DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR...huh?...um...well, just take it easy this season

In a world where genre movies make up the clear majority of the top 100 highest grossing movies, the video game industry is a multi-billion dollar business, & modern pop culture is saturated w/ genre references, it boggles my mind why the networks can't seem to capitalize on this. Sure, a few like HBO & AMC seem to have figured it out. However, the 2011-12 fall premieres have the feel that the powers behind the major networks have gone all genre shy...yet again.

With that said, this year's genre TV highlights are looking like I can fit it all in one entry. With the majority of the shows represented being returning shows...seriously, there is not much new genre programming coming out this year at all. This makes me sad. Can't help but wonder how many great concepts were passed upon 'cuz some network programmer was too short sighted to see, much less realize, a valuable & entertaining potential.

Whining aside, here's the 2011-12 genre previews:

Sundays
The Walking Dead, AMC, Premieres 10/16
A show that will eat away at your brain, literally.


Hell On Wheels, AMC, Premieres 11/6
Intense period drama set during the construction of the railroads. It's AMC, so checking it out.


Boardwalk Empire, HBO, Premieres 9/25
Probably won't have HBO, but if I can swing it, I'll be watching this one for sure.


Dexter, Showtime, Premieres 10/2
One of two shows that leaves me sorely tempted to subscribe to Showtime.


Homeland, Showtime, Premieres 10/2
If the series delivers what the trailer promises, then this will be a show worth watching.


Once Upon A Time, ABC, Premieres 10/23
It is from ABC, so I have trepidations. Conceptually a brilliant fantasy though.


Mondays
Hawaii 5-0, CBS, Premieres 9/19
Lame ass trailer...sorry...but this show has exceeded expectations before. Also, they continue to get my vote as to the best casted show.


Terra Nova, Fox, Premieres 9/26
Wait, I think I've seen this before. BBC's Outcasts? Jurassic Park? Earth 2? Land of the Lost?
Not selling it, 'cuz I ain't sold. Will check out the premiere and go from there.


Tuesdays
Ringer, CW, Premieres 9/13
Buffy returns to TV! That alone is worth checking out the premiere.


Sons of Anarchy, FX, Premieres 9/6
Movie length premiere looks badass.


Wednesdays
Whitechapel, BBCA, Premieres 10/26
The only Wednesday show that has caught my attention. Otherwise it looks like the other nets have kept their schedule clear for Simon Cowell's new thing on Fox.


Thursdays
The Vampire Diaries, CW, Premieres 9/15
The writers behind this show have a superpower. Their ability is to weave 3 or more story lines throughout the season. I like it, 'cuz you know as the various plot lines develop, they are eventually going to overlap, & not in a way that is good for the Elena & the Salvatores.


The Secret Circle, CW, Premieres 9/15
From the producers of The Vampire Diaries, only w/ witches. Hesitant, but will give it a few episodes to see if they can reproduce the magic spell they cast w/ The Vampire Diaries.


Charlie's AngelsABC, Premieres 9/22
Looks like ABC is trying to do what CBS did with Hawii Five-0.


Fridays
Nikita, CW, Premieres 9/23
Best Nikita incarnation to date. Last season this show did not disappoint, this season looks no different.


Supernatural, CW, Premieres 9/23
Last season the new show runners kicked Supernatural up a notch. With Castiel's god-complex, this season is promising more of the same.


Fringe, Fox, Premieres 9/23
Considering Fox has a history of moving shows to Fridays to run off episodes before canceling them, my jaw dropped when I heard about Fringe's renewal. It is one of my favorite shows, so happy to get at least one more season.


Chuck, NBC, Premieres 10/21
Final season :(


Grimm, NBC, Premieres 10/21
Will have to wait until Fringe &/or Supernatural are in reruns to check this one out. Keeping fingers crossed NBC encores it on Saturday or on Sy-Fy.


Sanctuary, Sy-Fy, Premieres 10/6
A guilty pleasure of a show, but the good episodes make for great TV.


Saturdays
Bedlam, BBCA, Premieres 10/1
Show set to follow Dr. Who's current season. Looks interesting, worth checking out.


That is it for this season's genre shows. Special thanks to thefutoncritic.com for providing the TV grid where I grabbed the above schedules & premiere dates.

Happy Watching!

DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010. Part 3 Thursday Friday

Previously On...
DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010 Part 1 Sunday Monday
DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010 Part 2 Tuesday Wednesday

Part 3 wraps up the work week in style. A lot of my favorite shows are air on these days. To be honest, I can't really say anything more that won't be repeated below. So let us just get to it...


THURSDAY
The most competitive day ratings-wise. It is good to see a growing presence of genre shows. If people on average watch TV on Thursdays, why not offer an alternative to the long shark jumped CSI and more sitcoms than you can shake a stick at? A couple of networks have done just that. You can count on me to be sitting on my couch w/ beer & remote in hand watching them. Read on...

FRINGE
Premieres 9/23, Fox

I love this trailer on so many levels. I love this show. After the absolutely cruel cliffhanger that closed last season, I have been counting the days until the 3rd season premiere.

VAMPIRE DIARIES
Premieres 9/9, CW

If you can get past the CW-ized social event of the week. If you can get past the obviously influenced by Twilight design & look. Then you will discover an amazing TV show. Based on a books series of the same name, the Vampire Diaries is riveting (for a lack of a better word). Well written, well acted, & overall well executed.

NIKITA
Premieres 9/9, CW

There have been many incarnations of Nikita in both film and TV. CW's version, however, breaks from the traditional portrayal of the character & story. That has really peaked my interest. Nikita is promising to be one bad ass & thrilling ride. Can't wait to check it out.



FRIDAYS
I told myself I wouldn't mention anything about Sy-Fy channel airing WWE Smackdown on Fridays. So I am not going to point out that they are preempting 12+ years of their anchor programming night (Sci-Fridays) for wresting?! WTF!

SMALLVILLE
Premieres 9/24, CW

Zod made a great villain last season. He was intelligent, well thought out, & brilliantly portrayed. There were actually times you doubted he was a villain at all, so well written the character was. How do you top Zod for Smallville's final season? With Darkseid of course. Can't wait to see how they portray him.

