SNL: Guest Hose - Hugh Laurie

I feel like Hugh Laurie and I go way back. A fan since the mid-80's when he was well known in Britain as the second half of "A Bit Of Fry and Laurie", I've followed Hugh through stages of his career from television to film. He has made a mark in the USA for his portrayal of House in the series of the same name. Laurie has the sketch comedy chops, and his stint as guest host of SNL last year proved that he will join the special club of actor/comedians who work the live skit genre with great skill. Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlack, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, to name a few, are part of that group. Laurie takes his place in the lineup of repeat hosts in tonight's second guesting job by Laurie. (I wish Stephen Fry was somewhere in the wings ready to join him, but I guess that's a Christmas wish I won't get this year.) Musical guest is Kanye West.

The Office: Moroccan Christmas

"Angela is sleeping with Dwight!" And the crowd is stunned. Phyllis is about to pull off the party of the year with ethnic flair while inflicting punishment on Angela for all her sins. Meredith's hair flamed like a flambe while wallowing in the buzz of Absinthe, other booze and Splenda , and intervention by the highly unqualified Michael sets the tone for last night's Christmas installment of The Office, "Moroccan Christmas.

This episode may not have enticed "Office" fans who are in favor of light hearted comedy, but for those of us who were dismayed by the silliness and out of character behavior of last week's Chair-Copier competition, it was a welcomed change. Not all Christmases need to be happy and bright. Although it was disturbing to see Meredith screech like a caged animal at the mention of her being an alcoholic, and have a fighting match with Michael at the rehab center, the cringe worthiness was in line with Gervais' dark vision of the original British show. Seeing Meredith's hair on fire was starling. Viewing Dwight hock a highly coveted doll to desperate Dads was evil and funny. Jim punking Dwight in the cold open was predictable, and didn't have the same bite as past pranks, however, those who hated this episode seemed to have loved seeing the old Jim/Dwight interaction. Include me on loving anything that involves Jim having a go at Dwight, but this prank felt familiar. (In season two he moved Dwight's desk to the men's room, making up a classic Halpert joke that to this day doesn't not get old).

Michael is clueless as ever as he rounds up the crowd for an intervention. He is clearly out of his depth. After years of seeing Meredith get out of control with alcohol, ultimately effecting her behavior (belly dancing and whirling like a dervish in last night's fare, and let's not forget season two's Christmas Party episode when she flashed Michael her boobs) to the point where the rest of the crew admits to her that she has a problem. Sadly, she's in denial. Alcoholism isnt' funny. It wasn't shown as funny here. The point of the humor is on Michael, his need to help people using television and dramas as his point of reference. When he applies knowledge he gained from "Intervention" on A&E or any other show he may have viewed, he finds that he's jumped into the deep end. The laughs are on him, not Meredith's condition.

It's great to have Toby back. Poor sorry sad sack Toby tries to impress his daughter by buying the highly prized unicorn doll, only to find out that Dwight sold the last one to Darryl. Begging to buy it off him, he unknowingly purchases an African American version.

The piece de resistance of the episode was the Phyllis/Angela dynamic which has been brewing ever since last season's "Goodbye Toby" finale when Mrs. Vance walked in on Martin and Schrute getting to business behind a desk. She held that secret over Angela's head, taunting her during various party planning, making Angela a slave. Angela thought Phyllis was a push over, but she pushed the wrong button. When the truth was announced to the unsuspecting group it was a surprise. We knew Phyllis had some devlish ways, but never this. I loved it. Call me evil, but I did. After years of Angela's bible thumping, critical judgements, snickering name calling (whore, hussy, office mattress, "I've seen the way you look at him" to Pam) it was karma time for Ms. Martin. The ending was heart wrenching, disturbing. Andy emerging from the breakroom as everyone knows Angela is boinking Dwight but him is sad, eliciting great sympathy for the guy. The group looks at Angela like the hussy she is as tears well in her eyes. Poor Andy. Too bad, Angela. Phyllis' actions may have been over the top to some, but for me it was retribution toward a woman who has been unfaithful to her fiance, and cold as stone to others.

Overall, it was like a eating a rich dark chocolate bar. Delicious, bitter, yet pleasing to the palate. After my disappointment with last week, to which I was in the minority (I swear I feel like either fans are forgetting the main point of this show and the characters, or I'm watching a different show), it was a fascinating bit of strangeness that may not reach the same heights of episodes past, but was indeed memorable. Indeed, it was also a nice break from Jim and Pam, whose relationship is one for celebration, but has been fraught with brief moments of angst and over the top boldness of a new Pam Beesly, whose improvement in character has made her an entirely different person. She seemed more in character here, but her talking head with Jim was so silly. Why does she need to feel she knew about the love triangle? In the past, Pam would have been joking and in shock with Jim, making an incredulous remark - not feel the need to prove she was right. I don't know where the writers are going with her. Her new assertion doesn't mean that she always has to prove her righteousness. Also, Jim's comment to Andy about "taking requests" while he played the sitar was a bit harsh, albeit chuckle worthy. In hindsight, after Angela and Dwight were outed, it seems even more jerky. So, perhaps the writers are making them less than perfect. Who knows? I'm tired of the future Halperts, and pushing them in the background was a relief. The fact it was a nice break makes me sad. They were compelling characters whose development has been a mixture of confusion (Pam), and wasted opportunity for growth in Jim.

Although The Office will not have new episodes until January, they are currently filming shows that continue into the New Year, culminating in the highly tauted one hour special after the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 1st.

