TERMINATOR’s Creator Addresses SARAH CONNOR Issues

With the showrunners of our favorite shows back at work today, some aren’t wasting too much time addressing the strike and reaching out to the fans. Such is the case with TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Creator/Executive Producer Josh Friedman.Friedman posted a blog tonight for fans of the show acknowledging some of the key players that kept the show going throughout the strike including James Middleton, the show’s consulting producer who took over the day to day operations of the show while the show’s Executive Producers (who are also writers) were on the picket lines.

But Friedman goes a bit further in his blog and acknowledges some of the issues that fans have raised during the show’s short tenure including comparisons to the Terminator movie lore and with the lead actress herself, Lena Headey.

“I would also like to mention that anyone who thinks Lena Headey isn’t big enough or tough enough to play Sarah Connor has not had the unpleasant surprise of been punched by her. ” says Middleton. “I have—and I can only hope that someday each and every one of her doubters can experience her qualifications in this very clear and personal way.”

Friedman acknowledges that although he hasn’t been actively promoting the show during the strike he has been keeping up with the blog posts, message boards, chat rooms, etc.  I personally find that to be extremely dangerous ground for a showrunner and writer who isn’t actively working.  Let’s hope that Friedman won’t be negatively influenced by fans in these forums and sticks to his vision of the series.  Good or bad he should own this and not let the fans have too much of a say…we aren’t always right (although let’s face it, we often are).

I live for this stuff.  As much as I love television, I equally love the insight on what’s going behind the scenes.  I look forward to more of Josh Friedman’s blog posts, and hopes ke continues to fill us in on the word of Sarah Connor.

To read Josh’s full blog post, click here.

Questions for Josh Friedman and the TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES team?
Since comments can’t be left for Josh on his blog, if you have any questions or comments, about TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, feel free to leave a comment here or email me at info(at)givememyremote(dot)com and I will be sure that your questions make their way to Josh.

AMERICAN IDOL Top 24…Kind Of

[UPDATE] If you are looking to find out who made it into the AMERICAN IDOL Top 24, check out the following links to find out:

• Here are Your Top 24 AMERICAN IDOL Contestants
• AMERICAN IDOL Top 12 Girls
• AMERICAN IDOL Top 12 Guys

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ABC Renews PUSHING DAISIES, SAMANTHA WHO? and More for ’08

ABC President Stephen McPherson made the formal announcement today that ABC has picked up it’s four freshman series for the 2008-09 season. That means that PUSHING DAISIES, SAMANTHA WHO, DIRTY SEXY MONEY and PRIVATE PRACTICE will all be back next year after an abbreviated season.

Other shows that got the early pick up were LOST, GREY’S ANATOMY, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, UGLY BETTY and BROTHERS & SISTERS.  (wow Lost and Grey’s Anatomy are going to be back next season…shocker 😉

More on Returning Shows After the Strike

With the WGA strike nearing the end, the big question now is what will this mean for the remainder of the TV season. There’s been all kinds of speculation about which shows will and won’t return this year with new episodes. Favorites like THE OFFICE and 30 ROCK will definitely be back and may have as many as ten new episodes. Dramas like GREY’S ANATOMY and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES have also confirmed new eps for this season. But not all the shows will be back. Check out this list to get a sense as to where some shows might end up after the strike: When Will My Shows Be Back After the Strike?

E!’s Watch With Kristin team – Kristin Dos Santos, Korbi Ghosh and Jennifer Godwin – have been pounding the pavement and getting the scoop on when show’s will return right from the Executive Producers. Here’s a few updates on some of TV’s most popular shows.

Pushing Daisies
If you are a fan of PUSHING DAISIES, then be sure to stay tuned to ThePieMaker.com for all the latest PUSHING DAISIES news and gossip about the strike and beyond. Creator Bryan Fuller has said the show won’t be coming back this season, and we learned today that the writers won’t be back as soon as we all hoped either. Read on…The Strike is Over! What’s Next For Pushing Daisies?

LOST
Executive Producer, Damon Lindelof
“All I can say is that Carlton and I and the rest of the writers have every intention of making sure you guys get more episodes this season beyond the eight already completed. How many and how they will be aired is a conversation we’ll be having with our bosses, but as soon as we’ve got a plan, we’ll tell the fans first.”

CHUCK & GOSSIP GIRL
Executive Producer, Josh Schwartz
“Both shows will be back for more episodes—when, I can’t quite say, though Gossip Girl will most likely be on as soon as possible. Chuck may not be back until fall to relaunch with Heroes, or it may be back sooner, but both will be back!”

