NBC Thursday: Season Premieres

My favorite line up of comedy starts tonight on the peacock network.

The final season of The Office commences, and despite my shouts of 'shut it down now!' I am sad that's it's nearing the end. Before the writers strike of 2007, this show was one of the most unique, funniest and emotionally sweet single cameras around. But something happened after the picket signs were put away and the ball got rolling again. Somewhere around the show's season four, it became a sitcom. Contrivances, continuity and lashes of deus ex machina with characters to which I'd grown ambivalent, The Office was not longer "must see" but just another DVR recording I'd delete.

Executive Producer Greg Daniels had mentioned during the hiatus, that The Office would return to form this last season. So, I'm hoping it's filled with heart warming Jim and Pam moments, less Andy and Erin and big name guest stars, with a nice Michael Scott cameo or two for good measure.

The video below made me sad. The ending is very much needed at this stage, but bittersweet nonetheless.



Also premiering is my new favorite show right on network television right now - Parks and Recreation. Leslie is now the new council-lady and Ben is off in Washington DC working on a new campaign. A little Jim-and-Pam-type long distance drama could be thrown in, but I think the powers that be have used up all their romantic-drama cards on the Halperts. Tom and Anne are moving in together, and Anne looks as annoyed as ever. Andy is moving toward a new career choice - policeman. Let's hope that Tom and Donna continue to include us in "Treat Yo-self Day"(misspelling noted) this season:



Up All Night has really grown on me. This cast is hilarious. Looks like Ava's show has been canceled, which could be a massive problem since Reagan has been the primary bread winner in the family.



SNL Election

Parks and Recreation: The Votes Are In?

In last night's season finale of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope won the vote for City Council over daddy's boy, Bobby Newport. In a lovely turn of events for our hard working heroine, Leslie almost faced defeat until a recount confirmed she was the winner. The episode a rubber band of emotion, snapping back and forth as Knope's political fate hung in the balance, and her love life threatened when Ben was offered a sweet deal to work on a campaign in Washington DC. 

In the study of dramas and comedies,  there is a mythological structure of storytelling, the hero (or in the this case, heroine) must get through the ring of fire to test his/her mettle. With Leslie, a Pawnee born and bred woman of integrity,  and stoic lover of civic duty, in seasons past we've seen her deal with irate parents,  falling into the hands of "gotcha journalism" and rectifying minor scandals that rocked her campaign. But her faith and integrity prevailed every step of the way with humor, grace and a crack team of supportive friends.  And of course - Ben.

Yet, the final test after coming through the ring of fire is her love life. With Ben suddenly offered a job of a lifetime in Washington DC, Leslie was initially unable to let him go. When the dust settled and victory was hers, she relented and realized he had stopped everything for her, now it was her turn to return the favor. As he embarks on six months in DC hobnobbing with the big guns of politics,  Leslie's faith and patience will be further tested with the end result, hopefully, being a lovely reward of marriage and kids and possibly the Mayor's seat.

It feels like Pam Beesly going to New York while Jim stayed in Scranton all over again. Perhaps it's a Greg Daniels/Michael Schur device to inflict turbulence into what should be smooth sailing, especially after Leslie went through a major test. Yet, as in the Beesly/Halpert case, patience was indeed a virtue, and the reward satisfying.

As we leave the fictional Pawnee and its pretend residents who represent who we are in our own communities around the country, the question still hangs in the air: Will NBC renew Parks and Recreation for a season five? The answer my friend will be blowing at the Upfronts next week in New York.

It is my feeling that we'll be seeing more of Leslie, Ben and their wonderful friends; however, with NBC cutting back on episodes for returning shows, there's a chance we'll only see about 13 episodes of their story.

Update: Parks and Recreation was picked up for 22 episodes for season 5!  Source: DeadlineHollywoodDaily.