Here's a two minute replay:

Golden Globe Nominees Announced

The Hollywood Foreign Press came out with their annual Golden Globe nominees this morning. Although they say this is a barometer on who will be getting Emmy and Oscar nods in the next year, I think it's just a big fashion show for skeletons. They seem to be kind of a joke, but hey, we love the red carpet. Since last year was a bust due to the WGA strike (their nominations came out earlier this week, scroll down to view), this year's red carpet will be an opulent mess of dresses and bones trying to out do each other.

There's Angelina Jolie at left winning a statue. I don't know what she won it for, but I actually don't care. Look at that dress! It's sending radon fumes from my monitor into my brain. The glare...

This is a blog about television comedy, more precisely, television comedy I like, with the exception of certain dramas I adore as well as talkshows; however, there are so many other programs of note (i.e. John Adams, Recount) nominated, proving that good quality television out there, just not on the major four networks.

Television Nominations: (Copied and pasted from the Golden Globes Website. You think I'm going to type all this? I have a day job, and a meeting in fifteen minutes).

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
   Showtime/John Goldwyn Productions/The Colleton Company/Clyde Phillips Productions
2. HOUSE (FOX)
   Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions
3. IN TREATMENT (HBO)
   Sheleg, Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
4. MAD MEN (AMC)
   Lionsgate Television
5. TRUE BLOOD (HBO)
   Your Face Goes Here Productions in association with HBO Entertainment

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. SALLY FIELD – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
   
2. MARISKA HARGITAY –LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
   
3. JANUARY JONES – MAD MEN
   
4. ANNA PAQUIN – TRUE BLOOD
   
5. KYRA SEDGWICK – THE CLOSER
   

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. GABRIEL BYRNE – IN TREATMENT
   
2. MICHAEL C. HALL – DEXTER
   
3. JON HAMM – MAD MEN
   
4. HUGH LAURIE – HOUSE
   
5. JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS – THE TUDORS

18. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. 30 ROCK (NBC)
   Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little Stranger Inc.
2. CALIFORNICATION (SHOWTIME)
   Showtime Presents in association with Aggressive Mediocrity, And Then...
3. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
   Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
4. THE OFFICE (NBC)
   Deedle Dee Productions, Reveille LLC, Universal Media Studios
5. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)
   Lionsgate Television

19.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. CHRISTINA APPLEGATE – SAMANTHA WHO?
2. AMERICA FERRERA – UGLY BETTY
3. TINA FEY – 30 ROCK
4. DEBRA MESSING – THE STARTER WIFE
5. MARY-LOUISE PARKER – WEEDS

20. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. ALEC BALDWIN – 30 ROCK
2. STEVE CARELL – THE OFFICE
3. KEVIN CONNOLLY – ENTOURAGE
4. DAVID DUCHOVNY – CALIFORNICATION
5. TONY SHALHOUB – MONK

21. BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. A RAISIN IN THE SUN (ABC)
   Sony Pictures Television
2. BERNARD AND DORIS (HBO
   Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films
3. CRANFORD (PBS)
   A Co-Production of BBC and WGBH Boston.
4. JOHN ADAMS (HBO)
   Playtone in association with HBO Films
5. RECOUNT (HBO)
   Spring Creek/Mirage Productions in association with Trigger Street Productions, Everyman Pictures and HBO Films

22. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. JUDI DENCH – CRANFORD
2. CATHERINE KEENER – AN AMERICAN CRIME
3. LAURA LINNEY – JOHN ADAMS
4. SHIRLEY MACLAINE – COCO CHANEL
5. SUSAN SARANDON – BERNARD AND DORIS

23. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. RALPH FIENNES – BERNARD AND DORIS
2. PAUL GIAMATTI – JOHN ADAMS
3. KEVIN SPACEY – RECOUNT
4. KIEFER SUTHERLAND – 24: REDEMPTION
5. TOM WILKINSON – RECOUNT

24. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. EILEEN ATKINS – CRANFORD
2. LAURA DERN – RECOUNT
3. MELISSA GEORGE – IN TREATMENT
4. RACHEL GRIFFITHS – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
5. DIANNE WIEST – IN TREATMENT

25. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS – HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
2. DENIS LEARY – RECOUNT
3. JEREMY PIVEN – ENTOURAGE
4. BLAIR UNDERWOOD – IN TREATMENT
5. TOM WILKINSON – JOHN ADAMS

WiFi from New York to Los Angeles are probably jammed with the calls to agents and publicists either thanking them or firing them, depending on whether or not your name was called.

It's also worth noting that the WGA announced their nominations a few days ago:

WGA TELEVISION NOMINEES

DRAMATIC SERIES

Dexter, Written by Scott Buck, Daniel Cerone, Charles H. Eglee, Adam E. Fierro, Lauren Gussis, Clyde Phillips, Scott Reynolds, Melissa Rosenberg, Tim Schlattmann; Showtime

Friday Night Lights, Written by Bridget Carpenter, Kerry Ehrin, Brent Fletcher, Jason Gavin, Carter Harris, Elizabeth Heldens, David Hudgins, Jason Katims, Patrick Massett, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, John Zinman; NBC

Lost, Written by Carlton Cuse, Drew Goddard, Adam Horowitz, Christina M. Kim, Edward Kitsis, Damon L. Lindelof, Greggory Nations, Kyle Pennington, Elizabeth Sarnoff, Brian K. Vaughan; ABC

Mad Men, Written by Lisa Albert, Jane Anderson, Rick Cleveland, Kater Gordon, David Isaacs, Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Marti Noxon, Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner; AMC

The Wire, Written by Ed Burns, Chris Collins, David Mills, David Simon, William F. Zorzi, Richard Price, Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos; HBO