SUPERNATURAL
Premieres 9/24, CW

Except for a fan shot clip from SDCC, new footage for Supernatural's 6th season is impossible to find. Considering that there is a new creative team overseeing the show, this means the new season is either really, really good, or horrible. Also considering the new show runners have been on staff since season's 1 &/or 2, I'm banking on really, really good.

MEDIUM
Premieres 9/24, CBS

Define irony. Irony is when a network (NBC) cancels a show (Medium), that show is picked up by another network (CBS), & 3 years later becomes the sole survivor of CBS' Friday night line up. If you haven't had the opportunity, I highly recommend you check Medium out. It is a great mix of drama, suspense (I'm talking the sit at the edge of your seat kind), & surreality. NBC was stupid for letting this one go...then again, w/ the whole Conan/Leno debacle, NBC has proven they're not the brightest light bulb on the network chandelier.

HUMAN TARGET
Premieres 10/1, Fox

Between CBS moving Medium to 8pm, & Fox (a network who has it out for me) moving Human Target to Fridays, I am not 100% I'll be able to catch this one this year. Though miraculously renewed, & CW being great about airing reruns of their shows, I might prioritized Human Target over Smallville. Haven't decided for sure yet. Probably won't decide until premiere in October. I like them both.

INCERASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET
Premieres 10/1, IFC

It looks funny, but not in a formulated Major Network sitcom sort of way. Very curious.


Friday Honorable Mention

Who Do You Think You Are? (Premieres ?, NBC): NBC's hour long infomercial for ancestry.com is going to return at some point (no premiere date listed, so this might actually be a mid-season show). On one hand, I find it boring, then on the other, it does appeal to one's sense of finding their own identity.


Links to the shows web pages are the title. Part 4 should be up w/n a week.

Cheers!

DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010. Part 2 - Tuesday Wednesday

Previously On...
DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010 Part 1 Sunday Monday


The 'ol DVR ain't slowing down as Part 2 of the Fall 2010 Season highlights continues with Tuesday & Wednesday. In some ways, this fall is proving to be the most frustrating. We can only record 2 shows at a time. Both Tuesday and Wednesday have more than 2 shows airing during the same time slot (which wouldn't be a problem if the Major Networks were willing to air encores late at night instead of infomercials), forcing the decision of which not to record.

TUESDAYS
Think I can safely call Tuesdays guilty pleasure day. Read on.

Stargate Universe
Premieres 9/28, SyFy

Have you watched that trailer yet? You should. If you have not yet checked out this Stargate incarnation, you are missing a truly great show. I've said it before, don't think of it as a another installment of the Stargate franchise, for SG-U is so much more. It is a really great, intense, well written drama that just happens to have a Stargate in it. SG-U is my most anticipated returning show this season.

Sanctuary
Premieres 9/28, SyFy

I like this show. It is a good tongue-in-cheek companion to the more serious Stargate. Their take on the monsters is really creative, and the powers that be behind it know how to weave an interesting fable.

Sons of Anarchy
Premieres 9/7, FX

I consider it a failure on my part for not getting into this show until its 3rd season. The very concept itself says it is bad ass. I like my TV bad ass.

No Ordinary Family
Premieres 9/28, ABC

I am approaching this one with caution...aka, trying not to get my hopes up. Despite of the obvious Fantastic Four origin rip off, the comic geek in me is absolutely giddy about the concept. However it is on ABC, so my fear is it will be ABC-ized. Hopefully, the network will allow the writers to take it in the direction it needs to go for it realize its potential. Either/or, I'm going to be there on premiere night.

Parenthood
Premieres 9/14, NBC

Lauren Graham always gets me watching the most compromising guilty pleasures. I am a big fan of hers. To give this show credit, the writers do a great job in balancing all the characters and storylines. Not to mention, Craig T Nelson's character is dead ringer of my Grandpa (only it was the Korean War as opposed to the Vietnam War...d'OH, just aged myself).


Tuesday Honorable Mentions

Glee (Premieres 9/21, Fox): There is too much going on in the same time slot, so going to have to wait until the reruns to catch this quirky guilty pleasure. Yes, I know, I am a bad Gleek.

Biggest Loser (Premieres 9/21, NBC): Is it just me, or does the Biggest Loser operate like a cult. They isolate the contestants, break them down, and fill them full of their over-the-top preachy rhetoric as they built them back up. My wife, however, loves this show, so I gotta take one for the team...a heavy price to pay so I can record my Friday shows.



WEDNESDAYS
Though there really isn't that much worth watching on this day, it just so happens all but one occupy the same timeslot.

Terriers
Premieres 9/8, FX

I was originally going to pass on this one. Seemed like yet another case-of-the-week procedural. Then I read the write up in TV Guide Magazine, and changed my mind. It is a case-of-the-week procedural, but the characters are interesting and have great back stories.

Undercovers
Premieres 9/22, NBC

JJ Abrams is coming out with a spy drama?! SOLD!

Survivor
Premieres 9/15, CBS

Survivor got the shaft for not being nominated for an Emmy. Both seasons last year were some of the best of the show's entire run. Hoping that this is the case this year. Though why CBS is moving their 10 year Thursday night anchor to Wednesdays is beyond me...now convinced that network execs are all on crack.

Wednesday Honorable Mention

Hell's Kitchen (Premieres 9/22, Fox): Fox hates me. Really, they do. Why else would they move Hell's Kitchen (yet again) to Wednesdays. I just love it when Gorden Ramsey gets so worked up he literally spits on the contestants. Hoping they're encoring this one, 'cuz spitting or no, I ain't going to miss my Survivor.


Links to the show on their respective networks websites are the show's title. Part 3: Thursday Friday should be up in 2 - 3 days. Stay Tuned!

Cheers!

DVR Ready. DVR Aim. DVR Record. Fall 2010. Part 1 - Sunday Monday

September is upon us...already?!

