Why Won’t You Watch The Office?

I’ve been sittin at my computer for the last 20 minutes trying to think of what I could write to capture how I feel about NBC’s The Office. I happen to think it is the best comedy on TV right now. We all know that I watch a lot of TV, but The Office is the only show that makes me laugh out loud. I mean…really laugh. I came into work and tried to tell a co-worker how freakin funny last night’s episode was, but the problem is, The Office isn’t a show that’s easy to recap. There aren’t blatant jokes and punchlines. Try telling someone who doesn’t watch the show how freakin’ hysterical it was when Pam and Jim were doing the “Jets” dance behind Michael last night…the hilarity of Dwight realizing his desk had been moved into the bathroom…or the uncomfortable, but hysterical way Michael kept calling the Interns cellphone pretending to be Michael Jackson calling from Wonderland, er, Neverland. The Office just doesn’t translate well. But here I am with a huge grin on my face just thinking about it. I love this show. But why aren’t more people watching it?

The Office is a different kind of show. I think that TV audiences are used to laugh tracks and in your face comedy. For years we have been hit over the head with shows like Friends, Will & Grace & Everybody Loves Raymond. I’m not here trying to take anything away from those shows – some of the greatest comedies of our time, but they all followed a certain formula. They were sitcoms – situational comedies. For those of you who watch The Office – don’t you find it hard to characterize The Office as a sitcom? It just doesn’t seem to fit. I think this is the same problem that Arrested Development has been facing since its inception. These are shows that are hard to label and therefore hard to market. I think the networks don’t know what to do with these type of shows so they just hope and pray that an audience will find them. But why hasn’t a larger audience found The Office? It’s got a great lead-in with My Name is Earl. And we ALL know how much promotion and support NBC has given that show. Why are people tuning into Earl and leaving The Office?

I have to wonder if people just can’t relate to the situations presented in the show. My dad, a teacher for the past 35 years, never really “got” Office Space. The monotony of an office setting is something he just couldn’t relate to. Those of us who have to suffer in an office environment day after day after day know that sometimes the only way to get through the day is to make your own fun. To find the humor and absurdity in our jobs. This is what The Office is all about. It’s a window into the tragedy that is the office setting. Not everyone has a boss as ridiculous as Steve Carell’s Michael Scott, or someone as over the top as Dwight Schrute…but many of us work with someone like them. Haven’t you ever encountered a Dwight? Someone who deems himself so important to the workplace that nothing can be done without him? Someone who like to hold what little power he has over his co-workers? Isn’t this the same guy that everyone secretly laughs at? Yeah, I thought so. And Michael – the boss that is so concerned with being friends with his employees, that his responsibilities as the boss are often put aside. He wants to be the cool guy…the likeable boss. But he really just comes off as desperate and in turn garners no respect from him employees. I’ve had (have) bosses like that. And as a chick, you know I love to watch the office flirtation of Pam & Jim. It’s like a choreographed dance watching those two try to balance their office friendship with their obvious mutual crushes. Jim & Pam know they are surrounded by idiots and rely on eachother to make their pitiful jobs bearable.

So I’m rambling a bit here (but it’s my blog so I can), but my point is this – if you haven’t seen The Office just give it a shot. Just watch it for a few weeks and see if you don’t come to love it. If you’ve given it a fair shot and find that it’s not for you, let me know why.

If you’re already a fan, then you know what I’m talking about. Make sure you check out Dwight Schrute’s blog on TVGuide.com.

No Grey’s Anatomy for Me

Remember yesterday when I was salivating at the thought of going home and watching my TiVo’d Grey’s Anatomy ep from Sunday night? Well life’s a bitch and then you die. Since the Pats played a late game on Sunday, Grey’s was pushed back. Tivo only taped half the episode. And the half I saw was DAMN good. But I also missed ALL the important parts…

…although utterly distracted by the size of Abby Morgan‘s lips, I bawled like a baby when McDreamy told her she was going to bite it. Now that was some TV. But how did it end up? Did she die? Did her fiance make it in time? Ask someone who didn’t miss the 2nd half!!!!

…when George was taking Meredith’s blood, I just wanted to hug that sweet teddy bear of a boy. Perhaps he professed his undying love and smooched her right in the ER (I guess I’ll never know).

…I’m completely cool with having Meredith drunk in every single episode. That could be her thing…she’s the alcoholic intern. Damn, I have to write for this show. But I have to wonder…did she ever sober up? Did the dirty banana bag work his magic?

