* I’m putting together a Michael Jackson mix, and in doing so, stumbled across some long forgotten, but great, songs. Like “Childhood,” which, apparently, is from the Free Willy 2 soundtrack. Do y’all remember Free Willy 2? Yeah, me neither. I know I saw it, because I LOVED the first movie. Cried my eyes out . Also, fun fact: I went to see Free Willy on my first ever date, in sixth grade. My date cried, too, but tried to hide it. Anyway, check it out. Doesn’t this song break you heart a little? I’m sure he wrote it with that intention, but still – he’s so earnest. Plus, there are strings.
Other gems include “Ben”, “She’s Out of My Life”, “Dirty Diana” and a breathtaking “Ain’t No Sunshine.” I’d kind of forgotten how much I liked the King of Pop back in the day.
* Also being played on my iPod lately: The cast recording for Curtains. Freaking brilliant, people. I now totally regret never seeing this show when it was on Broadway. And I knew about it, too! I distinctly remember talking to my dad about the new Kander and Ebb murder mystery musical. Anyway, a friend gave me the cast recording several months ago, and I only recently started listening to it. It took a few listens, but now I can’t get enough. It’s funny, it’s catchy, it’s romantic, it’s sad. And, sure, it’s no Cabaret, but what is? I love David Hyde Pierce’s wistful song, “Coffee Shop Nights,” but the real gem on this album is “I Miss the Music”, a song about writing a song without a partner. Written by John Kander after Fred Ebb’s death. I can’t listen to it without tearing up. But, there’s also some hilarious numbers, and some that are pure joy, such as “Show People.”
Wasn’t that fun?
*I finished the Great Frasier Rewatch much, much faster than the Great Cheers Rewatch. I actually am not going to say how quick it took me to finish 11 seasons of TV, but needless to say…it was quick. Totally enjoyable from start to finish. I don’t remember the last time I laughed out loud at a show so consistently. Yesterday, I started listing my favorite episodes, for a top 10 countdown, and ended up with, uh, 42. No, I’m not kidding. Obviously I’ll have to trim the list down. I almost feel like there should be two different lists: 1.) Favorite episodes, 2.) Niles. Though, as I said before, Jane Leeves is totally under-appreciated. Or at least, I didn’t appreciate her when the show was on. My god, she’s funny. OnceI can narrow down the list, I’ll do a post on my favorite episodes. In the meantime, here’s a video someone made highlighting the hilarious Daphne Moon.
* Lauren Graham’s new movie, The Answer Man, comes out in DC next week. Who’s coming with me? Anyone? Anyone?
*On that topic, I still haven’t seen 500 Days of Summer. Or The Hangover. Or any new movie since Away We Go. P.S. John Krasinski + beard + glasses = HOT. I finally get the attraction.
* I need a good book. I’m currently very uninspired by my collection. I keep on starting one book and stopping it a few days later. I think this is because a few months ago, I read Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. It was wonderful, and set the bar very high for my next Great Read. So far, nothing has measured up. I hope I find one by this time next month – I need some beach reading.
* I have no desire to see the Harry Potter movie. But I do think Daniel Radcliffe has gotten kind of cute as he’s gotten older. (Even though I can’t see him without remembering him flinging a condom, ala Extras.) Which is worse?
*Found out today the new season of Dexter starts September 27th. Bring it!
* How did I find that out? By reading about the Dexter panel at Comic Con. Yep, it’s that time of year again. And yes, once again, I failed to make it to the Fandom Mecca. Someday, dear readers. Some day…
Well, folks, the 2009 Emmy nominations came out yesterday, and as usual, there’s the expected (30 Rock), the unexpected (Jim Parsons!), the ridiculously snubbed (FNL, and though I’ve never seen it, Battlestar) and the mercifully snubbed (suck it, Piven!)
Believe it or not, I’m mostly ok with this list. There are some egregious snubs, which I’ll get to in a sec, but there’s also some unexpected delights.