COMEDY SERIES

30 Rock, Written by Jack Burditt, Kay Cannon, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Donald Glover, Andrew Guest, Matt Hubbard, Jon Pollack, John Riggi, Tami Sagher, Ron Weiner; NBC

Entourage, Written by Doug Ellin, Jeremy Miller, Ally Musika, Steve Pink, Rob Weiss; HBO

The Office, Written by Steve Carell, Jennifer Celotta, Greg Daniels, Lee Eisenberg, Anthony Farrell, Brent Forrester, Dan Goor, Charlie Grandy, Mindy Kaling, Ryan Koh, Lester Lewis, Paul Lieberstein, Warren Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Michael Schur, Aaron Shure, Justin Spitzer, Gene Stupnitsky, Halsted Sullivan; NBC

The Simpsons, Written by J. Stewart Burns, Daniel Chun, Joel H. Cohen, Kevin Curran, John Frink, Tom Gammill, Stephanie Gillis, Dan Greaney, Reid Harrison, Al Jean, Billy Kimball, Tim Long, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Bill Odenkirk, Carolyn Omine, Don Payne, Michael Price, Max Pross, Mike Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, Matt Warburton, Jeff Westbrook, Marc Wilmore, William Wright; Fox

Weeds, Written by Roberto Benabib, Mark A. Burley, Ron Fitzgerald, David Holstein, Rolin Jones, Brendan Kelly, Jenji Kohan, Victoria Morrow, Matthew Salsberg; Showtime

NEW SERIES

Breaking Bad, Written by Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Patty Lin, George Mastras, J Roberts; AMC

Fringe, Written by JJ Abrams, Jason Cahill, Julia Cho, David H. Goodman, Felicia Henderson, Brad Caleb Kane, Alex Kurtzman, Darin Morgan, J.R. Orci, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Zack Whedon; Fox

In Treatment, Written by Rodrigo Garcia, Bryan Goluboff, Davey Holmes, William Meritt Johnson, Amy Lippman, Sarah Treem; HBO

Life on Mars, Written by Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, Becky Hartman Edwards, David Wilcox, Adele Lim, Bryan Oh, Tracy McMillan, Sonny Postiglione, Phil M. Rosenberg, Meredith Averill; ABC

True Blood, Written by Alan Ball, Brian Buckner, Raelle Tucker, Alexander Woo, Nancy Oliver, Chris Offutt; HBO

EPISODIC DRAMA - any length - one airing time

“Don’t Ever Change” (House), Written by Doris Egan & Leonard Dick; Fox

“Double Booked” (Burn Notice), Written by Craig O’Neill & Jason Tracey; USA

“Gray Matter” (Breaking Bad), Written by Patty Lin; AMC

“Pilot” (Breaking Bad), Written by Vince Gilligan; AMC

“Pilot” (Eli Stone), Written by Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim; ABC

“There’s Something About Harry” (Dexter), Written by Scott Reynolds; Showtime

EPISODIC COMEDY - any length - one airing time

“Believe in the Stars” (30 Rock), Written by Robert Carlock; NBC

“Cooter” (30 Rock), Written by Tina Fey; NBC

“Crime Aid” (The Office), Written by Charlie Grandy; NBC

“Crush’d” (Ugly Betty), Written by Tracy Poust & Jon Kinnally; ABC

“Succession” (30 Rock), Written by Andrew Guest & John Riggi; NBC

“Vote for This and I Promise to Do Something Crazy at the Emmys” (My Name is Earl), Written by Greg Garcia; NBC

LONG FORM - ORIGINAL - over one hour - one or two parts, one or two airing times

An American Crime, Written by Tommy O’Haver & Irene Turner; Showtime

“Pilot” (Fringe), Written by JJ Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci; Fox

Recount, Written by Danny Strong; HBO

LONG FORM - ADAPTATION - over one hour - one or two parts, one or two airing times

Generation Kill, “Episode 6,” Teleplay by Ed Burns, Story by David Simon & Ed Burns, Based on the book by Evan Wright; “Episode 7,” Teleplay by David Simon, Story by David Simon & Ed Burns, Based on the book by Evan Wright; HBO

John Adams, “Episode 1, Join or Die,” Teleplay by Kirk Ellis, Based on the book by David McCullough; “Episode 2, Independence,” Teleplay by Kirk Ellis, Based on the book by David McCullough; HBO

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, Teleplay by John Pielmeier, Based on the book by Kim Edwards; Lifetime

ANIMATION - any length - one airing time

“Apocalypse Cow” (The Simpsons), Written by Jeff Westbrook; Fox

“The Debarted” (The Simpsons), Written by Joel H. Cohen; Fox

“E Pluribus Wiggum” (The Simpsons), Written by Michael Price; Fox

“Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words” (The Simpsons), Written by Tim Long; Fox

“Life: A Loser’s Manual” (King of the Hill), Written by Dan McGrath; Fox

“Strangeness on a Train” (King of the Hill), Written by Jim Dauterive; Fox

COMEDY/VARIETY - (INCLUDING TALK) SERIES

Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Writers Mike Sweeney, Chris Albers, Jose Arroyo, Dan Cronin, Kevin Dorff, Daniel J. Goor, Michael Gordon, Berkley Johnson, Brian Kiley, Michael Koman, Brian McCann, Guy Nicolucci, Conan O'Brien, Matt O'Brien, Robert Smigel, Brian Stack, Andrew Weinberg; NBC

