Pilot Review: Journeyman

Journeyman (NBC)
Premieres September 24 at 10pm

Those who like me hoped this would be a proud moment in the history of time-travel series will be sadly disappointed. This is basically an unimaginative rehash of ABC's despicable "Daybreak" with just as little sense and acting skills just as lacking (Moon Bloodgood, who really just got shot and kidnapped over and over on the former show, is now on this show with a much more substantial role. Who authorized that creative decision?). All the jumps in time back and forth get so convoluted and seem placed deliberately to help guide the plot rather than the audience's imagination. The drug intervention that occurs halfway through the episode is laughable. I was not drawn in enough to care about how the protagonist kept getting yanked back and forth, and predicted his "Frequency"-esque show of proof from the start. If only this show were as electrifying as star Kevin McKidd's blue eyes.

How will it work as a series? Not too well, especially if high-rated ABC, which launched "Daybreak" in the time slot occupied by "Lost", could not sustain that show during the off-season. People will stay tuned in to "CSI: Miami" after getting too confused about the mythology here to care.
How long will it last? I would say six or seven episodes before being pulled, unless that "Heroes" audience can come through and stay up just a bit later to help Kevin McKidd sort out his own powers.

Pilot grade: C-

Quick correction: For some reason I had listed the pilot grade as a B- but I definitely did not feel that way. I caught the error and lowered the grade as I initially thought I had.

Emmy Update: Creative Arts Winners!

I begin my Emmy prediction results with a dismal 0/4 on the guest categories. I am happy for Stanley Tucci (Monk) and Elaine Stritch (30 Rock), definite runner-ups in my mind for their respective awards. Not so sure about John Goodman (Studio 60), though I like the idea of a cancelled series winning Emmys. I have not seen Leslie Caron's performance on "Law & Order: SVU" so I cannot really comment there. In other news, "Dexter" was awarded for its stunning main title design, and "Scrubs" unfortunately missed out in the both the Music & Lyrics and Music Direction awards for its musical episode. "Soprano Home Movies", the "Sopranos" season opener, was snubbed for Best Cinematography, which really beats me. But "Battlestar Galactica" did win for Best Visual Effects for "Exodus, Part 2", a very much deserved trophy.

This does not affect too much of the race to come for next week's awards, only to indicate that "30 Rock" seems to be more popular than "Ugly Betty", "Monk" actors still have lots of power, and John Goodman finally got an Emmy after nine previous nominations. All the rest will have to be seen next week. A full list of Creative Arts Emmy winners is available only at http://www.emmys.tv

Emmy Predictions: Best Writing in a Drama Series

The nominees:

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, "Occupation/Precipice"
The two-part season opener of the cult science fiction series is a bit too into the mythology to win this award, in my mind. It definitely deals with some intense issues, like the legitimacy and necessity of suicide bombings, and I know I, along with countless BSG enthusiasts, would be ecstatic if this episode won, but I think BSG has a far better chance in directing.

LOST, "Through the Looking Glass"
This is an undeniably popular episode, absolutely well-written, and it absolutely has the possibility to win this thing. The fact that both wildly beloved episodes "Pilot" and "Walkabout" lost out to an episode of "House" two years back and that last year's "The 23rd Psalm" (a definitely weaker episode) lost to "The Sopranos" last year does not bode well, but I am sure I am not the only one who wants this episode to win.

THE SOPRANOS, "Kennedy & Heidi"
This is an important episode in the show which also garnered a nod for directing, but I think this hour will fare much better in directing as it is the actors and the scenery that really make this episode work. I am pretty sure this hour will lost out to the other two "Sopranos" episodes.

THE SOPRANOS, "Made in America"
It would seem likely that this series finale would be the shoo-in for the win in this category, if not for the generally negative reaction to it. The fact that it made it in is a step, but I think it is too widely despised to manage a win. Additionally, it missed out on a directing nod.

THE SOPRANOS, "The Second Coming"
This is another really big episode for the show, and if history tells us anything, it is that "The Sopranos" can still win in this category even with a number of episodes nominated. This seems to have the most buzz, and barring "Lost", I think this is the frontrunner.

Who should win: Lost, "Through the Looking Glass"
Who will win: The Sopranos, "The Second Coming"

Next: Best Directing in a Comedy Series

Emmy Predictions: Best Writing in a Comedy Series

The nominees:

EXTRAS, "Daniel Radcliffe"
This episode is laugh-out-loud hilarious, and Emmy loves "The Office" which is inspired by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Its offbeat nature may weaken its chances, especially with the more widely watched "30 Rock" being in this category. Look out for a surprise win though.

