Archive : July 2007
July 22, 2007
We'll Always Have Harry
As my friend and I wandered around Books-A-Million on Friday night for the release of ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'' -- she dressed like Sybill Professor Trelawney, I dressed like Harry Potter -- we noticed customers wearing badges indicating the different houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We wanted one.
An employee doling the badges out to children, whose age determined which house they were placed in, hesitated before she handed us our much-desired treat - ''How old are you?'' she asked us.
''Uh, 23,'' we said.
''Ah, well, just go ahead and take one, then. You're not in one of the age groups.''
Well, we aren't in one of their predefined age groups, but considering the first book in the phenomenal series, ''Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,'' was released when we were 13, it's easy to see why we're so attached to the Boy Who Lived: We grew up with him.
The worldwide success of ''Harry Potter'' has been well-documented since author J.K. Rowling published ''Stone,'' with newspapers and newscasts dedicating hours to telling stories about fans of all ages staying up late to read one of the books or see one of the movie adaptations. Saturday's release of ''Hallows'' was no exception, but somehow there was sadness mixed in with the jubilation. This time, fans don't have mysteries to ponder for a couple of years until the next installment is released. This time, the last page of the book is just that -- the last.
Like its predecessor, ''Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,'' ''Hallows'' is dark, the first chapter ending in a death. By chapter three, the death toll is up to three (if you count animals). The tumultuous wizarding world has grown even more dangerous, and Harry's nemesis Lord Voldemort more powerful. Everyone that Harry loves is willing to risk their life for his -- a burden hard for a 17-year-old to bear. His very existence puts others in danger, but because he's the key to Voldemort's destruction, those fighting against the Dark Lord have no choice but to help. The books have grown in size and scope as Harry has matured, and Rowling doesn't pull punches in her gut-wrenching finale.
''Harry Potter'' isn't your typical children's book. In Rowling's ingenious world, bad guys aren't the only ones who die, and the choices that seem right can produce dire consequences. Rowling doesn't sugarcoat Harry's adventures because life isn't sugarcoated; in a departure from most children's literature, Rowling treats her child readers as adults, and that's why they adore her. She's adept at exploring human emotion and weaknesses, drawing us into her characters' world so completely that when a character dies, we feel the loss acutely. The message that it's your choices -- not your abilities -- that define who you are rings true throughout the series, inspiring each misfit reader who recognizes himself in Harry to persevere and have courage. It's the darkness of the series -- the reality -- that makes it so popular.
Or at least, that's this gushing fan's perspective. Who can really define why ''Harry Potter'' is so fun to read, or why people like me, who became a fan at 16, dress up for movie premieres and midnight release parties? The books are just fun to read, and for that, there's no age limit.
It's 9 p.m. Saturday, and I'm still reading, a fact I blame on a week's worth of not enough sleep, but I'll soon finish. My friend -- Sybill Trelawney's look-alike -- finished ''Hallows'' at 9:45 a.m. Saturday. She called then to tell me how she couldn't believe the series is over and how she couldn't wait for me to call her when I finish.
I can't wait, either. Even though we won't have any more books to cherish, we'll always have Harry.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 22, 2007 5:46 PM
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July 20, 2007
Buffalo Gap Builds Bridges of Love or ... Something
UPDATE: It looks like Ashley Judd won't be able to reign over the Tour de Gap next weekend after all. She had scheduled the event but probably won't make it because her race car-driving husband, Dario Franchitti, is having a good year. This saddens me.
Ashley's no stranger to West Texas; she spent 47 days at Buffalo Gap's Shades of Hope Treatment Center last year, which caused quite a stir among locals who are used to slim pickens when it comes to entertainment. (I just saw a billboard around town for a Diamond Rio concert. Score.) Scanning her IMDb filmography profile, though, I'm realizing that she hasn't been in that many movies -- or really that many good movies. Still, she's a Judd. And she was coming here. Maybe next year?
The Tour de Gap bike race and tour benefits the Food Bank of West Central Texas. The race starts at 8 a.m. and the parade is at 10 a.m. July 28.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 20, 2007 1:57 PM
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July 19, 2007
Frakking Toasters ...