Late Show with David Letterman, Head Writers Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel, Writers Michael Barrie, Jim Mulholland, Steve Young, Tom Ruprecht, Lee Ellenberg, Matt Roberts, Jeremy Weiner, Joe Grossman, Bill Scheft, Bob Borden, Frank Sebastiano, David Letterman; CBS

Real Time with Bill Maher, Writers Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Scott Carter, Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Danny Vermont; HBO

Saturday Night Live, Head Writers Seth Meyers, Andrew Steele, Paula Pell, Writers Doug Abeles, James Anderson, Alex Baze, Jessica Conrad, James Downey, Charlie Grandy, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, John Mulaney, Paula Pell, Simon Rich, Marika Sawyer, Akiva Schaffer, Robert Smigel, John Solomon, Emily Spivey, Andrew Steele, Kent Sublette, Jorma Taccone, Bryan Tucker, Additional Sketches by Robert Carlock; NBC

The Colbert Report, Head Writers Allison Silverman, Tom Purcell, Rich Dahm, Writers Michael Brumm, Stephen Colbert, Rob Dubbin, Glenn Eichler, Peter Groz, Peter Gwinn, Barry Julien, Laura Krafft, Jay Katsir, Frank Lesser, Meredith Scardino; Comedy Central

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Head Writer Steve Bodow, Writers Rory Albanese, Rachel Axler, Kevin Bleyer, Rich Blomquist, Tim Carvell, Wyatt Cenac, J.R. Havlan, DJ Javerbaum, Rob Kutner, Josh Lieb, Sam Means, John Oliver, Jason Ross, Jon Stewart; Comedy Central

COMEDY / VARIETY – MUSIC, AWARDS, TRIBUTES – SPECIALS

2008 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Written by Billy Kimball, Aaron Lee, Jennifer Celotta, Rainn Wilson; IFC/AMC

Jimmy Kimmel’s Big Night of Stars, Written by Jimmy Kimmel, Gary Greenberg, Molly McNearney, Bryan Paulk, Ned Rice, Jon Bines, Will Burke, Rick Rosner, Jake Lentz, Sal Iacono, Tony Barbieri; ABC

DAYTIME SERIALS

As the World Turns, Written by Jean Passanante, Leah Laiman, Courtney Simon, Lisa Connor, David A. Levinson, Peter Brash, Richard Culliton, Susan Dansby, Cheryl Davis, Leslie Nipkow; CBS

One Life to Live, Written by Ron Carlivati, Carolyn Culliton, Elizabeth Page, Aida Croal, Shelly Altman, Janet Iacobuzio, Christopher Van Etten, Anna Theresa Cascio; ABC

CHILDREN'S EPISODIC & SPECIALS

“Elmo's Christmas Countdown” (Sesame Workshop), Written by Joey Mazzarino; ABC

“Spencer's 18th Birthday” (South of Nowhere), Written by Arika Lisanne Mittman; The “N”

“The Un-Party” (Imagination Movers), Written by Scott Gray; Disney Channel

CHILDRENS SCRIPT- LONG FORM OR SPECIAL

“Polar Bears” (The Naked Brothers Band), Written by Polly Draper; Nickelodeon

DOCUMENTARY - CURRENT EVENTS

“Bush's War: Part One” (Frontline), Written by Michael Kirk; PBS

Depression: Out of the Shadows, Written by Larkin McPhee; PBS

“Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial” (NOVA), Written by Joseph McMaster; PBS

“Rules of Engagement” (Frontline), Written by Arun Rath; PBS

“The Medicated Child” (Frontline), Written by Marcela Gaviria; PBS

DOCUMENTARY - OTHER THAN CURRENT EVENTS

Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil & The Presidency, Written by Carl Byker; PBS

“Kit Carson” (American Experience), Written by Michelle Ferrari; PBS

“Secrets of the Parthenon” (NOVA), Written by Gary Glassman; PBS

The Jewish Americans, Episode Two: "The Best of Times, The Worst of Times (1924-1945),” Written by David Grubin; PBS

The Truth About Cancer, Written by Linda Garmon; PBS

NEWS - REGULARLY SCHEDULED, BULLETIN OR BREAKING REPORT

ABC Weekend News, Written by Joel Siegel, Karen Mooney, David Muir; ABC

“Up to the Minute” (CBS News), Written by Matt Nelko; CBS

NEWS - ANALYSIS, FEATURE, OR COMMENTARY

“Exonerated” (60 Minutes), Written by Tom Anderson and Jenny Dubin; CBS

“Show Me the Love: Amazing Pen Pal Connection” (Good Morning America), Written by Raquel Hecker; ABC

“The Warren Buffett Challenge: Are the Rich Taxed Enough?” (Good Morning America), Written by Lisa Ferri; ABC

“Yankee Stadium and the New Gilded Age” (Bill Moyers Journal), Writers Bill Moyers & Michael Winship; PBS

RADIO NOMINEES

DOCUMENTARY

Black History Month, Written by Anthony J. McHugh; CBS

NEWS - REGULARLY SCHEDULED OR BREAKING

Edmund Hillary Obituary, Written by Steven Gosset; CBS

Passages, Written by Gail Lee; CBS

Paul Harvey News, Written by Stu Chamberlain; ABC

The Passing of George Carlin, Written by Thomas A. Sabella; CBS

World News This Week, Written by Marianne J. Pryor; ABC

NEWS - ANALYSIS, FEATURE OR COMMENTARY

Katie Couric’s Notebook, Written by Paul Farry; CBS

Our Fathers’ Magic Carpet, Written by Mike Silverstein; ABC

The Happy Birthday Controversy, Written by Joel Siegel, John Cochran; ABC

Tributes, Written by Gail Lee; CBS

Wednesday's Lament for Thursday

I've got to admit it. I'm not feeling it for "The Office" these days. It's like the light has been turned off. I'm no longer in love. This is actually a relief because my infatuation with this show has been tiring. It's just a television show, but the world of Dunder Mifflin drew me in like a vacuum. Their drudgery was my life. Jim was the guy that I always wanted to marry, and Pam was the girl I could understand, what with her lack of confidence, the kindness for others, the bite in her humor, and the pranks. The girl ruled.

