August 31, 2006
FOXY Justice
I’ll admit it. I wasn’t too excited about FOX’s new legal drama “Justice,� which debuted last night after the season premiere of “Bones.�
Former "Alias" star Victor Garber stole the show as the head of a high-priced Los Angeles law firm.
Each week brings a new case as viewers are taken behind the scenes of high profile cases and the dirty deals that go on.
The media takes a big hit here for sensationalizing murder trials, as do district attorneys and cops, who are accused of “losing� crucial evidence.
The coolest part of the show: After the jury hands in its verdict we see whether a crime was actually committed.
Tell me what you think. Are you impressed with "Justice?"
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:16 AM | Comments (5)
August 30, 2006
You Don't Know Jack!
If you are looking for a Jack Bauer fix and can’t wait until “24� returns in January, go rent or buy “The Sentinel.�
The conspiracy theory action flick also stars Michael Douglas and Eva Longoria and was released yesterday on DVD.
Although the story is fairly predictable — a plot against the U.S. President — it’s fun to see Kiefer Sutherland barking orders, gunning down bad guys and unraveling an elaborate frame job.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)
August 29, 2006
Tuesday Afternoon Quarterbacking
Although it doesn’t stack up to last winter’s “Prison Break�/�24� one-two punch, FOX’s “PB�/�Vanished� pairing is quite entertaining.
Both shows, especially this year with “PB,� ask you to really suspend reality. For example, there’s no way a vet sews T-Bag’s hand back on. But then again, without that scene, we don’t get the memorable T-Bag line, “We’re gonna have to put you down, Doc.� Great stuff, "PB" writers.
“Vanished,� the story of a senator’s missing wife, is even more improbable and a little cheesy. I cringe every time the senator’s kids have their bratty, stupid exchanges.
There was also a small local element to last night’s “Vanished,� as we are taken to Gloucester, where a fisherman (with a very, very bad Boston accent) leaves his crew to help find Sarah, the missing wife. Apparently he knew her 12 years ago, when she disappeared for the first time.
At least the show’s producers got Gloucester’s area code correct as “978� popped up on a computer screen when the fisherman called in his tip. Too bad they couldn’t find an actor with a better Boston accent. What, Matt Damon wasn’t available?
So what do you think of FOX’s Monday night lineup?
Posted by Andy Ravens at 12:39 PM | Comments (2)
August 28, 2006
Emmy Reaction
Here’s the good and the bad from last night’s Emmy broadcast:
Good
• Conan O’Brien nailed the opening skit that had him on the sets (we assume) of “Lost,� “The Office� and NBC’s “Dateline.�
• There was a wonderful tribute to TV legend Dick Clark, who made an appearance despite suffering the obvious affects of a stroke.
• On that note, the tribute to the recently deceased Aaron Spelling was very touching. It’s amazing how many television shows the legendary producer was involved with.
• Kiefer Sutherland finally landed an Emmy after nine tries. He made reference to his father, Donald, who was in the audience and joked that now he’d have to take him out to dinner.
• Holding Bob Newhart in a chamber with only three hours worth of oxygen (in an effort to shorten speeches) was down right hilarious. Only he could pull off those priceless worried, confused expressions.
Bad
• Handing off the Emmy statue. Many winners, making their way to the stage, did not pick-up the Emmy and that left star presenters awkwardly holding the golden statue.
• Too many obscure categories sapped momentum from the broadcast.
• This year’s show, which was broadcast early, forced me to record the season finale of “Deadwood.�
Those are my notes. Feel free to chime in with your own comments.
-Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:43 PM | Comments (4)
August 25, 2006
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:03 AM | Comments (7)
Returning TV Favorites
There are plenty of new shows debuting this year, but it’s the old reliable ones that will make for appointment viewing. That was the case on Monday with the return of FOX’s "Prison Break." You guessed it. Those boys are still on the run and it’s a lot of fun.
Here now, a look at some returning favorites:
• Sundays: ABC once again goes with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "Desperate Housewives," which both return Sept. 24. CBS’ "Without a Trace" (Sept. 24) gets a new night. FOX’s "The Simpsons," "American Dad" and "Family Guy" are all back for more animated fun on Sept. 10. CW’s "Everybody Hates Chris" gets another chance Oct. 1.
• Mondays: CBS’ "How I Met Your Mother," "Two and a Half Men," "The New Adventures of Old Christine," and "CSI: Miami" all return Sept. 18. NBC’s "Deal or No Deal" also debuts Sept. 18, while CW’s "7th Heaven" returns Sept. 25.
• Tuesdays: ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars" returns Sept. 12 and the network’s hit drama "Boston Legal" first airs Sept. 26. CBS’ "NCIS" and "The Unit" are back Sept. 19, as are NBC’s "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Law & Order: SVU."
CW’s "Gilmore Girls" debuts Sept. 26 and "Veronic Mars" airs Oct. 3. Fox’s "House" is set for Sept. 5.
• Wednesdays: ABC’s "Lost" makes its much anticipated third season premiere Oct. 4 and will eventually go toe-to-toe with the vhastly underrated "Criminal Minds" (Sept. 20) on CBS. FOX’s "Bones" is back Wednesday, while CW’s "America’s Next Top Model" (Sept. 20) and "One Tree Hill" (Sept. 27) return next month.
• Thursdays: ABC’s "Grey’s Anatomy" makes the big switch from Sundays to Thursday, beginning Sept. 21. CBS’ "Survivor" starts Sept. 14, while NBC’s "My Name is Earl" and "The Office" both return Sept. 21. CW’s "Smallville" returns Sept. 28.
• Fridays: CBS’ "Ghost Whisperer" and "Numb3rs" are back Sept. 22, while NBC’s "Crossing Jordan" and "Las Vegas" won’t start until Oct. 20.