The bad:
– It is ludicrous that Connie Britton didn’t get an nomination – and after switching over to supporting actress, even! I know that FNL is an off-the-beaten-path kind of show that shoots in Texas and not in Hollywood, and it’s probably off the radar for a lot of voters. But after seeing episode 4 of this season, in which Tami and Eric debate buying a new house, I don’t know how she could possibly have been left off the list. (This clip is, maddeningly, not available online, so here’s another great scene from this season.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
– Also oddly snubbed? Amy Ryan for outstanding guest actress on The Office. I’ll give them the Tina Fey SNL nom, but Christine Baranski and Jennifer Aniston over Amy Ryan? I love them all, but Ryan was the clear pick, here. Anyone who can make Michael Scott a human being with feelings deserves some acclaim.
– While I love Rainn Wilson, I would have rather seen The Office nomination go to John Krasinski. Or better yet, skip The Office all together and give it to Jason Segal for HIMYM. If you must include Rainn Wilson, fine, but what’s up with Kevin Dillon? Granted, I haven’t watched Entourage in years, but from everything I’ve read, the show is a distant memory of its former self. While we’re on HIMYM, no love for Cobie Smulders or Alyson Hannigan? Really?
– I kind of can’t believe the Beau Bridges nomination. It was a nice episode (yes, I watch Desperate Housewives. Shut up.) but not Emmy-worthy. Ditto with Steve Martin. If it’s protocol to honor guest stars from 30 Rock, why not give a shout out to Dean Winters, who plays the always hilarious “Beeper King” Dennis Duffy? All together now, “Sub-way He-ro!”
– I have no real gripes about the drama nominations, mostly because I don’t watch many of the nominated shows. However, I was definitely bummed the supporting cast of Dexter didn’t get any recognition. Sure, Michael C. Hall is the best part of the show, but it has an extraordinary supporting cast. Were I in charge, I would have recognized Julie Benz as Rita and Lauren Velez as Lt. Laguerta.
The good:
– NPH! And no Piven to upset! This is his year, right? RIGHT?
– Jim Parsons! I only discovered TheBig Bang Theory this year, but Sheldon is by far my favorite character. Dude makes the show.
– Dr. Horrible! Wait, what? Yes, it’s true. They made up some new category, and I don’t fully understand the title (“Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs”….what?) but I’m thrilled the little Internet TV Sensation That Could is getting some major recognition. That’s good for Joss, for the Internet, AND for all the filmmakers out there who are trying to make it without studio backing.
– HIMYM for best comedy! Even if it doesn’t win (and we all know it’ll go to 30 Rock) I’m glad it’s being recognized, because it truly is outstanding.
– All the Grey Gardens nominations. They were inevitable, but still, SO deserved. I don’t know how the academy will pick between Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. Hopefully, if they can’t decide, both ladies will take home a statue, instead of canceling each other out. I tried to find some clips for those who didn’t catch the film, but nothing really gave it justice. It’s out on DVD now; go rent it. If you get through the ending without crying buckets, you’re as soulless as Dexter Morgan.
My picks for the major nominations.
BEST DRAMA SERIES Big Love Damages Dexter House Lost Mad Men Dexter, all the way. Granted, I don’t watch the other shows, so I am biased. But Dexter has been captivating from episode 1. Any show that can turn a killer’s confession into a marriage proposal (see below) is top notch in my book.
BEST ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hugh Laurie, House
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Jon Hamm, Mad Men Simon Baker, The Mentalist
Again, I’m going with Dexter, though I realize Michael C. Hall probably won’t win. I’ve heard great things about all these guys. But it takes a lot of skill to turn a serial killer into a lovable, even funny, character, while still being scary as hell. And Hall gets extra props this year for dealing treading the line between “family man” and “psychopath.” (Though he is at his most fun when he returns to his crazy killing roots.)
BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Glenn Close, Damages
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
I don’t watch any of these shows, and have no opinion.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Rose Byrne, Damages
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Hope Davis, In Treatment
Cherry Jones, 24
Ditto – though I did just see Cherry Jones on a theater panel, where she was wonderful. But again, I don’t watch these shows.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Rainn Wilson, The Office
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock
Jon Cryer, Two And A Half Men
Well, duh. NPH! I tried to find some of his best stuff from season 4, but HIMYM is also noticeably absent from YouTube. However, I think this pretty much says it all:
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad William Hurt, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men Again, no opinion.