The Primetime Emmy nominations were announced this morning by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and of course, exiting "The Sopranos" earned 15 nominations. The good news for the nominations: "30 Rock" earned 10, including Best Comedy Series, Comedic Actor (Alec Baldwin) and Comedic Actress (Tina Fey). "The Office" earned nine, including Comedy Series, Actor (Steve Carell) and Supporting Actress (Jenna Fisher). Both of these shows deserve to win and are NBC's only saving graces as far as I'm concerned.
Now for the bad news: ABC's superb "Lost" was again overlooked by the Academy. "Battlestar Galactica" wasn't nominated, but that was expected; the Emmys are one giant popularity contest and genre shows -- especially those set in space -- don't stand a chance. But no love for "Lost"? Did voters just not watch the last half of season three, easily the most creative and intense episodes of the entire series thus far? Maybe t=they were too busy watching "Heroes," which was nominated, as was "Boston Legal," "Grey's Anatomy," "House" and "The Sopranos." At least Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson earned Supporting Actor noms, but a second-straight snub for the show itself is ridiculous. You're dead to me, Emmys. Dead.
On that note, let's watch a clip of the "Lost" season three finale and keep coming up with theories about what it all means. A great night to re-watch this season's episodes on iTunes would be Sept. 16 -- the night of the Emmys. If it's just going to be a "Sopranos" love-fest with parodies of the "Don't Stop Believing" ending, I'll pass.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 19, 2007 11:54 AM
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Welcome Back, Potter
Abilenians make their predictions, tell why they're wild about Harry Potter
Brynn Reece can't put into words why she loves Harry Potter so much.
But the 17-year-old Texas A&M University-bound fan of the books and films attended the recent midnight premiere of ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'' with a lightning bolt scar on her forehead. She joined a gaggle of girlfriends at the Mall of Abilene for the ''Phoenix'' premiere as they stood in an impatient line that snaked its way around an entire corridor of the building.
Her friends wore giant plastic spectacles with tape on the bridge, Harry Potter shirts and graduation robes that doubled as wizarding robes, pausing from their giggling long enough to discuss their hero's fate in the final book, ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,'' which becomes available in Abilene at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Continue reading ...
Catch up with the wizarding world and Harry Potter’s last adventures — Hogwarts style
DEFENSE OF THE DARK ARTS WITH SEVERUS SNAPE
Harry's epic battle with Lord Voldemort draws to a close in book seven. Will Harry himself be a Horcrux? See what the book might have in store.
At the end of "Half-Blood Prince," Harry is reeling from seeing Albus Dumbledore murdered at the hand of Severus Snape, and he attempts to break off his new romance with Ron's sister, Ginny, to protect her.
Now that Dumbledore's gone, it's up to Harry to find Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes - items that Voldemort has placed parts of his soul in to achieve immortality. Until all of the Horcruxes are destroyed, Voldemort can't be killed.
Harry and Dumbledore risked their lives to obtain a locket Horcrux - only for Harry to learn that the real Horcrux had been replaced with a fake by someone with the initials R.A.B.
Harry will turn 17 at the beginning of "Deathly Hallows," which means he'll no longer be under the protection of his Muggle family the Dursleys. Without his parents, Sirius Black or Dumbledore, he's alone - save for his friends. Ron and Hermione both pledged allegiance to helping Harry in his quest.
He'll likely want revenge against Snape (read more about Snape theories in the Divination section) but will be too busy tracking down the four remaining Horcruxes.
Look for author J.K. Rowling to tie up loose ends such as: Who else was at Godric's Hollow the night Lily and James Potter were murdered? Who collected Voldemort's decapitated body and his wand? Why is it significant that Harry has his mother's eyes? Will Peter Pettigrew fulfill the life debt he owes Harry? Whose side is Snape really on? Will Ron and Hermione finally get together? And of course: Who will die - Harry, Voldemort or both?
MUGGLE STUDIES
Which British actors have not been in one of the Harry Potter films?
