Animation Domination

If you were Matt Groening, would this picture piss you off?

Cougar Town, “Pilot”: Pow!

“Maybe what really drives you nuts is that you couldn’t bag a young stud if you tried,” Josh Hopkins tells Courtney Cox in Cougar Town’s pilot episode. “You don’t think I could?” asks Cox, right before calling out to a kid riding by on his bike. “Pow!” She pulls open her robe, and the kid, who will be telling this story to his friends well into college, plows head-on into a parked car.

I just watched the pilot again and I’m still cleaning up the Dr. Pepper I spit all over my TV. I’m not sure what ABC did to deserve it, but as far as good TV goes, their cup runneth over this season.

Cougar Town stars Courtney Cox as Jules Cobb, a 40-year old single mom who’s trying to jump back in to the dating scene. Being single, being 40 with a 17-year old son, she’s (understandably) a little anxious. There to push her into the deep end is her best friend Laurie, played by Busy Phillips. After working some kinks out at the local discotheque, Jules hooks up with Matt. After moving things back to her place, they’re interrupted by Jule’s ex-husband Bobby and her son Travis.

Jules getting caught doing that thing she always told Bobby she hated but really doesn’t sums up a lot of show. It’s that, “Oh s**t. I’m doing this and people can see me,” feeling that makes Jules so hesitant to start dating again. Bobby and Travis aren’t making it any easier for her. Bobby looks on, amused, while Travis — the teenager who’s still getting picked on at school — can only watch in horror, especially after his dad gets a job at his school…cutting the grass.

The show was created by Scrubs alums (or as I call them, Scrubs Scribes) Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel, so fans of that show will definitely recognize the humor, although it’s a bit more reined in here. Reined in, but every bit as funny. We all knew Courtney Cox could do comedy, but this seems like a role she was almost born to, especially when you consider what all of the ex-Friends have gone on to do after that show completed its run.

Structurally, the show’s still working out a few kinks. I think it’s something all sitcoms go through in their first few episodes, and I don’t think the show is going to have any problems settling into its own rhythm. It’s a great premise, and while Cox is clearly the star, she’s got some talent backing her up. Brian Van Holt as Cox’s absent-minded ex-husband provides some of the show’s laugh-out-loud moments, as do Christa Miller and Ian Gomez, Cox’s neighbors who have settled into a life of utterly predictable marital bliss.

On the Working Title TV-Meter, we give Cougar Town–just kidding. Could you imagine something so ridiculous? Anyway, on the Working Title TV-Meter we give Cougar Town a B++, which is basically an A. I just hesitate giving any show an A right out of the gate, even though this one really had me laughing. Anyway, on Wednesday nights ABC is definitely the place to be. Cougar Town and the network’s other freshman comedy, Modern Family, seem to be a good pair. Considering the ratings, they’re both off to a good start. Hopefully that’ll keep up. I’d hate to buy a DVD next year that said Cougar Town: The Complete Series.

SNL is back this Saturday night…live. *cough*

If the Weekend Update Thursdays they’ve had on these past couple of weeks aren’t satisfying your SNL jones, you’ll be happy to know the show will be back with new episodes this Saturday. Jennifer’s Body star and future Jennifer’s Body 2 star Megan Fox will be hosting. I’m sure she’ll be really funny, and we’ll all feel bad for laughing at those Transformers letters. Anyway. In other news, Fox is currently in talks to star in the next Batman film. Rumor has it she’ll be playing an STD. (zing!)

The 61st Primetime Emmy Winners

Another Emmy ceremony is behind us. Tonight’s show managed to throw us a couple of curveballs. Toni Collette beat out Tina Fey for best actress in a comedy series. Bryan Cranston took home best actor in a drama. But when it came down to the two biggies – best drama and comedy – the awards went to 30 Rock and Mad Men, who probably wouldn’t win so much if they weren’t the best shows on TV.

