The TV Blog Coalition - Olympic TV Marathon

The Beijing Olympics ends tonight and next stop; Vancouver! For the 2010 Winter Olympics! Then London in 2012! In the meantime, I can finally go back to sleep instead of staying up until the wee hours of the morning watching the marathon of live coverage of the Olympics (even when I said I wouldn't watch this year). Hot Damn! all those hot Olympic Bods!

Now back to our regularly schedule programming!:

Buzz got a great interview out of the young actor Tristan Wilds on moving from The Wire's Baltimore to 90210's, well, 90210. (BuzzSugar)

This week, Sandie took at first look at NBC's new show, My Own Worst Enemy. (Daemon's TV)

My favorite comedy, The Office will be returning in just a few short long weeks. I'm passing the time by watching season 4 on DVD. You can too. GMMR is giving away a copy of Season 4 of The Office on DVD. (Give Me My Remote)

Usain Bolt: the next Flavor Flav and even more thoughts from the Beijing Olympics. (Scooter McGavin's 9th Green)

Vance checks out the new contestants on The Amazing Race (Season 13) and makes gloriously uneducated preconceptions about all the teams. (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace reviewed Season One of the adorable, charming, and wickedly funny British comedy Gavin & Stacey, which launches on Tuesday evening on BBC America. (Televisionary)

Is Dan overreacting? He was a bit put-off by the teaser for CBS's The Mentalist which employs some gay stereotypes. (TiFaux)

Raoul gave you his honest take on America's Greatest Dog...and so did Beth Joy. (TV Filter)

More After the Jump...

Porn Star Cliff Hanger Did It On The [title of show] Show

Episode 10 is up! The Post Broadway opening episode that takes us back in time to the Broadway opening! And where someone gets SHOT... dun dun DUN...



People, just go see [title of show] at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway and then start coming up with your own praise for the show like I did.

The [title of show] show - Episode 10 - Season 1 Finale

CAST:
HUNTER...... ...Hunter Bell
JEFF........Jeff Bowen
HEIDI.......Heidi Blickenstaff
SUSAN.......Susan Blackwell
LARRY/CAVEMAN.....Larry Pressgrove

with

MINDY.......Matt Vogel
CHEYENNE JACKSON...Himself
KATE SHINDLE......Herself
MAX VON ESSEN.......Himself
LAURA BENANTI......Herself
CELIA KEENAN-BOLGER....Herself
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA.....Himself

and

Courtney Balan
Benjamin Howes
Ed Watts
Michael Berresse

So who shot MINDY???

Was it Broadway's Cheyenne Jackson? ("GET OUTA HERE CHEYYYYYYYYYENNNNE JAAAACKSON.")

For Episodes 1-9, go here, then here and then here .

More After the Jump...

Oh Gay! How Cute Is Matthew Mitcham? - The 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage

Okay, one last post on the Beijing Olympics. Just because Matthew Mitcham was so cute winning the Gold medal in the Men's 10m Platform Diving. Wasn't Matthew of Australia just so cute winning the Gold medal in the Men's 10m Platform Diving?

Matthew Mitcham is also the first out athlete to compete for Australia and its nice to see a young athlete so out and proud (and even if he wasn't, his happy clap last night and his reaction to his spectacular final dive that clinched him the Gold was pretty obvious, seriously, so cute!).

He's also the current coverboy for The Advocate and hopefully will more athletes won't have to wait until they retire before they come out.


For More 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage:
Oh Canada!
Wait, This Isn't Soft Core...?
Go Jump In The Pool
Men's Synchronized Diving
Swimming - Michael Phelps
Men's All Round Team Gymnastics
The Superficiality of the Olympics

More After the Jump...

Final Rent To Pay

Only 2 more weeks until Rent finally closes on Broadway on September 7th 2008. It's the end of an era and a seminal musical that had a profound life altering experience for me, and oddly enough, I was reminded about all that on Thursday when I saw my friend (who happened to be in the Broadway and Canadian productions of Rent) perform in a local regional production of Jonathan Larson's other musical tick, tick, Boom, a not-so-thinly-veiled autobiographical look at his own life while he was trying to write Rent before he died (in real life) just as Rent was about to open Off-Broadway, where it went on to Broadway, become a smash, create Rentheads like me, and last more than 12 years on the Great White Way.

I'm not even sure how many minutes that has been. If only Jonathan Larson could see his little show now!

And it's all coming to an end. Sony's Hot Ticket has taped the August 21st performance to be shown in cinemas (Just like the Met Opera's they've been doing) across North America (tickets are already listed in Canada) on Wednesday September 24th, Thursday September 25th, Saturday September 27th and Sunday September 28th only.