SUPERNATURAL
Executive Producer, Erik Kripke
“I would say we can probably get three, maybe four episodes in the can. I think three is the safe number to say probably. So, I hope so…I just hope. Obviously we all love the show and want to get back to work!”

Check out the latest of what the WWK team is hearing about other favorites like GREY’S ANATOMY, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, THE OFFICE and 30 ROCK. Click here for more.

What to Watch…Monday, February 11, 2008

Finally…finally it seems that Michael is actually breaking out of prison tonight. Who will make it…who won’t (my bet is on the young kid with the basketball and hopefully Bellick). Either way I’m actually excited to see what goes down. I’m equally excited to see David Silver himself – Brian Austin Green – on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles tonight. He was at the show’s premiere in L.A. and when I saw him enter the theater it took all my strength not to yell “Donna Martin Graduates!!” It’s always nice to see an ex-90210er can get work outside of Dancing with the Stars.

Here’s a taste of what’s on tonight. What will YOU be watching?

Prison Break | 8pm on Fox
“Hell or High Water”
The escape attempt succeeds for some, if not all, of the escapees, and those who make it receive assistance on the outside from an unlikely source. But one escapee inadvertently leaves something behind.

Kyle XY | 8pm on ABC Family
“Between a Rack and a Hard Place”
Suspicious of Taylor’s intentions, Adam Baylin returns to urge Kyle to keep an eye on Jessi, but Kyle’s new mission comes between him and Amanda. Meanwhile, Josh struggles with his additional responsibilities at the Rack.

Welcome to the Captain | 8:30pm on CBS
“weekend at Saul’s”
Josh invites Hope to stay with him while her brother uses her apartment for the weekend, but Saul convinces Josh that it’s a bad idea and offers to let the younger man stay at his “weekend retreat,” which turns out to be another apartment in the building. (Note: I’m not actually recommending this show based on last week’s dreadful premiere. But it’s new and it’s on, so I thought I would let you know).

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles | 9pm on Fox
“Queen’s Gambit”
Sarah’s friend Andy enters his computer into a chess competition. While at the event, Sarah meets a stranger (Brian Austin Green) who shares a similar past. Meanwhile, Cameron undergoes grief counseling at school, and Agent Ellison tries to make sense out of the carnage resulting from a terminator clash.

The New Adventures of Old Christine | 9:30pm on CBS
“Beauty is Only Spanx Deep”
Christine worries that Mr. Harris might dump her for a younger woman after a pretty waitress flirts with him, so she visits a plastic surgeon. Stan: Andy Richter.

Notes from the Underbelly | 9:30pm on ABC
“The List”
Lauren gives Andrew VIP passes to a festival concert, partly to give him a getaway before the baby arrives and partly to get him out of the house. But when Andrew thinks that Lauren may be going into labor, he tries to get home from the concert by any means necessary.

October Road | 10pm on ABC
“We Lived Like Giants”
Nick tries to convince Aubrey’s father (Armand Assante) to tell Aubrey why he’s on the run. Meanwhile, the gang heads out on a road trip to find the girl who saved Owen’s life.

Paradise Hotel 2 | 9pm on My TV
Alliances are beginning to form. Allegiances are being strained. And tempers will flare as one of our guests may be checking out! And I will be going straight to hell for watching this.

Be my Friend? It might win you a TiVo….

So this is where I ask you to add ‘GMMR’ as one of your MeeVee friends. But now there is added incentive. MeeVee is having a weekly TiVo HD DVR open to all new registrants of that week. Just head over to MeeVee and register and you might win this week’s TiVo giveaway.

Once you register, go to the ‘People‘ section and add me as your new friend (username: GMMR).

THE WIRE & 30 ROCK Big Winners at the WGA Awards

The winners for the 2008 Writers Guild Awards were announced this week and some of the best of television was honored. Here are the WGA Awards winners in the television category.

DRAMATIC SERIES – THE WIRE
Written by Ed Burns, Chris Collins, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, George Pelecanos, Richard Price, David Simon, William F. Zorzi; HBO

COMEDY SERIES – 30 ROCK
Written by Brett Baer, Jack Burditt, Kay Cannon, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Dave Finkel, Daisy Gardner, Donald Glover, Matt Hubbard, Jon Pollack, John Riggi, Tami Sagher, Ron Weiner; NBC

NEW SERIES – MAD MEN
Written by Lisa Albert, Bridget Bedard, Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Tom Palmer, Chris Provenzano, Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner; AMC

EPISODIC DRAMA -THE SECOND COMING (THE SOPRANOS)
Written by Terence Winter; HBO

EPISODIC COMEDY – THE JOB (THE OFFICE)
Written by Paul Lieberstein & Michael Schur; NBC

COMEDY/VARIETY -THE COLBERT REPORT
Written by Bryan Adams, Michael Brumm, Stephen Colbert, Rich Dahm, Eric Drysdale, Rob Dubbin, Glenn Eichler, Peter Grosz, Peter Gwinn, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Laura Krafft, Frank Lesser, Tom Purcell, Allison Silverman; Comedy Central

For a full list of WGA award winners, click here.