September brings many things. That serene silence which can only mean the kids are back in school. Street gutters are clogged w/ the colorful leaves of fall. Cable Networks relinquish the airwaves giving the Major Networks the chance to ruin great concepts. Yes, my friends, Fall Premieres are just around the corner, and the DVR is aching to capture what I hope will be some excellent new & returning shows.

Like last year, here is the list of shows in the 'ol DVR's crosshairs. Unlike last year, I included a trailer or preview instead of a picture. Taking a Don't take my word for it, see for yourself approach this year. Also different, I'm going to split out the blog into 4 separate installments (previously one mammoth entry), each consisting of 1-2 days. This should make things easier on you, the reader...not to mention on me, the writer.

Enough banter, let's get to it:

SUNDAYS
This day still belongs to cable...

Boardwalk Empire
Premieres 9/19, HBO

As sad as I am to see True Blood's season end, I know Broadwalk Empire will right on it's heels. The more footage I see of this show, the more excited I get. Prohibition is a fascinating era in our history, & it looks like the show runners are not hesitating about getting knee deep into it. And it stars that "funny looking" guy from Fargo; Steve Buscemi is a longtime favorite actor of mine. Boardwalk Empire is the premiere I am most looking forward to.

Walking Dead
Premieres 10/31, AMC

Finally! A TV show about Zombies. Based on the Image Comic book, this series is written, directed, & executive produced for television by Frank Darabont. You might know him from these little flicks he did, The Shawshank Redemption & The Green Mile. Love that they're premiering a zombie TV show on Halloween.

Dexter
Premieres 9/26, Showtime

Though I have only seen one episode, I have heard enough from reliable sources (aka: friends) that this is a kickass show. So much so, that I've had the 1st 4 seasons DVDs are near/at the top of my "to buy list". The biggest hurdle of me not catching Dexter is the lack of a Showtime subscription. Through with Dish Network's autopay promotion, I'll be able to get a free 3 month trial subscription to Showtime, & catch the 5th season. Judging from the above trailer, it looks like it is going to be pretty intense too.

Sunday Honorable Mentions
Amazing Race (Premieres 9/26, CBS): Phil and the Travelocity Gnome are back to greet stressed out/cranky world travelers at the Rest Stop. I do get a kick out of this reality alternative show. There is a reason it is a staple in the Emmy nominations.

Undercover Boss (Premieres 9/26, CBS): It is good to know that CEOs really, honestly care, and are willing to give us average joes the time of day. Sarcasm aside, this is my wife's pick. She loves this show. One thing I will give it, they have perfected the emotional heart tugs. Though there is a underlying propaganda factor to this, the companies represented in this do get some brilliant publicity.


MONDAYS
Between returning show schedule changes & more new shows than you can shake a stick at, long gone are the days there's nothing worth watching on Mondays.

Chuck
Premieres 9/20, NBC

Why more Nielsens don't watch Chuck is beyond me. The drama is intense. The comedy is hilarious. The action is badass. It is rare that a show can have you laughing out loud & sitting at the edge of your seat in a single episode. I highly recommend you check out Chuck, if you haven't already.

House
Premieres 9/20, Fox

The preview says it all. All I can add is: Finally.
House is a cleverly disguised serial drama. If you go back to the first season, the characters are distinctly different to who they will be when the 7th premieres. Just be sure to set your DVRs to finish a couple minutes late, Fox is notorious about running their higher rating shows over into the next hour.

The Event
Premieres 9/20, NBC

Everything about The Event comes screams it is a great concept. If done right, it could prove to be amazing TV. I have high hopes for this one. My biggest fear is NBC will "water" it down, so it can't take the risks it needs to take to be the successful show I know it can be.

Castle
Premieres 9/20, ABC

A true stand out amongst the procedurals. Castle won't hesitate to make fun of anything, including Nathan Fillon's Firefly days. Mix satire with the perfectly executed sexual tension between Castle and Beckett, you have the workings of an entertaining hour.

Hawaii Five-0
Premieres 9/20, CBS

If you could judge a show by the caliber of its cast, then Hawii Five-0 is going to rock. If you can judge a show by the extended preview, then Hawii Five-0 is not only going to rock, but will be badass. I am totally excited about this one, and fully admit to having impossibly high expectations. I hope hope hope it won't become a case of the week procedural, but then again it is on CBS, a network that doesn't stray too far from their formula. Either/or, Hawaii Five-0 is the 2nd most anticipated new show (next to Boardwalk Empire) I am looking most looking forward to.


Links to the show's respective network webpage are the titles. That's it for Part 1. Part 2 - Tuesday Wednesday will be uploaded w/n the next 2-3 days. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Stay Tuned...

Have a couple of blog projects brewing.

First is a preview of Fall programs I'll be capturing on my DVR. Unlike previous entries, think I'll be breaking them down to 2-3 day installments (ie: Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday, Friday-Sunday). Whenever possible, will include the trailer. There's some really interesting shows coming out, and I can't wait to see them.

The second is I've been compiling compilations (iTunes calls them "playlists") of my music. Having an iPhone has really reconnected me with my music collection over the past couple of months. I'll be publishing them here as soon as I figure out how, and I find a good online streaming player. Over the past couple of months, I have completed 6 compilations (15 tracks each), and am currently working on an additional 2. So there is plenty of great music for you all.

Cheers!

Premium Nets Are Changing the Face of TV

Last week I watched the season finale of HBO's Treme, the season premiere of the ABC's The Glades, & the latest installment of NBC's Persons Unknown. The difference in overall quality of the shows hit me like a freight train. Treme was a well written, well produced tragic send off of its 1st season. The Glades came off of as Dark Shadows w/ a Desperate Housewives twist (if not for the cliffhanger ending, I would have deleted it from my DVR timer). I do like Persons Unknown, but feel it is holding back, no where near realizing its full potential.

You know, it has gotten to the point where I am tempted to downsize my Dish Network subscription to just the Premium Cable Networks. If not for the very verbal backlash from my family, I would probably do just that.

Why do this?

