Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"Land of the Lost" will suck
It seems that lately I can't turn on my TV without seeing a commercial for the new film, "Land of the Lost."
The movie is a remake of the classic 70s children's show created by children's TV pioneers Sid and Marty Kroft. The show was spectacularly cheesy with the worst effects ever and crazy stories.
The story centered around a family who gets caught in a time tunnel and ends up in prehistoric times.
Well now Will Ferrell is remaking the classic with a giant Hollywood budget and top notch special effects.
The film would seem to have everything a movie needs to be successful, but the way it is being marketed makes me think that it will probably suck.
All the trailers and commercials feature the same few scenes which generally means they're showing you all the funny scenes in the commercials.
Of course it's Will Ferrell so I have to give it the benefit of the doubt, but right now it just seems that "Land of the Lost" will probably suck.
Just one more way Hollywood is mocking my childhood.
The movie is a remake of the classic 70s children's show created by children's TV pioneers Sid and Marty Kroft. The show was spectacularly cheesy with the worst effects ever and crazy stories.
The story centered around a family who gets caught in a time tunnel and ends up in prehistoric times.
Well now Will Ferrell is remaking the classic with a giant Hollywood budget and top notch special effects.
The film would seem to have everything a movie needs to be successful, but the way it is being marketed makes me think that it will probably suck.
All the trailers and commercials feature the same few scenes which generally means they're showing you all the funny scenes in the commercials.
Of course it's Will Ferrell so I have to give it the benefit of the doubt, but right now it just seems that "Land of the Lost" will probably suck.
Just one more way Hollywood is mocking my childhood.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Bravo used to be good
Remember a time not long ago when Bravo was good. They had "Queer Eye For the Straight Guy," "Project Runway" and "Top Chef."
Bravo was the groundbreaking channel that had all the most interesting shows and was clearly ahead of its time.
Boy, have times changed. Now it's all "Real Housewives" all the time.
It started with Orange County, then they moved to New York, Atlanta and New Jersey. Well now Bravo has announced that they're casting for "The Real Housewives of DC."
Hasn't this show run its course yet. I mean by the fifth installment are these women doing anything new.
An average episode consists of them sitting around drinking, maybe shopping and calling each other names. Wow, that sounds like fascinating television.
The real problem is that everytime I go to my channel guide to see what Bravo is showing, it's always a marathon of the stupid "Real Housewives."
With all the shows that NBC has, couldn't they use Bravo as a place for people to catch up on established shows or discover new ones.
This is all just another example of how NBC can't seem to save itself, from itself.
Bravo was the groundbreaking channel that had all the most interesting shows and was clearly ahead of its time.
Boy, have times changed. Now it's all "Real Housewives" all the time.
It started with Orange County, then they moved to New York, Atlanta and New Jersey. Well now Bravo has announced that they're casting for "The Real Housewives of DC."
Hasn't this show run its course yet. I mean by the fifth installment are these women doing anything new.
An average episode consists of them sitting around drinking, maybe shopping and calling each other names. Wow, that sounds like fascinating television.
The real problem is that everytime I go to my channel guide to see what Bravo is showing, it's always a marathon of the stupid "Real Housewives."
With all the shows that NBC has, couldn't they use Bravo as a place for people to catch up on established shows or discover new ones.
This is all just another example of how NBC can't seem to save itself, from itself.
Friday, May 22, 2009
New episode up!
This one is chock full of news about the television network upfronts. Lots to delve into and figure out. Once we see all the previews we'll do a comprehensive roundup of all the new shows.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
'Star Trek' set its phasers on kill toward 'Wolverine'
Tuesday marked a big day for the new "Star Trek" film, it blew past "Wolverine" in the box office race for the crown of "Top summer movie."
As of Tuesday evening, "Star Trek" has grossed $155 million dollars compared to "Wolverine" with $153 million.
Now a two million dollar difference might not seem like a big deal, it is important to realize that "Wolverine" has been out for a week longer than "Star Trek" and "Wolverine" had a huge first to second week drop off, while "Star Trek" held on to a good chunk of the box office.
Another huge milestone is that the new version is now the highest grossing "Star Trek" film to date.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The CBS Upfronts
Today it was CBS' turn to announce their fall schedule and they didn't really provide any surprises.
Canceled shows include: "The Unit," "Without A Trace" and "Eleventh Hour." While all these shows are enjoyable, we already heard that they were on the bubble, so no one is really shocked.
