I know what you’re thinking… “‘Survivor News’?!? Is the band who wrote the incredible song Eye of the Tiger getting back together and going on tour?” As far as I know, they’re not… but they could be. This news, however, is related to the television program, Survivor, not the band.

So, the first bits of information about the next season of Survivor are starting to surface. Yesterday, ESPN radio reported that former Dallas Cowboys head coach, Jimmy Johnson will be a contestant on Survivor: Nicaragua this fall on CBS. Apparently, he was chosen to participate several seasons ago, but failed the physical. In additional news, the show will be going up on Wednesday nights this fall rather than its hallowed Thursday night slot. No news on the reasoning behind this. Perhaps they need to make room for CSI: Albuquerque.

Look, I’m a fan of Survivor, but I don’t like throwing celebs into the reality contest mix unless its a celeb only season – which is usually lame. I think that he’ll be ousted pretty quickly by the chicks. The guys will want to keep him around because they think that it’s cool. I say the sooner he’s gone the less chance he has to embarrass himself.

Either way, I’ll be watching.

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 2 Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those...
2. TV Throwdown! The TV Throwdown has been on an extended hiatus, simply...
3. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Two types of television programs are canceled after only one or two seasons: the brilliant and the utterly stupid. Certainly among the former is the great work of the incomparable Aaron Sorkin. Of his three forays into the small screen, only one made it past its second season, the critically acclaimed The West Wing. It is his other two series, though, that you probably missed: Sports Night and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. (Aside: Aaron Sorkin is also the writer of several films including one of my all-time favorites A Few Good Men.)

Sports Night

Premise: What happens behind the scenes of a nightly sports news show? I know, you probably don’t care. It doesn’t really sound like a great premise, but the relationships between the dysfunctional staff, heavily relying on the witty banter that Sorkin is known for, makes for comedy gold. In short, there are the two anchors, the producer, her assistants, and their managing editor. Everyone has their own quirks and when you pit them against each other, sparks fly.

Fate: The show aired for two seasons (1998-2000) and failed to reach the audience that it needed to justify being kept around. For about the last 4 episodes of season two, the shows fate is mirrored within the series by the uncertainty of the show-within-the-show’s fate.  This culminates in the amazing two part finale – Quo Vadimus.

Legacy: I never really saw the show when it was on, but having Sorkin’s name attached compelled me to buy the entire series on DVD when I graduated from college back in 2002. I’ve watched the entire thing at least 5 times since. The original collection went out of print, but was revived in a 10th Anniversary Edition, which I read was not really that much better. Just this year, Season One was released as a stand-alone for who knows what reason, with some of the extras from the Anniversary Edition.

Studio 60

Premise: What happens behind the scenes of a late night sketch comedy show? Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? In fact, what if you cast that news chick from SNL and Alec Baldwin? You’d have a hit on your hands. But, what if you cast Chandler from Friends and the skeezy guy from Billy Madison? You’d move to L.A., double your address, and get canceled after one season. The show itself bears too many similarities to Sports Night to count, though it does have a bit more of a serious side and more hot button issues are addressed.

Fate: If you missed my allusion to 30 Rock above, then perhaps you’ve been under one. As we all know, that program has gone on to do big things over at NBC. Unfortunately for the folks over at…NBC (???) their show didn’t do so well. Wait! Did I say they were both on NBC? Yeah. Now there’s some good planning. And as usual the “sheeple” voted with their remotes because “silly/stupid” sells better than “witty/intelligent.” And the Thursday night spot next to The Office didn’t hurt either. Oh, yeah, they launched the shows a month apart back in 2006.

Legacy: You just missed it. Studio 60 has been on Hulu for free for like the last two years (Update: The show has expired on Hulu). But, you can still pick up the DVD set. And you should.

Both of these are available on Netflix, if you roll like that.

So, do you know these shows? Do you have an intellectual man-crush on Aaron Sorkin? (It’s ok if…”You Can’t Handle the Truth!”)

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...
2. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 2 Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those...
3. TV Throwdown: Persons Unknown Ok, what do you get when you put knock-off versions...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Ok, what do you get when you put knock-off versions of Christian Bale and Bridget Moynahan in a deserted town with invisible electric fences? The new Lost? Maybe. But really it’s just NBC’s summer mini-series Persons Unknown.

NBC has been doing this for the past several summers – that is, creating self-contained mystery series that only last 13-14 episodes. To be honest, this is the only one that I’ve watched. It’s written by a guy name Christopher McQuarrie. He’s worked on a few small films you probably wouldn’t know: The Usual Suspects, X-Men, Valkyrie. And stars a bunch of no names alongside the great Alan Ruck who I’ve referenced once or twice already.