The Strike is Over!! Hallelujah!!

Barring any kind of completely bizarre and unforeseen incidents over the next few days, the WGA strike is over!! Writers agreed to the tentative deal put forth by the AMPTP and the WGA board and are expected to be back at work on Wednesday morning. Showrunners are back to work tomorrow!!

On Tuesday, WGA membership will be voting whether or not to remain on strike while the final vote is being ratified (which is a 10-12 day process). Assuming they vote to go back to work then come Wednesday morning their pens are back on paper (or more accurately, the MACs are up and running again). I’ve exchanged emails today with someone ‘in the know’ who said he would be “absolutely floored if the WGA opt to remain on strike during the ratification process, because people just want to get back to doing what they love – writing.”

As for the terms of the deal, well I would suggest you check out sites like United Hollywood and Deadline Hollywood as they are much better suited to explain what this all means. Based on what I’ve read, TV viewers might have less of an opportunity to watch full seasons of their favorite shows online for free at the network sites (and that’s not a given, just a hunch on my part), but other than that, we really won’t be affected by the terms of the new deal. A deal that WGA President Patric Verrone said is “…the best deal this guild has bargained for in 30 years.”

I’ll be busy doing an Irish jig in celebration, but if you’d like to join in on the party feel free to leave comment.

TV Podcast…In Case You Missed It

Strangely enough I got two emails this morning asking when Ducky and I were going to do another TV podcast. We just posted our latest of Friday, so I’m thinking that perhaps it went by unnoticed by some (but not by all because we’ve had some great comments already).

This week we’re chit chatting about: ‘Lost’, ‘American Idol’, the WGA strike, ‘Friday Night Lights’, ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’, ‘Prison Break’, ‘American Gladiators’, ‘Paradise Hotel’, ‘Project Runway’, ‘Torchwood’, ‘Pushing Daisies’, Comic-Con 2008 and much more.

So if y0u missed the latest GMMR/DuckyDoesTV TV podcast then listen to it right here: TV Podcast #19

(And when you’re done, it would be great if you could leave us a comment on the Ducky Does TV and Give Me My Remote’s TV Podcast page at iTunes. YOU are the best!!)

What to Watch…Sunday, February 10, 2008

We’ve got a celebration of film, music and some good TV on tonight. I’m really excited for a new episode of BROTHERS & SISTERS, but I’m hoping it comes with a nice “previously on…” because it’s been a while and forget what’s up with the Walker clan. I’m not a big Grammys person myself (although the best performances will be on youtube tomorrow anyway), but I might check it on commercial breaks. Same goes for the British Film Awards tonight. And finally I saw the commercials for Top 100 Outrageous Moments and it looked kind of funny…and I like funny.

What will YOU be watching?

Grammy Awards | 8pm on CBS
The 50th annual event, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Kanye West leads all nominees with eight; Amy Winehouse is second with six nominations. Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and T-Pain are each up for five awards.

British Academy of Film Awards | 8pm on BBC America
The 2008 British Academy Film Awards are presented from the Royal Opera House in London. “Atonement” leads with 14 nominations, followed by “There Will Be Blood” and “No Country for Old Men” with nine nods each.

Top 100 Outrageous Moments | 9pm on NBC
From TV’s “Most Outrageous Moments” franchise comes this countdown of top stumbles and tumbles—a blooper-palooza that features TV-show flubs, game-show blunders, viewer-submitted clips and previously unseen footage.

Brothers & Sister | 10pm on ABC
“The Missionary Imposition”
Kevin’s life is turned upside down by a surprise visit from Jason; Nora and Isaac consider taking their relationship to the next level.

Be my Friend? It might win you a TiVo….

So this is where I ask you to add ‘GMMR’ as one of your MeeVee friends. But now there is added incentive. MeeVee is having a weekly TiVo HD DVR open to all new registrants of that week. Just head over to MeeVee and register and you might win this week’s TiVo giveaway.

Once you register, go to the ‘People‘ section and add me as your new friend (username: GMMR).

Writers Strike: Tentative Deal Reached, Strike Could End by Monday

Members of WGA-East are in the process of meeting to review the tentative deal put together by the WGA board and the AMPTP. Guild members on the West Coast will be reviewing the same deal tonight during a meeting in Los Angeles. If the both branches of the guild agree to the terms put forth in this tentative deal, then the writers could be back to work as early as Monday.

