tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21115434448611227382024-03-13T05:28:07.585-07:00Hein SightSo-called expert thoughts on pop cultureJon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-77116477572820084312023-12-27T12:37:00.000-08:002023-12-27T12:37:30.248-08:00Best TV Series of 2023<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hi there. I took one year off from writing about TV, and honestly, I didn't miss that much.</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some TV critics are hailing 2023 as part of the "golden age" of television. I'm not sure what channels they watched this year. </span></b><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't mistake quantity for quality. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you looked hard enough, there were some gems to be found in 2023. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Top 10 TV Series</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How To With John Wilson</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Came to this late, but loved this NYC filmmaker's journeys.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i></b> (Apple TV+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Bounced back with a great season - watch from the start to appreciate its premise. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. </b><b style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i></b> (ABC)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The only network TV series worth your time. Trust me. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">7.<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Barry</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Made sure there were consequences by the time it wrapped up. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Somebody Somewhere</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Plenty of heart and plenty of laughs. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Reservation Dogs</i></b> (FX)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">What groundbreaking television is supposed to be - hits hard comedically and emotionally. Mvto.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Last Of Us</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Lived up to the hype - great acting and a dark tale. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fargo</i></b> (FX)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Comeback series of the year - give Juno Temple her Emmy now. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Succession</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Intense throughout with a finale that made perfect sense.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1.<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Bear</i></b> (FX)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Venturing outside the restaurant took us deeper into the characters - the best show on TV in 2023. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Happy new year!</p><p><br /></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-6028820765414714022022-12-18T07:12:00.000-08:002022-12-18T07:12:30.418-08:00TV Picks - Moving Forward<p><span face="Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-size: 21px;">As 2022 comes to an end, so does my deal for a weekly TV picks column over at Primetimer. I might do some other writing for them next year, but that has yet to be determined. </span></p><p><span face="Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #04050a;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px;">I will continue to post TV picks on a somewhat regular basis on this blog and might even involve some social media. Since I no longer have to adhere to a weekly schedule or worry about editing (not all TV is good TV), expect a slight shift in tone.</span></span></p><p><span face="Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #04050a;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px;">I'll be playing around with some formatting ideas but keeping things simple. Focus will be on new stuff that's coming out (maybe even some movies), what I'm currently watching, a little bit of Q&A, and other TV-related bits of interest. </span></span></p><p><span face="Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #04050a;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px;">Thanks for caring about what I have to say when you're deciding what to watch on TV. </span></span></p><p><br /></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-32126106329991586912022-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:002022-12-12T10:29:01.016-08:00TV Picks - Week of December 12<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">TV has been an essential part of my life from the day my mom plunked me down as a toddler to watch <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sesame Street</i>. I've never left. It has always been an informative world of creativity, escape, news and just plain fun. It inspired me then… it inspires me now. Most say TV watching is a passive activity, but for me the opposite couldn't be more true.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Growing up, I transcribed the TV Guide at home every week. I analyzed weekly scheduling and summer programming. I tuned in as network and syndication paved the way for cable, satellite, and streaming. I studied communications at school, but always made time for TV. I even coined a phrase and created a web site that turned this lifelong passion into a career.</p></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I've watched well over 10,000 hours in my lifetime, so I've paid my dues when it comes to expertise. I've seen it all, and still can't get enough. Occasionally, a program comes along that is truly different than the rest. Any TV fan lives for these moments because they are magical when they occur.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This will be my final Hein's Picks column for Primetimer, and my plan was to take a bow with the 10 greatest shows of all time. No real surprises — <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Wire, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Seinfeld, The Office (UK), The Larry Sanders Show, The Twilight Zone, Mad Men, The Simpsons</i>, and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Mary Tyler Moore Show</i>.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">But this column has always been a bit more personal, so I'd like to leave you with a list of shows that have made the greatest impact on my life. There are well more than 10, but I'll do my best to narrow down the list.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">In chronological order…</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sesame Street</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />"Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away..." Every morning of my young life started with telling me how to get to that New York City street. As a child of the '70s, I was born at the right time during the launch of this legendary show. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sesame Street</i> taught a lot of life lessons and exposed different cultures and learning, but for me, it was all about the Muppets. Pre-Elmo episodes actually had an edge and some great music, speaking to little kids like me in an unpatronizing manner. And it made me laugh. I'd stack Grover and early Kermit the Frog up against any of today's comedians. Clever, funny, and innovative — a great recipe for any TV program, and more special for a children's show. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Muppet Show</i> gets an honorable mention for carrying on this tradition a few years later.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Rod Serling terrified me, and I couldn't get enough. Entering that dimension of sight, sound, and mind late at night and discovering the clever tales of this black and white anthology series was inspiring. It taught me that a good story with a little bit of suspense will always mesmerize and entertain. The different premises and actors each week added to the mystique. I never miss a <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Twilight Zone</i> marathon to this day. “To Serve Man,” “Time Enough At Last” and “Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up?” are forever ingrained in my mind. There's always room for one more, honey.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lawrence Welk Show</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I know what you're thinking. How can this ballroom music dance fest possibly be on your list? As an elementary school kid in Mt. Lebanon Pennsylvania, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bowling for Dollars</i> and this bubbly show were the highlight of Sunday night (there was no night-time football). Even back then, I recognized this was the cheesiest of the cheesy. The accent, the music, the dancing — it was a guilty pleasure that paved the way for Bob Ross and so many other shows of its kind. So bad, it's so good.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Odd Couple</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />When I moved to New York, a staple of syndicated comedies greeted me upon my arrival. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, The Munsters</i>, and other classics aired every afternoon, but this Garry Marshall gem starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman stood out. I was too young to appreciate all the layers of this smart comedy, but I had a front row seat to TV comedy writing excellence. November 13th is a day I'll never forget (and neither will Felix or Oscar).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy Days</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />An obvious choice, but not for the reason you may be thinking. Yes, Fonzie's jump in that leather jacket on water skis over a fin changed my life. But this was must-see TV well before that fateful leap. Garry Marshall knew how to make great television, and the Cunninghams were the right sitcom family at the right time. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy Days</i> was wholesome to watch with the family, but The Fonz made it cool. It was nostalgic, but often winked at modern family issues. Every kid wanted to be The Fonz, but most of us were Richie. My entire family enjoyed this one (and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Laverne & Shirley</i>, which followed right after).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Saturday Night Live/SCTV/Monty Python's Flying Circus</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />If you went out on Saturday night, you made sure to be around a TV at 11:30 to see what The Not Ready For Prime Time Players were up to. I was babysitting my brother and couldn't believe what they were doing on television. Lorne Michaels' creation was groundbreaking in so many ways, and everyone wanted to be on or write for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SNL</i>. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SCTV</i>, which was even wackier with an equally talented ensemble, took things to a zanier level. Then flipping on PBS to discover <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python’s Flying Circus</i>, the birthplace of both shows, was a game changer. "Argument Clinic" is the finest sketch ever written, and I always look on the bright side of life thanks to these sketch comedies.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week In Baseball</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />This syndicated gem aired well before ESPN or any of the sports network juggernauts rose up and dominated the cable airwaves. Mel Allen hosted this weekly Major League Baseball highlights show, and the strings of "Gathering Crowds" inspired athletes everywhere to make that magical catch or hit that towering home run. This opened my eyes to the power of music in television. It also made me realize that I'd never be a professional baseball player.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Joker's Wild/The Price Is Right/Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy!</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The first job I actually wanted was to be a TV game show host. Who had it better than Wink Martindale, Bill Cullen, Jack Barry and of course, Bob Barker? I knew what categories to pick, how much to bid, where the Daily Doubles were and how to solve puzzles like REMOTE _ONTROL. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Joker's Wild</i> traumatized me with that devil (if you watched, you know), but <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gambit, High Rollers, Match Game, Name That Tune</i>, and others provided a challenge. I wanted to be in the <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">TPIR</i> audience screaming higher and lower and hoping I’d be asked to come on down. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wheel</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jeopardy!</i> graduated to nighttime fun and provided me with useless trivia knowledge that I still use to this day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Cosby Show/Family Ties/Cheers/Night Court</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Following ABC’s <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Three’s Company, Taxi</i> lineup, this was my prime era of must-see TV. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Seinfeld</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Friends</i> would later move into this comedy block as <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ER</i> took over for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hill Street Blues</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">L.A. Law</i>. Thursday nights were all about these comedies that had a sweetness and some outrageousness to them.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">thirtysomething</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I knew I was in love because I watched this hourlong drama weekly with the gal who I've now been married to for over 31 years. Debbie opened my eyes to many shows including <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> and<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Virgin River</i>. There's nothing wrong with a cheesy romance if you're watching it with someone you love.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arthur/Blue's Clues/The Powerpuff Girls/The Wonder Pets/Yo Gabba Gabba</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />When I had kids, the TV was always on. I grew up being babysat by TV, so I had no problem with my kids tuning in. Most children's TV is annoying to adults, but when you find a show that you can tolerate, that's when the magic happens. These animated classics provided plenty of joy for me and my daughters as they grew up over the years. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barney</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Wiggles</i> do not make the cut.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz/The Sopranos/The Wire</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Television drama hit a new high every Sunday night on HBO. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> set the stage, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Sopranos</i> elevated the game, and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Wire</i> is the best of the bunch. This felt like watching a movie every Sunday starting at 9 and set a precedent that <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Succession</i> tries to live up to today. Sunday nights on HBO were truly special.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lost</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Previously… on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lost</i>. Three magic words. This Damon Lindelof/Carlton Cuse creation is one of those shows that comes around every decade or so and changes television. This isn't about whether you were satisfied with the ending or what it all meant. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lost</i> was all about the adventure. I fully appreciated this drama when I rewatched it with my daughter as she experienced it for the first time. Penny's boat is well worth saving.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mad Men/Breaking Bad</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />AMC went from American Movie Classics to the home of the next groundbreaking television. It restored my faith that excellent programs could still be made. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mad Men</i> had the style and drama of a previous generation. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i> had the ultimate anti-hero and led to a prequel that was almost as good as the original.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game Of Thrones</i></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I still get chills hearing the opening theme (and now it's wisely back on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i>). This saga symbolizes the shift of epic feature films to the big screen in your living room. Translating George R.R. Martin's universe was no small feat, but I was happily immersed in the world of Westeros as the drama unfurled. There's nothing better than a great theme song followed by an hour of gripping content (with or without dragons).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There are many more programs I could have included, and one day I'll write another book detailing all the pivotal TV milestones in my life. Primetimer has been kind enough to publish my weekly picks over the past few years, and I thank them for that.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">And stay tuned…</p></div>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-70481436117872510692022-12-06T06:28:00.000-08:002022-12-06T06:28:11.897-08:00TV Picks - Week of December 5<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Looking back at 2022 (with one month to go), the programming choices were… eh. Breakthrough shows were few and far between. Some very good series came to an end. Others were spin-offs or new takes on classic titles. There was lots of good TV to watch, but very few shows made a lasting impression.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">To keep my list short and sweet, only multi-episode series are featured. There were plenty of excellent comedy (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rothaniel</i>) and music (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Howard Stern Interview: Bruce Springsteen</i>) specials, but more than one episode is required to get on this year-end list.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best of 2022: Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lord of The Rings: The Rings Of Power</i></b> (Prime Video): This version of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">LOTR</i> is a solid series. The mega-budgeted tale is new, but the characters felt familiar. It is beautiful to behold and a solid adventure. Worth the watch, but it falls just short of my personal Top 10.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Love On The Spectrum U.S.</i></b> (Netflix): The most feel-good show of the year. Watching these singles with autism try to find love is heartbreaking, inspiring, and the only reality dating series worth viewing. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stranger Things</i></b> (Netflix): I can still hear that Kate Bush song. Season 4 offered an entertaining battle between Eleven and her pals versus the forces of the Upside Down. No real surprises in this latest chapter of the best sci-fi/horror show on TV, but an upgrade over the previous season.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i></b> (Netflix): The ongoing Daniel LaRusso/Johnny Lawrence SoCal karate battle continues to reinvent itself while maintaining its nostalgic appeal. It's impressive how they keep these cameos coming back from the original films while keeping the show fresh and fun. Good stuff.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i></b> (Apple TV+): Time is catching up to this great space series from the mind of Ronald D. Moore. When it's good, it's great. When it's not, it drags. But no character is safe in this third season of the alternate reality space exploration drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Bear</i></b> (FX): Jeremy Allen White gives a masterful performance as a top chef returning to his family's Chicago sandwich shop following a death in the family. The intensity of the inner workings of a struggling kitchen grabs you from the pilot and never lets go. Yes, Chef!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best of 2022: Top 10</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Crown</i></b> (Netflix)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The fifth season of this dramatization of the life of Queen Elizabeth is excellent television. It's at number 10 on my list because this is the weakest season to date. Charles and Diana dominated the headlines back in the day, but too much attention is paid to a very tall Lady Di and Prince Charles McNulty. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Crown</i> is at its best when it gets into ALL of the family drama, and it needs to spend a little more time with the Queen. There are a few gems in this 10-episode season, but overall it's not up to its award-winning royal stuff.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Severance</i></b> (Apple TV+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's a slow burn, but the ending makes it all worth it. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Severance</i> is trippy, a bit confusing, and magical to watch. Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette make you feel the pain of going to and from the office. Ben Stiller's directing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the plot twists are sharp and surprising. A solid new series, and I look forward to Season 2.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yellowstone</i></b> (Paramount Network)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Oh, those Duttons. This Montana ranch drama is good enough to base two prequels and a Fox Nation documentary series on. Forget your politics and just enjoy Taylor Sheridan's drama at the Yellowstone Ranch. The scenery is beautiful, the acting is solid, and being in office doesn't stop John Dutton from doing his thing.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">7.