HOLD UP! Did you say this might be the new LOST?

Well, let me give you some context. 7 people wake up in this deserted town. They don’t know how they got there, not unlike the great film Cube (go, rent it, now, finish reading later). Who’s good? Who’s bad? Who do we trust? Why are most of the abandoned shops named after people? Who’s the creepy guy at the hotel desk? Why does he magically get promoted from night manager to day manager? (A: Because it’s easier to film during the daytime) Why is there a Chinese restaurant? These are the questions we are left asking – and according to Wikipedia, NBC (unlike their vowel-led counterpart) is prepared to answer.

Oh yeah, there’s also an invisible force field that fries people’s faces with microwaves. Those who get past said force field somehow always travel in a circle and end up right back where the started. And (even though I called it 30 minutes in advance) the move of expelling fake poisonous gas to trick people to put on gas masked rigged with real poisonous gas was brilliant.

Character development is a bit slow, with most of the drama centering around the main female lead. All of the action outside of the town has been devoted to her – and it is pretty compelling. I’d like to know more about the other characters, though. Ruck’s character is great and it’s awesome to see him take something of a darker turn. And, yeah, the main male lead really does wish he was Christian Bale (as John Connor).

So, we’re 4 episodes in with 13 scheduled. I linked to it on Hulu in the first line up there, so go watch it and get caught up. If we’re lucky, it will end better than that “airplane crashes on a mysterious island that doesn’t really matter” show… that should have ended like this.

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown: If They Made it a Movie Returning in all it’s glory… The TV Throwdown! on TOC!!...
2. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 3 Welcome back to the fall preview, or as my friends...
3. TV Throwdown! The TV Throwdown has been on an extended hiatus, simply...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

SPOILER ALERT: *So many spoilers your mom will wonder who left the refrigerator open*

Background: I’ve watched this show live since season 4. I bought the first season on DVD site unseen years ago and fell in love. With that first season, I actually started the last disc around 11:30pm and kept convincing myself “just one more episode” ’til I had finished the whole thing, knowing that I had to be at work at 6 the next morning. I’m a fan.

“Jack Bauer Must DIE” - this was my mantra all day yesterday. I felt that it was the only way the show could find true, complete resolution. Plus, if he died, they could still do a whole other season. Here’s my pitch: Jack is back in LA. His wife is still alive. He’s working as a security guard at a self-storage place. Tony Almeda is a high school Spanish teacher and Chloe works for Cisco (because we gotta get that product placement in there). Ricky Schroeder comes along and he has to find all of these characters and get them to remember their lives when they were working at CTU. Only then will they be able to go to some strange unitarian church, have a group hug, and go to heaven… Nah, nobody would by that (**raises eyebrow**)

I actually gave up on this season about 8 hours into it, but everyone told me I needed to watch and I’m glad I did because it went to an extreme that the show hadn’t seen since maybe the first season. My biggest complaint was the redemption that was found in the end. Specifically, the president, after threatening the other lady, watches a video and has a change of heart?? I don’t see it. Or I didn’t want to. Look back at the end of season one. There was no redemption. There was only heart-wrenching carnage.

What would I have done? Glad you asked: Somehow there is an extra copy of the video file. Chloe goes to find Jack and tell him that it’s going to be ok, he doesn’t have to kill anyone, the video is about to go out. He doesn’t believe her. He shoots the Russian. She’s crying and telling him to stop or she’ll have to shoot him. He ignores her. Shoots Logan. She’s bawling and shaking. He turns the gun on the President (because, she’s as much a part of it as anyone). He cocks the rifle. She begs him one last time. He leans in. They pull their triggers at the same time. He dies. His bullet barely misses the president. The video goes live and you see him on the floor with the video playing on the TV behind him. 00:03…00:02…00:01…

That’s my take. What’s yours?

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown: LOST Finale …now it’s time… to say goodbye… to all our company…...
2. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 2 Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those...
3. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

…now it’s time… to say goodbye… to all our company…

Background: I caught up on Lost around the start of season 4. I borrowed and rented the first three seasons and watched them in about a month. And I was hooked. I’ve watched the last three seasons pretty much live. Needless to say, I’m a fan.

So, last night, I sat down, with much anticipation and some sadness to watch the series finale. Now, I could write a recap/review, but I’ll leave that work for Doc Jensen. I’ve got just a couple of thoughts and a couple of concerns.

[SPOILERS BEGIN HERE]

There were several moments that really rocked me: a) Definitely the biggest was the Charlie/Claire reunion. b) I was blown away when Jin and Sun began speaking English. c) And Hurley’s breakdown before lowering Jack in the cave was heavy.

