Hey, look who it is!
bunny tv
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A perfect Emmy Nomination list?
You've probably noticed that every year, someone or another who the television audiences know, love and rave about gets snubbed. Whether it's Ed O'Neill or LOST, it always happens. You can also usually find a hand full of "Seriously? That guy?" nominations that leave you shaking your head in bewilderment - like whenever Two and a Half Men gets any sort of recognition.
This year's Emmy Nominations are not so. In fact, I think this might be the first ever perfect (or very close to perfect) Emmy list I have ever seen.
In case you have any doubts in your mind, dear reader, I have two words for you: Ida Blankenship. Let's discuss.
LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
It's difficult to give any one else an award in a category that contains both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. In addition to being real life best friends, they might be the two funniest women working right now (with the exception of maybe Maya Rudolph, a giant pillar in their trifecta of comedy greatness). In addition to these two, every one of the women in this category is exceptionally hilarious. My up and coming pick for this category would go, however, to Melissa McCarthy. The woman is extremely talented, and has transcended the superficial television lines. In Mike and Molly, she has pleasantly ascended from "fat friend" roles of the past (she was the always clumsy and hilariously lovable Sookie St. James on Gilmore Girls) to leading lady in this comedy. The show is doing well among the easily-amused-at-something-shiny demographic, but luckily for the show, in this country, that means ratings gold. But, in order for the Academy to recognize this multi-camera sitcom, it must actually be pretty good. Hats off to you.
LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Did anyone know that Matt LeBlanc was working again? Me neither! Good for him.
This category includes one of my favorite people in it, so I'm pretty excited - Louis CK. After living an unrewarded life of stand up clubs, sketch comedy writing, dick jokes and divorce, this brilliantly hilarious man (whose first language is Spanish!) is finally getting his due. Jim Parsons has taken this category before, so he has shown he can win, and Alec Baldwin is, well Alec Baldwin. And if he runs for some sort of office (as is his plan) when 30 Rock ends and I'm eligible, he's got my vote. But for Lead Actor? I'm going to go with Louis CK.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Another category with ridiculous choices - Jane Lynch, Betty White, Jane Krakowski, Julie Bowen, Kristen Wiig? Good lord. Every one of these women should line up and punch me in the face. That's how much funnier than me every one of these women are. Afterwards, if I am conscious, I will demand that this award be given to Kristen Wiig, and she can put the statuette on one of her hips that look like shelves. Anyone in this category could take this award home, but Betty White usually wins things, so she'll probably win this.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Charlie Sheen wasn't nominated? Fuck.
Ed O'Neill finally got a nomination, and I'm pretty sure that since he's amazing at life, he should win. Gooooo Bundy!
COMEDY SERIES
Nothing new to report, Folks. 30 Rock.
LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Again, every one of the women in this category should line up and punch me in the face. They are beautiful, talented, and incredibly iconic. However, if Kathy Bates can be beaten, I hope it gets done by Connie Britton. After playing the same part in the Billy Bob Thornton movie of the same name, this delightful woman began tenure as Tammy Taylor on NBC's Friday Night Lights. Like most other wonderful NBC shows, this got piss poor advertising and, in turn, got terrible ratings. This woman has taken this role from what it was in the movie, a giggly, opinion-less waif, to what it is now - quite possibly one of the strongest female characters ever seen on television. Also, it would slap NBC in the face for really just ruining this show's chances at success. Now that it's over, everyone involved deserves to know just how wonderful this show really was.
LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Every single one of these men deserves praise as being incredible at their profession. I can't even tell you how much. The clear choice based on ability here is Steve Buscemi. He's an incredible actor, and it's so refreshing to see him in a Lead role outside of Living in Oblivion. But if you're going to go with these individual performances, the choice has to be Timothy Olyphant. I've seen nearly everything this man has done, and this is just the best thing he's ever done. He's grown so much as an actor, and you can really tell how hard he's worked here. Of course, he has the show to thank - Justified is probably one of the best shows on the air right now, and the second season was just magnificent. Sorry to Jon Hamm, I love you and all, but there's just no US Marshall like a Kentucky US Marshall.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Go watch season two of Justified right now, and then agree with me when I say that this category is no contest - Margo Martindale. Her Mags Bennett is TERRIFYING. Think John Lithgow in Dexter last season terrifying. Although honorable mention goes to Christina Hendricks for being the most beautiful woman alive.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Game of Thrones was probably one of the coolest series I've seen in a long time. It has a huge cast and colorful, well written characters. So, rightfully, picking a favorite was difficult. But Peter Dinklage, you are a gem. The depth of his Tyrion is just incredible. He's goofy and sweet and a hopeless romantic, and he carries more expression in his face than most Disney characters. He might be a little man, but he's a big talent, and so sorry, John Slattery, my heart belongs to another.
DRAMA SERIES
Just cut the award in pieces right now and give a little bit to everyone. Every one of these shows has restored my faith in television a little more, and is a delight -- an absolute delight -- to watch. Cheers.
VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
Everyone in this category is extremely talented, but like playing a percussion instrument, it's the silence that stands out here - Jay Leno's name is absent from this list. My prediction seems to be correct: that man will never earn an Emmy nomination ever again. Good for you, academy. Not only is this a good decision from a quality and comedy standpoint, it's a good decision morally.
So, there you have it. In conclusion - television is really freaking good right now, and as someone who fought through a lot of crap in her early 20s, it's truly refreshing to see. In congratulating the Academy for making completely perfect choices in every category, I would like to point this out - it's not hard to make good choices when there are ONLY good choices to be made. Hats off. David Sarnoff would be proud.
And there's more where that came from.
-Meljo
This year's Emmy Nominations are not so. In fact, I think this might be the first ever perfect (or very close to perfect) Emmy list I have ever seen.
In case you have any doubts in your mind, dear reader, I have two words for you: Ida Blankenship. Let's discuss.
LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
It's difficult to give any one else an award in a category that contains both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. In addition to being real life best friends, they might be the two funniest women working right now (with the exception of maybe Maya Rudolph, a giant pillar in their trifecta of comedy greatness). In addition to these two, every one of the women in this category is exceptionally hilarious. My up and coming pick for this category would go, however, to Melissa McCarthy. The woman is extremely talented, and has transcended the superficial television lines. In Mike and Molly, she has pleasantly ascended from "fat friend" roles of the past (she was the always clumsy and hilariously lovable Sookie St. James on Gilmore Girls) to leading lady in this comedy. The show is doing well among the easily-amused-at-something-shiny demographic, but luckily for the show, in this country, that means ratings gold. But, in order for the Academy to recognize this multi-camera sitcom, it must actually be pretty good. Hats off to you.
LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Did anyone know that Matt LeBlanc was working again? Me neither! Good for him.
This category includes one of my favorite people in it, so I'm pretty excited - Louis CK. After living an unrewarded life of stand up clubs, sketch comedy writing, dick jokes and divorce, this brilliantly hilarious man (whose first language is Spanish!) is finally getting his due. Jim Parsons has taken this category before, so he has shown he can win, and Alec Baldwin is, well Alec Baldwin. And if he runs for some sort of office (as is his plan) when 30 Rock ends and I'm eligible, he's got my vote. But for Lead Actor? I'm going to go with Louis CK.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Another category with ridiculous choices - Jane Lynch, Betty White, Jane Krakowski, Julie Bowen, Kristen Wiig? Good lord. Every one of these women should line up and punch me in the face. That's how much funnier than me every one of these women are. Afterwards, if I am conscious, I will demand that this award be given to Kristen Wiig, and she can put the statuette on one of her hips that look like shelves. Anyone in this category could take this award home, but Betty White usually wins things, so she'll probably win this.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Charlie Sheen wasn't nominated? Fuck.
