2009 - Page 22 of 99 - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

THE OFFICE: The Meeting

September 25, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, The Office, The Office Recaps, TV News

“I tried to keep Michael in the dark. I should have know that he can do just as much damage in the dark.”

Had last night’s episode of THE OFFICE stopped after the cold open I still would have loved it.  But it continued on for another 21 minutes and the absurdity and laughs kept on coming.  Toby and Dwight teamed up.  Jim took a big step in his career (maybe). Darryl committed corporate fraud. And Michael got stuffed in a cheese cart.  Just another typical day at THE OFFICE.

But we must start with the brilliant cold open.  I don’t know about you, but when I saw Oscar enter Michael’s office I instantly started to cringe.  There was just no way this was going to end well (and yes I know there is a colonoscopy joke in these somewhere). But the innocence and sincerity in which Michael asked about what to expect from his procedure had me in tears.

“In your experience, what should I be expecting, in terms of sensation. Or emotions. Is there anything I can do to make it more pleasurable for me? Or for Dr. Chaundry? My main concern is, should I have a safe word?

Cold Open

But Michael’s colonoscopy was the least of his worries, not with Jim and David Wallace having secret meetings.  Convinced the two were planning a coup, Michael did everything in his power to gain access to the meeting. I’m talking everything, including hiding in a cheese cart.  Kudos to the writers for including a little exposition about Scranton taking on the clients of the Buffalo branch.  It was just the little nod we needed to remind us why David Wallace puts up with the antics of Michael.

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FRINGE: Night of Desirable Objects

September 25, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Fringe, Fringe Recap, Posts by Gretchen

So did anyone still manage to catch Fringe even now that the Fall TV season is in full swing and it is up against The Office/Community, Grey’s, CSI, and Supernatural?! Thursday nights alone are making the HD TiVo that I purchased last year seem like a VERY wise investment indeed! Speaking of my beloved TiVo, I am in the unfortunate position of being temporarily without it since I’m tucked away in a hotel room in DC for the next few days. Trying to make sense of an episode of Fringe without the benefit of a rewind or two is a bit of a challenge, but I’ll do my best.

Fringe Science – The Cliff Notes Version

The team investigates a string of mysterious disappearances in the small town of Lansdale, PA. As the team combs the case files, a former doctor, Hughes, comes under suspicion. Olivia and Peter search Hughes’ house and come across a mysterious lab, complete with a big old periodic table of elements hanging from the wall. Later, Agent Jessup, uncovers evidence which suggests that Hughes may have killed his wife and son (he claims that his wife died in childbirth and that his son died just a few minutes later). Olivia brings Hughes in for questioning and asks for a sample of his DNA; they want to match it with some blueish material that was found at the crime scene (which Walter had already analyzed and found to be at least partially made up of human male DNA). Hughes denies DNA testing and Olivia puts him under a 24 hour hold while they obtain a warrant. The warrant becomes unnecessary because Hughes hangs himself from the light fixture while he waits.

Meanwhile, the exhumation of the bodies reveals two things (1) Hughes‘ wife had been suffering from an advanced case of Lupus and would have been medically unable to give birth and (2) the coffin of Hughes’ son was empty and had a hole in the bottom of it, indicating that something had burrowed its way out of it. Walter reveals that his analysis of the after birth taken from Hughes’ wife’s body suggest that Hughes had genetically engineered his son to survive even the most inhospitable of conditions by combining animal DNA (most likely that of a scorpion and a mole rat) with the human DNA. Oliva and Peter head back out to the farm where they confront the mutant boy underground and then proceed to take care of him before he can take care of them.

I’ll Take Mine With an Extra Side of Creepy, Please

What is it about corn fields that is so creepy? Thank you very much “Children of the Corn”, “Signs”, the pilot episode of “Smallville”, and now, tonight’s episode of “Fringe”, for making rows and rows of a harmless vegetables seem nothing short of terrifying.

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TOP CHEF: Deconstructing the Dish

September 24, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Posts by SB, Top Chef

Okay, so I know that I carried on about how much Top Chef Masters* (minus Hubert) sucked more than anyone, and it kind of did, but their magic challenge was probably one of the greatest Top Chef challenges they’ve ever done, at least for me, and I had really high hopes for this Penn and Teller episode.  And I’ve gotta say, in spite of its strong start with Penn and Teller actually deconstructing their magic trick, it was sort of a let down.

