Fringe (1.1)

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 @ 8 PM
FOX
Fringe - Season 1, Episode # 1 - Pilot
Recap: http://fox.com/fringe/recaps/s1_e1.htm

Manatee: So Marmot, do you have a favorite new show thus far this season?

Marmot: I do… It's 90210. Just kidding. It's Fringe.

Manatee: You gave me a heart attack for a sec there.

Marmot: What if the cast of Fringe and 90210 swapped places?

Manatee: In a weird way, I think it would work. I already have a hard time buying Pacy as the genius on Fringe.

Marmot: I like his dad, though. He's like the science fictional Kramer.

Manatee: I have to agree. The performance is great, and really convincing. I like the comedic play between him and Olivia's assistant.

Marmot: Do FBI agents typically have assistants?

Manatee: I'm not too clear on that. I suppose she's not a 'personal assistant' and is more of a 'junior agent' if you will.

Marmot: Do you think she still has to roll calls?

Manatee: Probably. What did you like about the pilot? I enjoyed it, and I'm not that huge a fan of 'sci-fi.'

Marmot: Well first, I thought it was shot beautifully. Some of the shots were breathtaking. Overall, I really liked it. A little bit of X-Files, a little LOST and a great cast.

Manatee: I like that there is going to be a new case each week, but there is an overall larger scheme here. I'm interested to learn more about that company. Though I am a little sick of the thread in series about a large corporation taking over and controlling America. Not that I know that's the direction they are headed. But it feels that way.

Marmot: I'm a little confused on what this company does. I think they're supposed to be Microsoft, but bigger.

Manatee: Did you see their office? It's huge and white and spacious. And the woman had a fake crazy computerized hand. It's biazzro-land.

Marmot: That was one thing that bothered me. The show is somewhat based in psuedo-science, but a super-advanced robotic hand? That's pretty much fiction.

Manatee: That we know of... 'find the pattern.'

Marmot: Oh yeah, the pattern. I've heard that the answer to the whole show is in those things in all the promotional material. So the answer is Frog, Leaf,Apple.

Marmot: That was easy. What happens when you solve the pattern?

Marmot: I just did. It's frog, leaf, apple.

Manatee: Is the earth going to explode now?

Marmot: um.....yes. I think maybe they have to merge. Like the frog has to eat the apple?

Manatee: How long do you see a show like this lasting for? If it was purely procedural, like a Law & Order case each week, maybe it could last 19 years too. But this pattern thing seems to imply a natural end (at some point).

Marmot: How long do frogs live for?

Manatee: Roughly 14 years. But then again, some are only 2-3 years. Really it varies.

Marmot: I think that's going to decide how long the show continues. Well, consider the X-Files. It lasted 9 seasons on a mixed serial/episodic format.

Manatee: The series definitely is inviting a lot of discussion. I'm very curious about what is going on.

Marmot: Do you think that the guy from L O S T is in on it?

Manatee: Ben?

Marmot: No, Lance Reddick. He plays Matthew Abaddon on L O S T and the FBI agent that hates her on Fringe.

Manatee: Oh yeah, that guy. I knew he looked familiar. Well it's hard to say too much since you have not watched episode #2.

Marmot: Is it bad that I've watched more episodes of 90210 than Fringe?

Manatee: YES! What are you thinking?!

Privileged (1.1, 1.2)

Tuesday, September 9th & 16th, 2008 @ 9 PM
CW
"Privileged" - Season 1 - Pilot and Episode # 2 -"Pilot" & "All About Honesty"
http://cwtv.com/shows/privileged/episodes

Manatee here.

I thought I'd give you a few quick thoughts on CW's new series, 'Privileged.' This show was somewhat of a surprise to me... I wasn't even sure I was going to watch it. But if you are a 'Gossip Girl,' '90210,' or 'OC' fan, might I suggest a screening of this series. I saw some clips this summer that were pretty boring, but for the sake of this blog, I watched the first two hours. The show starts off in Manhattan following Megan and her terrible celebrity tabloid (TMZ-esque) job. Before the first commercial break, she is fired but simultaneously sent to McMansion, Florida for a nanny / tutor job. JoAnna Garcia as Megan is great. A real breath of fresh air, quirky yet charming. If you watch the episode, you'll find yourself really liking her character.