CBS did decide to pick up "Medium" from NBC and pair it with "Ghost Whisperer" on Friday nights. You know it's only a matter of time before the inevitable crossover episodes.
Their new shows have already got the hype machine going for various reasons so I know their excited about that. The new schedule includes:
"NCIS: Los Angeles"-The highly anticipated "NCIS" spinoff starring LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell was already launched with a two-hour pilot early this month during an episode of "NCIS." This looks like an exciting, technologically advanced version of "NCIS," however, it may take them awhile to generate the same team chemistry as the original.
"Three Rivers"-This medical drama about an organ transplant team stars "Moonlight's" Alex O'Loughlin and is set in Pittsburgh, hence the show's title. If O'Loughlin's rabid fanbase follows him to this show then it is guaranteed big numbers.
"The Good Wife"-This drama follows a lawyer's return to the courtroom after her husband is sent to jail. The show is a vehicle for Julianna Margulies return to series television. Margulies has struggled to find a hit since leaving "ER," but I suppose the third time's the charm.
"Miami Trauma"-This midseason replacement is about trauma room set in Miami. Think "ER" with the doctors in bikinis. It is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer which pretty much guarantees success.
"Accidentally on Purpose"-Jenna Elfman returns to comedies as a San Francisco film critic who finds herself pregnant after an affair with a younger man. Apparently hilarity ensues when she decides to keep the baby.
Fans can also look forward to the return of all the "CSIs," "How I Met Your Mother," "Two and a Half Men" and most of CBS' schedule. They renewed the majority of their schedule.
Next up The CW and a NBC recap.
Canceled shows include: "The Unit," "Without A Trace" and "Eleventh Hour." While all these shows are enjoyable, we already heard that they were on the bubble, so no one is really shocked.
CBS did decide to pick up "Medium" from NBC and pair it with "Ghost Whisperer" on Friday nights. You know it's only a matter of time before the inevitable crossover episodes.
Their new shows have already got the hype machine going for various reasons so I know their excited about that. The new schedule includes:
"NCIS: Los Angeles"-The highly anticipated "NCIS" spinoff starring LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell was already launched with a two-hour pilot early this month during an episode of "NCIS." This looks like an exciting, technologically advanced version of "NCIS," however, it may take them awhile to generate the same team chemistry as the original.
"Three Rivers"-This medical drama about an organ transplant team stars "Moonlight's" Alex O'Loughlin and is set in Pittsburgh, hence the show's title. If O'Loughlin's rabid fanbase follows him to this show then it is guaranteed big numbers.
"The Good Wife"-This drama follows a lawyer's return to the courtroom after her husband is sent to jail. The show is a vehicle for Julianna Margulies return to series television. Margulies has struggled to find a hit since leaving "ER," but I suppose the third time's the charm.
"Miami Trauma"-This midseason replacement is about trauma room set in Miami. Think "ER" with the doctors in bikinis. It is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer which pretty much guarantees success.
"Accidentally on Purpose"-Jenna Elfman returns to comedies as a San Francisco film critic who finds herself pregnant after an affair with a younger man. Apparently hilarity ensues when she decides to keep the baby.
Fans can also look forward to the return of all the "CSIs," "How I Met Your Mother," "Two and a Half Men" and most of CBS' schedule. They renewed the majority of their schedule.
Next up The CW and a NBC recap.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
ABC upfronts a little boring
Stephanie and I have been talking about the new ABC drama "Flash Forward" for weeks, so it's only fair that a few other new shows get the spotlight here.
It's too bad that ABC doesn't have a lot of very cool, interesting shows to talk about?
What about "Eastwick?" Yeah, that show is really up my alley. It's more "Desperate Housewives" than "Fringe" I'm sure.
One show that might have some promise is "V," the remake of the original mini-series that spawned a few sequels. It stars Elizabeth Mitchell from "Lost," Scott Wolf from "Party of Five," Joel Gretch from "The 4400" and Morena Baccarin from "Serenity."
While the religious overtones are a little heavy handed, it still looks like a great Sci-Fi thriller. And a little creepy, which is a good thing.
Plus, I am in love with Mitchell.
It's too bad that ABC doesn't have a lot of very cool, interesting shows to talk about?
What about "Eastwick?" Yeah, that show is really up my alley. It's more "Desperate Housewives" than "Fringe" I'm sure.