The thing is, Penn and Teller are awesome.  I’ve been reading articles about Teller participating in actual psychological research about how your brain runs really efficiently, basically by creating shortcuts for you, and so even as your told what’s happening (i.e., in their tricks), your brain is still showing you something else because it’s what it expects.  And I think Penn is a riot—did anyone NOT laugh at the bull testicles discussion?  I want to hop on a plane and go to Vegas and see their show RIGHT NOW.  And I do get how they deconstruct their magic tricks and I do think that’s the right terminology for it, but I’m not entirely convinced that it was as related to deconstructing food as the producers might have liked.  For me, the Masters challenge of taking the steps of a magic trick and making the chefs apply that to the dishes was a more successful correlated challenge.

That said, it’s not that this was a BAD challenge, it’s more that I was a weird combination of bored and stressed out.  Mostly stressed out, actually, which we’ll get to—but bored because there are certain clichés on Top Chef that I’m just kind of over, and “deconstructed” is one of them.  I think it’s interesting when it’s done well (which it usually isn’t) and lame when it’s a situation of someone trying to throw out a word to cover their own ass (which it usually is).  It’s just like … I’m also bored with scallops, ceviche (thank you, Season Six, for adding that one to my list), braised short ribs, purees, foams, and duos/trios, which we also got stuck with during the Quickfire, to name a few.
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GLEE: Preggers

September 24, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Glee, TV News

All the single ladies (all the single ladies), now put your hands up! Yes, please put that hand up, high in the air if you loved last night’s episode of GLEE as much as I did. Despite the overplay of Beyonce’s hit summer song, it took on new life when performed by Kurt Hummel and the McKinley High School football team.

I’m starting to think everything takes on a new life when performed by the fantastic Chris Colfer. Having only a relatively minor role in the first two episodes of the series, Colfer has stood out among a cast made up of those who stand out. His pitch perfect portrayal of the oh so chic, Kurt, had us laughing, but it’s the raw vulnerability he has displayed both in “Acafellas” and especially in last night’s “Preggers” that has made stand up and take notice of him…for more than his fierce fashion choices. Despite his struggles to declare his sexuality to the world, Kurt Hummel knows who he is. I’m glad that the writers didn’t spend too much time using Kurt’s sexual identity as a punchline. We’ve often seen teen sexuality play out in prime time television like an after school special. The writers of GLEE, along with Colfer, handled the story beautifully and with dignity. While I imagine that coming out to your family and friends is a struggle for most gay and lesbian teens (and adults), it’s been my experience that one’s sexuality does not define them. For Kurt being gay is just part of what he is, it’s not who he is.

That being said, if a boy is going to come out of that closet, at least he did it in style!

Kudos to Mike O’Malley who guested as Kurt’s alpha male father. Mike is well known for playing blue collar, rough around the edges type of characters, so his declaration that he knew his son was gay since the age of three was surprisingly sweet and touching. Rumor has it that Mike will be back later this season so here’s to hoping that’s true.

There were a lot of overlapping storylines in this episode. Sue’s new segment on the news. Her new alliance with Sandy to take down the Glee Club. The big reveal of Quinn’s pregnancy and the fact that the baby is actually Puck’s. The set-up of Teri’s creep obsession with Quinn’s uterus. And of course Rachel’s struggle to see that spotlight pointed at anyone else but her. But unlike the past two episodes, the creative team seems to have found the balance in the storytelling. There were nice levels that really let each story breathe a bit.

And that’s what I loved about this episode. The writers really seem to have found the much tone of the show. The humor was broad (the dancing football team), smart (Sue’s Corner), dark (Terri…oh Terri) and the drama was very much grounded. The scene where Finn breaks down on Will’s shoulder was really beautiful. It seemed like everything really clicked with this episode and I hope that the writers used it as a blueprint for the rest of the season.

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THE OFFICE’s Jim & Pam on the Cover of EW

The latest issue of EW, hitting stands on Friday, September 25th, is a must have for all fans of THE OFFICE.  The cover and story inside are all about the long-awaited, upcoming nuptials of Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert.  How stunning do John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer look on the cover?!

