September Shows: Coma

If you liked the movie, well you can come back for another dose.  A&E's four hour mini-series Coma will be broadcast on Labor Day and finish the next night.  

This remake of Robin Cook's tale is produced by Ridley Scott and has quite a cast, including Lauren Ambrose, Steven Pasquale, Geena Davis, James Woods, Ellen Burstyn, Richard Dreyfuss, James Rebhorn, Joe Morton, Michael Weston, and Joseph Mazello. We are a long way from the 1978 movie starring Michael Douglas. 

I would expect that the special effects will be somewhat better than they were more than 30 years ago (see clip below from the original movie), but will we see anything new?  The San Fransisco Chronicle seems to have preferred Michael Crichton's 1978 version with its suspense and medical ethics spin, something that is missing from this new version:

Not knowing who was "good" and who was "bad" drove home to readers of the novel and viewers of Crichton's film the reality of how contemporary life and medical advances test the limits of ethical conduct. It also kept us on the edges of our seats, even if our seat was just a beach towel where we were reading Cook's novel. For the most part, the crucial element of the unknown is missing from the A&E miniseries, reducing the film to a moderately engaging whodunit with expansive credibility gaps in plot and character.

Nor did the Chronicle have many positive things to say about the special effects:

The special effects get a passing grade, but just that. Again, the suspended comatose patients in Crichton's film were shocking and creepy. In the new film, they look rather like freshly laundered shirts on a dry cleaner's conveyor belt, and that's disappointing because medical science isn't the only thing that's advanced in the past 35 years.

Oh well.  What else is on TV?

More Seinfeld and Coffee

Jerry Seinfeld is also grabbing a cup of coffee, but unlike Jason Alexander, he is not making it but rather driving in an expensive car with a friend to buy it.  And when that friend is Alec Baldwin, you know you are in for a great cup of coffee and conversation.  

The new web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a unique format for a talk show among comedians.  In each episode, Jerry picks up a fellow comedian in a ridiculously high-end car and they go at it for about 10 minutes.  So far, episodes have included Joel Hodgson, Alec Baldwin, Brian Regan, Ricky Gervais, and Larry David.   

The New York Times had a mixed review of the new program, noting the quality of the filming and lack of product placement rather than the discussions between Jerry and guests:

Not much by Mr. Seinfeld’s standards, anyway, though one thing that makes “Comedians in Cars” easy to watch — even if you don’t find the comedians’ intense self-regard all that amusing — is that quite a bit of thought and care has been given to how it looks...One other pleasure afforded by Mr. Seinfeld — whether through his wealth or the influence and control that he exerts — is a conspicuous lack of the product-placement, commercial-tie-in ethos that taints so many online series. He’s only advertising himself, his friends and his love of cars and coffee, and that in itself is nearly enough to make me like his show.

Note:  You can also catch it on Crackle, which seems show a better video on some computers.

Politics and TV Shows - A Problematic Mix

Strong political opinions are nothing new in television, and the repercussions are not always foreseen.  Whether you go back to the Smothers Brothers and their battle with the CBS (the shows was canceled) or the anti-war politics of M.A.S.H. (the show continued without interruption), the battle has been going on for some time.  The latest two political flare-ups involve a well-known writer and a kid actor.

On August 11th George R.R. Martin, author of the series A Song of Ice and Fire (now the HBO program Game of Thrones), stated some of his concerns about new voting rules: 

I would be remiss if I do not at least make passing mention of how depressed, disgusted, and, yes, angry I've become as I watch the ongoing attempts at voter suppression in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, and other states where Republicans and their Teabagger allies control key seats of power...It would really be nice if there were still some Republicans of conscience out there who would stand up and loudly denounce these efforts, a few men of honor and integrity for whom "win the election" does not "win the election at any cost."