Comedy Renewals, Comedy Finales, Comedies on the Bubble

Upfront season is a mixed bag of emotions for a comedy follower such as moi. On one hand, pilots are being staffed,  and the impending Upfronts are bringing in news about sitcom pick ups, whether  returning or brand spanking new. On the other hand, it's the end of another television season.  Story lines are drawing to their final conclusions, and cliff hangers are hatched to torture you during summer barbeques as you argue with your Glee obsessed cousin about who'll develop herpes, which teenager really looks 30 years old and whether or not they'll get into the Nationals.

Tonight, Parks and Recreation will have its season finale. Leslie Knope has been campaigning for City Council of Pawnee, up against a spoiled millionaire's son played to perfection by Paul Rudd. In tonight's episode, the election comes to its conclusion, and we will find out who the victor is - Bobby Newport or Leslie. Two endings were shot - one of Leslie winning, and the other of her losing - so all bets are on. No official renewal has been made for Parks and Rec, but I'm betting we'll see its return in 2012-2013 season.

After a rocky season of hiatus and the faux pas of Dan Harmon's outing of his hatred for Chevy Chase, Community has been renewed for season four with a short order of 13 episodes. 30 Rock has also been given a pick up; however, next year will be its last, with another abbreviated run of 13 - 14 episodes.  Parenthood has also been given a nod to return, with a short season as well.

The Office continues to cough and wheeze its way  into another year, with Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski and Ed Helms being good sports and ready to sign on for another round. There has been no word on whether this old horse of a show will be taken out back and shot, but I think the humane thing to do would be to euthanize this poor animal before it really begins to suffer. It's already limping along on Thursday nights, a shadow of it's former self. Tonight is the season finale.

Whitney and Up All Night are balancing ever so delicately on the soapy bubble of NBC. Their fate will be announced soon.

So, as we wind down into the mad frenzy of 2012-2013 season chatter, we say goodbye to the 2011-2012 season, you old chestnut of a year.

Source: DeadlineHollywoodDaily. 

Vote For Leslie Knope!

Last night on Parks and Recreation, the very dishy and funny Mr. Paul Rudd premiered as Bobby Newport, Leslie Knope's opponent for City Council of Pawnee. He's an empty headed rich boy, who, on the silver platter of life, had the world handed to him while sucking on a silver spoon. Leslie, on the other hand, has worked her heart out for her beloved town, and now has to handle low popularity numbers to try and outshine the dashing and dumb Bobby. It makes a lovely combination. Especially when Leslie's camp tries to grapple over using negative ads to thwart him. But, being true to herself, she takes the high road with a very smart advertising spot.



As per Executive Producer Michael Schur, Rudd's role will be a three episode arc with the hope of having him on when his schedule allows.

30 Rock Returns Tonight!

After a Fall season of Whitney filling in for Tina Fey as she rightly tended to maternity-hood, 30 Rock returns to the NBC schedule tonight in its new time - 8pm ET/PT.  Okay, perhaps the show, now heading into its sixth season, is starting to get a little tired. Yet, seeing the TGS team and Alec Baldwin post-American Airlines brawl back in the lineup should be fun, and remains a good reason to tune in. Also, Parks and Recreation returns with a new episode. And if you're still into The Office as it gasps on its last fumes, that's new too.

However, we must bow our heads and hope for the return of Community, now off the NBC schedule and awaiting word on its fate.

'Parks and Recreation' Instant Classic

Your mother's butt.

Parks and Recreation on Cover of 'Entertainment Weekly'

Question: Why is Adam Scott NOT on the cover of this issue?

Answer: Adam explains: (From Entertainment Weekly)

"Being a lifelong New Yorker (I grew up in Northern California and live in Los Angeles), when Entertainment Weekly called and begged me to be on the cover of their magazine (the show I’m on, Parks and Rec, was going to be on the cover, and thus I would ride its coattails) and that the shoot would be anywhere but Manhattan, I, of course, said no (yes).