Because, w/ a few exceptions, there really isn't anything I can't live w/o on the broadcast or basic cable networks. Now if I lost HBO while True Blood was airing new eps, I'd drive myself crazy wondering what is happening. Then there are HBO shows like Treme, & the upcoming Boardwalk Empire & A Game of Thrones. Don't even get me started on all the shows I'm missing on Showtime and Starz, (both of which I had a subscription to at one point, but unfortunately we can only afford one premium package). The premium networks are where to get good, intelligent TV.

When you think about it, it is amazing how much has changed in the last 10-15 years. Before the Sopranos & Sex In the City, the premium nets were all about attracting subscribers via the "latest, greatest blockbuster only found here." Now it's their original programming which they tout. Not to mention, they have no reason to really pay attention to Nielsens, which are designed for measuring viewer count for advertising revenue. All HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc care about are attracting & retaining subscribers. My guess is they trade reporting from satellite & cable carriers (Dish Network, Comcast, etc) for licensing fee credits (thus all the 3 months free deals). When you think about it, the premium networks don't give a shit about how old a viewer is, whether or not they own or rent, of if they're going to the mall w/n the next week to burn some cash. They don't care as long as that particular person is subscribed to and watching their network.

The entertainment industry is changing. The Nielsen system has been outdated since before the Commodore 64. Advertisers are more frugal w/ their spending, often opting to go with the cheaper online alternative to get their brand out. Not to mention, major networks have no patience w/ original programming if they need to grow an audience, often opting to go with the much cheaper reality programming "alternative programming". The basic cable nets have the patience to grow audiences w/ shows (especially if it receives positive critical & blogger reviews), but most either don't have or are unwilling to risk more than a bare-minimum production budget. The premium networks, however, create a TV show in a similar manner of a movie. They spend the budget to create a well crafted TV experience. They even have the entire season in the can before it airs...total opposite of the major networks, who order scripts by the episode (hmmm, maybe that is why many network shows seem disjointed).

However, I believe over the next 5 years, we're going to see more and more networks following the "HBO model". We're already seeing evidence of it now. AMC's Breaking Bad, SyFy's Caprica, & FX's Justified to name a few. Though they might not necessarily have the budget of the premium networks, each is an ambitious, intelligent TV experience. I am certain we will see these examples & a more cable original programming nominated along side, if not dominating, in most categories come the July 8th Emmy announcements. If the past couple of years hold true, many cable series will beat out their major network counterparts and take home the Emmy.

Okay, so maybe I'll keep my basic cable subscription. I don't think I'd be able to function w/o having access to Breaking Bad, Caprica, or SG-U when their new seasons premiere. I'll also be keeping my HBO subscription, but keeping a close eye on the other premium networks. DVDs are cheaper than two more $9 - $12 per month subscriptions...well, that is until I start buying 3 or 4 of their shows per quarter. The premium nets don't have enough programming hours to be there...yet...but every year it seems like they add more programming hours, & every year the shows get more ambitious in both scope and production values.

Cheers!
6/27/10

Summer is Cable's Time To Shine

I have a joke for you.

What is the difference between Cable Networks & the Broadcast Networks? If a show pulls in 4 million viewers, a Cable Network Exec will say "This show's a hit. Renew it, renew it NOW! Is that show renewed yet?" An Exec from one of the broadcast networks will say "This show is an embarrassment. Pull it, Pull it from the schedule NOW! We'll burn off the unaired episodes during the summer."

Recently, I got my hands on TV Guide's Summer Preview issue. With True Blood on the cover, I wasted no time tearing into it. While sifting through the Summer Preview portion, I noticed the vast majority of the shows were on Cable. Same w/ the noteworthy Highlights that precede that day's schedule grid.

Like the total TV geek that I am, I counted the all the shows that received a writeup. By my count, I found TV Guide featured 53 shows (both scripted & reality) premiering this summer. Of those, 36 are on cable (mostly scripted). The clear majority of the 17 broadcast networks' shows are reality programming.

If you Google eroding ratings, it is rare to find an article that doesn't mention Cable audiences are growing almost proportionally to the erosion of broadcast network audiences. There is a reason why Audiences are seeking refugee status on the Cable nets, and the Summer season is a big catalyst. The broadcast networks seem take the summer off, while Cable releases their most impressive programming.

No offense ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, & ABC, but reruns and reality shows suck. In the modern world of DVRs, VOD, & mobile streaming, you have got to be a year round business. Chances are if I didn't watch Gray's Anatomy, CSI, or Law & Order while they were first run, I probably won't be checking them out now. With SyFy, TNT, USA, FX, etc offering new & interesting scripted shows, I, along w/ millions of others, are going explore those options.

And, while I am watching the majority of my summer TV on Cable, guess what I'm going to be exposed to? That's right, previews for their Fall season. Being that a parent company can own multiple cable networks, there's also a lot of cross network promoting. I'm going to see what's premiering this fall on USA, while watching SyFy. No obnoxious billboards needed to get the word out there. And chances are, I'm going to find that new fall Cable show premiere a whole not more interesting than whatever new procedural drama CBS is offering.

I'm just a measly non-Nielsen TV junkie, but to me in light of not only competition from Cable, but also from summer movies, game releases, & of course the weather, Summer is clearly not the time to scale back your schedule. Year over year audience erosion show that tactic is flawed. Come on Broadcast Networks, step up. Put some effort into retaining your audiences over the summer. If you do, maybe, just maybe the audiences will still be there to successfully launch your fall premieres.

UPDATE 6/4/10: Just found this interesting article on tvbythenumbers.com. It outlines the growth of cable since the 80's.

May Sweeps 2010 Wraps

We finally wrap up the May Sweeps 2010 tributes. Both are not my best photo manipulations, though conceptually sound. Have this bad habit of tackling photo concepts above my skill set. Then again, it is how I learn.

Dr. Who is part of another sub-project called Warped Wednesday. Every Wednesday the photo is shot specifically to be manipulated w/ the IWarp filter on GIMP. It is a tool I am learning, and have not yet mastered it. I do, however, like the multiple images, especially the silhouetted one in the back.