BEST COMEDY SERIES Entourage Family Guy
Flight Of The Conchords How I Met Your Mother The Office 30 Rock
This is a tough one. The Office saw a resurgence this year with the Michael Scott Paper Company plot line and Amy Ryan. 30 Rock is always amazing, and lest we forget, they had a Mamma Mia this year! However, I’m going to go with HIMYM, because it’s been deserving of a nomination since season 1, and 30 Rock and The Office have had their days in the sun.
BEST ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Jemaine Clement, Flight Of The Conchords
Tony Shalhoub, Monk Steve Carell, The Office
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock Charlie Sheen, Two And A Half Men
I love Alec Baldwin and Steve Carell. But I’m going with Jim Parsons, because, as I said before, he makes the show. But really, I’d be happy if any of those 3 men won. Just as long as it’s not Tony Shaloub or Charlie Sheen.
BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures Of Old Christine
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Show
Tina Fey, 30 Rock Toni Collette, United States Of Tara
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds
Sorry haters, I’ve gotta go with Tina Fey. I hear MLP is amazing, I love Toni Collette, and Christina Applegate was hilarious as Rachel’s sister on Friends. But Tina Fey makes me laugh week after week. Also, what single gal my age doesn’t want to be Liz Lemon, just a little? In celebration of awkward, nerdy girls everywhere, here’s the best of Liz Lemon, as stated by…some person on YouTube with lots of time.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty
I have no real favorite here, but it’d be nice to see Kristin Chenoweth win for Pushing Daisies. I liked the show a lot – not as much as some fans, but a lot. However, for me it wasn’t Ned and Chuck. I was all about Olive Snook. (And also, the idea of Olive and Ned. Shh. Tell no one.)
The only thing I’ll say about the reality categories is I hope American Idol wins. Just because…look at the impact it has every year. I love Project Runway as much as the next person, (and would be thrilled if it won) but I think AI deserves some Emmy love.
And in terms of Variety or Talk Show…I am torn between Colbert and Stewart. Jon Stewart had Hall and Oats. But Colbert had Cookie Monster. Decisions, decisions.
So what are your thoughts? Did I get anything wrong? Are there any shows I don’t watch that I should? (Besides Mad Men. I already know. Oh, and Lost, because the reality is, I’m never going to watch that show. Sorry, Internet.)
For a full list of nominations, including best title sequence (do they still have those), best cinematography for a single camera show, and best lackey, go here.
I’m not really into the Harry Potter, but here are two movies I’m all about this summer.
They had me at Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He’s certainly grown up to be a handsome fellow, hasn’t he?
And
I’d go see this even if Lauren Graham wasn’t in it, because I like Jeff Daniels and Lou Taylor Pucci, and it looks like an interesting script. The inclusion of Ms. Graham is just icing on the cake for me.
(In semi-related news, I caught the last half of a Gilmore Girls episode this weekend. Despite owning the series on DVD, I haven’t actually watched an episode in well over a year. It was “The Inns and Outs of Inns” from season 2, and, while not one of my favorites, seeing Stars Hollow in all its glory felt like coming home. I miss you, Gilmore.)
As soon as I can get my pictures to cooperate, I’ll tell you all about my trip to New York last month. Here’s a teaser: Go see Next to Normal. It’s incredible.
This is old news by now, but I’d like to jump on the bandwagon and say: YAY! NPH is hosting the Emmys! Also, it appears I am quite predictable. On the day this was announced, I got not one but TWO texts from people delivering the news. What can I say? I am what I am…. That’s Popeye. (Bonus points to anyone who gets the reference.)
I’m excited about this, but I also hope it doesn’t hurt his chances of a nomination and/or a win. Anyone who watches HIMYM knows he’s at least worthy of a nomination. And IMO, a win, but so far the Emmy people haven’t agreed. But what do they know? They give Jeremy Piven awards just for breathing. And Martin Sheen didn’t win in all the 7 years The West Wing was on the air. And have they never watched Dexter? Why diss Michael C. Hall ever year, and not even recognize Dexter‘s amazing supporting cast? And don’t even get me STARTED on Friday Night Lights.
Even so, I love the show and watch ever year. (And every year, I’m disappointed.) At least this year will have a good host.
Video of the Day:
In honor of the news, here’s one of my favorite NPH clips. Makes me laugh every time.