However, characters are changing, the pacing is different, the fan boards are barking against people like me who think Ms. Beesly has become another person. Long time viewers are claiming this is the best season since season two, which dumbfounds me. It's been the opposite. The writers are suffering from fatigue and it feels like Ben Silverman is telling them to pump up the contrivance, pump up the silliness and pump up the volume of Pam's hair. "30 Rock" is now my drink of choice. No emotional attachment to characters, just plain zany fluff and fun with a dash of heart. But having said that, tomorrow is Thursday's hour of power comedy. Despite NBC's strange decision regarding Leno and the line up of daily talkshows, killing off hours of potential scripted television, "The Office" was the number one comedy of the week, gaining viewership and kicking butt in the 18-49 demographic. That's what matters. Not my bellyaching.

Tomorrow's episode of "The Office" is called Moroccan Christmas. As per the promos, Phyllis is decking the halls Moroccan style, testing Angela's patience as she ditches the tree and swipes baby Jesus into a drawer. Meredith suddenly combusts, her hair aflame. After all, what's Christmas without the annual Yule Meredith glowing by the tree?

"The Office: Moroccan Christmas" airs Thursday night on the beleagued and almost be-feathered NBC at 9pm EST/8pm CST.











"30 Rock's" episode on Thursday is "Christmas Special". Liz's parents decide to go to a couples-only retreat for Christmas, leaving her alone for the holidays. To fill the loneliness, our gal Lemon participates in a children's charity. Jack Donaghy, trying to get the hell away from his overbearing mother Colleen has his plans foiled....again! The cast of TGS change their Christmas plans to prepare a big Holiday Special.

The amazing, fabulous, perfectly cast Elaine Stritch makes her usual guest appearance as Jack Donaghy's mother - all vinegar and spice and everthing sarcastic. Oh, how I love this woman!

"30 Rock: Christmas Special" will air on Thursday at 9:30pm EST/8:30pm CST.

Ho...Ho...Ho....

(Photos courtesy of NBC Universal Media)

NBC Gives Leno 10pm Timeslot

The New York Times is reporting NBC will announce on Tuesday that Jay Leno will be given the 10pm timeslot for a new show. This was announced after comments by Jeff Zucker at a UBS conference indicated the network was considering cutting prime time programming by several hours a week.

This move will prevent Leno from leaving the peacock network for a competitor (ABC was a contender), and provide a standard pre-affiliate news lead in. This should make the O&O stations happy. Stripping a first run talk show in prime time's 10pm slot, usually occupied by drama or reality, with a host of Leno's stature, is a first. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/business/media/09leno.html?_r=1&hp.)

Jimmy Fallon Gearing Up for "Late Night"

When Jimmy Fallon was announced as the "Late Night" successor to Conan O'Brien earlier this year, eyebrows furrowed and a chorus of "Huh?" spread out across the land like wild fire. His name had been bandied about as a possible replacement for O'Brien, but once it was confirmed, there were cries of despair. Was he up to the task? Would he be talkshow host material? Would viewers who found him annoying be won over?

It also confirmed what was now the inevitable to "Late Night" fans - especially those of us who dwell in New York: Conan is leaving us for Hollywood. The east coast boy is going out west, replacing Jay Leno, the top rated host of the top rated "Tonight Show". It was painful. Maybe I'm just jealous. I wish Executive Producer Jeff Ross would remember me from all those years ago at Broadway Video, hire me, and take me along. But either way, it's going to be hard to see Conan replaced by anyone, much less Fallon.

I'd like to see what Jimmy can do. Expectations on his debut are fraught with doubt, but that's nothing new. When Conan was announced as Letterman's replacement back in 1993, he was a total unknown entity. A comedy writer for the Simpsons and SNL, he would occasionally appear as a background character on the Saturday show. His first few years of hosting "Late Night" were a constant wait and see experiment. O'Brien's toe touched the line of failure many times, with one sharp move surely to send him over the edge into cancelation; yet, as cooler heads prevailed, allowing his style and humor to take root and build a following, he claimed his stake in the talk show landscape. A whole generation of college students and comedy fans grew up laughing with O'Brien despite his rough start. So, you never know what time and patience by the network and fans will bring to Fallon.

The dye is already cast: Fallon is behind the scenes ramping up for his new hosting duties, which will begin on NBC March 2nd. NBC .com will be getting him started with a video blog starting tonight at 12:30am, (www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com). It will provide a behind the scenes look into the new Late Night, providing Fallon with a virtual introduction process, giving viewers a taste of his style, and what to expect. He does have some big shoes to fill, but he has to start somewhere. I'm kind of rooting for Jimmy, but I'm really going to miss Conan. Badly. It won't be the same without him on "Late Night", and seeing him on "The Tonight Show" won't make that any better.

SNL: Guest Host - John Malkovich and Poehler Surprise

Tonight's Live with guest host John Malkovich and musical guest T.I. Malkovich is currently starring in "The Changeling".




Update: I will admit that whenever SNL is on, depending on the host, I watch the first fifteen minutes, then start to wander around the room while it glows in the background. I surf the internet, create a new playlist on iTunes and start figuring out how long I'm going to stay up. Yes, I have no life.

