Archive for category episodic TV
Just Discovered: Kevin Clash on developing Elmo’s character
Posted by admin in education, episodic TV, streaming video, Uncategorized on June 19, 2011
To hear Kevin Clash’s natural voice, it’s amazing he’s Elmo. When I hear Frank Oz’s natural voice, I always hear Fozzie the Bear. Not so much with Clash. Here, thanks to the Archive of American Television, he talks about the development of the character.
Fall Preview: ABC’s Once Upon a Time
Posted by admin in episodic TV, Uncategorized on May 17, 2011
As a kid growing up, I remember watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. So I think it appropriate that ABC (the Disney subsidiary broadcast network) would greenlight a show for the new fall season like Once Upon A Time. Here’s a snippet of how the network describes the show:
“Anna Swan (Jennifer Morrison) knows how to take care of herself. She’s a 28-year old bail bonds collector who’s been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything will change. Henry (Jared Gilmore) is 10 years old now and in desperate need of Anna’s help. Henry believes that Anna actually comes from an alternate world… and is Prince Charming (Josh Dallas) and Snow White’s (Ginnifer Goodwin) missing daughter.”
Watching the following clip, I was enthused by a few aspects. That the premise is set mainly in the modern day–and that the show features Morrison (most recently of CBS’s How I Met Your Mother) and Goodwin (formerly of HBO’s Big Love). One more draw, the involvement of veteran actor, Robert Carlyle, who I have respected for years–ever since seeing him in Danny Boyle’s 1996 film, Trainspotting.
I look forward to see more previews of this show (if nothing else, to get a better understanding of the parallel storylines)–and am enthused to see that ABC is already marketing the new series via Facebook and Twitter.
Why It’s Fun To Watch Flipper With My Son
Posted by admin in comedy, episodic TV on May 14, 2011
Over on my Facebook, I’ve been regaling friends with reactions as my son and I watch old episodes of Flipper (streaming on Netflix).
Part of the appeal is seeing the character actors that go on to larger success (Jessica Walter appeared in the first episode, Burt Reynolds appeared in another).
My son enjoys keeping track on the number of kills Flipper has had in the series. In season 1, he took out one shark and one alligator. When Flipper took out his second shark in season 2, my son (jokingly) started singing: “Another one bites the dust!”
But last night, my son caught the continuity gaffe of an offcamera trainer throwing a ball at Flipper to get him to do a trick. Really, when a pop culture dad has this moment with his child–there are no words to capture the elation.
Follow the ball, Flipper!
After we took the photo, my son eagerly asked: “Is this going on Facebook or your blog?” Blog it is, my wonderful son.
Discovered By My Wife: Frankie Randall’s Yellow-Haired Woman
Posted by admin in episodic TV, Music, streaming video on May 5, 2011
So, in the middle of the first season of Flipper (which my son and I are watching on Netflix Instant), the theme changed to something that sounded like the Rat Pack on acid. The singer of the new version was a fellow named Frankie Randall, who once appeared in a Sonny and Cher film and apparently also substitute hosted the Dean Martin Show in the summer.
Once we heard the new cheesy Flipper theme, my wife had no know more about this fellow. And that’s when she discovered this music video for his song, Yellow-Haired Woman.
Words fail me, but please, make sure and watch this video to the very disturbing end.
Be sure to visit Randall’s website, which includes the following late Frank Sinatra endorsement: “FR is a marvelous singer and plays more piano than there are keys.” (What does that even mean? Is that a compliment?”)
Thanks to my lovely wife for finding this video.
Are You Watching Justified on FX?
Posted by admin in episodic TV, streaming video on April 24, 2011
Are You Watching Justified on FX, starring Timothy Olyphant? If not, why not? New episodes air every Wednesday (at least for a few more weeks) at 10 PM EST, and here’s a preview for this Wednesday.
It’s just a well-written show with a strong, strong supporting cast. Do yourself a favor and view recent online episodes.
Sam Axe Prequel Has Impact on Burn Notice Season 5
Posted by admin in comedy, episodic TV on April 18, 2011
So if you read the comments section of my Sam Axe preview post, you can read my speculation of how great it would be to see characters from the prequel appear in upcoming Burn Notice episodes. Well, judging by this Entertainment Weekly interview with Matt Nix it will.
So are we going to see any characters from the movie pop up during season 5?
Hmmm…wouldn’t that be interesting. [Pauses]Tease.
The answer is yes, yes you will. Sam makes some enemies in this movie. And some of those enemies might show up in season 5.
Cannot Wait: The Fall of Sam Axe
Posted by admin in comedy, drama, episodic TV, streaming video, Uncategorized on April 6, 2011
What a pleasant surprise, I just found out the Burn Notice prequel film, The Fall of Sam Axe, is set to premiere on Sunday, April 17, on USA Network at 9 PM. As much as I enjoy the Burn Notice series, Bruce “Sam Axe” Campbell is likely my favorite character in the show.
Here are two preview clips, courtesy of hulu.
Finally, here’s USA Network’s official description:
“Before Sam Axe teamed up with Michael and Fiona, he was Commander Axe, U.S. Navy SEAL. The Fall of Sam Axe tells the story of how Sam went from respected Naval Commander to the man of mystery we’ve come to know on Burn Notice. On what will turn out to be Sam’s last military mission, he is sent to the jungles of Colombia to investigate claims of a vicious terrorist organization known only as the “Espada Ariente” (Flaming Sword). His mission: to determine whether U.S. military aid is necessary to deal with the threat. But when he arrives, things are more complicated than he’d imagined. He receives word that the rebels have targeted a small civilian clinic deep in the jungle. Sam must now save the clinic’s doctors and patients from certain death. However, nothing is as it seems and the Espada Ardiente may not be the biggest threat Sam Axe faces.”
James Burrows on NewsRadio
Posted by admin in comedy, episodic TV, streaming video on March 29, 2011
Seeing Stephen Root in Kevin Smith’s Red State tonight got me thinking about the classic short-lived sitcom, NewsRadio. So when I found the seventh part of this Archive of American Television/James Burrows interview, I was really pleased he discussed directing the series pilot (around the 9:30 minute mark).
Bonus fact, when originally casting the part of Frasier Crane for Cheers, Burrows wanted to use John Lithgow, but Lithgow was busy, leading to Kelsey Grammer‘s lucky break.
Jimmy Fallon Bonus: Kathy Bates Answers Twitter Questions
Posted by admin in episodic TV, late night TV, streaming video on March 27, 2011
I really am getting to enjoy the bonus content that Jimmy Fallon’s staff posts on the show’s blog. The latest example is a brief interview with Kathy Bates taking questions submitted via Twitter from Fallon (and Bates) fans.
If nothing else, I appreciate the film for making me aware of Bates’ 2002 film, Unconditional Love.
Great Moments in Marketing: FX’s Louie ad
Posted by admin in episodic TV on March 19, 2011
That's Jon, FX Marketing folks.
So I was watching a recently taped episode of FX’s Archer, when I caught the following misspelling of Jon Stewart’s name in an ad for Louie.
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