Little People Big World: How Much Will The World Take?

TLC has hit a goldmine of reality television featuring families living under less than ordinary circumstances. From The Duggers and their army of seventeen (or eighteen), to Jon and Kate plus their eight children (two are twins and the rest are sextuplets), candid fly-on-the-wall features such as these can ease the furrowed brow of any frazzled parent ready to down a bottle of booze at the sound of their kids hitting each other with the the TV remote. One can placate their own problems reasoning as such: If this family has it rough, then my life doesn't look so bad.

"Little People Big World" is the candid reality show that has won my heart back in 2006, when it first hit the air. Matt and Amy Roloff were presented as dwarfs who produced four children: three of them were average sized, and one was a little person. As the opening title narration goes, they live in a world that wasn't made for them, yet they get through obstacles and challenges just like any regular sized person.

Their home in Portland, Oregon is a sprawling autumnal lushness of land named Roloff Farms. It lays beneath the glowing lights of their home in long shots from sunrise to sunset, instantly bringing warmth and longing for such a picture perfect pile. But inside the Roloff world, their love and togetherness is filled will some elements of chaos.

The children, Jeremy, Zack, Molly and Jacob are the usual set of hyperactive kids, three out of four being teenagers. The twins - Jeremy and Zack are very distracted with their social lives that includes hanging with their friends and playing soccer. They are in their Junior year of high school, and were failing badly until special after school tutors saved the day. Jacob, youngest son, tries to play with the big boys, and often gets emotionally or physically hurt. Molly, a teen herself, deals with the usual annoyances of parentage, but has a solid character, and seems to roll with the problems her brothers hand out to Matt and Amy. When the boys aren't getting grounded for racing their cars in mud patches or driving Dad's tractor, Molly is usually in the corner with a smile, above it all. Bless her.

Father Matt has been a bit of a problem child himself. Last year he was charged with suspicion of DUI, and a few episodes showed the stress filled courtroom drama as it unfolded. Amy, the stoic wife, stood by her man. Having been through so many other challenges with him, this hurdle was a pretty scary one. He did get off, and all seems well today, although he appears more cautious about drinking even a small amount during social moments.

Matt's childhood of grueling surgeries and hospitalizations provided enough physical limitations to allow his imagination to dream big dreams. Today, Matt directs family and friends alike to plow, nail, build, as he hurries back and forth on his mobile mule, directing the installation of a new pool, jacuzzi, new kitchen, new garage, and apparently a new house - since the latest renovation has now run amok - to fulfill his grand vision of Roloff Farms. The homestead is always a work in progress, always on a time schedule to work in one last project before their daughter Molly's birthday party, or get a porch finished before Amy's class of pre-schoolers come around for a graduation celebration.

A fan of this show can ask, "Will this show continue for the next few years?" The twins are aiming to leave for college, although nothing has really been confirmed since academia hasn't been their main focus. How many more fun filled vacations can viewers endure without wondering if the Roloffs are just a vehicle for TLC to help sell vacation packages? What is going to happen when all the ideas on the farm are dried up, and that third swimming pool takes it's last toll on the viewers' belief that the family is like any other "normal" family, and not a television network subsidized clan that has hit pay dirt by enjoying the cash rewards of having cameras in their faces all day long? Wasn't this the family that entered into our lives a few years ago with money troubles and belt tightening just like us?

The Roloffs have plenty of love. It lives within the piles of clothes and construction areas of planks and dry wall. It finds its way beyond the stench of Jacob's cluttered mini-van with month old Big Macs sitting next to empty Mountain Dew cans. Oh, there is love. But as much as I admire the Roloffs and their devotion to the family tree, there will come a day when TLC may have to say goodbye for a while, saving the Roloff travails for annual or bi-annual check ins to see how the children are dealing with adulthood, and how the parents continue in an empty nest - a very big, high vaulted ceiling, three car garage with massive barn and many acres of land - nest.

Summer Heights High

It's been one of those Mondays. My brain is still stuck in a weekend stupor and it refuses to catch up. But I'll force it since a new comedy from Australia has reached American cable boxes through the power of HBO called "Summer Heights High". Its creator and star Chris Lilley has been a smash sensation with "Summer" in the land down under. A mocumentary that seems more Christopher Guest than Ricky Gervais in terms of the single camera sitcom, it's like "Little Britain" meets "Waiting for Guffman, with Lilley portraying a variety of characters, such as Mr. G, the drama teacher, Jonah the problematic hyperactive class clown, and Ja'mie, the priviledged popular girl who thinks she's the center of the world. In fact, the main thread that strings these characters together is their amazingly huge ego, which works well if the whole world thinks their nuts, but not if their actions just lay there without retribution.

