10.22.2009 2:16 pm
Couldn’t make today’s TV chat? Here’s what you missed
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Here’s the transcript from my Oct. 22 TV chat on STLtoday.com. If you’re reading it and have questions or comments of your own, post them now for next week’s chat.
Gail: Hi, everybody. It’s a rainy day in St. Louis, but have you noticed how gorgeous the trees are in the rain? Drive along Lindell next to Forest Park if you get a chance; the view is spectacular. Not so much the view from my desk, which features the KDNL tower and a sliver of McDonald’s. (Hey, my colleagues say, you have a window. Quit whining.) What I’ll actually quit doing is wasting time, and get to your questions. Thanks to all the newbies who posted today, by the way. And if anybody’s lurking out there live, feel free to jump in.
Kevin: I have heard different rumors, but do you know the story of why Rene Knotts was hired to replace Mike Bush as the sports director for KSDK instead of Frank C. or Malcolm Briggs? Frank and Malcolm seem to have so much talent.
Gail: I don’t. Dan Caesar has covered sports on TV longer than I’ve been TV critic, so I leave sports stories to him. Also: It’s been a long time. Unless you actually are Frank Cusumano or Malcolm Briggs (and arguably even in that case), isn’t it time to let this go?
Stephanie: Hey Gail,
LOVED last Sunday’s Mad Men. What is the animosity between Don and Roger about? I thought it was because Don was mad that SC was sold, but then wouldn’t he be mad at Bert also? Then I thought Don lost respect for Roger for marrying Jane. What have I missed? I can’t believe there are only 3 episodes left. Can’t wait to see Betty’s next move!
LOVED last Sunday’s Mad Men. What is the animosity between Don and Roger about? I thought it was because Don was mad that SC was sold, but then wouldn’t he be mad at Bert also? Then I thought Don lost respect for Roger for marrying Jane. What have I missed? I can’t believe there are only 3 episodes left. Can’t wait to see Betty’s next move!
Gail: The last two “Mad Men” have been brilliant, as always, but have left me feeling unsettled. Everybody behaved SO badly two weeks ago, and now everything just seems to be disintegrating. Which is surely the point. I think Don broke off with Roger because Roger broke the rules. First, he not only slept with Don’s secretary, he left his wife for her. Then, he told her that Don and Betty had separated, violating Don’s privacy. And finally he told Betty about the contract, on purpose. That was the final straw!
phinst: Hi Gail,
I was wondering what your thoughts and/or what the viewer’s thoughts were on the new melrose place? are people watching and will it last?
first i have to say, it hasn’t yet been a great show, but i think with a few tweaks it could be much better. i’m starting to get to know the characters better, and starting to like some(ella)i just feel that it has been moving to slow for the rest of the viewer’s to catch on to. now i do admit i’m guilty of watching some of these(guilty pleasures)(models,inc, o.c,the original melrose) and unfortunately they don’t last that long..
i just hope it turns into a show that will last a few years.
I was wondering what your thoughts and/or what the viewer’s thoughts were on the new melrose place? are people watching and will it last?
first i have to say, it hasn’t yet been a great show, but i think with a few tweaks it could be much better. i’m starting to get to know the characters better, and starting to like some(ella)i just feel that it has been moving to slow for the rest of the viewer’s to catch on to. now i do admit i’m guilty of watching some of these(guilty pleasures)(models,inc, o.c,the original melrose) and unfortunately they don’t last that long..
i just hope it turns into a show that will last a few years.
Gail: I wasn’t a viewer of the original “Melrose Place”; not sure why. So even the attraction of seeing some returning characters isn’t there for me. Thus I’m kind of indifferent about the new one. Ratings are not good, and it will take a real turnaround to save it, even on the CW — which this week picked up “Vampire Diaries,” its big hit, for the full season but said nothing about “MP.”
Lauren: Hello Gail,
Just wondering about the status of Cupid that aired on ABC. I have heard that it’s been canceled but you never know. I also heard that Southland was canceled but may be moving to another network. Have you heard anything about this?