To even consider leaving my fair city (I’ve never lived here) makes me literally vomit (not literally, actually not at all). So the decision was easy: I’d triumphantly stay in New York (I’m working on a movie here, and due to a giant storm, all flights were cancelled) while my fellow castmates mug it up in EW (I’m a subscriber). Victory (devastation)!!!

Mine (yours),

Nick Offerman (Adam Scott)"

If you hate (love!!!) Parks and Recreation as much as I do, and are truly pissed (thrilled!) that Adam Scott joined the cast (Best Casting Ever! I miss 'Party Down'!), then don't (DO!) read more over at EW.com. (not 'People').

'Parks and Recreation's' Dope New Opening Titles

Works for me.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

At Long Last...Parks and Recreation Returns Tonight!

It's been a long, cold, lonely television winter without the superb Parks and Recreation on air. After a long wait, the government arm of Pawnee will be back with with new cast members Adam Scott (Party Down) and Rob Lowe (sex tape, Austin Powers) joining Amy Poehler and cast for a new chapter. Best of all, Nick Offerman (aka Ron Swanson) and his mustache joins us once again.

Last we left the Parks and Recreation office, lack of money in the budget forced it to close down - much to the delight of breakfast loving Ron, whose hatred of government made him as happy as feasting upon a table full of bacon and eggs. Also, love is in the air. Andy and April, who are currently on the outs, most likely won't be for long. Tom, hoping to woo his ex-wife back into his life, might be winning the battle (if my memory serves). Chris (Lowe) has the hots for Annie. Ben (Scott) and Leslie have this "thing" - not sure what it is - but it might bubble into love more interesting and funnier than what NBC's own Perfect Couples is going to cook up.

And here is where I could transition into a discussion on the aforementioned Perfect Couples, starring The Daily Show's and G4's girl nerd wannabe, Olivia Munn. If it's a hit, and the world loves the tired old quirks of what looks like contrived comedy - then, I say enjoy. As Ronna and Beverly say..."not for me." (Watch it be a hit - along with CBS's Mad Love - a sitcom with How I Met Your Mother undertones. Considering CBS already has the terrific HIMYM, it's astonishing how they'd give us a new mangled version starring Sarah Chalke. I've actually viewed the pilot. Sadly, it's painful.)

Parks and Recreation airs tonight and every Thursday at 9:30pm ET/8:30pm CT.

Cast of Parks and Rec and Jimmy Fallon Spoof 'Glee'

...and suddenly my Friday just got better!

Community Picked Up for Second Season

It's a nice feeling to see a underdog television show like Community get the green light for season two. It's fresh. It's funny. The cast is solid. Joe McHale rules and Chevy Chase seems to be back to his old wry self. Series showrunner Dan Harmon video taped the cast in Makeup as he broke the good news. I think Chevy Chase was still alive. You can't really tell. (You can see it here).

Also wisely picked up by the bizarro peacock network was 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. Good news for all comedy fans. However, The Office will be groaning and thumping it's way into a seventh season since they've been renewed as well. How much more blood can they mine out of this stone?

Thursday Night

NBC. What can I say? You suck. But you still air Community, Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. I want to hate you tonight, avoid you like the evil you are, but like a platter of tantalizing cupcakes you lure me into your house made of gingerbread. I'm going to have to play Gretel to your big bad witch and be tempted inside your door because apparently I love metaphors, and I love the guest stars you have lined up for tonight's comedy block.

Are you kidding me? Jack Black and Joel McHale in the same 30 minutes of hilarious continuing college education fun on Community? Yes, I'll have another cupcake, Mr. Zucker.

Will Arnett guest stars opposite his real life lovely, funny and awesome wife, Amy Poehler on Parks and Recreation, portraying a potential love interest for Leslie Knopes.

It's around this time the hallucinagens start kicking in from the roofie laced cookie I snagged and Team Zucker has me under a spell. I'll fall asleep during a rerun of 30 Rock (Secret Santa), until an NBC programming executive hoses me with ice water in time for...