…and after a week of sweating over who Ronald Miller was going to choose – I had to hear about it from the Watch With Kristin posters. People on these message boards must have a personal grudge, because they did nothing but go on and on how about how good the show was. And all I can do is sit here and mope.

So I’m in a bad mood today. Why do I have to love TV this much? Anyone have the ep online? Please…I need my Grey’s fix like Alex needed his mojo.

Prison Break on Hiatus? WTF???

Enjoy Prison Break while it lasts people. My new favorite show is finishing up the first of its 13 episodes on November 28th, and then…get this….it doesn’t come back until May?! WTF? So much for my earlier post with praised Fox Mondays. Damn you!!! Fox is f-ing with my schedule because Kiefer and the kids are ready to return to CTU. SPOILER ALERT – Kiefer and his merry men are going to save the world in 24 hours!!

There is a little good news. Fox is going to air all 22 eps, so it seems that we will see Michael and the boys over the summer too. But I almost don’t care. I hate this trend of mid-season hiatus. It’s happening WAY to much. ABC just announced that Alias is being replaced for 8 weeks with Dancing with the Stars. The SpyFamily will be back after the birth of Garfleck, but I don’t want to wait that long (and yes, I’m stamping my feet and pouting). Last year I had to wait months to see Ephram’s reaction to his baby-mama drama on Everwood. And although I care much, much less, One Tree Hill took a similar break last year.

A word to the networks…You better we don’t pull a Ross & Rachel on you and find something better while we are on a “break”.

(Source)

Watch these Shows Fools (or at least Veronica Mars)

USA Today tells us what four shows are worthwhile. I’m on board with 3 out of the 4. I’ve heard great things about House, but I can’t get into it. I have WAY too many other TV commitments. But any article that touts the genius that is Veronica Mars is always good to pass along. Check out the article here.

Happy Halloween from the Crazy Kids at NBC

Holy gastric bypass Robin! How glad is Al Roker (and the people at Rockfeller Center) that he had the surgery last year?! Without it this could have been a disaster of a Halloween. But alas, Batman (Matt Laurer) and his Robin (Al Roker) saved the world once again!! Now if they could only find a way to save us all from Ann Curry….

Although I have always hated dressing up for Halloween, I do appreciate the efforts that others go through for the day. And Katie, Matt, and Al never disappoint. Nor do Regis & Kelly (but I can’t find their pics online yet).

Katie (Marilyn Monroe) – 2005
Katie (The Donald), Al (Oprah), Matt (Paris – CLASSIC), and Ann (Annoying, overdramativ TV reporter…er, Tina Turner) – 2004

If you come across any OUTSTANDING costumes, send them in. I’ll be happy to humilate you or your friends on my site.

Will & Vaughn – For Your Viewing Pleasure

The following post contains spoilers for Fox’s “Kitchen Confidential” – read at your own risk.

Praise Jesus! Fox has released promotional pics from Michael Vartan’s upcoming appearance on Kitchen Confidential. For me, the next best thing to a 3-way with Bradley Cooper & Michael Vartan, is seeing those two men reunited on the small screen. I wish I had better appreciated the Vaughn-Will scenes during the first few seasons of Alias. Thank goodness I can pop in the DVDs whenever I want…oh wait, someone borrowed them months ago, right! (kidding, I’m not in any rush to get them back)

Although I personally like my Vartan with a little less scruff, I’ll take him wherever I can get him. Enjoy the pics. And don’t forget to watch Michael Vartan on Kitchen Confidential on Fox, November 14th.

 

Will & Vaughn – For Your Viewing Pleasure

The following post contains spoilers for Fox’s “Kitchen Confidential” – read at your own risk.

Praise Jesus! Fox has released promotional pics from Michael Vartan’s upcoming appearance on Kitchen Confidential. For me, the next best thing to a 3-way with Bradley Cooper & Michael Vartan, is seeing those two men reunited on the small screen. I wish I had better appreciated the Vaughn-Will scenes during the first few seasons of Alias. Thank goodness I can pop in the DVDs whenever I want…oh wait, someone borrowed them months ago, right! (kidding, I’m not in any rush to get them back)

Although I personally like my Vartan with a little less scruff, I’ll take him wherever I can get him. Enjoy the pics. And don’t forget to watch Michael Vartan on Kitchen Confidential on Fox, November 14th.

Why Monday’s Don’t Suck (as much)

Until fairly recently, I personally couldn’t find one redeeming thing about Mondays. Having to get up early after a rough weekend, knowing that I had 5 whole days of work ahead. No thanks. But oh, how things have changed. See, being obsessed with TV means that a night’s line-up can have an affect on my day. Sad & pathetic? Maybe, but do I care? Not a bit.