Thanks.
Gail: ABC canceled “Cupid” — Rob Thomas’ remake of his previously canceled “Cupid” — last May. This is probably the last try for “Cupid.”
NBC stopped production on the second season of “Southland” after six episodes and won’t air it. Executive producer John Wells says other networks (most likely TNT) are interested, but they’d only air the first season’s few plus the new six and see how it goes. I’m surprised at the general enthusiasm for this show, which I thought started strong but really went downhill fast.
greggh: Hated “Glee” last night, even the music sucked. A good Sue Sylvester? At least that didn’t last long. Please tell me it gets better again.
Gail: I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.
Bert: Hey Gail, when a show goes syndicated, I know that everyone involves banks. How much are we talking?
Gail: Totally depends on the show, the network, the studio, the contracts, the actors’ deals. In other words — can’t say.
Gary: What happened to “Lie to Me” on October 19? House was shown instead and Charter Cable still had “Lie to Me” on the program listing.
Gail: Wasn’t that the night baseball ran long and everything was pushed back like 45 minutes? I think if you’d stuck around you’d have gotten “Lie to Me.” By the way, Fox has ordered three more scripts for “Lie To Me” this season — that’s short of ordering three more episodes, but still a positive sign.
PamE: When “The Middle” started, I thought it was okay but it has really gotten funny over the past few weeks. The youngest boy, Brick, has got to be the breakout star, he is terrific. It is so nice to look forward to Wednesdays with this show and “Modern Family”. Hooray for the return of the sitcoms! (Then, some “Top Chef” to make the evening even more perfect!)
Gail: I liked “The Middle” from the start and am really enjoying it; the kids are a hoot, especially your favorite, little Brick (whispers: “Brick”). And I think “Modern Family” is the best comedy in a long, long time — I like it so much that I’m adopting Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron, as “local,” even though he’s from Kansas City. Look for an interview with him soon.
Stevie B: Hello Gail,
I must say that I am loving “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. When a show makes you sit in your chair at home and squirm because you are so uncomfortable for the actor……that is great television. The handicap episode; OMG! Brilliant! I know that to a certain degree art imitates life but I do miss Cheryl Hines not being an integral part of the show week to week.
Gail: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” doesn’t really make me laugh much. I’ll agree with you that it can be defined as brilliant, but it’s just not my taste. Enjoy, though.
Mel: Is ‘Parenthood’ (the new NBC show) still planning on starting mid-season? With Maura Tierney’s decision to quit (in order to take care of herself) is scheduling continuing for this show? Do you know if they have replaced Maura’s character? I went on NBC to check and I see they still have her on the show, but I thought I read on one of your posts she decided to quit? Thanks.
Gail: Maura Tierney dropped out of “Parenthood” and has been replaced by Lauren Graham, Lorelai on “Gilmore Girls.” Tierney was the best thing in the pilot, but I think this is a great recast. The premiere hasn’t been rescheduled, but since they’re starting from scratch now, I’d guess early next year.
maryliz: Hi Gail,
Just had to chime in and disagree with greggh. I liked “Glee” last night; the dancing was fabulous (except for Sue). It was nice to hear Emma actually sing, and a week without Terri is a plus for me. I still stand by my wacko theory that every other week is weak in music though, so that would mean next week will blow my socks off. We’ll see.
Gail: I loved Mr. Shuster’s dancing last night — wasn’t Matthew Morrison unbelievable? And I liked hearing Jayma Mays sing so sweetly even though she really can’t sing. I have the first “Glee” CD, which isn’t out yet, and a couple of last night’s songs, including Puck on “Sweet Caroline,” are on it; fun to see them performed.
By the way, I quoted your week on/week off music theory to someone the other day! You may be onto something there.
By the way, I quoted your week on/week off music theory to someone the other day! You may be onto something there.