This comes after the HBO producers had a little bit of a problem with George W. Bush's head showing up on one episode (Fox could not help pointing out that HBO and CNN have the same parent).  HBO apologized for that one, but Mr. Martin is not pulling any punches.  Whether or not the head and the latest comments will impact his readership and HBO viewing is not clear, but the matter seems to have died down for the moment. 

The latest issue related to Kirk Cameron, the actor from long ago Growing Pains, who caused a stir when he defended Rep. Todd Akin, the U.S. Senate candidate who made controversial statements about abortion.  On the Today show he made the following comments:

But I do know, as I’ve sat down to actually watch the video — I’ve learned to actually go watch it and not just read some of the transcripts and the quotes – And clearly, this is a man who is advocating the sanctity of life, through and through. And he said he misspoke and he apologized for it. I like to evaluate people based on their entire life, their entire career, all they stand for. He loves his wife, he’s got six children, I believe he’s a good man. He’s now in a very difficult spot.

As Mediaite pointed out, even Rush Limbaugh thought Akin was out of line (of course, Rush has been chastened recently for his own comments about women, so I expect him to be very careful these days). 

Whether or not you agree with what each party above stated, it does add another dimension to how they are perceived by the public, for good or bad.  I try not to let the off camera comments impact my appreciation of the on camera work, and I will continue to do so (though putting heads on camera makes it more difficult to remain blind to these issues). In the end, we are dealing with real people putting on a fun (and fake) show for our enjoyment.  These days I need those few minutes away from reality.

Seinfeld and Music Videos

I am always glad to see the old Seinfeld crew finding new work, as Julia Louis-Dreyfus did with HBO's Veep, but I am not sure music videos is a good approach. Jason Alexander has combined with Nickelback to make a music video for the song Trying Not to Love You.  Overall, I think the video is pretty goofy.  While I like both parties, this is not chocolate and peanut butter, but rather jelly and mayonnaise.  I am hoping to see Mr. Alexander is something better soon, though I am not too hopeful given his track record. 

MTV Tries Another One: The Inbetweeners

I have to give a lot of credit to MTV.  The network is not shy about trying out new shows and even a few remakes.  Let's forget about MTV's failed remake of Skins and focus on the present, which is all about the remake of Britain's famous foursome.   No, not those Beatles, but rather the kids on BBC's The Inbetweeners.  Will, Simon, Neil, and Jay never found a situation that they could not make worse.  After three seasons on British television, the team made a full length movie that did quite well (check out the trailer).

So what about MTV?  Tonight (August 20) the network tried its hand at turning these four twits into Americans, which really should not be all that hard.  The first episode of The Inbetweeners, most likely to be run endlessly on MTV, was actually pretty good (check out some of the highlights).  While the original was just fine, it is fun to see a new spin on these odd characters.  I would not mind watching both in this case; something I would not say about most of the remakes.

Variety get it right in its review of the new show:

Like most MTV fare, "Inbetweeners" won't win many plaudits from cultural scolds, depicting as it does teens completely preoccupied with sex, masturbation and saying impolite things about each other's families -- including Will's "hot mom."  Still, it all works -- or at least most of it does -- in no small part because everyone has known (or God forbid, has been) one of these kids, stupidly initiating school clubs to impress a girl (as Will does in a later episode) or being embarrassed by that horrible-looking starter car cheerfully purchased by dad.

These kids do not seem very dangerous, so I doubt that moms will be calling the Congress again to get it yanked off the air.  This may be the perfect program to sneak in under the radar and create new fans.  I hope so. 

August Shows: Copper

Tonight (August 19) you can see Copper, the first BBC America program made for American audiences.  Set in Civil War era New York City, it follows a policeman (aka copper) and his crew as they try to clean up a very dirty corner (or points) of the city. 

Here is BBC America's short summary of the show (and a trailer):

Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), an Irish-American former boxer turned cop, returns from the Civil War to find his wife missing and his daughter dead. Corcoran seeks justice for the powerless in the notorious immigrant neighborhood of Five Points. Bonded by battle to two Civil War compatriots – the wayward son of a wealthy industrialist and an African-American physician who secretly assists the forensic investigations – Corcoran is thrust into the contrasting worlds of elegant and corrupt Fifth Avenue, and the emerging African-American community in Northern Manhattan. The three men share a secret from the battlefield that inextricably links their lives forever.

