that marriage is drudgery.
Looking at the cast, this will be a well done show. The only thing that would prevent it from staying on the air is if people don't like it. I already don't.
Media has too many negative messages about marriage. I don't wish for television to portray marriage as all diamonds and roses, because it isn't. However, I am tired of the many messages that say that marriage is nothing but animal waste and pits either, because it isn't.
Media messages about marriage should be balanced. They should work to provide a varied taste of both the good and bad in marriage.
Another problem I have with this show is the overemphasis on sex. While sex is an important part of marriage, it should be respected more than it is on television. One of the problematic messages in this show is that married sex is terrible, and single sex is great. This is the wrong message for a society where sex leads to too much out of wedlock children and the issues of caring for children in two homes, and with the medical issues that are involved.
Before ending, I wish to clarify that I am not saying the '
Til Death is a good show. I only use it as a comparison, and my preference for it over
Rules of Engagement is only because there is slightly more positive messages about marriage.
Labels: 'Til Death, Comedy, Previews, Rules of Engagement, Television, TV, Winter Preview
Super Nanny Is Valuable Television
I remember, when I was working on my Master's Degree at Kansas State University, I had thought that how it would be great to share some of the tools and information we learn about families through television. My original thought was through using a family sitcom, where good parenting practices are modeled.
While, I think that would have been an effective method for teaching appropriate parenting skills, I also think that ABC's
Super Nanny is doing a great job of accomplishing my dream.
Jo Frost is a 16 year nanny veteran who on the show works with families whose children are out of control.
Actually, as you watch the show you will slowly learn that it isn't the children who are out of control. Rather it is the parents who need to learn to take control.
One of the keys to this show is that it isn't just that Frost shows up and provides some information on what the parents show do. Instead, Frost takes a day to just observe. I think that this is honestly one of the hardest parts for Frost. She wants to help these people immediately.
After a day of observation, she sits with the parents (or parent as the case sometimes is) to help them understand what they are doing wrong. This is where the parents get a taste of reality. For some it is the time when they realize that they are the problem and not the children.
Then Jo works with the family (mostly the parents) to get them under control. Some of the important things that I see her teaching is discipline, and stick to it. Don't back down from disciplining children. This is the key to the now notorious "naughty chair."
She has also taught the importance of a routine in young children's lives. Children thrive on the known. They need to know that breakfast is coming. They need to know that they will get play time.
After at least a day, the family is then left to put the principles that they learned from Frost to work. This is the trial by fire that seems to be so important.
The key to this process though is that it isn't over there. Frost will review some videos of the family after they visited with her. Then she meets with the parents again to help them rethink what they are doing wrong.
This second visit is key to the success of the efforts of Frost. In order for people to learn something, they need to have their performance on a new task reviewed. This review process shows that this program isn't just about showing a bunch of unhappy families on the air.
My biggest concern is that there is a certain amount of exploitation of children. However, I think that this is a small price to pay for the greater good that it serves.
If you are having problems with you children, Watch this program and take good notes. You will be surprised at the changes it can make in your family. These changes won't be over night, but over the course of weeks or months.
Super Nanny is another great example of the good that television can really do.
Labels: Reality TV, Super Nanny, Television, TV, Unscripted Dramas
Winter Preview: Armed and Famous
When I first saw it I couldn't believe it. Are they seriously going to take five celebrities and train them to be cops? Okay, I could believe that. I couldn't believe that the celebrities actually passed the training course. I also couldn't believe that they would actually broadcast such drivel.
Armed and Famous trains five celebrities to be cops. Actually, I am not sure that half of these participant even qualify as celebrities, unless you want to go back 20 years. After their training they are taken out on the streets and enforce the laws of Muncie Indiana.
This show is being billed as a comedy. So here I am picturing
Police Academy meets
Dancing with the Stars. And trust me it is much worse than that. Now I have to admit, I don't understand either of those shows. I really never watch
Policy Academy, and I just can't seem to stomach
Dancing with the Stars.
However, If you like Dancing with the Stars, I think you will not like
Armed and Famous. However if you like Police Academy you might find this show humorous.
Having watched the previews available at CBS, I have to say, that I am lost for the humor. Of the six short clips available online, there were only two partially funny moments.
La Toya Jackson handling a fire arm was perhaps the funniest, but that in itself is more dangerous than funny. The second most funny was
Erik Estrada passing wind while wrestling with a trainer. And I have never found flatulence jokes humorous.
While from an ethical perspective, this show has it's problems. I honestly think that this show will flop because it just won't be entertaining. From the get go
Jason Acuña is told that he isn't allowed to be a "jackass" on the show. So, automatically, you take away his ability to be funny. So much for the comedy aspect, that is if you call Acuña's act funny.
Also, did
Jack Osbourne manage to stay sober enough to do this show? Or did the trainers just let it slide? Okay, I know that he has sobered up since the Osbourne's were on the air, and maybe I am taking unfair punches. But I am trying to point out, that this isn't your typical police trainees. I will give Osbourne some credit and say that at least he knows how to handle I fire arm. I wish that I could shoot like that.
I won't be watching Armed and Famous. And I doubt many in America will be either. This is Reality TV gone way wrong. Mostly because it has no entertainment value, but also because it just seems to be a slap in the face of ethics.
Labels: Armed and Famous, Comedy, Previews, Reality TV, Television, TV, Unscripted Dramas, Winter Preview