From Mr. G, who carries on like Corky from "Guffman" without the effete histrionics, and Ja'mie, who is a classier version of Matt Lucas' Vicky Pollard on "Little Britain", it all feels familiar. Although the show isn't a laugh riot, there is something amusing about the humanity of these characters. Lilley's characters are relatable. But there's one problem, I kept falling in and out of asleep during the show. That speaks volumes to me.

Jace over at Televisionary interviewed Chris Lilley. Jace's own review of the show deemed it a must see. Perhaps I'm missing something.

However, the New York Times was frank about the Aussie laffer translating to Americans, bringing up how Larry David can carry off the "monster ego" comedy with flair, whereas "Summer" tends to fall a bit bland on the tongue.

The Office Redemption

Hurrah and Huzzah! Last night's "Office" entitled "Customer Survey" was like a nice cold drink of soul thirst quenching ice tea in the middle of a hot desert of despair. Everything jelled into what will be entered into "The Office" Episode Hall of Fame next to "The Injury" "The Dundies" and the rest of season two. It's not surprising that Stephen Merchant, co-creator of the British "Office" directed this episode. The tempo was pitch perfect. The writing, lovingly penned by the almighty Lester Lewis,had charm and punch.

This episode had it all: Jim and Dwight combining forces to do battle against the forces of evil, i.e. Kelly Kapur; Jim and Pam on bluetooth phones living their day out live via wireless; Michael acting as normal as Michael Scott can be without being out of character; Andy and Angela picking out wedding venues, only to land on Shrute farms where the barn allows you to see the stars at night while antique farm tools cradle your vision. And there was angst. Good, solid, human angst driven by personal goals between the future Mr. and Mrs. Halpert that will test the marrow of their solid foundation. But oh, art student Alex. 1962 called and they want you back on "Mad Men" where you belong.

Although the love of Jim and Pam prevails in this show, the dynamic between Jim and Dwight rules big time. It's an important part of "The Office" chemistry and vibe. Last night, it was provided joyfully through hilarious sleuthing, sussing out a probable conspiracy that deemed the star salesmen as smug (or smudge) and arrogant to their clients. According to the customer surveys supplied by Kelly, Jim and Dwight's reports were less than impressive.

In fact, according to Michael, they were "poopy".


Dwight screams of an in-house conspiracy, channeling an episode of "Lost" and other fantastical television mysteries. He may have a case. There is much riding on this. Dwight's integrity and honor is at stake. For Jim, the bonus is needed to help buy his parents house so they can retire, and he can live happily ever after with Beesly. Aw, Jim. The Scranton hometown boy, planning his life with Pam. Does it have a terrace for her garden? I hope he tells her before he actually makes the purchase, but methinks Miss Pamela will get all weak in the knees at such a gesture.

What transpires between Michael, Jim and Dwight will go down in the history of comedy. When John Krasinski submits his episode for Emmy consideration, this is the one. Michael, the super sonic salesman of his day, sits down the reprimanded salesmen to teach them how to deal with customers. William Buttlicker is born in the form of a Halpert snark to bring levity to the silliness of the situation. Hell, Carell, Wilson and Kras should just collectively submit the scene to NATAS. They'll all nab a trophy for this moment alone. Couple in Dwight's secret and very loud meeting in his dork-mobile with Jim, and you have award winning comedy gold.

Meanwhile,back in the big fancy city, Pam is whispering sweet somethings into Jim's ear all day long: "Cute Shoes"..."I Love You"..."Why did Kelly just leave the break room without torturing you through fifteen minutes of girlie drivel?"... You know, the average things you say when you're on the phone via bluetooth for eight hours straight looking as though you're talking to yourself.

Gratuitous screencaps of Jim and Pam because they are adorable and not in a yucky way...

This sets Halpert off on a manhunt to prove that something is fishy in the state of Pennsylvania. Much like the fight against the Taliban, Jim teams up with the enemy to reveal the secrets of an unknown threat. Ryan, who is in the midst of some Oprah type contrition by "living in the moment" inadvertently reminds Jim that Kelly had a party to celebrate the season finale of America's Got Talent, and the parting gift to reward you for the post-Kelly headache you'll have in the morning was this lousy cup.


Jim and Dwight, having better things to do like visit Pam in New York, or alphabetize one's "Battlestar Gallactica" DVD collection, didn't attend the party, don't have their own personalize cups, and pissed of little Miss Kelly. Revenge ain't pretty. Yet alas, Jim finds proof that Kapur is the culprit. The impossible happens. Jim tells Dwight his usual man-child illusions were correct. Geeks rule, and the cool boys with floppy hair and messy ties concede.


Ok, I know I'm tough on the Andy and Angela story arch, but I will admit that their scenes in trying to find a wedding venue were handled well. They were short, and had the right dose of funny. The tag showed that Dwangela is very much alive, and kudos to that.

