TV critic Matthew Gilbert took your questions
October 2, 2008
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Boston Globe TV critic Matthew Gilbert was online Thursday, Oct. 2, at noon to discuss all things TV related. Curious about Gilbert's thoughts on this fall TV season? Catch up here.
The transcript follows.
Matthew_Gilbert: G'day.
housewives__Guest_: Hi Matthew, what do you think of the new season of Desperate Housewives? Do you think the new 5 years ahead plotline will help the show? Should Grey's Anatomy do something like that to help it? Or do you think this season of Grey's will be better?
Matthew_Gilbert: I was impressed by the season premiere of Housewives. The whole 5 year thing was a great idea, it helped the show out of some plot quicksand. I think the motivational speaker guy promises to be interesting; I loved it when he stifled Edie.
Matthew_Gilbert: And Bree as Martha, PERFECT.
Matthew_Gilbert: I just hope the writers don't get all mired up again. Was it a temporary fix? I hope not.
Matthew_Gilbert: PS: What's up with Felicity Huffman's face. Somebody needs to de-tox bigtime.
talkie__Guest_: what happened to Swingers? Anything?
Matthew_Gilbert: Swingtown? The show will reair on Bravo, but I've heard nothing about renewal. Alas. I miss Susan, and I hope someone comes up with a good show for Molly Parker soon. She's rising on my list of favorites.
Jon__Guest_: Assuming Rescue Me turns in a stellar season, do you think its not airing during the summer (like it always has) will help with any Emmy nods?
Matthew_Gilbert: Interesting possibility. I haven't tied its Emmy underacknowledgement with its summer run, really. I've always though it had more to do with the very very darkly humorous and amoral tone....
Matthew_Gilbert: I'm looking forward, though, to its return in April. Last season was not so good, but I expect it to... rise from the ashes (sorry).
90210__Guest_: what do you think about 90210 now? I hated -- hated -- the first episode. I caught about 30 seconds of it last night and it happened to be when Brenda and Kelly were talking. They seem the most real on the show, but don't seem to fit with the rest of the cast. I don't know, is it a style of acting that I'm not liking? It seems like everyone's a carbon copy of the other person somehow ... I don't know ...
Matthew_Gilbert: Were you at my house last night? The exact same thing happened to me. I turned it on in the middle of a Kelly-Brenda moment.
Matthew_Gilbert: I've popped in over recent weeks and been very unimpressed. I can see why the WB has given it a whole season order -- it has gotten the network A LOT of needed attention, and it does well enough with young viewers in the ratings. But it's a plastic, flat show.
fxfan__Guest_: What happened to Nip/Tuck?
Matthew_Gilbert: Hold on. It's coming back. The writers strike stunted the last season.
bored__Guest_: I don't seem to like Wednesday night TV. Can you give me any pointers? Why does it seem like nothing's on??
Matthew_Gilbert: Pointer No. 1: GET THYSELF A DVR.
Matthew_Gilbert: Also, try Sons of Anarchy on FX at 10. It's about a motorcycle club, ie gang. Good, not great. Also, Dirty Sexy Money at 10 on ABC is soapy fun.
Matthew_Gilbert: But seriously, DVRs are the solution. You'll always have a queue of stuff to watch, so you won't be prey to the networks' schedules.
Matthew_Gilbert: AVOID Comcast's Tivo, though. Mine has broken down too many times since I started getting it a few months ago. Get the original Tivo service, or Comcast's regular DVR.
debatable__Guest_: so what's your take on the SNL skits on Palin?
Matthew_Gilbert: We all expected Tina Fey to be a great Palin, and she is.
Matthew_Gilbert: THe writing on the skits has been OK, although it was a STROKE OF BRILLIANCE to put real Palin comments in the mix.
capie__Guest_: Did I hear a rumor that Rosie O'Donnel is doing something new on TV? hosting something?
Matthew_Gilbert: Yup. A variety show for Thanksgiving. She wants to be Carol Burnett this week.
Jon__Guest_: Is Curb Your Enthusiasm coming back?
Matthew_Gilbert: Yes, definitely.
Matthew_Gilbert: Not sure when, though.
snl__Guest_: what do you think will happen with snl when amy poehler leaves?
Matthew_Gilbert: I kinda sorta feel like Amy has already left, to some extent. She's not been at her best, I think. Yeah, she's all right as Hillary, but her days of ruling that show are over.
Matthew_Gilbert: I think Kristen Wiig is GREAT. Love her. I hope Amy's departure will give her more room to shine. Also, I hope Lorne Michaels brings in another live wire like Poehler.
mjc694__Guest_: will amctv's breaking bad get a second season?
Matthew_Gilbert: Oh yeah. It's filming the second season now, which is why Bryan Cranston was bald-headed when he accepted his Emmy for best actor.