Gabe Hartwig: How amazing was “Glee” last night?! I literally was on the edge of my seat when Will and Emma came dangerously close to kissing. Every week, an emotional roller coaster!
Gail: How will they get those star-crossed lovers together? I’m actually more invested in them than I am in Finn and Rachael.
Bert: Hi Gail, when does Rules of Engagement begin? Why hasn’t it returned yet? That show is very funny.
Gail: Midseason, supposedly, although I have to disagree with you about the “funny” part. To each his/her own, though.
Stevie B: Any good sweeps nuggets? Spill it, Gail.
Gail: With most of the country now using Nielsen’s people-meters, sweeps isn’t such a big deal anymore. Stations now get the demographic information (who’s watching, not just how many) every day, not just through quarterly Nielsen diaries. November sweeps start Oct. 29, and no network has really scheduled much of anything yet. One development is that Fox is pulling its entire Friday lineup, after this week, and replacing it with reruns during sweeps. Yes, that’s how badly “Dollhouse” and the other Friday shows are doing.
GG: Hey, Gail, how come come The Mentalist is a repeat tonight? We’re only 4 episodes into the new season? (And when I checked the schedule, looked like CSI will be a repeat too, although I don’t watch that show.)
Gail: This always happens about this time of year. Right before sweeps start, networks that do well with repeats — CBS and to a lesser extent Fox — plug some in to stretch the season out longer at the other end. CBS will be mostly in repeats through next Wednesday, and Fox has the World Series starting then.
Trish: Hi Gail! I have a ton of things I would like your opinion on but I understand if you can only get to a few. What do you think of Flash Forward? I have it on my DVR but haven’t started. Should I? Have you heard anything about Leverage coming back on TNT? Have you seen it? It’s pretty good. I’m loving Top Chef this season..esp with the brothers! Lastly, Modern Family is one of the best shows on TV right now. Thoughts?
Gail: Starting from the back end: Yes, yes on “Modern Family.” I can see it running 10 years. Such great writing; good acting, too, but the writing is the key.
There’s a difference of opinion on “Top Chef.” I think the Voltaggio brothers are fascinating, and I love it that they’re not just rivals but both great cooks. I just read a RealityBlurred.com blog post from my friend Andy Dehnart, though, in which he says he thinks they’re ruining the season. I disagree, but I’d still like to see adorable Kevin win.
“Leverage” will return on TNT this winter, but they haven’t set a date.
“FlashForward” has a lot of fans, but there’s a bit of trouble behind the scenes; the show runner just left. If you’re letting it sit on the DVR, though, do you really want to watch it? That’s always my signal that I don’t.
There’s a difference of opinion on “Top Chef.” I think the Voltaggio brothers are fascinating, and I love it that they’re not just rivals but both great cooks. I just read a RealityBlurred.com blog post from my friend Andy Dehnart, though, in which he says he thinks they’re ruining the season. I disagree, but I’d still like to see adorable Kevin win.
“Leverage” will return on TNT this winter, but they haven’t set a date.
“FlashForward” has a lot of fans, but there’s a bit of trouble behind the scenes; the show runner just left. If you’re letting it sit on the DVR, though, do you really want to watch it? That’s always my signal that I don’t.
PamE: Hi Gail:
We need a Top Chef/Project Runway Forum the beginning of the week so we don’t spoil the episode the night before for those who still need to see it. Loved the Restaurant War last night. I was at the edge of my seat and shocked by the outcome but not shocked about who had to pack their knives and go. Las Vegas has really been fun!
We need a Top Chef/Project Runway Forum the beginning of the week so we don’t spoil the episode the night before for those who still need to see it. Loved the Restaurant War last night. I was at the edge of my seat and shocked by the outcome but not shocked about who had to pack their knives and go. Las Vegas has really been fun!