What's about to be mentioned next is the painful part. This is where Pam has figure out what to do with her Pratt knowledge and New York City opportunities that could be at her doorstep if only she stayed. Alex, who really should be working on Don Draper to expand his Television Department at Sterling Cooper, appears like a stalker at corporate, luring her with the promise of a Chuck Close cheese party. Jim coo's in her ear that the guy is into her. Yet, Pratt Boy has other plans. Taking her aside, he explains that leaving New York would be a mistake, which places Miss Beesly in a quandry.

Jim hears it all. He's been there with her before. Now someone who's part of the art world she left Scranton to study, is opening the window of thought about her future. Sadly, Alex's talk smacks of ulterior motive. Here we have, yet again, another possible suitor for Pam, which would be exasperating if it was obvious, but it's not. Jim chides her about it, whispers it into her head. But is Alex is just being a friend, or trying to keep her in New York long enough to make her change her mind about marrying Jim? It's frustrating and beautiful all at the same time. Lovely, sweet angst as Pam swims in confusion, knowing Jim knows, not knowing what to say...


...as Jim's plans for the future are halted at the thought of him holding her back.

There is much speculation on what will come next. Having seen so many moments of homesickeness on Pam's part in this episode makes it believable that she will be back.

I pose the same question uttered by Alex: What's worse, leaving New York only to wake up in fifty years wondering what might have been? Or waking up in fifty years in New York, not having the career you thought you'd have, stuck in a relationship with another artist who is not Jim, or perhaps divorced, wondering what might have been if you just went back home? Like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz". If you want to find happiness and people who love you, you need to look no further than your backyard.

For someone who has struggled in New York for years, I can tell you - the big city brings no guarantees of success, especially in the world of art. The competition is fierce. The money isn't great. The rents are expensive. And there is no way Pam is going to feel one ounce of love for Alex the art student, if indeed, he is setting her up to steal her away - which in a way - I don't really buy.

So rest easy, "Office" fans. Pam might be reeling right now, but as any artist will tell you - art is everywhere. In buildings, in factories, in small iron bound towns, in paper supply companies and schools and places of worship. Art is in a family home provided and cared for in tangent with someone you love and loves you back. No cold city promise is going to guarantee a good life in fifty years from now.

This episode was, in one word, sensational. It had the gut wrenching laughs measured perfectly against the bittersweetness of Jim and Pam.

Here's the two minute replay:

Next week's "Office" episode is entitled "Business Trip". It airs next Thursday at 9:00pm ET/8:00 CT.

Flight Of The Conchords! Premieres January 18th!

Not that it's a surprise, but the official announcement that "Flight of the Conchords" will premiere on HBO on January 18th, just makes the world even more sweeter than it was after election night. It's real. The boys are coming back.

Spreading the TV Blogger Love

As per The Hollywood Reporter's Jim Hibbert, proprietor of the daily blog "The Live Feed", Comedy Central's "South Park" wasted no time in poking fun at post election President Elect Obama. Read "The Feed" here.



This blog is what I aspire to be. Great daily summaries and an updated television guide with episode descriptions. Read "Televisionary" here.

Thursday News Bites

James Van Der Beek and "Office" alum David Denman will co-star in an hour long Fox pilot "Eva Adams". As per Hollywood Reporter.


Steve Carell will be a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Wednesday, November 12th.

Election Night, Office and Conchords

Colbert escapes to his happy place after Obama declared winner.

I don't know what I would have done these last two years of election campaign build up without "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report". Their humor decompressed the insanity and anger. The dynamic duo teamed up for special live election coverage, doling out hilarity during a very nervous night. Luckily Obama snagged enough electoral college votes to claim victory just before the show wrapped at 11pm EST, allowing Stewart the spine chilling honor to announce Obama as next the President of the United States. The cheers from the audience were exhilarating.

You can see the coverage in it's entirety at ComedyCentral.com.

Office Anticipation....

Well, the NBC promo overlords have provided a summary of tomorrow night's episode. Jim and Pam get bluetooths so they can spend every minute together. Why the hell is she still in New York?

Jim and Dwight freak out over the results of a customer survey, which should bring some long awaited Jim and Dwight interaction that's been sorely missing (along with Pam. Did I mention she's still in New York and no one is telling us why?)

Andy and Angela pick a wedding spot. Like I care. Really, I don't.

Michael is Holly-less.

After my dashed hopes for a splendid season after the sensational "Weight Loss" episode, I'm lukewarm. But I love Jim, and it sounds like a good Halpert episode.

"The Office: Customer Survey" airs Thursday on NBC at 9:30pm ET/8:30pm CT.

Here's the latest promo that includes some peaks at "30 Rock" where Ms. Winfrey herself will appear. Liz saying "Oprah!" is similar to the way I shout when I see a fresh new batch of cookies.