In any awards show — that is, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, and the Oscars — there are plenty of failed jokes and awkward moments, but all in all, tonight’s show was pretty good. I thought Neil Patrick Harris did a solid job as host. Maybe I’m still comparing everything to that big pile of crap they put on last year, hosted by Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Jeff Probst, Ryan Seacrest, and Howie Mandel. Ugh… I cringe.

Some of tonight’s more memorable moments:

• Sarah Silverman’s mustache.
  
• Ricky Gervais saying things.
  
• Jimmy Fallon’s bit with the auto-tuner.
  
• Bob Newhart. Seriously, is there anyone who doesn’t like that guy?
• Finally, Kate Walsh letting her hair grow back out. Yes Kate, I’ll marry you. We can live with my mother.
  

Anyway, if you didn’t watch the show, none of this will mean anything to you, so here’s the full list of winners…

Outstanding Drama Series
“Mad Men” (AMC)

Outstanding Comedy Series
“30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Glenn Glose, “Damages” (FX)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Kater Gordon and Matthew Weiner, “Meditations in an Emergency,” “Mad Men” (AMC)

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Rod Holcomb, “And in the End,” “ER” (NBC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama
Cherry Jones, “24″ (Fox)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama
Michael Emerson, “Lost” (Fox)

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
“Hugh Jackman Opening Number,” The 81st Annual Academy Awards (ABC)

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Directing for Variety, Music or Comedy Series
Bruce Gowers, “American Idol” (Fox)

Outstanding Miniseries
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)

Outstanding Made for TV Movie
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Dearbhla Walsh, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Andrew Davies, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Brendan Gleeson, “Into the Storm” (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Ken Howard, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Shohreh Aghdashloo as Sajida in “House of Saddam” (HBO)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
“The Amazing Race” (CBS)

Outstanding Host for a Reality or a Reality Competition Program
Jeff Probst, “Survivor” (CBS)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Jeffery Blitz, “Stress Relief,” “The Office” (NBC)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Toni Collette, “United States of Tara” (Showtime)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men (CBS)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Matt Hubbard, “Reunion,” “30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies” (ABC)

So You Think You Can Dance: The Bloodletting, pt. 2

Without a doubt, the most exciting part of Wednesday’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance was the teaser for next week’s episode. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re only showing one episode a week. Maybe it’s that there aren’t enough Sexs and Dancin’ Ds for us to feel sorry for. A much more likely culprit is the fact that every time the show breaks for commercials they act like when they come back, they’re going to be showing all the big explosions and people getting shot up in True Lies. Of course it’s just a bunch of spooky music and creative editing.

Some highlight’s from Wednesday’s episode…

Hyperactive Black Kid Who’s Name I Can’t Remember. He seemed like a really nice guy. Excited to be getting his fifteen minutes. Hats off to Nigel and the other judges for letting him into choreography. But when that commercial break came, everything went to slow-mo and they started with that music again. We saw EMTs working over his limp body. We saw an oxygen mask, and was that a defibrillator?! But five minutes later he’s back up, laughing and jumping into his dad’s car! I paid for blood dammit!

Jonathan Perez. The judges said he was the best b-boy they had ever seen. He was fast, and that thing he did where he walked across the stage on his hands was pretty nifty, but other than that…cough. He was nowhere near as good as Hawk from season 3, or as original as Phillip from last season.

Allison Becker. I really did enjoy watching her audition. I have to be honest though, anytime I see someone who’s handicapped audition for a reality competition, I cringe a little. The judges smile and I’m sure they’re sincere in their admiration, but then the realities of producing a television show set in, and the contestant is sent home. You see it especially with overweight people. Why put fat people in shows like So You Think You Can Dance or America’s Next Top Model when we can really capitalize on them with shows like Dance Your Ass Off and More to Love? Maybe I’m just angry because I weigh 700 pounds, and am writing this from the bed I haven’t left in five years. Oh, life.

Brand New Day

I don’t really have any reason for posting this other than it’s stuck in my head and I’ve been singing it all day.