The show is not quite as entertaining as season one of 'Gossip Girl' which allowed viewers a great chance to escape reality and be immersed in the upper class socialites of Manhattan. You do get a peek at high society, Palm Beach style. Charity events, huge beach mansions, and ivy league aspiring
teens in a new zip code. It also gives us "20-somethings" a good look at a girl trying to make it in the wide world of 'entertainment.' Megan wants to write, but not trash - real hard hitting journalism for people that care. The drama she faces is keeping her wild and wacky charges in line, flirting with a cute and rich neighbor, finding time to write, dealing with family baggage, and standing up for herself to her strong-willed and successful (female) boss - some normal issues the working world faces.

Lucy Kate Hale (from 'Bionic Woman') and Ashley Newbrough are cute as Megan's students and aspiring heirs. Their mischief, so far, is fun, light and good natured. No cocaine snorting, 911 calling parties here, yet I still find myself very interested in their lives as well as Megan's. I was disappointed in Lily (played by Kristina Apgar). I found her annoying and out of place, acting wise. She was not as strong as the other actors. I'm geared up for next week. I hope episode #3 stays on par with the first two. If you checked it out, comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Gossip Girl (2.3)

Monday, September 15th, 2008 @ 8 PM

CW

Gossip Girl - Season 2 - Episode #3 - "The Dark Night"

Serena (Blake Lively) and Dan (Penn Badgley) are forced to deal with
their unspoken problems while trapped in an elevator during a citywide
blackout. In a humorous twist, Blair (Leighton Meester) questions the
lack of passion in her relationship with Marcus (guest star Patrick
Heusinger), while at the same time Chuck (Ed Westwick) appears to have
lost his "passion" for any woman other than Blair. Meanwhile, Nate
(Chace Crawford) struggles between his feelings for Vanessa (Jessica
Szohr) and his more-complicated-by-the-day relationship with Catherine
(guest star Madchen Amick). Jenny (Taylor Momsen) risks losing her
internship when Eleanor (Margaret Colin) catches Jenny critiquing one
of the Eleanor Waldorf designs. Matthew Settle also stars. Janice Cooke
directed the episode written by John Stephens. (CWtv.com)

Hey Gossip Girl fans!

Manatee Here.

Over it: Dan and Serena! Last week I was excited that they were back together, now I don't care. Their drama is super silly even for high schoolers. Though I did like those 3 pre-teen girls in the park - they were scary looking! That's what happens when you're 8 and you dress like you are 28.

Are you kidding me: Blair mistaking Chuck for Marcus! When did she become a little vixon?! Why was Blair in such a rush to get into Marcus' pants? I know he's a lord and all, but give it a few weeks will you Blair.

Not interested: Jenny and her internship with Eleanor.

Noticed: Rufus' weird looking date! Is she going to be a regular? And when did Rufus have time to meet this chick?

Overall: I'm feeling a little 'over' this show. I need some more spice otherwise I'm out. My DVR could use the extra space.

XOXO,

Manatee

America's Funniest Home Videos

What's happening to this world? RATINGS DATA:
Top 20 programs from 09/08/08 through 09/14/08 Rank Total # of
Viewers Total Viewer Rating 1 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 17830 6.2 2
SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK 13560 4.7 3 60 MINUTES 12540 4.4 4 SAT NIGHT
FOOTBALL 11940 4.2 5 AMERICA'S GOT TALENT-WED 11700 4.1 6 AMERICA'S GOT
TALENT 11610 4.1 7 FOOTBALL NT AMERICA PT 3 10850 3.8 8 AMERICA'S GOT
TALENT 9/11 9830 3.4 9 DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON 9650 3.4 10 TWO AND A HALF
MEN 9180 3.2 11 BONES 9150 3.2 12 FRINGE 9130 3.2 13 CSI 9040 3.2
14 FLASHPOINT 8680 3.0 15 CRIMINAL MINDS 8360 2.9 16 20/20-FRI 8070
2.8 17 SAT NIGHT FTBL PRE-GAME 7860 2.7 18 BIG BROTHER 10-THU 7820 2.7
19 LAW AND ORDER:SVU 7610 2.7 20 AMER FUNN HOME VIDEOS 7510 2.6

