Gail: Hi, everybody. Hope you're all safe inside and off the roads. I've heard horror stories from colleagues who had to drive downtown today, but I know nothing of that personally because I'm on the couch with Oliver (please excuse him if he tries to help me type), getting lots of work done while waiting to chat with you. I'll stay on as long as you have anything to say, so let's get going.
Ric Stephenson: Good Morning Gail:
Once more I am missing the national news because Channels 5 and 4 grab onto any incident that rises to the occasion of being somewhat different than normal and compete for the local share of the TV audience traditionally dominated by Ch. 2 during the morning hours. National news has been delayed until 8 or 9 a.m. because we are experiencing a really unexceptional snowfall. Are roads slick? Sure. Will accidents happen? Certainly, but accidents are just that, they happen. Unfortunately, accidents with severe or fatal injuries occur everyday, but we don't shut down national feeds in order to report every incident.
All that is necessary is to break in should a significant event occur. However, apparently out of fear of being "one-upped," both 4 and 5 resort to what I believe is non-news (or created stories) just to keep what they perceive to be a share of the audience. In a previous exchange with you, you were not willing to take on the stations for their arrogance, but granted them immunity from such criticism.
How about asking your readers how they feel? If I'm wrong, then I'll crawl silently back to my couch and flip over to the cable news station; however, if I'm correct in my belief that most people who watch morning news would prefer the national feeds, perhaps station managers will respond accordingly.
Gail: Here's the thing, Ric. As I think I told you before, I'm not going to jump all over news people for over-covering news. Yes, TV often over-reacts, but news directors have to make decisions about how much coverage a story warrants. Sometimes they're off base. Sometimes coverage means a lot of waiting around with nothing happening when something else could be airing. (When commercials are covered, by the way, the stations have to make good on that advertising time.)
But just because you personally aren't interested doesn't mean the local story isn't worth covering. This morning's weather was unusual and dangerous. There were hundreds of accidents caused by slick roads. Did this warrant coverage until 10 a.m.? Maybe not -- but if you were trying to get out, you'd have thought so. And you might have thought it was more important than yet another political story or celebrity interview on one of the morning national "news" shows. (By the way, did you check "Good Morning America"? It often airs when the others are preempted.)
tommyboy76: Regarding last week's question about "Who's Still Standing?": I haven't watched the show, but from the ads I've seen it looks almost identical to a game show called "Russian Roulette" that was on about ten years ago.
Gail: I knew it reminded me of some earlier show; you may be right.
Debbie Niehaus: Will the show Brothers and Sisters return this year.?
Gail: No, it was canceled last spring.
Bob Brinkman: Gail, do you have any information on what has happened to our local RTV affiliate KDTL(16)? It's a low-power satellite station for WPXS (13.2) in Breese/Mt. Vernon, IL. It covered the central St. Louis area, and has been off the air now for a couple of months. This had been St. Louis's only access to RTV (Retro Television) since it disappeared from the cable systems a while back. The station's satellite for 13.1 (Daystar) is still broadcasting here (digital 51.1). We miss RTV!
Gail: I'm sorry; I don't. I'd looked into that about a year and a half ago, but it's impossible to get any info from Daystar.
scooter: Hi Gail, Have you seen any episodes of Spartacus Vengeance? Andy Whitfield will always be Spartacus to me, but the new guy looks pretty good. I see that Lucy Lawless will be back. I wonder how they will explain how she survived the bloodbath from Season 1.
One of my fav shows Being Human is starting back up next week. Have you seen it? Definitely a fun show and not too scary or gory! thanks, Scooter
Gail: I'll be writing about that closer to the premiere, but I lent the screener to a colleague, huge "Spartacus' fan, and he wasn't thrilled. Stay tuned.
I sampled "Being Human" but it wasn't for me. That only means it wasn't for me, not that it's not enjoyable.
Picking the Bones apart: Have you seen anything of "The Finder"? Is it worth watching during these many weeks we will be without "Bones"? Or should I settle for watching all those "Bones" imitators out there, like "Mentalist", "Castle", "The Good Wife" et al.
