This Week in Television - Sept. 21-25, 2009

Heroes
Heroes has been somewhat declining since its first season, but I have still been watching and the season 4 premiere was actually a lot better than I was expecting. Although the segments with Claire going to college were bland, luckily the rest of the episode made up for it. I think the writers are aware that season one was their best season, and so they have cleverly attempted to replicate their golden era by having the characters go back into hiding and try not to use their powers in public (or at all). The guy with the tattoo power should make for an interesting villain, and while I wasn't really a fan of the "turning Sylar into Nathan" plotline, I think they handled it better here. Still disappointed that they killed off Elle last season though.

Glee
Now I remember why I like Glee: football players dancing to Beyoncé in the middle of a game! Oh, wait, I didn't like that part so much. I pretty much just watch the show for Jane Lynch's character Sue Sylvester now, which is a name I find funny for some reason. The rest of the show is too much teen soap opera mixed with after school special about having self esteem. For example, this episode featured a woman who is lying to her husband about being pregnant trying to scam a pregnant cheerleader who is lying about her baby's daddy into giving her the baby so her husband won't know she's lying about the pregnancy. Sounds like a soap to me. And it seems that every episode is about someone being ashamed of themselves and then learning not to be. I have nothing against the message, but does it have to be in every episode?

Survivor: Samoa
I don't understand how Russell has so much power. He's aggressively conning everyone and there are those who don't even trust him, yet he ends up deciding all the votes. The worst part is that he's getting rid of the smart ones who don't trust him in order to make himself even more powerful. And he pre-emptively found the immunity idol before anyone knew about it. I still don't think he's going to win though.

Fringe
That was a little creepy when that monster thing was gnawing on Peter and Olivia. Olivia should have noticed there was something wrong with Flancis though. He was noticeably monotonous and distant. At least "Hank Scudder" was in this episode!

Parks and Recreation
Ron Swanson is also a funny sounding name. Especially when you're using it to try and threaten a police officer like Leslie was. Not as good an episode as last week, but not bad.

The Office
I wonder where they're headed with the whole Jim and Michael as co-managers thing. I say this because at the beginning of the series, Jim stated that he didn't want a promotion because it would turn his job into a career and he didn't want to make a career out of selling paper. I guess he's doing it to support his new family. Also Dwight and Toby make for a funny team. But then Dwight and anyone usually makes for a funny team. Kudos to Michael in this episode for trying to sneak into a classified meeting on the bottom of a cheese cart, but not until the end of the meeting, thereby learning nothing.

Flash Forward
ABC is clearly trying to produce a new mystery/sci-fi show to replace Lost when it ends, but they may have made a good choice. It just started so it needs a little more time to develop, but I think Flash Forward has potential. Just like Lost's future visions, they create suspense rather than ruin it, because while we see what happens, the mystery is in how and why it happens. And of course the best part of all was the ending: why was there someone up and walking around while the rest of the world was blacked out?!

Overall rating for this week's shows: A-

61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

I only saw the first half of the awards ceremony because I had to work, but here are some quick thoughts:

Neil Patrick Harris has a great singing voice. Opening number wasn't bad. The supporting comedy actresses all wearing silly glasses was cool, although Vanessa Williams kind of looked like a prude for not participating. I also love the announcer making up random funny facts about each winner. Made the show more entertaining and laid back. I think I kind of like the idea of separating the awards into genres as well. That way you get a better idea of which categories are coming in the next few minutes, rather than in previous years when they are in a random order and you have to sit and wait in case the one you're looking forward to is coming up.

Winners I am happy for:
*Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
*Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
*Michael Emerson (Lost) - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
*Tina Fey (SNL)- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
*30 Rock - Outstanding Comedy Series
*South Park - Outstanding Animated Program (Finally, The Simpsons hasn't deserved it in years!)
*Pushing Daisies - Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series
*Pushing Daisies - Outstanding Costumes for a Series
*Pushing Daisies - Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
*30 Rock - Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
*30 Rock - Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
*The Office - Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
*Heroes - Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series
*30 Rock - Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
*The Dharma Initiative (Lost) - Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media - Fiction
*Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - Outstanding Special Class - Short Format Live Action Entertainment Programs

Winners who should be defecated on repeatedly:
*Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Really, guys? ANYONE else in that category deserved it more than Jon. He shouldn't even have been nominated.)
*Justin Timberlake (SNL)- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (I don't find Timberlake funny, nor do I find him a good actor. Why does he have TWO Emmys?)