1. Brenda Blethyn
2. Kenneth Branagh
3. Jim Broadbent
4. John Cleese
5. Warwick Davis
6. Brendan Gleeson
7. Shirley Henderson
8. Gemma Jones
9. Bill Nighy
10. Gary Oldman
11. Miranda Richardson
12. Kristin Scott Thomas
See answers at end of story.
DIVINATION WITH SIBYLL TRELAWNEY
Sarah tries her hand at Divination. What fate will she read in Harry's teacup?
CAUTION: If the word ''Horcrux'' and the initials ''R.A.B.'' mean nothing to you, neither will what follows here. This section is for the hard-core fans.
Q: Whose side is Snape really on?
A: Snape is good -- as a double agent, he killed Dumbledore because he had to. Once he made the unbreakable vow with Narcissa Malfoy to protect her son, Draco, he had to live up to it. When Draco was tasked with killing Dumbledore, Snape and Dumbledore agreed that Snape would do the deed instead. Dumbledore's last words of ''Severus ... please ...'' had him begging Snape to kill him, not spare him. Harry will want to kill Snape, but Snape will likely beat him to it, sacrificing himself for the good of the Order. It's the only way he can prove his ultimate innocence.
Q: Will Draco finally move over to the good side?
A: No. We saw in ''Half-Blood Price'' that Draco isn't as evil as his parents cut him out to be, but his foolish pride and elitism will get in his way in the end. His fate will be pitiful, in life or death.
Q: Who else close to Harry will die?
A: I have $20 on a Weasley going to the giant Diagon Alley in the sky. Aside from Ron and Hermione, everyone close to Harry has died. The Weasleys are the only family he has left, and although I wish it could be Bill or Charlie, if a Weasley goes, I'm betting it will be one of the parents.
Q: What do the initials R.A.B. stand for?
A: Many suspected Regulus Black, Sirius Black's younger brother. Black was a death eater who was reportedly killed for betraying Voldemort. I believed this at first, but after seeing the film version of ''Order of the Phoenix,'' I'm not so sure.
In the book ''Phoenix,'' Harry learns about Regulus Black, but in the film ''Phoenix,'' the entire sequence is omitted. Was this just for space and he'll be explained later? Or is this a clue that R.A.B. is not who we think it is?
Q: As to whether Harry is a Horcrux and whether he'll live or die
A: I have no idea. We'll find out Saturday.
ARITHMANCY
Harry Potter by the numbers:
$3.5 billion -- Combined worldwide box office gross for the first four ''Harry Potter'' films
$1 billion -- Amount ''Potter'' author J.K. Rowling is worth, according to Forbes
325 million -- Number of ''Harry Potter'' books that have sold worldwide, including 121.5 million in the United States
12 million -- The number of copies of ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'' in its first printing, the largest first-print run in publishing history
6.9 million -- Number of copies ''Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'' sold in the first 24 hours it was available, making it the fastest-selling book in history
THE DAILY PROPHET
Think you know what will happen?
The Abilene Public Library is conducting a Harry Potter contest and giving away free collectible metal ''Harry Potter'' bookmarks to those who can correctly predict what will happen to Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the wizarding world in Book 7. To enter, stop by one of the library's branches to pick up an entry form or e-mail the library at aplibrary@yahoo.com with your predictions. Entries must be submitted by 6 p.m. Friday. A complete set of rules is at www.abilenetx.com/apl
Abilene 'Harry Potter' parties
• Books-A-Million, Mall of Abilene, 9 p.m., including a costume contest, screening of a ''Harry Potter'' film, treats for sale, crafts. Lines form to pick up pre-ordered copies/to buy a copy at 11:30 p.m.; books go on sale 12:01 a.m.
• Hastings, 4652 S. 14 St., 6:30 p.m., including screening of ''Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,'' costume contest, ''Harry Potter'' book trivia, reading of customers' own endings for ''Hallows''; books go on sale 12:01 a.m.