So You Think You Can Dance: The Bloodletting

After like, three or four weeks, So You Think You Can Dance is finally back. And like any serious competition/reality show, the season premiere entertained audiences with a seemingly endless parade of the self-deluded. If you’re reading this post, you probably watched the show, so I’ll just give a short rundown of my thoughts…

• “Allure! Seduce! Shattered! The candles blow out, I must too!” I agree with Adam. That was f**king weird.
  
• Evan Kasprzak from last season was a good guy, but so help me if his brother Ryan makes the show I just might kill myself. I’m sick of his stupid ties. I’m sick of watching him cry over his brother. I’m sick of their stupid bear hugs. And his audition sucked.
• Is there anyone from Utah who doesn’t sing, dance, or play an instrument?
• Is anyone really surprised that the tap dancing chick came back?
  
• If you were a featured dancer in High School Musical 1, 2, AND 3, just be a good sport and leave the competition to those who’ve yet to make it. “But how will I know when I’ve made it?” When the judges tell you they’re fans.
  
• I can’t wait to see Drum Song: The Movie That Was A (Drum) Song!
  
• It’s only a matter of time until Mia Michaels’ Emmy comes on as a guest judge.

Season 5 definitely had some standouts, but for the most part my wife and I found ourselves ranking everyone by how hot we thought they were. Coming back so soon, season 6 better make season 3 look like season 4, if you know what I mean.

Pictures

With just a few exceptions (True Blood and So You Think You Can Dance) summer TV is a dark, dark place. It’s full of reruns and unpopular shows that networks have left to die. As the new Fall season approaches, networks are ramping up their ad campaigns, whetting our appetites with small glimpses of what’s to come.

And we all watch it. When we’re hanging out with friends and someone starts talking about House or 24, we may be quick to say, “Oh, I’m so busy! I hardly watch any TV at all!” but that’s just because, unconsciously, our sphincters are clenching in fear that our friends will find the Firefly DVDs and empty cans of Mountain Dew scattered across our bedroom.

For a while now, I’ve really been digging the advertisements networks run promoting their shows. For a moment, it makes me feel high-brow and good about all the hours and money I’ve thrown in to TV and DVDs. When I think of this stuff, I usually think of The Sopranos, which really owned us all (you can click most of the pictures for larger versions).

In this picture, you’ll recognize the bodies on the ground as characters who have died over the years — Ralph Cifaretto, Big Pussy Bonpensiero, Gloria Trillo, and Richie Aprile.

The Sopranos isn’t the only show to have used the Last Supper motif. Here are two promos from Battlestar Galactica and House…

I’m not a huge fan of House, but that picture makes me wish I was…maybe. And for BSG and The Sopranos, such an evocative image was totally appropriate for the shows. Of course, there are other shows like Bones, who start with a good idea and then SURPRISEPOKER!!1!

Booth: Bones! How much are you in for?

Bones: Fiddy bones! LOL!

But we knew they’d screw it up in the end, right? Networks like HBO and Showtime release this sort of thing a lot more than networks like FOX and NBC, so when looking for examples, I wasn’t able to find a ton of variety. Maybe you’ll forgive me.

Some of my favorite stuff is for Showtime’s Dexter (returning September 27th!). Man. That kid’s eyes…

All these shows do this stuff like they’re old pros, but then there are other shows who just use the profile pics from their Facebook pages.

Booth: “Bones! What are you doing?”

Bones: “Oh, just examining my bones, LOL! … Thursdays at 8/7c.”

If any of you are interested in this sort of thing, you should flip through the occasional issue of Vanity Fair. They’ve got a lot of good stuff. If any of you find anything out there you particularly like, send it to fuggidup@yahoo.com and we’ll post it. Unless it’s Bones. I mean, seriously?

MIGUEEELLL!!

Dexter marathon completed. I LOL’d hard when I watched this.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from So You Think You Can Dance…

… it’s that I’ll never be good enough.

So You Think You Can Dance returns Wednesday, September 9th.