James Franco on a new 30 Rock (Klaus and Greta). Franco plays himself as the pretend boyfriend to Jenna in an attempt to stir publicity; however, that crazy blond with daddy issues is actually falling for him. (Hey guess what? I was wrong. It's a whole new hour of 30 Rock, and its super hilarious.)

You got me, Jeff. I want to boycott the network. Yet, I love these shows. I will watch them and buy the DVDs. I will also worship Conan until he goes off the air. But I will not be be lured into your dungeon and made into a Leno sex zombie slave.

(Check local listings)

FunnyorDie.com is not evil. In fact, it's angelic...if the angels got drunk, smoked weed and mooned a bunch of nuns. Here is a Parks and Recreation audition reel with Wu-Tang Clan.

Parks and Recreation is the Wu-Tang of Comedy - watch more funny videos

Louis C.K. Comes to Pawnee

Some good news from the Twitterverse by way of "Ken Tremendous". Thanks to my past visits to the now defunct www.firejoemorgan.com, "Ken" is actually Michael Schur, Executive Producer of Parks and Recreation. "Ken" has just announced that Louis C.K. will be guest starring this coming season as a Pawnee police officer.

Can't he be a regular? Either way, Pawnee and its pit just became even funnier.

A Night of Finales

Summer beckons. My beach bag, filled with suntan lotion, beach towel and pool pass has waited in the back of my closet as fall turned to brittle winter. But hello to summer means goodbye to some television favorites for the season. Tonight is season finale night for NBC's comedy Thursday lineup (at least the part I watch).

Parks and Recreation: Rock Show

Airs tonight on NBC at 8:30pm EDT/9:30pm CDT

The casts are off Andy's legs. What better way to test them out then to perform at a gig. Leslie tries to balance out her personal and professional life while everyone on her staff heads out to watch Ann's boyfriend shred the guitar.

The Office: Company Picnic
Airs tonight on NBC at 9:00pm edt/8:00pm cdt

Is the photo above a spoiler? Story: It's a warm and muggy day in Scranton. Thunder rumbles in the distance as fear quakes across the corporate park. Jim and Pam, driven to madness by Michael's neediness, poisons his cup of morning milk and sugar. He gasps his last breath. They frantically try to cover up clues to the murder. They cackle. He is dead. The fearsome annoying master is dead.

Not in this episode. It's just Michael dieing inside after finding out Holly and AJ will be at the company shindig entitled "Company Picnic". There will be twists of ankles and Michael trying to win back the affection of Holly who has moved on, while Michael grits his teeth and calls AJ fattie to cut him, even though he's totally rocking.


Even if the Nashua couple goes down in flames, I'm still shipping AJ and Ms. Flax. They are so fricking cute. It's like a Jim and Pam redux - Nashua version. Also, it's nice to see Rob Huebel and Amy Ryan back, with the hope of seeing them again next season.

30 Rock: Kidney Now!

Airs tonight on NBC at 9:31pm edt/8:31pm edt

When we last left Jack, his newly discovered biological father Milton dropped the kidney bomb: he needed one. Oh joy! He has a son with a spare kidney! The look on Jack's face could crush a truck. In tonight's episode, Jack tries to help his new dad without going under the knife by rounding up a bevvy of celebs for a benefit show to get Milton a new organ. Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Mary J. Blige, Clay Aitken are summoned under duress to perform in the feel good show of the year.

Meanwhile, now that Liz is enjoying the fame of the new "deal breaker" catch phrase, Jenna forces her to go on a trashy talk show to promote it. Tracy is invited by his high school to speak at graduation, but Kenneth has to help him overcome his embarrassing school memories.

It's been a real treat to see Alan Alda as Jack's dad. I'm holding out hope we have a Colleen sighting tonight just to see Elaine Stritch. A finale without Elaine is like, as Black Adder once said to Queenie, "... a broken pencil. Pointless".

So goodbye old season, and hello summer time. These shows will return when the calendar flips the page to September.