500 Days of Summer

Impressions before seeing it
Indie romances are so much better than mainstream ones. Plus this one has Zooey Deschanel.

How was it?
This movie made me smile. A lot. In fact I was probably smiling for most of the duration of the film. I think the best way for a movie to charm me is to do something cool and stylish with the way it is filmed. I love the titles counting down the 500 days and helping the audience keep track of where we are chronologically, as the scenes are not linear. I love the use of splitscreen for things like showing the difference between Tom's expectations and reality. I love the classy and somewhat vintage style of the characters and the movies they watch. And these are just on a technical and superficial level.

To dig a little deeper, I guess I shouldn't have called it a "romance", because the film states at the beginning that it is "not a love story", and really it's not. It's about figuring out the meaning of relationships. Where is the line between dating and friendship? How does it change things if you choose to define (or at least put a label on) a relationship? Why is it so much fun to yell out "PENIS!" in public? All of these questions and more are not answered in this film, but it will get you thinking about them. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has come a long way from Tommy in 3rd Rock From the Sun, and Zooey Deschanel have wonderful chemistry and play it perfectly. I think it's just sitting on the friends/dating line so that even we are as confused about where they stand as Tom is. But who is to blame for that uncertainty? Is it Tom, who idealizes love and thinks this girl is his soulmate, or Summer, who doesn't want anything serious even though they spend as much time together as a serious couple? The problem is that, while they make great friends, they're not compatible lovers because they each wanted something different from the other. Maybe the message of the film, then, is that dating your best friend doesn't always work out, because as the unusually smart little girl tells Tom, "Just because she likes the same weird crap as you doesn't mean you're soulmates."

Recommendation
Tired of boring old mainstream love stories that blatantly try to make you cry? Give this one a viewing!

This Week in Television - Sept. 14-18, 2009

Now that the fall TV season is coming back, I'm adding a new feature to the site where I can talk about the new episodes of all the shows I watch in one handy post. Most of them were on Thursday this week (Thanks for putting almost every good show on TV on the same night, douchebags) but more will be added in the coming weeks as they premiere. And if there are any reruns I won't blog about them because I don't usually watch them. Let's begin!

Glee
I still find this show corny and unrealistic. Why am I still watching? Well, it has a certain amount of charm I suppose... And it has its funny moments, especially from Jane Lynch and occasional guest star Stephen Tobolowsky. Both of them stole this week's episode with their hilarious characters. Still don't care about the student characters, though, and I don't believe the popular jock would ever kiss the unpopular girl in real life. High school is all about social boundaries that aren't crossed.

Survivor: Samoa
As a rule I completely stay away from all reality TV, because I hate it. Except for Survivor, because I've been watching it from the very beginning. Kind of a guilty pleasure I guess. Since this was only the first episode it's too early to say who I am rooting for, but at this point anyone who is/was suspicious of that dick Russell gets a thumbs up from me. It's too bad Marisa got voted off, because she was one of those people and could have done something about it had she kept her mouth shut. But I will say right now that Russell is not going to win. People are already on to him, and even if he makes it to the very end, I can't see him getting jury votes.

Fringe
This episode was awesome. It feels like they've cranked it up a notch by adding a lot more elements that will continue on into future episodes, whereas in season one there were a lot of stand-alone episodes. I like that it didn't just continue right from the end of last season though, with Dunham's meeting with William Bell. That would be too easy, and would give us all of the answers way too early. Dunham suddenly flying out of the windshield of a parked car was the way to go, and if I may say so, one of the coolest entrances anywhere. P.S. in honour of "Flocke" (fake Locke) from Lost, I propose that the dude taking over Agent Francis's body be known as "Flancis".