Last Saturday's SNL was no different. I remember Malkovich reading "T'was The Night Before Christmas" to kids, and recall a somewhat funny sketch about twin brothers freaking out over getting a calculator for Christmas. But the main event was the return of Amy Poehler. It's not clear if she will return for limited appearances, but who cares? There she was as Hillary Clinton, in all her wigged out, jaw clenching glory. Viewing her back in the Weekend Update seat was a sight for sore eyes. It will be sad to finally see her go. If that was her final appearance, then I'm glad it's on NBC.com to savor.

"30 Rock: Reunion"

"Suck on it you whittling iHop monkies! Lemon Out!"

If Pam Beesly's bitchiness has emerged from the depth of her passive aggressive soul, then I'm pleased to celebrate the evil bitchery that is Liz Lemon. This is bitchery I can believe in because Liz is me, and I am Liz, and I can relate to pouring on the vinegar just to get by. Last night's episode entitled "Reunion" hit the spot with some good time memories for Liz that aren't quite as she remembers them. Also, Don Geiss wakes up from his coma to name himself the CEO of GE forever, and Jack tries to skulk away to Florida to wallow in a bevy of babes, only to end up in snowy White Haven, PA with Liz, back home for her twenty year high school reunion. "I want to go to there" has already been heavily quoted by the watercoolers of blogs alike, but I have to add it here. Yes. I want to go to there too. This show will never not rock.

It appears that not only was Liz a big time, overweight geek (as expressed by Jack above) with braces and a short hair perm, but she was a snarky aggressor who frightened all the popular kids with cutting remarks and giant sized insults that cut them so bad, they needed therapy. Svelte, sassy successful Liz sashayed her way into the party like she was walking onto a yacht (as the song goes), thinking she's the bomb, only to realize the stares and glares are of hatred. Jack is mistaken for Larry Braverman, the popular cool kid from way back, and plays along, only to end up playing Seven Minutes in Heaven in a closet with Liz, ultimately saving her from being "Carrie-d", all ending up in a get-a-way when his pretend former girlfriend introduces him to "their son".

Back at the homestead, Kenneth is stealing laughs in the elevator from the real comedians. Since our favorite Page has apparently taken on the job of comedian, Jenna and Tracy switch jobs by giving tours and being Kenneth in all his southern baptist weirdo glory.


"30 Rock airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9:30am EST/8:30pm CST

Two Minute Replay:

"The Office: The Surplus": Team Copier!

Put me in, Coach Halpert and Coach Martinez. I am firmly a member of your team. There is nothing worse than having to make last minute copies for a meeting, only to have the dumb copier jam or ripple your paper. I can deal with a less than stellar chair as long as it holds me up, but if my boss asks ten minutes before a meeting with the board for twenty stapled copies, and the Canon in the print room spits out nothing in defiance, I'll take one of those crappy chairs Pam keeps bitching about and throw it out over eighth avenue, past the stunt climbers who scale the walls of my office building, straight onto the rooftop of Port Authority, and don't think I won't. Ok, maybe I wont. But I'll have the burning desire.

Fandom on the internet is exploding with gushing love for this episode. I was bothered by this one.  In my view, last night's “The Surplus” was a weird and wooly offshoot of bizarre world that resembled its old self only in the office togetherness the copier-chair competition provided.  There were lots of strange, over the top moments that felt like The Office; however, this show will always feel different to me. I guess that's the after effects of Jim and Pam's gloriously uniting.  Or, perhaps it's just the writers, in their attempt to make Pam a new confident being in love with the man who gives her everything, are losing the concept of Pam's character, making her into a nagging, annoying anti-Pam.

Still there were some jolly times. With a $4,300 dollar surplus in the branch's budget, Michael announces the good news to the team at Dunder Mifflin that it’s theirs for the spending. They immediately split up into two factions: Team Copier - which consists of Oscar and Jim, who has avoided asking Pam to make copies for him since they've started dating, so he's had to toil over the crappy, hungry piece of hulking crap that calls itself a copier; and Team Chair - headed up by...what's this? Pam not playing on the same side of the team with Jim? Jim is thankfully not too badly whipped, and holds his ground.  The two separate factions kiss Michael's ass in ways close to prostitution in the minds of the DM drones, whose level of tolerance for Michael's thin skin and need for attention is ultra low to begin with.  Pam leads the comfy chair people, the team who needs to sink their butts into lumbar support while they answer phones, do crosswords and play Solitaire. She butters up Michael with a girly sexyness she never would have used back in the day since it humiliated her- a trait in which she held our sympathy and admiration.  Kiss that Pam goodbye.  I guess her sex appeal is the reward for "Fanciness".   Jim and Oscar make Michael feel like 'da man' by taking him out for lunch where Italian deserts are brought back as a Halpert peace offering to the viperess Ms. Beesly, who dumps it in a trash can.  Ef you, Pam.  Hey, Halpert, does Team Copier sell tee shirts?  

Meanwhile in the land of Schrute, Angela and Andy visit Dwight’s sprawling beet farm to plan their wedding. It’s the same story. Dwight is as proud as a rooster, clucking around his own farm, knowing that he still holds Angela since he’s still doing her behind Andy’s back. Andy – that sweet bozo face, that guileless, prone to anger man – is clueless. It’s to a point where I actually hate Dwight and Angela. There is no compassion culled for these two as Dwight snickers behind Andy’s back while Angela sneaks over to the Schrute barn for sex at night. But I digress. The sneaky wedding by Dwight, which ran Angela firmly into the arms of Andy in broad office daylight, was way too over the top for my taste. The best part of the whole scenario was the German Amish Reverend. He was cute, and so “There Will Be Blood-ish” with his puritan aura.

