TV critic Matthew Gilbert took your questions
November 14, 2008
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Boston Globe TV critic Matthew Gilbert was online Nov. 13 at noon to discuss all things TV related. Curious about Gilbert's thoughts on this fall TV season, including the return of NBC's "30 Rock"? Catch up here.
The transcript follows.
Matthew_Gilbert: G'day.
walt__Guest_: Is there any rational explanation for why I love Lost, but can't stand Heroes? When I watch Heroes I complain that they're jumping from story to story (and from past, present and future) too much....yet Lost does the exact same thing.
Matthew_Gilbert: Such a great question. Lost jumps from character to character, but not so much from story to story. I always feel like all the backstories and forthstories are in service of the uberplot, which is the mystery of the island.
Matthew_Gilbert: Heroes, on the other hand, is just a bunch of separate pieces that overlap here and there. And they don't add up to much of anything other than, like, saving the world.
Matthew_Gilbert: I am sorely disappointed by Heroes, especially this season. After last season's mess, I expected a lot better.
Matthew_Gilbert: And the first season had so much potential.
Matthew_Gilbert: But Walt, all that said -- loving one show over another is probably never quite rational.
Matthew_Gilbert: We love what we love.
captain_feedback__Guest_: Matthew! As an avid "CSI" viewer, I'd be curious to get your take on William Petersen's imminent departure as Gil Grissom...I believe this round of episodes have been amazing, and can't wait to see how Laurence Fishburne is worked into the ongoing storylines...
Matthew_Gilbert: As a fellow CSI person, I agree. The past few episodes have been pretty good. (Although that videotape from Sara -- kind of flat and stupid, no?) Gil is the centerforce in that show, and I am nervous-anxious about how it will fare after he leaves, which will happen in January. Fishburne and Petersen will be in an episode or two together in December.
hockeyfan__Guest_: I love the Mentalist, although I still haven't figured out why. The lead character is kind of a pain but the show is addicting. What do you think is the appeal?
Matthew_Gilbert: You and a whole lot of other people, hockeyfan. The Mentalist is the one true new hit of the season. I think the appeal is similar to that of House (excluding Hugh Laurie) -- deductive reasoning. Patrick Jane (lead Simon Baker) is another TV Sherlock Holmes, who pieces together the truth from very subtle clues. It's fun to watch him read into mundane things and emerge with big facts.
amica__Guest_: what do you think of the sara silverman show. i find it's a guilty pleasure
Matthew_Gilbert: No need to feel guilty, amica.
Matthew_Gilbert: I love the show, too. She's got a unique comic style. She goes there -- kind of like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but with more focus and tighter scripting. She takes on taboo with glee and wit.
LostFan789__Guest_: Do you think Heroes firing two main producers will have any effect?
Matthew_Gilbert: Honestly, no. I think the show is kaput at this point. Even if it got great again, I suspect it has already alienated too many of its potential viewers with episode after episode of plot-wheel-spinning and redundancy.
clarabelle__Guest_: I've been a big Dexter fan for two seasons. This one is not doing it for me. I think Dexter's relationshiph Miguel is implausible. And I can't stand Rita. Although I never did. Am I alone in not digging season 3?
Matthew_Gilbert: Alas, I don't think you are alone. So far, Miguel (Jimmy Smits) has not quite worked, since Dexter would NEVER trust him. Still, I am loving the season anyway, because Dexter is such a great character and such a great concept. He really puts viewers in the strange position of rooting for a serial killer -- and that's a challenging viewing experience.
LostFan789__Guest_: You were tough on Cha$e. It wasn't that bad. But then again, I watch Heroes so it tells you my taste!
Matthew_Gilbert: I still respect you LostFan. You can keep your Lost credentials. But I bet you won't be watching Cha$e every week.
Matthew_Gilbert: A bunch of people running around parking lots essentially playing tag for an hour? I don't think so.
Mikeytennis__Guest_: I always wondered why "30 Rock" lives on , yet the other show in its genre, starring Matthew Perry didn't make it. It was sooo much better! Your thoughts, Matthew?
Matthew_Gilbert: Ah, still grieving "Studio 60"? Actually I think that the two shows were radically different, from different genres. 30 Rock is a comedy that doesn't take itself, or its characters, or its plots, seriously. "Studio 60" was a drama that, I think, took itself extremely seriously, with stories about Iraq and censorship.
LostFan789__Guest_: What do you think of Grey's abandoning the lesbian relationship? That was, um, sudden.
Matthew_Gilbert: Yes, quite sudden. It doesn't surprise me that ABC might get a little ookie about the lesbian stuff, if that's what happened. They want that show to call out to straight young women viewers, I bet.
Matthew_Gilbert: And by network logic, straight young women probably don't want to be seeing a lot of lesbian romance, even when McSteamy is instructing Callie on her technique...
amica__Guest_: how did something as enjoyable as "my own worst enemy" come to be on tv?