One show that might have some promise is "V," the remake of the original mini-series that spawned a few sequels. It stars Elizabeth Mitchell from "Lost," Scott Wolf from "Party of Five," Joel Gretch from "The 4400" and Morena Baccarin from "Serenity."
While the religious overtones are a little heavy handed, it still looks like a great Sci-Fi thriller. And a little creepy, which is a good thing.
Plus, I am in love with Mitchell.
Monday, May 18, 2009
FOX: My new favorite network
This week the rest of the major networks will be holding their upfront presentations. FOX kicked things off today with the official announcement of its new schedule.
Returning shows include all the franchise hits you would expect plus a few surprises like "Dollhouse," "Lie to Me" and inexplicably "Til Death."
The other big fall announcement was that the reality hit "So You Think You Can Dance" will now have a fall season, which means I'll get two awesome seasons a year of the dancing favorite.
"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and "King of the Hill" have been officially canceled.
Among the new shows are the heavily hyped "Glee" and "The Cleveland Show."
The rest of the new schedule includes:
In a question and answer session that followed the announcements, FOX executives said that they felt that Joss Whedon's loyal fan base would help grow "Dollhouse" and that the network was very excited about "Glee."
They also mentioned that "So You Think You Can Dance" producer Nigel Lythgoe had a few changes planned that would help keep the show from becoming stale, with two cycles a year.
With FOX and NBC already done, that leaves us halfway through upfront season with CBS tomorrow and ABC later in the week. And of course, at some point, we'll discuss The CW.
Returning shows include all the franchise hits you would expect plus a few surprises like "Dollhouse," "Lie to Me" and inexplicably "Til Death."
The other big fall announcement was that the reality hit "So You Think You Can Dance" will now have a fall season, which means I'll get two awesome seasons a year of the dancing favorite.
"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and "King of the Hill" have been officially canceled.
Among the new shows are the heavily hyped "Glee" and "The Cleveland Show."
The rest of the new schedule includes:
- "Brothers"-a sitcom starring Michael Strahan as a just retired NFL player. Wow that really sounds like he's stretching himself.
- "Human Target"-A DC comics story about a bodyguard who becomes his clients in order to protect them. It stars Mark Valley ("Fringe") and Jackie Earle Haley who is always good.
In a question and answer session that followed the announcements, FOX executives said that they felt that Joss Whedon's loyal fan base would help grow "Dollhouse" and that the network was very excited about "Glee."
They also mentioned that "So You Think You Can Dance" producer Nigel Lythgoe had a few changes planned that would help keep the show from becoming stale, with two cycles a year.
With FOX and NBC already done, that leaves us halfway through upfront season with CBS tomorrow and ABC later in the week. And of course, at some point, we'll discuss The CW.
Friday, May 15, 2009
New episode up... and some GREAT news
It has been widely reported today (The Hollywood Reporter broke the news) that FOX is going to pick up "Dollhouse" for a second season! WOOT!
Then, just as I was done with the video editing, Deadline Hollywood Daily is reporting that ABC is going to renew "Castle!"
A very good day indeed.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A correction to a previous topic
A few weeks back when "ER" was ending, we talked about other great television series finales.
Well, Stephanie and I screwed up.
Big time.
It came to both of us when we were watching "Star Trek," we forgot a great finale.
The "Alias" finale.
Yes, the JJ Abrams spy show had an excellent finale that wrapped up all the storylines and gave each character a chance to shine (something more shows should do.)
But, what happened to the villain of the show, Arvin Sloane, was the best part of the show. A little background... Sydney had shot him numerous times, but he fell into a pool of strange liquid, which healed him and made him immortal.
But, Sydney's dad knew how to fix that...
What the clip doesn't show is Sloane, alive under tons of rubble. Buried alive so to speak... forever.
A fitting end to a man that caused so much pain during the five years the show was on.
Well, Stephanie and I screwed up.
Big time.
It came to both of us when we were watching "Star Trek," we forgot a great finale.
The "Alias" finale.
Yes, the JJ Abrams spy show had an excellent finale that wrapped up all the storylines and gave each character a chance to shine (something more shows should do.)
But, what happened to the villain of the show, Arvin Sloane, was the best part of the show. A little background... Sydney had shot him numerous times, but he fell into a pool of strange liquid, which healed him and made him immortal.
But, Sydney's dad knew how to fix that...
What the clip doesn't show is Sloane, alive under tons of rubble. Buried alive so to speak... forever.
