On Television

Year End Shows

sudz — 2004-12-30T12:59:41Z

Over the years, I have enjoyed news or specials type shows on TV that recap the top stories of the year. I haven't noticed any being promoted this year. Anybody know of any I should see? What are the top stories, anyway? Tsunomi, Scott Peterson, Martha Stewart, Terrorism, and what else?

Saving Private Ryan

frolix — 2004-11-12T14:03:18Z

I literally couldn't believe my eyes while reading the reason why certain ABC stations were unable to broadcast one of the finest movies ever made last night.

This is what happens when the easily-offended go ballistic at the unexpected appearance of a woman's nipple for a nano-second. They scream and carry on as though we're becoming a nation of the damned and now television stations don't know what they can air and what they can't without being slapped with a monster fine.

But I think this is less about eliminating graphic language and violence from television and more about the negative portrayal of servicemen that government simply wants to suppress. One scene in SPR in particular stands out: where the Germans are trying to surrender while the Americans unmercifully gun them down.

It's only a matter of time until 'unfit' books are deemed inappropriate for certain readers and removed from the shelves of libraries. You think I'm kidding? Mark my words, it's coming.

-frolix

Dr. Phil's Interview with the Kerry's

frolix — 2004-10-08T12:51:23Z

'http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A13439-2004Oct6?language=printer'>http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A13439-2004Oct6?language=printer

Snips I particularly enjoyed:

'Do you agree that it doesn't matter how old they get, they're still just little boys all their lives?' Surprisingly, even when confronted with such questions as these, the top of Teresa the Outspoken's head did not come off. ------- When her kids were growing up, she let them watch only 30 minutes of TV a day -- 'Wild Kingdom' or 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.' Once a week they were allowed to watch one hour more, but they had to write a one-paragraph report on why they liked that program. ------- On the other hand, we came away from the whole experience a little worried about Dr. Phil's marriage. Dr. Phil, there are eight traits to a marriage in trouble. You have four of them; Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn had six. Take, for example, when Dr. Phil was asked by Heinz Kerry how old his two boys were. 'Twenty-four and 17,' Dr. Phil responded quickly. 'Twenty-five,' Mrs. Dr. Phil said, as if she meant it to hurt. 'He turned 25 last Sunday.' 'Oh, yeah, that's right,' Dr. Phil said, somewhat sheepishly. 'Twenty-five,' Mrs. Dr. Phil said for good measure. 'I need to correct myself,' he said contritely to the Kerrys, while his eyes screamed, 'Help me, please!' Later, when Mrs. Dr. Phil asked the Democratic nominee for president of the United States whether one of his two daughters was more like him, Kerry -- not realizing that this was just one of her setups to give the Dr. Phils an opportunity to talk about themselves -- answered diplomatically that daughter Alexandra is more like him in some ways but, in other ways, daughter Vanessa is more like him. '. . . because we have one son that I call Dr. Phil Jr.,' Mrs. Dr. Phil prattled on happily. 'He is so much like his father. But of course both our boys have a lot of their father's traits. But Jordan is just Phil McGraw Jr.!' 'Yeah, that's true,' Dr. Phil chimed in. 'But you're just bragging on him now.' Then, remembering that he was in the doghouse, Dr. Phil looked down and said, 'Well, maybe not.' -------- 'Did you ever hope you would have a daughter?' Mrs. Dr. Phil asked Heinz Kerry. 'Yes, I lost a couple -- I had some miscarriages.' 'Oh,' said Mrs. Dr. Phil, momentarily surprised to find her foot in her mouth. 'I have several pinkies in heaven. I call them pinkies,' Heinz Kerry explained.

Big Brother Tonight!

frolix — 2004-07-07T00:30:38Z

FINALLY!

Reversible Errors

sudz — 2004-05-24T23:00:08Z

I don't get into TV all that much, especially movies made for TV. However, Reversible Errors is really good. The first half aired Sunday night and the other half will air Tuesday evening. The complexity of the plot and the potential for surprises is a lot like another classic movie (that never got made) called Murder on Fairhope Pier. The plot is not predictable and there are several romances brewing at the same time. Watch it.

Any Friends of Enterprise?

anomaly — 2004-05-13T02:33:58Z

Yeh, I'm a geek. At the time, I wasn't particularly fond of Star Trek but I definitely got into The Next Generation. I wasn't into the DS9 and Voyager series because they seemed a good deal cheesy, even for the Star Trek Franchise.. Then, there's Enterprise. About a year ago, I stumbled upon the first season of Enterprise on movie swapping networks, so I watched them. What a great series. Strong characters and way-cool technology that made TNG popular with me are major factors in, what I think - is a compelling story potential. Enterprise, is what the Star Trek franchise is all about - cool technology, space battles, compelling stories and bad acting- it's what you expected to see at Star Wars Episode 1 and 2 (well.. bad acting was still there...) If you are a fan of the Star trek universe, you should consider checking enterprise out. It's not a hoakie as Voyager and DS9 and has many of the features that made the other two so popular. To me, the lack of popularity of UPN is because of the go-nowhere network it resides on. This brings me to the point of my post. On May 20th, UPN will be deciding whether or not to renew enterprise for a new season. If you haven't checked it out, you should! I'd hate to see it get replaced for more reality tv. 'http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/ENT/index.html'>http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/ENT/index.html 'http://www.saveenterprise.com'>http://www.saveenterprise.com Yeah, so I showed my geekiness. Anomaly

Sixty Minutes

sudz — 2004-05-25T13:03:28Z

Did anyone see Sixty Minutes this past Sunday? I thought Andy Rooney got it right. I was also amazed at the interviews with military Generals who tried to persuade the white house not to go into Iraq. Funny how everyone screams “I told you so” when a plan goes sour (or becomes unpopular) and how quick they are to take credit when things go well (or become hero makers). I remember our buddy from the now defunct WKRG forum saying it was all about the oil. Hmm. So why are we paying two bucks a gallon for gas? Didn't we win? Can you spell exit stratergy stratogy stratedgey.. oh heck... can you spell eggzit plan?

