Beyond the characters, the writing, the plotting, the direction and the acting, there are many reasons why you might love a television show. Little stylistic choices, or "conventions" if you will, that help establish the mood and tenor of a program. For example, the ticking clock (both visually and aurally) on 24. Episodes titles for Friends that are always "The One With...." The "chung chung" sound on Law & Order.
Here are a few from current shows that I love:
The character-identifying chyron titles on Burn Notice, where the text flies in and freeze frames someone as "Michael's Worst Nightmare" or "Arms Dealer with a Grudge."
The 3D floating location identifiers on Fringe.
When the crew on Leverage pulls a con, toward the end of the episode, we usually get a quick black and white flashback to show how they did it.
The different sounds used to indicate a flashback, flashforward or flashsideways on Lost.
The "to the camera" confessionals on The Office and Parks & Recreation.
The choral "soundtrack" and musical stingers on Glee.
The faux Veridian Dynamics commercials that usually run during an episode of Better Off Ted.
The way the credits to The Closer typically unfold, with a full opening scene playing out, interspersed with stark text on black background credits, all underscored with a bluesy guitar.
The episode naming conventions for The Big Bang Theory and Community, which suggest (respectively) scientific theorems ("The Lizard-Spock Expansion") or college classes ("Comparative Religion").
Belle's in character (but out of story) asides to the camera/audience in Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
The "fake FBI Agent" names (usually classic rock inspired) the Winchester brothers always give in Supernatural ("Agent Plant and Agent Page").
The beautifully done depiction of Zoe Graystone, the "personality" trapped inside the Cylon robot, in Caprica, which cuts back and forth from the CGI'd gleaming metal monstrosity to actress Alessandra Torresani.
What about you? What conventions or stylistic quirks from your favorite shows make you love them that much more?
Showing posts with label Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Show all posts
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, September 19, 2008
Passing out grades for the summer TV season
The fall television season is upon us, so it's time to take a quick look back at the boys of summer, television-style.
First and foremost, I'm sure you're probably sick of reading about my undying love affair with The Middleman. Unless, of course, you're a fellow fan of the Middledude and Dub-Dub. I watch a LOT of TV, and this was by far the most inventive, original and entertaining show I've seen in ages. Though not a clone of a Whedon program, it still has the same sensibility, in that it wholly creates its own universe, style and patter, and completely immerses you. It wasn't a perfect fit for ABC Family, and didn't pull the ratings it could (and should) have, so who knows if we'll be treated to another season of one of the most brilliant concoctions to grace the boob tube. If you've ever trusted my recommendations, please treat yourself to a viewing of The Middleman. A+
In Plain Sight was okay. In a summer without much going on, it made for a passable procedural with an intriguing concept, a solid lead performance and a star character in the making (Marshall!). I was bored with the family drama, though the whole "box of letters" bit at the end was a bit heartwarming. And for some bizarre reason, I was mesmerized by Mary's dimwitted, skank of a sister. (Evidently, I just have a soft spot for that type). On a related note, said sister will soon be showing up on Bones as a love interest for Angela. B-
Despite the interesting premise and setting, I still have all the eppies of Swingtown TiVod. Unwatched. Incomplete.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl coasted by entirely on the charms of star Billie Piper. If you're a fan of her Rose Tyler, it made for a mildly diverting 20 minutes. It wasn't sexy enough to be erotic, funny enough to make you laugh or dramatic enough to move you. But if you like saucy chicks with an overbite who once rode in the Tardis, it'll do. C
I'm still halfway through the latest season of Weeds. I enjoy this show when I watch it, yet I don't rush home to fire up the TiVo to make sure I catch the latest ep. Maybe my TiVo is telling me something. Incomplete.