Parks and Recreation
A lot of people give this show flack for ripping off The Office, but I love it and I thought this episode was great. I liked the gay marriage controversy satire. I can totally buy that politicians would be that offended over something as ridiculous as "gay" penguins. I actually agreed with Leslie on this one, and was glad to see her not backing down, even if it was partly so that she could be "Queen of the Gays". One thing you have to give these mockumentary shows credit for is their commitment to real time. The season didn't begin with Mark in the hospital from falling into the pit, it took place several months after because that's how long it's been since last season's finale. I like that. And yes, penguins getting married and going down waterslides would be cute.

The Office
Also hilarious, I laughed a lot during this episode. It's hard to tell who is stupider: Michael for having all of those crazy ideas (PARKOUR!) and thinking they're good ones, or Dwight and Andy for always going along with them so enthusiastically. But either way it's always fun to watch. I never thought of Stanley as the type to have an affair, but I guess it makes sense, because he always seems to be bored with at least 80% of the things he encounters, so that could easily include his wife. Also I love Creed's ridiculous logic in somehow thinking he is working so that he can scuba. What?

Overall rating for this week's shows: A

Ghost Town

Impressions before seeing it
I was a little indifferent I think. I don't mind Ricky Gervais (Extras was awesome), but this film hadn't captured my attention.

How was it?
The concept wasn't so bad at first. There were some funny moments from Kristen Wiig and Gervais brought his brand of awkward humour to the movie, but halfway through I realized it was just too much like Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. It may not take place during Christmas, but it is about a grouchy and cynical man who is visited by ghosts who teach him not to be so grouchy and cynical. And then add in a romance. In fact, the romance makes it more like Scrooged with Bill Murray. It could have been more unique if they hadn't made those choices.

That being said, I do think Ricky Gervais is an adequate actor and can easily carry a film. Even if he was playing a character who's really not that different from his character Andy on Extras. I was also surprised by Tea Leoni because I'm not usually a fan of hers (maybe because of her character choices), but she was good here and it felt really genuine every time she laughed at Bertram's (Gervais) jokes. But as in a lot of Hollywood movies, it became less about the ghosts (ie. the original concept) and more about the romance. I shouldn't complain because overall I did manage to find it likeable, I just wish it hadn't been so predictable. One thing I will praise it for is the decision not to show a wedding scene in any capacity, because that is the biggest and most eye-rolling cliche ending a romance could have. Was anyone else annoyed that Dan in Real Life had a perfectly good ending and then they totally undercut it by sticking in wedding footage during the end credits? I know I'm going off topic slightly, but to me a wedding ending is... too much closure. I think we can figure out for ourselves that they lived happily ever after without having white dresses and black tuxes shoved in our faces, thanks.

Recommendation
Overall it is an enjoyable movie, but not largely so. You might get a kick out of it if you like Ricky Gervais or a common romance plot.

Glee - Pilot Episode

Impressions before seeing it
As you can see by the poster, they already aired the pilot back in the spring. I didn't catch it back then, but it looked like something a little different with possible comedic potential, so I checked it out.

How was it?
This probably won't be the last time I say this, but I have a problem with the way high school is portrayed in movies and on TV. It could just be me, but I have yet to see anything resembling my own high school experience.

For example, in this episode of Glee there is a scene where the football jocks trap a wheelchair-bound student in a portable toilet so they can tip it over. Forgiving the fact that modern schools don't tend to have portable toilets, I don't believe there are kids who would do that. I'm not saying there aren't cruel kids, but almost all of them have limits. NOBODY does things like that to handicapped (mentally or physically) kids, they simply ignore them, or maybe make fun of them verbally behind their backs. As far as I know these kids just do not get physical abuse from other students. Hell, even physical abuse/pranks against non-handicapped kids isn't that common. Most of the cruelty is verbal. And furthermore, anyone considered to be good looking will always be in the "popular" crowd, no matter what they do or what is done to them. This was my experience anyway. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, back to Glee. This show was advertised as a comedy but in the one hour pilot there were probably only about three or four jokes. It felt more like a drama to me, and believe me the last thing we need is another high school drama. Since none of the students felt real I can't say I really cared for any of them, and that says a lot because I usually like to root for underdogs. I actually found the teachers more sympathetic. It did have a message, and that was to not be ashamed of the things you love, but the way it was delivered just felt bland. Again, probably because I didn't care enough about the characters.