A fitting end to a man that caused so much pain during the five years the show was on.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Movies I really can't live without
On Stephanie's request I am also going to present a list of the top five movies that I love. These are movies that I can sit back and watch over and over. Of course they might not be the best movies ever made, but for one reason or another I can't help but watch when they come on.
1. "So I Married An Axe Murderer" - A little seen film by Mike Meyers (Before "Austin Powers" about a regular guy who is paranoid about relationships who comes to think he is in a relationship with a murderer. Very funny. I can recite lines from the movie right now. I actually saw it in the theater and probably have seen it a couple dozen times since then.
2. "Men In Black" - I saw it in the theater four times! I even went to the world premire in Los Angeles and got into a special screening. I don't know what it is about the movie, but I can just watch it over and over. The effects are great and the script is really funny. It's too bad the sequel is horrible.
3. "Willy Wonka" - The original. Now, I love the new version. I think it follows the book better, but in my elementary school years I just loved the original one. It was a dream come true back then. The songs are great and Gene Wilder is beyond excellent.
Those are my top three. I also love "Jurassic Park," "A Time to Kill," "Serenity" and "The Dark Knight."
1. "So I Married An Axe Murderer" - A little seen film by Mike Meyers (Before "Austin Powers" about a regular guy who is paranoid about relationships who comes to think he is in a relationship with a murderer. Very funny. I can recite lines from the movie right now. I actually saw it in the theater and probably have seen it a couple dozen times since then.
2. "Men In Black" - I saw it in the theater four times! I even went to the world premire in Los Angeles and got into a special screening. I don't know what it is about the movie, but I can just watch it over and over. The effects are great and the script is really funny. It's too bad the sequel is horrible.
3. "Willy Wonka" - The original. Now, I love the new version. I think it follows the book better, but in my elementary school years I just loved the original one. It was a dream come true back then. The songs are great and Gene Wilder is beyond excellent.
Those are my top three. I also love "Jurassic Park," "A Time to Kill," "Serenity" and "The Dark Knight."
Monday, May 11, 2009
"SNL" and Justin Timberlake: A perfect pair
This week's "Saturday Night Live" featured Justin Timberlake hosting with musical guest Ciara.
As usual Timberlake was hilarious. This is his third time hosting and because of that he seemed more comfortable and acted like he was just another cast member.
Highlights included his costumed street performer who uses comedy versions of popular songs to sell products. The sketch, "Surgery Center," featured a particularly funny medley of Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" and "Poker Face," where Timberlake really got into character while trying to sell plastic surgery.
There was also the immigrant tale of how Timberlake's great great grandfather thought Justin's life would turn out. With a subtle jab at ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, this sketch elicited the night's longest laugh.
The best sketch of the night was Timberlake and Andy Samberg's return to their "D**k in a Box" personas for a mother's day digital short titled "Motherlover."
Not only did it have guest appearances by Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson but it featured the awesome chemistry between Samberg and Timberlake.
Lately "SNL" has been hit or miss, with the jokes mostly missing, so the hilarious turn by Timberlake provided it with strong momentum heading into the season finale hosted by Will Ferrell.
As usual Timberlake was hilarious. This is his third time hosting and because of that he seemed more comfortable and acted like he was just another cast member.
Highlights included his costumed street performer who uses comedy versions of popular songs to sell products. The sketch, "Surgery Center," featured a particularly funny medley of Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" and "Poker Face," where Timberlake really got into character while trying to sell plastic surgery.
There was also the immigrant tale of how Timberlake's great great grandfather thought Justin's life would turn out. With a subtle jab at ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, this sketch elicited the night's longest laugh.
The best sketch of the night was Timberlake and Andy Samberg's return to their "D**k in a Box" personas for a mother's day digital short titled "Motherlover."
Not only did it have guest appearances by Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson but it featured the awesome chemistry between Samberg and Timberlake.
Lately "SNL" has been hit or miss, with the jokes mostly missing, so the hilarious turn by Timberlake provided it with strong momentum heading into the season finale hosted by Will Ferrell.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Editor's note and "Star Trek"
Show postponed until Monday, I'm still a little under the weather and didn't get to see "Star Trek" until the late afternoon.
Which, by the way, was awesome. More details to come in the next "Viewpoints On..." as well as our "Wolverine" thoughts, which we joked might take a whole segment. I can give you a hint, we loved one of them and really didn't like the other one.