Michael was on his game. Can Carell do no wrong? What about that ass dance out the door? The need to ask Hank the security guard for his opinion, only to throw him out when he took his sweet time to figure things out? All were joyfully funny. Oscar is gaining new ground as a prominent player in this show, and I love it. He adds rational thought to Michael’s childish view with exasperation and subtle humor. May Oscar find that man of his dreams. He was too good for Gil.

Ok, back to Pam. Can someone please let me know what happened to her? She left for New York back in September (or in Dunder Mifflin world - July), and this other person who calls herself Pam came back and became a thoroughly annoying bitch. 

This isn’t Pam. I’m sorry fan sites who snark over fans like me who don’t enjoy this new incarnation. This isn’t the Pam I had hoped to see. I’m not a staunch feminist, but I found it distasteful for her to claim that “Since I’ve been here, I’ve had two engagement rings and only one chair”, implying that she’s bagged two men giving them the sexy frizzy haired, understated Pam charm, but can’t get a damn new chair. So new sexy Beesly, fresh from the hot streets of NYC, juts out her boobage,  jujjes up her hair and paints on the lipstick to use what the good Lord gave her to get her way. Wow. That was hilarious to everyone, I bet. Not to me. It negated all the pain Pam went through all those years of covering herself with cardigans and blouses, skirting old man glares from Creed, off color remarks from Michael and boob jokes, only to tart herself up to get her way…to get CHAIRS. The fact that it didn’t specifically work was good comedy, but it came with a bad taste. Shouting for Michael to “show his ass” didn’t ring true with me. I hear a chorus of "lighten ups" and eyerolls from the internet. But I don't care. But to quote the Pam I used to love, "I am what I am....that's Popeye".

The final scene worked for me. Not only was Jim's kiss extremely hot, it upped the ante, and Pam will enjoy a lovely afternoon trying to copy four collated stapled sets, which should take twenty seconds on a new copier, but will take her at least an hour on this useless husk of a machine. Enjoy your new chair, Pam!

Can someone explain how the chairs won out?

I love competition in sports, but my tolerance for competitive sitcom scenarios with known allies suddenly pitted against each other is really low. I’m even bothered during episodes of “I Love Lucy” when the Mertz’s and the Ricardo’s fight, so I’m pretty bad with going with the flow on this storyline.

Next week’s episode is “Moroccan Christmas”. Apparently Meredith’s hair goes up in flames. Oh Jeebus have mercy on your birthday.

"The Office: Moroccan Christmas" airs on NBC Thursday December 11th at 9pm EST/8pm CST.

NBC Two Minute Replay:

Photos courtesy of www.such-a-dork.com. (Thank You!)

Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...

With the exception of "Later With Jools Holland" and the "Austin City Limits", music television with smart interview and performance is hard to come by these days. Elvis Costello, a legend in the world of post punk exploration, a chameleon in music style with a flair for humor and a gift for chat, has a been a ripe personality for the talk show picking. After being courted by various producers to head up his own talker, he's found his niche in “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With…” which premiered last night on The Sundance Channel with Sir Elton John as guest. It was a remarkable hour of in depth, honest discussion about the music that inspired both Sir Elton and Elvis alike, as well as the ways of the music industry, the power of image, the luck and the unsung heroes (such as Laura Nyro and David Ackles) who never reached the same height of fame, but were important influences to their own style. In this installment, Costello graciously lent his own common experiences with John for lively discussion with pitch perfect pacing and comfort in the role of interviewer. Indeed, Sir Elton, whose own gift of gab is legendary, was insightful, playful and meaningful. It’s probably the best interview I’ve ever seen with him, and I attribute this to Costello’s natural ability to drive good conversation. The intimate atmosphere between the talking heads and the audience is a pleasing concoction as well.

Musical performance and interview were interwoven throughout the hour with Costello sharing the stage with Sir John in a jam of various songs written by noteworthy personal influences. I presume Costello will join his musical guests in performance going forward.

Much like “Inside The Actor’s Studio”, Costello’s new show is funny, riveting and definitely a must see, must DVR kind of show. It’s interesting to note that “Spectacle” came to fruition thanks to David Furnish, Sir Elton’s partner. He approached Costello with a Canadian producer who envisioned the perfect show for the singer’s sensibilities and style. Elton also had an important role in championing the show, so producing him as first guest was a nice touch.

Other guests to grace Elvis’ stage will be President Bill Clinton, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, The Police to name just a few. The schedule of shows and guest can be found on www.elviscostello.com/splash/.

“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With…airs on the Sundance Channel on Wednesdays at 9:00pm EST.

T'was the Wednesday Before Thursday...

...and all through my remote...not one thing interesting for a comedy TV fan, except maybe one of the last gasp episodes of "Pushing Daisies" (ABC - 8pm EST) before it's thrown into the dust bin of canceled shows, or perhaps "Ghost Hunters" (SciFi - 9pm EST) which is always good for a laugh. But nothing compares to Thursday night's NBC hour of power - 9pm - 10pm EST. So Thursday Eve is like waiting for Television Santa to bring us more Halpert and Beesly, Lemon and Donaghy. Must leave a plate of beets for Dwight and a meatball hero for Liz out on the mantel.

First part of those sixty minutes of comedy, drama and anticipation is "The Office". Episode is entitled: "The Surplus". Michael finds out that there is a $4,300 surplus of money in the budget, and the crew sets off to decide how they are going to spend it. Can it be? A trip to Schrute Farms? Hey! There's Mose!

