Grey Issues on Grey's

Is it even necessary for me to state that Grey's Anatomy has been such a letdown this season or is that common knowledge?

I’ve finally realized what’s missing in the appeal-factor for me: a compelling love story. I’m tired of what has been offered thus far. The MerDer drama? Alex and his bevy of women? So old, so boring…so typical!
Why must everyone in the hospital sleep with one another? George and Izzie---pretty much repulsing to watch. This little Lexie is trying to bring her own drama and might have something going with the Seth Green patient character. Hmm…..an intern with a patient. My my, where have we seen that before?
Last season they had something great going with Alex and Addison. At least that was interesting and intriguing for viewers. It was fresh and brought up room for growth in both characters. Alas, Addison got shipped off to sunny Cali, therefore stabbing the last bit of life left in that story's potential.

Another Grey’s disappointment: Nazi boy. One of the things I found so lovely and compelling about Grey’s was how race was never an issue. For once since The Cosby Show, it was not discussed or even acknowledged on the show. Race was a grey area, if you will. People related to one another based on human emotion- not based upon the color of their skin. While I’m sure Shonda had good intentions with this story, it let me down because it fed into the separation/race issues, something I thought the show strived to avoid. Maybe it was necessary to bring awareness to viewers who are guilty of their own prejudices, but at the same time I was hoping that the show’s viewers were beyond this. Perhaps I’m being a bit too idealistic or naive here to assume that viewers are more intelligent than writers often give them credit for. Or maybe the show was simply running out of ideas and they felt the need and pressure to bring the race card up. I guess I shouldn’t judge until I see how the story is wrapped up in the second half of his two parter…..you have an hour to prove your story to me, Shonda.

I need some of those little glass file things, like on Dexter.

I, TVHOPSTER, have suffered a blow to my right thumb. After an accident involving a knife and a green pepper, my thumb will never be the same. I hope he's resilient, and will make a full recovery, I fear that he might not.

But yes, Dexter, Showtime's hit series, has been off to a resoundingly tense start. Well, I hope he whacks Doakes because he is pissing me off, with his shiny bald head, and his short, hunchy body. Bleh. I do dig the 20 something and 40 something relationship though, it's pretty twisted -- I like it.

Speaking of Showtime, The Red Hot Chili Peppers are suing another Showtime hit series, Californication. Apparently, the band is staking claim to that name, and are highly offended that such a show is stealing it. I guess they have never seen the show, because it truly warrants the name. Come one, California and Fornication, it just makes sense.

Oh My Weeds

Season Finale of Weeds: a disappointment to say the least. After two intriguing, wonderful season finales, this one was bland in comparison. The guest stars were boring and the dialogue lacking. I hate the choice(s) they made with the ending and I was hoping for more. Of course we could have used better scenes with Nancy and Conrad. What can I say? I'm a sucker for those two.

Mary Louise Parker is still the greatest and wonderful in all that she does with this character--too bad they didn't give her a little more bang in this one. She did, however, say one of my favorite words...."Creepy," so mad props to Jenji for that one.

Pulling Me In

Pushing Daisies. The show has been pushing me out just a little recently, but by the end of each episode, it never fails to pull me back in, wanting more. The end of the last episode with the Piemaker and Chuck in separate beds made me swoon... he says that she is who he wants and loves. At the same time, I am feeling resistance from Chuck, so it put me off a little. I hope that they can last, but I fear that Chuck wants more. Poor Piemaker may get his heart broken.

Ever since the first episode, I have said that I think there's going to be some contingency--some way that they will be able to touch, perhaps with the lapse of time. In the beginning of this episode Chuck trips and touches him; they proceed to kiss. I was so happy, but of course it was but a dream! At least we got to see them touch, even if it wasn't real.

Here's what throws me off: they are in Gilmore land! The church, the houses, my beloved gazebo! While I am glad that Gilmore universe has been given to such a great show, it weirds me out to see the Pushing cast where I have spent so much time and held so many great memories...and in takes out some of the fantasy element for me.