Now my co-worker said that she would be OK if they didn’t explain everything and I kind of agreed. But there were several gaping holes that I am looking for someone to answer:

1. What the heck is the island?
2. What was Widmore always after?
3. What was the big deal with Desmond?

If you’ve got answers, I’m listening.

So, what did you think of the LOST series finale? Did it live up to your expectations? Was it a let down? What are you excited for now?

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown: 24 Finale SPOILER ALERT: *So many spoilers your mom will wonder who...
2. TV Throwdown! The TV Throwdown has been on an extended hiatus, simply...
3. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The TV Throwdown has been on an extended hiatus, simply because television has been on an extended hiatus. There have been little pockets of life – 24, Hoarders, Gray’s – but, in general, it’s been pretty weak. But tonight, EVERYTHING… CHANGES.

buh-BAM! Can you deal with that?

Lost is back. Set your twitter apps to follow #LOST. It’s going to rock your face off. I don’t care if I have to wait and start it at midnight after everyone has gone to bed, this is going to be an event. I should go order some BBQ wings, Pringles, and a Snuggie… be right back. SWEET, I totally scored a free portable book light with my Snuggie order.

Seriously, though, this show is poised to prove itself as either the greatest sci-fi/drama/mystery in the history of television or the biggest disappointment since Scott Hall’s latest return to TNA.

Occupying the #2 slot on my DVR is this little gem.

Sorry baby, the doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital are going to have to wait… Rupert and Russell are back. But at the end of the day, I’m pulling for Colby. It’s his time.

So, tell me, am I alone in this or will the entire spring television season rest on the back of these two programs. Feel free to disagree with me, but know that I’ll taunt you mercilessly if you do.

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...
2. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 3 Welcome back to the fall preview, or as my friends...
3. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 2 Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Returning in all it’s glory… The TV Throwdown! on TOC!!

So, with the wealth of 80s revisitations, revamps, and reboots I thought it would be fun to take a classic 80s sitcom and dream up what it would look like if they made it a movie today. Today’s series of choice: Family Ties. If casting started today, here’s what I’m thinking…

THEN: Michael Gross as Steven Keaton  NOW: Alan Ruck – because we all love Cameron and he was great in Ghost Town.

THEN: Meredith Baxter Burney as Elyse Keaton NOW: Rita Wilson – because I think that Mrs. Tom Hanks would play well against Ruck.

THEN: Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton NOW: Olivia Wilde – House’s “13″ I think that she could play younger if she tried.

THEN: Tina Yothers as Jennifer Keaton NOW: Miley Cyrus – Yeah, I went there. Don’t hate. It’s a good fit.

And, the one you’ve been waiting for…

THEN: Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton NOW: Shia LaBoeuf – ignoring the fact that his last name reminds me of the girl from Teen Wolf (Boof), the fact that he’s my favorite actor (click the link) and the fact that he’s been called “this generation’s Michael J. Fox” (by some guy at Starbucks) I think that he would bring the name recognition that the film needs to at least break even. Honorable Mention to Justin Long and Adam Brody.

Thoughts, Complaints, Hate Mail??

Related posts:

1. Truth On Cinema Welcomes “Chris” To The Staff In a continued effort to bring more voices to Truth...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Welcome back to the fall preview, or as my friends south of the border are calling it: “El TV Throwdown presentado: El Grande Preview de Fall TV Americano, part dos.” (That week of Spanish lessons in Guatemala has really paid off, can’t you tell?

This week we’re looking at new shows premiering this fall. Again, I won’t cover them all, so if your hyped up about some new show – leave it in the comments. Sorry for skimping on pics this week, there’s just too much ground to cover.

Jay Leno (NBC, Mon-Fri. 9pm Central) I covered this at length before, so I’m not going to waste my breath again… FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK??? REALLY?!?! Ok, I couldn’t help myself.

NCIS: LA (CBS, Tuesdays 8pm Central) I didn’t even realize that the original NCIS was still in first run. Who knew it was popular enough to spur a spin-off featuring tw0-time-Robin Chris O’Donnell and L.L. Cool J. Mama said, knock this show out.

Melrose Place (CW, Tuesdays 8pm Central) Scheduled to follow right behind 90210. TV Guide is calling this a remake of the soapy ’90s melodrama featur[ing] many familiar archetypes.” So, you’ve either got a remake of 90s show with Melrose, or real-life 90s icons with NCIS. Such decisions!!

Trauma (NBC, Mondays 8pm Central) I saw this billed somewhere as “ER outside the ER”. I guess we’ll never run out of police procedurals and medical dramas.