I was going to wait until Sept. 7th to rapture my eulogy for the show, but between oddly JUST seeing tick, tick, Boom for the first time, about Jon's turning 30, just as I had turned 30 and pretty much going through my pre-mid-life crisis as he was, I'm getting all verklepmt about the show again and remembered how affected I was by Rent. (And apparently everyone else. Here's former cast members saying their final goodbyes to Rent).

I now wish I could see the show just once more on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. So while I think it's a bit ridiculous that the tickets (at least in Canada) cost more than what I paid to see it live ($23 for the movie vs $20 lottery/rush tickets I usually got to see it live), I think the memories are flooding back that I may just have to see it in movie theatres.

The show will still live on in an already announced 2009 National Tour starring originals Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, in high school and community productions, and in revivals way in the future I'm sure, but still, the little show that nobody thought would make it on Broadway managed to defy the odds and become one of Broadway's longest running shows when it finally closes and at least for me, altered my youth forever.

On a side note, while the last few years I've been rhapsodizing about Spring Awakening, which follows in Rent's footsteps, and most recently Hair, which spawned the rock musicals that the other two have followed in, I've pushed Rent aside to make room for newer life altering theatrical experiences, but just hearing "No Day But Today again almost gives me tears in my eyes again.

On another side note, if Hair didn't get extended again, they would have closed on the same day. Interesting.

More After the Jump...

Oh Canada! - The 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage

YES!

At least Adam Van Koeverden recovered today and got the Silver in the K1 500m Kayaking after missing out in the 1000m. Whew. (Interesting of note, is it a Commonwealth thing that Australia, Canada and Britain won Gold, Silver and Bronze in this event?)

Adam Van Koeverden seemed so hard on himself in the post interview on CBC. I just wanted to cuddle him to make him feel better... amongst many other reasons...

Meanwhile, yay to Emilie Heymans, Priscilla Lopez-Schliep and all the other women who won medals for Canada... but... I'm going to post more pictures of the boys! It's not a sexist thing, it's an ogling thing. (Hence, the superficial coverage of the Olympics which I stated right off the bat so sue me).

This will probably be my last post for the Beijing Olympics and as the CBC documentaries on Newsworld yesterday reminded me, don't forget about all the REAL problems China is hiding still. Strangely, everything I ranted about urban development and planning within China was stated exactly on the news report by my MORTAL SCHOOL FRENEMY who was the CBC's "Canadian Architect working in China". I think I threw up in my mouth a little. I have a whole envy AND contempt thing going with this guy. Contemptvy? Even worse? I just found out I might be staying at this guys place next week on my trip to China (though he won't be there). How's that for awkward? (His best friend is one of my best friends and setting the whole accommodation thing).
For once though, I actually agreed with him and everything he said on TV. Anyways, sidetracked...

So for all the summer athletes (like young diving cuties Reuben Ross and Riley McCormick (OMFG, he was born in '91?)), see you in London in 2012, but for everyone else, see you all in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics in CANADA!!! Welcome! Bienvenue! See you all soon!

Meanwhile, let's continue to bask in our glory with Bronze winner Alexandre Despatie:


Alexandre Despatie and Arturo Miranda in the Men's 3m Synchronized Diving from earlier in the Olympics:

Jason Burnett wins Silver in Trampoline:

Thomas Hall wins Bronze in the C1 1000m Canoeing:

How exciting was that finish where Simon Whitfield came from behind to end up winning a Silver in the Men's Triathlon?:

Kevin Light, Ben Rutledge, Jake Wetzel, Malcolm Howard, Dominic Seiterle, Adam Kreek and Kyle Hamilton throw coxman Brian Price after winning Gold in the Men's Eight With Coxswain:

Eric Lamaze wins Gold in Individual Equestrian Jumping:

Iain Brambell, Jon Beare, Mike Lewis and Liam Parsons win Bronze in Men's Lightweight Four Without Coxswain:

David Calder and Scott Frandsen wins Silver in the Men's Pair Without Coxswain

Rory Cochrane wins Bronze in the 1500m Freestyle Swimming:


For more on the 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage:
Oh Gay! How Cute Is Matthew Mitcham?
Oh Canada!
Wait, This Isn't Soft Core...?
Go Jump In The Pool
Men's Synchronized Diving
Swimming - Michael Phelps
Men's All Round Team Gymnastics
The Superficiality of the Olympics


Photos: Getty Images, Reuters and Associated Press

More After the Jump...