Sunday's Sopranos!!!

frolix — 2004-05-24T12:47:50Z

Note to Luna - Don't read if you haven't watched the lastest episode yet!

All I can say is WOW! That had to be one of the most amazing shows in the history of television. I mean, I figured it had to happen...but it was so well done that even as the inevitable unfolded I still couldn't be sure. David Chase is quite simply a genius.

There were other moments in the parallel storylines I liked too, but the whacking of Adrianna tore my heart out.

Whatever will I do when there is no more Sopranos?

-frolix

Family Plots / Airline

frolix — 2004-05-21T11:50:51Z

Based on a suggestion from Luna, I watched these shows on A E and enjoyed them both. Family Plots is simply Six Feet Under without the sex and Airline is filled with some of the most impatient, crazy, shouting, short-fused people I've ever met other than me. That said, these flyers had every right to be cranky...the episode I watched had Southwest Airlines overbooking a flight by over FIFTY PEOPLE, many who had had their reservations confirmed for months and would miss a cruise if they didn't arrive at their destination on time. Good grief! One of the Southwest employees was unhumanly patient and kind to the aggressive would-be passengers who looked at any moment like they would climb over the counter and pummel her to death with their bare fists. The family running the funeral home on Family Plots is quite colorful and entertaining too and almost makes me want to work in that business except for the fact that I'm afraid of dead people, embalming is creepy and attending funerals day after day would make me want to blow my brains out, but still. Good shows, Luna...thanks for the suggestion! -frolix

The Last Episode of Friends - Which Friend are you?

Mad Scientist — 2004-05-07T03:29:11Z

Any Friends watchers out there? I thought the finale was well done and enjoyed it. it -almost- brought a tear but then I had realization that my heart is made of stone. Of the character lineup of friends, which Friend are you? Me? I'm Joey.

Does anyone here watch The Apprentice?

Mad Scientist — 2004-01-29T06:09:55Z

Sam is going to die a early death. That guy needs to chill out. '/DesktopDefault.aspx?forumid=5 userid=16 tabid=32 forumpage=2'>M/┤D SC|εNT|ST

Which do you watch and why?

luna — 2004-04-13T16:50:44Z

I'm just curious... which station do you watch for local news and why? What do you like or not like about the stations? Luna

Reality Shows, are they REALLY real?

crabbyabby — 2004-01-30T03:48:58Z

I will half watch some if hubby (with the greased lightning remote) slows down for a bit. The big fat etc... I think that is too harsh, don't like it when people are really hurt or upset. Also, eating gross stuff for money???? Or the average guy against hunks (that is unfair also). The show with the bachelorette and the guys, do people really have that discussion and so deep feelings? “ I knew we connected when I gazed into your limpid, chocolate velvet , oh-so-round eyes “ yea right.

Any Sopranos fans out there?

frolix — 2004-03-03T19:55:41Z

I am all aquiver with anticipation of the new season, beginning on Sunday. Who will be whacked? Who will sleep with the fishes? How much more weight can James Gandolfini gain and still be sexy? -frolix Unquestionably the best series ever developed.

America's Funniest Home Videos..

madmax — 2004-02-10T03:03:16Z

I always hated on AFV where some kid spitting up on their parents would always win over some genuinely funny stuff from other home videos. The show was a “cutest baby tricks” show and not a funniest video show. mm

The Grammy's

anomaly — 2004-02-09T01:28:59Z

I had no idea that Prince, or the artist formally known as Prince, or whoever he is now - actually knew how to play guitar. I always took him as one of those people that just made it on the shock value and content of their music - I never considered that he may actually have some musical talent.

Baby Beauty Pageants

frolix — 2004-02-05T02:00:06Z

I was channel-surfing the other night, trying to find something to pique my interest, and I certainly did. A documentary that honestly - truthfully! - gave me nightmares that night. I didn't catch the name, but it was a documentary following predominantly two five and seven-year-old girls through the beauty pageant circuit. The dreams I had were of these robotic-looking baby-dolls being manipulated by these strange monsters who were in fact their mothers. One of the worst parts of the show was the fact that the littlest star and her mother were from Alabama. The mom, looking all the world like a street whore, married to a gaunt man old enough to be her father, with a passle of other kids with varying degrees of problems (the son went into a juvenile detention center during the film). And this precious little girl, 'Swan', being molded into a caricature of a teenage model, forced to perform like a trained pony in front of not only other creatures of their ilk but millions of people viewing this special. The makeup they put on these tiny children was horrifying. The hair extensions and bleaching and teasing of their hair. The over-the-top sexual posturing and expressions. And they were five and seven years old! It made me incredibly sad, angry and disgusted, all at the same time. And the parents and families appear to be clueless, as though what they're doing is truly what the children want. One more item to be placed near the top of my 'List of Things that Should Be Against the Law'. -frolix

Welcome to the On Television Entertainment Forum

anomaly — 2004-01-22T04:08:54Z

In this forum you can discuss television series and topics related to television programming.. The GulfCommunity.Com team asks that you please keep all posts free of inappropriate material and offensive language. This is a family oriented website and young people may see your posts. Have Fun!