Gail: "The Finder" is pretty much what it was when you saw it on "Bones" -- i.e. "not Bones." Will a not-Bones ever make you happy?
What's the buzz, tell me what's happening: "American Idol" is about to open another season. Hasn't it jumped the shark? Isn't it time to go away?
Gail: I have a story about that in Sunday's A&E section -- but "Idol" ratings are still huge, and it's not going away anytime soon.
Karen B: Gail, I am a first time poster but long time reader (love this forum). Now, my question. I loved "The Glee Project" and looked forward to the winners (still mourn Hannah). One of the big points Ryan made was, "can I write for this character?". Well, he seems to have lost all mojo with Damian, it has been awful so far. In fact, I have about 20 ideas for story lines that are better than what has been on (really, a leprechaun, TWICE??) Do you think "Glee" has jumped the shark or is there still hope for a resurgence?
Gail: Thanks for joining in!
"Glee" really did waste Damian, but maybe the problem is that he can't act. They've done well with Lindsay not requiring her to act (although she might be able to). We'll see when the others arrive.
I still enjoy "Glee" but wish it weren't so uneven. Two good episodes in a row would be welcome.
chica2270: So how long is the wait for American Horror Story? When does that new singing show start? Can't remember the name, starts with a B.
Gail: Typically, cable shows air 13 episodes a year. "American Horror Story" debuted in October, and that's a good guess for Season 2. It's a tradeoff; you get exciting shows on cable but not as much of any of them.
The new show I assume you mean is "Smash," which begins Feb. 6 on NBC. It's about people writing a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe. I've seen two episodes, and it's amazing. One of the best I've seen in years.
Teacher Gal: Hey Gail, hope you're inside and dry today. Just curious: I caught an old episode of NCIS Los Angeles and realized that the character Nate (forensic psychologist) has vanished off the program. I remember that he was on assignment to Afghanistan and then the season ended. So, did the producers decide to dump him, did the actor get a shot at something else, do we know?
Sorry you're not out in California this year.
Gail: I'm sorry I'm not in California too, especially today. But at least I can work from home.
Questions like this stump me completely. I read that the character left and came back and maybe left again? But I don't know any back story.
KI'm Mayer: Is the rumor mill true that this is the last season for Army Wives when it returns in the spring?
Gail: I know there are 16 more episodes. I don't think Lifetime has announced anything beyond that. Did you know Sterling K. Brown, who plays Roland, is a St. Louisan? Great guy.
BillS: Hi Gail, I checked out "2 Broke Girls" and didn't like it at all. What do you think makes it so bad? I was thinking the writing, but the acting is really bad also.
On a more positive note. I've seen a lot of commercials for great looking shows coming in the next few months. The problem is the air dates are so far in the future I can't set my DVR. Can you work with your TV industry friends, and make a button you can press while the commercial is on that will record the show when it does air. (I know there are counts remedies to this but I'm lazy)
Gail: That's actually a good idea for recording. (Is there an app for that?) But you should just wait for me to review a show and then record it. Why waste time?
I like about half of "2 Broke Girls." I like the two women and both actresses. The problem is that the rest of the show is such a cartoon, with such offensive stereotypes, and so many crude jokes. So I'd blame the writing.
If it's Broke, fix it: What do you think of the "2 Broke Girls" dustup at the TCA meeting? The network says the show needs to be adjusted and the guy in charge says it's fine to be smutty.
Gail: Well, as you know, I am NOT THERE. But as I hear it, the problem wasn't between CBS and Michael Patrick King, executive producer of "2 Broke Girls." The problem came during a Q&A session when critics who (like me) enjoy much of the show but have issues with some of it tried to get King to say the show was evolving away from crudeness and ethnic stereotypes. He dug in his heels, defended everything about the show as it is, and things got very chilly.
Blondie: Gail, I know you've talked about Walking Dead before, which is what got me curious about it. Now I've watched the first season and I'm hooked.