Answers to Muggle Studies question above: Which British actors have not been in one of the Harry Potter films?: YES: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11; NO: 1, 3, 9, 12
- Sarah Carlson
- July 19, 2007 10:57 AM
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July 13, 2007
Misogyny, Health Care, and Those Damn French Rats
If you aren't a fan of "Harry Potter," Michael Moore, France or misogyny, you'd be better off avoiding this week's new film releases. Moore's latest documentary, "SiCKO," blasts the U.S. health care system but is reportedly more even-handed than his previous flicks. Already, the documentary has grossed almost $13 million in three weeks, putting it at No. 6 on the list of highest-grossing documentaries in the U.S. (so far). Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" holds the No. 1 spot at almost $120 million -- take that, Gupta!
Also opening is "Paris, je t'aime," a collection of short and sometimes abstract stories from 18 directors that serves as an ode to Paris. Overall, many critics said that while uneven, "Paris, je t'aime" offers enough delightful moments to make the viewing of it worthwhile. Directors who contributed to the film include Alfonso Cuarón, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Gus Van Sant, Gérard Depardieu and Wes Craven. Among the members of the large cast is Steve Buscemi, Miranda Richardson, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elijah Wood, Natalie Portman and Rufus Sewell.
And now for the star of the weekend: "Captivity," a 90-minute excuse for director Roland Joffé to show lead Elisha Cuthbert being tortured. Being forced to watch a woman showered with acid; drinking a smoothie consisting of blended human organs; wiping the blood and guts of her poodle off her face after she's forced to shoot him -- just another day for Jennifer, a model who's drugged at a bar and brought back to a torture chamber. "Captivity" already made headlines for its obscene marketing campaign consisting of graphic billboards plastered around L.A., some in full view from school playgrounds. Has the torture porn genre finally crossed the line? Some say yes -- quite vehemently so.
The best solution for everyone? Don't see this movie. Just go see "Ratatouille" instead. You know you want to. For a complete list of movies showing in Abilene, click here.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 13, 2007 12:09 PM
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July 11, 2007
Six Degrees of Remake Hell
If you hold a special place in your heart for craptastic 80s movies -- especially those that include dance scenes set in abandoned barns -- then I've got some bad news. Variety reported today that Paramount is planning a musical remake to the 1984 classic "Footloose" with "High School Musical's" Zac Efron playing the rebellious Ren McCormack -- a character already immortalized by Kevin Bacon. What's there to remake? Lightning doesn't strike twice, Paramount.
"Footloose" isn't a great film, but that's why we love it. Ren isn't allowed to listen to Quiet Riot's "Bang Your Head"; Ariel (Lori Singer) angles to wrap her skinny legs around Ren in between wearing red boots in front of her uptight preacher father (John Lithgow); Sean Penn's less talented brother can't dance; Rusty (Sarah Jessica Parker) is just kinda there; Ariel's mom (Dianne Wiest) is more than a little love-starved. Plus, Ren drives his yellow VW bug out to the barn to just dance, dance, dance.
In negotiations to direct and choreograph the musical remake is Kenny Ortega, the man who brought "High School Musical," various episodes of various TV shows and, one of my favorite guilty pleasures, "Newsies" to the world. "Newsies" is by no means a good movie, really, but the music is catchy. Perhaps Ortega could bring the level of crappiness he brought to "Newsies" to "Footloose" -- matching hokey lyric for hokey lyric. What is Kenny Loggins up to these days?
Better yet, perhaps Ortega should make another "High School Musical" and leave anything Kevin Bacon has ever done alone.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 11, 2007 6:07 PM
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'Phoenix' Rising
The Summer of Harry kicked off at midnight with the premiere of "Order of the Phoenix," the film adaptation of the fifth and too-long book in the almost-complete series. In a week and a half, millions will be lining up to find out how Harry Potter's journey ends, but for now, fans were satiated with the release of the fifth movie in the series.
"Phoenix" isn't perfect, and it doesn't match the excellent pacing and drama of "Goblet of Fire," but in many ways its makers didn't have a choice. The criticisms that can be said about the movie are the same criticisms that can be said about the book: There's just too much information to cover.