For Fringe, I shot it specifically to add an additional finger. Knew going in, the manipulation would work out w/o a hitch, or be a great big pain to pull off. Unfortunately, it ended up being the later. Have a double image overlay that turned out technically better, but opted to go w/ concept over aesthetics.

As usual, if you want a more detailed description/review of the show featured, link to the page on Flickr is the picture itself.

Dr. Who (via DVR)

Normally airs Saturday on BBCA, but Dr. Who just screamed to be presented on Warped Wednesday. Really had no choice at all.

Fringe (Thursdays on Fox)

Renewed for a 3rd Season!

Cheers!
5/27/10

Even More May Sweeps 2010

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I'm a big slacker. Know I should be publishing these daily instead of the the week of May Sweeps shots following below. All I can say about this is Time & Fatigue are my arch enemies, & they teamed up like villains in a bad Batman movie to thwart my every move. If it is any consolation, I am about 3 days behind w/ my photo editing. Probably the core element of my slacking on this blog.

Being the easily distracted fellow that I am, got a really funny idea for a blog entry yesterday, and spent my computer time putting together the 1st Draft. As some of you might already know, it is Upfronts week for the TV industry. Upfronts are a time when Networks announce their Fall lineup in hopes of pre-selling commercial spots to advertisers. Tomorrow (Thursday, 5/20), I'm going to publish a faux upfront for a network concept I've had in mind for some years now.

But I Digress. Here are last week's Sweeps tribute entries for my 365 Days project:

Tuesday, 5/9 (renewed for the 2010-11 season!)

V airs on ABC

Wednesday, 5/10

Since taking this photo, ABC has pulled Happy Town from their schedule. Remaining episodes will most likely air sometime this summer.

Thursday, 5/11 (renewed for the 2010-11 season!)

CW will most likely be moving Supernatural from Thursdays to Fridays (after Smallville) this fall.

Friday, 5/12

Fridays on SyFy (between SG-U & Caprica, SyFy Fridays haven't been this good since Farscape...BSG doesn't count since SyFy kept trying to move it to Sundays every other season)

Saturday, 5/13 (via DVR)

Airs Tuesdays on FX.

As always, click the picture if you want to read more about the featured TV show.

Cheers!
5/19/10

May Sweeps Tributes Continue

I am still not a Nielsen. For May Sweeps, my vote still doesn't count. However, there is no reason I can't let my vote be known.

For my daily project on Flickr, I am doing a series of May Sweeps tribute shots. These are tributes to shows I enjoy/watch regularly. More detailed descriptions are on the photo's page, just click the image to open:

Saturday, 5/8: Treme (via DVR)

Airs Sundays on HBO

Sunday, 5/9: Breaking Bad

This mind blowing show airs Sundays on AMC


Monday, 5/10: Chuck

Mondays on NBC

Cheers!

May Sweeps Tributes

It happens 4 times a year, Nielsen sweeps (where Nielsen tallies paper diaries, aka: People Meters, to get a more “thorough” measure of who is watching what). With the upfronts, May is an especially important month for the TV industry. This is where Networks announce their schedule for the 2010-11 TV season, and pre-sell advertising spots.

For my Flickr 365 Days project, decided to shoot a series of TV show features in honor of May sweeps . I'm not a Nielsen, so my vote doesn't count. But I'll let my vote known.

To kick it off, I chose a show that might come as a surprise to many of you. Smallville definitely surprised me last year, that is for sure. I lost interest in it sometime during season 3, found the “freak of the week” concept boring. The show had a regime change for season eight, & peaked my curiosity. The new production team breathed much needed creative life into Smallville. The “freak of the week” storylines were now season long, serialized story arcs.

As excited as I was about last season, I can’t wait for the latest installment of the current season. The Zod/Kandorian storyline is kicking my ass. The Kandorians are an army from Krypton who are powerless. Clark is trying to integrate them into our society, while Zod is trying to get their powers back so he can use them to as tools for world domination. With the season finale next week, you know Zod has just succeeded & got the super powered Kandorians on board. Can’t wait!


If you only watch one season of Smallville, then check out this year’s season 9.

Cheers!
5/9/10

Why I love Sci-Fi & Fantasy

I know it might appear that I'm OCD when it comes to science fiction & fantasy. Books I read are almost exclusively those genres, prefer my movies to be the same, and it is rare that I am not aware of a Sci-Fi show on TV. When you factor in comics & video games, it boggles my mind that science fiction doesn't dominate the Nielsens as they do box office earnings.

I do like other genres, really I do. Just get my fill of them in the sci-fi/fantasy venues.

You see, unlike almost every other genre out there, science fiction & fantasy are merely the setting/background of the story. Other genres must remain w/n their prescribed guidelines of that particular genre. A murder mystery has to involve a murder & solving of that murder. Historical fiction has to remain true to the setting of the era it takes place. A romance has to be centered around the affairs of the star crossed couple. Westerns have to take place in the "old west".

Science fiction and fantasy have no such limitation. The story can incorporate one or more of the above listed genres throughout it's run, no matter what medium. Fantasies don't even have to take place in fictional worlds, as Harry Potter popularized. Firefly proved a western can be set in space. Caprica is a prime example of character drama. Martins Songs of Ice & Fire has a strong political drama foundation (Dune probably being the most popular of this). Throughout the run of Farscape, the creators behind the show explored just about every genre out there.

Really the only limitation behind science fiction and fantasy crossing genres is that of the writer(s) &/or creative team behind the project. When looking at my favorite genres, the entertainment possibilities are endless. Whereas I know I will eventually get bored w/ the procedural drama formula of Castle, I know if Fringe goes on for the next 6 years, they have the option to reinvent themselves to avoid stagnation.

That is why I love Sci-Fi & fantasy.

