Grid Effect

Like we alluded to yesterday, we would have wrote our recap for the penultimate episode of what is sure to be the first and last season of The Life and Times of Tim, but their was one hitch in our plan: We haven’t watched it. I know, its been two days now and their is really no excuse. Personally I think this says more about the series’  than it says about me…Alright, it says an awful lot about me. But I wouldn’t delay it so much if I thought that under any circumstances the episode would be worthwhile. I’ll try to watch it at lunch and get to it later today.

Given that Life and Times is coming to a close on Sunday, we’ve mentioned it before but our available shows to recap is quickly coming down to Survivor and The Office. As in, next week these will be the only shows we’re still recapping. So expect a lot more links, previews, random observations and whatever else I can address.

This seems like a good time to mention that we’ll be taking a breather on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, the entire industry takes the four days off and we see no reason to be exceptional, particularly since their won’t be anything to write about.

For now, here are some links.

The average American household is now watching over eight hours of television a day, which is a new record. The fact that its a new record isn’t terribly surprising. What with technological advancements that constitute a wider array of channels and additive convenience combined with a sagging economy that makes an affordable night in with some takeout seem all the more appealing; television is an option that most middle class families still have.

No, the fact that its a record isn’t surprising at all. What’s surprising is the actual figure: 8 hours!? Are you fucking kidding me? Are we in a depression? Is the average American now unemployed and I’m just unaware of it? Are they watching fewer hours on weekdays and not moving during the weekends? Christ. I have no social life and I write a TV blog, and even I can’t muster more than two or three hours a day.

The creator of The Shield (who apparently just pulled of a spectacular series finale), Shawn Ryan, is being a little forthcoming with his love-hate impressions towards The Sopranos. If you recall some of the cast was none to pleased with how ambiguously Chase ended his series and vowed to end The Shield with more certitude. Now that he’s done that, he believes their product is just as, if not better than anything Chase accomplished. Maybe he’s right, I can’t really comment on it because my viewing experience with The Shield has been minimal at best and non-existent at worst. But I think he’s picking the wrong battle here. The Sopranos pre-dates The Shield. And if it wasn’t for David Chase’s considerable effort, no one would no who Shawn Ryan is. If he’s looking for someone to blame his lack of notoriety on, he should pin it on shows like Boston Legal and 24. Series’ that get critical acclaim that occasionally feels undeserved solely because they’re on the broadcast networks.

If you’re a fan of theater and Mad Men, you might enjoy this bit of news: They’re turning the Emmy winning series into a traveling musical. No idea who the cast will consist of, but I know several of those actors got their start in theater, but I’ll be surprised if you see Elisabeth Moss on stage belting out a high note. This sounds appealing though, I always prefer my casual misogyny to be in delivered in the majesty of song.

Alec Baldwin is claiming Salma Hayek was his favorite woman to work with, not only on 30 Rock but just in general. We haven’t the slightest why Alec feels the need to comment on his favorite anything, but we can understand this sentiment because…well, I’ll let the picture do the talking.

Mystery Solved.

And finally, if you thought Randy would slump into some depression after his abnormally vindictive booting on Survivor this week (quasi-spoilers in link), think again. It appears he’s actually still talking to people from the show and while we don’t have any feedback on how responsive they are, it sounds like this has been liberating for him. At least from a social perspective. He doesn’t sound to contemptuous of anyone except Sugar, which is surprising considering how Crystal was towards him. Then again, he illuminates some things in this interview besides spoilers that make everyone’s anger on last night’s episode sound justified. Hopefully he’ll actually grow from it.

Back later with Life and Times recap.