Harry stumbled through much of the book in the angst-riddled way only a 15-year-old who is almost murdered each year can. He's rude, obnoxious, pouty -- a teenager. Some of that is captured in the film, but mostly the viewer has to fill in the blanks. Dumbledore's Army is given ample screen time, but missing here are the backstories and character development: how Harry learns that the reason he can see the Thestrals pulling the carriages up to Hogwarts is because he's seen death, something that sets him apart from his friends; how Sirius in many ways confuses Harry with Harry's dad, James; how James and Sirius are knocked off the heroic pedestals Harry placed them on when Harry sees into Snape's mind and witnesses the two harassing Snape in school; how angry Harry felt at Dumbledore -- so angry that when the end finally comes, he can't contain all of his emotions.
These anecdotes are what make the books worth reading and what makes it OK that the movies can't fit them all in. The films are a supplement, really, a treat for fans who are thrilled to see Harry's world -- one that they've imagined for years -- come to life. I can't say whether someone who hasn't read the books will enjoy/understand the films, but the more people inspired to read the books after seeing the films, the better.
"Order of the Phoenix" is sad, funny, suspenseful and thrilling to watch. Imelda Staunton is the perfect Dolores Umbridge, the evil Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher sent from the Ministry of Magic; Helena Bonham Carter has almost too much fun as Bellatrix Lestrange, the death eater who tortured Neville Longbottom's parents; and Gary Oldman is reliable as ever as Sirius -- even if he doesn't receive enough screen time. Each film's effects top its predecessor's, and it's as entertaining to watch the sets and special effects evolve as it is to see how Harry, Ron and Hermione and the gang have grown. In one scene, in which Harry is telling his friends of his first kiss, all three laugh and kid around so naturally that I was struck for a moment, thinking we were probably seeing the actors' camaraderie shine through along with the characters'. With the past two films, we finally care about the characters we're seeing on screen for who they are on screen -- not who they are on the page.
The story of Harry's teenage years at Hogwarts is a journey, and each film has raised the bar for the next in the series -- just as each book has done. "Order of the Phoenix" is a task to read and a task to bring to life on screen, but its makers do so in style.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 11, 2007 12:59 PM
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July 5, 2007
So long, Erin
For the past four months online and 10 months in print, we here at The Insider — and by “we,” we mean Sarah Carlson and Erin Steele — have strived to provide readers with the latest in pop culture news and have a little fun with this wild and wacky world of entertainment.
We’ve brought you everything from moustaches (which included our trademarking of The Selleck®) to TV’s guiltiest pleasures to diatribes on Tim Allen’s terrifying career (sorry, “Home Improvement” fans.) Some have loved it; others have hated it; some just don’t care at all. But no matter how you have feel about our weekly page o’ pop, we’re rolling up our own red carpet and calling it quits on the print version that runs each Thursday in the Abilene Reporter-News.
Our “goodbye” is mostly because we’re losing one half of The Insider duo — writer/designer Erin Steele is heading to Dallas, and though it causes her much separation anxiety, she must leave the page behind.
But there is good news (at least if you like The Insider): Sarah Carlson will continue to update you on entertainment happenings in the Big Country and beyond via this blog. So stick around, post a comment and let us know what you think. And we’ll tell you what we think — which is that we’ve been very grateful for your readership. It’s been an honor to educate Abilene Reporter-News readers, especially on what kind of facial hair is in vogue.
-- Erin and Sarah
- Sarah Carlson
- July 5, 2007 12:02 AM
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Rolling in the Aisles
Weddings are a time to rejoice ... except in movies, where onscreen ceremonies often inspire more laughter than tears. If the July 3 release of ‘License to Wed’ put you in the mood for more marital hijinks, here are our picks for the best wedding comedies ... -- ES & SC
“LICENSE TO WED”
Starring: Mandy Moore, Robin Williams and John Krasinski
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Why we recommend it: There was a time when Robin Williams would have been the film’s primary comedic draw.
That time has passed.
Now if you want to bet on a movie being good, just scan the cast list to see if there is an “Office” actor in the credits (“Evan Almighty” aside.)
Krasinski makes his big-screen debut in this comedy about a couple who must pass a marriage preparation course to have their wedding in the wily Reverend Frank’s (Williams) church.
Williams has been described in some reviews as a “black hole of comedy,” but Krasinski has received kudos for trying to save a movie that really isn’t very good (see it's rating on Rotten Tomatoes for verification.)