Inside the magazine are juicy spoilers about the wedding episode which will air on October 8th.  You can get most of the scoop right here if you are so inclined. There’s also a great behind-the-scenes video with John and Jenna at the photo shoot talking about how THE OFFICE will be transitioning into The Muppet Babies in an attempt to go head-to-head with Sesame Street.  Maybe you should just watch it.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, September 24, 2009

September 24, 2009 by  
Filed under Tonight's TV Spotlight, TV News

I got a good night’s sleep and I’m ready to tackle Thursday night TV!! So as busy as your DVR was last week, it’s going to get even more interesting when you try to fit in FLASH FORWARD, GREY’S ANATOMY, CSI and THE MENTALIST – all which premiere tonight.

Alright let’s get to the goodness of tonight’s lineup!

Flash Forward | 8pm on ABC | Series Premiere
“No More Good Days”
A normal day turns to chaos when everyone on Earth blacks out for 2 minutes, 17 seconds and sees events from their own futures.

Bones | 8pm on CBS
“The Bond in the Boot”
Booth and Brennan investigate when a man is murdered for the undisclosed contents of his briefcase; the team looks for alternate funding for Wendell when he loses his scholarship.

Survivor: Samoa | 8pm on CBS
“Taking Candy from a Baby”
A rugby-like game gets out of control and one player is ejected from the contest; one person is given the opportunity to make friends with the opposing tribe, but it doesn’t go well. Meanwhile, Russell H. continues to disrupt life for the Foa Foa tribe.

(The rest of Thursday night’s lineup is after the jump)

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The Mentalist | 10pm on CBS

September 24, 2009 by  
Filed under (3) TV Spotlight

Comments Off on The Mentalist | 10pm on CBS

Season Premiere: n the second-season opener, the Red John case is taken away from the team and given to another CBI team, led by Sam Bosco (Terry Kinney)

Kristin Chenoweth on GLEE – Sneak Peek

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Glee

TV, Film and Broadway star, Kristin Chenoweth, will be making a guest appearance on the September 30th episode of GLEE. Here’s a sneak peek of Kristin as ex-Gleeker, April Rhodes, in this behind the scenes footage.

Pictures from next week’s episode after the break
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GLEE – Single Ladies

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Glee

I’ll be back tomorrow with my thoughts on tonight’s fabulous episode of GLEE, so hold off on your episode comments until then.  But for now, in case any of you wanted to ‘ring on it on three’ here’s Kurt Hummel’s take on Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”

I could watch this over and over again.  Oh wait…I have! Chris Colfer is a golden god!

GLEE – Single Ladies from Kath on Vimeo.

Ring on it on three!

MODERN FAMILY – The Best of ABC’s Fall Lineup

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Modern Family



MODERN FAMILY
, premiering tonight at 9/8c on ABC, was not only the funniest pilot of the new season, it’s the best new show I’ve seen all Fall. It’s a smart and hilarious look at modern, if maybe not traditional, families. But what is traditional these days? Family is family no matter what the make-up. Creators Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd wrote a brilliant script that delivered big laughs from the very beginning all the way through to the laugh out loud ending. I’m being serious when I tell you to watch what you’re drinking while watching tonight’s episode. The first time I watched a particular scene near the end I literally screamed with laughter. Subsequent viewings, and there have been many, had the same effect. It’s that funny.

A mockumentary film crew uses its lens to explore the dynamics of three interconnected families. Jay (Ed O’Neill) and his new, much younger wife, Gloria (Sofia Varga), are adjusting to their new lives together as they raise Gloria’s lovelorn son, Manny. Their May-December love doesn’t go unnoticed despite how young Jay tries portray himself. Gloria’s kind heart and sweet loving nature is a perfect foil to Jay’s cynicism and gruff. I’m already waiting for the episode that explains how this twosome came to be.

Jay has two children from his first marriage. His daughter Claire (Julie Bowen) and her husband Phil (Ty Burell) live the seemingly traditional life of a nuclear family. They live in the burbs with their three children whose extracurricular activities leave the family a slave to their calendar. Clarie runs the household while Phil runs around embarrassing his kids with his perceived coolness.

Claire’s brother, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and his life partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) have just returned from China where they have adopted a baby girl named Lily. The slightly neurotic and uptight Mitchell seems lovingly at odds with Cameron who prefers a more dramatic and grandiose approach to life.

