THE OFFICE’s Michael and Toby – A History of Hate

[The following contains minor spoilers for tonight’s episode of THE OFFICE. Nothing beyond the episode title and description, but I’m warning you all the same.]

If the title of tonight’s fourth season finale of THE OFFICE is to be believed then we will be saying goodbye to Toby Flenderson, who until he recently became a somewhat creepy perv, was a beloved member of the Dunder Mifflin family. I’m not ready to see Toby leave for Costa Rica, and personally I’m not convinced he will be going. But if he does leave, then we are saying goodbye to one of TV’s best couples: Michael and Toby.

We aren’t privy to exactly why Michael Scott loathes Toby Flenderson but we do know that Michael hates so much the things that Toby chooses to be. Where did it all begin? Why is Michael so very hateful towards Toby? Why has Toby never kicked Michael’s ass? We may never know.

But in the event that Toby does leave, I thought it would be fitting to send him off with a few reminders of why he should be running (and by running I mean sprinting away and hopping over a giant stockade fence) and not walking away from Dunder Mifflin.

Michael Hates Toby: Volume 1 (2005-2008)
These quotes don’t even scratch the surface of the bad blood between these men, but they are some of the most memorable Michael/Toby moments.

Diversity Day…
Michael: All right? Everybody pretty? Come on. Here we go. It’s time. Let’s do some good.
Toby: Hey, we’re not all going to sit in a circle Indian style are we? [Laughing]
Michael: Get out.
Toby: I’m sorry.
Michael: No, this is not a joke. OK? That was offensive and lame. So double offensive. This is an environment of welcoming and you should just get the hell out of here.

Hot Girl…
Michael: Here is Toby from Human Resources. Katy, Toby.
Katy: Hi
Toby: Hi, nice to meet you.
Michael: Toby, Katy.
Toby: Hey, um did you go to uh, Bishop O’Hara?
Katy: Yeah.
Toby: Yeah, me too.
Katy: Cool. What year were you there?
Toby: Eighty-nine.
Michael: Toby’s divorced. He uh, guh recently, right?
Toby: Yeah.
Michael: You and your wife, and you have kids.
Toby: A girl.
Michael: Oh that so – that was really messy. He slept one night in your car too?
Toby: [looks resigned]
Katy: I should probably get back to my table.
Michael: Okay. Alright. Cool. See ya in a bit. [looks at picture on Toby’s desk] Oh, she’s cute. Cutie-pie. Back to work.

Sexual Harassment…
Michael: Toby is in HR which technically means he works for Corporate. So he’s really not a part of our family. Also he’s divorced so he’s really not a part of his family.

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Fox Announces 2008-09 Primetime Schedule

Later today Fox will formally introduce their plans for the 2008-09 TV season to advertisers at their Upfront presentation. But here’s a sneak peek at what we will be seeing on Fox next season. They have some new shows that I’m really excited about, including FRINGE and DOLLHOUSE  (which honestly sounds like the best new show in years) and strong returning favorites.

Here’s a look at some of Fox’s new shows, and then continue reading to take a look at their Fall and Winter schedules.

FRINGE (Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT): From J.J. Abrams (“Lost”), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, the team behind “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III” and “Alias,” comes a new drama that will thrill, terrify and explore the blurring line between science fiction and reality. When an international flight lands at Boston’s Logan Airport and the passengers and crew have all died grisly deaths, FBI Special Agent OLIVIA DUNHAM (newcomer Anna Torv) is called in to investigate. After her partner, Special Agent JOHN SCOTT (Mark Valley, “Boston Legal”), is nearly killed during the investigation, a desperate Olivia searches frantically for someone to help, leading her to DR. WALTER BISHOP (John Noble, “Lord of the Rings”), our generation’s Einstein. There’s only one catch: he’s been institutionalized for the last 20 years, and the only way to question him requires pulling his estranged son PETER (Joshua Jackson, “Dawson’s Creek”) in to help. When Olivia’s investigation leads her to manipulative corporate executive NINA SHARP (Blair Brown, “Altered States”), our unlikely trio along with fellow FBI Agents PHILLIP BROYLES (Lance Reddick, “The Wire”), CHARLIE FRANCIS (Kirk Acevedo, “Oz”) and ASTRID FARNSWORTH (Jasika Nicole, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) will discover that what happened on Flight 627 is only a small piece of a larger, more shocking truth.

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Cast the New 90210 Dad…

One important member of the new 90210 family was missing when the full cast together for the first time at The CW Upfronts in NYC on Tuesday.  But no one knew he was missing, because no one knows who he is.