Ed O'Neill finally got a nomination, and I'm pretty sure that since he's amazing at life, he should win. Gooooo Bundy!
COMEDY SERIES
Nothing new to report, Folks. 30 Rock.
LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Again, every one of the women in this category should line up and punch me in the face. They are beautiful, talented, and incredibly iconic. However, if Kathy Bates can be beaten, I hope it gets done by Connie Britton. After playing the same part in the Billy Bob Thornton movie of the same name, this delightful woman began tenure as Tammy Taylor on NBC's Friday Night Lights. Like most other wonderful NBC shows, this got piss poor advertising and, in turn, got terrible ratings. This woman has taken this role from what it was in the movie, a giggly, opinion-less waif, to what it is now - quite possibly one of the strongest female characters ever seen on television. Also, it would slap NBC in the face for really just ruining this show's chances at success. Now that it's over, everyone involved deserves to know just how wonderful this show really was.
LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Every single one of these men deserves praise as being incredible at their profession. I can't even tell you how much. The clear choice based on ability here is Steve Buscemi. He's an incredible actor, and it's so refreshing to see him in a Lead role outside of Living in Oblivion. But if you're going to go with these individual performances, the choice has to be Timothy Olyphant. I've seen nearly everything this man has done, and this is just the best thing he's ever done. He's grown so much as an actor, and you can really tell how hard he's worked here. Of course, he has the show to thank - Justified is probably one of the best shows on the air right now, and the second season was just magnificent. Sorry to Jon Hamm, I love you and all, but there's just no US Marshall like a Kentucky US Marshall.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Go watch season two of Justified right now, and then agree with me when I say that this category is no contest - Margo Martindale. Her Mags Bennett is TERRIFYING. Think John Lithgow in Dexter last season terrifying. Although honorable mention goes to Christina Hendricks for being the most beautiful woman alive.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Game of Thrones was probably one of the coolest series I've seen in a long time. It has a huge cast and colorful, well written characters. So, rightfully, picking a favorite was difficult. But Peter Dinklage, you are a gem. The depth of his Tyrion is just incredible. He's goofy and sweet and a hopeless romantic, and he carries more expression in his face than most Disney characters. He might be a little man, but he's a big talent, and so sorry, John Slattery, my heart belongs to another.
DRAMA SERIES
Just cut the award in pieces right now and give a little bit to everyone. Every one of these shows has restored my faith in television a little more, and is a delight -- an absolute delight -- to watch. Cheers.
VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
Everyone in this category is extremely talented, but like playing a percussion instrument, it's the silence that stands out here - Jay Leno's name is absent from this list. My prediction seems to be correct: that man will never earn an Emmy nomination ever again. Good for you, academy. Not only is this a good decision from a quality and comedy standpoint, it's a good decision morally.
So, there you have it. In conclusion - television is really freaking good right now, and as someone who fought through a lot of crap in her early 20s, it's truly refreshing to see. In congratulating the Academy for making completely perfect choices in every category, I would like to point this out - it's not hard to make good choices when there are ONLY good choices to be made. Hats off. David Sarnoff would be proud.
And there's more where that came from.
-Meljo
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Oh my God. They even kept the theme song!
Listen. It's stupid to get excited for something a year early, but I just can't help it.
In the late 70s and into the 90s, the epitome of trash TV (as it was then) escalated to a point of no return - Dallas. Without it, we never would have had classic guilty pleasures like Melrose Place, 90210, or sweet, sweet, trashy Gossip Girl. And now, thanks to TNT (who will always have a place in my heart for airing Brisco reruns in 1996), we have this:
That's right. Not a remake, a freaking CONTINUATION. OF. THE. STORY. Complete with Bobby and JR.
I hope they kept their license plates.
In the late 70s and into the 90s, the epitome of trash TV (as it was then) escalated to a point of no return - Dallas. Without it, we never would have had classic guilty pleasures like Melrose Place, 90210, or sweet, sweet, trashy Gossip Girl. And now, thanks to TNT (who will always have a place in my heart for airing Brisco reruns in 1996), we have this:
That's right. Not a remake, a freaking CONTINUATION. OF. THE. STORY. Complete with Bobby and JR.