Helloooo Internets! Did you miss me? Did you even notice I was gone?
Evidently I took a non-planned hiatus. Last week was my busiest work-week of the year, and this week – well, my brain turned into mush and I haven’t had the energy or desire to post anything. But don’t worry, I’m slowly returning to form.
Some things:
– Last week, I went to see Huey Lewis and the News at Wolf Trap for my mom’s birthday. Did you know that the world is crazy for Huey Lewis? Because it is. I had no clue, and was totally unprepared for the madness that ensued. Everyone rocked out. People my age were rockin’, people my parents’ age were rockin’, and even this tiny man who could have been my grandfather was dancing in the aisles. Really world? Really? To be fair, I’m not a huge fan of Mr. Lewis. I mock shouted “I loved you in Duets!”* when he came out, because that’s really the only thing I like about his career. Evidently, I am in the deep minority. When they finished “Power of Love” in the middle of the show, I turned to my Dad and asked “But what are they going to close with now?” I was also imagining myself hitching on to the back of a pick up truck so I could skate to school faster, but that’s neither here nor there. So Internet, you’ve been warned: The world LOVES Huey Lewis. *shrug* (Despite my complete neutral attitude toward Huey, the night was fun. My mom had a great time, and I enjoyed the people-watching opportunity.)
* Have you all seen Duets? If not, you totally should. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. And the reason that, no matter how many Planet of the Apes, Lady in the Waters, or Fred Clauses he makes, I’ll always, always love Paul Giamatti. Don’t believe me? Do yourself a favor and watch this. Oh, man, I’m tearing up just linking you to that.
– I am also pretty neutral on Michael Jackson’ s death. Sorry. I am old enough to remember when Dangerous was released (and to absolutely love it), but I’m not really old enough to remember the madness that was Thriller, and moon walking, and all that. I mostly remember when the media started reporting on all his eccentricities, the weirdness with Macauley Culkin, and his pet monkey. When I heard of his death, I was definitely shocked, but also, felt a sense of relief for him. The last 15 years or so haven’t been great ones for Mr. Jackson. So, rest in peace, sir. Thanks for “I Want You Back”, which has one of the best openings to a song ever.
– Tomorrow, I’m going to New York with Nicki for the weekend. We’re going to see Next to Normal. Other plans include Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve never been to New York when it’s been both a.) warm and b.) nice. Work with me, universe. (Note to my readers: If you don’t hear from me in a few days, check the papers. I might have gotten caught in Alice Ripley’s path. No, my fear from her Tony acceptance speech has not subsided.)
– I made an executive decision a few weeks ago to stop my Cheers re-watch. I had maybe four episodes to go, and I just…couldn’t finish. It was too sad. (Go with me here – this was the first show I ever loved and lost. I still remember that night, and the Bob Costas special, and Diane coming back, and then leaving, and Norm telling Sam that the meaning of life is love, and Sam straightening the picture of Geronimo and turning off the lights for the last time. I couldn’t say goodbye to it again.) Instead, I started my Frasier re-watch, which is immensely entertaining. And, it’s not that I forgot how funny David Hyde Pierce is, but I hadn’t seen the show in ages. Oh, my god, you guys. DHP is a freaking genius. Seriously. He is. You know who else is hysterical? Daphne. I totally didn’t appreciate Jane Leeves when the show was on the air, and I’m so glad I do now. She can tell a story like nobody’s business. I didn’t watch much of the final years – I was in college, and all of my TV attention (that’s not an exaggeration – really – all of it) was devoted to Buffy and Angel. I’m sure that, like any show that lasts over a decade, it loses some of its luster. But, man oh man, is this show brilliant. Super smart, super funny, with super-talented people in front of and behind the camera.
Last night, I watched “Ham Radio”, from the fourth season. I don’t think I’d seen it since it aired, but once the shenanigans began, it all came back, and I remembered watching this with my family, all of us howling. In light of all the tragedy that’s gone on lately – the Air France crash, the Metro accident, the random deaths of four or five celebrities – here’s something to cheer you up. Two things for you to know: 1.) KACL puts on a radio play for its 40th anniversary and 2.) “Multiple murderer.”
Don’t you feel better now? Have a good weekend, y’all.
Retrowatching 