Month: January 2017

Winter TV 2017: Try CW’s ‘Riverdale,’ skip Fox’s ‘The Mick’

It’s cold out, so it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of the TV.

Here are my reviews of the winter TV season, after watching only the pilot:

‘STAR’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

“Star” is another music-focused drama/soap opera from the creators of “Empire.”

Two sisters find each other and run away (and leave the foster care system) to meet their godmother in Atlanta. Oh, by the way, the running away includes a crime.

The two girls form a group with another (rich) girl who’s dad is a musician.

In the pilot alone there was violence, crime, back-door deals, fashion, church, drugs, cat fights…and a snazzy musical number.

Fans of “Empire” will appreciate this side product, but for many it’ll probably feel too much like a soap opera.

Grade: B

‘THE MICK’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

This comedy is a vehicle for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson.

She plays Mackenzie Murphy, a barely-getting-by woman who’s coerced into taking care of her sister’s three kids when the sister and her husband are taken away by the FBI after being accused of an unnamed white collar crime.

Mackenzie doesn’t care a lot, nor does she have a clue about taking care of children, but these three are a handful.

The Fox show is unfortunately full of stereotypes, and the pilot set up only exposition, so I don’t have interest in continuing.

Grade: C+

‘EMERALD CITY’

9 p.m. Fridays on NBC

Viewers, we’re not watching the Judy Garland version of “The Wizard of Oz” anymore.

This dramatic take on the classic tale is much darker. It leaves the musical numbers and adds violence and torture.

It feels more intimate in its storytelling, but the setting feels medieval or old world in style.

If you like darker dramas with some mystery, I’d check it out. But I’ll stick to the movie.

Grade: C+

‘RANSOM’

8 p.m. Saturdays on CBS

If you combine CBS shows “Bull” and “Pure Genius,” you’ll get its new show “Ransom.”

The show centers around a team that solves crises without police by using negotiation, psychology, police logic, technology and knowledge tactics.

There’s a small subplot about the newest member’s mother being involved with the leader of the group, , but other than that, it’s a technology and crime show.

It’s relatively run-of-the-mill, and a bit tense at times, but it piqued some of my interest.

Grade: B-

‘RIVERDALE’

9 p.m. Thursdays on CW

A teen drama mixed with a murder mystery…sounds a little cliche, right?

Maybe so, but this new CW show feels surprisingly fresh.

Yes, the classic plot points of a love triangle, cheerleader backstabbing and parties gone wrong are all in the pilot, but at least this drama feels more real and with the times (“Mad Men” is referenced; so is James Franco.)

Produced by Greg Berlanti (does the man behind all of CW’s superhero shows ever sleep?), this dark take on Archie has enough twists and high stakes to keep viewers interested.

Grade: B+

What new shows are looking forward to watching?

The “I Spy” Oscars game

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Feb. 12, 2015, edited slightly to make it good for any year. The 2017 Oscars will air Feb. 26 on ABC.

Remember the game “I spy with my little eye…”?

If you do, you’re in luck, because we’re playing ‘I spy’ for the Oscars.

The winners are usually unpredictable, but some predictable and funny things are bound to happen during the show.

Here are some things to watch for during the awards show:

  • Someone’s speech gets cut off by music.
  • Someone trips.
  • The host sings.
  • Someone flubs a name (As in when John Travolta called Idina Menzel “Adele Dazeem” at the 2014 Oscars).
  • Someone is bleeped.
  • Someone keeps talking even after the cut-off music starts playing.
  • More than three people say thank you for one award.
  • Someone takes a selfie.
  • Host or presenter changes outfits.
  • Diversity is mentioned.
  • Someone cries.
  • Harris does a magic trick.
  • The movie with the most nominations wins an award.
  • Someone jokes about how long the Oscars are.
  • The “in memoriam” segment plays.

And, if you’re like me and love the red carpet, here are some things to look for:

  • Someone falls.
  • Mani cam sighting.
  • Stiletto cam sighting.
  • During an interview, someone says how it’s an “honor to simply be nominated.”
  • Someone gets pranked (As in when Sacha Baron Cohen as “The Dictator” poured “ashes” on Ryan Seacrest in 2012.)

You can submit your own “I spy” moments, too. Comment here to submit your own “I spy” moments. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @ClaraAB2 and tweet along with me. Let me know what you spy.

Golden Globes 2017: A night of jokes and fashion

The 2017 Golden Globes included Questlove, music, cut-off speeches and fashion.

“La La Land” went 7 for 7, meaning it won the most Golden Globes in one night. Other winners were announced, but I was disappointed that TV didn’t get equal recognition to movies (many TV awards were given out two at once).

ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’: The show I love to hate

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 19, 2015.

I hate to admit it, but yes, I do watch ABC’s “The Bachelor.”

I blame it on the fact that there’s not much to watch on Monday nights during the winter.

But it’s one of the silliest, more far-fetched shows I’ve ever watched.

I don’t understand how anyone can truly believe people will actually find true love on this show or its “Bachelorette” counterpart.

Not that I’m an expert on true love or anything, but the premise of the show makes it impossible to find happiness with one person.

No one can whittle down a group of 20-plus people to one soulmate. It just doesn’t make sense. I can barely make a choice when it’s four things.

And then there are all the silly dates. A group date is not six girls and one guy. A group date is a roughly even match of girls and guys. With only one guy, guess where all the focus goes?

Yes, it’s plausible to fall in love quickly. But with one person, not five, which is how these shows play out.

There are “deep” connections made with multiple partners as a season progresses, but how in the world do any of these bachelors truly get to know the women well enough?

There are only about two group dates and one or two one-on-one dates per episode, plus a cocktail party before the rose ceremony. Obviously we don’t see everything that happens, but I doubt it’s enough time to get to know someone well enough to propose to them.