On second thought, we don’t recommend the movie at all — but we do recommend an “Office” marathon on DVD. After all, Dunder- Mifflin has its own slew of romantic entanglements.
“MEET THE PARENTS”
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro
Directed by: Jay Roach
Why we recommend it: If it weren’t for “Meet the Parents,” we never would have heard the phrase “Keep the snake in its cage” or thought about how unfortunate our married name might be Martha Focker, anyone?) It’s no wonder that “Parents” has become a comedic classic.
“WEDDING CRASHERS”
Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn
Directed by: David Dobkin
Why we recommend it: A movie that treats marriage as anything but sacred (at least until the two main characters find love in the final act), “Crashers” was the kind of down-and-dirty “R” comedy that had become a Hollywood scarcity. Thank Wilson and Vaughn for making us laugh at our often overly sentimental wedding-day ways.
“RUNAWAY BRIDE”
Starring: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Why we recommend it: Roberts savvily played off her runaway ways (remember the Keifer incident?) in this 1999 comedy, which some consider the sequel to “Pretty Woman.” Those who were hankering for a Roberts--Gere wedding in “Woman” were treated to the spectacle in “Bride,” along with three other near-nuptials.
“THE WEDDING SINGER”
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Why we recommend it: Bad hair, leg warmers and a Flock of Seagulls — ah, the 80s. Relive the synthesizer-laced magic in one of Sandler’s best roles as a down-and-out wedding singer reeling from being left at the altar. Fortunately for him, things begin to change as he befriends a different bride-to-be (Barrymore).
“MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING”Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett
Directed by: Joel Zwick
Why we recommend it: This 2002 runaway hit helped enlighten Americans on Greek culture (in an exaggerated, comedic way, of course) and gave hope to couples everywhere who struggle to merge their different families and traditions. It also gave women everywhere hope: You know that cute guy who caught you staring at him? He could turn out to be your future husband. True, he’ll also inherit your eccentric family, but there’s nothing that time, understanding and a little Windex can’t fix.
“MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING”
Starring: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Rupert Everett, Cameron Diaz
Directed by: P.J. Hogan
Why we recommend it: One of Roberts’ least likable characters, Julianne, tries to steal her best friend/true love away from his bride-to-be right before the wedding. Does she succeed? Nope. Does it have a happy ending? Eh. That’s for you to decide.
“IN & OUT”Starring: Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack
Directed by: Frank Oz
Why we recommend it: When drama teacher Howard Brackett’s most famous student, Cameron, wins an Oscar, he happens to mention in his acceptance speech that Brackett is gay. That’s news to Brackett and his fiancée (Cusack). Kline shines in this ahead-of-its-time sap-fest.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 5, 2007 12:01 AM
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July 4, 2007
And a Happy Fourth to You Too, KTAB!
I grew up watching the Boston Pops Fireworks show on TV. My family not being one to go to the effort to break the law by purchasing and setting off fireworks in our city's limits, each Fourth we sat back, relaxed and let the city of Boston entertain us. Two years ago when I interned in Washington, D.C., I spent the holiday on the National Mall near the Capitol and watched fireworks light up the sky over the Washington Monument. It's hard for anything remotely near Abilene to compare to that, so I haven't made the trip out to Nelson Park these past two summers for our fireworks display.
So, as I turned the TV channel to watch the Boston Pops do its thing, I was greeted to a KTAB-TV newscaster who informed me that I'd only find local coverage of Nelson Park's festivities on that station. But, he said, I was in luck: The Boston Pops show would air at 1:07 a.m., so I'd better set my DVR. Then I could watch a July Fourth fireworks show on July 5th!
Now the TV is on mute. All I can hear are the illegal fireworks being set off in/near my apartment complex (we're all doomed!), but occasional glances at the TV tell me that KTAB is killing its hour with flair, its news anchors interviewing whoever wants to be on camera to talk about their impromptu softball games and how many Old Navy July Fourth T-shirts they own.
Oh wait -- the show is starting. For the first two minutes or so, all that could be seen were a few sparks here and there, and nothing could be heard. Well, aside from the static. Somewhere, an intern is being fired.