Gossip Girl (2.1 & 2.2)

Monday, September 1st & 8th, 2008 @ 8 PM

CW

Gossip Girl - Season 2 - Episodes #1 & #2

"Summer, Kind of Wonderful"

#1: As the summer draws to a close in the Hamptons, Serena (Blake Lively)and Nate (Chace Crawford) have everyone fooled into thinking they are a couple to cover up the fact that Nate has been hooking up with a married older woman (guest star Amick) and Serena has been secretly mourning her break-up with Dan (Penn Badgley). Blair (Leighton Meester) returns from abroad with a hot guy on her arm (guest star Patrick Heusinger), making a very jealous Chuck (Ed Westwick) question his decision to leave Blair stranded at the heliport. Dan has spent the summer assisting a famous author (guest star McInerney), but decides to head to the Hamptons to see how things stand with Serena after a summer spent apart. While interning for Eleanor Waldorf's company, Jenny (Taylor Momsen) sneaks an invite to a much-coveted Hamptons' White Party at which Eric (Connor Paolo) introduces her to socialite Tinsley Mortimer. Matthew Settle also stars. J. Miller Tobin directed the episode written by Joshua Safran. (CWtv.com)

"Never Been Marcused"

#2: Blair (Leighton Meester) is over the moon that she is dating royalty and has every intention of becoming a royal herself, but a scheming Chuck (Ed Westwick) has other plans for Blair and hew new love, Marcus (guest star Patrick Heusinger). Serena (Blake Lively) and Dan (Penn Badgley) agree to keep their recent hook-ups a secret from their friends and family until they figure out what all this means for their relationship. Meanwhile, Nate (Chace Crawford) learns the downside to having an affair with a hot older woman, Catherine (guest star Madchen Amick), who also happens to be married. Taylor Momsen, Jessica Szohr and Matthew Settle also star. Michael Fields directed the episode written by executive producer Stephanie Savage. (CWtv.com)

Hey Gossip Girl fans!

Marmot and Manatee Here.

Marmot: What a lame summer for television. There were almost no new shows worth watching. Swingtown was boring and the only new show I really liked was The Middleman. Which has been canceled.

Manatee: Agreed. In Plain Sight was disappointing.? It was a summer of crap. The question is will the fall be any better?

Marmot: YES. Because Gossip Girl is back!

Manatee: I'm not so sure Marmot. I'm feeling a little down on GG this season so far.

Marmot: For me, the more ridiculous the show is, the better. And this season is REE DICK YOU LUSS

Manatee: I find it just plain ol' annoying... A NNOY ING!

Marmot: For instance...SPOTTED: Chuck Bass in a Riddler costume. (see above)

Manatee: I'd have to admit, that probably was the highlight! WHO CARES MOMENT: Jenny and her fashion career. The drama does not seem like it's really gotten going yet this season.

Marmot: OVERHEARD: 29-Year-Old Dad name dropping Tanya Donnelly (formally of the band Belly). Does anyone who likes this show know who she is? Why not just make up a name?

Manatee: Maybe she needs the publicity?

Marmot: She should start composing music for TV shows like Liz Phair has.

Manatee: FOR REAL: Thoughts on S and Dan getting back together?

Marmot: Who cares? Serena looks like she was supposed to be on 90210. The original 90210. And Dan looks like Jon Mayer, which makes me hate him.

Manatee: I think this will become a Ross - Rachel thing. Together, not together, supposed to be together, just hooking up, pregnant, not together, together, and so forth.

Marmot: Will Dan wear an armadillo costume?

Manatee: One can only hope. Then he will be a real rival to Chuck's attire

Marmot: I wish Chuck would start wearing more animal costumes.

Manatee: Such as?

Marmot: Giraffe.

Manatee: Hippo.

Marmot: Do you think that Nate's new milf-capade is actually a con artist, conspiring with Blair's new boyfriend? Because I do.

Manatee: I kind of had that notion at first as well. But she did give Nate a large stack of cash.? What would she get out of that?

Marmot: Nate didn't look at it. Maybe it's Monopoly money? Or, it takes money to make money.

Manatee: Interesting. But since the FBI seized Nate' s family's money, not sure where she is headed unless it's for Blair and Nate is a fun side trip. Also, what was up with Chuck's loan to Nate's mom? Can a 16 year old do that?