Cheers!
Kyle

TV Pilots being looked at

A common step for TV shows making it onto your TV screen is to produce a pilot. Pilots are generally the 1st episode of the TV series. Networks order pilots so they can have a better idea of the feel of the show (& my guess is to see how well the show is produced). SciFiWire.com had a recent article about some pilots the major & some cable networks are looking at. Here are a few that I hope get picked up (from SciFiWire.com):

ABC
No Ordinary Family Could this potential series be the new Heroes? The Shield's Michael Chiklis and Angel/Dexter's Julie Benz star in this drama, which revolves around a typical American family who experience strange things when they suddenly find themselves with new abilities. Chiklis plays the dad and Benz plays the mom, Stephanie, "a gifted scientist who develops a power for superspeed." No Ordinary Family comes from Jon Harmon Feldman (Tru Calling) and Greg Berlanti (Eli Stone). The series also stars Autumn Reeser, Romany Malco, Jimmy Bennett, Kay Panabaker and Christina Chang.
Chance of pickup: 75 percent. Chiklis is a star, and with Heroes certainly at the end of its run this season or next, we're liking No Ordinary Family's chances.

AMC
The Walking Dead You've got to love what happens after a good zombie apocalypse. The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors who travel in search of a safe and secure home. Based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman, "the comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death, and some grow willing to do anything to survive." This one is from The Green Mile's Frank Darabont, with Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert executive-producing.
Chance of pickup: 75 percent. The Walking Dead has a strong crew behind the scenes, and let's face it, it's time for a good television zombie apocalypse.

TNT
Steven Spielberg's Untitled Alien Invasion Series Steven Spielberg 3.0. We don't have a title yet, but this "untitled alien invasion series" does have star Noah Wylie (The Librarian) playing the college professor who becomes the reluctant leader of "a rag-tag group of soldiers and civilians as they struggle against an occupying alien force." The series begins "shortly after aliens have wiped out most of the human population. The aliens are now rounding up the few people left, but they are met with strong resistance from a group of soldiers and civilians who fight for their survival all while struggling to maintain their humanity." The series was created by Saving Private Ryan's Robert Rodat and is produced by DreamWorks Television. The series also stars Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Jessy Schram and Seychelle Gabriel.
Chance of pickup: 100 percent. It's already headed to series, and 10 episodes have been ordered.

Game of Thrones Gets a Green Light from HBO

I am very excited about HBO's announcement today. George RR Martins 'A Game of Thrones' got a 10 episode order from the network.

If you have not yet read the Song of Ice & Fire series, I highly recommend you pick them up between now and when the series premieres. It is a fantasy series for grown ups. Martin does not hold back on his holy shit plot twists (actually does a very good job in building them up in a non-predictable way). It centers around a power struggle for the throne of Westeros, in which if you're a good guy, you're not guaranteed to win (or live for that matter).

I can't imagine a better network for the TV adaptation of what I hope will be the entire series (my most anticipated will be the 3rd season...& if you've read the books, you can probably guess why). HBO is a league above all other networks when it comes to producing great TV. True Blood & Carnivale quickly come to mind as my personal favorites. Let's not forget Sorpranos, Deadwood, & Six Feet Under. HBO knows their shit, & they are opting to stand behind Game of Thrones.

Unfortunately, there is no premiere date to accompany the announcement. Most are predicting Spring 2011. I'm hoping for a January 2011 premiere myself. Either way, it is going to be a looooong wait before we see Tyrion, Arya, & Jon Snow walking & talking on the small screen.

Cheers!
Kyle

TV Shows That Will Never Be: Third Incarnation

The Third Incarnation idea has been w/ me for a long time. Originally it started as a comic book concept, then morphed into a TV show, I briefly entertained it as a prose concept, & recently it came full circle back to being a comic. Like I said, it's been w/ me for a long time. Ideally I'd like it to be a TV show, but from what I know of how the TV industry works, don't think it will fly (for example, the bulk of the main characters won't be introduced until episode 3...don't see network exec's understanding that one). If this does see the light of day, it will most likely be a comic book. For me, this concept requires a visual medium.

Synopsis: Jason Kaiser is freed from a 3000 year imprisonment at the center of the Earth. He soon discovers that not only are some semblance of all myths, legends, and lore true, but many are now the dominate species. His rescuers are entangled in the pursuit of a prophecy written by his employer 3000 years before. The prophecy itself is incomplete, the bulk of it lost through the ages. One fact is certain, Jason is the "Man From Yesterday", one of the guardians destined to stand with the "One Without Heritage" at the "Gate of Tomorrow."

Been thinking about the Third Incarnation a lot lately, & I've come to the decision to develop it. I'm going to do it here, on my blog.

The way my mind works, is when an idea for a project captures my attention, I initially visualize scenes/events at various points throughout the entire series. In order to "translate" it into a comprehensive story, I need to fill in the events between these points...get the story from point A to point D (if that makes any sense).

So what will follow next is the basic episode/chapter outline of the first season/volume. And by basic, I mean very basic. Containing title only...essentially keywords that will remind me of the scene/event that occurs in that particular chapter. Third Incarnation blog entries after that will dive progressively into more detail for each chapter (synopsis, notes/brainstorms, outline, script, etc).

Enjoy the journey.

Cheers!

Networks, I don't get it...

There seems to be an annoying trend this Winter season. Networks are airing extremely abbreviated runs of episodes, and then preempting them/outright pulling them from their schedule. NBC has the Olympics, so there it is understandable...to a point.

Fox, for example, aired one new ep of House, then is skipping a week to air 2 hours of 24. Why not just have premiered 24 a week earlier, or House 2 weeks later? Wouldn't that be more consistent? I can't even express how pissed I am that we only get 3 eps of Fringe. Yes, I know ratings are down, but the show did so much better following American Idol, not to mention it wasn't competing against ratings behemoth CSI, & the more ratings modest Supernatural (which I'm sure attracts a similar audience...I know, 'cuz I'm one of them).

Cable nets aren't innocent of this trend either. Probably the big motivator for this post was the season finale of Sanctuary. Pulled in December for Christmas programming, it came back a few weeks ago to air only 3 episodes!? Part of me was kinda looking forward to the Sanctuary/Caprica combo on Fridays. Seriously, why not just have started the season earlier & run them all through?

I'm weird, being that I track shows I like. So when they come back on the air, I know when. Most people, however, aren't TV geeks, & aren't paying attention. Chances are they don't have a clue that show they liked is coming back unless they're lucky enough to catch a commercial. That is assuming they tune into the particular network of their show when it's off the air.