Can I get a ‘holla’!!!

It’s only right that I mention that reaching this tentative deal means the end of the strike. WGA-East and WGA-West could find that the deal doesn’t meet their expectations and the whole thing could be called off, sending the WGA board and the AMPTP back to the drawing table. But in all honestly, the likelihood of that happening is pretty slim seeing how long it has taken them to get this far.

So fingers, eyes, elbows crossed…this could be the beginning of a great week!!

Below is the letter that WGA Presidents Patric Verrone and Michael Winship sent out to the WGA.

To Our Fellow Members,

We have a tentative deal.

It is an agreement that protects a future in which the Internet becomes the primary means of both content creation and delivery. It creates formulas for revenue-based residuals in new media, provides access to deals and financial data to help us evaluate and enforce those formulas, and establishes the principle that, “When they get paid, we get paid.”

Specific terms of the agreement are described in the summary at the following link – http://www.wga.org/contract_07/wga_tent_summary.pdf – and will be further discussed at our Saturday membership meetings on both coasts. At those meetings we will also discuss how we will proceed regarding ratification of this agreement and lifting the restraining order that ends the strike. Details of the Los Angeles meeting can be found at http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2763.
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New Kids On the Block Reunion Watch ’08

Things are certainly pointing in the right direction for a New Kids on the Block reunion. Those of us who are email subscribers on the official NKOTB website (www.nkotb.com) got this email just the other day:

“Our little website seems to have gotten quite a bit of attention lately. As promised, a first of many from www.nkotb.com. Remember to check back soon and often for the latest and greatest.”

And if that weren’t enough, a new video was added to the site. Check it out…

I’m getting excited!! And YES, I’m ready!

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Annouces Premiere Date

Sorry for the quick and informal posting of the press release, but I wanted to pass on the info that BATTLESTAR GALATICA will be returning for its final season on April 4th – probably not a surprise to most. But plans for two BSG specials have also been announced. Here’s the new straight from the Sci Fi Channel.SCI FI’s Emmy and Peabody-Winning Series Returns March 28
With Two Back-To-Back Half-Hour Specials

The wait is finally over for Battlestar Galactica fans. SCI FI’s Emmy and Peabody Award-winning original series returns for its fourth original season on Friday, March 28 @ 10pm ET/PT with two back-to-back half-hour specials. The first new episode will premiere the following week, Friday, April 4 @ 10pm ET/PT.

Battlestar Galactica: Revisited (10pm) will serve up the essential information on the series’ past three seasons, providing the uninitiated with an introduction to the characters, relationships and spine-tingling drama that have captured the imagination of audiences around the world. Galactica’s executive producers, Ronald D. Moore and David Eick serve as guides, providing insights and revelations about the critically-acclaimed series.

Battlestar Galactica: The Phenomenon (10:30pm) is a celebrity-studded celebration of the show’s impact on pop culture. Interviewees, including Seth Green, country music’s Top Male Vocalist of 2007 Brad Paisley, and Talk Soup’s Joel McHale, and others, wax poetic about why Battlestar Galactica is one of the best frakkin’ shows on television.

As season 4 opens, the last remnants of humanity continue their search for a new home, the thin line that separates them from the rapidly evolving Cylons is being redrawn. Galactica’s crew, rocked by Starbuck’s sudden and mysterious return from the dead – and her claims that she has been to Earth and can lead them there – attempts to make sense of the inexplicable. Meanwhile, four members of the fleet are still reeling from the revelation that they are Cylons and have been all along.

Battlestar Galactica is the gripping saga of humanity’s last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, Galactica’s intensity, issues-driven topicality, and command performances have garnered it numerous awards, including an Emmy and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. The show was recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) as one of the most outstanding programs of the year two years running. The series is from Universal Media Studios and is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. The outstanding ensemble cast is led by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park.

Lucas Grabeel…Oh That’s Where I Know You From

A few months ago I experienced the phenomenon that is HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL for the first time when I watched it with my five year old niece. But the whole time I was watching I was completely distracted by someone on the screen, and no it wasn’t Zac Efron’s wax like skin or mesmerizing eyelashes, it was Lucas Grabeel. Lucas played Ryan Evans, the hat wearing, musical loving brother of Sharpee (Ashley Tisdale). The whole time I was watching I was thinking ‘I know this kid from somewhere…but I can’t quite place it.’ It was like when the Black Eyes Peas first became popular and I knew that I knew Fergie from somewhere but I couldn’t quite place it. And the one day, BAM!, I realized she was Stacey Ferguson from K.I.D.S. INCORPORATED

Well BAM it came to me…I knew where I knew Lucas Grabeel from. He played Kelly Kuzzio on VERONICA MARS!! This is probably old news to most of you (and then again most of you don’t care). Kelly was the closeted gay baseball player that we first saw in “Versatile Toppings” and then again in the “Ahoy Mateys” episode.