And...Pam giving Jim a sweet top lip kiss to Jim. Is Miss Beesly using her new powers of hotness to get her way with Halpert? Well, Jim was always putty in her hands, even before she found the curling iron that Roy hid from her during the frizzy hair years.

And the second half of the power hour of comedy is "30 Rock". Liz attends her high school class reunion, and Don Guiss wakes up from his coma, but instead of giving Jack the job of CEO, someone else is name. Dejected, Jack tags along with Liz at the reunion, and the zaniness ensues.

Apparently Liz (and Tina?) must have been a real dorky she-male back in the day because people are overly wow'd by her fabulous look in the screen shot below. Since Jezebel.com revealed some old photos of our Tina, it's obvious a little make over helped turn the lady with size twelve mommy jeans and Dorothy Hamill hair into the urban svelte goddess we all know. But didn't we all look like frumps in the early 90's?


"The Office" (The Surplus) airs on NBC at 9:00pm EST. "30 Rock" (Reunion) airs on NBC at 9:30pm EST.

NBC's promos for Thursday, December 4th's prime time line up can be seen here.

Flight of the Conchords Premiere to Stream Online

Can't wait until the January 17th premiere of "Flight of the Conchords"? Well you won't have to! The website www.funnyordie.com will stream the season premiere on December 17th.

"Gavin and Stacy" and "The IT Crowd"

“Gavin and Stacy” has grown into a sensation on England’s BBC3. Written by Ruth Jones and James Cordon, who also star in the series as the best friends of the title characters, it explores the relationship of Gavin and Stacy, two co-workers from different office branches who fall in love over the phone. Many miles separate them: Gavin lives and works in Essex, England, and Stacy toils away in Barry Island, Wales. It explores how two people in love deal with the many miles that separate the family homes to which their heartstrings are attached. The lovebirds marry, much to the consternation of Smithy, Gavin’s life long friend (played by Corden), whose loves are lager, sports, more lager and food eaten while drinking lager. Smithy is a big giant baby who loves Gavin like a platonic lover, and grows jealous of any indication that he’s being ignored. Allison Steadman plays Pam, Gavin’s Mum. She’s a doting mother who loves a laugh, and enjoys a good fight, such as protesting the installation of a cell phone tower.

Stacy’s family in Wales is equally emotional and loving. Her mother Gwen is a widow and a queen at making the best omlettes in the village. Her uncle Bryn is a lovely, corny man who is a surrogate father to Stacy, a good friend to Gwen, and keeps everyone’s chin up if the going gets rough. He’s perhaps the most poignant of characters. Uncle Bryn is the laughing clown with the broken heart, always sweet and loving, but shy about his sexuality, which he keeps as the worst kept secret in Barry. Comedian Rob Brydan portrays the sweet Uncle to perfection.

The sparks do fly, but not in your average sitcommy way. Gavin and Stacy start married life off by living with his parents. Stacy, now living far away from home, and having given up her job in Wales, is adrift in the home of a loving family, yet strangers. Gavin is at a loss, and cannot understand why she’s homesick when life in Essex is a dream. Nevertheless, she’s young, never been away from home, feels lost and misses her mother and uncle. All is not rosy in the land of romance after all.

The humor of “Gavin and Stacy” is more human than in-you-face hilarity. Comedy is derived from human everyday interaction and the personality quirks of the family and friends who are part of their circle. Much like Smithy is best mates with Gavin, Stacy’s best friend is Nessa. A neighbor and confident to Stacy, Gwen and Bryn, Nessa is a hard bitten, biker chick who is unashamed of her life, past and present. And what a life. A former roadie, she’s bedded famous men far and wide. She’s live it, seen it, shagged it and lived to tell it all, only to come back home to Barry Island, to which no high life can compare. The best friends, as mentioned before, are played by Cordon and Jones, who created and wrote the series. Their gentility and humanity woven into the story of these two love birds and the family/friend connection that ensues over long distance sparks lovely laughs. It may not knock your socks off, but these characters are approachable, relatable and will grow on you. The series finale airs tonight on BBC America, but as mentioned, it's available through downloads on iTunes.
“The IT Crowd” (airing on IFC) is quite different than “Gavin and Stacy”. A three camera, in-studio lark, the show provides more laughs, with a leading line up of character outcasts in the IT department who are relegated to the bowels of the big corporate high rise building in which they work. Jen, who is the newly hired Director of Relationships, is placed down in the dark, dank basement with Roy and Moss, two geeks of different natures. Moss is the straight laced nerd who is clueless about the world around him, yet knows how to wire devices that could probably make the whole building shake. Roy is the slacker who tries to get on with the women and generally hates everyone in a suit. Jen is your average fashion loving, suited up maven, is freaked out by everything down in the dark, dusty computer grave yard in which she dwells, and is closest to the corporate world that hovers above them.

This show is quirky, surreal and yes, funny – but the highlight for me are guest appearances by Noel Fielding (“The Mighty Boosh”), who plays Richmond, the Goth ex-employee who lives behind a mysterious red door in the basement. He’s lovable, frightening and charming, but he creeps everyone out, and that adds up to hilarity.

I’ve more to see with this series. So far, it’s definitely worth checking out.

You Stay Classy, Local News...

In these hard econonic times, even our favorite news anchors, some of them part of the landscape of television viewing for decades, are being let go in favor of lower paid, less experienced news readers. Brian Stelter at NYTimes.com wrote an interesting article on how legendary anchors are getting getting pink slips.