Rumor has it that the Executive Producers of the new 90210 spinoff on Fox are having a hard time finding the perfect guy to play Harry, the patriarch of the new first family of Beverly Hills.  It’s an important role as Harry will be the catalyst in bringing his family which includes wife Celia (Lori Loughlin), daughter Annie (Shenae Grimes) and son Dixon (yet to be cast) to Bev9er to take care of his aging, albeit gracefully aging mother, Tabitha (Jessica Walter).

So who is the man to replace the original BH dad, Jim Walsh (played by the great James Eckhouse)?  Well for one thing he’s got to have a certain look.  Come on, not just any guy can be paired up with the sexy Lori Loughlin.  So he’s got to be easy on the eyes but with a certain spark that let’s us know that despite his flaws his family will always come first.  Oh, and it just wouldn’t work if he were original Beverly Hills 90210 cast member so don’t even bother with Luke Perry or Jason Priestly.

Any suggestions to Fox?  Here are a few of mine to get you started…

• John Stamos – Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky reunited again.  Honestly, had Lori Loughlin not been cast I think Stamos would be perfect for this role.  I doubt that he would ever take it, but he would be great all the same.

• Peter Gallagher – Ok so maybe he already played this role on THE O.C., but Gallagher could bring the charm and wisdom of Sandy Cohen up the coast to Beverly Hills easily.

• Michael Vartan – Maybe he’s a bit too young, and maybe I just want to see Vartan back on my TV every week, but he would get my vote.

• John Wesley Shipp – Dawson’s dad didn’t really die in that car crash.  It’s just TV.  He could totally pull off this part.  The return of Mitch Leery…done and done!

Who would YOU like to see as the new 90210 Dad?

Dwight Schrute Accepts John McCain’s Vice Presidental Nomination

Presumptive Republican Presidential nominee, John McCain, made a bold announcement last week when during an interview on THE DAILY SHOW he announced that Dwight Schrute would be his running mate on the ticket come November. It was an obvious choice and one, frankly, we all saw coming. But what Senator McCain didn’t anticipate was the list of demands that Mr. Schrute would enforce prior to agreeing to appearing on the ticket as the nominee for Assistant President.

Last night on THE TONIGHT SHOW, Dwight K. Schrute’s spokesperson, Rainn Wilson, read off a statement from Mr. Schrute. Personally I don’t think Mr. Schrute is asking too much. I mean, who doesn’t think Jack Bauer should be Secretary of Defense?

[WARNING: The following clip includes a scene from tonight’s season finale of THE OFFICE. Spoilerphobes beware. SpoilerWhores enjoy.]

For the full video of Rainn’s appearance on The Tonight Show, please visit OfficeTally.com

Will Fox Make My TV Dreams Come True?

Will tonight be the night? Will GMMR finally meet her #1 TV boyfriend of all time? Did I really just talk about myself in the third person?

If all goes according to plan, tonight I’ll be heading off the to Fox Upfront presentation and after party. Next to NBC it’s the party I have been most looking forward to all week. Why? Two words…Joshua Jackson! Yes, rumor has it (and damn those rumors best be true) that Pacey Witter himself will be in the house tonight, on hand to help promote his upcoming Fall Fox drama, FRINGE.

What to do? What to wear? How many drinks will I need to talk to him? How many drinks is too many before we share our moment?

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What to Watch…Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tonight might just be one of the biggest night’s of the 2007-08 TV season.  Next to premiere night, is there anything more exciting than season finale night?

A lot of our favorite shows are bidding adieu for the summer, and will be gone (again) after tonight.  I’m not ready…I don’t feel prepared.  Oh and have I mentioned that I’m not going to be watching ANY of these shows live?  The horror!  Tonight is the Fox Upfronts here in NYC.  What a cruel world. And before you ask, YES, this includes THE OFFICE (but much more on that later).

Check out what’s going on in the TV world tonight…

Ugly Betty | 8pm on ABC
“The Kids are Alright”
Betty volunteers to chaperone Justin’s middle-school dance, only to find that Gio has made the same commitment. Meanwhile, Amanda prepares for a reality show with her father, KISS bassist Gene Simmons.

My Name is Earl | 8pm on NBC | 1-hour Season Finale
“Camdenites”
In the third-season finale, substantial troubles jeopardize Earl’s karma-driven relationship with Billie (Alyssa Milano), as Earl seeks romantic counsel from his friends.