I think there were some episodes earlier this fall, which I haven't seen, and more coming in Feb. Where can I catch up with what's happened so far in Season 2? Thanks!
Gail: I see the first three episodes are available On Demand on cable, probably elsewhere. Those will probably be replaced by more recent ones as the second half of the season approaches (Feb. 12).
robbotis: Hey Gail- just discovered Raising Hope. It's awesome! I all ready watch Modern Family, Happy Endings, and the HBO shows. Any other sitcoms out there that funny that I'm missing?
Gail: Oh, Rob. You waited all this time and missed great "Raising Hope"? The baby's almost grown now.
One of my favorite shows is "The Middle." Very smart, funny and sweet in a non-sticky way. And surely you watch "Parks and Rec."
robbotis: Game of Thrones- why do they make us wait till April?!?
Gail: Could be worse. That's a very expensive and labor-intensive show to make.
robbotis: Parenthood, love it -- is there a network show w/ a better ensemble cast? I think it's even better than Modern Family's!
Gail: Agreed. In fact, for the person earlier missing "Brothers and Sisters," this is a much better alternative.
Priscilla Moore: How much longer do you think GREY'S ANATOMY will last? I still like to watch, but it's getting kind of boring.
Gail: They're saying they'll keep going even if Patrick Dempsey leaves. Maybe an entire cast overhaul would help. It got too ridiculous for me several seasons ago.
suzyjax: Did you see the bit with St Louisan Andy Cohen last night on The Colbert Report? Pretty funny.
Also, during my break I saw that Andy was guest-hosting (auditioning?) on Live with Kelly.
Any chance he will replace Regis?
Does he even want to with his Bravo show going 5 nights a week?
Gail: Recorded it but haven't watched yet. Andy is great friends with Kelly Ripa and has guest-hosted many times, but his new contract with Bravo wouldn't allow him to become a permanent part of "Live." Don't you imagine Bravo locked him up on purpose? He's a very important executive for them as well as an on-air personality.
tndoc3: Old fuddy duddy here Gail, I can't imagine television getting any stupider than it is now. When will the people that choose these show understand that we are not children that have to be treated like we are stupid. The shows are getting bolder and bolder with the language and the content as well as the recycling of older and better shows with modern spins. Doesn't anyone have an new thought or is this too much to ask these days? There are many shows on cable and other outlets that are well written and have some original thinking but really now and I am not a prude but when a show centers around things like tampons in the bathroom and such aren't we getting really more and more gross and stupid in our programming? I know the prime time and children's programming is just as bad. Our students and children aren't stupid or uneducated about the world but must we have it shoved down our throats on our programming? Don't get me started about the movies nowadays. It is just as bad. Thanks Gail. I have watched television since it was first on the air in the late 40's so I have some background in the media. I have been and extra in some movies and been an extra in some television series in the 1960's.
Gail: There's lot of stupid TV. There's also lots of smart TV. You just have to make good choices. You clearly aren't choosing the right shows.
Karen U-B: Hi Gail, First, I would like to thank you for watching bad TV so we don't have to. Question, Do you know if Survivor is bringing back any previous contestants for the new series? I hope they don't!
Gail: Oh, I've watched some bad TV lately -- "Work It," "Are You There, Chelsea?", 'Rob." You're welcome.
No returning "Survivor" players. (Yet.) I've heard tribes will be divided by men and women, but all will live together on the same beach.
madmac53: What happened to the Joy Behar show?
Gail: It was canceled.
Shawn4Liberty: Your prediction:
Mad Men...
Back with a ratings vengeance?
Or suffering from the extended hiatus flu, ala Deadwood?
Gail: Back, better and bigger than ever.
It wasn't an extended hiatus that killed "Deadwood."
Jim: I'm a big fan of the TV show "The Colony" on Discovery is there any chance it will be back? If not is there anything planned to air like that show?
Gail: I'd heard there would be a Season 3, but don't really have any info. I've seen a lot of shows where people are plunked into unusual circumstances and try to survive, but I don't think any are current.