<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Andor</i></b> (Disney+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It wasn't too long ago that any <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Star Wars</i> spin-off, especially if it aired on TV, was dismissed as a joke. Those days are long gone, and this <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rogue One</i> origin story ranks right up there with <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Mandalorian</i>. There's nothing cutesy is this Diego Luna-led drama, and with all those planets in that galaxy far, far away, there's plenty more material to be milked. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i></b> (ABC)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Season 2 of this elementary school comedy is still fresh, funny, and just makes you feel good. Bonus points to Quinta Brunson and crew for proving that a network sitcom can still work these days — and that it doesn't have to be dumbed down to do so.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hacks</i></b> (HBO Max)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Jean Smart continues to shine in the second season of a comedy that should be featured on the main channel's playlist. Taking Deborah Vance's show on the road seems like a stunt, but it makes the whole gang coming together all the more sweet. The rest of the cast gets to shine, but make no mistake, this is Jean Smart's perennial Emmy ticket. She's that good.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Things</i></b> (FX)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Pamela Adlon says goodbye as only she can in the final season of this eclectic comedy. Sandwiched by <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python</i> tunes is a poignant look at Sam Fox, mother of three and daughter of a British mom, navigating life as a single working actress in Los Angeles. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Things</i> is funny, sweet, and very emotional as it ventures to vulnerable places other shows would never dare to go. Great series, satisfying finale, and it will be missed. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barry</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Yes, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barry</i> is a comedy. A comedy that goes to some very dark places. The hitman turned wannabe actor finally faces the consequences of his actions in this third season. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barry</i> has always felt more like a film than a TV series. Bill Hader continues to lead the way making a character you should truly hate feel likable and misunderstood.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i></b> (AMC)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I can't believe it's over. The final season of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i> delivered just as well as its predecessor <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i>. There's plenty of black and white to delve into as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman's path comes to an end. Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn continue to put on a clinic in their lead roles, and the rest of the ensemble is right there with them.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1.<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> House of the Dragon</i></b> (HBO)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This had all the odds stacked against it, but it also had dragons. It followed <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game of Thrones</i>, which left most with a bad taste in their mouths years ago. It premiered the same time as the ridiculously high budget <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lord of The Rings</i> series on Prime Video. The plight of the Targaryen family from 300 years earlier made me realize how much I missed this fantasy world. Great characters, fantastic sets, George R.R. Martin drama, and the return of the classic theme song were all part of the best show of the year. You can go home again… if it's Westeros.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It feels redundant to add great shows to watch at the end of a Best of 2022 list, so let's consider the list below complete and a good place to start watching!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Life's Too Short</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Narcos</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Newsroom</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeland</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-79269867535643924422022-11-28T16:40:00.003-08:002022-11-28T16:40:28.028-08:00TV Picks - Week of November 28<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Maybe life isn't too short after all.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The BBC comedy <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Life's Too Short</i> aired on HBO for one season and a special roughly a decade ago. The comedy created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant revolved around the life of a little person in show business. The star of the show is Warwick Davis, who is best known for the 1988 film <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i>.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Life's Too Short</i> is jam-packed with celebrity cameos and provides a poignant often hilarious look at Davis' life. The series concluded with the real Val Kilmer asking Warwick to shoot a modern-day <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i> sequel but finance it all himself.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This Wednesday, Warwick's dream comes true on Disney+ with the premiere of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i>, an eight-part TV series sequel to the original film starring… you guessed it… Warwick Davis. Talk about life imitating art (or is art imitating art here?).</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Warwick reprises his role years later as Willow Ufgood, now a great sorcerer who leads a quest taking place decades after the original film. It's an all-new cast and story, and Warwick once again displays the charm that made him so effective in the original film. Speaking of the original, let's remember that <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i> is a creation of George Lucas and Ron Howard who never lost their passion for the project. Showrunner Jon Kasdan, son of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Empire Strikes Back</i> co-writer Lawrence Kasdan, keeps the flame alive with this new series for Disney+ that doesn't feel dated at all.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This new incarnation of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i> threads the needle in satisfying old fans while also pleasing newcomers in this mystical world. Some characters from the film return, and the new characters don't feel forced and ring true to the universe. Disney+ has done well following the sci-fi formula of bringing back a classic title while updating it with fresh characters and different takes on a tried-and-true story. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i> follows this path, providing a nice nostalgic trip as it introduces a new adventure for all viewers to enjoy.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Holiday specials are coming fast and furiously. Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Slow Horses</i> (Apple TV+) Season 2</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, December 2 </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The not-so-typical MI5 gang is back for a second season in this foreign spy thriller. Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas continue to show the young kids how it's done when it comes to keeping Britain safe. The tension and sense of humor is still intact with <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> director Jeremy Lovering at the helm.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">George & Tammy</i> (Showtime)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sunday, December 4 at 9:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This is one of those programs that you watch just to see what great actors can do. Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain star as George Jones and Tammy Wynette in this biographical tale of two country superstars. Even if you despise country music, you'll love the performances of these two performers at the top of their respective games. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Irreverent</i> (Peacock)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, November 30</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">A Chicago criminal messes up a gig and is forced to go on the run, so he heads to Australia where he disguises himself as a reverend. The search goes on as he adapts to his new life and surroundings. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Branson</i> (HBO):</b> Four-part documentary about a very wealthy British man who never shies away from his success. Wednesday at 10:00pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Firefly Lane</i> (Netflix):</b> Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke return for a second and final season of this tale of two BFFs who support each other through good and bad times. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This Week's Pick: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Life's Too Short</i> (HBO Max).</b> In honor of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Willow</i>, I'm recommending this comedy that briefly aired on HBO. Warwick Davis pokes fun at himself while running a talent agency that specializes in small people. This mockumentary seems all too real as Davis struggles to maintain his pride and dignity in some funny situations. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Narcos</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Newsroom</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeland</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-8709399862785557402022-11-22T11:40:00.000-08:002022-11-22T11:40:01.840-08:00TV Picks - Week of November 21<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Welcome to the week where we gather to give thanks for all that we have. It's all about the three F's — family, food and football — but this week includes a little bit extra for me.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I have detailed my Thanksgiving tradition before in this column. Parade, Dog Show, Family, Football and Food. But the added wrinkle this year is that I will turn 55 on Thanksgiving Day. My birthday just happens to land on Turkey Day every few years or so.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">So, do the plans change? Not really. I'll still be with my family celebrating the festive holiday. A Carvel football birthday cake will be added to the dessert mix. And I'll appreciate a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" for the 55th time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">In honor of this special day which works on two levels this year, I've decided to switch up my picks this week. My TV program recommendations are listed below, but since I'm the birthday boy, I thought a gift guide for TV aficionados might make sense.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There are tons of great birthday gifts for the TV lovers in your family. I used to be big on the DVD box sets for all types of series, but streaming took care of that gift option. These days an actual TV is the same price of some of those box sets. Blu-Ray players still work, but technological times have changed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The costs of streaming services add up, and no one will turn down a year of Netflix or Hulu as a birthday gift (I'm assuming they've already got an Amazon Prime account). Get exotic with Britbox or Acorn for lovers of overseas programming. Any streaming service with a Max or Plus on the end of it is a solid gift you don't even need to wrap. These subscriptions will be put to good use.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The right device is just as important as the right streaming service. I'm still a big fan of the Apple TV unit (their channel has a plus on it) which provides quality resolution, ease of use with the apps, and keeps things in the Cupertino family. Roku is an affordable option with an easy-to-use interface and plenty of streaming options. It's the best of the "sticks" currently out there.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Skip the mugs, board games, and other TV-themed memorabilia. A <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> cocktail book or <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yellowstone</i> Dutton Ranch t-shirt seems like a good idea, but you'll get a smile and then they'll never look at it again. Focus on what the birthday boys and girls love the most — the actual programs themselves.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's always the thought that counts with any gift, and any TV lover will be appreciative of my suggestions above and know that you're truly thinking of them. As an added bonus, give them control of the remote on their special day. That's the icing on the birthday cake.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Here's what's worth watching on TV this week:</p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Shaq</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, November 23 9:00 PM ET</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">You can't miss Shaq, and now he's got a 4-part documentary on HBO. The amazing journey of this larger-than-life basketball star is full of conflict, drama and a few championship rings. Shaq's personality forged a seemingly easy transition into the entertainment world well beyond the NBA. Movies, sports commentary, cheesy TV ads… it's all Shaq.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ph3h7CLAvtE" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Howard Stern Interview: Bruce Springsteen</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sunday, November 27 10:00 PM ET</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I'm a little close to this one, but I can't wait for you to see my boss do what he does best with a legendary musician in studio. Bruce was ready to chat and play, and Howard was armed with smart questions and never-ending curiosity. Enjoy two legends at the top of their game for an unforgettable two-hour conversation. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqPA7gjzxhA" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch teaser</a>.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Echo 3</i> (Apple TV+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, November 23</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">A scientist disappears close to the border of Venezuela and Colombia in this bilingual thriller, and her military experienced husband and brother attempt to track her down.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ_CMFSaOO8" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Welcome To Chippendale's</i> (Hulu):</b> Kumail Nanjiani stars as an immigrant from India who came up with a way to get the most out of male stripping. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin</i> (Peacock):</b> Adam Devine provided tons of laughs in the original film, and now he's off to Germany to revive his singing career. Fingers crossed for a Sockapellas cameo. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wednesday</i> (Netflix):</b> Half of the episodes of this teenage gal of that creepy kooky Addams family were directed by Tim Burton. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This Week's Pick: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Narcos</i> (Netflix).</b> Pablo Escobar's story is too much for a single movie or documentary to tell. This series shows all sides of the Colombian drug lord and the failed U.S. war on drugs during his tenure. Wagner Moura is fantastic as Pablo, and Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal play DEA agents with their own foibles trying to bring down the kingpin. There's dramatization, but you feel like you're watching history being made.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Newsroom</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeland</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe! Happy Thanksgiving.</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-34144971563951602522022-11-14T11:31:00.000-08:002022-11-14T11:31:03.937-08:00TV Picks - Week of November 14<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;">Disclaimer: I am a proud voter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As tempting as it might be to critique the musical acts, this is a TV column, and my comments refer to the broadcast of the event. </span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Another disclaimer: I love music almost as much as I love TV.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">This Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET, the 37th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Ceremony will air on HBO. This yearly celebration of the best in music will feature all-star jams, lengthy speeches, and performances from acts well past their prime who are deservedly honored.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The annual challenge the Rock Hall faces is how to translate this live, lengthy musical celebration into a quality television show. Things seem relatively straightforward on the face of it. Top musical talent, an excited audience, and lifetime achievement awards to be presented. Home run.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Watching this ceremony live in person is remarkable. Musical heroes are everywhere. The vibe feels great. Even if you're not a fan of the act, you have to respect what they've accomplished. Everyone in the band gets to make a speech, and some are better off just playing their instruments. Sometimes, though, it's someone more obscure that comes out with the hidden spoken gem. There are always surprises and the long ceremony culminates in an all-star jam.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">But how do you translate this musical extravaganza into a tight TV special? The magic is in the edit. The rock and roll instinct would be to just air the ceremony live, warts and all. The problem with that is the long pauses and speeches that bore won't keep anyone stuck on the channel. The decision to air a taped event is a wise one, but who wants their rock show edited down?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The producers have traditionally done a nice job leaving in the good stuff. Any headline, like John Mellencamp's speech, Dolly Parton going electric or the Eurythmics reunion will certainly be in there. That's the easy part. Fine tuning the rest of the somewhat bloated show is where they earn their keep.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Let's hope they take a page out of the Grammy success story and focus on the performances this year. Speeches are moving, but this is music after all. Let's listen, groove and dance to what's on the screen. And open your mind to all types of music. You'll never see Judas Priest, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, and Pat Benatar on the same bill again.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fleishman Is In Trouble</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, November 17</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Does Jesse Eisenberg find these roles, or do they find him? He plays a recently divorced New York doctor who starts dating again when his ex-wife (Claire Danes) disappears. Now the good doctor has to take care of his two kids at the moment he starts to feel single again. Primetimer's Mark Blankenship reviewed the FX-produced eight-episode book adaptation and calls it "<a href="https://www.primetimer.com/features/fleishman-is-in-trouble-review-fx-jesse-eisenberg-lizzy-caplan-claire-danes" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">a glorious ode to middle age</a>." <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/fleishman-is-in-trouble-trailer" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dead To Me</i> Season 3 (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, November 17</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The second season of this comedy was not great, but the chemistry of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is irresistible. The show is well past the first season death that brought their characters together, as the friendship between these ladies flourishes regardless of where the plot takes them in its last hurrah. <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/dead-to-me-season-3-trailer" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1899</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, November 17</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">A steamship heads from London to New York at the turn of the 20th century from the German creators of the time-jumping Dark. (Not to be confused with Paramount+'s <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yellowstone</i> prequel, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1883</i>.) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7OUQ9U2qIw" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Santa Clauses</i> (Disney+)</b> - The holiday band is back together with Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell and David Krumholtz bringing good cheer to this new miniseries. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pickled</i> (CBS)</b> - Stephen Colbert hosts a celebrity pickleball tournament - laugh now, but this sport is slowly taking over the world. Thursday at 9:00 ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium</i> (Disney+)</b> - See if Elton dons the Donald Duck costume in his final performance from sunny L.A. Sunday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Newsroom</i> (HBO Max)</b> - Aaron Sorkin might not be your political cup of tea, but the man knows how to write compelling dramatic television. This three season drama highlights the tension of a cable network newsroom and the daily backbreaking pressure of the job. Jeff Daniels puts on a clinic in the lead role.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeland</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-6624692968498336132022-11-08T08:43:00.002-08:002022-11-08T08:43:46.491-08:00TV Picks - Week of November 7<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">All families have problems, except my own, of course (I love you all). What better place to air out all your issues than on TV? <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Addams Family, All In The Family, Family Matters, Modern Family</i>… countless sitcoms have been based around conflicts within the family unit. But let's face it… drama is where it's at these days. Just ask the Roys or Sopranos.