Smallville | 8pm on The CW | Season Finale
“Arctic”
n the seventh-season finale, Brainiac impersonates Kara, whom he has imprisoned in the Phantom Zone, and in her guise he takes Lex to the Fortress for a showdown with Clark. Meanwhile, Chloe is arrested by the Department of Domestic Security.

The Office | 9pm on NBC | 1-hour Season Finale
“Goodbye, Toby”
In the Season 4 finale, Toby prepares to bid adieu to Dunder Mifflin (much to Michael’s utmost delight), so the desk jockeys throw a party in his honor. Meanwhile, Toby’s replacement (Amy Ryan) arrives, only to become the victim of hazing.

Supernatural | 9pm on The CW | Season Finale
“No Rest for the Wicked”
In the third-season ender, Sam summons Ruby (Katie Cassidy) for help as time begins running out for Dean. The brothers, against Ruby’s advice, steal her knife and, with Bobby’s help, prepare to face off against Lillith and her infernal minions.

Grey’s Anatomy | 9pm on ABC
“Losing My Mind”
Dr. Wyatt won’t let Meredith give up on therapy; the Chief is adamant about Erica performing a risky surgery on his mentor; Alex learns the truth about Rebecca’s condition. Meanwhile, Cristina continues to act contrary to her nature.

CSI | 9pm on CBS | Season Finale
“For Gedda”
n the eighth-season ender, Warrick is accused of murdering a Las Vegas gangster. Even more troubling is the fact that Warrick isn’t certain if he is innocent or guilty of the crime.

Lost | 10pm on ABC
“There’s No Place Like Home”
Part 1 of 2. The showdown between the survivors and the freighter people begins. Richard Alpert: Nestor Carbonell. David Reyes: Cheech Marin. Margo Shephard: Veronica Hamel. Karen Decker: Michelle Forbes. Mr. Paik: Byron Chung. (For a sneak peek at tonight’s LOST, check out this clip)

ER | 10pm on NBC | Season Finale
“The Chicago Way”
In the 14th-season finale, the actions of a drunken patient (Steve Buscemi) endanger everyone at County. In other events, Pratt makes a move toward becoming chief; Gates worries about his future with Sam.

Without a Trace| 10pm on CBS | Season Finale
“Satellites”
In the sixth-season finale, five people with an odd connection are abducted from a coffee shop at the same time. Meanwhile, Sam prepares to give birth. Clare Bryson: Linda Hunt. Olczyk: Bill Smitrovich.

Late Night TV…

• The Late Show with David Letterman | 11:35pm on CBS: America Ferrera, Russell Brand, Terry Fator
• The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 11:35pm on NBC: Dana Delany, Hulk Hogan, Dwight Yoakam
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | 11:00pm on Comedy Central: Denis Leary
• The Colbert Report | 11:30pm on Comedy Central: Andrei Cherney
• Jimmy Kimmel Live | 12:05am on ABC: Josh Holloway, Brad Williams, Dierks Bentley
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson | 12:35am on CBS: David Boreanaz, Carrot Top
• Late Night with Conan O’Brien | 12:35am on NBC: Seth McFarlane, Carlos Mencia, MGMT
• Last Call with Carson Daly | 1:35am on NBC: Christina Ricci, Steve Byrne, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Who Went Home on AMERICAN IDOL Tonight?

If you’re looking to find out who won the American Idol season finale tonight- Adam or Kris – please click here: Who Won AMERICAN IDOL Tonight? (May 20, 2009)

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The finale is set.  The finale two IDOL contestants have been named.  We know one of them will be named David.  But which David?  And will he go up against the other David or Syesha?

Before we get to finding out who went home tonight, can we please talk about the train wreck that is Fantasia?  What in good heavens name was that tonight?  Did she sing?  Was that even in English?  I was horrified.  As was Simon Cowell which was obvious when the camera cut him mid-performance and his facial expression was clearly saying “WTF?”.  If her signing was strong I could get over the tranny look, but everything was all just a big ‘ol mess.

So back to the matters at hand.  Sending home an IDOL.

After viewing the videos of the IDOL’s return home, which included lots of screaming from hometown fans and lots of crying by the IDOLS, it was time for Seacrest to name the two IDOL finalists for this year.

The first contestant safe and singing for us next week was David Archuleta.  Surprise, surprise.  Joining David in the finals is….

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LOST Spoilers from the Season Finale (UPDATED)

The ABC Upfront presentation ended with some footage from the upcoming part one season finale of LOST. ABC president Steve McPherson gave the audience a heads up and told those who didn’t want to be spoiled to leave. A few did, but many, like me, remained glued to their seats.

UPDATE: Here’s the clip….