Which, by the way, was awesome. More details to come in the next "Viewpoints On..." as well as our "Wolverine" thoughts, which we joked might take a whole segment. I can give you a hint, we loved one of them and really didn't like the other one.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"Star Trek:" Instant review
So I just saw "Star Trek" and my instant review is that it's awesome. From top to bottom, J.J. Abrams has delivered a perfect movie.There's enough attention to detail and history to make "trekkies" happy, and enough backstory and fun to entertain "Trek" virgins.
Best Performance: Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy. He steals every scene he's in.
Honorable Mention: Zachary Quinto as Spock. He's way too good for "Heroes."
Best Moment: Kirk, Uhuru and Spock at the transporter near the end. I don't want to spoil it but it's good.
Actor who should be in every movie: Simon Pegg, every scene was in was hysterical, he didn't waste a single minute of screen time.
All in all just a spectacular film. With "Alias," "Lost" and now "Star Trek" J.J. Abrams may be heading into Joss Whedon territory.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Movies I can't live without
Today I was watching "The Princess Bride" for the millionth time and thought "this movie never gets old." That got me thinking about other movies that I could watch a million times and love every time. This is my list of the top five films that I just can't live without.
So, those are the films I absolutely can't live without. It may be a little nerdy and crazy but I think it's a really fun list.
- "The Princess Bride"-Cary Elwes will forever be Wesley to me. This is one of those movies that can make me happy no matter how crappy I feel.
- "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back"-This is really Han Solo's film. This is where he proves himself to be the hero we all knew he was.
- "Hot Fuzz"-I swear it's funny every time. Even though I know all the jokes, it gets me every time and I'm always discovering little moments I previously missed.
- "Casablanca"-A classic love story, political intrigue and Humphrey Bogart. What more do you need?
- "Titanic"-I know it's really girlie of me but I still hope Leonardo DiCaprio will somehow live every time I watch.
So, those are the films I absolutely can't live without. It may be a little nerdy and crazy but I think it's a really fun list.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The new NBC
Earlier in the week NBC held their upfronts presentation and it seems like they're trying to find a way to get back on track.
In addition to already announced favorites like "Heroes," "Friday Night Lights" and "Law & Order: SVU," they have picked up four new dramas and two new comedies for the fall season.
NBC will also broadcast the Winter Olympics in early 2010 and those always bring in big ratings.
And of course there is the highly anticipated 10 o'clock Jay Leno show, that will be eerily familiar to the 11:35 Jay Leno show.
Unfortunately, they have yet to make a decision on "Chuck" and have decided to cancel "Life," so it's not all good news.
Dramas:
"Day One" is a miniseries about how a group of people survive after a disaster destroys the world. I enjoyed this show the first time, when it was called "Jericho."
Desperate to replace the irreplaceable "ER," NBC has two separate medical dramas in the works. "Mercy" is about nurses, while "Trauma" focuses on paramedics. Neither one sounds very original, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.
"Parenthood" is based on the Steve Martin movie and stars Peter Krause and Maura Tierney in the lead roles. It has a good pedigree so it gives the network something to be hopeful about.
Comedies:
"100 Questions" follows a woman as she answers 100 questions about love that leads her to reexamine her past loves so she can figure out what she wants. From "Ex-List" to "Being Erica" these shows always make women look like desperate loons, so I'll pass.
Chevy Chase stars with "The Soup's" Joel McHale in "Community" about the wacky goings on at a community college. I'll watch Joel McHale read the phone book, so I'll definitely give this familiar sounding premise a chance.
Not really a new show is "Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update." This is an extension of something they did during the election and I'm not sure if it can hold up without a central theme driving it. Will anything be so crucial that they can't wait until Saturday to make fun of it.
NBC has their work cut out for them if they plan to return to their former glory. The new season is just the first step in a long journey.
In addition to already announced favorites like "Heroes," "Friday Night Lights" and "Law & Order: SVU," they have picked up four new dramas and two new comedies for the fall season.
NBC will also broadcast the Winter Olympics in early 2010 and those always bring in big ratings.
And of course there is the highly anticipated 10 o'clock Jay Leno show, that will be eerily familiar to the 11:35 Jay Leno show.
Unfortunately, they have yet to make a decision on "Chuck" and have decided to cancel "Life," so it's not all good news.
Dramas:
"Day One" is a miniseries about how a group of people survive after a disaster destroys the world. I enjoyed this show the first time, when it was called "Jericho."