It's Business Time...

Although HBO has not yet released scheduling information on "Flight of the Conchords", Jemaine Clement and Brett McKenzie have been filming their second series in New York due to air sometime in 2009.
As reported by Jezebel, Clement and his wife Miranda Manasiadis have just welcomed a new baby boy named (deep breath) Sophocles Iraia Manasiadis Clement. The world just got cuter!

Photos courtesy of Comedy Central and NBC Universal Media

President Elect Barack Obama

It's a good day.

Election Day Thursday News Bites

News Networks Gearing Up

It's a big night for all news networks tonight. Who to watch? When to watch it? America will be spoiled for choice. Huffingtonpost.

Networks Could Call Election Early

Network news executives are preparing for early results, and might start calling the winner early. NYTimes.com

"The Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" Join Forces Tonight

Political Comedy Central Duo will team up for special election coverage starting at 10pm ET/9pm CT. Tune in to Comedy Central.

In other Television News....

NBC Gives Full Season to "Kath and Kim"

Even low ratings and bad reviews won't stop NBC from canceling "Kath and Kim". They just picked up an entire season's worth of episodes. It's either one of two things: High expectations and an aggressive promotional campaign will not allow NBC brass to admit they have a failure - or - they are actually giving a show they feel has potential a chance.

Fox Cancels "King of the Hill", ABC Possible Suiter

Fox gave the axe to animated comedy "King of the Hill" last week, but ABC is waiting in the wings for a possible pick up.

CBS is Becoming a Ratings Winner

CBS has been number one in prime time among the 18 - 49 year olds, a demographic they are not focusing on. Moonves attributes it to programming being like "comfort food".

"Entourage": The Boys are Back (sort of...)

For many a season, "Entourage" was a fun roll in the Hollywood muck, experienced through the world of Vin Chase, his screaming asshole manager Ari Gold, and his posse of boyhood friends from Queens. Mix in his actor brother, Johnny Drama, and you had a sun drenched, glamorous mix of fun loving d-bags gone wild in the land of pretend - where silicon dream babes decorated the background like sexy Christmas garland, and Hummers rolled up to many a hot club. Vin Chase and crew always landed on their feet, that is - until that pesky passion project "Medellin" came to fruition. The film sucked in so many ways, the stench is still being aired out at the Palais in Cannes. It threw Vin into a position he had never been in before: unemployable. His high flying success of the past made him so cocky, bridges were burned from the valley to the other side of the hill. "Medellin" just dug his grave deeper.

I have hardly been able to watch "Entourage" this year because of last year's tired season. It wasn't funny anymore. Vin and the boys were living unbelievable lives. Eric was the only character with smarts and a hard work ethic to sustain him, but Vin's placid reaction to the danger signs in his career was aggravating. His need to be the boy from Queens who won't take bullshit from the establishment cultivated his undoing. Sadly, it was executed in a boring fashion with lack of pathos. Jeremy Piven's character development of Ari Gold held a vibe of self parody, where eating the scenery was a technique. The only saving grace was the put upon assistant Lloyd, whose character has grown strong against the strong hot winds of Ari's big mouth.

Last night's episode entitled "Pie" seemed to have been a return to the "Entourage" of old. Now that Vin Chase's options have dwindled, he's managed to land a film role alongside Jason Patric, who portrays himself as a double "D"-Bag Hollywood B-list star, stealing Chase's lines and setting up some underdog moments for Vin and his friends. Maybe Vin's way back to the top is to work his way back from the bottom. It was heartening to see him in this position. Drama, Turtle, and "E" were back to their humorous selves. You cheered them on. This is an interesting rung of the ladder to witness for the boys. Meanwhile, Ari was out playing the game, this time helping an old agent friend whose finances were derailed by the writer's strike. It was interesting to witness the aftershock of the WGA dispute in the storyline. Also, there was a great back story discussed about early days and how deep their loyalties run as Gold offers to buy his pal's agency - despite his partner Babs disapproval.

The show has already been on for over a month now, so it may be a bit late to weigh in, but last night's episode has encouraged me to go to HBO demand and visit those episodes that sat in my DVR but were never viewed. Maybe the boys are back after all?

SNL: Ben Affleck and John McCain - Votes are In

(Photo Courtesy of NBC Universal Media)

Two days to go after two years of campaigning, stump speeches, negative ads, change, hope, mavericky mavericks, views of Russia and various Joe's of many vocational distinction. Saturday Night Live has taken advantage of their incredible luck in having the comedic platform to make political commentary through satire, while allowing the candidates to join in on a little self deprecation.