Thanks to Fox, Monday’s are something I look forward to. With Arrested Development, Kitchen Confidential, and Prison Break, I can settle in for a few hours of TV that doesn’t even require me to pick up the remote.

After years of begging by Kristin Vietch, I finally tuned into Arrested Development. And I am damn glad that I did. That show is freakin’ hysterical. I have no idea what kind of crack AD’s writers are smoking, but I hope they keep smuggling that shit in b/c it’s well worth the risk. C’mon, any show with a Volvo/vulva joke in the first 10 minutes is quality!!!

Although not nearly as funny as Arrested Development, I’ve really come to like Kitchen Confidential. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to. I really only tuned into the first ep for health reasons. See, I sit in front of a computer all day, and my poor eyes are paying the price. I figured I could sooth and treat my overworked retinas by letting them focus on Bradley Cooper for a half hour a week. But to my utter surprise, I actually like Kitchen Confidential. It’s something just different enough that it doesn’t get lost among some of the other cookie cutter sitcoms. Oh, did I mention that Alias alum(?) Michael Vartan will be guest starring on an upcoming ep? Yup, Bradley and Michael…Will Tippen and Michael Vaughn…back together. You’ll understand if I want to watch that ep all alone, right?

And the show de resistance of Fox’s Monday night line-up? Prison Break. This is one of my few (ha!) not miss shows. Much like Alias, Prison Break is much more palpable when you look past the absurdity and get caught up in the suspense. For me, it has the same twist and turns that makes (or made) Alias so damn good. (Yes, I’m putting Prison Break in the same category as Alias, and as FS can attest to – that’s a big deal!). I know, I know you think my opinion is soley based on how f-ing gorgeous Wentworth Miller is, but I can assure you it’s not. He is dreamy, and the way he penetrates the camera with his eyes…damn! but, the show is “worthy” of your viewing, even without Went-worthy Miller.

So Thank You Fox for making Monday’s a little more bearable. And on behalf of women and gay men everywhere…thanks for Wentworth.

 

Grey’s Anatomy & the Dreaded Spoiler

ATTN: IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST RECENT GREY’S ANATOMY RECAPS, SPOILERS & NEWS PLEASE GO TO THE GMMR HOME PAGE OR CHECK OUT THE GREY’S ANATOMY SECTION OF THE GMMR FORUMS.

Growing up, my dad was always the guy that would spend his Saturday afternoon’s doing whatever my mom asked him to. Grocery shopping, looking at new drapes – whatever. In doing so, he missed his college football games – his favorite thing. The only thing my Dad asked was that we not turn on the radio in the car because he didn’t want to hear the scores. He would sacrifice watching the games live knowing his VCR would be ready and waiting when he got home. It was really tough to avoid the scores…he had to be careful to avoid stores with TVs or radios.  Well I am having that same issue today.

I missed Grey’s Anatomy last night (a show which is quickly becoming a favorite). It’s patiently waiting for my on my Tivo for some post-work viewing. Problem is, I have to avoid my favorite websites ALL day, or risk the chance that I will run into a recap, or some commentary on McDreamy’s choice!!! This is killing me. How am I supposed to go all day without hitting the Watch with Kristin boards? An no Television Without Pity??? A girl shouldn’t have to live like this.

Until the somewhat recent infusion of Tivo’s and DVR systems, when someone posted an online “spoiler” is meant that they were divulging information on a future episode. Since DVRs allow for delayed gratification, message board posters now have to mark post-show commentary with the “spoiler” tag, or deal with the fury! But should they have to? Should those who support their shows by watching them be forced to tip toe around those of us with DVRs, right? It’s us who should have to be careful, no?

Do you think people should have to mark post-show commentary as a “spoiler”? And if yes, then for how long? What if I don’t get to Grey’s Anatomy until Wednesday (ha – like I could last that long?), do I need to stay clear of my favorite TV sites? I don’t think I could last.

And no, I don’t need any of you jackasses spoiling Grey’s for me….just in case you were planning on it 🙂 ha ha

Grey’s Anatomy & the Dreaded Spoiler

ATTN: IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST RECENT GREY’S ANATOMY RECAPS, SPOILERS & NEWS PLEASE GO TO THE GMMR HOME PAGE OR CHECK OUT THE GREY’S ANATOMY SECTION OF THE GMMR FORUMS.