Question: When do YOU think Chuck and the Piemaker will touch for real? How will it happen? What will be the results? Do share...

Who?

Samantha Who = easily the best 1/2 hour sitcom that premiered this season. Funny and innovative with a great cast of characters. I am engaged and entertained every second of the show. What more could you ask for?

Todd Grinnell guest starred as Nathan this last episode. I had the pleasure of meeting Todd a couple of months ago and he was a friendly, personable guy. His name has been stuck in my head since, so seeing him on Samantha Who? was a lovely surprise. I look forward to seeing him more in the future!

The Strike, The Blogging, Yay!

I've come across so many blogs this week -- all concerned with providing information about the writer's strike. Even though we are not necessarily in the guild, we are lending our support, and time to their cause. It may be true that only a handful of people actually read this blog, and we might not have the most up-to-date information regarding the strike, but we are going to keep giving everyone (mainly the three of us) the inside scoop.

Spotted

When:
Tuesday (11/7) between 1pm and 3:30pm

Where:
Motor and Pico Gate at Fox

Who:
Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother)
David Shore, Liz Freidman, Eli Attie (House)
Kerry Kenney (Reno 911)
Howard Gordon (24)

Why:
Writers' Strike

Doing:
Cobie handed out peanut butter brownies
David Shore mingled unenthusiastically

The Strike

Maybe this is bizarre, twisted or possibly even cruel, but the strike seems like it's going to be exciting. I feel bad for the writer's assistants -- they're getting a raw deal.

This is the first strike since the 80s, and hopefully this one won't last as long. Our late night shows are screwed -- but maybe that's not such a bad thing. Scripted TV is going to have some staying power -- at least for the next couple of months.

I'm going to take some pictures this week -- something worthwhile might happen in or near my area. I'll be sure to post them on our lively blog.

This is off-topic, but it has to be said. The Office has been off its mark lately, and I think I'm going to multitask as I watch it. I think the best shows are TV are the ones where I don't drift over to my laptop, and hit up gmail or facebook. ( I must admit though, I've done this during Pushing Daisies a couple times)

The jokes were shallow, sub par, and Dwight's scene with the chalk made him more of a caricature than a fleshed out character. Funny stuff happened, but the purpose or thought behind the funny wasn't there. That show is steadily dropping out of my radar. Too bad too -- it had a couple great seasons.

Spotted

When: Thursday, Nov. 1st, Approx. 10:50am
Where: Paramount Lot
Who: Mr. Monk himself aka Tony Shalhoub
Why: Filming his show, eying the crafty table, looking for a snack
Wearing: Orange jumpsuit with the label "County Jail" stiched on

Jam/Pim/PB&J = Classic

Jim and Pam. The new Luke and Lorelai. I am adoring their storyline and love this season on The Office. So subtle, so unique, so pure. I hope the writers don't tear them apart...that would rip my heart out for sure.

Hello Everyone!

TVHapster here! I am pleased to welcome myself to the Vision of TeleVision! I'm sure you will all adore my unique opinions about television. Enjoy!

10 Items or Less. Much less

I was on the set of Ten Items or Less tonight. I didn't stay very long because I already had a long day, and the shoot was/is going till 7am. It's their last night of shooting! Very nice, down-to-earth people, it was a pleasant atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, there were a couple of background artists. I wish I liked the show more, it would have been a lot more entertaining to watch.

I also witnessed the improvisational process. It's not all its cracked up to be, well at least on this set. If you enjoy the show, you think it's funny or whatever, then you will enjoy knowing that everyone I saw seemed gracious, friendly and they knew how to make due with the low budge. They shoot in a grocery store that doesn't even shut down -- they just keep it running and try to keep some of the customers out of the shots.

Samantha Who?

The Girl that wrote Samantha Who?, totally has the same sensibilities as me. It was amazingly funny, bright, comical...etc. The only thing that sucks, some of my ideas were kind of used , but that's alright. It's just great to know that some of my stuff is actually television worthy. I'll take it as a compliment.