Thursday Night Comedy

Thursday is one of the coolest days of the week. It's the day before Friday, and, unless you're out for an evening of drinks and partying, it's a night in to watch the NBC line up of comedy.

My Name is Earl
Airs tonight on NBC @ 8:00pm et/7:00pm ct

I don't usually write about this show, and it's a shame. It can be funny, but it just hasn't compelled me enough to pick apart the world of its lead character Earl Hickey. However, I've enjoyed the sitcom since its inception. It's light hearted with just the right amount of fluff and zany antics that promote chuckles. The cast, lead by Jason Leigh, is truly terrific. Character development is custom built into Earl's karma list - the main device that rules the show; therefore, the progression isn't subversive as it is in The Office, or as side splitting as in 30 Rock, but its quirkiness has kicked off the prime time line up nicely these past several years.

When NBC announced program cancellations and introduced new comedies to their slate, Earl was still in limbo. Production companies could not come to an agreement, and there has been talk about shopping the show to another network. So, this could be Earl's swan song season on NBC, with the finale upon us in the next week.

Tonight's episode is entitled "Inside Probe: Part 2". The Crab Shack is filled to the gills with residents of Camden County who await the conclusion to the story of how Ernie Belchers disappeared. Theories of alien abduction, feuds and sex tapes are shared, but the answer is right in front of them.

Parks and Recreation

NBC Tonight @8:30pm et/7:30pm ct

Last week's episode "Boys Club" was so absolutely hysterical, so filled with fun that I feel Amy Poehler's new show is starting to gain some momentum. Sadly just when it's getting started on it's six episode first season run, we're down to the last two installments before summer hiatus. All the more to look forward to! With a full lineup of episodes for the 2009-10 season, P&C could go gangbusters.

Tonight's episode is "Banquet". Leslie Knope attends her a banquet honoring her mother, while Tom and Mark bail on the event to go pick up women.

The Office
Tonight on NBC @ 9:00pm et/8:00pm ct

Tonight's episode is entitled "Cafe Disco". As the title implies, Michael decides to bring the cafe disco world to Dunder Mifflin. Why not? Michael's dumbass-ery seems to get him everywhere at that stupid company. Meanwhile, Jim and Pam go on some kind of secret trip. Couple that with the goofy promo NBC has been airing where Pam blurts "We're getting married today", rest assured that they AREN'T getting married today, and if they were, I didn't wait five years for these lovebirds to get together only to have them married on a work day...impromtu...in their work clothes. There better be a church, a walk down the aisle, a wedding dress and a handsome groom at that alter - even if we have to wait until Fall. (As you can tell, I'm a bit miffed at this show).

30 Rock
Tonight on NBC at 9:31pm et/8:31pm ct

After Colleen planted the seed of doubt in Jack's mind about who his father really is, Liz and Tracy talk him into finding his biological dad. Didn't Tracy admit to Jack that he never cheated on Angie? Strange, because he introduces his illegitimate son to the TGS crew. Also, Liz and Jenna get into a tizzy about who gets recognition for one of Liz's ideas.

Thursday Night Lineup, Human Giant, and Please Watch The Mighty Boosh

Thursday is upon us. Spring is raging. The last few episodes of the 2008-2009 season are beginning to play out on telly, accelerating story lines for the inevitable summer time cliff hangers.

However, one freshman show, Parks and Recreation, is still in the throes of its "how do you do" phase. I've stayed silent here about P&C because I'm not yet smitten with the new Amy Poehler comedy. The cast is terrific (Rashida Jones is sweet and Aziz Ansari is usually genius hilarious), but I have to fall into line with the others who say it's like a duplicate copy of the mothership show The Office. The single camera mockumentary formula on television only seems to work with The Office itself. Although the humor is derived from Leslie Knope's (Poehler's) ambitious, plucky and lack of self aware nature, the ongoing premise of trying to get an empty pit turned into a park doesn't conjure empathy or laughs for me. Yet, there was a scene last week where Ann (Jones) and Leslie walk in on the guys playing Guitar Hero that was quite chuckle worthy. So, I'm still holding out for the program to find its legs.