THE OFFICE, "Gay Witch Hunt"
I personally do not think this is a strong "Office" episode at all, but its corresponding directing nod indicates that Emmy voters think otherwise. It seems like a louder kind of episode than "The Negotiation" which may help it.

THE OFFICE, "The Negotiation"
This is an absolutely hilarious episode which really uses all the supporting characters to their best, but I feel that it may be eclipsed by the crazier nature of the other four episodes in this category.

30 ROCK, "Jack-Tor"
Another very funny episode that captures the strange style of the show and truly incorporates all the bizarre characters. If Emmy voters like "30 Rock" as much as I think they will, this episode may have a fighting chance.

30 ROCK, "Tracy Does Conan"
I did not love this episode, but if I recall, this is the first "Dr. Spaceman"-related episode which is incomparably funny. The fact that Tina Fey wrote this episode only helps its chances.

Who should win: The Office, "The Negotiation" or 30 Rock, "Jack-Tor"
Who will win: 30 Rock, "Tracy Does Conan"

Next: Best Writing in a Drama Series

What I'm Watching: Rescue Me

Rescue Me: Season 4, Episode 12 "Keefe" (B-)

The whole parallel sexual encounter montage with Franco and Shawn was more than a bit strange. Yeah, they have now moved on with their lives after unfortunate falling-outs with their respective significant others, but it was really just bizarre. Tommy dressing up in Jimmy's uniform, if that is even what happened (I was extremely confused) seems out of place and untimely. I really enjoyed Tommy's reaction to his daughter's boyfriend getting engaged to someone else, but would he really not care about the $5400 he spent on the ring on his credit card? Doubtful. The most intriguing thing keeping this show going is the new rift between Black Shawn and Probie. And Lou and his delicacy-making female friend. The show's fourth season finale airs next week.

Pilot Review: Chuck

Chuck (NBC)
Premieres September 24 at 8pm

Here we have a concept that in theory would not have worked terribly well, either coming off as too comical or falsely dramatic. It is a fantastic surprise that this show works so well. The tagline "he's the secret, she's the agent" perfectly describes this clever comedy about a computer geek/specialist who gets government secrets downloaded to his brain after they are e-mailed to him by his former college roommate slash rogue CIA agent Bryce Larkin (played by Jay from "Traveler" who does a much better job in his several minutes here than he ever did on the ABC show). In any case, the cast here is fantastic. Zachary Levi is a great lead as the nerdy but well-intentioned Chuck, and he is surrounded by perfectly casted characters played by Yvonne Strzechowski, Joshua Gomez, Adam Baldwin, and Sarah LAncaster. Also great to see C.S. Lee, Masuka from "Dexter", as a nemesis of Chuck's. This is a fantastic and fresh show which almost flawlessly combines action, suspense, and comedy, and should hopefully last quite a while. Bonus points for using the soundtrack from "The Bourne Supremacy".

How will it work as a series? As long as everyone keeps trying hard and the concept does not die with the pilot, I think this should work extremely well. The amazing cast should be able to sustain it well for quite some time.
How long will it last? I am predicting a second season renewal for this show, and I think its timeslot and serving as a lead-in to "Heroes" should only help.

Pilot grade: B+

What I'm Watching: Damages

Damages: Season 1, Episode 6 "She Spat at Me" (C)

Enough with Ray's ultraviolent dreams already! Seriously, do we need to see the blood pouring out of his mouth? And Frobisher hitting the guy in the nose? I guess the recent warnings about "graphic violence" aired before "Rescue Me" were really meant to apply here. Not to mention Lame Boyfriend picking up the Statue of Liberty bookend and giving us a good scare that he might get his head bashed in. He really does not seem like the type to cheat, but I suppose that dinner at the Hewes household could not have helped. That one was a disastrous idea from the first moment. Just remember that Frobisher is not the only evil one; even Patty has shady spies with guns tailing people. That is certainly a comfort.