John McCain, who hosted SNL in 2002, returned to the show last night to do some fun lovin' good time humor. America did not have to wait. He was in the cold open, joined by Tina Fey doing her Sarah Palin duties. It was pretty funny to see him sell off his campaign themed knick knacks on QVC, while Palin went all rouge with "Palin in 2012" teeshirts for sale on the side. There was actually an amiable vibe on set. The studio audience seemed quite supportive, considering one would expect an east coast Obama supportive contingency. Yet a supportive crowd out cheered what could have been mistaken for boo's. McCain returned during Weekend Update, again to positive applause, this time with definite boo's laced in the applause, good naturally acknowledged by the candidate, before he went on to satirizing his own campaign tactics.

Guest Host Ben Affleck came back as guest. The monologue felt a bit wasted, shortened, and was not a particularly great kick off for the evening's show. Affleck, making note of being a staunch Democrat, commented that he was supporting McCain tonight since all the Democratic presidents he supported in the past lost. Who better than to deal with superstitious reverse karma than a Red Sox fan? This Mets fan totally understood the strategy.

Affleck stretched his impressionist muscles by doing an very angry and out of character Keith Olberman. I know Olberman can be passionate about his convictions, but Affleck seemed to have missed the twinkle firmly planted in Keith's eye - making the Olberman sketch a little more macabre, and perhaps not as pitch perfect as it could have been. Also, the stab at "The View" was a hit and miss. Affleck continued wearing the skin of someone else - this time Alec Baldwin - with deep voice and squinty eye. The problem with the sketch was the lack of finesse in sending up the ladies. In reality, they are louder, talk over each other, and suffer through right wing discourse from Elizabeth Hasselbeck, thus amplifying her to screeching annoyance. The sketch didn't hit the center of what makes right wingnut Bits and her liberal co-hosts so inflammatory.

Personal favorite of the night was the Target lady sketch and Ben as the man that wanted to sex her up. Ben aced the wigger persona, making guy look like a slightly disgusting, but entertaining ass, while Wigg freaked out customers with her overzealous cheer.

Perhaps the fabulous SNL with Jon Hamm last week made it tough for Ben to outdo my expections. This show was fine, but not as top notch. However, he's always great on this show, even if the writing doesn't hold up all the time.

Cold Open:


Weekend Update:


SNL is on a break next week, but returns on Saturday, November 15th with Guest Host Paul Rudd, whom I love so much, that I have married him in my head. He has been my imaginary husband for a few years now, so it will be a treat. Maybe he can get me pretend tickets to his show?

SNL Tonight: Guest Host - Ben Affleck

(Photo Courtesy of www.nbc.com/saturday_night_live.com)

Ben Affleck is one of the best returning guest hosts the show keeps in their family of celebrity friends. I sense it's going to be good. Comedy is subjective, and some may not love what the writers do, but the show has been enjoying an incredible surge of interest lately thanks to the election campaign hitting sizzling heights as we make our way into the finishing stretch.

John McCain will be appearing tonight. McCain is no stranger to the comedy game. He was an SNL guest host in 2002, and has been a favored politician on The Daily Show, where he has been known to dish out the funny long before the 2008 election took hold. This should be interesting.

Musical guest is David Cook.

Saturday Night Live airs tonight on NBC at 11:30pm ET/10:30am CT

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight!

Friday News Bites

(Photo Courtesy www.ew.com)

Jon Hamm to Guest Star on "30 Rock"

If Christmas and birthdays, and peanut butter and chocolate could all collide in one rainbow of amazing, it might resemble this. Jon Hamm, star of "Mad Men", future SNL multiple guest host, and actual fan of "30 Rock", will be guest starring in the Tina Fey extravaganza as a possible love interest for Liz Lemon. Something is wrong. This is too perfect. I think I need to lay down.

Source: http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-gue.html
?xid=rss-feed-top25-Exclusive%3A+%2730+Rock%27+Goes+%27Mad%27+for+Jon+Hamm

"30 Rock" Rocks the Ratings

Last night's season premiere brought in some stellar ratings. The show earned 8.5 million viewers last night - up 20% from last season. Lets hope it lasts.

http://gawker.com/5072641/30-rock-rides-sarah-palin-wave-to-all+time-ratings-high

(Photo Courtesy of www.Variety.com)

BBC Head Rolls after Russell Brand Fiasco

Many on this side of the ocean may not know of Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand. Ross is a longtime talk show host in the U.K., whose style and experience comes close to O'Brien or Letterman. Russell Brand, who starred in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", is a sex addicted, former drug using sexy god who hosted a BBC2 Radio show that followed the outrageousness of a Howard Stern. Well, looks like Ross (who should know better) and Brand (who's just crazy) got in trouble earlier this week for an October 18th radio broadcast that went a little too far, resulting in public complains, Ross' suspension from the Beeb, and Brand's resignation - along with the programming head.

Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994964.html?categoryid=19&cs=1

The Daily Show Ratings Surge

Thanks to the heat of the current election, Jon Stewart and his crew got a nice ratings boost on Wednesday night due to Barack OBama's appearance. 3.6 million viewers tuned in, out doing the show's ratings high of 600,000.

Source: www.hollywood reporter.com

John McCain to Host SNL

The Republican candidate will appear on SNL this weekend (Guest: Ben Affleck).

Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/
television/news/e3ib4b380265b29d50a3b38170c5945246a

"The Office": Employee Transfer

This wasn't the Halloween episode expected, but the cold open was a satisfying call back to the great days of "The Office". Pam looked cute (although a bit creepy) in her Charlie Chaplin/Hilter get up, despite the fact that corporate New Yorkers don't dress up for the day. (We don't. I'm looking around now. Not one mask nor kitten ears in sight- not to say the streets aren't filled with holiday revelers). Creed won the Best Joker Costume award for the night, beating out Kevin and Dwight, simply by inhabiting the role rather than just playing dress up. Jim as "Dave" was amusing, but "Three Hole Punch Jim" from season two may have been his pinnacle as far as Halloween drag goes.

As Michael and Holly's love affair crumbles around them hour by hour in the front seat of Darryl's truck, it's clear that this episode was going to be a downer. Cut to Dwight pranking Andy by threatening to apply to Cornell, and "Employee Transfer" was quickly becoming a Frankenstein of used bits and parts from other episodes of the past. Mix in the Halpert brothers and their douche-baggery, and you have an odd, off kilter episode, making one feel that "The Office" of old has been left in the dust. Dwight sending up Andy with his Cornell sweatshirt and threat to apply to his Alma Mater? Seen it in "Product Recall" when Jim imitated Dwight and Dwight imitated Jim. Michael's sad road trip back with Darryl? Done. It was used in "The Negotiation" when they road hauled it to New York to ask for a raise.

But it's not the rehash that annoyed as much as storylines with a "B" quality feel being jacked up as primary plots. First of all, the running joke on Cornell and Andy wore thin last year.



Dwight and Andy acting like a duo of school aged children in a middle school cafeteria trying to one up the other was funny, but overkill. As the time ticked away from the meager twenty one minutes the network allows in between commercial breaks, the same Andy/Dwight give and take stretched out and bumped the probable Jim and Pam scenes most fans (such as myself) hoped to see . Also, the revenge Dwight plots against Andy, all for the sake of losing Angela was wearisome. There have been more Angela/Dwight than Jim/Pam so far. Sorry, but Dwangela does not replace Jam. If people find them too schmoopy and tired of their story - too bad. They are an important part of this show, and they are being under used, especially with Pam away.

As a fan of Holly, I was surprised to find myself really tired of her relationship with Michael. It dominated the last four episodes. Yes, the story arc had to unfold in a reasonably short time since Amy Ryan is only signed on for six episodes this season, but it was becoming too much of the Holly/Michael show. Perhaps it was used as filler for the lack of Jim and Pam. And yes, it was a lovely coupling, making a love worn Michael find a true mate. Yet, cue in the thunder. David Wallace played the evil mastermind behind breaking up the two by transferring Holly to Nashua. Apparently, our HR lady is originally from that branch, which confused many focused "Office" fans since in last year's season finale, she mentioned having been at another company...not another branch. Continuity, Writers. Continuity.

Michael's heartbreak over Holly's decision to break up was vintage Steve Carell. When he pleaded to Holly to not break up with him screaming, "I'm too weak! I'll end up back with Jan!" I was right there with him. Those tears? You couldn't help but weep for him. Oh Holly. Don't do that to Michael. Don't do that to us!

The meat of "The Office" for me has always been Jim and Pam, and once again, their relationship, something we have suffered through three seasons of strife, was pushed back as a "C" story. We finally met Jim's brothers! Yay, they are probably cool like him, or they suck. At least we'll get a feel for the Halpert clan. Well, almost.



The Brother's Halpert was a wasted opportunity of jerky, frat boy sadness sparked by Pam's hankering for a prank. Equipped with a lame story about her engagement ring being left in a smock, and the brothers playing along, this fan was immediately disappointed in our prankster Pam. A misplaced engagement ring? Come on, girl, you're losing it. Pam's set ups are much more artful. However, the guys have a better idea. Let's do that prank on Jim when he was with his girlfriend in High School! Yah! Hilarious! What ensued was uncomfortable moments of Jim being confused while Pam was the one being targeted. She handled it like a trooper, and was welcomed to the family by the brothers, in the form of a text message received while the future Mr. and Mrs. Halpert walk away from this date. If fans were getting the dry heaves over the saccharine sweet cuteness of Jim and Pam's missed voicemails a few weeks ago (which I loved), then this was my eye roll moment. The text message was a bit hokey to me.

