Gail: Well, this isn't good. Just two pages of questions -- five or six is the usual. Don't you guys have anything on your minds? Or did you hear I have fleas, so you're staying away? It's true: fleas. Someone brought them into the house and they got on the (indoor-only) cats and then in the carpet. I have been bitten. Cats are scratching themselves raw. I've tried lots of stuff, but tomorrow, we fight this thing on all fronts: bombing for the house and, simultaneously, a flea-killing pill for the cats. Then more Frontline. Fleas, you will not win.
But you guys came here to talk about TV, right? If that's the case, and you're lurking out there, please jump in. Hey, I'll even take flea questions. Or suggestions.

Matt B: GP;

As a SciFi (SyFy) fan, I am of the belief that good science fiction carries universal themes that are relavent to society (District 9 - racism, Blade Runner - Who define's life?, Heros - battle of good v. evil).

As a supporter of our current President, I can see how conservatives will view "V" as a bit of a manifesto against the Administration. There are many parallels (healthcare reform, media bias, indoctrination, the resistance/teabaggers).

Do you think this was the intent of the creators or a kismet, serendipitous, coincidence?

Outside of that, enough already with angst?!? Why does every new show have to have a melodrama component. These familial conflicts are getting old, especially the mother/son thing (Heroes, Sarah Connor Chronicles, now V). Aliens invading earth? Give me more "Independence Day" and less "As the World Turns"!! 'Nuff Said.

What say you?

MB

Gail: You didn't read my story on "V" that ran the Sunday before the premiere, did you? In it, the creators talk about how the series had been in development a long time and those themes were supposed to relate back to post-9/11 anxiety. But you have to think they were also winking at some of the things that are currently on our minds.
You're right that good science fiction (and I'm not much of a fan of the genre, so I'm certainly not an expert) is a metaphor for big themes. "Battlestar Galactica" was probably the most recent example of doing that well.
But I don't think familial conflicts will ever get old. They're relevant to everyone, and the core of good drama dating to the Greeks and Romans. You're saying you'd like to see more things blow up? I'm not with you on that.

Bert: Hi Gail- any idea when Mad Men will be available online or Netflix? Dishnetwork doesn't offer AMC except on it's highest tier, so I haven't seen this season.

Gail: Thanks for jumping in, Bert. I was in the middle of your question when my computer shut down. (Upgrade yesterday really seems to have helped; thanks, IT.) So I'll start over.
I don't think I'd keep Dish if I couldn't get "Mad Men," seriously. I can't usually say too much good about Charter, but having "Mad Men" On Demand is really nice.
You can buy Season 3 on iTunes now. I know people who've been watching each episode that way. Fancast.com has only the season premiere. I'd expect the DVD set out next summer, and Netflix then.

PamE: Hi Gail-

Yikes, sorry to hear about your flea problem.

Have you been watching Survivor? This season got off to a slow start but the promo for tonight is making it look like Mean Russell might actually get voted off and that makes me so happy! It was great last week when he got worried and played the Immunity Idol and then he didn't even get a vote. Loved it! By the way- I am Facebook Friends with the nice Russell who had to leave a few weeks ago due to medical problems- sweet and nice guy!

Gail: I was out of town last Thursday and saw on Twitter that a full-of-himself guy got voted out holding the Immunity Idol, and I was sure it was Russell. But no. You may be right about tonight, though. He told too many people he had the idol, and they saw right through his attempt to make alliances (fauxlliances?) And now he's played his idol and can't save himself.

Mentok: My favorite TV moment this week had to be on House with the surprise return of Lucas. Do you know if he'll be back for more episodes?

Gail: I didn't know who he was for a minute when he reappeared, then realized he was the private eye House hired. When Cuddy was talking was talking about how she wanted a man who'd be there for her and baby Rachel every day, and how that man had never been House, I thought she wanted to get together with Wilson, which I wouldn't mind at all. (He's my favorite character.) But I had heard that Michael Weston, who plays Lucas, was returning, although I don't know for how many episodes. Next week, House starts getting the full team back together, so the place will be kind of full, even with Cameron leaving.