From what I hear, Mr. Corcoran returns from his part in the war to learn that his wife has been abducted and his young daughter is in the grave.  Yes, a bleak start to the show that reminds me of the sad story preceding the appearance of another Civil War veteran in Hell on Wheels.  I expect the two stories will differ from that point forward, but I will not bet any copper on it just yet. 

The early reviews are mixed, of course.  The Wall Street Journal likes the setting, stating,

Odd though it may seem, the war's distance from the action at hand enhances the drama. Not much about the home front during the Civil War has ever made it to any screen, certainly not any full one set in New York City. There is one now, and it is, for all its violence and crude class stereotyping, a considerable achievement.

And yet, USAToday is not too impressed,

It boasts one of the season's most intriguing ideas: an "Eastern" about an Irish-American homicide detective in 1864 New York. And it's the first original series from one of cable's best destinations, BBC America. And yet everything about the show feels just a bit off: underfunded, insufficiently cast and flatly written.

I guess I am just going to have to watch it to make up my own mind, and I suggest you do the same.

Comic Con: Supernatural

I finally had a chance to view the clips from last month's Comic Con panel on Supernatural.  I was interested to learn a little more about the upcoming season, the eighth, but I also know one does not learn a lot from this panels.  It is basically a love fest with the fans.  That said, I thought the seventh season was one of the better ones with its emphasis on turning the American population into Purdue chickens where they are fattened up on fast food while watching television.  I am not sure if the writers were making fun of the television audience in general (fans as well as others), but it was fun nonetheless.

Season eight will return to CW on October 3rd, a Wednesday.  Yes, Supernatural is changing its night.  Jensen Ackles commented on this during the panel, pointing out that the show was moved from Friday nights, which he said is a good since since shows go to Friday nights "to die." Whatever night it lands on, I want to be there to see the next set of adventures.  The show certainly grows on you and the best part is that it does not take itself too seriously.  You get the impression Jensen and Jared are simply having fun with us.  

Here are some highlights from what was said at the July Comic Con panel:

Jeremy Carver (show writer):   Jeremy was asked about new relationships in the coming season, and he stated that the only real relationship holding the show together is that of two brothers (though he did not mention the third brother that appeared in a few episodes).  Jeremy was also asked about the theme of season eight, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and what it means.  Jeremy would only say that the brothers are “united in going after this one thing.” 

Mark Sheppard (Crowley):  I have always liked Mark Sheppard since his time as Ramo Lampkin on Battlestar Galactica.  His devil-may-care attitude on that show was great and his devilish role on Supernatural is also a natural fit.  Mark described Crowley as “what happens when people aren’t paying attention.”  He also noted that the show needs to explore his “loveliness,” since this side has not been shown to date.

Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester):  Jensen discusses his situation in purgatory at the end of season seven, noting he cannot say much about how he might get out.  Ben took up this point later on.  Jensen was also asked about romances in the coming season, and he noted Dean’s only real romance is the car.  Jensen also spoke a little about directing his third episode (he will direct the first episode of season eight – click here for a separate interview on this aspect).  Jensen also noted that he sometimes wanted his character to have super powers, as Sam did at one point, but he also does not want the show to lose its humanity.

Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester):  Jared said Sam will get a little action with the ladies this season – nothing too new there.  He also stated he would rather be tied up than thrown against a wall since the filming is easier, which led Jensen on a tangent about plumbing in his clothing for all the blood shots. 

Misha Collins (the Angel Castiel):  Misha was asked about Castiel’s bolting from Dean at the end of the last season and the angel’s future plans.  Misha had great difficulty answering the question, making it clear that all the cast were under orders not to reveal too much about the new season, which is pretty reasonable at all of these events given the need to keep the fan base guessing. 