At this stage of the game, I really don't expect that much from Monk. I smile at the fully realized central character, and enjoy his "here's what happened" as much as Columbo's "one more question." However, I think the summer season showed an uptick in the quality of the show, despite the mysteries being even easier to figure out. I was dreading the "Monk is hypnotized into thinking he's a child" finale, which actually surprised me by making me laugh out loud. And the 100th episode, where they revisited his 100 cases solved via a tabloid TV show conceit was particularly inspired. B
Psych strayed from the formula a bit this season, offering more insight into Shawn's background and childhood, and actually became a richer show while still offering the requisite silliness and pop culture riffs. Juliet is an underrated hottie and my only complaint was the lack of screen time for Lassiter. B+
I haven't yet watched the season finale of Burn Notice, so I'm not sure exactly how they wrapped up the season long arc with Six, er Carla, and her machinations of Michael. But the second season built on everything that we liked about the show in the first place (action, droll voice-overs, spycraft 101, deadpan humor, plenty of Bruce Campbell's Sam Axe) and delivered an even better showing. A
Law & Order: CI had an uneven summer. Some of the plot twists were patently ridiculous and it was clear that the departing Chris Noth was phoning it in. D'onfrio is always interesting, however, and I welcomed the return of the eminently adorable Megan Wheeler as Logan's partner. Next season, she'll be paired with Jeff Goldblum (of the underwatched and underappreciated Raines) who should bring an extra level of quirk to the show. I like the acerbic Eric Bogosian as the captain, and the season finale, featuring the return of Bobby's brilliant mentor and his longtime nemesis Nicole Wallace, was spectacular. B
Eureka, thus far, has been hit and miss. Many have objected to the blatant product placement from Degree, but working in the marketing field, I certainly understand the advantages of having some extra cabbage to support the show, and it doesn't bother me. I adore Ever Carradine, but don't really see what she adds to the show and I've found the whole "corporate conspiracy" with Eva a bit tedious. They also said goodbye to one of my favorite Eureka characters (and his dry, withering wit) Nathan Stark. Still, Colin Ferguson's anchoring performance keeps me tuned in, but I was hoping for more. C+
I gave up on Saving Grace. I appreciate the skill, fearlessness and ferocity of Holly Hunter's performance, but the whole show just kind of loses me. A bunch of rednecks getting drunk and solving crimes, infused with a bit of the supernatural? Damn, it sounds good, but it just doesn't work for me. D
We're still in the middle of Mad Men's run, but Holy Shit! is this show good. Easily among the top five shows on television, Mad Men continues to be a hallmark of stellar and subtle acting, writing, storytelling, directing and production values. A trenchant commentary on social mores, gender relations and commerce, Mad Men is a classic for the ages and absolutely must watch television every single week. A+
The Closer was all over the map this season, and in a good way. (Yes, as a southerner, I'm still bugged by Brenda Leigh's accent). We've had harrowing, heart-wrenching episodes and frothy, funny episodes (like the one with Provenza being hired as an undercover hit man) and they all pretty much delivered a solid, well-crafted hour of procedural entertainment. The ensemble is among TV's best, and I can never get enough JK Simmons on my tube. A
I've always watched the Stargate shows, though I've never been as passionate about them as I am with other genre fare, like Firefly, Trek, BSG, Farscape and the like. Still, it saddened me a little when Stargate Atlantis got cancelled, even though I understand the economics behind it. For an hour of sci-fi escape, you could do worse (Painkiller Jane, anyone? Or Flash Gordon? Arrrrggh). McKay (especially), Keller, Zelenka, Beckett, Ronin and the newly added Woolsey are all entertaining characters, even if Sheppard's hair bugs me (could Footloose's Ren have been in the military? Don't think so. Get thee to an interstellar Flowbee). But the replicator-redux storylines, along with the totally boring villains (how could you make "space-vampires" less interesting?) made this less than appointment viewing. C+
First and foremost, I'm sure you're probably sick of reading about my undying love affair with The Middleman. Unless, of course, you're a fellow fan of the Middledude and Dub-Dub. I watch a LOT of TV, and this was by far the most inventive, original and entertaining show I've seen in ages. Though not a clone of a Whedon program, it still has the same sensibility, in that it wholly creates its own universe, style and patter, and completely immerses you. It wasn't a perfect fit for ABC Family, and didn't pull the ratings it could (and should) have, so who knows if we'll be treated to another season of one of the most brilliant concoctions to grace the boob tube. If you've ever trusted my recommendations, please treat yourself to a viewing of The Middleman. A+
In Plain Sight was okay. In a summer without much going on, it made for a passable procedural with an intriguing concept, a solid lead performance and a star character in the making (Marshall!). I was bored with the family drama, though the whole "box of letters" bit at the end was a bit heartwarming. And for some bizarre reason, I was mesmerized by Mary's dimwitted, skank of a sister. (Evidently, I just have a soft spot for that type). On a related note, said sister will soon be showing up on Bones as a love interest for Angela. B-
Despite the interesting premise and setting, I still have all the eppies of Swingtown TiVod. Unwatched. Incomplete.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl coasted by entirely on the charms of star Billie Piper. If you're a fan of her Rose Tyler, it made for a mildly diverting 20 minutes. It wasn't sexy enough to be erotic, funny enough to make you laugh or dramatic enough to move you. But if you like saucy chicks with an overbite who once rode in the Tardis, it'll do. C
I'm still halfway through the latest season of Weeds. I enjoy this show when I watch it, yet I don't rush home to fire up the TiVo to make sure I catch the latest ep. Maybe my TiVo is telling me something. Incomplete.