SPOILER ALERT

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More Moments from The CW Upfronts

Da da da da…da da da da….snap snap! If you were in the musical in my mind right now you would be hearing that as the iconic theme song to Beverly Hills 90210. It’s also the very song that stopped the hustle and bustle of the crowd at last night’s CW Upfront party in NYC and made everyone take notice. Yes, 90210 is back and it’s causing some excitement. But that wasn’t the only reason people were buzzing at last night’s party.I’ve already given you the scoop on meeting the cast of GOSSIP GIRL, but here are a few other highlights from last night’s CW party.

• Inside the party were screens showing us a live feed of the red green carpet arrivals.  Jennie Garth appeared on screen and the place was buzzing.   Think about it?  The majority of people in these parties are in their late 20’s to late 30’s.  And she is Kellie Taylor. Icon form our teens…and still looking fierce.

• The presentation part of the night was kicked off with a mini-set from Maroon 5.  I was geeking out.  I love me some Adam Levine. I thought the guys sounded great.  If nothing else, The CW is pretty damn cool.

• While watching Maroon 5 we were standing right next to the cast of the all new 90210.  As mentioned, Jennie Garth is looking hot, hot, hot.  As is Aunt Becky…yep Lori Loughlin is on the show too.  Keeping up the tradition of the original BH, the “kids” clearly aren’t teens.  I didn’t see any 30 year old Andrea Zuckermans in the group, but there is no way these people look like typical teenagers.  But they’re pretty…the guys and the girls and I guess that’s what’ really matter.

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GOSSIP GIRL Cast a Big Draw at The CW Upfront Bash

The CW is all about the young and pretty people and there were plenty of them strolling around at the CW Upfront party last night.  I felt quite old and just plain old boring when standing next to the likes of Blake Lively, Chace Crawford and the rest of the GOSSIP GIRL gang.  Am I too old for The CW?  Probably.  But that’s not going to stop me.

You know I love me some GOSSIP GIRL so I thought I would give you the dish on my first time seeing the kids up close and personal.  I know, I know, you want pics.  They’re coming soon enough. I promise.

So here’s the thing.  The CW party was very different than the NBC party.  On Monday night, you had the biggest stars from the biggest NBC shows doing what they are supposed to do at these events – walking around and being accessible to the big money clients and potential advertisers.  It’s the whole point of the Upfronts.  I’m not sure the youngsters at The CW got that memo. Not to say they weren’t nice, but it’s almost like they forget why they were there in the first place. But anyway…

The first Upper East Sider I spotted was Blake Lively, better known as Serena from GOSSIP GIRL.  Stunning…she is absolutely stunning. Tall, gorgeous, and thin – but not rail thin.  Normal, kick ass body thin.  My friend Kelly and I snuck in for a quick pic before she headed back behind the velvet rope to hang with the rest of the cast. She was nice and seemed genuine while thanking everyone for watching the show.

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ABC Upfront (Snooze) Presentations

There was a guy sitting in front of me at the ABC Upfront presentation yesterday in Lincoln Center that was snoring so loudly one of is colleagues had to walk across the aisle to nudge him awake because he was disturbing those around him.  And that pretty much summed up the whole presentation – and kind of gave you a sense at the lack of excitement offered by the network next season.

With all the buzz about the Upfronts being scaled back because of the impact of the WGA strike, ABC was the only network not to plan a buzz-worthy presentation and all important after party.  I think by the time they figured out that the other networks weren’t really holding back, it was a little too late. It was good fodder for Jimmy Kimmel who took to the stage to take a few shots at the networks…his own included.  Jimmy was the highlight of an otherwise boring presentation – well the highlight until we got to see some footage from this week’s LOST.  (No worries, I won’t spoil you).

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TV? What’s TV?

In a week that has been filled with pretty much nothing but TV, I can’t say that I’ve watched that much of it at all.  With the Upfront presentations and parties the past few nights I’ve hardly been able to watch any of my favorite TV shows.  And as a result I haven’t been able to chat about them with any of you.  Sorry.  By the time I catch up I’m sure you’ll all be over them anyway, so we might have to call this week a wash.

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The CW Announces 2008-09 Primetime Schedule

I think 2008-09 is going to be a break out year for The CW. With GOSSIP GIRL, the network has found its voice and identity. Yes, their voice and identity is that of a spoiled, privileged teen but if it works, it works. I mean when the cast of ONE TREE HILL seems old in comparison, well let’s just say The CW knows the demographic it’s going for.