Pilot Review: K-Ville

K-Ville (FOX)
Premieres September 17 at 9pm

This cop show about post-Katrina New Orleans in intriguing from the outset, but a number of problems keep bogging it down. Anthony Anderson, who more than proved his dramatic talents during his stint on the fourth season of FX's "The Shield", is an able enough lead but his style does not necessarily work for this character he is playing. Cole Hauser, on the other hand, offers nothing terribly exciting. The supporting cast is bland at best, and it seems that Blake Shields' remarkable role on "Sleeper Cell" was his only fantastic role. The case here is not that original, and New Orleans-specific elements of the plot can only remain actively engaging for so long. The police brutality (i.e. almost letting the guy drown) has been done to death before and Anderson's character hardly seems like the type. The twist that comes at the end of the hour makes the show seem so much less believable, and in my eyes will make it hard to sustain.

How will it work as a series? Week-to-week believability will surely wear thin because only the backdrop is interesting. The unengaging cast needs to get their act together a bit more if they want to keep this show on the air. Lead-in "Prison Break" may not help too much, since the styles are extremely different.
How long will it last? I have a feeling that FOX will let it stay on the air for its first thirteen episodes, but I think that is it.

Pilot grade: C

Emmy Predictions: Guest Categories

I have not had the chance to watch all of the guest acting episodes, so I will simply list out my predictions for each of the categories. I am taking a chance with both Metcalf and Smart, for different reasons. Metcalf's episode choice, the season premiere over her amazing episode "Bang", seems a definitive and possibly dooming detractor. Nonetheless, my hope that "Ugly Betty" will not win Best Comedy Series leads me to also hope that neither Judith Light or Salma Hayek could win. As far as Smart goes, "24" really dove as far as numbers of nominations go, but I think the fact that Smart made it in is enough and that she may very well be able to overcome presumed frontrunner Kate Burton. Landau and Whitaker should be fine, but should watch out for competition is the form of Ian McKellen and John Goodman, respectively.

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Martin Landau, Entourage
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Laurie Metcalf, Desperate Housewives
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Forest Whitaker, ER
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Jean Smart, 24

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Titles in parantheses are the episodes chosen as submissions for the Emmy awards in this category. I have watched all the episodes in this category in preparation for analysis of possible winners and their chances.

The nominees:

KEVIN DILLON AS DRAMA, ENTOURAGE (The Resurrection)
Dillon made a great episode choice, and while he is a very beloved character, I think he will never be able to grasp this award with Piven nominated in the same category. Dillon did have a great season and got more screen time than in the past, and the love for "Entourage" is clearly great with the elusive Best Comedy Series nomination.

JEREMY PIVEN AS ARI, ENTOURAGE (Manic Monday)
Piven has a lot of running around to do in his episode, as well as displaying a ton of emotions, including crying, which he never really does on the show. Nothing will ever compare to his submission last year, "Exodus", for which he won, but I still think he is a definite frontrunner who still has a great shot.

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS AS BARNEY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (Showdown)
Really? I mean, he is funny, but an Emmy nomination? I suppose his episode helps him, where he tries to get in touch with the man he believes to be his father (Bob Barker), but no great theatrical talent is shown here. I would be quite surprised and more than a little disappointed if Harris' name were called on Emmy night.

RAINN WILSON AS DWIGHT, THE OFFICE (The Coup)
Wilson is incessantly hilarious on this show, and the absence of his more subdued costar John Krasinski probably helps him. His episode is pretty standard, though he does do a good deal of begging after going on a power-trip. I think and hope that Wilson is the most likely to take home this award.

JON CRYER AS ALAN, TWO AND A HALF MEN (Repeated Blows to His Unformed Head)
I really like Cryer and thought he deserved a win for the show's first season in this category, but against the competition, I think he pales in comparison. His episode choice is great, but it is all really a matter of how gaga Emmy voters go for "Two and a Half Men" (a nomination for Charlie Sheen indicates probably very much so). I would not be shocked if his name was called.

Who should win (based on entire season): Wilson
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Wilson
Who will win: I am sticking with Wilson.

Next: To be announced

All Caught Up With...Weeds

Weeds: Season 3, Episodes 1-4 "Doing the Backstroke"/"A Pool and His Money"/"The Brick Dance"/"Shit Highway" (B+)

I must say that I wholeheartedly enjoyed each and every one of these episodes. Despite the fact that the plot is wonderfully wacky and so wholly unrealistic all the time, it has remained relentlessly entertaining. Hopefully the arrival of an Olsen twin at some point soon will not impact the show's quality, but they are doing quite well right now. Former "Desperate Housewives" castmate Page Kennedy fits in well with some of the more crazy characters, like Helia. Marvin is an enjoyable comic relief. I particularly have to admire the relationship between Doug and Dean, which just never stops being funny. Mary-Louise Parker is doing a commendable job as Nancy, trying to keep it together after everything. I wonder if Peter is still alive? I think so.