Marmot: Of course he can. He's Chuck Bass.

90210 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3)

Tuesday, September 2nd & 9th, 2008 @ 8 PM

CW

90210 - Season 1 - Pilot & Episodes #2-3

"We're Not In Kansas Anymore" & "Jet Set"

Harry Wilson (Rob Estes, "Women's Murder Club"), new principal of West Beverly Hills High School, returns from Kansas to his childhood home of Beverly Hills with his wife Debbie (Lori Loughlin, "In Case of Emergency"), their daughter Annie (Shenae Grimes, "Degrassi: The Next Generation") and adopted son Dixon, (Tristan Wilds, "The Wire") to care for Harry's mother, former television star Tabitha Wilson (Jessica Walter, "Arrested Development"). On their first day at West Bev, Annie and Dixon encounter Ethan (Dustin Milligan, "Runaway"), the star lacrosse player she met a few summers ago; Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord, "Nip/Tuck"), the spoiled rich girl whose sole focus is her Sweet Sixteen party; Silver (Jessica Stroup, "Prom Night"), the free-spirited girl who later gossips about Annie on her blog, and Navid (Michael Steger, "Criminal Minds"), editor of Blaze News. When Naomi fails to complete an assignment, English teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold, "Dirt") and guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (special guest star Jennie Garth, "Beverly Hills, 90210"), bring the problem to Harry, who quickly realizes that keeping secrets about his past is going to be impossible. Dixon impresses his peers when he tries out for the lacrosse team, but has to deal with jealous teammates who will stop at nothing to sabotage him. Annie misses the deadline to audition for the spring musical but sparks fly when she meets the leading actor Ty (guest star Adam Gregory), one of
the most popular students on campus. Ty impresses Annie by flying her to San Francisco for dinner in his private jet, but Annie fails to mention her plans to her parents. Special guest star Shannen Doherty reprises her role as Brenda Walsh. Mark Piznarski directed the first episode, written by Rob Thomas and Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah (#101). Wendey Stanzler directed the second episode, written by Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah (#102). (Cwtv.com)

"Lucky Strike"

Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Dixon's (Tristan Wilds) Friday night plans come to a screeching halt when they learn that Harry (Rob Estes) and Debbie (Lori Loughlin) have planned a family bowling night. When Ethan (Dustin Milligan), Navid (Michael Steger) and Silver (Jessica Stroup) show up at the bowling alley, Harry and Debbie realize they have lost control of their family outing but encourage their kids to spend time with their friends. Ty (guest star Adam Gregory) shows up at the bowling alley, causing Annie to choose between spending time with him or Ethan. Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) deals with a disappointing evening with her father and destroys a gift from him in a violent rage. Dixon discovers Silver asleep in her car, prompting Kelly (guest star Jennie Garth) to confront their mother Jackie (guest star Ann Gillespie, "Beverly Hills, 90210") about the repercussions of her alcoholic behavior. Jessica Walter also stars. Mark Piznarski directed the episode written by Jill Gordon. (Cwtv.com)

Hi 90210-ers!

Manatee here with some thoughts on the last 3 hours of the new '90210.'

First off, the acting on this new series, SUCKS! Whoever cast this show does not deserve to work in this town again. The girls are all anorexic looking, they make me want to eat 24/7 so I never look that bad. But not only is this a horribly unattractive cast, they cannot act well at all. Annie's excitement about her flight to San Fran was atrocious. I don't buy Rob Estes as the dad. He looks about 5 years older than his adopted son. And his struggle "dad vs. principal' is a lousy one. I also think that between the 3 hours already aired, there are no controversies worth watching. The writers introduce issues in the first 10 minutes that get resolved by minute number 58. Do the writers need a refresher course in drama and character arcs?

For example, in 'Lucky Strike," Silver has this whole dilemma with her 'abusive' mom. By the end, the problem seems to be fixed. Why wouldn't she hide her problem a little more from her friends. And why would that Women's Shelter turn away a minor that has an abusive mother. Sure Silver has a roof over her head to go back to, but I think a social worker should report something like that. Not to mention, as a principal, I think Harry needs to report the problem to a law official not just Silver's sister. Are the writer's writing like every episode is their last? I can't really blame them with TV's cancellation policy and track record, but come on, give us some time to get into the stories.