The Forgotten (NBC, Tuesdays 9pm Central) Ok, if 5 nights of Jay Leno didn’t seal the deal, NBC wins the What the Crap Award for putting Christian Slater back in a starring role on a television series. Did they not learn anything last time? What’s it about? Who cares? (I’m secretly a closet Christian Slater fan. Go rent The Wizard, Hard Rain and Broken Arrow for you long weekend.)

Cougar Town (ABC, Wednesdays 8:30pm Central) Can Courtney Cox-Arquette break the Friends curse? Sources say, “doubtful.” I’m still waiting for a Ross spin-off.

Eastwick (ABC, Wednesdays 9:00pm Central) Not to be outdone by the CW rehashing series from the 90s, ABC offers this series based on a movie from 1987. This obviously an attempt to capitalize on the vampire craze, but with witches. Interesting.

Glee (FOX, Wednesdays 8:00pm Central) Baptist church youth ministers be warned. You can expect a drastic drop in attendance as soon as this one starts. This is easily the most anticipated series of the season and from what I’ve seen it’s worth every ounce of hype.

Vampire Diaries (CW, Thursdays 7:00pm Central) Seriously, did I even need to tell you it was on CW. You knew. The only thing I can say about this that’s interesting is that it features the grandson of film legend Steve McQueen. No, genius, I’m not talking about the main character from Cars.

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 2 Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those...
2. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Welcome back! This week it’s a quick look at those longer running shows that are returning this fall. For the sophomore sensations, check out last week’s update.

House (FOX, Mondays 7pm Central) Ok, personally, I think that House jumped the shark last year. They tried to make him a sympathetic character and it was a horrendous failure. My wife and I were huge fans, but probably missed half the season and didn’t really care.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, Thursdays 8pm Central) My opinion: Grey’s went overboard last year also. Everything about it was just so “on again, off again). The writers failed to realize that sad situations don’t make us connect with deplorable characters. We’ll see what happens this time around, but I would dare to say that it’s the beginning of the end.

Survivor (CBS, Thursdays 7pm Central)Yes, I still watch this show. Is it still culturally relevant? Probably not. But it is still captivating. They pick great characters 80% of the time and while it may seem a bit more staged (like The Hills) it’s still entertaining for (what is this?) the 18th season.

Ugly Betty (ABC, Fridays 7pm Central) Ugly Betty? Why do we care? The move to Friday night – long heralded as the nail in the coffin! This show has seemed to have a solid following, so this one comes as a surprise, at least to me. I’ll be interested to see what comes of it.

Next week we’ll take a look at the new shows premiering this fall. Be on the lookout.

Related posts:

1. TV Throwdown Fall Preview Part 1 If only the Title line were bigger, I would have...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

If only the Title line were bigger, I would have aptly titled this “TV Throwdown presents: The Great American Fall TV Preview, part 1″.

Hey, the new TV season is upon us and those of you who have been blessed with DVR need to get your thumbs a’workin to get all your precious shows programmed. I’m gonna give you a heads up on some shows you might want to check out, but there are really far too many to mention.

Today we’ll look at shows that are returning for their second season. Part 2 will be long-running shows that are returning. After that, I’ll take a crack at new shows. I certainly won’t get to all of them, so if you have some thoughts, leave them in the comments.

With that, I present, your sophomore sensations.

Castle (ABC, Mondays 9pm Central) Ok, I totally called this one wrong. From the previews last season, I predicted mid-season cancellation. Guess I was wrong. People must like Nathan Fillion because I don’t know what they get out of show where a writer follows a cop around to get ideas for his next book. I just don’t get it.

Lie to Me (Fox, Mondays 8pm Central) - This show came out of nowhere to captivate my wife and I. Tim Roth is pure gold, but the rest of the cast carries their own. I appreciate the little digs they take at famous people and politicians. It’s a different take on the police procedural-type program.

SNL: Thursday Update (NBC, Thursdays 7pm Central) - NBC brought this concept out last year and it was timely because of the election. With Amy Poehler being gone, I’m not sure that Seth Meyers can carry the whole half hour. At least, they won’t be without content.

Fringe (Fox, Thursday 8pm Central) - I wanted to watch this, but I just didn’t have time. I heard good things about it, but I only made it through about 10 minutes of the first episode on Hulu. I’m still not 100% sold on J.J. Abrams. I think that the conclusion of LOST (not until next year) will determine the future of his career.

Southland (NBC, Fridays 8pm Central) - I haven’t seen this one either, but the previews looked solid. I’m quite interested, though, because this was so highly billed and how has been moved to the dreaded Friday night slot. To be honest, I didn’t think that the guy from the O.C. could carry such a highly touted series.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.