Growing up, my dad was always the guy that would spend his Saturday afternoon’s doing whatever my mom asked him to. Grocery shopping, looking at new drapes – whatever. In doing so, he missed his college football games – his favorite thing. The only thing my Dad asked was that we not turn on the radio in the car because he didn’t want to hear the scores. He would sacrifice watching the games live knowing his VCR would be ready and waiting when he got home. It was really tough to avoid the scores…he had to be careful to avoid stores with TVs or radios.  Well I am having that same issue today.

I missed Grey’s Anatomy last night (a show which is quickly becoming a favorite). It’s patiently waiting for my on my Tivo for some post-work viewing. Problem is, I have to avoid my favorite websites ALL day, or risk the chance that I will run into a recap, or some commentary on McDreamy’s choice!!! This is killing me. How am I supposed to go all day without hitting the Watch with Kristin boards? An no Television Without Pity??? A girl shouldn’t have to live like this.

Until the somewhat recent infusion of Tivo’s and DVR systems, when someone posted an online “spoiler” is meant that they were divulging information on a future episode. Since DVRs allow for delayed gratification, message board posters now have to mark post-show commentary with the “spoiler” tag, or deal with the fury! But should they have to? Should those who support their shows by watching them be forced to tip toe around those of us with DVRs, right? It’s us who should have to be careful, no?

Do you think people should have to mark post-show commentary as a “spoiler”? And if yes, then for how long? What if I don’t get to Grey’s Anatomy until Wednesday (ha – like I could last that long?), do I need to stay clear of my favorite TV sites? I don’t think I could last.

And no, I don’t need any of you jackasses spoiling Grey’s for me….just in case you were planning on it 🙂 ha ha

The Curse of the Small Network

Let me ask you this. Would Lost, The West Wing, or even Desperate Housewives get the same attention and critical acclaim if they weren’t on one of the big networks? I mean, if each of these shows were picked up exactly as they exist today…same timeslot, same cast, same scripts – everything, would they succeed on The UPN or The WB? I would hope so but I just don’t know.

The reason I ask is because I continue to be amazed at the lack of respect for Everwood. This is a great show. The stories, writing, and especially the acting are superb. I haven’t seen a drama in years that captures the dynamic of a dysfunctional family and community in such a real and true way. Yet this show and its actors are constantly overlooked in terms of awards. Is it because Everwood is on the WB? Perhaps. Unfortunately, Everwood has good company in the category of shows that are critically lauded and overlooked at awards time.

Gilmore Girls, and its star Lauren Graham, are perennially overlooked when awards season comes around. Always a favorite of critics who believe she “should” be nominated for (and win) an Emmy, Graham has yet to take home the little golden statue. And I’m afraid that there is another Lauren Graham on the horizon, and her name is Kristen Bell. The breakout star of Veronica Mars has the gravitas to go up against anyone in the best actress category, but will her home on The UPN hurt her chances at Emmy time? Until the recent success of Desperate Housewives and its stars, I blamed the lack of an Emmy consideration for these actresses on the genre. Like Housewives, and countless other new shows, Gilmore Girls & Veronica Mars, are a mixed breed – comedy and drama. However, it seems that the genre wasn’t the problem…so what is it?

The well deserved Emmy win of Arrested Development, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has shown that low viewer ship doesn’t mean low quality. Just because people don’t watch a show doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. So why are some high quality shows consistently overlooked? I have to believe that critics don’t take shows on networks like The WB and UPN seriously. So I think it’s time for The WB and UPN to figure out how to move pass this injustice and start getting their shows and their actors the awards they deserve. And start with Everwood because it doesn’t get much better than that.

P.S.
Academy – find out how to deal with the “dramedy”. Nothing in life is all comedy or all drama, and more and more our TV shows are starting to reflect that. Hell, no one would put Grey’s Anatomy in the comedy category, but I laugh more during that show than I did in a full season of watching Joey. You need to recognize and honor this shift and find a home for these new hybrid shows.

BREAKING NEWS: Wallace Fennel Finally Gets a Set

After a year of being nothing more than Veronica’s doormat, Wallace finally put Nancy Drew in her place. Congrats Wallace – you are now a man. As much as I adore our favorite blond SuperSleuth, Veronica does have a tendency to take the people in her life for granted – and no one more so than her BFF Wallace. It was nice to see him stand up for himself and ask Veronica for her help for once. I have actually been waiting for this scene since about midway through last season, and man, did Percy Diggs III deliver. He has joined Enrico & Jason as the only cast members that can hold their own in a scene with Kristen Bell.