Read on to find out a little more about the new series The CW will be launching: 90210, SURVIVING THE FILTH RICH and STYLISTA , and keep reading to see the network’s primetime schedule.

Check back soon for some of my highlights from last night’s CW Upfront party.

90210
An edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the new 90210 looks at life through the eyes of Annie Mills (Shenae Grimes, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds, “The Wire”), whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they’re not in Kansas anymore. The Mills family, including dad Harry (casting TBD) and mom Debbie (Lori Loughlin, “Summerland”), has relocated to Beverly Hills to keep an eye on Harry’s mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter, “Arrested Development”), a feisty-but-faded former television star and a charter member of the Betty Ford Clinic. For Annie and Dixon, the awkwardness of being the new kids is made worse by the fact that their dad has taken a job as the high school principal. The school is one big culture shock for Annie, a sweet and friendly girl with a passion for the theater, and Dixon, a star athlete and scholar who was adopted by the Mills family after they took him in as a foster child. Annie and Dixon have a close sibling relationship, which they’ll need to help them cope with all the new cliques and classmates, including Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord, “Nip/Tuck”), a hot, spoiled, rich girl; Ethan (Dustin Milligan, “Runaway”), a popular jock whose abilities rival Dixon’s; Navid (Michael Steger, “The Winner”), an aspiring reporter who heads up the school’s daily newscast; and Silver (Jessica Stroup, “Prom Night”), a rebel who produces and stars in a YouTube-type video series. Even the faculty seems hip and sophisticated at WBHHS, such as smart and funny teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold, “Dirt”) and beautiful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (guest star Jennie Garth, the original “Beverly Hills, 90210”). The Mills family has just begun to realize how much their lives are about to change. 90210 is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah (“Freaks & Geeks”). Mark Piznarski (“Gossip Girl”) is the director and executive producer of the pilot.

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CBS Saves HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, Cancels MOONLIGHT

Talk about good news, bad news.  CBS will be unveiling their Fall lineup this week but early word is that MOONLIGHT has been given the stake through the heart and will not return to CBS this Fall. Word on the street is that is what a combination of backstage drama (multiple showrunners, creative directions issues, etc), the cost of creating the show and low ratings.

Sadly I think JERICHO ruined the chances for MOONLIGHT fans to bring back this show via a fan campaign.  And that’s a shame because the MOONLIGHT fan base is strong, organized and vocal.  But again, I think CBS has already been burned and I’m not sure they are looking to put themselves out there again.

In the good news department, CBS will be renewing HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER.  Fantastic! I wasn’t anywhere near ready to say goodbye to one of my favorite comedies.  I wonder how the renewal will affect the Ted/Stella storyline?  And can we all agree that Britney Spears did her part to give the ratings a boost.  It got picked up.  Please don’t have her back. I beg of you.

Other shows rumored to be picked up by the eye network: THE UNIT, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. Still waiting for word on others like SHARK.

Ok, this is a note to all show runners out there: Alex O’Loughlin and Jason Dohring might be available soon.  Book them.  Now.  These two guys are too talented to go to waste.

TV Stars Every Which Way You Look at the NBC Upfronts

It’s going to be a bit before I’m able to upload my pictures from last night’s NBC Upfront party, but I thought I would share a few of the highlights and set the scene.

Because NBC already had revealed their 2008-09 primetime schedule a few weeks ago, they didn’t have their traditional Upfront presentation.  This year it was more of a sensory experience.  We entered Rockefeller Center and walked into the NBC Experience.  As we made our way through we were greeted with videos, artwork and even the Deal or No Deal ladies sharing the story of next year’s primetime schedule.  It was a lot to take in, but not a bad way to spend some time in line.

The next part of the experience was TV come to life.  The cooks from TOP CHEF were making appetizers, Janice Dickenson from THE JANICE DICKENSON MODELING AGENCY was taking glamour shots with us as we walked through.  The gladiators from AMERICAN GLADIATORS were jousting each other (and from what I hear, the party goers as well).  There were a lot of fun kiosks where we could pick up buttons (a few I snagged as a future giveaway), get our pictures taken as if we were in the cast of our favorite shows (which I can’t wait to show you), and even get mini footballs signed by the NBC NFL guys (I got one for my Dad).  A great time.  And did I mention this was all before we entered the party?  Yup.

The party itself was insane.  Much more crowded than last year, but a lot more celeb sightings.  It’s kind of strange to be having a drink with your friend, just chatting it up and then brushing shoulders with Christian Slater or Kyle Chandler as they walked by.  Very surreal.  A few of my favorite celebrity sightings:

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