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">November has arrived, and two of TV’s finest family dramas have brought their angst with them. Both families are led by a strong leader unwilling to leave the past. Both leaders are government employees, one new at his job and one who has done it for a lifetime. Their eldest sons have been ignored and passed over, their daughters are emotional messes figuring out their lives, and everyone is out to get them as they live in the public eye. Get ready for not one, but two Season 5s premiering this week!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Crown</i> returns this Wednesday on Netflix, and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yellowstone</i> is back Sunday night at 8:00 PM ET on the Paramount Network. We've got royalty on both sides of the pond, so let's break down these families piece by piece.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Head of the Table:</b> Imelda Staunton takes on the mighty role of Queen Elizabeth II, leading <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/features/the-crown-season-5-cast-dominic-west-elizabeth-debicki-imelda-staunton" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">an all-new crew of actors</a> playing the royal family and its associates. The queen has given her life for her country at great expense. Her marriage, family, and social standing have taken many hits. But everyone, and I mean everyone, looks to her royal highness for guidance, wisdom, and above all... approval.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Exchange the crown for a cowboy hat, and things are no different in the mountains of Montana. John Dutton is the head of his family who constantly sacrifices to keep his land and dignity at any price. This season, John moves into government not by choice, but by necessity. His progeny are difficult to manage, but all eventually bow to his whim.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The First Sons:</b> Prince Charles wanted the throne, but he also desired a different life companion. The Prince of Wales always appeared awkward in public and wrapped around his mom's little finger. When his wife out-shined him in public, he couldn't compete. He sought his mother's approval his entire life and was consistently overshadowed. Serious mommy issues.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Jamie Dutton fights a similar battle. All he wants is his father's respect and an occasional hug. Jamie resents his father, and the feeling is mutual. And now John is entering Jamie's political realm. He was supposed to be the political star, but he’s been usurped by his father who always casts a shadow. Serious daddy issues.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Princesses:</b> Princess Anne got lost in the Royal shuffle, but she was willing to play by the rules and find her own path. The throne would never be hers and managing relationships within the family proved to be a tough task. Anne gets overlooked but is stronger than most members of her clan. She just struggles with staying sane in her crazy world.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Things are a bit different with Beth Dutton, who doesn't take any crap from anybody. She is tough as nails and commands her father's respect. Beth is driven, determined and a true difference maker regardless of any consequences. Beth loves a good fight and often is the one stirring things up. She's everything Jamie could never be to her father.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Beautiful Ones: </b>Lady Diana Spencer rescued the monarchy from irrelevance. Charles was miserable, but Di had a smile that conquered the world. The suffering shown behind the scenes makes her plight all the more painful to watch. This monarchy was not what she signed up for, but she is determined to make the best of it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Kayce Dutton just wants to be a cowboy, but things aren't that easy in his part of Montana. His rocky relationship with his Native American wife and son has been difficult to manage. Kayce finds himself in jobs that he had no intention of taking on. He resents his father but loves the land he lives on. The future of the ranch is in Kayce's hands, and he knows it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Destiny:</b> Many historical dramas fail to overcome the most difficult hurdle facing them — we all know what happens. That's what makes the storytelling in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Crown</i> so impressive. Charles is going to pout. Diana is going to take that fateful ride. The Queen is going to survive until 2022. But it doesn't matter because the characters are so rich.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">All we know about this upcoming season of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yellowstone</i> is that John Dutton is about to take office. His dealings, shady or otherwise, don't differ all that much from the political realm. But now he's directly in the public eye and will have to maneuver around crafty politicians. Jamie and Beth are destined to be in his cabinet, and the platform of protecting Montana will be a struggle in modern times.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The final parallel to draw between these programs is that they are excellent shows that pull no punches. They feature top notch writing, excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, and intense lessons in mortality and morality. In other words, great television. Welcome back.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here’s what else is worth watching on TV this week:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks In Season: The Arizona Cardinals</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, November 9</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">NFL Films beautifully recaptures NFL training camp magic during the regular season going behind the scenes with one of the most talented teams playing in a tough division. Take a closer look at how these athletes and coaches get through the grind of any given Sunday week after week. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRxKLQFTFyU" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tulsa King</i> (Paramount+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sunday, November 13</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Sylvester Stallone tries to follow in Kevin Costner's footsteps jumping to the small screen in yet another Taylor Sheridan vehicle. Sly plays a New York mafia captain who gets out of prison and is sent to run things in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Terence Winter (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Boardwalk Empire</i>) is the show runner, and the cast is stacked in drama best served up by the man who has built contemporary Paramount television. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaQSScwZPbA" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The English</i> (Prime Video)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, November 11</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Emily Blunt stars in a rough and tumble turn of the 19th century Wyoming western — BBC style. <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/emily-blunt-the-english-trailer" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Calling</i> (Peacock)</b> – This eight-episode David E. Kelley crime series follows a NYPD detective who follows his instincts and spirits that he senses. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mammals</i> (Prime Video)</b> – James Corden is a decorated chef whose marriage falls apart in this dark British comedy. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mythic Quest</i> (Apple TV+)</b> – Season 3 of the video game company comedy deals with defections and new rivalries. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rogue Heroes</i> (Epix)</b> – The creator of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Peaky Blinders</i> tells the story of the creation of Britain's Special Air Service. Sunday at 9:00 ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This Week's Pick: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeland</i> (Showtime) —</b> A Marine captain (Damian Lewis) returns home following eight years of captivity in Iraq, and CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is convinced he's up to no good. Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin) provides government help in this intelligent drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-49241333070085970572022-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:002022-10-31T09:59:00.539-07:00TV Picks - Week of October 31<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">COVID has had quite the impact on our lives over the past two and half years. Everything has changed. The way we work. The way we live. And yes, the way we watch TV.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Being stuck at home opened up the world of television to everyone during the pandemic. It was the primary form of outside entertainment and a bridge into the real world. It provided a much-needed escape. And there were plenty of options to explore.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I watch a lot of TV, but there were certain shows that became my COVID shows. I would not have otherwise indulged in these programs, but I had more time and was willing to explore. With COVID now slowly shifting into our rear-view mirrors, those programs remain with us within that context.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Manifest</i> was one of the most popular COVID shows, and it was rescued by fans to return for a fourth and final season on Netflix this Friday. A <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lost</i> wannabe that had aired on NBC, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Manifest</i> is an intriguing supernatural mystery that got more and more convoluted as its three seasons marched on. Still, I wanted to know what happened to Flight 828 and its passengers who landed seemingly unchanged after five years on the ground had passed by.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Did the storylines get more ridiculous? Of course, they did. Were there never-ending new passenger twists to explore? It's a big plane. Did the supernatural leave opportunities to take the plot to ridiculous places? Absolutely. Was it entertaining and able to distract us from what was going on in the real world? You betcha, and that's the show’s greatest strength.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">NBC cancelled <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Manifest</i> last summer, but the series fate mirrored its plot as it was resurrected by Netflix for a fourth season. Season 3 left things in total chaos with a fatal stabbing, a baby kidnapping, a child who aged 5 years, and another disappearing plane. There's always been plenty of weirdness going on with Flight 828.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I'm glad to report that the main cast of characters is back, and the 828'ers continued to be praised and persecuted as the 2024 death date draws near. Two years have passed, but the show flashes back to the fateful final night of the last season and brings everyone up to speed relatively quickly. What follows is more of the same, the epitome of comfort TV.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Manifest</i>’s biggest challenge will be seeing if anyone cares now that much of the population is adjusting back to "normal" living. 15 months doesn't seem like a long time, but in TV terms it's a lengthy hiatus. This season isn’t likely to win any Emmys, but it will satisfy those who invested in the first three seasons.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I continue to be entertained by <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Manifest</i>, but if Ben and Michaela don't have any explanations by the end of this fourth and final season, it will feel like I circled for a long time on Flight 828 and never landed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here’s what else is worth watching on TV this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Blockbuster</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, November 3rd</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The documentary on the last surviving Blockbuster Video store in Bend, Oregon was a good watch. Now here's a workplace comedy led by Randall Park that is set in this timeless location. Expect many "Be Kind, Rewind" and other nostalgic jokes as we yearn for a time where VHS tapes and late fees dominated home entertainment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kDA-phXyYH8" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Spector</i> (Showtime)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sunday, November 6th 9:00 PM ET</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Phil Spector is a legendary music producer who created the infamous "wall of sound"… and that's the least interesting thing about him. This four-part docuseries focuses on his enigmatic life and eventual murder trial as it attempts to make sense of the man behind the music. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRA-uVTCQFw" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Inside Man</i> (Netflix)</b> – A classic UK murder mystery revolving around a death row inmate and those British townspeople who just can't stay out of trouble. Monday. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj_qFctViCc" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Independent</i> (Peacock)</b> – Political thriller with one female and one male groundbreaking candidate vying for the Presidency and dealing with the press. Wednesday. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dangerous Liasions</i> (Starz)</b> – Yet another incarnation of this 18th-century novel that is set in Paris. Sunday at 9p ET. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osTVupts9ow" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This Week's Pick: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Warrior</i> (HBO Max)</b> - Based on a story by Bruce Lee, 19th-century San Francisco is the backdrop for Chinatown wars between those trying to assimilate in America. The action is top notch and the struggles over cultural identity in an unforgiving city resonate sharply. Cinemax stopped producing originals, but a third season is on its way courtesy of HBO Max.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-15276707507357444172022-10-26T16:53:00.004-07:002022-10-26T16:53:39.923-07:00TV Picks - Week of October 24<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;">If you didn't catch the first season of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The White Lotus</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;">, you were probably wondering on Emmy night what this strange show was that was taking home all the hardware.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The Emmy darling returns for a second season Sunday night at 9:00 PM ET on HBO. Series creator Mike White, affectionately known as Ned Schneebly, penned the script and directs. The only returning cast members are Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge as the well-to-do Tanya, and her enigmatic beau Greg (Jon Gries). And yes, another exotic resort will be involved.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The obvious question is can the magic of the first season return for a second? <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The White Lotus</i> benefited from being conceived and shot during COVID. All that craziness in our 50th state provided an escape for viewers in more ways than one. The memorable characters and locals in Hawaiian paradise will be missed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There were also zero expectations for the first season. At first many wondered what exactly this show was — a comedy? Drama? The gorgeous scenery quickly shifted to the background as its excellent character-driven storylines took hold. And the issues at the resort, although handled in an extreme way, were all too familiar for anyone who’s ever taken a trip to paradise.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Mike White has long had a knack for writing quirky characters. His <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">School of Rock</i> screenplay featured Jack Black in his finest role as a high-octane wannabe musician who ends up teaching in a private school. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Enlightened</i> starred Laura Dern returning to the world after some holistic therapy following a corporate meltdown.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">White's characters have always resonated, and his atypical plot lines make for some truly awkward humor. The first season of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The White Lotus</i> took all of us by surprise. Simply changing locations won't be enough to keep viewers happy, but here's betting that White and team are up to the task.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Baflc_0XVfY" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, October 26th 9pm</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">HBO recounts the deadliest anisemitic attack in American history through the voices of those who survived it and the community that came together in its aftermath. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9lRNebyKe8" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Big Mouth</i> Season 6 (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, October 28th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The funniest animated series on television is back for its sixth season, and it's as raunchy as ever. Nick Kroll returns with his hormone monsters and star voice cast who deal with pregnancy and relatives Jay and Nick never knew they had. (<a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/big-mouth-season-6-trailer-guest-stars" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S SPOOKY STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities</i> (Netflix)</b> – A horror anthology from the best in the business. Tuesday. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3E1URhCR60" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Devil's Hour </i>(Prime Video)</b> – Six-part horror series from across the pond. Friday. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS1tojGz93U" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.)</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oz</i> (HBO Max) - This hardcore drama set at Oswald State Penitentiary <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/features/oz-premiered-25-years-ago-today-birthing-prestige-tv-with-it" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">set the stage</a> for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood</i> and other smart, violent HBO classics. Tom Fontana's series is gritty, dramatic and did things network television only dreamed about doing on screen. You'll never look at the great J.K. Simmons the same way again.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: Georgia, helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 32px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-63703718377242391172022-10-17T10:36:00.006-07:002022-10-17T10:36:56.694-07:00TV Picks - Week of October 17<p><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">is back. The NXIVM saga that captured the nation returns for</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow: Part Two</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">tonight at 9pm ET on HBO. The location has shifted from upstate New York to a Brooklyn courtroom, but the fanatical devotion of detractors and supporters of Keith Raniere remains just as mind boggling.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The initial exploration of Keith Raniere's "self-help" group two years ago provided a first-hand super creepy look at a cult in action. Believing in this manipulative leader called Vanguard led to women starving and branding themselves as they willingly gave up "collateral" material to keep them in check. You can't make this stuff up.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow</i> focused primarily on a few members who were trying to break away from NXIVM and was a hit as the real-life story played out in the press. It's tempting to follow up on a documentary success to satisfy the audience's thirst. But if you're going to go back to the well, you need something new to drink.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Any examination of a cult, yes I'm calling NXIVM a cult, is gripping TV if you immerse yourself inside that world. Part one of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow</i> did just that. How can these seemingly bright mostly well-to-do people subject themselves to this clear manipulation of their minds? NXIVM claimed to be helping people maximize their potential as many self-help programs do. Keith Raniere was a prophet, and many disciples were willing to follow (and pay) for different color sashes as they progressed through the program.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">And let's not forget the abuse. Many followers were under Raniere's spell, and he took full advantage of the hold he had over women and it's why (spoiler alert) he's deservedly doing hard time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">But what about those who helped spread the word? That's where things really get interesting in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow: Part Two</i>. Nancy Salzman, Rainere's more than willing right-hand who was referred to as Prefect, leads the charge of the implicated women trying to clear their names. Nancy was last seen working her hypnotic control as the face of all the training tapes. On the surface, her claim of innocence is a tough pill to swallow.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There's no excuse for what Vanguard was up to. If you choose to look away or pretend this isn't happening, that's your choice. When the accolades and money were pouring in, "Prefect" didn't have issues with the way things were being run. As we watch the trial date approach, the lieutenants that surrounded Raniere realize that they might want to save themselves. She has plenty of opportunity to state her case as the docuseries progresses.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow: Part Two</i> does a nice job presenting both sides of this story. The heroes of the original are back to see how things play out in court. Staunch defenders are profiled as they explain what was "really" going on at NXIVM and cite positive changes in their lives courtesy of Vanguard. The third and most powerful episode focuses on a member we saw in the original who had an affliction cured and is understandably thankful. But you can't pick and choose the NXIVM effect.