Karen U-B: Gail, I have a DVR for a reason, I loathe commercials! Top Chef has taken product placement to a new level. Vans, books, even a quick look at a box of Morton Kosher Salt last night. My question, are cable shows like Top Chef more likely to be recorded than prime time shows on major networks?
Gail: The more we skip commercials, the more advertising will be embedded in programs. "Top Chef" and shows like it just lend themselves to more obvious product placement. My favorite was the Glad Trash Bags Quick Fire a few seasons ago.
I don't have stats on which cable shows are most DVR'd. I'd guess network shows were recorded more because you only get one chance at them. I personally record everything, then watch on my own terms.
kristi: When does Mad Men start again? Thanx
Gail: AMC hasn't made it official, but Jon Hamm said this week that it was March 25.
daf0524: Is Pan Am cancelled? If so, is there any chance they can revamp it and put it back on the air? I think they needed a few more stars right from the beginning to get the interest going. I loved when Goran V came on board. The show needs better leading men.
Glad you were able to work from home today. Looks like a mess out there.
Debbie
Gail: Not canceled, and ABC actually says a second season is possible. (I'm skeptical.) I wish they'd told the story a little differently, with less meandering around in time.
suzyjax: How do you do it, Gail?
After a year of fawning over Downton Abbey and signing its praises, I get no response from my female relatives.
You write a review and a detailed character chart and they are finally fired up to see it.
It must be me...
That said, how did Downton Abbey do in the ratings Sunday night?
Gail: Ha! It's just my sphere of power paying off.
The Season 2 premiere of "Downton Abbey" did great in the ratings -- 4.4 million viewers, huge for PBS.
Dan: Will any of the characters from 'Chuck' continue on in some fashion in the future (Either as a spin off or in movies?)
Gail: Not that I've heard.
megmr: What recent TV show would you have prefered they made into a movie instead of dividing it into a TV show?
Gail: Hmmm -- I can tell you a future one. The upcoming "Awake," March on Fox, stars Jason Isaacs as a man who lives in dual realities, one in which his wife died and another in which his son died. It would be a great movie, but I'm not sure how they'll keep it going.
Karen U-B: Gail, Have you ever thought of a pseudonym for yourself like Joe's "Life Sherpa?" I have some suggestions; "Box-Fox" "TV-She" "DVR-Diva" "Critic-Chic" "Couch-Grouch" (For the bad shows)
Gail: Some of those sound a little dirty, Karen. We'd better stick with Tube Talk.
Just Wonderin: All right, Gail . . . Golden Globe picks: Let's have 'em! (And "Ricky Gervais will offend somebody" doesn't count!)
Gail: You know, I don't really care. The Golden Globes are SO bogus. But I'll be blogging about them Sunday night, and I'll put my picks up first thing.
Terri Gates: Hi Gail,
Fans of "Doc Martin" will love to see a video we posted on the Nine Network home page www.ninenet.org. It's a 7-minute behind-the-scenes look at the series' newest season as it was being filmed in Port Isaac (the real town that stands in for fictional Portwenn). There are interviews with actors and a great tip from the producer in case you ever run into her husband, "Doc Martin" star Martin Clunes. Season five starts March 8.
Gail: People on the chat ask about "Doc Martin" all the time, and I always plead ignorance, so I'm very happy to see the March 8 return date.
By the way, did you know Craig Ferguson wrote the movie "Saving Grace" that spun off into "Doc Martin"? I talked to him about it yesterday. He's never seen the TV show, but he makes a lot of money from it!
Fluffy (yes I'm a dude): Happy snow covered Thursday Gail! I hope you were able to skip the commute this morning, because it was brutal.
Is there any chance at all that the oh so cleverly titled "Rob" is going to be any good? I mean, Rob Schneider, really? I'm surprised by this since CBS seems to have so much going for it right now. Do you ever see a show, or a show premise and think it only made it on the air as payment of a lost wager?
Last night's "Modern Family" was hilarious. Who on TV is funnier right now than Ty Burrell? His frazzled attempt at a sales seminar was at times both painful and hilarious to watch.
