Ducky and GMMR are neck deep in Fall TV but we finally had some time to do another TV Podcast.
In TV Podcast #15, we discuss the fall television season and all of its overwhelming glory. We go day by day and talk about the shows that are on, what we’re watching, what we’ve already dropped, and what we hope to catch in reruns (networks willing).
New Shows We Talk About: Pushing Daisies, Chuck, Dirty Sexy Money, Gossip Girl, Journeyman, Big Bang Theory, Aliens In America, Reaper, Private Practice, Bionic Woman, Moonlight
Returning Faves We Talk About: How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Prison Break, House, Bones, Top Model, Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, Supernatural, Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters
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Alright TV fans, this is what I’ve been waiting for all summer, today is the day that I hope the world falls in love with a boy named Ned and a girl named Chuck. I’m talking about the premiere of ABC’s forensic fairytale PUSHING DAISES at 8pm.
Tonight you’ll be introduced to a world so visually stimulating you’ll feel like you’re eyes just had an orgasm. You’ll hear narration and dialogue that will make you wish you were a poet and you’ll be introduced to the coolest pie shop this side of The Double R from Twin Peaks.
I cannot emphasize how strongly I love this show and how much I want all of you to watch tonight’s “Pie-lette” episode. I’ve seen it almost 10 times now and still find little nuances that I missed with each of my previous obsessive viewings.
Kathie from GiveMeMyRemote and I started a Pushing Daisies fansite called ThePieMaker.com to help promote the show we’ve absolutely fallen head over heels for in hopes of bringing all of our readers into the magical world of Pushing Daises.
To get everyone excited about the Premiere of Pushing Daisies, ThePieMaker.com is giving away official Pushing Daises crew shirts and an autographed script of the “Pie-lette.” While I want you to visit my site, I have to tell you that ThePieMaker.com will be the ultimate site for everything related to the show and we hope you’ll not only watch tonight but come chat about it as well.
After the carnage that was Monday night, Tuesday seems relatively tame. Tonight’s must see premieres are not as exciting. I have to say that I need the networks to shift some stuff off of Wednesday or Thursday to the vacant lot that is Tuesday.
What I’ll be Watching:
9pm - REAPER (on the CW) - While the Reaper pilot (directed by Kevin Smith) is pretty good, I can’t say that I was head over heels in love with it. I’d say more like luke warm. I love the premise and most of the cast but there are some major pacing issues with the pilot that I hope are fixed before next week’s first real episode. Regardless, tune in tonight to see Leland Palmer er, Ray Wise work his magic as the Devil. The marketing campaign has been pretty genius so I hope this show becomes the breakout CW hit. Well, that and my Gossip Girl!
Other Premieres for Wednesday, September 25th:
Boston Legal (ABC)
NCIS (CBS)
The Unit (CBS)
Bones (FOX)
House (FOX)
The Singing Bee (NBC)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
*New Show: CANE (CBS)
*CANE is the Jimmy Smits show about a family that owns and runs a sugar cane business and it’s pretty damn good. I just haven’t decided if its a show that I would actually watch week to week so that’s why I’ve not added it to the list of must-see’s. Check it out though and see what you guys think.
9 out of 10 dentists agree… The TV Blogging community is a semi-incestuous circle of friends and frenemies so we all collaborated on a WHAT TO WATCH THIS FALL poll.
As you can see, PUSHING DAISIES, CHUCK, DIRTY SEXY MONEY, and REAPER are the top choices and no surprises here, CAVEMEN is the show we least want to see.
LEGEND
1 - Don’t waste your time unless you find ACCORDING TO JIM ‘funny’
2 - Not great but at least doesn’t offend me.
3 - Fun to watch if nothing else is on.
4 - Has potential. Worth a second look.
5 - Set your TiVo to Season’s Pass!
N/A - Haven’t watched yet.
*Click on the Grid to Enlarge
I would like to say though that I am way off in my rating for Private Practice. I gave it a higher rating out of spite as I was in my Grey’s funk and after seeing the first real episode, I’m pretty worried about Addy and Co. I’m revising my Private Practice to a 3.
ThePieMaker.com has already posted a good amount of information from this past weekend’s Red Carpet Premiere of PUSHING DAISIES in NYC. Interviews with PUSHING DAISIES Creator Bryan Fuller, Narrator Jim Dale, and Actor Lee Pace have been posted. Audio, Video, Pictures and NYC Promotions are up and much more is on the way.
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Cycle 9
Premieres: Wednesday, September 19th on The CW
Looks like real modelling could actually take place this season. The promo shows the new girls, some catwalking, and some fun outfits. If only the show were this exciting then maybe I’d be flipping out more.