What I'm Watching: The Closer

The Closer: Season 3, Episode 12 "'Til Death Do Us Part, Part 1" (B+)

We have not really seen a trial on the show before to my recollection, so it is a fun kind of change. Steven Culp is also a welcome presence as the obnoxious defense attorney for the supposedly guilty guy. Good way to split the two-parter with this crazy revelation that the supposedly imaginary Topper Barnes is really around and will serve as a witness to provide an alibi for the bad guy. The second half of this two-parter is the show's third season finale, and will air next week.

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Titles in parantheses are the episodes chosen as submissions for the Emmy awards in this category. I have watched all the episodes in this category in preparation for analysis of possible winners and their chances.

The nominees:

RACHEL GRIFFITHS AS SARAH, BROTHERS & SISTERS (Bad News)
I do not know whether Griffiths come off better when she is among an amazing cast ("Six Feet Under") or clearly the best actor by a long shot ("Brothers & Sisters"). This is a dramatic role and quite an episode for her, though I did enjoy her on "Six Feet Under" better. If she could not win for the greatly admired SFU I doubt there is any way she could possibly win here. She also has the disadvantage of being the only one without a costar in this category, so barring a five-way vote split, I think she is out.

KATHERINE HEIGL AS IZZY, GREY'S ANATOMY (Time After Time)
Many people have written that Heigl was nominated a year too late, and from the little of the show's second season I saw and the more substantial amount of episodes this season which I have watched, I would have to agree. Heigl's performance is unimaginative and often bland. She has a major storyline in her episode, but I doubt it is enough to garner her a win. No notable scenes in either of her costars' episodes.

SANDRA OH AS CRISTINA, GREY'S ANATOMY (From A Whisper to a Scream)
I have to say, after watching four "Grey's Anatomy" episodes nearly back-to-back (why did they all have to choose different episodes??), I was truly surprised and impressed by Oh's work in this episode. I do not think she has enough critical support to win despite fans loving her, but she is by far the best of the cast at least in this hour and outdoes her performance in the other submitted episodes.

CHANDRA WILSON AS BAILEY, GREY'S ANATOMY (Oh, The Guilt)
Wilson's performance just does not do it for me, but I guess a lot of people love her as this is her second nomination. There is nothing too memorable to recommend her from her submitted episode, and I feel like her nominated castmates will outshine her.

LORRAINE BRACCO AS DR. MELFI, THE SOPRANOS (The Blue Comet)
After three years of being nominated in the lead actress category, Bracco now appears in supporting after a spotty but solid role on the show this year. Her episode is amazing, and it also marks her last appearance on the show (if she is in the finale, which I do not think she is, it is nothing of importance). She has an awesome scene opposite James Gandolfini which I think will garner her the win.

AIDA TURTURRO AS JANICE, THE SOPRANOS (Soprano Home Movies)
Turturro, also a returning "Sopranos" nominee after a several-year absence, is in pretty much the same boat at Bracco, except for the fact that she appears in nearly all of her episode and pretty much none of the other episodes of the season. I think Bracco's Dr. Melfi is a more popular character, but Turturro would certainly deserve the win.

Who should win (based on entire season): Elizabeth Mitchell, oh wait...no one is solid enough or appears in enough episodes to deserve this award.
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Bracco or Turturro, too tough to call.
Who will win: Bracco, though it is really up in the air and nothing is for sure.

Next: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Titles in parantheses are the episodes chosen as submissions for the Emmy awards in this category. I have watched all the episodes in this category in preparation for analysis of possible winners and their chances.

The nominees:

WILLIAM SHATNER AS DENNY, BOSTON LEGAL (Son of the Defender)
While I think that Shatner is heavily overrated and that this performance is a hundred times more a comedic one than a dramatic one, I have to admit that his submission is partially brilliant. An inane hostage situation is made clever by flashbacks to Denny's past as a lawyer working with his father which are actually clips from an old Shatner TV show which work pricelessly in this context. This two-time winner (for this role) could easily surprise, but I would hope not.

T.R. KNIGHT AS GEORGE, GREY'S ANATOMY (Six Days, Parts 1 & 2)
Two-parters are often an advantage for nominees, as is being in the public eye for something like, say, coming out publicly (see: Neil Patrick Harris). Truth is, Knight is actually pretty bad in his chosen episode, which has him facing his father's deteriorating condition. He is much weaker than the rest of the mostly female cast, and I would feel cheated if he won due to his recent tabloid status.