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The challenge of this docuseries is the lack of action in the courtroom. Artist renderings are nowhere near as powerful as the individual interviews with NXIVM members. The story gets bogged down a bit recapping trial events while waiting for something to happen.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vow: Part Two</i> lacks the storytelling of the original and the stories of members who realized their mistakes and risked everything to escape. It's intriguing to see those who still swear by the good Keith Raniere did for them. Or want to believe it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There's a lot of power in manipulating minds. This follow-up illustrates the consequences, whether you're at the top or the bottom of the pyramid. It's worth the watch.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Documentary Now!</i> (IFC)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, October 19th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">After a COVID hiatus, the 53rd (really the 4th) season of this documentary spoof series returns with great actors who don't take themselves too seriously. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Octopus Teacher, When We Were Kings</i>, and of course, a Werner Herzog film (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Burden of Dreams</i>) are ripe for the picking for the former <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SNL</i> minds to parody.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDVfIjxWw6o" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Inside Amy Schumer</i> (Paramount+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, October 20th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It only took 6 years to get to the fifth season of the critically acclaimed series that helped put Amy on the map. This season is five stand-alone specials that will stream weekly with now recognizable faces who were always part of the show. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UtXIhTRFLk" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch preview</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Horror Story: NYC</i> (FX)</b> – Manhattan is the place for the 11th season of Ryan Murphy's spooky series. Wednesday at 10p ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">From Scratch</i> (Netflix)</b> – Zoe Saldana is a student studying abroad who falls for a Sicilian chef and brings him to LA. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Peripheral</i> (Prime Video)</b> – The creators of Westworld take a shot at adapting a William Gibson novel about virtual reality. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fauda</i> (Netflix) - An Israeli special forces agent gets drawn back in to the ongoing battle with Palestinians in this intense action thriller. Each episode is edge of your seat watching as every kind of emotion is exploited in this emotional drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-66678914445325500132022-10-10T16:38:00.005-07:002022-10-10T16:38:37.416-07:00TV Picks - Week of October 10<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">I have a confession to make. Many would be embarrassed admitting to this particular habit. Others would make excuses. Not me. I'm ready to share my secret with the world.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I watch TV with the subtitles on.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Not just foreign shows. Every single program. Drama. Comedy. You name it, I've got the CC going. I wear headphones for work every day and will soon be 55 years old, but my hearing is just fine.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Do not be concerned. I'm not ashamed of captions. In fact, I find them essential for TV watching. You might be thinking subtitles are for the elderly or hard of hearing. Or for great foreign shows like <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> or <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Money Heist</i> to follow the action. You'd be wrong.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Subtitles come in quite handy watching <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i>. Frankly, I couldn't follow the action without having the dialogue at the bottom of my screen. On Wednesdays, I'm fortunate enough to get a subtitle-free preview of the latest happenings in Westeros, and I'm lucky to understand half of what's going on. When I re-watch live on HBO on Sunday night with the captions on, everything becomes clear.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">When I was growing up, I avoided subtitled content like some avoid black and white movies. Such ignorance. My habit started full force while watching foreign TV series and reading translations of dialogue. Don't be one of those people who chooses English voiceovers to avoid text on your screen. You lose the inflection of some great actors speaking in their native tongues. It's always better hearing the language of origin.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">After getting used to text on my TV screen, British series were the next adventure. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> was my first, and I'm firmly convinced the Crawleys would not have had the same impact without the words below. I could make out the accents, but definitively knowing what all characters were saying made all the difference in the world.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The purpose of captions is clear — to help those who struggle to hear dialogue. But there's so much more. Subtitles clarify character names and who is actually saying what. If there's off-camera dialogue, you know who said it. Background music and sounds are clearly identified. These lines of text are loaded with accurate information, and here's a tip of the cap to those who enter these words with astonishing accuracy</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">TV purists argue “those annoying words” take away from the visual and you're "reading the show." At first, subtitles can be distracting, but that's why the good Lord created the pause and rewind buttons. Eventually you get used to having the words on your screen and it enhances any viewing experience.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Last week, my wife and I went to a movie theater for the first time in two and a half years to watch Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline in New England. I was lost. Sure I could follow the story (not great, by the way), but where were the captions to tell me exactly what was occurring? Oh subtitles, you’ve spoiled me.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">As for the stigma of old people needing subtitles, well, maybe I am getting old. But if this was an option in my 20's, I would have hit that closed captioning button every time. I had the same attitude towards playing pickleball, another activity that's perceived as being for the elderly. I initially refused to play the "geriatric game", and now I'm on the court every week.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">So I'm coming clean. I watch TV with the subtitles on, and I'm proud of it. Next time you fire up the remote, join me and read all about it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what’s worth watching on TV this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Big Shot</i> (Disney+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, October 12th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's season two for John Stamos' disgraced college basketball coach Korn who took the only job available — a Southern California private school girls’ team. Building off a solid first season, there's a new team member, boys, and plenty of drama as the team deals with tougher competition and hormonal rage. Here's to the charm and success of the first season carrying over.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G7ME74rRsnY" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I Love You, You Hate Me</i> (Peacock)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, October 12th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This is a two-part documentary about a purple dinosaur. Yes, it's Barney, and the reaction you're having right now is why this is worth watching. The amount of love and hate generated by a purple dinosaur who sang young children's songs is astounding to see. Shout out to Baby Bop. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj-7H0BVrVg" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Playlist</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, October 13th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Ever wonder how Spotify came about? This Swedish six-parter is a fictionalized telling of how Daniel Ek changed the music industry. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtvfbGRDJbY" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Avenue 5</i> (HBO)</b> – The brilliant Hugh Laurie is back for season two of a sci-fi comedy I'm still trying to follow. Monday at 10p ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">38 At The Garden</i> (HBO)</b> – New York Knicks fans need some joy, so relive Linsanity in this short doc. Tuesday at 9p ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Watcher</i> (Netflix)</b> – A couple buys their dream home in New Jersey and gets stalked in their new not-so-friendly neighborhood. Naomi Watts and Bobby Cannavale lead the cast in this Ryan Murphy adaptation of a true story. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Shantaram</i> (Apple TV+)</b> – Charlie Hunnam stars as an Australian prison fugitive on the run and hiding in Bombay during the 1980's. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: </b><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python's Flying Circus</i> (Netflix) - Forget <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SNL</i>. The most brilliant humor of the 70's came from across the pond with a hilarious mix of intelligence and stupidity. Terry Gilliam's surreal animation provides perfect segues for Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin to do their thing. Say no more.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-44419094271759917712022-10-03T10:44:00.001-07:002022-10-03T10:44:10.719-07:00TV Picks - Week of October 3<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">Love. Exciting and new...</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">TV viewers above a certain age will instantly recognize the opening words to this classic opening theme. You can envision Puerto Vallarta or other exotic ports the Pacific Princess might be heading to. Every Saturday night at 9, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Love Boat</i> was ready to embark on a new cheesy voyage on ABC.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">That was 40 years ago. This is now.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k5-LPG1Hhek" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Real Love Boat</i> premieres Wednesday night at 9pm ET on CBS. Celebrity couple Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romjin host this reality dating competition that takes place on a Mediterranean cruise. The captain and cruise director provide counsel for the would-be couples. I wish I was making this up.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Jerry is a great guy. I've had the pleasure of interviewing him multiple times. I root for him. I've never met his wife Rebecca, but she's a beautiful gal who has some quality credits under her belt. I wish them both well, but the best thing I can say about this new series is that it gives me an excuse to write about where its title originates from.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The original <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Love Boat</i> was a fantastic show for its time. An Aaron Spelling classic. From the Jack Jones opening theme, no one took it seriously on a Saturday night. The crew couldn't be cheesier. The guest stars were often on their last legs. (Give or take <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/features/remembering-tom-hankss-tv-debut-on-the-love-boat" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">a pre-fame Tom Hanks</a>.) Everyone was in on the joke. It was harmless fun.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The ship’s crew was led by Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McLeod of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mary Tyler Moore</i> fame) who always invited special passengers to dine at his table. Your ship's doctor "Doc" (Bernie Kopell) had no looks or suaveness yet somehow charmed all the ladies. Pursar "Gopher" (future Senator Fred Grandy) always had a smile and a joke. Smooth bartender Isaac (Ted Lange) had a snap and point for everyone on board. Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes) rounded out the main cast as friendly cruise director. Their mission was simple — make it a pleasurable journey for all passengers to enjoy.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Don't get me started on the captain's daughter Vicki (Jill Whelan) or ship photographer Ace (Ted McGinley) who showed up during later seasons and, well, let's just say there are lots of sharks in the ocean to jump.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">But the passengers were nothing short of fantastic. All your favorite where-are-they-nows thrived on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Love Boat</i>. Charo had a second career as a frequent passenger. Former game show hosts, old teen idols, classic soap stars and countless others climbed aboard. They enjoyed playing fictional characters who booked a trip on the Pacific Princess for a good time. Mostly they seemed happy to be there.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">No one was looking for "real" love. There was dating, but that was in the script. There was no competition.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The contrast of this 70’s classic versus this new dating version illustrates the fate of prime-time network TV. Reality shows aren't expensive to make, and if you can slap the name of a beloved classic on it, that's a win. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Real Love Boat</i> is billed as a fun trip, but it's also trying to be taken seriously. Do you think any of these people are looking for love or just looking for reality star fame? It actually matters if they're dining at the captain's table. The desperation is palpable.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Love on the Spectrum</i> is <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/barnhart/spectrum" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">a dating show worth watching</a> because the motivation of the participants is sincere. It tugs at your heartstrings. (Its US-based spin-off is <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/features/jon-hein-s-tv-picks-love-on-the-spectrum-u-s-doesn-t-disappoint" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">pretty great, too</a>.) <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Real Love Boat</i> is the worst of both worlds — a meaningless dating show under the auspices of a TV classic that provided a fictional good time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Most great TV assumes intelligence. This is the polar opposite. I'm not saying every show should be <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i> or <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Wire</i>. It shouldn't. There's plenty of TV real estate for meaningless fun and escape and I’m all for it. But we can do better than this.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">As for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Real Love Boat</i>, this love is anything but exciting and new. I will not be coming aboard. Don't expect me.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what actually is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alaska Daily</i> (ABC)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, October 6th 10pm ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">A disgraced New York reporter relocates to Anchorage to start life over again. Hillary Swank takes on the lead role, and the story is from Tom McCarthy who wrote the Oscar winner <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Spotlight</i>. The pedigree could prevent this from being yet another <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Northern Exposure</i> knockoff, but then again it's on network television, so I have my doubts.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/phE4ioJ63Cw" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Problem with Jon Stewart</i> (Apple TV+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday October 7th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Jon Stewart returns for a second season of weekly deep dives into the issues making this country crazy. Expect more intelligent conversation and laughs from an activist who puts his money where his mouth is. Nice to watch some TV where you can actually learn something. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H89r241tWTY" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherwood</i> (BritBox)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, October 4th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Top pick of the week. Based on a true story, bodies with arrows turn up in a British community and the hunt for the killer is on. David Morrissey and Joanne Froggatt head up a great cast in this UK detective drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PPxWT-jpM2Q" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Friend of the Family</i> (Peacock)</b> – A daughter is repeatedly kidnapped by an obsessed local neighbor who refines his tactics over the years. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Mole</i> (Netflix)</b> – Anderson Cooper is out and Alex Wagner is in for this reboot of one of the more clever reality shows. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lincoln Project</i> (Showtime)</b> – This five-parter focuses on the group of Republicans united to prevent Donald Trump from getting re-elected. Friday at 8pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Let The Right One In</i> (Showtime)</b> – The father of an eternally 12-year-old vampire needs to keep the human blood supply flowing. Sunday at 10pm ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxi</i> (Paramount+) - Getting laughs on TV is not easy. Getting clever ones is even more difficult. This tale of New York City cabbies from the late 70's and early 80's was masterful at both. Almost the entire cast became stars in their own right (sorry, Randall Carver) but the writing always came first on this classic comedy.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-78795861187065791002022-09-26T07:58:00.001-07:002022-09-26T07:58:16.863-07:00TV Picks - Week of September 26<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">I have a love/hate relationship with AMC. Following the incredible success of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mad Men</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">, the cable channel has enjoyed a reputation as a quirky game changer. But for every</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dark Winds</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">or</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rubicon</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">, there's another</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Walking Dead</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">spinoff or a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Talking</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">(fill in series name here)… and that's just lazy programming.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The latest title without <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Walking Dead</i> in it to enter the AMC rubicon (see what I did there?) is an adaptation of classic novel <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Interview with the Vampire,</i> which premieres this Sunday at 10pm ET. Lestat fans everywhere, rejoice!</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">This take on the Anne Rice classic comes out of the gate with high expectations. If the source material wasn't enough, the original adaptation was a 1994 film that starred Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. That's a nearly unscalable beauty mountain to climb.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The good news is that vampires age quite well. From Bela Lugosi's <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dracula</i> to the ones currently living in the shadows in Brooklyn, our interest in the lives of these nocturnal creatures endures.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">How far will AMC take things with this new series? There's plenty of blood, killing and sex in this tale set in raunchy New Orleans. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Walking Dead</i> has proven that the channel can handle the gore, but the eroticism is the challenge here. AMC gets zombies right, but sexy afterlife creatures could be an entirely different matter.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">The first season is a quick seven episodes and appears to be setting the stage for further vampire adventures. AMC has acquired Anne Rice's catalog, so get ready for more creatures of the night to strut their stuff on the channel soon.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdX2FhxsHIY" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">AMC will be just fine if it stays focused on the original stuff. As for the inevitable <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Talking Vampires</i>? Count me out.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hostages</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, September 28th. 9pm ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">This four-part documentary takes us back to the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis and conjures up some disturbing memories. I was just 11 years old at the time, but I’ll never forget the daily count updates and learning how vulnerable the U.S. could be in this sad precursor of other terrors to come. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEljH0YYAVM&feature=emb_title" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Saturday Night Live</i> (NBC)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Saturday, October 1st 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">I'm including this out of obligation and respect. With <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/chris-redd-leaving-saturday-night-live" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">eight of last year's cast members gone</a>, Season 48 is shaping up to be quite the transition year. The first episode is always worth the watch to see what the writing staff comes up with after having months off. "Live, from New York" still gives me chills after 48 years. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEmc8Jqx6LE" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch preview</a>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jungle</i> (PRIME VIDEO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, September 30th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">This is a six-part series from the UK told in rap and dialogue. It profiles a group of strangers in London who are dealing with a variety of struggles. Some of Britain's top rap artists are featured.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0RBg5Qrgsw" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">11 Minutes</i> (Paramount+)</b> – A four-part docuseries that digs into the 2017 mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nick Kroll: Little Big Boy</i> (Netflix)</b> – Nick Kroll is a funny, funny man, and now he takes the stand-up stage with a new special. Good dude who will make you laugh. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers</i> (Disney+)</b> – Season one was a surprisingly charming hit. Josh Duhamel replaces Emilio Estevez in season two on ice. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Garry Shandling's Show</i> (Prime Video) - The meta humor starts with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqO1HO9VpLo" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">the opening theme song</a> and never lets up. This original comedy was one of TV’s first to break the fourth wall and set the standard for non-traditional sitcoms that followed. Many <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Larry Sanders</i> seeds were planted on a show that features consistent belly laughs.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 29px; margin: 5px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-39931488107552565612022-09-19T09:55:00.007-07:002022-09-19T09:55:33.000-07:00TV Picks - Week of September 19<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">When I was growing up, this week in September was annually circled on my calendar. Keep in mind that the only calendars we had back then were printed documents on walls or desks.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">According to that week's copy of TV Guide, this was when new Fall shows premiered, and favorites would return. There was no staggered schedule. No summer surprises. This was THE week.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Times have changed, and I'm not just referring to scheduling. The networks are rolling out many of their new and returning programs this week, and there's hardly anything interesting about it. All the <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FBI</i>s, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chicago</i>s and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Law & Order</i>s are back. Looking for innovation? You're looking in the wrong place. And it's one of the reasons why fewer people watch network TV every year.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I've heard it all before. The mass audience needs to be fed. The vast land between New York and Los Angeles prefers these types of shows. People are looking for comfort TV. Those are all lame excuses.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Quality television can always break through. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Is Us</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Modern Family</i> are two recently departed examples of how it's done. Great writing, a good-looking and likable cast, and the willingness to take some chances. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Modern Family</i> weaved multiple storylines and spoke directly to the camera. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Is Us</i> employed similar tactics while making time jumps as it maintained the drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This isn't a difficult formula to follow. You just need to be willing to take a shot and let programs find their audience. Streaming will take the audience numbers to the next level. Focus on development and spend that network money on new voices.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The latest case in point is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> which premieres its second season on ABC this Wednesday at 9pm ET. The comedy was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons last week following a dismal Emmy broadcast. Some were outraged by Jimmy Kimmel's bit upstaging show creator Quinta Brunson's Emmy win for Best Writing. After winning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, Sheryl Lee Ralph's exuberant acceptance speech was noticed for her flare for the dramatic versus the notable achievement.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">What got lost is how a network comedy broke through and took home Emmys in its first season. The win for Best Writing is well deserved as the school-based comedy is sharp, witty, and poignant. Sheryl Lee Ralph is one of many talented <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> actors who could have taken home a statue of their own last week.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The comedy takes place in an underfunded minority-filled South Philadelphia elementary school. Quinta Brunson plays a new young teacher looking to make a difference and updating the traditional ways of the school she attended as a child. Sheryl Lee Ralph is the long-time legendary teacher who does everything right. Jannelle James is the principal who doesn't deserve her job and is always looking for a good time. The other faculty and support staff are multi-dimensional characters adding to the mix. There's a <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Parks & Rec</i> feel to it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> has plenty of heart, but there's also an edge to its comedy. Stereotypes are tackled and broken down in clever ways. Laughs range from sight gags to snappy comebacks. Flaws are embraced and tackled with empathy. Best of all, it doesn't dumb down the story like most network comedies. It shows its smarts.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Quinta and crew aren't afraid to take risks with what easily could have been a traditional network comedy. ABC has a rich history of out-of-the-box programming. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">LOST</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Twin Peaks</i> are two shows that come to mind. Many current ABC shows try to recapture this magic but feel derivative (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Big Sky</i>) of other programs within the same genre.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> has proven that a network comedy can be original and successful. Network executives should stop making excuses and start making more shows like this one. Bring the joy back to Fall Premiere week that's been missing since calendars went electronic.<span style="color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Speaking of dwindling network numbers, I was one of the less than 6 million people (an all-time low) to watch the Emmy Awards. The only surprises were the speeches, with five of the major category winners being exactly the same as last year. I stated my Emmy case last week. Someone let the Academy know I'm available to consult and make that broadcast what it SHOULD be: the best television show of the year.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Reboot</i> (HULU)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, September 20th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Modern Family</i> creator Steve Levitan returns with a reboot of a fictitious family sitcom. A cast returns 20 years later to deal with problems from decades past and rediscover its chemistry. Recent failed reboots leave ample material to work with, and the stacked cast should chew up plenty of real-life issues trying to recapture old TV magic.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VC0tosYozso" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Andor</i> (DISNEY+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, September 21</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Star Wars</i> has clearly learned its lesson with the success of its made for TV origin stories and prequels. The latest entrant into the galaxy far, far away builds off Diego Luna's character in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rogue One</i> (another prequel) and how he became rebel leader Cassian Andor. The fourth live-action Star Wars series follows the mold of its predecessors much to the delight of fans of The Force. <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/news/diego-luna-rogue-one-andor-trailer-disney-plus" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Quantum Leap</i> (NBC)</b> – Reboot of a series that took plenty of chances back in its day. The story continues with Raymond Lee in Scott Bakula's role as the man traveling through time to correct historic mistakes. Monday at 10:00pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Celebrity Jeopardy!</i> (ABC)</b> – Mayim Bialik hosts a battle between celebs dying to show the world how smart they really are. It's all about the buzzer. Sunday at 8:00pm ET.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office (UK)</i> (Hulu) - Many youngsters don't know that <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office</i>, featuring Steve Carrell as Michael Scott, was an American remake of a British series, also called <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Office</i>, featuring Ricky Gervais at his finest as David Brent. There's more awkward bite in the original, which is much darker than the US version.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or another one). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-864078586634824022022-09-12T10:26:00.000-07:002022-09-12T10:26:03.523-07:00TV Picks - Week of September 12<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">It's Emmy Time! The 74th Annual Emmy Awards are happening Monday night at 8pm ET live from Hollywood with </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SNL</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">vet Kenan Thompson hosting.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I can't help but wonder, does anyone even care?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">My frustration with The Emmys is well documented and has continued to build over the years. And no, it's not because I was overlooked for hosting <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fast Food Maniac</i> back in 2012. The Emmys should be the best TV show of the year. It's a celebration of the most excellent work on television, and the prestige level of current programming is near an all-time high.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">So why does this awards show feel like a complete afterthought? Let's break it down:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Timeslot:</strong> Monday at 8pm for an awards show? The excuse is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sunday Night Football</i>, but guess what, there's football on Mondays too! The NFL season started last week, so if you're so scared of football, schedule the show before the season starts. Or pre-empt a weeknight of must-see TV to get more viewers. Give this show the prestigious time slot it deserves!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Eligibility:</b> This is my biggest beef with the Emmys. Shows that ended well over a year ago will take home statuettes tonight. Praising programs that aren't on anymore, or a season behind, is not how to get people to watch current TV. These actors and creators should be celebrated while their shows are still on the air. The second season of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Only Murders of the Building</i> ended last month, but if it wins Outstanding Comedy tonight, it’ll be for last summer’s Season 1. That's insane.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Categories:</b> The categories and number of nominees vary based on... I'm not sure what. Is it a comedy or drama? Are there 5, 6 or 7 nominees? Why does <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Saturday Night Live</i> run uncontested? Are there really 7 series worth being nominated for Outstanding Comedy? It's a mess.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Talent:</b> Look who is on TV these days. Big, big stars. Let's feature them at a premiere event. Not another plug for a soon-to-be-cancelled NBC drama or the latest comedy on Peacock.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Innovation:</b> The Grammys completely revamped their show. The Oscars, far from they once were, have innovated over the years. Even The Tonys figured out what audiences want to see. Other than asking winners to send their thank you's in advance, there is nothing new with the current broadcast. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The West Wing</i> could take home a trophy tonight and no one would even blink.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Having said all this, my love for TV won't let me not watch. I criticize because I care. Plus, I love trying to pick the winners. Not surprisingly, the Academy and I often disagree.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Who SHOULD win...</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Series - <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barry</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Lead Actor - Nicholas Hoult, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Lead Actress - Jean Smart, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hacks</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Series - <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Lead Actor - Bob Odenkirk, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Lead Actress - Laura Linney, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ozark</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Who WILL Win...</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Series - <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hacks</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Lead Actor - Jason Sudeikis, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted Lasso</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Comedy Lead Actress - Jean Smart, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hacks</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Series - <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Succession</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Lead Actor - Jeremy Strong, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Succession</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Outstanding Drama Lead Actress - Zendaya, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Euphoria</i></p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Feel free to pencil in wins for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week Tonight with John Oliver</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Saturday Night Live</i> in whatever categories they're nominated in.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's fitting that the Emmys still air on network television. You know network TV, the one that's lucky to even get nominated for a Emmy these days. It's not too late, Emmys. Be proud of today's programming!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Handmaid's Tale</i> (HULU)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, September 14th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The Emmy-winning drama returns for its fifth season, and the blessed action in Gilead is never boring. June is off to Canada after taking care of Commander Waterford and faces the consequences for what she did. Most of the stellar actresses return to deal with this bizarre world where every decision carries a burden. One more season after this one, blessed be.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHcHn5P252c" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atlanta</i> (FX)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, September 15th 10:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Donald Glover brings it all home in the fourth and final season of this award-winning FX comedy. The crew is back from Europe for episodes that will take place in the title city. Here's a shout out to FX as a cable network that continues to produce innovative, quality programming. You don't need to stream to make groundbreaking TV. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB-jmFA1NMk" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Los Espookys</i> (HBO)</b> Friday, September 16th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's season two for this bilingual comedy which finally returns after a long COVID break. It's unique (Fred Armisen produces and co-stars) and guaranteed to make you laugh.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X4XI3wnQsBs" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The U.S. and the Holocaust</i> (PBS)</b> – The Ken Burns crew tackles America's reaction to the horrors before, during and after World War II in this new six-hour limited series. Sunday at 8:00pm ET. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCffe1USg18" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a></p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i> (Prime Video) - An unnamed British intelligence agent resigns and wakes up in a bizarre village he doesn't recognize. So begins the head trip that is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Prisoner</i>. He's known there as Number Six and his captors want information. He won't give it up in what some consider the best TV program ever made.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-13500440936295400932022-09-05T05:06:00.003-07:002022-09-05T05:06:34.047-07:00TV Picks - Week of September 5<p><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">, the best reboot in the business, returns for its fifth season this Friday on Netflix.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">When the karate grownups first came on the scene, many scoffed how it was a blatant grab by Ralph Macchio and William Zabka to recapture the magic of the 80's film series. Those <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Karate Kid</i> films ran their course, but what a novelty it would be 30 years later to see Daniel-san and Johnny Lawrence all grown up.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Four seasons later, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> was deservedly nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys. Who's laughing now?</p></div><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> set the bar for a successful nostalgic reboot. Pulling this off is an intricate process, but it can be done. Many more have failed than succeeded. After watching season five, I'm pleased to say the series continues to be smart, funny and the plot keeps moving forward despite feeling like you know where it's going.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The Daniel/Johnny rivalry will always be the heart of the series, but the creators have done a nice job transitioning them into begrudging rivals. That crane kick would be easy to keep going back to, but <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> has fleshed out new characters that complement the old favorites. For every John Kreese and Terry Silver, there's a Miguel Diaz and Robby Keene.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Focusing on Daniel and Johnny's families was a no-brainer from the start, but the friends of their kids don't come off as forced or cliched. They, like most of the other cast, are three-dimensional characters. The kids get a lot of screen time, but focus never wavers too far from the original archrivals.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There are too many callbacks in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> to list in one column, and each character returns with flaws of their own. After the initial Facebook "I wonder what this person in high school looks like now" thrill wears off, there's plenty more to their stories. It's explained why the bad guy senseis became who they are, but the good guys at Miyagi Do and White Fang are far from flawless.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The best part of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> is that it's fun to watch. The story is based on a fish out of water finding his way with the guidance of a witty bonsai tree maker to win the All Valley karate tournament in his new hometown. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> successfully channels that spirit into this reboot with its sense of humor fully intact.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">As much as I love the entire cast, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka do an admirable job carrying the show. The clear-cut good guy/bad guy in the original film is washed away as Johnny tries to improve his life while Daniel takes his for granted. Both constantly require wakeup calls and eventually end up squaring off for one reason or another before working together.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This new season picks up right where the last one left off. John Kreese is in jail. Terry Silver is expanding Cobra Kai. Miguel is in Mexico. And Daniel is trying to right things with some help from Okinawa. I won't spoil a thing. Just smile and enjoy the karate.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUR9PYwlNaA" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Fight</i> (Paramount+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, September 8th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This fantastic spinoff of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> enters its sixth and final season as dark and witty as ever. Andre Braugher and John Slattery join the cast (of course they do), and if you've missed Eli Gold from the previous series, Alan Cumming is scheduled to guest, as is Carrie Preston as the always entertaining Elsbeth Tascioni. The drama will continue to pull no punches as it bows out as CBS's most successful streaming spinoff. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTPQLBFYrAY" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Gigolo</i> (Showtime)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sunday, September 11th 9:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I never saw the movie that made Richard Gere a star and had Blondie playing on radios everywhere. This adaptation of the 1980 film tells the story of Julian Kaye (the great Jon Bernthal) rebuilding his life after serving 15 years in prison for a crime he was framed for. Rosie O'Donnell is the truth-seeking cop who mistakenly put him away. There's a little too much soap opera in the constant reminders of how dark this story is, but Bernthal expertly showcases his versatility.