Matthew_Gilbert: I was on the fence about that show. I was hooked, and yet I never quite believed his character. A nebbishy guy with cancer dealing meth? OK. But that guy killing someone. Nah.
realestater__Guest_: I seem to be obsessed with HGTV and TLC. Do you watch much? Why the craze in Flip this House shows? With the market down, is it strange there are so many real estate shows on? Or makes total sense? I'm honestly hooked.
Matthew_Gilbert: It's funny, isn't it. I do think those real estate shows take on an added appeal during hard times. It's wish fulfillment, watching people turn over their homes when we're all stuck. We like watching crimes get solved, too...!
hub__Guest_: when do you start hearing that new shows are coming out?
Matthew_Gilbert: Not sure what you mean... 'Splain.
funny__Guest_: looking for the funniest show on TV right now ... your pick?
Matthew_Gilbert: I'd say 30 Rock. I love that show.
Matthew_Gilbert: It's so relentlessly witty, and clever, and self-conscious, and yet the characters are still dear.
Matthew_Gilbert: I keep waiting for Tina Fey to lose her game -- she has been so ON for so long. But she's hanging in there.
sarah__Guest_: What do you think about The Big Bang Theory? Does it have good ratings? Right now it's my favorite show on tv. I also think it's the funniest show on tv.
Matthew_Gilbert: I like Jim Parsons, the guy who plays Sheldon. But I'm consistently disappointed by the writers' willingness to settle for obvious jokes. But I still respect you, Sarah. It has safe ratings for sure...
box__Guest_: Hi Matthew, do you follow daytime TV at all? Anything new and good happening there? I used to work nights, but I'm out of the daytime loop now. Just curious ... thx.
Matthew_Gilbert: I don't pay close attention, but every once in a while I spend a day flipping in the daylight. If you're a soap fan, by the way, some of them reair at night on SoapNet....
eddie__Guest_: What do you think of Criminal Minds?
Matthew_Gilbert: I admit, I've lost track since Mandy P left. It was just straining too hard to be DARK. But you're reminding me to go back and take a look. I like the series for the first two seasons...
kam__Guest_: This season of The Office standing up?
Matthew_Gilbert: The first episode was pretty good, I thought, especially for an hourlong episode. Usually, the hourlong Offices are slow.
Matthew_Gilbert: And of course, Jim and Pam, yay. Although I assume there will be trouble ahead.
Matthew_Gilbert: I think the Office is past its peak for good, but I still think it has life in it. Love Amy Ryan, too, and think the Carell-Ryan connection is strong.
sky__Guest_: What's your biggest disappointment this season? In terms of both new and returning shows ...
Matthew_Gilbert: I would say Heroes, but my expectations were already low, so I can't honestly say I've been disappointed by its mediocrity. That show was SO GOOD for a few months, but it has lost its way for good I think.
Matthew_Gilbert: I like Pushing Daisies, but watching last night's episode reminded me that I don't feel inclined to tune in every week. It's imaginative, and yet somehow kind of monotonous.
jan__Guest_: Hi, do you watch cooking shows? What's the most entertaining, in your opinion?
Matthew_Gilbert: Me and cooking got a divorce many years ago.
Matthew_Gilbert: But I open a mean can of tuna.
gecko__Guest_: What were your thoughts on FNL premiere? I heard there's only going to be 12 episodes this season.. Lot of characters to develop in that few episodes
Matthew_Gilbert: I liked the premiere a lot. It was low-key, focusing on the small hopes and the despair in these characters lives. There was NO MURDER PLOT.
Matthew_Gilbert: Yes, it's a short season. But a few characters are leaving the show, including Smash and Jason Street, so there will be fewer people to track....
Dg_2__Guest_: Do you know any source for getting a look at the new season of Friday Night Lights? I was so glad the show got picked up again. great writing. great characters.
Matthew_Gilbert: You mean, aside from getting DirecTV or doing something illegal online? Nope.
Matthew_Gilbert: But you will be able to watch it on NBC in February and enjoy the delayed gratification.
zzzzz__Guest_: do you think we're back on track now since the writers' strike? I mean, are most shows back in full swing? Do you think it hurt any shows big time?
Matthew_Gilbert: I think we're back on track, although there are fewer new shows this season than there would have been without the strike. And a bunch of the cable networks are springing back even slower than the networks.
Wiltsan__Guest_: Hi Matthew - I read and enjoyed your piece about returning shows yesterday. You were spot on. Private Practice is AWFUL (too bad to because I really liked Walsh on Grey's), I mean really awful. But, Dirty, Sexy, Money is great. Loved the twist at the end, love that they got rid of the twin sister, love Lucy Lu (did she have work done, hope not, she is too young/pretty) and Donald Sutherland just rocks it. Did you enjoy the show, do you see it sticking around?
Matthew_Gilbert: Yeah, I'm with you on all those points. Dirty Sexy is trashy, of course, but it's a nighttime soap opera with great characters and lots of scandal. It's kind of like Arrested Development: The Drama.