At this stage of the game, I really don't expect that much from Monk. I smile at the fully realized central character, and enjoy his "here's what happened" as much as Columbo's "one more question." However, I think the summer season showed an uptick in the quality of the show, despite the mysteries being even easier to figure out. I was dreading the "Monk is hypnotized into thinking he's a child" finale, which actually surprised me by making me laugh out loud. And the 100th episode, where they revisited his 100 cases solved via a tabloid TV show conceit was particularly inspired. B
Psych strayed from the formula a bit this season, offering more insight into Shawn's background and childhood, and actually became a richer show while still offering the requisite silliness and pop culture riffs. Juliet is an underrated hottie and my only complaint was the lack of screen time for Lassiter. B+
I haven't yet watched the season finale of Burn Notice, so I'm not sure exactly how they wrapped up the season long arc with Six, er Carla, and her machinations of Michael. But the second season built on everything that we liked about the show in the first place (action, droll voice-overs, spycraft 101, deadpan humor, plenty of Bruce Campbell's Sam Axe) and delivered an even better showing. A
Law & Order: CI had an uneven summer. Some of the plot twists were patently ridiculous and it was clear that the departing Chris Noth was phoning it in. D'onfrio is always interesting, however, and I welcomed the return of the eminently adorable Megan Wheeler as Logan's partner. Next season, she'll be paired with Jeff Goldblum (of the underwatched and underappreciated Raines) who should bring an extra level of quirk to the show. I like the acerbic Eric Bogosian as the captain, and the season finale, featuring the return of Bobby's brilliant mentor and his longtime nemesis Nicole Wallace, was spectacular. B
Eureka, thus far, has been hit and miss. Many have objected to the blatant product placement from Degree, but working in the marketing field, I certainly understand the advantages of having some extra cabbage to support the show, and it doesn't bother me. I adore Ever Carradine, but don't really see what she adds to the show and I've found the whole "corporate conspiracy" with Eva a bit tedious. They also said goodbye to one of my favorite Eureka characters (and his dry, withering wit) Nathan Stark. Still, Colin Ferguson's anchoring performance keeps me tuned in, but I was hoping for more. C+
I gave up on Saving Grace. I appreciate the skill, fearlessness and ferocity of Holly Hunter's performance, but the whole show just kind of loses me. A bunch of rednecks getting drunk and solving crimes, infused with a bit of the supernatural? Damn, it sounds good, but it just doesn't work for me. D
We're still in the middle of Mad Men's run, but Holy Shit! is this show good. Easily among the top five shows on television, Mad Men continues to be a hallmark of stellar and subtle acting, writing, storytelling, directing and production values. A trenchant commentary on social mores, gender relations and commerce, Mad Men is a classic for the ages and absolutely must watch television every single week. A+
The Closer was all over the map this season, and in a good way. (Yes, as a southerner, I'm still bugged by Brenda Leigh's accent). We've had harrowing, heart-wrenching episodes and frothy, funny episodes (like the one with Provenza being hired as an undercover hit man) and they all pretty much delivered a solid, well-crafted hour of procedural entertainment. The ensemble is among TV's best, and I can never get enough JK Simmons on my tube. A
I've always watched the Stargate shows, though I've never been as passionate about them as I am with other genre fare, like Firefly, Trek, BSG, Farscape and the like. Still, it saddened me a little when Stargate Atlantis got cancelled, even though I understand the economics behind it. For an hour of sci-fi escape, you could do worse (Painkiller Jane, anyone? Or Flash Gordon? Arrrrggh). McKay (especially), Keller, Zelenka, Beckett, Ronin and the newly added Woolsey are all entertaining characters, even if Sheppard's hair bugs me (could Footloose's Ren have been in the military? Don't think so. Get thee to an interstellar Flowbee). But the replicator-redux storylines, along with the totally boring villains (how could you make "space-vampires" less interesting?) made this less than appointment viewing. C+
Saturday, July 5, 2008
I'll take potpourri for $1,900, Alex
Where the hell was this 20 or so years ago? Aren't the most brilliant ideas the ones that are so obvious, yet never thought of before?