Jim Beaver (Bobby Singer):  Jim was wearing a Deadwood baseball cap at the event, which brought back memories of his well-acted character Whitney Ellsworth from the HBO series.  Jim has also been quite busy on FX’s Justified, another great television series.  When looking at Jim’s TV credits, he goes back to 1978 and a stint on Dallas.  He has had quite a career to date.  Anyway, as to his character Bobby’s return from the world of the dead, all he could say is “anything is possible.” 

Ben Edlund (writer and executive producer):  Ben said Dean returns from purgatory early in the eighth season and the show centers around purgatory for awhile.  And when talking about Dean and Sam’s relationships, he noted that both are “emotional shut-ins” who spend a lot of time together in a car with crumpled snacks.  Ben also noted that Crowley thinks ahead more than anyone else in the universe, including the angels, stating Crowley may have a “titanic” role in the upcoming season.

Fans in the crowd also asked a number of amusing questions, such as why the two brothers look nothing like one another (Jensen said it was the hair).  Another fan asked if we will see God in the upcoming season.  Jeremy was pretty vague, but he did say there would be an overarching mythology that will hopefully carry on for many years.  That was my question – is this the last season?  I hope not.

Note:  For more facts on the show, you can go to Supernatural Wiki to get your answers. 

Borgen Marathon Starts in a Few Days

On August 20, LinkTV will start a marathon showing of Borgen seasons 1 and 2.  If you have missed this terrific Danish series, now is the time to catch up.  You only have two weeks to watch the show from its premiere date, but it is worth setting a schedule for you viewing.  You will not be disappointed.  Here is The Guardian's verdict on the show:

Borgen should appeal to everyone to be honest. It's a fantastically compelling and intricate drama about politics, gender, change and (mainly) power. With great characters – not just the women but the men too. My favourite is Svend Age, a no-nonsense, bullish, old-school politician from somewhere out of town, with no time for Mulberry or spin doctoring or any of that nonsense. John Prescott, basically, though from the other end of the political spectrum (I think – must find out more about Danish politics). OK, so it's time to stop searching for Westminster equivalents. They don't need it; this lot are better, more interesting characters.

I just watched the last episode of season 2 and I am ready to start it again.  The Schedule is provided below.

Season One: 

Monday, 8/20:  Eps 1 & 2 

Episode 1 Episode 2

Tuesday, 8/21:  Eps 3 & 4

Episode 3 Episode 4

Wednesday, 8/22:  Eps 5 & 6 

Episode 5 Episode 6

Thursday, 8/23:  Eps 7 & 8 

Episode 7 Episode 8 

Friday, 8/24:  Eps 9 & 10

Episode 9 Episode 10

Season Two: 

Monday, 8/27:  Eps 11 & 12 

Episode 11 Episode 12 

Tuesday, 8/28:  Eps 13 & 14 

Episode 13 Episode 14 

Wednesday, 8/29:  Eps 15 & 16  

Episode 15 Episode 16 

Thursday, 8/30:  Eps 17 & 18  

Episode 17 Episode 18 

Friday, 8/31:  Eps 19 & 20 

Episode 19 Episode 20 

August Shows: Season Two of Boss

Starz's excellent series Boss returns on Friday, August 17th, with a whole new season of episodes.  Kelsey Grammer's Chicago Mayor Tom Kane, ill and wounded, attempts to reestablish himself after wiping out some of his foes in the first season.  His own daughter, an inner-city minister, also become collateral damage.  The meat locker image advertising the second season (shown here) says it all.

Here is the setup via Starz for the start of the second season (as well as a trailer):

After nearly losing his career, his family and his mind, Mayor Tom Kane’s (Kelsey Grammer) grip on Chicago is as powerful as ever. With high doses of medication, he’s able to beat back the physical symptoms of his debilitating brain disease, but it comes at a cost. Kane is left with intense and uncontrollable neurological side effects.