I hope they kept their license plates.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Reasons to Stay Indoors: The Summer TV Preview
The days of summer reruns are long dead, and thankfully so. What we have now is a delightful if not overwhelmingly awesome plethora of shows to watch, and I'm excited about many of them, both new and returning. So, let's talk about what I'm excited to watch, and what I think you should be excited about, too.
Returning:
Louie (FX)
Louis CK's dark comedy returns on FX on Tuesday, June 23 for its second season. Often emotional, this show's format resembles a modernized version of an early Seinfeld in structure - the fictional storylines of the show are inspired by -- or accompanied by -- the comic's stand up material. Having followed Louis CK since his days at Late Night with Conan O'Brien, I was a little biased about this show from the beginning, but it certainly holds up even for people who aren't entirely swayed by Conan writers.
The season premiere begins with a cold open - Louie brushing his daughter's teeth while she tells him that she loves her mother more. It sounds depressing, and it is, but so much so that it eventually gains hilarity.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
I once had the privilege of meeting Larry David when I was 12 years old. I'm fairly sure I made him extremely uncomfortable, and thus is the premise of Curb. Everything makes this man uncomfortable, and it's hilarious. He's a terrible person, and what's funnier than that? A show about terrible people for, well, terrible people. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Curb will be back, no doubt with absurd storylines and endless profane situations on July 10.
Futurama (Comedy Central)
There is nothing about Futurama that I do not absolutely love. From my uncomfortable crush on Phillip J. Fry to my love of gluttonous robots, it's almost perfect. The only thing disappointing about Futurama is that the eventually run out of new episodes. Not only is this show hilarious, but extremely moving: Jurassic Bark is the most devastating episode I've ever seen of any television show ever. Don't know it? Go watch it. Then prepare to be wrecked for the rest of the day. Unless you're some kind of heartless monster. Futurama returns with back to back new episodes on June 23.
True Blood (HBO)
I debated about whether or not to put this in here because of my feelings on True Blood. I run hot and cold with the show, and just yesterday had a long facebook discussion on how stupid I think it is. I've never read any of the books, and have never cared for Anna Paquin (this was a blatant understatement), so I don't have the attachment to it that some people do. There are some good characters - Jason Stackhouse, for example. His character has had so many arcs, it's amazing that he's even recognizable anymore. It takes an actor with some depth to be able to pull that off. Hoyt and Jessica are probably my favorite thing about the show - they're just an awesome couple, and adorable at that. Although I didn't much care for his storyline last season. my favorite character on the show is Sam, the lovable shape shifter, who keeps me coming back for more. I think my feelings for True Blood can be summed up as this - For a summer show, it's all well and good, the way you crave a trashy novel to read on the beach. It grabs your attention, it's just smutty enough, and if the book falls in the ocean or gets beer dumped on it and it's ruined, well, no loss. True Blood starts Sunday, June 26.
New Shows:
Franklin and Bash (TNT)
I actually already have to shoot this down. I've seen two episodes of it now, and it is so disappointing. F&B tries - unsuccessfully - to be everything that Terriers was, but doesn't get there (or come close). I like both of the leading men, and they do a good job of engaging their audience, as does film legend Malcom McDowell. However, the show isn't written very well - the story lines are fairly terrible, and the court cases are completely contrived, as though the writers had only attempted to gain research for their courtroom comedy by watching Castle. I'll probably give it another go, but unless extreme improvement happens, I'm going to be out of there.