Matthew_Gilbert: Oh my, I want to be so mean right now!
Matthew_Gilbert: But since the show was just killed off by NBC, I won't be cruel.
Matthew_Gilbert: I'm sorry for your loss.
clarabelle__Guest_: Why do you think Friday Night Lights never became more popular?
Matthew_Gilbert: It's too good for this country.
Matthew_Gilbert: Kidding.
Matthew_Gilbert: I think a lot of viewers who would like the show think it's all about football.
Matthew_Gilbert: NBC failed to promote it properly, in a way that would reach the right audience.
Matthew_Gilbert: But it is coming back to NBC, so I need to give the network credit for hanging in there despite bad ratings.
Matthew_Gilbert: The third season is currently airing on DirecTV, and it will hit NBC midseason. I've been watching -- it's been really good. Back to the old small-scale stories.
LostFan789__Guest_: Lost - January 21. When Real TV Begins Again.
Matthew_Gilbert: Found. January 20. When Real Change Begins?
Greg__Guest_: How come 30 Rock isn't the most watched show on television?
Matthew_Gilbert: It's too hip, perhaps, for a general audience? The humor is so now and so allusive to today's pop culture.
Matthew_Gilbert: That would be my guess.
LostFan789__Guest_: Which network did the best election coverage? Not sure I'm feeling CNN's hologram thing.
Matthew_Gilbert: The hologram thing was absurd. It was a distraction from the news, which was odd given the momentousness of the moment.
Matthew_Gilbert: I think best coverage was to channel surf, with a solid helping of Comedy Central in the mix.
Matthew_Gilbert: If you stay on only one source, you're bound to miss out.
bob__Guest_: Your thoughts on how Sarah Chalke's story arc was wrapped up on HIMYM?
Matthew_Gilbert: I LOVED the way How I Met Your Mother tied up that storyline. So she was still in love with her ex -- perfect. It was clear she and Ted were not destined, so I'm glad they didn't drag it out too long.
devorah__Guest_: Do you "Lost" will turn out to be about a grown-up Walt, an artist/writer creating a comic books series about his life as a youngster who survived a horrific plane crash? After all, Hurley picked up a comic book with a polar bear on the cover, as he took his seat on Coeanic 815.
Matthew_Gilbert: Hmm. Kind of St. Elsewherey?
Wiltsan__Guest_: Speaking of election coverage, did anyone else find an awkward shift when the networks announced Obama as president elect? Like you said, I was watching Comedy Central and then flipped back to network around 10:55. There was a commercial and then "Obama is it." No map qith states, no lead in...it was weird
Matthew_Gilbert: The polls closed, and they were all champing at the bit. So it was all BOOM, 11 p.m., Obama elected.
dani__Guest_: How do you think some of the better "new" shows from last years strike shortened season (ex. Chuck and Pushing Daisies) can regain an audience. Chuck, in particular, seems to be in a particularly poor time slot against Dancing with the Stars.
Matthew_Gilbert: I think it's too bad that those shows, and Dirty Sexy Money, are not thriving. But while the stike and all that played a role, no doubt, the fact is that most shows do not survive. And that isn't always related to quality. If the networks throw 40-50 shows at the wall over a given year, only a handful of them actually take, you know?
devorah__Guest_: it will be a long, sad year until Mad Men reappears
Matthew_Gilbert: excuse me. there's something in my eye.
LostFan789__Guest_: Love the move for Lost back to Wed at 9PM, agreed?
Matthew_Gilbert: LOVE.
Wiltsan__Guest_: Just read on buddytv that Life on Mars will follow Lost on Weds. I am so glad that Lost will be back on Weds. at 9:00 and cannot wait. While there are some good fall shows, nothing compares to Lost in my book. What would you say is the best new fall show, do you like LOM?
Matthew_Gilbert: That seems like a strong pairing. I like Life on Mars a lot, and of course Lost still rules.
Matthew_Gilbert: Yeah, I think I'd call Life on Mars the best newbie. I watch and enjoy the Mentalist, but I can't say it's especially good.
Matthew_Gilbert: Of course, I'm not including cable stuff. I am totally into True Blood right now, and can't believe the season has only two more episodes left. That show is just a good time -- funny, dramatic, over the top, romantic. It's not as good as Alan Ball's previous show, Six Feet Under, but it's still a winner.
LostFan789__Guest_: Life on Mars will suffer like every other program they've tried after Lost. Lost is too intense to keep the audience at 10.
Matthew_Gilbert: I know. I agree. I was going to say that, but I didn't want to be too negative. Hard to follow Lost, indeed.
Wiltsan__Guest_: http://www.buddytv.com/articles/lost/abc-pairs-life-on-mars-with-lo-24402.aspx and for next season spoilers. So excited !
Matthew_Gilbert: Ah, plugging BuddyTV?