Desperate to replace the irreplaceable "ER," NBC has two separate medical dramas in the works. "Mercy" is about nurses, while "Trauma" focuses on paramedics. Neither one sounds very original, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.
"Parenthood" is based on the Steve Martin movie and stars Peter Krause and Maura Tierney in the lead roles. It has a good pedigree so it gives the network something to be hopeful about.
Comedies:
"100 Questions" follows a woman as she answers 100 questions about love that leads her to reexamine her past loves so she can figure out what she wants. From "Ex-List" to "Being Erica" these shows always make women look like desperate loons, so I'll pass.
Chevy Chase stars with "The Soup's" Joel McHale in "Community" about the wacky goings on at a community college. I'll watch Joel McHale read the phone book, so I'll definitely give this familiar sounding premise a chance.
Not really a new show is "Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update." This is an extension of something they did during the election and I'm not sure if it can hold up without a central theme driving it. Will anything be so crucial that they can't wait until Saturday to make fun of it.
NBC has their work cut out for them if they plan to return to their former glory. The new season is just the first step in a long journey.
Monday, May 4, 2009
"Dollhouse:" Alpha revealed
Friday's episode of "Dollhouse" featured two huge revelations. First of all, we finally meet Alpha, the first "doll." And secondly, Agent Ballard finally gets inside the Dollhouse.
Up until now we have only seen glimpses or have been told in flashbacks how Alpha escaped from the Dollhouse.
Joss Whedon cleverly intertwined this reveal with Ballard's ongoing investigation, by having Ballard enlist the help of the Dollhouse's creator, Steven Kepler.
Kepler, played spectacularly by Alan Tudyk, is a paranoid, agoraphobic, pot farmer who created the environmental systems for the Dollhouse.
He and Ballard engage in an operation to rescue Caroline/Echo from the house and in the process form the funniest buddy cop duo since Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in "48 Hours."
If FOX doesn't renew "Dollhouse" Whedon should pitch them "Ballard & Kepler" as his next big thing.
Anyway, while Ballard and Langton have a kick ass fight all over the house, Kepler reveals himself to actually be Alpha. He confronts Dr. Saunders and slices up Victor before he puts Echo in the chair and gives her the personality of his lover, whom he had vowed to rescue.
They then take the elevator and calmly stroll out the front door, Bonnie and Clyde style.
While all this has been going on Ballard has been taken upstairs where he is confronted by Ms. DeWitt. She has to decide what to do with him now that he has actually discovered their secret.
This episode just worked on so many levels because it wrapped up storylines and answered questions while simultaneously creating new ones.
That is what Whedon is so good at, he keeps fans constantly engaged in the stories and the characters. And unlike other shows he creates an atmosphere where viewers really never know what will happen next.
"Dollhouse" as a series is really hitting its stride and it will be a shame if FOX doesn't renew this smart and classy show or at least give fans some closure.
Up until now we have only seen glimpses or have been told in flashbacks how Alpha escaped from the Dollhouse.
Joss Whedon cleverly intertwined this reveal with Ballard's ongoing investigation, by having Ballard enlist the help of the Dollhouse's creator, Steven Kepler.
Kepler, played spectacularly by Alan Tudyk, is a paranoid, agoraphobic, pot farmer who created the environmental systems for the Dollhouse.
He and Ballard engage in an operation to rescue Caroline/Echo from the house and in the process form the funniest buddy cop duo since Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in "48 Hours."
If FOX doesn't renew "Dollhouse" Whedon should pitch them "Ballard & Kepler" as his next big thing.
Anyway, while Ballard and Langton have a kick ass fight all over the house, Kepler reveals himself to actually be Alpha. He confronts Dr. Saunders and slices up Victor before he puts Echo in the chair and gives her the personality of his lover, whom he had vowed to rescue.
They then take the elevator and calmly stroll out the front door, Bonnie and Clyde style.
While all this has been going on Ballard has been taken upstairs where he is confronted by Ms. DeWitt. She has to decide what to do with him now that he has actually discovered their secret.
This episode just worked on so many levels because it wrapped up storylines and answered questions while simultaneously creating new ones.
That is what Whedon is so good at, he keeps fans constantly engaged in the stories and the characters. And unlike other shows he creates an atmosphere where viewers really never know what will happen next.
"Dollhouse" as a series is really hitting its stride and it will be a shame if FOX doesn't renew this smart and classy show or at least give fans some closure.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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