Wilfred (FX)
Having just watched this pilot, I can't tell you how delightful it was. It was wonderfully weird and entertaining and unlike anything else on television. Adapted from the Australian show of the same name, Jason Gann plays Wilfred (on both continents), a dog to everyone but Ryan (Back to the Future 2's Elijah Wood), his next door neighbor, who sees Wilfred as a large, horny, brutally honest man in a dog suit. The show calls to mind many strange entertainment outlets before it - Lars and the Real Girl comes to mind, as does Flight of the Conchords, but still this show remains unique in so many ways, and I definitely look forward to more. Wilfred airs on FX Thursdays at 10.
That's about it for now. But, as always,
There's more where that came from.
-Meljo
Returning:
Louie (FX)
Louis CK's dark comedy returns on FX on Tuesday, June 23 for its second season. Often emotional, this show's format resembles a modernized version of an early Seinfeld in structure - the fictional storylines of the show are inspired by -- or accompanied by -- the comic's stand up material. Having followed Louis CK since his days at Late Night with Conan O'Brien, I was a little biased about this show from the beginning, but it certainly holds up even for people who aren't entirely swayed by Conan writers.
The season premiere begins with a cold open - Louie brushing his daughter's teeth while she tells him that she loves her mother more. It sounds depressing, and it is, but so much so that it eventually gains hilarity.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
I once had the privilege of meeting Larry David when I was 12 years old. I'm fairly sure I made him extremely uncomfortable, and thus is the premise of Curb. Everything makes this man uncomfortable, and it's hilarious. He's a terrible person, and what's funnier than that? A show about terrible people for, well, terrible people. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Curb will be back, no doubt with absurd storylines and endless profane situations on July 10.
Futurama (Comedy Central)
There is nothing about Futurama that I do not absolutely love. From my uncomfortable crush on Phillip J. Fry to my love of gluttonous robots, it's almost perfect. The only thing disappointing about Futurama is that the eventually run out of new episodes. Not only is this show hilarious, but extremely moving: Jurassic Bark is the most devastating episode I've ever seen of any television show ever. Don't know it? Go watch it. Then prepare to be wrecked for the rest of the day. Unless you're some kind of heartless monster. Futurama returns with back to back new episodes on June 23.
True Blood (HBO)
I debated about whether or not to put this in here because of my feelings on True Blood. I run hot and cold with the show, and just yesterday had a long facebook discussion on how stupid I think it is. I've never read any of the books, and have never cared for Anna Paquin (this was a blatant understatement), so I don't have the attachment to it that some people do. There are some good characters - Jason Stackhouse, for example. His character has had so many arcs, it's amazing that he's even recognizable anymore. It takes an actor with some depth to be able to pull that off. Hoyt and Jessica are probably my favorite thing about the show - they're just an awesome couple, and adorable at that. Although I didn't much care for his storyline last season. my favorite character on the show is Sam, the lovable shape shifter, who keeps me coming back for more. I think my feelings for True Blood can be summed up as this - For a summer show, it's all well and good, the way you crave a trashy novel to read on the beach. It grabs your attention, it's just smutty enough, and if the book falls in the ocean or gets beer dumped on it and it's ruined, well, no loss. True Blood starts Sunday, June 26.
New Shows:
Franklin and Bash (TNT)
I actually already have to shoot this down. I've seen two episodes of it now, and it is so disappointing. F&B tries - unsuccessfully - to be everything that Terriers was, but doesn't get there (or come close). I like both of the leading men, and they do a good job of engaging their audience, as does film legend Malcom McDowell. However, the show isn't written very well - the story lines are fairly terrible, and the court cases are completely contrived, as though the writers had only attempted to gain research for their courtroom comedy by watching Castle. I'll probably give it another go, but unless extreme improvement happens, I'm going to be out of there.
Wilfred (FX)
Having just watched this pilot, I can't tell you how delightful it was. It was wonderfully weird and entertaining and unlike anything else on television. Adapted from the Australian show of the same name, Jason Gann plays Wilfred (on both continents), a dog to everyone but Ryan (Back to the Future 2's Elijah Wood), his next door neighbor, who sees Wilfred as a large, horny, brutally honest man in a dog suit. The show calls to mind many strange entertainment outlets before it - Lars and the Real Girl comes to mind, as does Flight of the Conchords, but still this show remains unique in so many ways, and I definitely look forward to more. Wilfred airs on FX Thursdays at 10.