They may look like separate families but they are all one. Despite their obvious differences there is a love at the core….love and laughs.

TV is subjective. Comedy even more so. But I really think that you all will really have a good laugh at this heartfelt look at the modern family.

Be sure to come back to this post after you’ve watched and share your thoughts.

Will you be tuning it tonight at 9/8c on ABC?

A sneak peek at tonight’s MODERN FAMILY premiere (if you plan on watching tonight, maybe skip this video so as not to spoil yourself).



WAREHOUSE 13 Season Finale: McPherson

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Posts by Sarah (Seels), Warehouse 13

Warehouse 13

Warehouse 13

Before I turn things over to Seeleybaby, I wanted to take a moment to thank her for her excellent coverage of Syfy’s WAREHOUSE 13 this summer.  This show had a quiet entrance but quickly got the attention of many.  I was glad that so many GiveMeMyRemote.com readers took kindly to the show and joined in on the weekly discussion.  So thanks, Seels for taking us on the journey this summer. You’re the best! — Kath

Yowza! Even a twisted mind can be an artifact…fantastic line, FANTASTIC finale!

First off, did anyone else want to see Mrs. F get back to the Warehouse just in time to deliver a roundhouse kick to the face on McPherson? Let’s see those hands.

But alas, that is not the ending we were treated to. **Spoiler alerts** (can they be spoilers if the episode has already aired? Either way, I’m not holding back, so if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve been warned).

You know, when Eddie McClintock told us that they might lose a character in the finale, I thought maybe it would be McPherson (and I am sure you all can guess who I HOPED it would be), but I love how the finale played out.

Very well played on the part of the writers to set up the epi with a flashback to the disillusionment of the partnership/friendship between Artie and James McPherson. I bought their friendship in that moment, and I think THAT was one of the best threads to the whole finale. And for the most part, while McPherson DID have some evil lurking in there (like, not even blinking when saving the life of his bodyguard from the flames caused the death of three innocent bystanders), I believe that he HONESTLY feels that the warehouse and the Regents are not beneficial. He didn’t start out intending to be evil; he just wanted out.

It’s interesting that McPherson called Pete out on that very thing. Of course, Pete called him McNutty Pants. I love Pete.

Leena betraying the team made me sad. Pete in glasses made me happy. And the ‘bronzer’ part of the warehouse was a very, very dark place. I’m not sure I like that, and yet, how deliciously fascinating! Our girl Myka wants no part of it.

One note on the thimble. While I liked the idea of it, I didn’t care for the way the writers described it as helping Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Maybe I missed an important detail in there, but I am not going to buy into anything that would lessen the sheer willpower of the people who risked their lives on the Underground Railroad.

Okay, back to the episode. I liked Pete and Myka’s teamwork in this episode. Their partnership is very special. And I thought the acting was spot on from all of the actors involved.

So what do we have to look forward to next year, do you think? Pete can roll with the punches, but Myka can handle the truth, so it will be interesting to see how season two starts out, if in fact they are left to their own devices sans Artie. Mini prediction: I think Artie is alive and will become a rogue agent. It will be up to Pete and Myka to keep the warehouse intact while trying to find him (and maybe Claudia). Post your predictions in the comments!

Questions to consider until next time:

1. Did Artie have the phoenix? If so, and he ‘rises from the ashes’, who will have to die in his place, anyone?
2. Leena…she’s still in the warehouse, right? Hmmm…it will be interesting to see how that works out in the season two premiere.
3. Seriously, would it have been that hard to have Irene plant a Manolo right to McPherson’s jaw?

Thanks to GMMR for letting us chill in the Warehouse this summer, and THANKS to everyone who tuned in week after week and left comments and thoughts on these reviews. What has been YOUR favorite episode this season? Tell us which one and why below!

About Last Night…THE GOOD WIFE, THE FORGOTTEN, NCIS:LA

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under TV News

Another day and another crop of new shows for your to check out.  But l’m interested in what you watched last night.  Will any of last night’s series premiere make the coveted ‘season pass’ list on your TiVo or DVR?

If you watched the premieres of THE GOOD WIFE on CBS, THE FORGOTTEN on ABC or the NCIS:LA, the newest franchise from CBS, drop us a line and let us know what you thought.