Gail: I’ve been so burned by people complaining about spoilers that I’m reluctant to put reality show posts up on Tube Talk until it seems too late. Should I do it the next day and just not give anything away in the headline? Would you still care on Monday? I’m conflicted.
teamramrod: Gail,
I have enjoyed Community thus far, but have heard that it is somewhat lagging in the ratings. A friend had heard that it had been canclled, but I didn’t see anythign on your Tube Talk blog about it. (so it must not have happened, right?) Anyway, given NBC’s current turmiol and the show’s ratings what’s the odds the show survives the season? It’d be a real shame to loose another funny show that nobody watches.
I have enjoyed Community thus far, but have heard that it is somewhat lagging in the ratings. A friend had heard that it had been canclled, but I didn’t see anythign on your Tube Talk blog about it. (so it must not have happened, right?) Anyway, given NBC’s current turmiol and the show’s ratings what’s the odds the show survives the season? It’d be a real shame to loose another funny show that nobody watches.
Gail: “Community” hasn’t been canceled. You may have noticed that it moved to 7 p.m. when “30 Rock” returned. It’s not doing great, but not much of anything on NBC does great. I’d be very surprised if it didn’t survive the season, and I’d actually have thought NBC would already have picked it up. And you’re right: Unless I’m out of town or, like, in a coma, you can learn of all cancellations and renewals on Tube Talk.
Stevie B: Here’s my take on Survivor. Still love the show but the creators need to take a look at the challenges. Over the last few seasons several people have been forced out of the game as a direct result of playing the game. It shouldn’t be that way. Their has got to be interesting ways to have the players demonstrate endurance, stamina, strategy etc. than blindfolding them or putting them in a ring to wrestle each other. It’s not survival of the fitest; it’s “outwit, outplay, outlast”.
Also, get rid of the immunity idols. Rarely have they been a relevant part in the game. Except for Randy of course when he provided one of the most classic moments in Survivor history when he played the fake one. (way to make Missouri proud, dude)
Gail: I don’t watch the challenges on “Survivor”; haven’t for years. But yes, it does seem that in the last few seasons more and more people are getting injured one way or another. The mental puzzles are more entertaining anyway.
This season, the immunity idols have been particularly pointless.
This season, the immunity idols have been particularly pointless.
Mel: Just curious, but when you watch a show on the Web, does it hurt the shows ratings, or does it not matter whether you watch it on the Web or TV?
Gail: The networks look at online viewership but it’s not yet counted by Nielsen. That will probably come soon. But it doesn’t help a show to watch on TV, either, unless you’re a Nielsen household.
PamE: Maybe you can just put…TOP CHEF SPOILER ALERT before the post? I just wish we could talk about it. I’m sure someone would always complain no matter what you do. 
Agreed, love the Voltaggio brothers but I am pulling for Kevin and Jennifer.
Agreed, love the Voltaggio brothers but I am pulling for Kevin and Jennifer.Gail: You are absolutely right — someone (and we have some great regulars on Tube Talk, don’t we?) will ALWAYS complain. I like the people who feel they have to post over and over that they don’t watch TV and if we do, we’re idiots.
I’ll put up a “Project Runway” post tomorrow, so drop by and see how it works.
I’ll put up a “Project Runway” post tomorrow, so drop by and see how it works.
PamE: By the Way…if you get Aidan from Jon and Kate, then can I have Brick The Middle) or Manny (Modern Family)? ha ha
Gail: Pam, Aiden Gosselin is a real child. Your picks are little actors, and their parents won’t let you have them. Anyway, I’ve decided to go with one of the little Duggars instead, maybe Jordyn. They can spare her; they might not even notice she was gone.
Gail: That’s all for today, guys — thanks for all the great questions, comments and discussion. I really think this was one of our best chats ever. Come back next week and let’s try to top it. And check Tube Talk for the transcript, which I’ll put up right away.
Gail:
A question for next time, or in case you’re checking the comments: When is Burn Notice set to return?
Also, any new developments on Saving Grace? Is there another studio showing interest in continuing it?
Thanks!
Sorry, but you can’t post chat questions here! Comments were supposed to be off; they are now. Just follow the link and post there; thanks.