That's about it for now. But, as always,
There's more where that came from.
-Meljo
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A triumphant return to television: Conan on TBS
In case you have been hiding under a rock lately, I'll let you in on a little secret. Conan O'Brien has a new show.
I'll let you in on another secret. I went to the last of four test screenings on Thursday, November 4 out in beautiful Burbank, CA and experienced "Conan" firsthand.
If you're expecting something different than you saw on Conan's NBC programs, you're going to be pretty disappointed. Conan is really more of the same, give or take a beard or two. Same lanky host, same Andy Richter, same band, same head writer, yet it lacks something - the stuffy, corporate element that NBC's Tonight provided is pleasantly absent from the TBS show, which will no doubt leave long time fans of the man not only pleased to see Conan's triumphant return to television, but also his triumphant return to himself.
Late Night with Conan O'Brien was wonderful for many reasons, the first and foremost being that it was fairly low-budget. Props were shamelessly assembled from foam rubber and duct tape, Popsicle sticks and fishing line. There are few things funnier than crappily made props - or whole characters and comedy pieces focused around an uncooked potato with stick-on google eyes. Truly, it was not just the nonsense, but the low-budget nonsense that made Late Night so lovable.
When Conan was awarded The Tonight Show, something changed. O'Brien felt the need to grow up and be true to the franchise he grew up loving and respecting, and honor the memory of the beloved Johnny Carson. "You can't have a masturbating bear at 11:30" sticks in my head. Additionally, the show's budget grew, and although the level of comedic brilliance never altered, the screwball element deadened, the nonsense dwindled, and so Conan's audience felt shafted - after all, if Conan grows up, that means we all have to.
But not on TBS. Here, O'Brien is free to be himself, and return to the low-budget, self deprecation that we've grown to love, then crave, then miss.
The three guests Thursday evening were Elijah Wood, Charlie Day and Lisa Loeb, and although their appearances were entertaining, it was the comedy pieces that stood out - there were three of them, plus a monologue (or Conologue, for you hardcore Conan fans out there). We also saw the triumphant return of the "middle bit," a brief comedy piece between the first and second guests, something that was sorely missed at Tonight. In the first comedy piece, O'Brien showed off his new studio, which looks almost exactly like the third and final Late Night set, an art deco bachelor pad that overlooks the Pacific ocean rather than the Manhattan skyline, complete with a remote controlled moon that he proceeded to use to "crush" Andy, who has happily returned to the chair next to Conan's desk for comedy pieces. The bit continued with a little bit of nonsense no doubt penned by writer Brian McCann, who appeared in the piece wearing a white, spandex body suit and performed a "Moondance" as he wore the moon like a head.
Conan comes to you from Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, another pleasant departure from the stuffy NBC way. The Warner lot is a perfect fit for Conan, as it is easily the most easy-going and historical of all the studios in Los Angeles. Being at Warner Brothers instead of NBC means many things - you can sit down while you wait in line, unlike at 30 Rock, but you can also visit the bathroom, which is unheard of for any readers who had the privilege to see a taping of Late Night. Additionally, their check-in system for guests is much more reasonable and efficient - they allow you to check in, then leave and come back if you so wish.
There will be challenges for Conan - not only are they up against a ludicrously outdated Jay Leno and another of Conan's personal role models David Letterman, he's also competing with other basic cable giants Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, both of whom provide nearly the entire 18-49 demographic with their daily news. But this isn't about competition, and it's not about ratings, it's about the welcome return to television for a man who has always made us laugh, and it's nice to have him back. On Conan's final Tonight episode on January 22, 2010, he had these words to offer: "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." We all look forward to more amazing things from Conan O'Brien.
On Monday (and beyond) when you tune in to Conan, it'll be almost as if the Tonight debacle never happened. As Elijah Wood said to Conan on Thursday, "all is right with the world now that you're back." I couldn't agree more.