In a world where ratings make the network world go round, to me it makes no sense to have short spurts of shows before long breaks. Wouldn't it be more logical to air longer runs which will more ingrain a viewing habit to your network?

btw, Lost is now on Tuesdays @9p...moved yet again by ABC. Just thankful that they're going the air the entire season. ~whew~

No TV = ug.

So over the last week, Henry was participating in this school program where we don't watch TV for a week. At the end of it, he gets a certificate.

Whereas he's been overall really good about it, his little brother (5) has literally been bouncing off the walls. Over the last week I have discovered that "family time" lasts about 2 hours (at the VERY most) before decending into total chaos. Don't get me wrong, it is not all bad (had some fun times together), but a whole week of it is a bit much. Say what you will about TV, but, as a parent, that half hour they're still & quiet during Ben 10 really does wonders for my sanity.

Oh Good Grief, Think I've Gone Mad...

Decided to start a little project on my Twitter account. For the next month or so, I'm going to publish daily tweats in the voice of an adult Charlie Brown. Awhile back I had an idea for a live action Charlie Brown movie ("Your Turning 30 Charlie Brown), and I thought long and hard on where all the core characters ended up in life. The tweats, for me, are a fun way of briefly bringing these concepts to life.

Happy New Year!!!

One Well Rested DVR Ready For Some 2010 Winter/Spring Action!!!