Yes, that’s right, they propose at the end. Which means on the “Bachelorette,” there’s a chance for multiple proposals. And the bachelors who don’t propose at the end are not well-liked among viewers (Except for Juan Pablo, the 2014 bachelor — he was not well-liked for a multitude of reasons, enough so that even producers said they didn’t like him.).

But back to these “dates.” They’re extravagant. I saw an episode where one date included a private Train concert and another was filled with amusement park fun with no one else around.

No wonder all these people “fall in love.” How easy is it to be happy when private jets, travel, concerts and more are involved? But once the cameras stop rolling, it’s back to normal life. Sorry, not sorry, but no more private concerts.

It shouldn’t come as a shock when these couples call off the engagement months after being on the show. Once the dust settles and real life kicks in, it’s hard to face the facts: They don’t know each other that well, and what happened during the show’s taping was just a twisted fairytale.

And just because people are happy on camera doesn’t mean they are really happy. Andi Dorfman, the most recent Bachelorette, and her fiance, Josh Murray, announced they were over days after appearing on the “Bachelor” premiere live event.

Of course they were going to act in love. But in case you didn’t notice, Dorfman repeated the same few phrases over and over, which to me was a sign of hiding something.

I will say it’s fun to watch these people fall for the bachelor or bachelorette. I guess I should say funny, because a lot of times, these people sound so naive and dramatic.

It’s such a trainwreck of a show, with its made-for-TV drama and all the crying and beautiful gowns and suits, that you almost can’t keep yourself from watching.

“The Bachelor” is in its 19th season, while “The Bachelorette” finished season 10 during the summer. But the absurdity keeps going, which leads to lots of quality watercooler moments, if people want to admit they watch.

I appreciate that people believe in love, but “The Bachelor” just isn’t the way to do it.

I should probably just make a drinking game out of watching this show. Any suggestions?

Golden Globes 2016: How will ‘Empire,’ ‘Transparent,’ Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and others fare?

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016.  The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.

With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.

So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.

 

DRAMA

Frontrunner: “Empire”

The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.

It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.

Underdog: “Narcos”

Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.

Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.

Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”

Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.

While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.

Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”

I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.

Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.

Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.

Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.

Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.

Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.

Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”

I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.

But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.

BEST COMEDY

Frontrunner: “Transparent”

Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.

Underdog: “Casual”

Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.

Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.

Golden Globes 2015: Some surprises in TV nominations

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 6, 2015. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

If you’ve heard any buzz about a TV show, there’s a good chance it was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The Golden Globe nominations were announced Dec. 11, and most of the obvious choices were present.

The Emmy winners weren’t much of a shock, and with this list of nominees, it’s doubtful the Golden Globes, hosted for a third time by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will be much different.

That said, there are some surprises, such as:

CW IS ON THE LIST … BECAUSE OF ‘JANE THE VIRGIN’

Blah, blah, blah, Gina Rodriguez is a star. I’m so sick of hearing that — it’s such a broken record.

Yes, she’s talented. But I still don’t get why the show is so beloved. The premise for “Jane the Virgin” is absurd, reading more like a soap opera/crime procedural than the next “Ugly Betty.”

“The Flash” is a much better show and its effects are worth an award.

Also of note is the fact that it’s the first time the CW has been in the nominations.

‘THE BIG BANG THEORY,’ ‘MODERN FAMILY’ OUT

Nominated year after year, these two sitcoms are out of the running, as a show and for the actors.

“Modern Family” won a record-tying fifth Emmy in 2014. All of the adult leads have been nominated for an Emmy, and Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara have Golden Globe nominations. Jim Parsons won a Golden Globe for playing Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2011 and has won four Emmys for the role.

I’m not saying they have to be nominated, or that they deserve to be, but it’s a surprise not to see them on the list.

TATIANA MASLANY CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

I don’t know what it will take for Tatiana Maslany to get any award nominations, but she plays how many characters on “Orphan Black”?

With all those personalities, she should be honored.

The Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 11, on NBC. My early predictions? Look for “Transparent,” “The Affair” and “Fargo” to be big winners.

‘Downton Abbey’ isn’t just a show for women

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 13, 2014.

Sometimes, I’m behind on my TV shows.

A few of my friends kept telling me to watch “Downton Abbey,” so I gave in and borrowed the first season from the library.

One friend said the first season wasn’t good, so I wasn’t sure what to think. I thought the first season, which centers around who the eldest daughter, Mary, should wed, was good TV.

But by the time I watched the second season, I was hooked.

The show has covered many years. The premiere takes place after the Titanic sunk in 1912, and season four takes place in the 1920s. The first and second seasons spanned many more years than the third and fourth.

Some say the show is geared toward woman, but I disagree.

Yes, the period drama showcases beautiful costumes, and yes, there is romance. But it’s so much more than that.

As a whole, “Downton Abbey” is a show about a family empire in transition. Themes of war, politics, love and tradition are sprinkled throughout the show’s 34 episodes.

The drama portrays history in an interesting way. It’s not always accurate, but I won’t discredit the show for that. They do have a historical adviser, and some of the scenes are filmed at Highclere Castle in England.

With the second season depicting World War I, many changes occurred throughout the following years and episodes as the family and country deal with the aftermath of the war in terms of social standard, economy and more.

Rape, racism, dancing, weddings, arguments and other events and issues are depicted in the British show.

It’s also interesting to note that some of the problems the Downton family faces are still a problem today. The estate faces financial trouble, including a bad investment, and some deem the family as too entitled.

I suggest giving the show a chance. Its merit is beyond pretty costumes.

Season 5 of “Downton Abbey” will air in the U.S. in January.