If we don’t get some fierce photo shoots, some walking lessons, and some great old school modelling this year, I’m gonna be pissed. No more ugly-ing up the girls, that’s called Episode 1-3 before you give them their makeovers. No more absentee Tyra. No more criticizing the girls for not knowing how to model or walk when you’re not willing to teach them anything. No more boring. Come on Top Model, work it out!
New York Television Festival has been going since Wednesday night but last night was my first screening,and that screening was NBC’s CHUCK.
Now I know you’re thinking, wait Ducky has already seen Chuck… And I have but we were here anyway so why not. NYTF’s main venue is the New World Stages on W50th and the theatre held a couple hundred.
What I liked about this screening is that it seemed like more average TV viewers were there. Comic-Con was the ideal demo as the show is about a computer nerd and all but this seemed more like the NBC viewers the network wants to branch out to. The demo they’re trying to reach outside the nerd herd.
I found it fascinating to see how viewers reacted, what they laughed at, and how excited they were after the screening. Where the Comic-Con crowd screamed their eyes out when Adam Baldwin shows up on screen, there was barely a nod of recognition. Where every computer or techie reference went over gang-busters at Comic-Con, Bryce’s action sequence mashed with Chuck’s romantic woes was one of the biggest joys of the night.
One thing was consistent, they laughed in all the right places and then some. The crowd seemed so over the moon for Chuck himself Zachary Levi, Joshua Gomez (Morgan), Capt. Awesome, Adam Baldwin, and the ladies of Chuck, Sarah Lancaster and Yvonne Strahovski.
If this is any indication of how America will react, I’d have to say that CHUCK is on its way to surpassing Josh Schwartz’ last effort, the every lovable THE OC.
TVGuide may have had these first, but I was lucky enough to get copies from my Supernatural contacts just for you gals/guys. I bring you the new SUPERNATURAL Girls: Katie Cassidy and Lauren Cohen.
Do what you will with them, I’m sure the guys will enjoy them and girls, if you’re among the haters you can use them as dart boards, just remember where you saw these first!
PUSHING DAISIES Premieres: Wednesday, October 3rd at 8pm Network: ABC
Cast: Lee Pace as Ned The Pie Maker, Anna Friel as Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, Chi McBride as Emerson Cod, Kristin Chenoweth as Olive Snook, Swoosie Kurtz as Aunt Lily, Ellen Greene as Aunt Vivian, and Jim Dale as The Narrator.
Photos:
*more pictures and videos from PUSHING DAISIES including my obsession with it after the jump… (more…)
LIFE Premieres: Wednesday, September 26th at 10pm Network: NBC
Cast: Damien Lewis as Det. Charlie Crews, Sarah Shahi as Dani Reese, Adam Arkin as Ted Early, Robin Weigert as Lt. Karen Davis, Brooke Langton as Constance Griffiths, and Brent Sexton as Bobby Stark
Photos:
Preview:
Premise: From Rand Ravich (“The Astronaut’s Wife”), Far Shariat (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”), and David Semel, who directed the pilot of NBC’s “Heroes,” “Life” is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance. Damian Lewis (”Band of Brothers”) stars as complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths (Brooke Langton), returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
The cast also includes Sarah Shahi (”Rush Hour 3″) as Charlie’s skeptical, demanding partner, Robin Weigert (HBO’s “Deadwood”) as their hard-hitting lieutenant, and Adam Arkin (”Chicago Hope”) as Crews’ former cellmate Ted Earley.
“Life” is a Universal Media Studios production. Rand Ravich is executive producer and writer; Far Shariat and Dan Sackheim are executive producers on the series; David Semel is executive producer and director on the pilot.
Ducky’s Thoughts: I’ve actually not yet seen this pilot but I love Sarah Shahi and Robin Weigert. Damien Lewis I can take or leave, no issues there. Adam Arkin is always good for a solid performance yet I’m worried about Brooke Langton. Her stint on Friday Night Lights was fine, she did a credible job (and I’m glad she’s gone) but there’s still something so D-grade about her. That was mean.
Overall, I don’t think that LIFE is a show that I will watch. Plus, it’s in a rough timeslot, ya know?
CHUCK Premieres: Monday, September 24th at 8pm Network: NBC
Cast: Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski, Adam Baldwin as Major John Casey, Joshua Gomez as Morgan Grimes, Sarah Lancaster as Ellie Bartowski, Yvonne Strahovski as Sarah Walker
Photos:
Preview:
Premise: From executive producer, Josh Schwartz (”The O.C.”) and executive producer-director McG (”Charlie’s Angels,” “We Are Marshall”) comes a one-hour, action-comedy series about Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi, “Less Than Perfect”) — a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government’s most vital secret agent. When Chuck opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now, the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at a Buy More Electronics store. Instead of fighting computer viruses, he must now confront assassins and international terrorists.