Recommendation
I may give it another episode or two in hopes that it will pick up, because the concept could be a good one, but the pilot wasn't that strong. This show may appeal to the ever-growing popularity of nobodies singing popular songs, so if you're into that and typical high school drama then perhaps this show is for you. At this point I can't really say it's for me though. They did happen to perform Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'", but it was only awesome because how can anyone not love that song?

Inglourious Basterds

Impressions before seeing it
I'm not usually into war movies, but I love Tarantino's work.

How was it?
Lucky for me, this wasn't really a war movie so much as a movie that takes place during the war. And in addition to that it is also a fictionalized history because if you know even a little about World War II you will come to realize upon watching Inglourious Basterds that, although some of the characters were real people, most of the events (if any) never happened.

But that does not subtract from the film at all. The events within should not be noted as "historical inaccuracies" because it's not a historical film, it is more like a fantasy that takes place during a real time.

If you read my post on The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, you'll remember me saying that I hate Nazis, and that's why I loved the concept here: a group of Jewish soldiers on a mission to kill as many Nazis as they can. Counter-genocide for the win! I also like the idea of them carving swastikas into the foreheads of their survivors, because this is another turning-the-tables thing. I understand that Nazis and other racists used to do that to their victims as a sort of calling card, a proud logo of sorts, but in Inglourious Basterds it is used as an icon of shame because these guys have to walk around for the rest of their lives with what is essentially "I'm a douchebag" written on their foreheads.

Speaking of douchebags, Christoph Waltz gave one of the best performances in the film as a slimy Nazi officer. I like that the villain of the film was not Hitler. Not that Hitler isn't a villian, but it's just such an easy and obvious choice to make Hitler the bad guy in a Nazi film, as if he's the only evil one. Anyway, Waltz excellently brought tension to every scene he was in, because his presence just screamed of danger and power and you never knew what he was going to do to whoever else was in the room with him.

I was also impressed with Diane Kruger's performance as a '40's actress, bringing class and a bit of ferocity to the role, along with a German accent (although she is German so I suppose that was easy for her). However I was not impressed with Brad Pitt's performance. It wasn't terrible I guess, he was passable, but his southern accent felt exaggerated (compared to Benjamin Button at least) and his entire performance had an air of trying to be a character in a comedy sketch.

Recommendation
For a 2.5 hour movie, it's so much fun that it feels shorter than that. See it if you love scenes saturated with tension, quotable but borderline cheesy lines, or just Tarantino films in general.

Pushing Daisies - Final Episode

Impressions before seeing it
Pushing Daisies was one of the most original and stylish shows on television. Which of course means it was cancelled because everyone would rather watch American Idol and 50 CSI spinoffs. I hate you, general public.

How was it?
Please note that spoilers follow.

I have to say, this episode was a very appropriate ending. It gave us a murder mystery like all of the previous episodes and on top of that it wrapped up the show's remaining loose ends, but not too tightly because creator Brian Fuller intends to continue the story in comic book form.

First of all, I appreciate that they addressed Chuck not being able to tell her aunts that she was alive. I had been thinking about that for a while. They're shut-ins, how is it dangerous for them to know? So that was finally patched up when Ned told Chuck that it wasn't dangerous at all, he was only being selfish.

Also, isn't this the second time the Mermaid Darlings came out of retirement? I'm pretty sure they already did in a previous episode, but I forget why that was cut short. I guess I'll have to go back and watch my DVDs...

The show's final moment was perfect: Ned and Chuck at Vivian and Lilly's doorstep, where the aunts finally get to see their niece alive again, but the reunion is kept short and sweet as we transition to the famous field of bright yellow flowers and our narrator reminds us that this is not an ending, because an ending is just a new beginning. I still hate you, general public.

Recommendation
If you enjoy this show then you should inevitably see the last episode. If you've never seen it but love fresh ideas and a style that is unique, bright, and colourful, then you need to check this show out. I don't think there will be another one like it for a long time, if ever.