"30 Rock" returns tonight, and I find myself not caring at all. I've noticed that I don't even watch the syndicated re-runs which seem to be on six different channels. It just doesn't do anything for me anymore.
I know I say this at my own risk, but I've never seen one single episode of "Bones", but should I check out "The Finder" anyway?
Five more days until "Justified" returns... woo hoo!
As always, thanks for everything!
Fluffy
Gail: I'm so glad to be safe at home that I don't even care that my laptop keyboard is acting up -- various keys stop working at various times. If you've noticed typos, that's my excuse.
I have a review of "Rob" up on Tube Talk (www.stltoday.com/tubetalk) and linked from Tube Talk on Facebook. In a word: revolting. In several of the new network shows, I can't imagine what the programmers were thinking.
"The Finder" isn't much like "Bones." So there's that.
Judith Greenley: .WHAT HAPPENED TO CHRIS MOLENA? I am a huge fan of Law & Order since 1990
Judy
Gail: Christopher Meloni? He didn't come back for the latest "SVU" season; his choice.
LH: OK I love the new show "Revenge"! I liked her on Brothers and Sisters but I LOVE her on this show. What are your thoughts?
BTW after reading all your ravings about Games of Thrones I read all FIVE books. OK so I got hooked, but it was worth it. I don't have HBO, and swore after the Soprano's finale I would never have it again, so I will miss seeing it on the small screen but want everyone to know it has a great story line and should keep you riveted to your seat. Thanks for all your opinions Gail. Keep up the good work!
Gail: Season 1 of "Game of Thrones" will be out on DVD on March 6! You can rent it; having read the book, I think you'll love the series, although you've spoiled future events for yourself by reading ahead.
I'd like "Revenge," I'm sure, but didn't have time to get started watching it. I'll try to catch up at some point.
Maryliz: Hi Gail, haven't been able to follow lately so I just wanted to apologize at this late date for asking you to root for Ozzie on Survivor this year. It was a pitiful season, and Ozzie was reprehensible in the way he treated poor Cochran. I do think he could have a great career modeling snorkeling equipment, however.
Speaking of "Glee", do you know if there are any plans for another "Glee Project?" I think I enjoyed it more than "Glee" itself. Unlike Karen B, I think "Glee" maybe picked up a little this season without Gwyneth Paltrow on so much (excluding that horrendous Christmas episode), although it still isn't up to its former fabulousness. I loved the episode where Mercedes quit and they did a little "Dreamgirls" scene. The whole episode was old-school "Glee."
Gail: Ozzy really ruined his goodwill with us, didn't he? What a creep.
They've been casting for a Season 2 of "The Glee Project," but with a note saying a second season isn't guaranteed. I'd guess yes, though.
Agree with you that this season of "Glee" is better than the last, although uneven. I loved the "first time" episode.
Tom Jones: I'm a huge fan of Southland and can't wait for it to return next week. Any chance that it could be picked up by a major network next year? If that would happen, do you think they could bring back any of the characters that were cut for budgetary reasons.
Gail: That would be wild, canceled by a network, successful on cable, back to broadcast. Don't think it will happen -- and actually, I think the smaller cast has improved the show.
Jerkherky: With "The Office" becoming worse and worse with each and every week since Andy took over as branch manager and James Spader came aboard, have you heard anything about a possible shake-up on the show. I heard the ratings are down, is it possible "The Office" could be cancelled?
Gail: "The Office" remains one of NBC's top-rated shows. I haven't heard of any big changes, and it's certain to return.
Artie: What's the early buzz on House of Lies (Showtime). I thought the premier episode this week was really funny.
Gail: Ratings were pretty good; I haven't heard much buzz, though.
robbotis: Hey Gail- when does The Killing return? Talk about waiting a long time as a frustrated watcher...
Gail: Do you really care? I don't. I've heard "spring" for a return, and I've also heard you won't find out who killed Rosie Larsen until the END of Season 2.