MERCY from NBC – First Look

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, Fall Preview, Fall TV

Trying to decide which shows to watch tonight?  Here’s a little bit about NBC’s new medical drama, MERCY.

“Mercy,” a new medical drama with a unique point of view, portrays the lives of the staff at Mercy Hospital as seen through the eyes of those who know it best — its nurses. Nurse Veronica Callahan (Taylor Schilling, “Dark Matter”) returns to Mercy from a military tour in Iraq — and she knows more about medicine than all of the residents combined. Together with fellow nurses Sonia Jimenez (Jamie Lee Kirchner, “Rescue Me”) and Chloe Payne (Michelle Trachtenberg, “Gossip Girl”), Callahan navigates through the daily traumas and social landmines of life and love both inside the hospital and out in the real world. The cast also includes: James Tupper (”Men in Trees”) as Dr. Chris Sands, a new doctor at the hospital who complicates Veronica’s life; Diego Klattenhoff (”Supernatural”) as Mike Callahan, Veronica’s husband; and Guillermo Diaz (”Weeds”) as Nurse Angel Lopez. “Mercy” is a production from Universal Media Studios and Berman Braun. Joining writer/executive producers Liz Heldens (NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”) and Gretchen Berg & Aaron Harberts (”Pushing Daisies,” “Pepper Dennis”) are executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein (NBC’s “30 Rock,” “Rescue Me”) is the director.

Featurette

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, September 23, 2009

September 23, 2009 by  
Filed under TV News

Get excited because tonight is a fantastic night of television. After yet another episode of DANCING WITH THE STARS (enough already), ABC has an entire night full of premieres (and even a few worth watching).  And over on Fox we’ve got SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and my favorite episode of GLEE so far. CBS doesn’t have any new shows premiering tonight but they are back with new episodes of some of their fan favorites. NBC has the premieres of MERCY and the return of LAW & ORDER: SVU.

I think by now you all know that SYTYCD & GLEE are my priorities for Wednesday night, but if you have the DVR space to do so, I think you should record ABC from 9-11pm. MODERN FAMILY was my favorite comedy pilot of the whole season and it just can’t be missed.  COUGAR TOWN starring Courtney Cox Arquette was a nice surprise and well worth your time.  EASTWICK has potential.  I’m going to give it a few eps, but there is something there. You should check it out tonight.

Here’s a look at the Fall schedule for the big networks. Check out the notes at the end to find out when these Wednesday night faves will be premiering.

After all this, the least you could do is tell me what shows YOU will be watching tonight!

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
“Boston”
The SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE auditions continue as the team looks for dancers to join the Top 20. Tonight the Boston auditions are showcased 

Mercy | 8pm on NBC | Series Premiere
“Can We Get That Drink Now?”
The professional and personal ups and downs of three nurses at a hospital in gritty Jersey City, N.J., are charted in this medical drama. First up: An adept nurse (Taylor Schilling) lands work at Mercy Hospital after a tour of duty in Iraq, but her love life grows complicated because of her splintering marriage and the arrival of a handsome new doctor. Meanwhile, a naive rookie (Michelle Trachtenberg) tries to learn the nursing ropes.

The New Adventures of Old Christine | 8pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Bahamian Rhapsody”
The fifth season begins with Christine and Matthew flying to the Bahamas to help the deported Barb obtain an illegal visa so she can return to the U.S.

Gary Unmarried | 8:30pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Gary Has a Dream”
Hoping to set an example for his unambitious son, Gary decides to pursue his dream of becoming a radio sports announcer.

Modern Family | 9pm on ABC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
Jay has grown children, grandchildren and a gorgeous young wife, who has a preteen son of her own; all together they must bridge generational, cultural and social gaps.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 9pm on NBC | Season Premiere
“Unstable”
Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller) helps a woman in trouble and gets roped into investigating a rape case; when evidence connects multiple cases, the team realizes they may be pursuing a serial rapist. [GMMR: Here’s a sneak peek at Wentworth Miller on SVU]

Glee | 9pm on Fox
“Preggers”
While Kurt tries out for the football team (taking a page from the glee playbook with him), Rachel storms out of glee practice when Will gives a plum part to Tina. Meanwhile, Sue comes up with a new plot to boost her program at glee’s expense; and Quinn has news for Finn. [GMMR: My very FAVORITE episode of GLEE so far this season.  I’ve watched this ep 5 or 6 times already. Hilarious…and touching.]

Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Nameless, Faceless”
In the fifth-season opener, Hotchner vanishes while the team is profiling a killer who’s targeting an emergency-room doctor. C. Thomas Howell.

Cougar Town | 9:30pm on ABC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
A recently divorced single mother explores the honest truths about dating and aging in a beauty and youth obsessed culture.

CSI:NY | 10pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Epilogue”
The sixth season begins with Mac’s team recovering from a hail of machine-gun fire aimed at them while they were at a local bar remembering one of their fallen members. One person’s life is significantly changed by the event, and the CSIs become determined to find the shooter.

Top Chef: Las Vegas | 10pm on Bravo
“Penn & Teller”
The contestants deconstruct a classic dish for magicians Penn & Teller; chef Michelle Bernstein serves as a guest judge.

Eastwick | 10pm on ABC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
In the seaside village of Eastwick, three very different women discover bewitching talents they never knew they had.

Also playing…

  • Dancing with the Stars | 8pm on ABC: tribute to the late Patrick Swayze; the cast of Broadway’s “The Lion King” performs; Sean Kingston performs; two celebrity dancers are eliminated.
  • America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW: The contestants meet with Miss J. to prepare for their first runway show; one of the contestants talks about a former abusive relationship; Jaime Rishar serves as a guest judge.
  • The Beautiful Life: TBL | 9pm on The CW: Chris thinks his modeling career is over; Claudia tells Raina to focus more on her career and less on her relationship with Chris; Isaac decides to confront Vivienne; Marissa invites Raina’s brother to a party hosted by Nina Garcia.

On the late night couch…

  • The Late Show with David Letterman: Simon Baker, Mary J. Blige
  • The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Martin Short, Tim Gunn, Wynonna
  • The Jay Leno Show: Vince Vaughn, Al Michaels, Bob Costas
  • The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ken Tucker, Arctic Monkeys
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live: Courteney Cox, Jessica Capshaw, the first “Dancing with The Stars” castoff
  • Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Amy Poehler, Dan Fogler, Parkour athletes
  • Chelsea Lately: Mekhi Phifer, John Caparulo, Sarah Colonna, Michael Kosta
  • Last Call with Carson Daly: Seth Green, Kevin Lyman, Pete Yorn
  • The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Tom Ridge
  • The Colbert Report: Michael Moore, A.J. Jacobs

This is where I turn it over to YOU! Share with us what YOU are watching tonight!

HOUSE Season Premiere: Broken

September 22, 2009 by  
Filed under #1 featured, House, House Recap, Posts by Erik

On Sunday night, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presented Emmy Awards to a cavalcade of deserving actors, writers, directors, and producers. Though House fans may have been disappointed that the show was shut out this year, I have an early submission to make for the 2010 award season. I nominate Hugh Laurie’s efforts in “Broken” for a Tony Award, a fitting tribute to a command performance that would easily fill the largest theater on Broadway.

In the days leading up to House’s Season 6 kickoff, I was nervous about finding new approaches to writing about a show that, despite a world class cast and crew, often follows a paint-by-numbers formula. Thankfully, director Katie Jacobs, who also serves as one of House’s showrunners, saved me the trouble of having to watch a TV show this week. Instead, I felt every minute of House’s time at Mayfield, riding high on adrenaline during the light moments, and driven to tears by the emotional wrecking balls that made his journey more treacherous.

My comparison of this story to a Broadway play is meant as the highest of praise. Rather than blow the budget out to create an “event episode” for the launch of the season, the creative team made a gutsy call. Put Hugh Laurie inside of a simple set piece, surround him with experienced actors who can dissolve into their roles, and see what happens. The outcome was unique, living up to the high expectations of the show’s audience, despite leaving many of their favorite characters on the sidelines.

The two-hour masterpiece could have easily come apart, if it had followed House on a downward spiral that offered no hope, no light to lift our spirits. Thankfully, the rich script (crafted by David Shore, Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner, and David Foster) included a host of infectious laughs and tender moments.

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