OK, now the recorded music is playing -- off and on. I bet it's a CD of some fancy orchestra playing. Maybe one that's in Boston ...
And now I've just passed the point of cynical. Maybe if I'd had my Pops. That's all I wanted, KTAB. That's all I wanted.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 4, 2007 9:28 PM
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July 3, 2007
Fillion Watch
Some encouraging news on the TV casting front: Nathan Fillion ("Waitress," "Firefly," "Serenity") is in talks to join the cast of "Desperate Housewives" along with Dana Delaney and Lyndsy Fonseca, who is in negotiations. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Delaney and Fillion would star as a woman and her much-younger husband who move to Wisteria Lane with their daughter (Fonseca).
Adding to Fillion to the roster could only help ABC; his cult-like status thanks to his roles on Joss Whedon's ("Buffy," "Angel") "Firefly" TV series and "Serenity" film pretty much ensures his fans will follow him where ere he goes -- even if that means (gulp) watching "Housewives." It will provide us geeks a warm-up on Sunday nights before we change the channel to Sci-Fi for "Battlestar Galacitca." Life can't get much better than that. For the uninitiated, read up on Fillion over on Pajiba.com, where he was voted by readers as the No. 1 sexiest celebrity.
If you haven't seen Fillion's latest role in the indie film "Waitress" starring Keri Russel (pictured at left with Fillion), Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines, do it now. It's not perfect, but its sweet story is infectious.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 3, 2007 12:05 PM
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July 2, 2007
The Summer of Our Discontent
In the past several months, I have added -- in increments -- $50 to my Internet/cable bill. As an entry-level employee in a West Texas city of 120,000, increasing my expenses isn't always wise; however, I've learned that the more cable channels and packages I buy, the better my summer becomes. To make it through the summer TV season without cutting yourself is to turn to cable channels and/or TV on DVD. Watch your "America's Got Talent," and I'll watch my "Entourage."
But If the summer reality TV schedule wasn't enough to have me down, I can now add another of my favorite shows to the list of series that won't return until 2008 and have already been snubbed by the Emmys: "The Tudors." It joins "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica" (in its final year) as shows I have to wait at least half a year to see, and although "Tudors" isn't as addicting as the other two, it was one of the few bright spots among such depressing fare as "So You Think You Can Dance?" and "The Age of Love."
The first "Tudors" season ended with a throat-slitting, a burning-at-the-staking and some uncomfortably realistic love-making. As the credits rolled, a Showtime voice told me to return in '08 for the continuation of the story (O'Ghoul joins the cast!) of Henry VIII's impending marriage to and ultimate beheading of Anne Boleyn (Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Natalie Dormer, pictured). The expensive series had an uneven and rushed start but picked up momentum as the sixteenth century double-crossing and adultery went into overdrive. Its return next year makes sense in light of its complex storylines and on-location filming that takes time to produce, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Adding insult to injury, I've learned that it isn't on the short list of Emmy voters for a Best Drama nod, joining other great shows like "Battlestar," "Brothers & Sisters," "Gilmore Girls" (well, it wasn't that great this year), "The Riches" and more that were overlooked for more mainstream appealers "Grey's Anatomy" and "Heroes." At least "Lost" is in the running, and with the submission of the superb finale "Through the Looking Glass," the drama deserves a place on the ballot this year. But what about "The Tudors"? Where's the overdue "Battlestar" love? How about love for "Veronica Mars" and "Gilmore Girls"?
My annoyance of waiting until next year to continue the "Tudors" story is nothing compared to what I feel about "Lost" and "Battlestar," both of which ended with doosies of finales. With few standbys this fall to tide us over until '08, we TV lovers are likely doomed to follow and soon love new shows, only to have them ripped away from us by TV executives who drop the axe when ratings aren't instantly high. Why do I have to go broke just to ensure I'll have quality TV year-round, be it on cable or on DVD? And why do Emmy voters rarely give credit where credit is due, voting for the most popular show instead of the one that deserves to win?
I have no answers -- only the need to start selling plasma to cover my cable bill.
- Sarah Carlson
- July 2, 2007 5:43 PM
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