Tonight's episode is entitled "The Reporter". Leslie invites a reporter to interview her for a story on the park project, only to end up sending out the wrong message. When she calls Mark (Paul Schneider) to help save the story, he makes the situation worse.

Parks and Recreation airs on NBC tonight at 9:00pm et/8:00 ct.

Speaking of The Mothership, The Office was pretty damn good last week. Solid, likable character interaction was infused with classic, funny, sublime writing, mixed with brillant performance. It made me a very happy Office fanatic and blogger.

The saga of the Michael Scott Paper Company continues tonight in an episode called "Broke". Michael and his crack staff (one who could easily be on Crack), have trouble making early morning deliveries. Meanwhile, everyone tries to get their expense reports in on time, while office tramp and hussy Angela Martin makes everyone follow Dunder Mifflin policy. I guess she has more incentive now that she's trying to impress and bed Charles Minor. Seriously, when will the Angela horniness end? Also, I'd like to see her deal with some repercussions from the Andy/Dwight triangle. If she has no remorse for her behavior, then I can't care about her. What about Jim and Pam? More of them...please.

The Office airs tonight on the Peacock at 9:00pm et/8:00 ct.

30 Rock is all new tonight with "The One". Since Selma Hayek has been all over this week's promos', it looks like Jack's paramour Elise is back from Puerto Rico. Jack is getting pretty serious about the pretty senorita nurse, and has Liz accompany him on a hunt for an engagment ring. Jack will also be turning to Tracy for marital advice, which should be a hoot. Elise tells Lemon she's hiding a secret (this scares me), and Jenna "loses her cool" (as the press release states) for an EMT when an injury on the TGS set summons the medics.

30 Rock airs on NBC at 9:30pm et/8:30pm ct.

NBC's Line Up Reminds me of....MTV's Human Giant

Each show noted above has a very close link to each cast member of the very sick, disgraceful and hard ass funny MTV comedy Human Giant. I love this show. It's a variety sketch series that most likely appeals to people with a hardcore warped sense of humor. The bits are incredibly clever, gross, cringe inducing and oh crap I can't believe I'm laughing at this hilarity. It's geared more for the male demographic, but hells, this lady likey.

Giant has completed two seasons on the music network with a third postponed due to other commitments by cast, who all have some connection with the shows listed yonder above. One of them being Aziz Ansari who is pretty booked right now playing Tommy Haverford on Parks and Recreation. He also played the fruit stand guy who hated Australians on Flight of the Conchords, and please...he was so cute and horrible, I fell.

Continuing the NBC lineup coincidence - Paul Scheer has played the evil NBC Page Donny Lawson, Kenneth's arch nemesis in a blazer on 30 Rock. He plays obnoxious so well, you can't help but love him. He also portrayed a bastard movie spoiler nerd in last summer's online series on Crackle.com called The Line directed by Seth Meyers featuring Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio and Jason Sudeikis .

And last but not least in the NBC Thursday threesome above, Giant's Rob Huebel has appeared as Holly Flax's boyfriend in The Office ("Lecture Circuit Part 2"), and will be in the season finale ("Company Picnic") to reprise the role. I've been crushing on this guy all week. His Tweets on Twitter are so much sick fun it's like he's putting Twitterites under a spell. No matter how much you fight it you lose and Huebel wins.

He's also appeared in I Love You Man, a movie that is so much on my "must absolutely see or be a loser" list that, well, it's a must see. He's also been in TheWB.com web series Children's Hospital. This guy is so ubiquitous that you might find him sitting in the car next to you in traffic.