It is just before Christmas, & I am sure most people are focused on last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, what/how to cook the big dinner, & recovering (or bracing) themselves for the colossal chaos that is "going to see Santa." Most people. I've resolved long ago that I am not like most people. Me, I'm all about trying as many Holiday Winter Seasonal brews as I can before they disappear, and priming the DVR for Winter mid-season premieres (thanks to the awesome folks at the Futon Critic for staying on top of day by day changes the networks keep throwing out). Unlike the Fall 2009 season (where the majority of shows I enjoyed were clustered on Thursdays & Fridays), this Winter/Spring they are more spread out throughout the week...whew. There are a few shows I've been counting down the days for awhile now (most notably Lost), & a couple new ones (Caprica & Human Target) I hope are not only great , but score well w/ the Nielsens. What I will be avoiding (if I can help it) are the ever increasing number of cooking contest shows...soon they will outnumber all the crime of the week shows syndicated on cable. W/o further ado; I'm aiming my DVR cross-hairs at: On Sundays Not much going on this day. I might or might not resubscribe to Showtime in order to catch the 4th (& final) season of the Tudors (Showtime, returns 4/11). Then again, DVDs are much cheaper. Amazing Race (CBS, returns 2/14) is one of the few reality shows I enjoy...to watch, never ever to enter. TV is at its best when the racers get all cranky w/ one another. On Mondays Castle (ABC, returns 1/11) is a stand out amongst the crime of the week shows. Actually, they generally make fun of them...& just about everything else for that matter (including Nathan Fillion's Firefly days). The stick w/ this show is they focus more on the mystery (& twists that make mystery novels interesting) surrounding the crime, as opposed to the melodrama of those involved in solving the crime. A fun & entertaining hour. CHUCK!!! (NBC, returns 1/10 & 1/11) Chuck knows Kung-Fu, 'nuff said. My foremost thought on mid-season of Heroes (NBC, returns 1/4) is, WTF is NBC thinking?! They pull it in December, just to air only 6 episodes in January?! So far this season has maintained a consistency not seen since season 1. I am looking forward to the scraps of episodes that NBC so graciously is tossing us. Gregory House might be clean & sober, but he's still an ass...& really the personal Hell he puts his co-workers/"friends" through make for great stories week after week. Another thing I love about House (Fox, returns 1/25) is they are not afraid to push boundaries, and take it in unexpected directions. It is this creative daring which keeps me tuning in week after week. Secret Live of a Call Girl (Showtime, returns 1/25) A fun show (even if Billie Piper was pregnant throughout last season). Again I find myself debating to pick up Showtime or wait for the DVDs. On Tuesdays LOST!!! (ABC, returns 2/2) A bitter-sweet return. Looking forward to its return, & simultaneously bummed it is the last season. I've been avoiding any literature regarding this season, so I'm not sure what direction they're going to take. Just the way I want it. ABC has been sharing crack w/ NBC & Fox. Otherwise, why would they just air 4 eps of V (ABC, returns 3/30) in November, then put it on an almost 4 month hiatus. A freshman show even. So far, better than I expected. Not to mention we have yet to see a full-blown Lizard...that should be really cool. Since Farscape was canceled, I have been in this bad habit of underestimating SyFy's original programming. Didn't think too much of Warehouse 13 (SyFy, returns tbd)...case of the week but w/ relics...before it premiered. Surprisingly, I found myself really impressed w/ the creative slants they give the stories. I have no doubt the upcoming season will also be full of fun twists. Worth checking out. On Wednesdays I am simultaneously excited & very wary of Fox's latest incarnation of the Human Target (Fox, premieres 1/17 & 1/20). Excited 'cuz my impression/hope is the TV show is inspired by the Vertigo comic. Wary 'cuz it's on Fox. Still, they are pairing it w/ American Idol, a good sign the suits at Fox seem to like it. Stoked to finally watch new episodes of LEVERAGE!!! (TNT, returns 1/13). What makes this debut even better is Jeri Ryan (7-of-9 from ST: Voyager) is a new regular. Her "interview" episode from the mid-season's finale was one of the best eps of the series. It will be interesting to see how she mixes w/ the others...especially Parker (who, if you've seen the show, doesn't adjust very well to change, or people in general for that matter). I will admit for the 1st 3 seasons I paid little to no attention to Psyche (USA, returns 1/27). It was on after Monk, and I generally took the opportunity to bring the dog out & get the kids ready for bed. The 4th season, however, seems to be more scathing w/ their humor. What hooked me was when they made fun of the Mentalist, blatantly called it a rip-off. I laughed so hard, I cried. On Thursdays When Flash Forward (ABC, returns 3/4) premiered last fall, I was wary of the changes they made to Robert J. Sawyer's book (a great read, btw). Then, as the series progressed, I found myself liking it, a lot. They kept all Sawyer's key plot points, and added some great elements of their own. Now ABC is "retooling" it. Say what?! This March, I find myself again apprehensive, and petrified that ABC will destroy the soul of the show like they did when they "retooled" Six Degrees. As Survivor: Samoa progressed, I kept getting more and more concerned about upcoming season. Russell turned out to be the ultimate reality show anti-hero. The fact that he made it to the final three was astonishing, making for one of the best seasons ever. What can they possibly come up with to followup such a fantastic season? Answer: Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians (CBS, returns 2/11). It promises to be either totally an explosive season, or disappointingly anti-climatic. I'm banking on the former, there's some awesome Survivor all stars coming back. If you needed any more proof that Fox & NBC exec's are sharing crack, Fox is also throwing out meager scraps of a favorite show of mine. Only unlike NBC, we only get 5 new episodes of Fringe (Fox, returns 1/11 & 1/14). Come on Fox, first you move it away from lead out of House (where it got great ratings, btw), then you give us a mere month of eps?! What gives? Oh yes, I am bitter that Past Lives (Fox, premieres 2/11) is taking Fringe's spot, but I am simultaneously fascinated by the concept of a past life affecting the present concept, & very, very curious to see how/if they pull it off. You are not reading this. How can Vampire Diaries (CW, returns 1/21) be a guilty pleasure when it is not listed here? You blinked and assume you misread. Move along. Frist the Winchesters inadvertantly unleash an army of demons...d'OH! Then, at the end of last season, they are tricked (by the bad-ass Angels no less) into breaking the last seal & releasing Satan. Oh yeah, & at some point this season they're going to catch up w/ God. If you're at all familiar w/ Supernatural (CW, returns 1/21), you know this meeting is not going to be what you expect, and w/ their twisted sense of humor added into the mix. Project Runway (Lifetime, returns 1/14) I have to. I'm married & it is part of the compromise. I get to record Supernatural & Fringe on both TVs, while we watch the 6pm recording (gotta love satellite!!) of Project Runway. A heavy price, but so worth it. Except for the last few episodes, my thoughts the 1st half of Burn Notice's (USA, returns 1/21) 3rd season is: meh. It went from this kick-ass, fun show to formulated fluff. I'll record them to start with, but won't watch if the creativity & originality are still MIA. On Fridays Does NBC realize what they gave up w/ Medium (CBS, returns 1/8)? I've said it before, Medium is one of the best written shows currently on the air. They seemlessly blend Allison's psychic life, DA crime solving life, & her family life every week. To be honest, it is really the only CBS show we watch on Fridays. Is it just me, or has Dollhouse (Fox, ends 1/22) significantly improved in overall quality & intensity since Fox relinquished the creative reigns of the show. So far all the 2 hour episodes have kicked my ass. I just don't understand why networks insist on the boring old formula when dealing w/ established production teams w/ a history of critically & publicly acclaimed series under their belts. I shocked even myself when I found myself enjoying last season's Smallville (CW, returns 1/22). I found the dominate early season episodes focusing on the freak of the week & cheesy, farfetched uses of kryptonite were replaced w/ a strong serialized plot. Again, the first half of this season kicked my ass & didn't bother taking my name. Needless to say, the Zod storyline is amazing! With a couple exceptions, each episode was better than the previous. Add the unexpected mid-season cliffhanger twist to the mix, this old warhorse still has a lot of life in it. You know I got the pilot DVD of CAPRICA!!! (SyFy, premieres 1/22). Though a very different beast than Battlestar Galactica, one thing is for sure, the creators behind Caprica are staying true to their uncanny ability to take a story in an original & unpredictable direction. It has been a looooooong wait since watching the DVD. Actually feel I would have been better off not seeing it, 'cuz I've been going stir crazy waiting over the past 5 months w/ anticipation. Sanctuary (SyFy, thru 1/15) is another SyFy show which is not what you would might expect. It is a safe house for paranormals (aka monsters), giving them plenty of opportunities to add a creative slant to established lore. It is also a show not afraid to take creative risks (such as killing off one of the core characters earlier this season). With reoccuring appreances by Jack the Ripper & Dr. Tesla, how can you not enjoy this show? Probably the biggest surprise this 2009-2010 season is SG-U (SyFy, returns tbd). What I thought would be just another Stargate spinoff turned out to be so much more. It comes off as an actual show which just happens to have a Stargate in it. If that makes sense? Some of the plot twists they pull are really truly twisted...I'm thinking of that seen when Young spent the day w/ his wife here. If you've gotten bored w/ the Stargate franchise over the years, I highly recommend you check out SG-U. You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised with what you see. (updated 12/29 - I have learned that the 1st season was the 10 episodes aired...DVD drops 2-9-10!!! So it is not likely we'll see new episodes until next fall...summer if we're lucky. d'OH!) On Saturday Legend of the Seeker (Syndicated) This Sam Raimi produced series is what syndicated television is all about. Based on the Sword of Truth fantasy novel series, it is great entertainment...if you don't mind your shows w/ a bit of cheese. Demons (BBCA, premieres 1/2) The premise is based on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Looks really interesting. Just hope BBCA can air the series in order. That is all I could dig up, but I'm sure I missed a few (like I did w/ Defying Gravity last summer). Please feel free to share your favorites. As far as the Holiday activities go, I'm not a Scrooge. Dinner will be a buffet of apitizers, the shopping and wrapping are pretty much done, & we've survived the long 3hr wait to see Santa...thank goodness the kids are older now. Happy Holidays, & Happy Watching. Cheers! Kyle

Intro

Hi & welcome to my new Blog.

I am a TV addict, photographer, Beer fanatic, and genre lover. I will most likely be writing about these subjects. Recently jumped ship from Live Journal, and hope the experience here is less of a headache (so far so good...a lot less "fighting" and having to hunt for what I need).

Talk w/ y'all soon!

Cheers!
Kyle