But they do look happy and lovely together:



And at least they mentioned my beloved Mets during dinner.

There were some wasted opportunities in this episode. This has been a persistent trait in season five thus far.

Even the two minute replay of "Employee Transfer" is lame, since there are no Jim and Pam chowing with the Halpert dunderheads. Sadness. Again.


Next episode is entitled "Customer Survey" and airs on Thursday 11/2 at 9:30pm ET/8:30pm CT

Thursday News Bites

Obama Ruled the Night

Obama's 30 minute prime time infomercial special out performed the usual programming in the 8pm timeslot on all networks. Brian Stelter reports:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/solid-ratings-for-obama-mercial/

Ben Silverman of NBC on the Outs?

As per Deadline Hollywood Daily, NBC Program Executive Ben Silverman continues to sit on his bubble of doom. The Fall NBC schedule did not bring in the viewers, and is being considered a failure at the hands of Ben. Paul Teledy, head of BBC Worldwide America has apparently resigned from his post. The word is, NBC may poach him for the job Silverman is sitting on.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/is-this-craig-plestis-replacement-at-nbc/

World Series Ratings

Fox reports that the 2008 World Series, which had reported the lowest numbers ever Games One through four, ruled the night for Game Five, the game clincher. It garnered the highest ratings ever for the autumn classic at 26.3 million viewers. So, people actually cared enough to watch the Rays and the Phillies.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994951.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

The Beatles and MTV Strike a Deal

MTV and The Beatles Apple Corps. have come to an agreement that will allow the fab four's music to be used in the latest version of Rock Band.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iadb60bbfae240bb7d8229b9eb8f2a7f3

"30 Rock" Feature in NYTimes.com

Nice feature from Alessandra Stanley from NYTimes.com on Tina Fey and "30 Rock".

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/arts/television/30stan.html?ref=television

"The Office" Thursday! Tricks or Treat?

Just waiting on 9pm for tonight’s “Office”. The episode is entitled “Employee Transfer”. Tick Tock. Is it time yet?

“The Office” is the show I fell in love with back in 2003, when Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant created the cringe worthy, dark and funny, human and heartwarming original British series that transferred so successfully to the USA. The American version has taken on a life all its own. During the past five seasons, it has blown me away with jaw dropping heart ache, surprise turns and smart, gut wrenching laughs. This is the show that tugs at my heartstrings. I know these characters, and care about them as if they were real, allowing me to revel in their successes, join them in eye rolls in the conference room, and follow every move as they make their way through life, even if sometimes the results are a bit outlandish.

Sadly, I've been a bit underwhelmed by “The Office” as of late. The show seems off kilter to me. Yes, there are some funny, lovely moments here and there, but the goodness doesn’t hit me between the eyes upon original viewing. It takes two or three viewings to like what I see. The lack of Pam Beesly in the offices of Dunder Mifflin Scranton has taken a toll. It appeared as if she would be gone for only three months over the summer, which we partially saw in a span of eight weeks covered in the season premiere; however, three months has turned into five, as Halloween closes in, only to find Pam still in New York living the life of a college student without explanation. Meanwhile, Jim remains in Scranton, looking for ways to connect with her, not doing much growing, but staying strong in his trust of Pam. Perhaps this absence is to prove how integral each and every cast member is to the ensemble. It’s like a missing plank of wood in a DIY desk set from Office Max. Exclude one piece, and your table will be all wonky and rickety. It’s understood that Pam will be in tonight’s episode, but if she’s not back at her Receptionist desk soon, things will continue to be weird. And will she ever return to answering phones? Can you bring the girl back to Scranton after she’s seen NYC? I miss Pam more than I missed Jim when he was in Stamford. At least we saw more of him in Connecticut. Throw in Dwight having a baby watermelon, Jan being part of the Dunder Mifflin universe, Andy and Angela, Dwight and Angela, the likelihood of various twists and turns with plot and sloppy continuity (three months at Pratt is now five, birthday mix ups, which came first- Jim or Pam?), and it starts to feel like a regular sitcom rather than a fresh, goofy, human sitcom that wasn’t your average sitcom.

But, I do have hope. My heart is pounding at the idea of tonight’s show. We revisit Dunder Mifflin at Halloween once again. Creed will don his Dark Knight freakishness, and Andy will presumably be dressed as a member from the cast of “Cats”. Will Jim out do “three hole punch Jim”? (Spoiler alert) Speaking of Big Tuna, we finally get to peak into the Halpert family tree. His brothers make an appearance. It seems that pranks run in the family, and Pam uses it for good… or evil? Meanwhile, Michael and new HR lady Holly Flax are getting on like gangbusters, only to have David Wallace imply his unhappiness with their union in last week’s episode. The results of this discovery will play out in tonight’s episode.