Please Watch The Mighty Boosh

All attention must be paid to Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network at 1am Sunday Nights. The Mighty Boosh airs at this time, and it's WONDERFUL. The Boosh is Julian Barret and Noel Fielding. They have created a surreal, dreamy head trip of a comedy derived from years of stage performances and radio. I wrote about them a while ago. If you love Flight of the Conchords, Pee Wee and Spongebob, set your DVRs to funky, please.

The Mighty Boosh airs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim Sunday nights (or if you like, Monday mornings) at 1am et.

Thursday Night Comedy

If you're like me and enjoy NBC's Thursday night block of comedy, then this is a night to really savor. NBC doesn't always win points in my book for scheduling (or anything for that matter), but tonight is the exception. It's a full line up of decent comedy and the introduction of a new show.


First off, The Office will start at 8pm ET with episode titled "Dream Team". Jim finds himself in a parking lot soccer face off with new boss Charles, who is so scary to Halpert, I anticipate scenes of Jim looking awkwardly into the camera with fear glowing from his eyes. Michael is scared to face his first day as an entrepreneur as Pam tries to get him dressed and ready for his new venture - but not without re-introducing herself to a view of Michael's "dangling participle" apparently.


It will be followed by the premiere of the long awaited Parks and Recreation at 8:30ET. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) takes on city government by leading the quest to turn an empty construction sight pit into a park. Can't wait to see this show for myself!

And as if one new episode wasn't enough - we get a bonus extra! The Office returns at 9:00pm et with "Michael Scott Paper Company". Michael prepares a pancake and paper luncheon; Dwight and Andy, unlikely bro-mates, plan a hunting trip. Jim, so bewildered and frightened to process information and ask for clarity, is requested a "rundown" by the frightening Charles, and spends the entire episode trying to figure out what that means. Grow a pair, Jim.

30 Rock ties up this lovely lineup at 9:30pm et tonight with "Cut Backs". TGS is celebrating it's 50th episode, but the threat of cutbacks is harshing everyone's good vibes. Liz tries to save her crew, Kenneth takes on more responsibility which makes Jenna and Tracy suspicious. Could he be keeping a secret?

Parks and Recreation

I worked at NBC so long ago, that all my former colleagues have either moved on to other careers, retired or died, leaving me without NBC press contacts who know me, rendering me useless in the preview screener pool. So, instead of being a blogger that can write a review of a yet-to -be-seen pilot, I'm a blogger who is in the same boat as the casual television blog reader. I can only go by what the media buzz is saying about the pilot episode of Amy Poehler's new show Parks and Recreation, which premieres on Thursday, NBC at 8:30pm. The word is - it's The Office, but with different characters. It's the same mockumentary, single camera, no laugh track, find the humor in the characters, not the words - kind of show. And it's brought to you by show runner Greg Daniels and producer/writer Mike Schur - the folks who bring you The Office.

I cheer on Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and Aziz Ansari; yet, judging by the clips (below), it's a very familiar blueprint with a very talented cast that deserves better. Afterall, The Office formula is an acquired taste. What sustained it was the concept of The Everyman - the man and woman who go out each day and earn a living despite the drudgery. It showed how a lonely, selfish, childish boss can find a family beyond his desk, or how two young people can call in love despite the obstacles. Apparently Parks and Recreation doesn't have the Jim and Pam dynamic that molded the heart of The Office, which means there is a center that cannot hold. In fact, the original show itself is losing appeal due to the under developed storylines between the newly engaged future Halperts. Also Jim's own personal growth is evolving at a snail's pace while Pam's evolution from caterpillar to butterfly to uber queen bee dominates - and bores.

Nevertheless, I wish Parks and Recreation luck despite what I'm hearing. Perhaps NBC should muster more imagination than ordering up more programs from the same people who brought them critical acclaim on a show with low ratings. The Office's fans are devoted, and that dedication is due to character likability. If P&C doesn't make us fall in love with Pohler's Leslie Knope and her crew of government bureaucrats, as The Office did with Carell's Michael Scott, there may be a problem. Lightening very rarely strikes twice. Yet, I am forming an opinion without having seen the show - so I admit to being unfair here. I look forward to seeing the premiere.