MASI OKA AS HIRO, HEROES (Five Years Gone)
Okay, so the deal here is that Oka was lovable and great as comic relief time-traveling Hiro on the show, but his submitted episode shows little of that joyous nature and instead has him doing double duty as a future and far more serious version of himself. Impressive range, sure, but not necessarily award-worthy. "Heroes" seems to be more popular than people might have expected, so anything is possible.

MICHAEL EMERSON AS BEN, LOST (The Man Behind the Curtain)
I felt that Emerson's work throughout the season was great, but that he was far better in all the other episodes. I suppose his performance was chilling in the episode which developed his backstory, but I was not as keen on him during that hour. He got nominated with a different episode where he is more in the background, but I feel like he is almost guaranteed to be eclipsed by his costar in this race.

TERRY O'QUINN AS LOCKE, LOST (The Man from Tallahassee)
O'Quinn portrays one of the most intriguing characters on "Lost", and while this episode is no "Walkabout" (his amazing episode from season one which he submitted back then), it is probably his strongest. The biggest problem with "Lost" this season, which will not affect it in this race, is the relative sparsity of its supporting cast members. O'Quinn appeared in few episodes, but he is strong in this hour and I think he has what it takes to win.

MICHAEL IMPERIOLI AS CHRISTOPHER, THE SOPRANOS (Walk Like a Man)
Imperioli has always been great on the show, though I think he won a year too late, and his performance, while still solid, has now blended in more with the backdrop and does not necessarily deserved to be recognized again. I did not see all the hoopla about his performance in "Walk Like a Man" despite a major downspiraling on his part, but he has done that before, so not too much is new. Perhaps I am underestimating the show's popularity, but I do not expect him to win.

Who should win (based on entire season): Oka
Who should win (based on individual episodes): O'Quinn
Who will win: Hard to say, but I am going with O'Quinn.

Next: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Titles in parantheses are the episodes chosen as submissions for the Emmy awards in this category. I have watched all the episodes in this category in preparation for analysis of possible winners and their chances.

The nominees:

JAIME PRESSLY AS JOY, MY NAME IS EARL (Jump for Joy)
I still cannot wrap my head around how people like this show. Pressly certainly gives her performance her all but I cannot understand how it is remotely award-worthy. Her episode is well-chosen for the role it gives her character, but deserves no place in an awards category.

JENNA FISCHER AS PAM, THE OFFICE (The Job)
Fischer truly nails it in this episode, particularly in her final scene with John Krasinski. The main detractor is that it is not nearly as showy as every other performer in this category, but the performance is true and hopefully she will ride the popularity of "The Office" to a well-merited Emmy win.

CONCHATA FERRELL AS BERTA, TWO AND A HALF MEN (Repeated Blows to His Unformed Head)
Ferrell certainly delivers some laugh-out-loud hilarious lines in this episode, but her screen time is fairly limited and the performance is not terribly difficult. Nonetheless, playing off of Jon Cryer and being on an immensely popular show should not hurt her chances.

HOLLAND TAYLOR AS EVELYN, TWO AND A HALF MEN (The Sea is a Harsh Mistress)
Taylor certainly has the power to command the screen, but this episode does not showcase her best work. How she got nominated is a mystery, and her screentime is almost less frequent than the already slim Ferrell's. She does not appear in Ferrell's episode at all, so no help there.

VANESSA WILLIAMS AS WILHELMINA, UGLY BETTY (Don't Ask, Don't Tell)
Williams is really in the background of this episode, and hardly does anything. I have only seen the pilot apart from this episode, but it seems an unwise move to submit this hour. Her "money scene" is not all that great.

ELIZABETH PERKINS AS CELIA, WEEDS (Pittsburgh)
Sort of an odd choice for Perkins, who does not appear very much in this episode and acts like a crazy person for most of it. She is perhaps taken better over the whole season, and I doubt she can muster a win with the show's lukewarm reception at the nominations.

Who should win (based on entire season): Fischer
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Fischer
Who will win: I have to hope that this one goes to Jenna Fischer, though I certainly note the dangerous threats posed by Conchata Ferrell and Vanessa Williams, both underused but occasionally hilarious on their respective ridiculously popular shows.

Next: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series