Matthew_Gilbert: Good. It's a good site.
jerrica__Guest_: How is the future looking for Pushing Daises?
Matthew_Gilbert: Kind of dim. Sorry.
lau__Guest_: I've been waiting for something of the caliber of early West Wing to show up on tv. is there anything in your opinion that compares?
Matthew_Gilbert: I do think there are some really strong dramatic shows on right now, including Dexter, Brotherhood, the recently ended Mad Men, Gossip Girl (kidding). But I know what you mean -- West Wing was really a uniquely intelligent show. I'm not sure it has any equals at the moment, in terms of brainy scripting and political insight.
Matthew_Gilbert: Maybe "Countdown With Keith Olbermann"?
Matthew_Gilbert: Joke.
devorah__Guest_: i like tv - what do you say to people who condescend about the medium, "oh, i never watch TV," and all that?
Matthew_Gilbert: They won't talk to me, so it's all good.
Matthew_Gilbert: But seriously, those people always tell me how they don't watch TV. Then a beat passes, and then they tell me about the one show they love. And as we talk, I learn that there are two -- no, three -- shows they love.
Matthew_Gilbert: Go figure. TV Shame.
Matthew_Gilbert: I'm a lifetime beyond TV Shame. There's a lot of good stuff out there. Find it, watch it, hold your head up.
dexter_fan__Guest_: Speaking of Gossip Girl - as much as I hate to admit it, I watch every week. But I wish it had more of the goofy humor like The O.C. had. Wow - I think I'm embarrassing myself.
Matthew_Gilbert: No shame or embarrassment here, Dexter fan. This is a shame-free zone.
Matthew_Gilbert: I, too, watch Gossip Girl. And I love it. No, it's not as funny as The O.C., but it's so over the top I can't take my eyes off it. I love the way these kids act like adults. And Jenny!! Her transformation has been mind-blowing.
devorah__Guest_: i figure that a good story's a good story, whether it's on stage, tv, film, novels, poetry, song
Matthew_Gilbert: Agreed.
Kel96__Guest_: I was disappointed to learn today that NBC has cancelled Lipstick Jungle. Any chance of it being picked up elsewhere?
Matthew_Gilbert: I haven't heard about any other outlets expressing interest. I think it's gone fer good.
LostFan789__Guest_: You should do a chat every week!
Matthew_Gilbert: You should be my best friend!
devorah__Guest_: thank you for your answers
Matthew_Gilbert: thank you for your questions
dexter_fan__Guest_: Hello! Sadly, I missed the Mad Men boat. What's the best way to catch up? Is there a DVD available yet?
Matthew_Gilbert: Stoooooopid. Now, get on the boat fast. The DVD of the first season is out already, and I expect the second season will be out before long. It's a good show to powerwatch -- the seasons are 12ish episodes long.
Jim__Guest_: what can we expect from 24 this year? Is Redemtion the perfect name after they mailed it in last season?
Matthew_Gilbert: I'm sitting down with the movie this weekend. Fingers crossed. They owe us bigtime.
Jim__Guest_: WHat are your thoughts on professional wrestling and how it relates to main stream television? It was huge in the mid 80s and late 90s...will it ever be big again??
Matthew_Gilbert: My thoughts are that I have no thoughts on pro wrestling. Sorry. A lot of the reality shows strike me as wrestling in a way -- lots of fighting, bluster, granstanding, you know?
jason__Guest_: How worried should I be about Dirty Sexy Money? I need the Tripp Family in my life.
Matthew_Gilbert: The Vn Tripp family?
Matthew_Gilbert: That's Von Tripp...
Matthew_Gilbert: I love the show. I hope ABC stands by it.
Matthew_Gilbert: But I don't think it's killing in the ratings -- like 6-7 million viewers, which is very small for a major network.
dexter_fan__Guest_: Summer Heights High - DVR worthy?
Matthew_Gilbert: If you like Tracey Ullman, I bet you'll like it. Doesn't HBO have it On Demand? Give it a try. It's like a mashup of Ullman, Christopher Guest, and Ricky Gervais.
LostFan789__Guest_: The Nine, Invasion, Life on Mars - RIP
Matthew_Gilbert: Don't give up, Lostfan. Life on Mars gets about 8 million, which isn't good, but which still shows some promise.
Matthew_Gilbert: Also, the sun'll come out tomorrow.
Jim__Guest_: which is the best adult cartoon? South Park, Family Guy, Simpsons, other?
Matthew_Gilbert: South.
Matthew_Gilbert: Park.
moshe80__Guest_: family guy
Matthew_Gilbert: South.
Matthew_Gilbert: Park.
Jim__Guest_: THANK YOU! I thought you'd say SP...No Brainer!
Matthew_Gilbert: Are you saying I don't have a brain, Jim?
Matthew_Gilbert: And on that note, thanks for showing up. See you in a couple of weeks. MG