“Employee Transfer”. Bring it.

Meanwhile, let's bide our time and hearken back to simpler days of "Office". Here's a photo from season two’s “Halloween”, when the pain was sweet and Beesly still had frizzy hair.

(Photo courtesy of www.such_a_dork.com)

"30 Rock" in The House: Season Network Premiere Tonight

No, Oprah fans. The great lady (and Liz's Valium) is not in tonight's episode. But there is still reason to rejoice! "30 Rock" is back! It seems the new NBC television season began in September and left "30 Rock" behind, wistfully waiting for the last week of October to grace our screens again. Meanwhile, Tina Fey's stock has been rising during the heat of the Sarah Palin election circus, making all those "30 Rock" neophytes wonder what the fuss is about when the damn show isn't even on. Well it's on now!

Tonight's episode was sneak peaked on Hulu and iTunes last week, so the cat's pretty much out of the bag. The premiere is a doozy. Jack emerging from a limo to greet Liz is as much a sight for sore eyes as seeing Don Draper return to Sterling Cooper. All hell breaks loose as Liz tries to impress a baby adoption agency lady, played by Megan Mullally, while Jack, whose been locked up in a room in Washington D.C. with Cooter since the end of last season, returns to NBC and tries to earn his way back up to the top. Will Arnett is back as Devon. "30 Rock" is alive and well.

Now that Tina Fey has entered American's vision in these election times as the master-in-parody look-a-like VP hopeful (and doubtful), perhaps the curiosity factor will make non-viewers tune in and fall in love with this hilarious show.

This season promises to be a star studded one with appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Anniston and Steve Martin.

"30 Rock" premieres tonight on NBC at 9:30pm ET/8:30pm CT.

(Photo Courtesy of NBC Universal Media)

It's a "Mad" Week: Mad Men Showrunner's Future in Doubt

This has been a busy week in the "Mad Man" camp. First Jon Hamm hosts "Saturday Night Live", then the season finale of the Emmy award winning show airs on Sunday, earning stellar ratings. Now this.

It's been reported that negotiations on bringing back "Mad Men" for a third season have been slow. Anxiety grew high as the second season drew close to an end, only to find that AMC had not officially picked up the show for season three - until a few days ago, when the "all clear" had been rung, and fans rejoiced that, yes children, there will be another year of Don Draper. Yet, all hopes have come to a screeching halt. Nikki Finke has reported that Matthew Weiner and Lionsgate have hit a brick wall when it comes to his contract. CAA and Weiner want $10 million a year, plus control over promotion and advertising, which, as Finke mentions, is fine for a premium channel such as HBO, but it's pretty rich for basic cable AMC.

This may all be smoke and mirrors to allow Weiner and Lionsgate to compromise on a decent deal, but it's scary for "Mad Men" viewers who appreciate the intense devotion and imagination of Weiner, whose own vision brought this story to the small screen. When a list of possible new showrunners is being considered to replace him, one of them being Aaron Sorkin (other than "Sports Night" - not a fan, me), the heart thumps through the chest in fear.

Lets hope that this is one of those tactics they use in Baseball, where the free agent holds out, looking at other teams as options, until the favored team wins. Although the show has been signed on for two more years with or without the original showrunner, it's clear: "Mad Man" cannot go on without Matthew Weiner. Here's hoping they reach a fair deal soon.

(Source: www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com)

Update: According to Defamer, reports of Lionsgate looking to replace Weiner was only a rumor. There appears to be slight friction because they are still hashing out details, with back and forth still going on.

Strike TV: From the Picket Line to You

Imagine walking around in a circle all day, every day, for about three months while waiting for negotiators to work out a deal on your union contract. Meanwhile, you count your pennies, wait for good news, get splinters from the signs, freeze your ass off, feel the pain of bunions, and hope the WGA strike ends before you lose your house. In the midst of such goings on, you meet up with writers and performers from around the industry, pitching ideas, getting some gristle for the mill of creativity. Suddenly, one day - you've hatched "Strike TV", an online, original content website where writers and actors, who've bonded through the adversity of AMPTP and WGA battles, produce fresh new scripted entertainment programming for the web, defying the very issue that created a stalemate in the Guild negotiations to begin with (original content residuals).

"Strike TV" has been online for a few months in beta version, testing the waters of technology before their scheduled launch for today. The site is in the same vein as "Funny or Die", where content is devised primarily by well known and behind-the- scenes "well know" writers and actors, putting together short comedy films for the masses. "Strike TV" follows suit with various shorts by Kristin Wigg, Mindy Kaling, and Bob Newhart, to name a few.

Give "Strike TV" a look-see at www. strike.tv.com.