Ok, Wallace, now that you have said your peace, pick up your phone and call ‘Roni back…b/c at the end of the day, she had your back. And how. No one will ever accuse Veronica Mars of being passive aggressive. That girl is feisty. The way she went flying across the dance floor and into Jackie’s face was classic. But was that really about Veronica defending Wallace’s honor?…or perhaps, just maybe, it had something to do with the fact that Jackie was draped all over one Logan Echolls. Hmmmm…. And was there some truth to Jackie’s accusation that Veronica needed attention from all the boys? Including Wallace? I never saw any sexual tension between Wallace and Veronica before, but that last shot of the two of them did make me think.

It was nice to see Ducan & Logan have a little male-bonding, but c’mon these two should spend less time playing video games and more time in therapy. Let’s take a look back at just some of the highlights of the last year of Duncan & Logan’s life, shall we?
* Duncan’s sister, who happens to be Logan’s girlfriend, is murdered
* Duncan’s parents think he killed his sister and frame an innocent man for the crime
* Duncan sleeps with Veronica, a girl who, at the time, he believes to be his sister
* Logan’s mother commits suicide
* Duncan’s ex-girlfriend starts dating his best friend, Logan
* Logan’s girlfriend accuses him of murder and then dumps his ass
* Logan’s finds out that his father was sleeping with his ex-girlfriend before he murdered her in cold blood
* Logan’s father also tries to kill his current girlfriend and her father
* Logan is accused of murder himself
* Duncan’s other ex-girlfriend is the sole survivor of a bus crash which kills a bunch of Logan & Duncan’s classmates
* Logan & Duncan both become emancipated minors…living on their own, at 18, with money to burn!!

So with all of this and more happening over the course of 12 months, these two kids aren’t even subjected to their High School Guidance Counselor, none the less Dr. Phil.

Finally, with all her “street smarts”, you would think that Veronica would know that it’s probably not in her best interest to place a bug (in the shape of a bug) in the Sheriff’s office. Come on V…Clarence Wiedman so called you on that shit last year. Learn your lesson…find a new approach…you’re going to get you ass thrown in jail. And unless you bunk with Michael Schoffield at the Fox Run State Penitentiary, I hear prison is no fun…especially for cute little blond like yourself.

What we’ve learned from tonight’s “Veronica Mars”
> Wallace & his mama have some issues to work through
> Veronica isn’t comfortable with her breasts
> Jackie is an evil bitch who has a lazy eye
> Lily is pissed at Veronica for smackin’ it with Logan
> It’s impossible for Kristen Bell to look anything but fantastic
> Veronica isn’t over Logan, and is willing to throw down for him
> Percey Daggs III has some mad acting skillz…and a smooth voice

Overall, a damn good episode. Check out the recaplet at Television Without Pity.

Lost Withdrawal

So after a long and especially painful day at work yesterday, I came home, cooked a wonderful meal, poured myself a stiff drink, and settled in for a good night of TV. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized that Lost was a repeat. Damn you ABC!!!! Seems that we won’t actually have a new ep until November 16th….ugh!!! Fret not Losties, you can still get your fix of the castaways. Check out some of the cast’s more memorable roles.

Jack (Matthew Fox): Party of Five – When his parents are tragically killed in a car accident, Charlie Salinger (Fox) takes on responsibility of his 4 younger siblings – oh the drama.

Locke (Terry O’Quinn): The Cutting Edge – At least once a month I come across this movie while flipping through the channels. And no matter how hard I try I am physically incapable of turning it off. Check out Locke as Kate’s overbearing father. Toe pick.
Charlie (Dominic Monaghan): Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Once a hobbit, always a hobbit. If this boy can survive the evil Saruman, you think he could handle the island “monster”. Guys. Where are we?

Michael (Harold Perrineau Jr.): Romeo & Juliet – “A plague on both your houses!”. Well Lost is in Season 2 and I still have to be reminded of this character’s name. To me, he is and always will be, Mercutio. Young hearts…run free…never be hung up…hung up like my man and me.

Hurley (Jorge Garcia): I Love the 80’s 3D – I Love the 80’s is back bitches, and this time Hurley has something to say. He’s schedule to appear on November 4th, 8th, 15th, 16th….uh oh.

The rest ot the cast have been in a bunch of shows/movies too, but since I haven’t seen them, I can’t recommend with good faith. Check them out for yourself: Sayid, Kate, Sawyer, Rose, Walt, Vincent, Claire, Shannon, Boone (RIP), Jin, Sun, Ana Lucia, Rosseau.

I know there are probably other good roles that I missed. That’s what the “comments” are for people.

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