Gregg Tiemann: Gail, it seems like every single show either has some a major gay component to it or makes sure it has at least a few shows covering gays. I, for one, and I know I'm not alone, probably in the majority, am really sick of it. They've worn out their welcome, yeah, we get it, to be politically correct, gay is ok. Whether you agree with the gay agenda or not, it's starting to make for really bad television, and I don't understand why the TV shows are bowing to this agenda over others.
Gail: Don't watch those shows then. You have a remote control. And don't try to impose your agenda on other viewers.
kbaker1359: Gail, The Chefs need trash cans in those kitchens, the food looks terrible this season. Follow up, is there a way the networks or cable know if their shows are being put on a DVR?
Gail: On Top Chef? I haven't been thrilled about this season, but I'm more bothered by sweating into the food.
If you are a Nielsen household, the meters know whether you watch or record a show. If you don't have a Nielsen meter, it doesn't matter what you do; you're not counted either way.
Fluffy (yes I'm a dude): I'm glad that "Wipeout" (my wife actually applied to be on that show) is back. The 10 year old in me still giggles when I hear them say big balls. What happened to Jill Wagner? She's such a hottie, and I miss her.
Gail: OMG, let me know if your wife gets on.
Jill Wagner left after four seasons, I read. It's been on four seasons?
Fluffy (yes I'm a dude): Here's a stupid question, but how does a network like TNT make any money at all running re-runs of "Law & Order" 23 1/2 hours a day? I have 2 different TNT channels, and that is the only show that's ever on. It was a good show for a time, but come on.
Gail: Off-network repeats are big business for cable. TNT pays a license fee, runs the shows and sells advertising in the episodes. It's the way any show is profitable.
Cline: With all the bad sitcoms NBC is bringing out, what's the latest on Community? Surely they think more of it than Whitney, right?
Gail: "Community" has a passionate fan base but not-very-good ratings. It will be back, NBC says, but hasn't announced a date.
robbotis: I was going to watch the Killing, but you have to wait till the end of the season?!?! I've heard that before...
Gail: I think you'd probably get to the end of the season and get red-herringed again. My problem with "The Killing" was that it bored me silly. I quit long before people got mad at it for the cliffhanger.
Dan: Came across my "Sports Night" dvd set. Which current TV series would you rank above this show?
Gail: Oh, gosh. I loved "Sports Night." Maybe not better, but as good: "Modern Family," "Parks and Rec." Looking forward to the new Aaron Sorkin show coming on HBO, maybe in the fall.
Jerkherky: Gail, it seems like every single show either has some major left-handed little people component to it or makes sure it has at least a few shows covering left-handed little people. I, for one, and I know I'm not alone, probably in the majority, am really sick of it. They've worn out their welcome, yeah, we get it, to be politically correct, left-handed little people are ok. Whether you agree with the left-handed little people agenda or not, it's starting to make for really bad television, and I don't understand why the TV shows are bowing to this agenda over others. I mean can't the right-handed little people get a little attention?
Gail: It's outrageous. We should boycott. By the way, I am short and right-handed.
Fluffy (yes I'm a dude): RE: complaints that nobody tries anything new on TV these days... They have in the past, and the majority of America won't tune in. Examples would be "Pushing Daisies", "Happy Town", "Firefly", "Arrested Development". The problem is, like a dish on a buffet, in order to appeal to the majority of your customers, you've got to keep pretty bland. Sucks for those of us who like to spice things up now and again.
Gail: Yes, network TV has to appeal to huge numbers of people. That's why the more daring stuff is on cable. I heard John Wells saying he couldn't sell "ER" or "The West Wing" to a broadcast network today, but I think he's wrong at least on "ER."
robbotis: How'd you like the Homeland finale?
I was expecting more. Like ***
Gail: That was a back-handed spoiler.
I thought it was a great finale and leads nicely into a Season 2.
Gail: That's it for today, folks; I gave you almost a half-hour extra on this shut-in afternoon. Transcript will be up shortly.
I promised a prize of the day, and I'm giving it to ROBBOTIS for being such a prolific participant today. Rob, email me gpennington@post-dispatch.com) to claim your prize.
And remember:
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