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLy3OJvMgYg" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding Season</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, September 8th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There's a wedding, the husband and his family get killed, and then the wife goes on the run with her secret lover who suspects she's the one who did it in this British 8-parter. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSUBbIpfc0o" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b> (Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tell Me Lies</i> (Hulu)</b> – A couple meets on campus and embarks on an intoxicating relationship over the next 8 years in this book adaptation. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Last Light</i> (Peacock)</b> - Jack is back! Matthew Fox tries to bring his family together as the world falls apart due to an oil shortage in this new thriller. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gutsy</i> (Apple TV+)</b> - Hillary and Chelsea Clinton bring their book to the screen interviewing trailblazing women young and old. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Serpent Queen</i> (Starz)</b> - The rise of Catherine de Medici from orphan to Queen of France in the 16th century. Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Twilight Zone</i> (Paramount+) - After last week's pick, how could I not recommend the original 1959 Rod Serling classic. Some of the best short stories ever told on TV happened in this other dimension. Some episodes feel dated, but others, like “To Serve Man,” “Time Enough At Last,” “The Invaders,” “Eye of the Beholder” and “Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up?” still pack quite a punch. And there's never been a better on-screen narrator than Rod.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-9914355342606255542022-08-29T05:40:00.003-07:002022-08-29T05:40:48.945-07:00TV Picks - Week of August 29<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">There's already great debate over the most dramatic battle of </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">without a minute of footage even being shown to the public.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I have the answer, and it's a simple one: expectations.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">After years of production, this new epic series finally kicks off the month of September this Thursday on Amazon. The budget is said to be twice the amount that was spent on the entire <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lord of the Rings</i> film trilogy. The last of those three films took home Best Picture at The Oscars.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Keep in mind that there are already dragons flying all over HBO which wisely premiered its <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> last week. Westeros has quite the gravitational pull, and we only have so much time for fantasy sagas that took place thousands of years ago.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Big budget. Oscar pedigree. Dragons breathing down your neck. That's pressure, folks.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The first season of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Rings of Power</i> was wisely shot in New Zealand to emulate the stunning cinematography of the Peter Jackson films. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lord of the Rings</i> in the title guarantees viewers for the first episode on the streamer, but where does it go from there?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This prequel is a brand-new story that takes place in the world of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Hobbit</i> centuries earlier. As the title suggests, Sauron is busy creating the most potent rings to ever occupy the planet. We know how things eventually turn out, but now we'll learn how that powerful jewelry was created... and why.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x8UAUAuKNcU" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">No one complained about too much Tolkien when the three Peter Jackson films ruled the box office. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Hobbit</i> was a disappointment to many fans of this world, and pushback slowly mounted as the award-winning legacy was tarnished.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This is the most expensive show ever made for television, and I can assure you that cash didn't go to the cast. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Rings of Power</i> will be beautiful to watch, but it's the story that needs to be there.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This latest chapter of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lord of the Rings</i> isn't directly adapted from the Tolkien books. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game of Thrones</i> had the George R.R. Martin stories to cull from in its early seasons, and when that source ran dry, the story went, uh, elsewhere. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> was Martin's take on the Tolkien world, so that provides hope for the Amazon series.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The first two episodes premiere this week, with the remainder of the first season rolling out weekly through October. I understand the desire to keep people coming back for more, but Amazon would be better served leaving that to the cable networks. No one is looking for a weekly series on Prime Video. It's like getting part of your delivery from Amazon instead of the entire order. Let us binge, Amazon. Please.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The potential of this ten-part series is enormous, almost as big as the expectations. A second season has already been ordered, but that budget will depend on the success of this inaugural season. The fictional land of wizards, hobbits and elves beckons. Let's see how many viewers choose to occupy this very expensive real estate.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Patient</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, August 30th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Steve Carrell stars as a psychiatrist held captive by one of his patients trying to be cured of his homicidal urges. This ten-episode thriller was created by the team who created <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Americans</i>, so the drama will be intense.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LpmMxXfBn-Y" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert (Paramount+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Saturday, September 3rd 11:30am ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The emotional outpouring from musicians around the world illustrates how beloved the late Foo Fighters drummer was. Music stars from around the globe gather in London to pay tribute to the most well-liked drummer in rock. Spend Saturday afternoon watching the live stream from Wembley.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Secrets She Keeps</i> (Sundance Now)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, September 1st</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Remember the thriller starring Edith from <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> kidnapping a beautiful neighbor's baby down under? It's back for a second season. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV9_o8LCgvc" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Keep This Between Us</i> (Freeform)</b> – Four-part docuseries about women reflecting on relationships they had with high school teachers and their associated trauma. Monday at 9:00 PM ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pantheon</i> (AMC+)</b> - An animated tale focusing on the idea of uploading consciousness to the cloud. Features an all-star voice cast including William Hurt's final performance. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Devil in Ohio</i> (Netflix)</b> - Emily Deschanel (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bones</i>) stars as a shrink whose family life unravels when she shelters a cult escapee. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">McEnroe</i> (Showtime)</b> - Documentary about the world's whiniest and most entertaining tennis star. Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Black Mirror</i> (Netflix) - Most "modern day <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Twilight Zone</i>" takes are failures. This one is anything but. The British anthology series created by Charlie Brooker explores the future of technology. The early episodes are some of the best TV you'll ever see. The satirical series is dark, thought provoking and extremely entertaining.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-42925739477284992622022-08-22T10:56:00.000-07:002022-08-22T10:56:07.583-07:00TV Picks - Week of August 22<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">A great show like </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted Lasso</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">is virtually guaranteed to generate a few things. Endless praise and speculation in the industry press. Awards for deserving actors, writers and producers, and last but not least, inevitable knockoffs that try to capitalize on its success.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's the catch, though. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted Lasso</i> features a transplanted American college football coach running a troubled long-tenured soccer team across the pond in a supportive community. This isn't your typical six pals sharing a NYC apartment they could never afford or a fat husband and hot wife moving into the neighborhood. It's a nearly impossible to recreate this show.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Unless you do it in real life — or at least a version that's close to it. Enter the new FX docuseries <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Welcome to Wrexham,</i> premiering this Wednesday at 10pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">In 2021, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia</i> star Rob McElhenney and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadpool</i> star Ryan Reynolds purchased the Wrexham Football Club in Wales. This isn't a gag. It's not a spoof. It's two stars who decided to pony up a couple million dollars to purchase the third oldest soccer team in the world.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C9hLsktkGfA" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted Lasso</i> is a comedy first, but it’s also a heartwarming tale of transplanted individuals and mental health battles intertwined with the fate of a soccer team and its town. The humor in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Welcome to Wrexham</i> comes naturally as the townsfolk reluctantly embrace the new ownership that saved their beloved club. Meanwhile, Ryan and Rob wonder what the heck they got themselves into as they live out a sports fan’s fairytale.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The duo’s purchase of the club was initially greeted by the team’s fans with skepticism. Many felt the only reason it happened was to create this docuseries. Why would two American actors care about a fading team like theirs — did they love <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted Lasso</i> THAT much?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wrexham</i> has plenty in common with <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ted</i>, and it's a feel-good story during a horrible time. It’s not about the team getting promoted or winning a championship. It's about getting to know the squad and the town, watching two famous Americans directly affect a foreign community while learning its ways, changing lives, and bringing smiles through sports.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Sound familiar? Now watch the real thing.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Running With The Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, August 24th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">You know that last name. John McAfee was the inventor of anti-virus software installed on millions of computers. He made billions selling his company to Intel. But that's the boring part of his life.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">After his neighbor was found shot dead, McAfee went on the run and took a film crew with him. He was convinced that he would be killed in police custody. Oh, he also claimed the Mexican cartel was after him. Actual footage highlights the crazy real life of a wealthy man who lived his last days on the run.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Ux_ipIsNyo" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, August 25th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Mike Tyson’s story keeps getting told - on stage, at the movies, and now in the form of an 8-part miniseries that Iron Mike himself calls tone deaf. This version comes from the team that created the film <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I, Tonya</i>, so you can guess its tone. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWWQfrecwHQ" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Everything I Know About Love</i> (Peacock)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, August 25th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Two best young girl friends are living their best lives together until one of them gets a boyfriend and everything changes. Bel Powley and Emma Appleton star in this adaptation of the Dolly Alderton novel.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yB6b0lTqk3I" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kevin Can F**k Himself</i> (FX) </b>– It’s the second (and final) season for the Annie Murphy dark comedy that alternates between multi camera sitcom and single camera drama. Returns Monday at 9pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chad & JT Go Deep</i> (Netflix)</b> - The Party Bros get a prank show courtesy of Tim & Eric. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Little Demon</i> (FXX)</b> - A single mother (Aubrey Plaza) lives her life with a daughter was fathered by Satan (Danny Devito) in this animated sitcom. The voice cast is insane. Thursday at 10pm ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2022 MTV Video Music Awards</i> (MTV, The CW)</b> - MTV is borrowing a page from this year's Oscars, tapping three stars to co-host: Jack Harlow, Nicki Minaj, and LL Cool J. Sunday at 8pm ET.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Leftovers</i> (HBO Max) - 2% of the people on this planet mysteriously disappear. 98% are left to deal with it. This is not a feel-good show. I am an unabashed Damon Lindelof fan (I'll defend the ending of LOST) because he appreciates good television and knows how to make it. This dark take on grief takes many weird turns and steadily improves as it goes on a memorable ride.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">-----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-4179977150485750982022-08-15T05:44:00.003-07:002022-08-18T04:44:33.337-07:00TV Picks - Week of August 15<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">Targaryens are coming.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It’s been three long years since we last spent our Sunday nights in the world of Westeros. This Sunday, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> premieres in the Sunday 9pm time slot of its HBO predecessor, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game of Thrones</i>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Welcome to the first of many comparisons that will be made to the original breakout series from the world of George R.R. Martin. Before seeing a minute of this new show, opinions have already been formed based on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> leaving a bad taste in many mouths at the end. That's not entirely fair for a few reasons.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game of Thrones</i> suffered the fate of many book adaptations. The source material ends, but the series continues with the blessing of its creator. Martin is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">still</i> working on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Winds of Winter</i>, which is the final book of the series that <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> was based on. If you didn't like the TV ending, don't blame the creator of dragons and White Walkers.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">For its part, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> is battling sky-high expectations. Episodes are estimated to have cost $20 million to produce. HBO needs a big hit, so why not try <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Succession</i> with dragons? The fate of George R.R.'s TV franchise relies on the success of this series. Pressure, anyone?</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This new Targaryen tale takes place 200 years before Ned finds out Jon Arryn is dead, so don't expect any Stark kid cameos. We are in the same universe, but this is the era when Targaryens ruled… primarily because they had dragons.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> begins 100 years into the reign of House Targaryen and the beginning of its inevitable end centuries later. King Viserys has raised his daughter Rhaenyra to succeed him upon his death, but Aegon, his eldest son to his second wife, is crowned the new ruler. This does not go over well, and an epic civil war begins.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Since this is a prequel, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thrones</i> fans know how this war turns out. The challenge is to create ten episodes of mind-blowing chaos to captivate an audience more than willing to dance with dragons once again. Cinematically, the show will be gorgeous to watch. Plot-wise, it will follow Martin's <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fire and Blood</i> novel very closely. So what can go wrong?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">In a word: Dragons.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Dragons were promised for multiple seasons on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> before Dany's eggs hatched. There was lots going on between the Starks and Lannisters, plenty of action north of The Wall, and the Queen of Dragons was one of many plotlines. In <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i>, these huge animals are there from the get-go, so there's no real surprise on their route to relative extinction. All eyes are on House Targaryen, so the dragons potentially won't pack as much punch as they did the first time around despite being incredible to look at.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There won't be as many Houses to keep track of but <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> remained relatively consistent in its timeline until Bran started seeing things out of his third eye. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> focuses mostly on one House, but it also features time jumps to tell its story. Keeping stories simple in this world is almost as challenging as spelling any character's name, but it's critical to keeping the audience on board.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">As a fan of the franchise, I'm excited to see the latest chapter in the world of Westeros. After many rumored and failed prequels, it's good to get one on screen. Miguel Sapochnik, who directed some of the best <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> episodes, is the showrunner. Ramin Djawadi, who orchestrated the <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GoT</i> score, is on board for the music. There's good blood in those genes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DotnJ7tTA34" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I'm hoping for another map to marvel at during the credits, or something that rivals the classic opening. Either way, we'll know very quickly whether <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of the Dragon</i> is worth spending any time in.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">She-Hulk: Attorney At Law</i> (Disney+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, August 18th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Don't be confused by the title, which sounds like a wacky comedy. Tatiana Maslany, who won an Emmy for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Orphan Black</i>, plays lawyer Jennifer Walters. After an emergency blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner, you won't like her when she's angry. Welcome to the MCU. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7JsKhI2An0" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Undeclared War</i> (Peacock)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, August 18th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There's an election in Britain in 2024, and an intelligence group discovers a cyber-attack coming from Russia. The analysts decide to retaliate, and things quickly escalate outside the online world with tremendous ramifications in this six-episode drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/afyEL5m9A4k" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bad Sisters</i> (Apple TV+)</b> Friday, August 19th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Five British Garvey sisters help one of their own get rid of a not-so-nice husband in this dark comedy from <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Catastrophe</i>'s Sharon Horgan. Prepare for the <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Big Little Lies</i> comparisons, but this show has a lot more humor and different sensibilities. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZUrhfCl0Xc" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Legacy: The True Story of the L.A. Lakers</i> (Hulu)</b> - Antoine Fuqua's 10-part docuseries chronicles what really happened during the Showtime run. Premieres Monday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist (Netflix)</b> - The second volume of epic tales from the wild world of sports kicks off with the story of Mante Te'o's girlfriend. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Echoes</i> (Netflix)</b> - Michelle Monaghan plays identical twins who have been swapping lives and one disappears. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sprung</i> (Freevee)</b> - Greg Garcia reunites Garret Dillahunt and Martha Plimpton is this comedy about convicts released during the pandemic using their criminal expertise to do some good. Debuts Friday.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick:</b> <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadwood</i> (HBO Max) - There's lots of cursing and drinking in this South Dakota town in the late 1800's. Corruption is everywhere but a new sheriff in town vows to clean things up. The Emmy winning series features top notch acting and writing you just don't get anywhere else.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">----</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-40579599391080184072022-08-12T05:52:00.001-07:002022-08-12T05:52:14.812-07:00TV Picks - Week of August 8<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #04050a; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif; font-size: 23px;">The Detroit Lions haven't had a winning record in the NFL since 2017. They haven't won their division since 1993 when it was the NFC Central (not the NFC North.) The last time the Lions won a playoff game was 1991. They traded their quarterback before last season, and he won the Super Bowl. Any Lions fan will tell you that the team has long been a mess.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I can't wait to see the Detroit Lions this week. That's because <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i>, the award-winning NFL training camp docuseries, returns this Tuesday at 10pm and the Lions are this year's team of choice.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Sports has long been the best "reality television" to watch. There's a reason that the number one show year after year is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sunday Night Football</i> on NBC. It's the only reason to watch live TV anymore.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I love football. I went to the University of Michigan in the late 80's and experienced Bo's final days as coach. The local professional team was the Lions, and they were not good. Detroit made attempts to "restore the roar" but the team just wasn't competitive or fun to watch. College football mattered more than pro.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">When you root for a perennial loser, there's always hope for that one magic season to turn things around. The Lions have had legendary players like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, but a season where they win more than they lose often eludes them.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The beauty of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> is that the team itself really doesn't matter. It can be any squad (except the Dallas Cowboys, who I can't stand). You get to know the players. The coaches. Their families. The training staff. Every aspect of what goes in to putting together a 53-man roster. You can't help but get caught up in it. And since the season has yet to begin, the wins and losses are irrelevant.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">NFL Films shoots beautiful footage for <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> that makes every player look like a potential all-pro. You feel like a fly on the wall of the training facilities and meeting rooms. And Liev Schreiber's narration makes a casual observation about the smallest roster move feel like life changing news.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> has all of the elements of any great television drama. A high-profile franchise in an exclusive business. The ultimate goal of winning a championship. A more realistic goal of making the playoffs. High draft picks and long-time veterans. Tragic injuries and miraculous playmaking. Old coaches, young upstarts and a head coach trying to make it all gel.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The head coach is typically the star of the show. Lions coach Dan Campbell is in his second year and trying to establish himself and the team. Assistants range from long-time staff members to new blood trying to change the culture. Almost every coach gets fired in the NFL, so the jobs are always on the line. And Coach Campbell is intense.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The other key members of the cast are the players. The veterans know what training camp is all about. They're having a good time and trying to stay healthy. And of course, they're putting the rookies in their place. It's time for these kids to pay their dues.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> profiles late-round picks and free agents who are trying to make the team. You live and die with their struggles. These guys don't get many opportunities on the field, and when they do they need to make the most of them.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's the irony — these rookies were star players in college football. They're not used to being told what to do and humbling themselves. The smart ones keep quiet, do what's asked, and prove themselves on the field. The cocky ones often don't make the team. Humility is everywhere on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">My favorite part of the series is when The Turk comes around in the final episode. This is the low-level employee tasked with visiting players to come see the coach and bring their playbooks. He is the bearer of bad news. The guy that no one wants to see. Watching these cuts can be heartbreaking.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The beauty of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> is by the end of the season, you're rooting for the team that has been profiled. You know the faces under the helmets and all that goes into preparing for a NFL season. You cheer for guys to make the roster and get crushed when your favorites come up short.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">In other words, there are going to be a lot more Lions fans heading into the 2022 season. Let's hope the roar is finally restored.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EqzybMVURls" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Five Days At Memorial</i> (Apple TV+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, August 12th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This eight-episode book adaptation takes place at a New Orleans hospital dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The lack of resources (starting with electricity) forces the staff to make life and death decisions.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Carlton Cuse and John Ridley know how to produce compelling drama, and the tragedy of one of nature's nastiest events leads to fatalistic decision making and subsequent criminal charges. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az81r01YwLw" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Fool</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, August 12th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Hugs Not Thugs &mdash that's the theme of this autobiographical comedy set in South Central L.A.. Julio Lopez (creator Chris Estrada) is 30 years old, living with his parents, and working at a gang rehabilitation center where his message his often mocked.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Older cousin Luis just got out of prison and moves in with Julio and his family. The contrast in their lifestyles provides plenty of laughs as gang members make life choices leading to different results outside the prison walls.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wvwbKafI0Fs" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Princess</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Saturday, August 10th 8:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Yes, it's another Lady Di project. But this documentary consists entirely out of archival footage, so you can see what all the recent TV shows, films and Broadway musicals got right and oh so wrong. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PisHN6iFq-U" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Children of the Underground</i> (FX)</b> - Five-part documentary series about Faye Yager who taught women and children how to protect themselves by any means necessary from abusive husbands and fathers. Then the FBI gets involved. Friday at 8:00 PM ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A League Of Their Own</i> (Amazon Prime Video)</b> - A second attempt at a series based on Penny Marshall's hit movie. There is crying in TV adaptations. Friday.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert</i> (Comedy Central)</b> - Hard to believe it has been 25 years since the premiere. Celebrate at Red Rocks with performances from Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Primus, and Ween. Saturday at 10 PM ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tales Of The Walking Dead</i> (AMC)</b> - Six standalone hour-long episodes featuring new faces and familiar ones in Robert Kirkman's zombie filled apocalypse. Sunday at 9 PM ET.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rectify</i> (AMC+)</b> - After two decades on death row, DNA evidence frees Kevin Holden who returns to his Georgia hometown after being wrongfully convicted as a teen. Daniel attempts to put his life back together in this old Southern town in this hard-hitting intense drama.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p><div><br /></div><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a0a0a0; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-52972503984747026932022-08-03T04:50:00.000-07:002022-08-03T04:50:00.092-07:00TV Picks - Week of August 1<div class="prilot_body" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Who's ready for another 90's reboot?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Network execs have always loved been bringing back successful shows from the past. Built-in audience, the pull of nostalgia, and showrunners who "know what works" are a potent combination. Still, the failure rate is tremendously high. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Murphy Brown</i>, anyone?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This week's entrant arrives Thursday on Paramount+. It's <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i>. Heh heh.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3DSSDUI0Cis" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I believe in Beavis and Butt-Head, and I believe in Mike Judge. Mike has a good feel for what works and has been down this road before with his recent film <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe</i>, which wowed critics with <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/beavis_and_butt_head_do_the_universe" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">a whopping 96% score</a> on the tomatometer.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Point being: Mike doesn't need my help. Nor do the execs who greenlit this revival. But other network executives do. So here's a simple revival/reboot/reimagining checklist to guarantee success.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Leverage Your Title</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Don't get cute with the name of the franchise you're bringing back. The only excuse is if you don't have the rights (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cobra Kai</i> vs. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Karate Kid</i>). Have a field day with the episode titles but leave the main one alone whenever possible.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - Names are in the title. Check.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stay True To The Original Story</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">So many of these reboots take established characters and foist them into new worlds. Big mistake. We want to see our old favorites in relatable situations. Yes, this can be complicated by the fact that the actors may be decades older.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - Animated characters don't age. Check.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Never Lose Focus On The Main Characters</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">It's tempting to write in a new family member, friend, villain or protagonist that wasn't in the original. That's fine, as long as they are minor characters. The "A story" must evolve around the returning stars. We are here to see them, not their new cousin, boss or curious neighbor.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - Won't be a problem with these two. Check.</p><div class="content_hint" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Refer To The Past But Don't Dwell On It</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This is a tricky one. The right balance is critical to the success of the show. Casual nods and smart references go a long way. Let the audience fondly remember what happened. Leave breadcrumbs, not the whole loaf.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - This is a challenge because everyone loves old references. But there's so much new stuff to mock that I think this duo can handle it. Check.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Don't Count On Callbacks (And Make Sure They're a Surprise)</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">One of the best parts of any reboot is seeing how the cast has aged. Another delight is when a minor character shows up in a plot twist. Use these wisely and sparingly. Don't worry about getting obscure… we'll remember who they are or search the internet and pretend to. But every episode can't depend on a callback. Tease us to please us.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - Stewart is coming back, but in a cool way. I'm sure we'll see a t-shirt or two that we recognize. Check.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Make Fun Of Yourself</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Let us know that you're in on the joke. Whether it's a drama or comedy, don't take yourself too seriously. We all know why you're back, and it's always funny to reference why. It's an immediate bond that eases the return of an old favorite.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head</i> - Expect plenty of self-referential humor. Check.</p><div class="content_hint" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">All revivals, even animated ones, face challenges. Mike Judge is a very smart, funny guy. He gets it. Beavis and Butt-Head could have remained on MTV over the past three decades and wouldn't have missed a beat. I look forward to seeing this version of this cynical duo.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Reservation Dogs</i> (FX on Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Season 2 premieres Wednesday, August 3rd</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">When this comedy premiered last year, many reviews focused on its all-indigenous cast and writing/directing staff. What sometimes got overlooked was the originality of this show centered around a Native American reservation in Oklahoma.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The second season arrives with lofty expectations, and the first two episodes live up to the challenge. The wit has always been dry, the stories get deeper as the characters continue to deal with the fallout of Daniel's suicide.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-xjKgOnf1w4" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Sandman</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, August 5th</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The long-awaited Neil Gaiman adaptation arrives after years of hype. Following the Lord of Dreams on his cosmic trail dealing with personifications of emotions like Death and Despair is difficult to translate on to any screen.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">An epic story needs an epic cast, and you'll recognize quite a few fantasy heroes in this one, including two <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Game of Thrones</i> favorites. The drama is ambitious and fully committed to its land of fantasy. The story is tough to follow, but the ride is a beautiful one. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ClbRPRDXU" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">All Or Nothing: Arsenal</i> (Amazon)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, August 4th</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Why not take the HBO <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hard Knocks</i> formula and apply it to other sports? This season profiles the football (soccer in the U.S.) team Arsenal with behind-the-scenes access to the intensity of the biggest sport in Britain. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta3CLkX-bzk" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><div class="content_hint" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Industry</i> (HBO)</b> - It's season two and a two-year time jump for the young bankers battling their way through a London investment firm. Monday at 9:00 PM ET.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Life As A Rolling Stone</i> (Epix)</b> - A weekly series profiling each member of arguably the world's greatest rock and roll band. Guess who the first episode is about? Sunday.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">House of Cards</i> (Netflix)</b> - Kevin Spacey has become better known for his off-screen work, but before his scandal he starred in this well written political thriller. The Underwoods are a ruthless couple willing to do anything to climb the D.C. ladder. Robin Wright and Michael Kelly are fantastic throughout, while Mahershala Ali, Kate Mara and Corey Stoll shine in Season 1.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Previous Picks:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">---</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p></div><p class="p_color1item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(160, 160, 160) !important; display: inline-block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px !important; line-height: 20px !important; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;"></p><div class="clear" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #b1b1b1; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 1px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-75535248432321383022022-07-28T05:21:00.003-07:002022-07-28T05:21:27.700-07:00TV Picks - Week of July 25<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I have a soft spot for anything involving sharks on TV, and this is their week to shine. Welcome to Shark Week 2022.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Sharks make headlines. There are always stories about them getting a little too close to the beach or making a snack of a surfer's body part. The terror of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jaws</i> in the mid-70's continues to prevent people like me from swimming too far into the ocean. This isn't a new thing.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The staying power of Shark Week is truly something to behold. This is no fly-by-night idea. Shark Week has been happening now for decades, and the numbers (and advertising dollars) don't lie. There's plenty of bite left out there to watch.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">As for the programming, well that's a different story. What started as an informational week has turned into a schlockfest. Some documentaries still air, but <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sharknado</i> success and other mythical matchups have sensationalized Shark Week into something even bigger than that predator who destroyed the Orca.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The Discovery Channel delivers plenty of chum each year to devour.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This year Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will serve as Shark Week’s first-ever Master of Ceremonies, introducing each night’s programming, including these four titanic matchups:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jaws vs Kraken<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pigs vs Shark<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Great White vs Mako<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Jaws vs The Blob</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Pop culture tie-ins like:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Air Jaws: Top Guns<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Jackass Shark Week 2.0<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Stranger Sharks<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Impractical Jokers Shark Week Spectacular<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Mechashark Love Down Under<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tiger Queen<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sharks in Paradise<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tracy Morgan Presents: Sharks! With Tracy Morgan</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">And some truly irresistible over-the-top titles:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Great White Serial Kill: Fatal Christmas<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Raging Bulls<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Island of Walking Sharks<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Monster Mako Under The Rig<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Shark Women: Ghosted By Great Whites</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Discovery makes no apologies for Shark Week, and they shouldn't. Jacques Cousteau proved that there's an insatiable appetite for these mysterious creatures of the ocean.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I'm often asked during this time of the year if Shark Week has jumped the shark (they were never going to top <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sharknado</i>). But people keep going back to the beach knowing those fins could be circling. As long as viewers tune in, there will be opportunities to strap on the water skis and take a leap of faith.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Light & Magic</i> (Disney+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, July 27th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Those amazing effects in feature films must come from somewhere. Since the days of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Star Wars</i> (the original, not the lame prequels), the force behind some of our favorite future worlds has been Industrial Light & Magic.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I always knew the name and that George Lucas had something to do with it, but what exactly is ILM? Filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan explores the special effects studio in this six-part documentary series.