Or, thinking beyond the keg, isn't this quite the tailgating set up?
Good interview with Matt Keeslar, The Middleman.
Speaking of my summer TV recommendations, here's where I stand a month later:
The "hospitality rider" from Barack and Hillary's "unity" appearance.
Good news and bad news for that BSG movie. Bad news? Bradley Thompson and David Weddle are leaving the script to join CSI: Original Recipe full time. Good news? The awesome Jane Espenson picks up the job. Actually, that's just lots of good news. I guess one of the reasons I like CSI so much is the quality of the writing, and they have a staff full of writers with geek cred over there, including scribes who have worked on all the Treks, BSG, Buffy, Angel and Farscape.
The BBC has done a spectacular promo for an upcoming Kubrick special. Follow the link over on AICN to see the brilliant tracking shot.
I'm sure all my fellow whedonites have seen this. But just in case you haven't, here's the trailer for Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog:
I found a link to this on Pop Candy, and it's a video of David Tennant as The Doctor blabbing to a video screen when he knew that the dialogue wasn't going to be used (Martha was just fast forwarding through it). Cute.
Why does Obama hate Tiger Woods? Yep, the lesson here from the messiah? Don't be successful.
I enjoyed Primary Colors, but Joe Klein? FUCK YOU and keep your tree-hugging and bleeding heart hands off my goddamned air conditioner. 65 or nothing, douchenozzle.
Are you kidding me? I think this would cause the homicide rate to increase dramatically.
Right on, brother. Big ups for "intellectual consistency."
Or, thinking beyond the keg, isn't this quite the tailgating set up?
Good interview with Matt Keeslar, The Middleman.
Speaking of my summer TV recommendations, here's where I stand a month later:
- The Middleman: definite must watch. Funny, quirky and engaging. The most DPM (Dialogue Per Minute) since Gilmore Girls, and cheeky, geeky fun.
- In Plain Sight: staying in the season pass list. Continues the USA tradition of character-driven procedurals, and Marshall is deadpan hysterical. Give him more time and ditch the family, though (or at the very least, the mom). Good guest stars like Sherry Stringfield and Dave Foley help, too.
- Secret Diary of a Call Girl: still on the fence about this one. I watch it mainly for the breezy charms of Billie Piper, and if each ep was more than 20 minutes, I don't know that I'd stick around.
- Swingtown: accumulating on the TiVo, untouched. Not sure why I haven't watched.
The "hospitality rider" from Barack and Hillary's "unity" appearance.
Good news and bad news for that BSG movie. Bad news? Bradley Thompson and David Weddle are leaving the script to join CSI: Original Recipe full time. Good news? The awesome Jane Espenson picks up the job. Actually, that's just lots of good news. I guess one of the reasons I like CSI so much is the quality of the writing, and they have a staff full of writers with geek cred over there, including scribes who have worked on all the Treks, BSG, Buffy, Angel and Farscape.
The BBC has done a spectacular promo for an upcoming Kubrick special. Follow the link over on AICN to see the brilliant tracking shot.
I'm sure all my fellow whedonites have seen this. But just in case you haven't, here's the trailer for Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog:
I found a link to this on Pop Candy, and it's a video of David Tennant as The Doctor blabbing to a video screen when he knew that the dialogue wasn't going to be used (Martha was just fast forwarding through it). Cute.
Why does Obama hate Tiger Woods? Yep, the lesson here from the messiah? Don't be successful.
I enjoyed Primary Colors, but Joe Klein? FUCK YOU and keep your tree-hugging and bleeding heart hands off my goddamned air conditioner. 65 or nothing, douchenozzle.
Are you kidding me? I think this would cause the homicide rate to increase dramatically.
Right on, brother. Big ups for "intellectual consistency."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Summer Lovin' Part Deux
Previously, in my guide to good summer TV, I looked at the returning shows.
Now here's an overview of new shows that have potential.
New Shows
First out of the gate has been another quirky law-enforcement officer on USA, In Plain Sight. About halfway down this post, I offered a reason to watch that really won't apply to many, or any, of y'all. Having just watched the pilot this weekend, I can say IPS is an entertaining addition to the USA line up, and an enjoyable way to spend an hour. When you're taking on another cop show, they key is to build the show around a character (or characters) you want to come back for, even if the familiar elements and trappings of the genre are completely recognizable or tired. In Mary Shannon, IPS has an interesting and saucy character and I'm more than willing to give the show a chance. Here you can find two more takes on the pilot.