Despite the delusions, Kane breaks ground on the O’Hare Airport expansion and looks toward his next endeavor – protecting and repairing his legacy. With the astute counsel of new aides Mona Fredricks (Sanaa Lathan) and Ian Todd (Jonathan Groff), he plans to remove and rebuild a long forgotten housing project, now home to gang activity and rampant corruption. Committed to his unorthodox agenda, Kane prepares to cut out the cancers within the political machine he helped build.

Fully aware of Kane’s illness, his wife Meredith (Connie Nielsen) finds herself questioning who holds the key to preserving her position of power. While their daughter, Emma (Hannah Ware), who is a product of their loveless, political marriage, battles her own destructive demons. Without his longtime advisors Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan) and Kitty O’Neil (Kathleen Robertson), and his political protégé Ben Zajac (Jeff Hephner), the odds continue to stack against him.

As corrupt heads roll and his list of enemies grows, Kane's virtuous actions begin to erode the very foundation of power he's worked a lifetime to build. In order to maintain it, Kane must govern as he always has—ruthlessly.

Last season was brutal on the characters and audience as we watched the slow spiral downward of a once great mayor, taking out innocent and guilty alike in his wake.  And Kelsey Grammer is amazing to watch as he takes on the world in what becomes a one man, winner takes all show.  Grammer certainly deserved his 2012 Golden Globe as best actor in a television series for his work on Boss.  Oddly, the show has not been nominated for any Emmys this year, though Grammer has done well in the past.  Earlier this week on the Tonight Show, Grammer attributed the Emmy snub to his being a republican.  I think he was kidding, but it was not clear.  He needs to show a little more Mayor Kane in his approach to life and simply tough it out.  He is part of a great show, and the critics will soon be eating crow.
 

More Political Shows: Veep and Battleground

While I was not too impressed with Political Animals, I can recommend a few other political shows from this past season that are worth your time.  The first show on my list is HBO's Veep with Julia Louis-Dreyfus playing Vice President Selina Meyer.  Here you have a well-written, yet snarky, program that comes across as "Seinfeld tries its hand at Washington, DC." If you like a show where every other word is the F-word, you may have found your show.  What I like about Veep is the various averted train wrecks that threaten what seems to be a very insignificant office, be it an environmental initiative or a simple photo-op at an ice cream store.  I also like the way VP Meyer is always asking her secretary hopefully, "Did the President call?" 

I would not have nominated the show for an Emmy, but it is a fun way to spend 30 minutes.  And it has already been green-lighted for a second season. If you want to see some of VP Meyer pronouncements, you can visit her official website for information on obesity, mis-speaking, and more.  

A show I would more highly recommend is Hulu's Battleground.  This Hulu-produced series is much closer to my favorite show Parks and Recreation, and it has a certain level of drama that gives the show extra weight.  Battleground covers a Wisconsin Senate race and all the dirty tricks and trite jobs necessary to get someone to high office (an office one could argue is more important that that of VP, which I think Joe Biden would second).  It is more believable than Veep and less zany than Parks and Recreation. 

The main character on Battleground is campaign manager Chris 'Tak' Davis, played by Jay Hayden, who has difficulty balancing the campaign against his marriage.  He is working in almost impossible circumstances with a senatorial candidate rumored to be a lesbian, as well as her inept, controlling husband and dopey campaign volunteering son.   

I was surprised to find such a high quality new show on Hulu.  It has some good initial press but quickly disappeared from the radar.  It reminded me of another online gem, Netflix's Lilyhammer.  Both shows may have benefited from a regular TV broadcast showing, but then again they may have fallen through the cracks if they could not meet the unrealistic network demands for immediate success.  In fact, the show was originally developed for Fox.  If this is the future of online programming then TV has some serious challenges ahead.  

Hulu submitted Battleground in a few Emmy categories, but it did not make it this year.  I would have put it ahead of Veep and hope that a potential second season has an even greater chance at the award.