Additionally, Naomi learns her father is having an affair (duh! Saw that one coming...) and she is torn apart. When she works up the courage to tell her mother (about 3 minutes later, wow what a struggle!) her mom already knows and is okay with her husband's cheating ways! Oh Beverly Hills. I see where this is going. Naomi's mom will realize that not every husband cheats on his wife and will want to rekindle her love with Harry. Watch out lady from Full House, you're in for a cat fight.

The only semi-interesting mystery that arose was Kelly's 4 year old son. As a former 90210 fan, I knew that Kelly married Dylan but that was about circa 1999. She also dated Brandon, but the math doesn't quite work out. Everyone keeps referring to Sammy's father as 'him.' What's the big secret?! It's so obviously Steve. Kelly's clue gave that away (Note, she did date everyone on the show except David but that would have been a difficult sell - incest - in the 90's on Fox prime time). And then the kid has blond curly hair (like Steve's SOS pad)! Cat's out of the bag without you spelling it out, writers.

However, I can't help but feel this story is of little intrigue to anyone who is under the age of 25 right now. I know we discussed alittle bit about this spinoff concept vs. remake. I wish they left this as more of a straight remake and took out the Brenda, Kelly, etc. characters. I was young when the original came out, and perhaps seeing a revamped Peach Pit or Kelly in WBHS brings a little nostalgia ''round, but to a new generation of pre-teens yearning to stay up late to finish this 2 hour premiere, they couldn't care less about Kelly and her son or Brenda and her acting. They probably didn't go to CBS.com to catch up on the original series.

That being said, is this new series as edgy as the original? Is it a product of me being older? It felt a little flat to me. The drama was very false and manufactured. The problems seem pretty unrealistic in a Gossip Girl way, but not as entertaining or enveloped in escapism as the aforementioned. This is a big mansion, huge private jet kind of show - an LA Gossip Girl, but just without all the fun and glamor of last year's hit.

Swingtown (1.10)

Friday, August 8th @ 10 PM CBS Swingtown - Season 1, Episode #10 - "Running on Empty"

Bruce and Susan go to the cabin to reconnect with each other and their children, but their weekend ends with Laurie running away and Susan realizing that she has feelings for Roger. Janet and Roger see a therapist and Tom and Trina resume swinging. (CBS.com)

Marmot: Swingtown is lame.

Manatee: It's so ridiculous. I don't think any of the writers have families because they have no idea what it is like to be a part of family drama. It's so forced and completely absurd.

Marmot: Bruce and Susan are terrible, terrible parents. So are Roger and Janet, actually. I haven't seen them interact with their son since the pilot. Actually, when you think about it, the only people I would trust with a child are Tom and Trina, which is kind of ironic.

Manatee: That is funny. They might see an orgy or 2 but at least they'd have food and something of normal parental love. This show has become boring. Do you think CBS said,” tone it down,” or was it a flawed premise to begin with?

Marmot: I'm pretty sure it's the toning down. I think all the sponsors got scared away. There was an ad for Time Life Books or something similar during the last episode. In prime time television!

Manatee: I don't think there is anyway this show is coming back for a season 2, and frankly, I'm not that disappointed.

Marmot: Me either. The only thing I'm interested in is to see if Roger and Susan get together.

Manatee: Well, the previews for next Friday night show Roger kissing Susan! Whether they screw over their respective partners and get together, I'm not sure... but it looks like Roger is taking the plunge.

Marmot: Holy crap! It's only episode 10! Where is this show going?

Manatee: I think there are only 12 total anyhow, so they probably feel the pressure of wrapping it up. These days so many shows don't come back that you almost feel like every season finale needs to be a series finale.

Marmot: I think writings staffs need to plan on telling as complete a story as possible in their initial order. There's nothing worse than being a fan of a show and the proverbial rug gets pulled out from under you.

Manatee: Where would you like to see the next 2 episodes go?

Marmot: I'd like to see Roger and Susan hook up and live happily ever after, Bruce go back to Pirates of the Caribbean where he belongs, Janet go to live with Tom and Trina for the rest of their lives and the daughter given a nose.