Matthew_Gilbert: Private Practice. What a mess. YUK.
fan__Guest_: Hi Matthew, I think Sunday night TV is my favorite TV night of the week (that and Thursday). I think you've said in the past that you don't like Brothers and Sisters (true?), but I find it entertaining. You think this season will be a good one for that show? I like it's premiere on Sunday ...
Matthew_Gilbert: I've tried so hard to like Bros and Sis, because so many people I like and respect like it. But it just doesn't sit well with me. And this whole incest thingy, ewwww.
Matthew_Gilbert: Plus, Sally Field overacts. She's not just maternal, she's MATERNAL.
Matthew_Gilbert: And can we really believe Calista Flockhart is her daughter?
Matthew_Gilbert: And that Flockhart is married to Rob Lowe.
Matthew_Gilbert: I just can't board the Bros and Sis train.
Wiltsan__Guest_: Yes, not to gush but just the tone ane tember (sp?) or Sutherland's voice makes the whole show ! Great, trashy stuff and I think that the actor that plays Nick brings it a bit down to earth.
Matthew_Gilbert: Yes, I like Sutherland a lot. His silver hair is great, too. He looks formidable.
gecko__Guest_: What's the deal with Scubs? when's it coming back? is this the last year.. i heard they may continue it with a newer, younger (cheaper) cast..
Matthew_Gilbert: Scrubs will be back midseason, on ABC. I've heard all kinds of rumors about whether this will be the last season, or whether the show will continue without some major characters. I hope it's the end. Scrubs was one of the best sitcoms on TV, but the past few seasons have been very spotty.
hey__Guest_: I think Law and Order: SVU has gotten crazy. You agree? What's the most ridiculous show to you?
Matthew_Gilbert: TOTALLY CRAZY. They spend way too much time on the detectives' personal lives at this point. I hated all the stuff about Mariska's brother, and that guest stint by Cynthia Nixon last year was over-the-top bad. Can't believe she won an Emmy for that performance.
Wiltsan__Guest_: I have been getting my LOST fix on Monday nights via the Sci-Fi channel, 7-11. It is so much fun to watch the reruns and remember the storylines. For those that never thought LOST was fast enough, just tune in to this night/channel. Just this past Monday, we see Sayid/Shannon hook up, Locke/Boone find the hatch, Charlie hung, Claire missing, Kate in the AWESOME robbery scene with the toy plane, Jack/Sawyer duking it out, Sun not speaking english and Rose (totally underated love her) consoling Charlie and having faith. Do you tune in at all?
Matthew_Gilbert: There's a plug for Sci Fi.
Matthew_Gilbert: No, I don't rewatch... But can't wait for the return. The PENULTIMATE season.
Tracy__Guest_: Will you be watching the debate tonight or something else?
Matthew_Gilbert: Oh yeah, I'll be watching. Cringe comedy?
Matthew_Gilbert: Watching Palin with Couric made me think about Ricky Gervais on The Office. Just getting further and further into words...
fan__Guest_: OK, I can see how none of the relationships on Brothers and Sisters make sense (I mean, they don't look like brothers and sisters and I think you're right, some relationships - like those you've mentioned - just don't fit). But I think I like them as individuals, so I get hooked on what's going on with them. They all just seem individually likeable ...
Matthew_Gilbert: You like it, you really like it.
bob_Loblaw__Guest_: What are your thoughts on Fringe? I've liked it so far, but moreso with the possibilities of where it could go. I suppose I should say I'm intrigued more than loving it...
Matthew_Gilbert: I've been really surprised at how lackluster the storyline has been so far. It all seems half-hearted. Massive Dynamics? Come on, they can do better than that. Also, Anna Torv seems to take the life out of the scenes.
Matthew_Gilbert: But still, I'm hoping it will accummulate into something good. And Fox has given it a whole season order, so the writers will have a chance to work it out.
Gatthew_Milbert__Guest_: Is Ron Howard still working, Matt?
Matthew_Gilbert: You mean is Hon Roward working as an actor? Not that I know of. He was the narrator on Arrested Development, so maybe, in the unlikely event of a movie of AD, he'll lend his voice to that.
Matthew_Gilbert: But Howard is still a director. He did Da Vinci Code, and I believe he directed and or produced the forthcoming Nixon/Frost movie.
Matthew_Gilbert: Are you having an Opie moment?
Wiltsan__Guest_: Have you seen the Mentalist? I keep missing it but it looks interesting and I like that Simon Barker.
Matthew_Gilbert: I have, and I liked all right. It's just another TV crime procedural, but Baker's good and all. Worth trying. I think it might be On Demand -- not sure, though.
Reedlet__Guest_: Do you think 30 Rock will survive another season? Even with all the Emmys?
Matthew_Gilbert: I do. I think it is popular among a certain demographic, and right now it's one of NBC's only celebrated series. Plus, it's like a big product placement for NBC....
Matthew_Gilbert: And on that note, thanks for showing up today. Take care until the next time.
Matthew_Gilbert: MG
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