Check him out in VERONICA MARS below…but warning, there is some seriously BAD acting from Kristin Cavallari in this clip. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Any excuse to post a VERONICA MARS clip, right?

Save FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Let NBC Hear YOU!!!

Tonight is the last new episode of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and although it’s painful for me to even type this, tonight may be the last episode of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ever. It’s really hard for me to comprehend such a thing because I’m not ready to say goodbye to the residents of Dillon, Texas and NBC shouldn’t be either.

In an era where TV is dominated by reality shows and game shows, it pains me to think that a superb scripted drama like FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS could be so easily dismissed by NBC. But it all comes down to money, and money comes from ratings. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS has never been a break out hit for NBC, and I personally think that has very little to do with the show and everything to do with missteps on the part of the network. The initial marketing campaign of the show was weak, and all changes to its placement on the NBC schedule did nothing to help. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS never had its moment in the sun because NBC didn’t allow it.

Going back to the ratings game, listen I get it. I understand that TV is about money and if FNL isn’t helping then maybe something else should be given a shot. Unfortunately, with the moves that NBC has made as of late, one would bet that the replacement show will be no where near the quality of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

We as watchers of TV need to stand up for our shows and make sure our voices are heard before there are no more quality shows left for us to fight for.

SAVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS PROJECT
So now it’s time to make sure NBC hears YOU. There are going to be a number of SAVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS campaigns floating around, and I plan on supporting every one of them (please participates in BestWeekEver and WWK’s efforts). There is power in numbers. For GiveMeMyRemote.com readers, I’m asking you to participate in a different way. To make sure NBC hears our voices, I’m asking that each of you make a brief video plea to NBC telling them what the show means to you and why they should keep FNL. I’ve already arranged with people behind the scenes to make sure that the videos make their way to the right people at the network.

If you plan on making a SAVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS video, please make sure there is NO copyrighted material in your video. NO copyrighted music. NO videos or pictures from the show. Just YOU telling NBC why the show should be saved. All videos should be no more than one minute long (I know that doesn’t seem too long, but it’s enough to get and keep their attention).

Please title the video: SAVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and upload it to youtube.com. Once your video is uploaded, please send me an email at info(at)givememyremote(dot)com and I will be sure to post it on GMMR and add it to my list of all videos submitted.

Writing to the networks…
While I encourage each of you to make a video, I also ask that you take a few minutes out of your day (like right about now just as soon as you are finished reading this) and write a heartfelt letter to NBC asking them to save FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Early this morning I wrote a letter to Jeff Zucker and Ben Silverman pleading on behalf of the show. Now it’s your turn.

Jeff Zucker | Ben Silverman (send each a letter please)
NBC / Universal
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 777-1000

PROJECT RUNWAY…WWE Smackdown

Let’s not bury the lead here, Ricky is gone!!! Praise Jesus, Ricky is gone. It’s been a long time coming. Let’s be honest here, he probably shouldn’t have made it this far on the show. I’m starting to wonder if he was cast as this season’s Sanjaya. You know, the guy the producers string along to make the other designers look good? He’s easily expendable at just the right time and ensures that someone that has an off week (this time around it was Sweet Pea) gets to live to design another day.

Read on for my take on this week’s episode, and make sure you read to the very end so you can get a recap of this week’s episode from American Designer Michael Kors (ha).

This week, the designers were asked to make hideous outfits for the WWE Divas…you know, the professional women wrestlers. I don’t know if it was the outfits, the hair, the bad bood jobs, or the fake orange tans, but they all looked like a bunch of inexperienced trannies (as opposed to real trannies that really know how to work it and would never be caught looking so cheap).

All the designers, with the exception of Chris, were horrified to have to design something so hideous. You know it was so way far beneath Rhami to use Spandex (but damn if he didn’t find a way to drape it). Christian started off whining and ended up whining, but between the whines he came around and fell in love with his “fierce” outfit (so did I). Sweet Pea once again struggled (when doesn’t she) and was even more nervous when Tim showed displeasure with her design (when doesn’t he). Jillian didn’t cry or run out of time, but she was the last one in the design room so it’s not like she learned anything from her past time management issues. And Ricky…well Ricky made a bathing suite and draped a piece of gold fabric over this wrestler. Yeah, nothing more to say about it.

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