• Saturdays: FOX staple "Cops" returns Sept. 9, while CBS’s addictive "48 Hours Mystery" debuts Sept. 23.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:04 AM | Comments (3)
August 24, 2006
Parents, Kids and Television
Are you worried about preventing your children from watching violent or racy television shows? Do you use the V-Chip or another service that blocks out adult content?
Feel free to contact Lifestyles reporter Andy Ravens at 978-970-4622 or aravens@lowellsun.com and give your opinion.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 4:26 PM | Comments (0)
Racial Surviving
CBS’ “Survivor� reality TV show this year will divide teams among the races: black, white, Asian and Hispanic. Each tribe will compete on the show’s 13th edition, “Survivor: Cook Islands,� which premieres Sept. 14.
This is an obvious ratings ploy and to be honest — I really don’t know how I feel about this — I guess I don’t care.
One thing’s for sure, super liberal Katie Couric, who is slated to start anchoring CBS’ national news must not be too happy about her new network. Boo-hoo, Katie.
Anyway, what do you guys think? Does this idea offend you? Drop me a line.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:19 AM | Comments (2)
August 23, 2006
Musical Golf
Celebrities will be all over the place Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 at the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament that will feature Tiger Woods, among many others.
The golf tourney, held at TPC Boston, kicks off with a special concert featuring Sheryl Crow and John Mayer at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Mass.
Those looking for more information should visit the official Web site
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:14 AM | Comments (1)
August 22, 2006
Emmy Awards
The 58th Primtime Emmy Awards is slated to air at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27 on NBC.
Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the gala and I'm interested in your predictions and reaction.
Feel free to post away.
For more information about nominees check out the official Emmy page
Posted by Andy Ravens at 3:28 PM | Comments (1)
"Prison Break," "Vanished" Breakdown
Oh, what a night! The Fall 2006 television series got off to a wonderful start last night with the return of FOX’s “Prison Break� and the network’s new drama “Vanished.�
Let’s not waste another minute and start speculating on these two great series:
“Prison Break� was pretty much a nice re-ash of last season with a few shocking revelations. The first being the shooting death of easy-on-the-eyes Veronic, who was gunned down by the Feds in Montana. We learn Terrance Steadman, the President’s brother is some sort of prisoner. Maybe he’ll need Michael and Lincoln’s help to break out??
I also enjoyed new cast member William Fitchner, who we last saw in ABC’s failed “Invasion.� Fitchner plays an FBI agent who started to figure out Michael’s tattoo puzzle. I think he’ll end up becoming an ally to Michael. He and Michael are the smartest people on the show.
It was also great to see T-Bag still alive, carrying his severed hand in a cooler and convincing an animal doctor to sow the sucker back on. Whew.
Some predictions: Steadman will decide to finally reveal the truth — he clearly looked affected by Veronica’s death. The series showdown may well come down to Utah where that $5 million is buried.
“Vanished� looked promising. A bit over the top, but that’s exactly what the audience (me thinks) is looking for — a diversion from everyday life.
So here’s what we know: Sara Collins, the second wife of George Sen. Jeffrey Collins is kidnapped. She apparently disappeared 12 years ago and was has not always had the same name. Something fishy there, eh?
There’s some kind of “Da Vinci Code� thing going on here, which comes across as unoriginal, but we’ll give the show the benefit of the doubt — for now.
So let’s have at it. Predictions, comments and rants are all welcome.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:06 AM | Comments (4)
August 21, 2006
Breaking Out
The Fall 2006 television season kicks off tonight with FOX’s “Prison Break� (8 p.m.), followed by the network’s new drama “Vanished� (9 p.m.).
Feel free to post comments after each show and I’ll give my take tomorrow.
Cheers!
Posted by Andy Ravens at 6:09 PM | Comments (1)
August 18, 2006
Lowell to Hollywood
As promised, here’s an update on local talent “makin’ it� in Hollywood:
Lowell’s Christopher David, 13, moved to Los Angeles nearly three years ago to pursue an acting career.
Thus far, he’s nailed down an impressive six parts in independent films, public service announcements (PSAs) and television shows.
He recently wrapped up a stint on The TV Guide Channel’s hidden camera show, “Trapped in TV Guide.� He’s also auditioned for an MTV pilot show; appeared in a non-smoking PSA; and landed a role in an independent film called “Riven.�
He also recently auditioned for a role in a feature film that stars Owen Wilson. Keep your fingers crossed for this little dude.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:41 AM | Comments (3)
August 17, 2006
Leary Bashes Gibson
Denis Leary’s hilarious tirade where he lambastes actor Mel Gibson for anti-Semitic comments was Must See TV Tuesday night during NESN’s broadcast of the Sox game.
This happened before my blog went “live� here, but in the meantime, the story gained some national legs.
Check out the Leary Video when he finds out Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis is Jewish: “Where’s Mel Gibson now? Where’s Mel Gibson now? He’s in rehab, and Youkilis is at first base! All right, Mel? You happy, Braveheart.�
Do you think Leary crossed the line or was this plain, great entertainment?
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:52 AM | Comments (4)
August 15, 2006
Fall TV
Let’s talk about the upcoming Fall 2006 television season.
There are a ton of new shows slated for this season. Inevitably several will fail, but a few are likely to catch on and (dare I say it) become mega hits.
I’m busily working on my TV preview for The Sun (it is scheduled to appear in the Aug. 25 edition) and a few shows have caught my eye.
Most notably is NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,� a new drama from Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing�) that stars Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and Bradley Whitford.
The show is a behind-the-scenes look at a bad late-night sketch comedy series and early reviews sound promising.
Are you excited about any other new shows? Or are you anxiously awaiting an old favorite? Drop me a line.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:22 PM | Comments (17)