Swingtown debuted on Thursday, but I was having satellite issues, so I don't know if it recorded properly. (Hellacious storms knocked out my splitter. However, the good folks at DirecTV were kind enough to come fix that on Friday. If this had happened last Thursday, when the Lost finale was scheduled, I would have been suicidal). The set up sounds intriguing: couple moves into suburban neighborhood and gets involved in the sex and swinging of the 70s. Kind of The Ice Storm meets Desperate Housewives. What's not to love (other than the fashions, and liberal doses of brown, harvest gold and avocado in the set design)? Great music, organized by Liz Phair. The sexy Molly Parker, last seen on the late, modern classic Deadwood (and doing interesting things with a lollipop in The Center of the World), and the Pirates' movies underappreciated Norrington, Jack Davenport. If the show recorded properly, I'll check it out today, or try to find it online. I don't hold out hope that it will catch fire on CBS, so you should probably enjoy this while you can.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Yeah, I "read" this diary for about year in real life, but the television version offers much more promise. The show, imported from the UK, will air on Showtime and be paired with Weeds. Sounds like a good matchup. It stars Billy Piper, best known here as Doctor Who's Rose Tyler, as a high priced call girl, and is based on the real blogs of a London hooker known only as "Belle de Jour." You can check out the official Showtime site here, and it debuts on June 16.
Over on ABC Family, we have The Middleman. Javier Grillo-Marxuach, a writer for Lost, had the idea for a television show about the adventures of a chain of heroes known as the "Middleman," who "fight evil, so you don't have to." When the idea didn't immediately turn into a pilot, he executed the concept in comic books before ABC Family later decided to put it to film. From the descriptions, it appears to be good, tongue-in-cheek fun, and sort of an X-Files meets 50's serials. See more at the official site, here. It also premieres June 16.
Did I miss anything you're excited about?
Now here's an overview of new shows that have potential.
New Shows
First out of the gate has been another quirky law-enforcement officer on USA, In Plain Sight. About halfway down this post, I offered a reason to watch that really won't apply to many, or any, of y'all. Having just watched the pilot this weekend, I can say IPS is an entertaining addition to the USA line up, and an enjoyable way to spend an hour. When you're taking on another cop show, they key is to build the show around a character (or characters) you want to come back for, even if the familiar elements and trappings of the genre are completely recognizable or tired. In Mary Shannon, IPS has an interesting and saucy character and I'm more than willing to give the show a chance. Here you can find two more takes on the pilot.
Swingtown debuted on Thursday, but I was having satellite issues, so I don't know if it recorded properly. (Hellacious storms knocked out my splitter. However, the good folks at DirecTV were kind enough to come fix that on Friday. If this had happened last Thursday, when the Lost finale was scheduled, I would have been suicidal). The set up sounds intriguing: couple moves into suburban neighborhood and gets involved in the sex and swinging of the 70s. Kind of The Ice Storm meets Desperate Housewives. What's not to love (other than the fashions, and liberal doses of brown, harvest gold and avocado in the set design)? Great music, organized by Liz Phair. The sexy Molly Parker, last seen on the late, modern classic Deadwood (and doing interesting things with a lollipop in The Center of the World), and the Pirates' movies underappreciated Norrington, Jack Davenport. If the show recorded properly, I'll check it out today, or try to find it online. I don't hold out hope that it will catch fire on CBS, so you should probably enjoy this while you can.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Yeah, I "read" this diary for about year in real life, but the television version offers much more promise. The show, imported from the UK, will air on Showtime and be paired with Weeds. Sounds like a good matchup. It stars Billy Piper, best known here as Doctor Who's Rose Tyler, as a high priced call girl, and is based on the real blogs of a London hooker known only as "Belle de Jour." You can check out the official Showtime site here, and it debuts on June 16.
Over on ABC Family, we have The Middleman. Javier Grillo-Marxuach, a writer for Lost, had the idea for a television show about the adventures of a chain of heroes known as the "Middleman," who "fight evil, so you don't have to." When the idea didn't immediately turn into a pilot, he executed the concept in comic books before ABC Family later decided to put it to film. From the descriptions, it appears to be good, tongue-in-cheek fun, and sort of an X-Files meets 50's serials. See more at the official site, here. It also premieres June 16.
Did I miss anything you're excited about?
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