And there's more where that came from.
Meljo
Conan premieres on Monday, November 4 at 11pm on TBS.
I'll let you in on another secret. I went to the last of four test screenings on Thursday, November 4 out in beautiful Burbank, CA and experienced "Conan" firsthand.
If you're expecting something different than you saw on Conan's NBC programs, you're going to be pretty disappointed. Conan is really more of the same, give or take a beard or two. Same lanky host, same Andy Richter, same band, same head writer, yet it lacks something - the stuffy, corporate element that NBC's Tonight provided is pleasantly absent from the TBS show, which will no doubt leave long time fans of the man not only pleased to see Conan's triumphant return to television, but also his triumphant return to himself.
Late Night with Conan O'Brien was wonderful for many reasons, the first and foremost being that it was fairly low-budget. Props were shamelessly assembled from foam rubber and duct tape, Popsicle sticks and fishing line. There are few things funnier than crappily made props - or whole characters and comedy pieces focused around an uncooked potato with stick-on google eyes. Truly, it was not just the nonsense, but the low-budget nonsense that made Late Night so lovable.
When Conan was awarded The Tonight Show, something changed. O'Brien felt the need to grow up and be true to the franchise he grew up loving and respecting, and honor the memory of the beloved Johnny Carson. "You can't have a masturbating bear at 11:30" sticks in my head. Additionally, the show's budget grew, and although the level of comedic brilliance never altered, the screwball element deadened, the nonsense dwindled, and so Conan's audience felt shafted - after all, if Conan grows up, that means we all have to.
But not on TBS. Here, O'Brien is free to be himself, and return to the low-budget, self deprecation that we've grown to love, then crave, then miss.
The three guests Thursday evening were Elijah Wood, Charlie Day and Lisa Loeb, and although their appearances were entertaining, it was the comedy pieces that stood out - there were three of them, plus a monologue (or Conologue, for you hardcore Conan fans out there). We also saw the triumphant return of the "middle bit," a brief comedy piece between the first and second guests, something that was sorely missed at Tonight. In the first comedy piece, O'Brien showed off his new studio, which looks almost exactly like the third and final Late Night set, an art deco bachelor pad that overlooks the Pacific ocean rather than the Manhattan skyline, complete with a remote controlled moon that he proceeded to use to "crush" Andy, who has happily returned to the chair next to Conan's desk for comedy pieces. The bit continued with a little bit of nonsense no doubt penned by writer Brian McCann, who appeared in the piece wearing a white, spandex body suit and performed a "Moondance" as he wore the moon like a head.
Conan comes to you from Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, another pleasant departure from the stuffy NBC way. The Warner lot is a perfect fit for Conan, as it is easily the most easy-going and historical of all the studios in Los Angeles. Being at Warner Brothers instead of NBC means many things - you can sit down while you wait in line, unlike at 30 Rock, but you can also visit the bathroom, which is unheard of for any readers who had the privilege to see a taping of Late Night. Additionally, their check-in system for guests is much more reasonable and efficient - they allow you to check in, then leave and come back if you so wish.
There will be challenges for Conan - not only are they up against a ludicrously outdated Jay Leno and another of Conan's personal role models David Letterman, he's also competing with other basic cable giants Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, both of whom provide nearly the entire 18-49 demographic with their daily news. But this isn't about competition, and it's not about ratings, it's about the welcome return to television for a man who has always made us laugh, and it's nice to have him back. On Conan's final Tonight episode on January 22, 2010, he had these words to offer: "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." We all look forward to more amazing things from Conan O'Brien.
On Monday (and beyond) when you tune in to Conan, it'll be almost as if the Tonight debacle never happened. As Elijah Wood said to Conan on Thursday, "all is right with the world now that you're back." I couldn't agree more.
And there's more where that came from.
Meljo
Conan premieres on Monday, November 4 at 11pm on TBS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)