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGs-5G3qVwk" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Most Hated Man On The Internet </i>(Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wednesday, July 27th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This three-part series will get you mad. The subject is Hunter Moore, the self-described king of revenge porn in the early 2010's. He built a cult-like following by uploading people’s private nude photos to his website and refusing to take them down. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">These are the stories of women who unsuccessfully battled to get their images removed as the "professional life ruiner" refused. One mother starts a successful crusade that eventually leads to the demise of Hunter and his site.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Santa Evita</i> (Hulu)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, July 26th<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />A seven-part miniseries on what happened to Eva Peron <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">after</i> she died in 1952. Don't cry for her embalmed body. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcgmeU1s0X0" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Resort</i> (Peacock)</b> - A couple takes an anniversary trip to Mexico and gets involved in a decade’s old mystery. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paper Girls</i> (Amazon)</b> - Four newspaper delivery girls in 1988 get caught up in a time-traveler war in this comic book adaptation. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Surface</i> (Apple TV+)</b> - A woman is told her memory loss is from a suicide attempt, but as she rebuilds her life she questions if what she was told is true. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Uncoupled</i> (Netflix)</b> - Neil Patrick Harris' husband of 17 years leaves him and throws his perfect life into chaos in this new Darren Star (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sex and the City, Emily in Paris</i>) comedy. Friday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">City On A Hill</i> (Showtime)</b> - It's the third season of this gritty Kevin Bacon led Boston police drama. Sunday at 10pm.</p><div class="content_hint" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weeds</i> (Showtime)</b> - Before Walter White, there was Nancy Botwin. Nancy's husband dies from a heart attack, and to keep her family afloat she decides to deal some marijuana. Mary Louise Parker is masterful as a suburban mom who puts a crazy spin on the American dream. You'll never get the "Little Boxes" opening theme out of your head.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Previous Picks:</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">---</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-46903038294301324942022-07-18T16:39:00.002-07:002022-07-18T16:39:55.209-07:00TV Picks - Week of July 18<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">We all have our guilty pleasures... especially when it comes to TV. There are shows with ridiculous premises that make us laugh (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wipeout</i>). There are the ones for young children that appeal to adults (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yo Gabba Gabba</i>). There are ridiculous contests with over-the-top behavior (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest</i>).</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Then there are <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">learned</i> guilty pleasures. The shows you start watching because you're with someone else who enjoys it, and gradually you become addicted. It could be anything... a sporting event, a reality show, or a sappy soap opera. Once you're hooked, you're hooked.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I love watching TV with my wife, and she has a soft spot for romance on the small screen. I enjoy watching these shows with her because I know she enjoys it, and it reminds us of different stages in our relationship. I've been "stuck" watching <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">thirtysomething, Once and Again</i>, and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sex and the City</i> and honestly ended up enjoying each program.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The latest entrant into this category is <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virgin River</i>. The fourth season of this Netflix romantic drama premieres Wednesday, and my wife and I cannot get enough of this tale set in the Pacific Northwest. I have become invested in the fate of Mel and Jack's romance in that quaint little town. How did I get here?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virgin River</i> is not winning any Emmys. That's not the purpose of this program. It's comfort food. The beautiful exteriors and soap opera plot lines go down easy. It feels like a romance novel on screen with some pretty good acting mixed in.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The show is at its best when it focuses on the romance between its two leads, Jack and Mel. The first season is a sweet tale of Mel coming to town and finding her way as Jack falls for the young doctor. The chemistry is evident, and the romance is bittersweet. Doc, Hope, Preacher and the rest of the locals have their subplots, but it's all in service of the main storyline.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">When the show extends beyond its two leads, look out. Any dramatic turns feel like a soap opera. Other romances are convenient and don't ring as true. This season, there's an episode at a renaissance fair that’s particularly painful to watch.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfZ3KaX5CiA" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">But it doesn't matter. This is cheesy TV at its finest, and you cannot stop watching. Season four is exactly what we’ve come to expect from a show like this. There are plot twists and turns, but everything centers around Jack and Mel figuring things out as life gets complicated in their simple town.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I've debated taking my wife on a trip out to the real Jack's Bar to see the show’s gorgeous <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virgin River</i> locations firsthand. Watching this dramatic romance brings us closer, and there's no better TV time than that.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Captain</i> (ESPN)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Monday, July 18th 10:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The biggest surprise about this seven-part documentary is that it actually got made. The notoriously private captain of the Yankees let us in to his personal life and growth as a baseball phenom.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Comparisons to Michael Jordan and <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Last Dance</i> are inevitable. Jeter always came through in the clutch and had a love for winning. All of those rings are testament to a throwback ballplayer who just went out there and played. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YQImd7MA0w" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Last Movie Stars</i> (HBO Max)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thursday, July 21</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Ethan Hawke directs this six-part profile of legendary Hollywood couple Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. They simply don't make couples like this anymore.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Well before the days of seeing every movement of any two actors who decide to get together, Newman and Woodward set the gold standard when it came to coupling stars. All relationships have peaks and valleys, but these two beautiful people thrived with all eyes upon them.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-lJpu8l5BTc" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b1b1b1; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Trying</i> (Apple TV+)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, July 22nd</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The third season of this British comedy features new parents Nikki and Jason struggling with their two new kids. Be careful what you wish for. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA_ZPEqjDSY" style="box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -1px 0px 0px inset, rgb(4, 5, 10) 0px -3px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #04050a; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch trailer</a>.</p></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Day The Music Died</i> (Paramount+)</b> - A documentary about the Don McLean classic tune "American Pie." Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">MLB All-Star Game</i> (FOX)</b> - The best in baseball show their stuff in Dodger Stadium. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The ESPYs</i> (ABC) </b>- Athletes in fancy outfits attend an awards show for sports. Seriously. Wednesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hannibal</i> (Hulu)</b> - The Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter story has been told in multiple films and TV series. This take starring Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy in the lead roles goes deep, especially when you consider that it was on NBC.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Previous Picks:</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">---</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111543444861122738.post-8620973781749203042022-07-12T07:23:00.001-07:002022-07-12T07:23:26.376-07:00TV Picks - Week of July 11<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I remember enjoying <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i> during its first season when, frankly, not a lot of others were watching. The dad from <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Malcolm in the Middle</i> played a dying chemistry teacher who started making meth in order to build a nest egg for his New Mexico family. It was an intriguing, well written and superbly acted show that left you wanting more after its quick first season.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">A Netflix jolt helped <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i> undergo an incredible surge of popularity leading all the way up to its finale four seasons later. The swelling audience got caught up in the life of Walther White and everyone involved in Heisenberg's world. A small AMC show became an international Emmy-winning phenomenon.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Naturally a spinoff made sense. The saga of Jesse? The remnants of Walt's family? Badger, Skinny Pete, or one of the other sketchy characters who survived the reign of Heisenberg? Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould chose to focus on another notable character — a shifty lawyer named Saul Goodman. The origin story of Mike Ehrmantraut, a heavy who (spoiler alert) doesn't make it through <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BB</i>, would be the other half of the puzzle.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Bob Odenkirk, who provided comic relief and slimy connections as Saul, would be the star of this new drama. A guy who made his bones in sketch comedy would be the lead. Jonathan Banks would play a younger Mike figuring out life in Albuquerque. Vince Gilligan was back at square one with two beloved minor characters and one of the best series of all-time under his belt.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There was plenty of skepticism going into <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i> despite the creators' dramatic pedigree. No one would be interested in the sleazy lawyer as a main character without Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn or Aaron Paul to watch every week. But right from the start, this drama would defy expectations like:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"You're making a prequel to Breaking Bad? Why would you mess with that legacy?"</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There was plenty of fear returning to this New Mexico universe without its main stars. But the creators had a few aces up their sleeves. <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BB</i>'s acting got plenty of acclaim, but the show's writing and directing were at the same level. That feeling of the original series seamlessly transferred to its prequel.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"It's about Saul and it's starring Bob Odenkirk, so it's going to be a comedy, right?"</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Saul Goodman was very funny on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i>, but the character is multi-dimensional and packs plenty of drama. How did Saul Goodman become so unscrupulous? What happened after his trip to the vacuum repair shop where new identities were assumed and he said goodbye to Walt? And what was Saul's life outside of his cheesy office and media blitz? <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i> has a fine sense of humor, but the intense drama is what makes it special.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"How can you make a prequel? We know what's going to happen!"</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">The lives of Lalo and Kim are the only undetermined fates on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i>, but since Gus proclaimed he was taking care of the "last of the Salamancas" on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BB</i>, things don't look good for the charming Lalo. As for Kim, Rhea Seehorn embodies the best character on the show. Better than Mike, Gus, Jimmy, Saul, Gene... any of the others. And frankly, it doesn't matter that we know the others make it through to the next series.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"How can you make a Breaking Bad prequel without Walt and Jesse? Is this show going to be more than just cameos?"</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Whenever someone from the original series appears, you can't help but smile. Seeing old cast members alive and kicking is a thrill. But these appearances are expertly woven into Saul's storyline. None seem like a reach. And who doesn't want more Gustavo Fring? I can't wait to see Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul this season, but they are the icing. Not the cake.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Don't the events of Breaking Bad limit what can happen in Saul's universe. It's just going to be some crazy clients and bad TV ads."</i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Never underestimate the writing on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Better Call Saul</i>, which has always come first. Just ask any of the cast members. The difficulty in keeping three timelines consistent is no small feat. But everything lines up. Seeing early versions of characters whose fates play out on <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BB</i> is a joy.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Of course, there's Saul, Mike, Gus, Hector and other notables from <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Breaking Bad</i>. But there's also Kim, Lalo, Nacho (RIP), Howard (RIP), Chuck (RIP), and countless others new to this world.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Tonight the first of the final episodes finally arrives, and the main character has three fates to predict.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Jimmy McGill - This one is easy. We know that Slippin' Jimmy will go full Saul Goodman. The question is, what puts him over that edge to full-scale sleaze? It's gotta be Kim related.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Saul Goodman - Saul ends up busted and on his way to Nebraska courtesy of Robert Forster's vacuum shop. But how did he get there and was his estate of excess with the golden toilet all that he left behind. Kim grew up in Nebraska. Just saying.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Gene Takovic - Here's the biggest mystery of all. This is Jimmy/Saul in the present day, and we have no idea how things will turn out for the Cinnabon man. He has been made by a nosy cab driver, but where does he turn? Is there anyone alive to turn to? And who is looking for him?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">There are a ton of other unanswered questions. What about Mike Ehrmantraut? This show started as a 50/50 split between these two, but the later seasons naturally have focused more on Jimmy and Kim. Mike isn't Gus' number two just yet, but we know something has got to change. I'll take more Mike any day of the week.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Main characters do perish in this universe, but I believe Kim Wexler will survive these final episodes. Lalo's days are numbered, but it will be Mike that pulls the trigger and not Gus. Truthfully, I have no idea how things are going to turn out. And that's just the way I like it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If Vince Gilligan has another spinoff about Wendy's trips to the Crossroads Motel or Francesca's life as a temp, consider me there. In the meantime, let's all savor these final trips into the world of Jimmy/Saul/Gene.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVeTDxCwGLE" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Here's what else is worth watching this week…</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">PREMIERES</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What We Do In The Shadows</i> (FX)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, July 12th 10:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">I originally missed the boat on this very funny series that documents the lives of vampires on Staten Island. But now I'm all caught up and ready for season four with baby Colin Robinson.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This season, their Staten Island residence needs some renovations, Nadja wants to open a vampire nightclub, and Lazlo decides to raise Colin Robinson as one of his own. Expect the same dark wit and so-called attempts to blend into society from these beloved creatures of the night.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CuYcR8SgSKk" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Rehearsal</i> (HBO)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Friday, July 15th 11:00 PM ET</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Nathan Fielder fans, rejoice. The star of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nathan For You</i> and producer of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How to With John Wilson</i> returns with a six-episode series. Nathan is once again trying to help people with their everyday lives.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">This time, actual rehearsals for big moments in life are set up so people know what to expect when the real thing happens. The sense of humor from Nathan's previous work is all over these practice sessions. The journey is often more entertaining than the end result. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Daughter's Killer</i> (Netflix)</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tuesday, July 12th</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">A true-crime documentary about a dad who fights for decades in France and Germany to bring his daughter's killer to justice and left to resort to his own devices.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How To Change Your Mind</i> (Netflix)</b> - A four-part series that examines the effects of LSD, MDMA, mescaline and psilocybin on our brains. Tuesday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Victoria's Secret: Angels & Demons</i> (Hulu)</b> - This docuseries uncovers everything you wanted to know about the infamous brand and those who were involved. Thursday.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">GREATEST HITS</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This Week's Pick: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mr. Show</i> (HBO Max, Hulu)</b> - One of the most underrated sketch series ever produced. Bob Odenkirk (yes, Saul Goodman) and David Cross go full <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Monty Python</i> goofing on everything from politics and religion to every corner of pop culture. You'll recognize a bunch of young L.A. comedians destined to be future stars. This is sketch comedy with a true edge.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Previous Picks:</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Banshee</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Police Squad!</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Party Down</i> (Starz)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dexter</i> (Showtime)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alias</i> (Hulu/Disney+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Great</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Atypical</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sherlock</i> (PBS)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magic City</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Imposters</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Episodes</i> (Showtime/Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For All Mankind</i> (Apple TV+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abbott Elementary</i> (ABC)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damages</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luther</i> (HBO Max)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Downton Abbey</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Justified</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Good Wife</i> (Paramount+)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Freaks & Geeks</i> (Hulu)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Patriot</i> (Prime Video Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Battlestar Galactica</i> (Peacock)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Split</i> (Prime Video)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bordertown</i> (Netflix)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Halt and Catch Fire</i> (AMC+)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">---</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(4, 5, 10) !important; font-family: "GFS Didot", serif !important; font-size: 23px !important; line-height: 29px !important; margin: 5px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px !important;">Get vaccinated. Get a booster. Stay healthy and safe!</p>Jon Heinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291479163950760719noreply@blogger.com0