Say Cheese

SOOOO Cheese.



YAY!

I'm not embarrassed to say that I can't stop listening to this piece of mediocre cheese and I LOVE IT. The fact that I know it's mediocre cheese (or recognize that pretty much everyone else says it is) probably means I should have my head checked but I've always had good taste in movies, TV and theatre (if I do say so myself) but I fully admit, I love my cheese ass music! Plus, while I recognize the correct David won, I still enjoy listening to David cutiepie Archuleta's voice over and over and over again. (His new single "Crush" above). Seriously, I haven't been able to stop listening to it ever since ModFab made fun of it (and provided the link to the download... just follow the links)

Speaking of cheese, I can't believe I like the new Menudo song. Yes, I said MENUDO. Video below:

Menudo - "Lost":


Menudo - Lost
Uploaded by rmate

I'm guessing Ricky Martin is no longer in Menudo? and it's just a rotating bunch of hot boys? Like a predecessor to The Pussycat Dolls only gayer?

More After the Jump...

NBC 2008 - 2009 Video Previews

NBC has FINALLY released clips and commercials for their new fall shows (after ABC, CBS, FOX, and The CW have already long done so) and I guess they were saving it for the Olympics now that they finally have eyes on their network for the first time in months/years and while last years lineup mostly disappointed (did I not call out Bionic Woman as lame even BEFORE Isaiah Washington joined the cast?), I'm going to give NBC my attention for saving Friday Night Lights (albeit for the new year in 2009), 30 Rock, The Office and Chuck.

This years new crop of shows look like a mixed bag again. My Own Worst Enemy looks promising with its spy double identity intrigue going. Kath & Kim looks hilarious although I've heard bad rumours from the set of the Australian sitcom knockoff but the clip seems promising to me, and it has Selma Blair and John Michael Higgins so I'll give it a chance.

America's Toughest Jobs is one of those shows usually found on Discovery but I'm guessing NBC is desperate for filler right now and this is the type of show I would probably end up watching the whole thing once I tune in for 2 minutes. Maybe. If it was summer. But now that all the fall shows are about to start, I don't really care or have the time.

Meanwhile, I'm not that excited about Crusoe and Knight Rider. Both look like shows that should be syndicated to the Xena fans.

My Own Worst Enemy (Mondays 10pm, Premieres Oct. 13th)

I'm not sure why but I knew nothing about this show except that Christian Slater was in it. I would have totally bypassed it if it weren't for this preview which actually is changing my mind and now I'm quite intrigued. Not totally hooked yet, but definitely curious. Christian Slater is both Henry and Edward and one doesn't know they other exists, nor that one's a spy. OOOH Spy shows! Double identities! And Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives, Take the Lead) who I love and thinks needs something that really gets to showcase those piercing intelligent eyes. Plus anything that can help Mike O'Malley erase the memory of his own show (his appearances on My Name is Earl helped) is always a good thing. I'm in!

Here is the video preview:



Kath & Kim (Thursdays 8:30pm, Premieres Oct. 9th)

Again, it stars Selma Blair and Molly Shannon. The boy is cute. John Michael Higgins is hilarious. It's campy and trashy. Perfect!

Here's the video preview:



Knight Rider (Wednesdays 8pm Premiering Sept. 24th)

It looks like Transformers, except instead of a whole team of them, we only have one. I heard the TV movie that premiered in the spring was a bit lame and I'm not sure the preview is helping but the fact that Sydney Tamila Poitier (Veronica Mars) is in it, I might give it a chance. They need to cut Justin Bruening's (as Mike Traceur) hair. Then maybe I'll tune in.

Here's the video preview:



Crusoe (Fridays 8pm Premiering Oct. 17th in 2 hr special) Here is the video preview:



America's Toughest Jobs (Mondays 9pm until Heroes begins on Sept. 22nd, Premiereing Aug. 25th)

Josh Temple (who?) hosts a show to find the toughest jobs in some reality show competition where people have to try them all and I'm guessing, survive. From the people who brought you Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers (that means nothing to me).

Here's the video preview:


Here are Video Previews of the 2008-2009 Season:
ABC 2008-2009 Video Previews
CBS 2008-2009 Video Previews
FOX 2008-2009 Video Previews
The CW 2008-2009 Video Previews

For more on the 2008-2009 TV Upfronts:

Fox 2008
ABC 2008
CBS 2008
NBC 2008
The CW 2008

More After the Jump...

Yay Love Reject! You Go Girl Boy!

Oh Yey! Maybe I'll actually watch The Bachelor this time around.