I really hope that show does well -- it's so much different than the normal, routine comedies. It moves at this weird frenetic pace, that one doesn't normally see on television. It kind of reminds me a of 90s show for some reason, but with a modern twist. The dialog was great -- if you listen, you can really read between the lines. So much care and finesse went into the dialog that it really shows.

Pushing Daisies was also top notch, not as funny as last week, but still pretty top notch. My only beef was the fact that they explain story lines after the fact. The narration is great, but sometimes everything ties up in too pretty of a bow.

It's the last day of shooting on Studio 60. A bottle of something is being passed around, and a drunk Sarah Paulson won't leave Allison Janney alone. I'm not kidding. That's actually what happened.

On related a side note, Sarah Paulson is indeed a lesbian. Her partner? A much older actress whose name I forget. Hmm. Maybe Sarah and Allison should just make out.

Monk Secrets

Did you know Tony Shalhoub used a stunt double to run through a bumper car game? Then he tried it himself for a few takes. ????



I bet the stunt double sure felt useful.

House premieres on Tuesday - prepare yourselves. Finally, we don't have to watch the mediocre performances of Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison, and Jesse Spencer. Thankgod.

Also, the suavely mustached Tom Selleck will begin regular appearances on Las Vegas next Friday. Honestly? Not an amazing actor, and he's got a little bit of a staring problem. I don't know how I feel about that.

TVHipster in da house.

So, basically, I heart Swingtown. It wasn't the best pilot I've ever seen. But did it have awesome 70s music? Check. Some sweet outfits and furniture I wish I could have/wear? Check. Some normal Chicago suburbanites gettin' it on orgy and/or swinger style? Oh yeah. Not gonna lie, I also enjoyed the Thomas Newman "Little Children" temp music they had going in all the scenes with the girl and her ring necklace. This show just may have some potential.

If Prison Break and K-Ville had babies....

Watched K-Ville, Prison Break, Weeds and Gossip Girl....
* and Californication

k-ville...eh not a bad twist...if only i wasn't sooo bored by all the really bad 'crimes'

prison break...i can tell why no one watched it...i could barely give two shits about what was going on. I think some people died and some overly clever events happened. Oh yeah, and that annoying kid got kidnapped.

weeds - it's so shitty that the music is outshining the show (it's actually really good music) But i'm sooo glad u-turn is dead just like that stupid storyline.

gossip girl - Josh Schwartz....you sob. You know just how to make a stupid teenage drama something that i'd actually watch. For some reason I was drawn into this fairy tale world with its i'm Josh Schwartz indie hip music.

Californication time.... I actually really love the story between david and his 'ex'. The Evan Handler bullshit is pretty pathetic, but i guess they need a b-story so that they can df the hell out of David's thing. When i saw him act in person i didnt get it...but now that i've seen the show it's great. The lady in the convenient store was pretty lame, but i'll allow the show to go a little out there considering this is "los angeles" and everyone is sooo extroverted.

TvHopster Digs Pushing Daisies

Pushing Daises is going to be the show to watch in the fall whereas Cane bored me with their overly dramatic flashback sequences and the dark lightening that attempted to hide Jimmy's acne spots. I saw a few clips from various pilots from different networks. Let's see.... suck and more suck.

I'll report back later when i'm not so tired from spending a day on the fabulous new "Untitled Anna Faris Project". Never been on a set where I have been given the run down thanks to a mega phone all day. They are shooting at USC ( how creative) against the same building everyone seems to abuse.

So Bad Not Even a Cavemen Would Watch It

TV Hipster here, bringing you the unfortunate word on one of the many soon to be cancelled new shows for the 2007-2008 season.

How embarrassing to have your name attached in any way to the new ABC show "Cavemen." They're treating "being a caveman" like it's a race of it's own with the typical discrimination against it. Insert cliche race jokes here.

Some nice disco music is added but used horribly for no real reason other than to punch up scenes that would be to boring to watch without the audio stimulation. Use of the Rolling Stones "Monkey Man" is pretty much a crime. The song doesn't even go with the scene.

I can't believe this got picked up. How awkward for ABC. I give it 4 episodes before it's pulled from the schedule.

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