Parks and Recreation premieres on Thursday on NBC at 8:30pm ET - sandwiched in between two new episodes of The Office. "Dream Team" airs at 8:00pm ET and "Michael Scott Paper Company" airs at 9:00pm ET, followed by a new episode of 30 Rock entitled "Cut Backs" at 9:30am ET.

Here's some press clippings on Parks and Recreation:

The Baltimore Sun
The San Francisco Chronicle
Chicago Sun Times
Variety.com
New York Times - March 29th Profile on Amy Poehler
New York Times - Review (a positive one!)

Official website:
http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation/

Fan Site:
http://www.knopeknows.com/

Television and the Winter Doldrums

Seasonal Affective Disorder getting you down? Here are two new shows that will brighten your sun starved brain... or not...depending on what floats your boat:

In the Motherhood premieres on ABC Thursday, March 26th at 8pm EST/9pm CST. It's based on the original web series that starred Leah Remini, Jenny McCarthy and Chelsea Handler. The network television incarnation stars Cheryl Hines, Megan Mullally and Jessica St. Claire, reprising the daily hardships and hilarity of motherhood. I'm sure all mothers out there will get a good knee slapping laugh out of this. As much as I love Mullally in anything - I loved the original ladies, and was sorry they didn't sign up for the ABC venture. Newly svelte Horatio Sanz also stars.






Parks and Recreation, the highly anticipated new series from the makers of The Office, will premiere on Thursday, April 9th at 8:30pm EST/7:30pm CST on NBC. Also starring Rashida Jones and Aziz Ansari it will have the same mockumentary feel as showrunner Greg Daniel's "mother show", but will take place in a government office. Love Amy, and hope the show does well - but I have a soft spot for the old gang over at Dunder Mifflin, and fear that the quality of The Office has suffered a bit since Daniels and Writer/Producer (and Mose) Michael Schur have left the building to tend to Poehler's vehicle. So, there's a little "lets see" about this one.

If there is any consolation, it appears that it's knocking not so great Kath and Kim off the schedule for a while. No word on whether or not it will come back, but NBC has always been committed to that show, so it's probably going to return like that recurring rash you thought you had beaten before the holidays.





Reality shows continue to infest the airwaves like sharks in the water. The Real Housewives of New York came back last night. I had never watched this show before, so imagine my surprise when it all started with a caddy cat fight that is the talk of the internet today. I feel like my brain cells are withering just thinking about it. Who are these women and why are they the real housewives? Don't they know New York is the mecca of socialite domestic queens and anyone worth their Pradas and Trump penthouse would never do such a show? All the Gucci and BMW's and boyfriends who are Counts in a European country can't buy these ladies any class. And that's why people tune in. Interested? It's on Bravo. Check your local listings.



TLC has made The Duggars a household family name. I admit it. I like this family. Yes, they are super religious, and follow Jesus in a cult-like way, but I can't help but enjoy their attitude to life, despite feeling a bit uneasy with their belief that children are like God's flowers. Nevertheless, the crew of seventeen kids and father Jim Bob went to El Salvador to see first hand the poverty that pervades, like missionaries out to provide a helping hand. It was heart wrenching, heart warming, and so much better than seeing the chaos and bitchiness of TLC's other big hit Jon and Kate Plus 8, which I can only stand for thirty seconds before Kate's well coiffed head starts to explode in anger over Jon's tensed skull. No thanks, guys. I'll pass on that family. They are not the cure for the winter blues, but rather a reason to go see a shrink.

Parks and Recreation: Latest Promo Spot

After many months of covert planning and casting, not to mention a few working titles, Amy Poehler's new sitcom Parks and Recreation is gelling into an actual show with promos and everything. Here's another spot shilling the new sitcom, and it looks pretty damn funny:


Also starring Rashida Jones and Aziz Ansari, Parks and Recreation is coming to NBC on Thursdays this March.