With the government’s most precious secrets in Chuck’s head, Major John Casey of the National Security Agency (Adam Baldwin, “My Bodyguard”) assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA’s top agent (and Chuck’s first date in years), Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski, “Gone”). They’ll try to keep him safe by trading in his pocket protector for a bulletproof vest. Also starring are Joshua Gomez (”Without a Trace”) as Morgan Grimes, Chuck’s best buddy, and Sarah Lancaster (”What About Brian?”) as Chuck’s ever-supportive sister, Ellie. Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak wrote, “Chuck,” which is produced by College Hill Pictures, Wonderland Sound and Vision, in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Ducky’s Thoughts: I’ve seen the CHUCK pilot a good 5 or 6 times now and with each viewing I love Chuck Bartowski even more. Zac Levi seriously has the potential to be a new TV Boyfriend. I’m a sucker for the dorks and if they’re cute taboot, how can I not throw myself on their sword (so to speak, *wink*). Josh Schwartz is a mastermind of making dork the new chic and he’s done it again with CHUCK.
BIONIC WOMAN Premieres: Wednesday, September 26th at 9pm Network: NBC (*reruns on Sci-Fi, date and time TBD)
Cast: Michelle Ryan as Jaime Sommers, Miguel Ferrer as Jonas Bledsoe, Molly Price as Ruth Treadwell, Chris Bowers as Will Anthros, Will Yun Lee as Jae Kim, Lucy Kate Hale as Becca Sommers; Katee Sackhoff as Sarah Corvus, and Mark Sheppard as Dr. Anthony Anthros.
Photos:
Preview:
Premise:
Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teenage sister, Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan, “EastEnders”) didn’t think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death’s door, Jaime’s only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price.
With a whole new existence and a debt to re-pay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good — while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it’s Jaime’s journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman in this new action-drama series.
Also starring are: Miguel Ferrer (”Crossing Jordan”) as Jonas Bledsoe, the man who employs Jaime’s boyfriend; Molly Price (”Third Watch”) as Ruth Treadwell, Jonas’ second-in-command; Chris Bowers (”Rescue Me”) as Will Anthros, Jaime’s boyfriend, who performs the operation; Will Yun Lee (”Witchblade”) as Jae Kim, the specialized operations leader; Lucy Kate Hale (“How I Met Your Mother”), as Jaime’s younger sister, Becca; and Mark Sheppard (“Battlestar Galatica”) as Dr. Anthony Anthros, Will’s father and the man who originated the bionic technology.
Ducky’s Thoughts: I was lucky enough to have seen the original pilot with Anne from Arrested Development as Jaime’s deaf sister so I can’t really compare it to this new pilot unless I get that before the season starts. I really liked the premise and while I loved the campy show from my youth, this is a good retooling ala Battlestar.
Michelle Ryan will be a huge star, no doubt about it. I love that Katee Sackhoff is such an integral part of the plot yet doesn’t have to be in every episode. She can come in and be a big crazy bitch, and she is - trust me, then disappear for a while.
I’m hoping that the pacing and some of the missed emotional beats will be worked on with the new pilot. Until then, fingers crossed.
GREY’S ANATOMY has a big mountain to climb as it enters its 4th season on ABC. As you know, I’ve had my ups and downs with the show but I’m willing to give it another shot.
Here are the newest cast photos of TR Knight, Eric Dane, Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers and newbie Chyler Leigh as Meredith’s sister Lexie Grey. For some reasons the photos of Sara Ramirez and Patrick Dempsey are not new ones. If those are released I will post them asap!
Seriously, how cute does TR look? Love the picture of Sandra Oh as well. Looking good! Being free of Burke looks like it’s doing her some good!
Season 4 Premise:
Entering their first year as residents after passing their intern exams, Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens and Alex Karev now have interns of their own to mentor. Among the new crop of interns are George (forced to repeat his internship after failing his exams) and Lexie Grey, Meredith’s half-sister.
Overseeing the residents is the newly-appointed Chief Resident, Callie Torres. With the no-nonsense Miranda Bailey earning the interns’ respect over the past year, the new residents are finding it difficult to report to someone else, particularly George’s wife.
Bailey, who is displeased with Dr. Webber after he chose Callie for Chief Resident over her, must find her bearings within the hospital pecking order. While she finds her footing, Webber resumes his position as Chief of Surgery, doing his best to maintain a work/life balance for the sake of his recently-reunited marriage.
Two weeks after being left by her fiancé on her wedding day, Cristina returns to the hospital from her honeymoon accompanied by Meredith, who badly needed an escape of her own after her relationship with Derek Shepherd hit an emotional impasse. Cristina relies on what she always has – her ability as a surgeon – to cope with the break-up.
Mark Sloan wishes to renew his friendship with his old friend, Derek, who could sorely use a friend after Addison’s move, Burke’s resignation and his rocky relationship with Meredith.
The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital deal with life-or-death conse