I was shocked even when I KNEW DeAnna wasn't going to pick the absolutely hot/lovely/handsome/gentlemanly Jason Mesnick and it was absolutely heartbreaking watching his reaction to the rejection.

I've never been a fan of The Bachelor with the women vying for the man (I prefer the other way around) but I LOVE Jason so maybe I'll check him out when he becomes the new bachelor in January 2009. (At least they are back to using the rejects as the next Bachelor or Bachelorette. I usually find those ones the most interesting, and hey, it seemed to work for Trista and DeAnna and Bob Guirney seemed to do have parlayed it into a TV career). Jason actually seems to go in with his heart so I'm not going to be cynical about this, and again, Trista and DeAnna weren't and made for great seasons. And what's so bad about watching love bloom?

More After the Jump...

Toronto Is For Lovers...Of Boardgames?

Do people still play boardgames? Because I love them! Especially the classics like Monopoly, Clue and The Game of Life (I think I like the 3d pieces, the peg children and that spinny thing) and any of the shouting ones (Cranium, Taboo, Scategorries (well, not so much shouting but I tend to do well in that)).

In theory, I'm the nerd that would rather stay home playing boardgames with friends and my friends and I always talk about doing games night. Though we rarely do. Apparently we are nerds that go out. Usually we're too lazy to plan food around it and end up going out for the night but if anybody is actually planning a games night, I'm in!

So Monopoly announced an International Edition with cities of the world taking over the famed streets of Atlantic City and Toronto made it on the list! So did Vancouver! And Montreal actually got the prized Boardwalk spot! (Really? Montreal? I love the city I went to school in but have you seen the infrastructure lately? Scary). In fact, Canada got 3 spots, tying China (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing) for the most cities that made it on the board!

In fact, I'm a bit shocked only 1 US city made it (New York).

So as a proud Torontonian to all the others... SUCK IT!
and as a Canadian... sorry... hehe!

But alas, Toronto only got the Virginia spot. We now take over the spot for lovers!

Vancouver got New York Avenue. (Shouldn't New York get New York Avenue?)

I had to actually look up Riga (Latvia) and Gdynia though so I'm not sure how much all this means and who even voted and how it was all tabulated.

More After the Jump...

Wait, This Isn't Soft Core... ? - The 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage

I go away for a few days, come back from the weekend, start a new job (well, an old job actually just for a bit while I had some time to spare) and all of a sudden, Canada's medal standings jump from a big 0 to besting Athens and we still have a few days left!?? Awesome! I should go away some more! (How exciting was Simon Whitfield's comeback to win Silver in the Triathlon the other night?!)

Meanwhile, I've been watching the Olympics when I could, and I've been collecting some gratuitous photos along the way from the Mens Diving, Gymnastics, Waterpolo (which would be the sexiest game EVER if it weren't for those silly caps), Rowing... (I would have done some others but there wasn't the best photos but I've been watching!)

So here's some of whom I drooled over the last week (in no particular order). You know, cause that's the whole point of the Olympics. Right?

Suran Markosyan of ARMENIA in Blue under Irbek Farniev of RUSSIA in Red. (Reuters)

Jonathan Horton (USA) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics Horizontal Bars:

Adam Van Koeverden (CANADA) in the K1 1000m (Kayak)

Leszek Blanik (POLAND) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics Vault:

Anton Golotsutskov (RUSSIA) in the Men's Individual Gymnastics Vault:

Filp Filipovic (SERBIA) in Waterpolo:

Fabian Hambuerchen (GERMANY) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics on the Bars

Sergey Khorohkordin (RUSSIA) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics Pommel Horse and Vault:

Alexander Artemev (USA) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics Rings:

Benoit Caranobe (FRANCE) in Mens Individual Gymnastics Vault and Parallel Bar (from All Round):

Wang Feng and Qin Kai (CHINA) for the Pairs 3m Diving:

Dmitry Sautin and Yulry Kunakov (RUSSIA) in the Pairs 3m Diving:

Alexandre Despatie and Arturo Miranda (CANADA) in the Pairs 3m Diving:

Wei Yang (CHINA) in the Mens Individual Gymnastics All Round Parallel Bars:
For more on the 2008 Beijing Olympics Superficial Coverage:
Oh Gay! How Cute Is Matthew Mitcham?
Oh Canada!
Wait, This Isn't Soft Core...?
Go Jump In The Pool
Men's Synchronized Diving
Swimming - Michael Phelps
Men's All Round Team Gymnastics
The Superficiality of the Olympics

Photos: Getty Images

More After the Jump...