Grid Effect

We have a full week’s worth of news items to get too, and given our penchant for delving into petulant rants and veering off-topic, this might take awhile. God damn it I don’t want to be doing this, why is it always my responsibility to make sure my site is updated regularly with new content? Hey, what would be a stranger site: seeing a leprechaun ride a unicorn or a unicorn ride a dragon? I’m going to go with the latter, since a unicorn is a mythical horse, and horses are generally the ridden half of the equation, not the ones doing the riding.

See what I mean?

I don't get it.

Mary Louise-Parker now says that she was misquoted in regards to her nude scene in the season four finale of Weeds. Claiming (in jest, obviously sort of) that she “likes to reveal herself” and that she’s “always naked”. That’s a relief. Now I don’t have to feel like such a creep every time I post a picture of a scantily clad forty- something actress and mother of three. Like this one to the right.

Much has been made of Conan O’Brien’s set. I never thought I’d see the day in which a television set turned into Jimmy Hoffa disappearance, but here we are. At least someone is actually doing something with all this collected data, and pointing out that the asymmetric design bares a striking resemblance to Super Mario Bros. when filled in. Also, a couple weekends ago I referenced Super Mario Bros. to some random stranger at a gathering, and he hadn’t the foggiest idea what I was talking about. “I don’t play video games” was his response before awkwardly parting ways. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t something like Super Mario Bros. a staple of American culture at this point, like Coke? You don’t need to drink soda to know what Coke is, I would assume the same is true for the most infamous video game ever made. Whatever, it was perplexing is all.

Semi-good news for some: Demetri Martin’s Person has been picked up for a second season by Comedy Central. I was kind of lukewarm on this, but it’s a solid variety show that produces way more laughs per minute than SNL, which isn’t necessarily a recommendation. Still, the show is ambitious enough that I would like to see if Martin can build off what he was working on in season one. Look at Chapelle’s Show for an example that reflects how much a show like this can build in quality and popularity in just a season’s time.

Because everything has to be thought of in terms of demographics these days: here’s an article pondering when a non-white male will get a network talk show. I suppose this rules out Chelsea Handler since she’s on E!, but she might be your reason why. I suppose it is a good question, I would love to see Dave Chapelle or Sarah Silverman get a shot at a job like this, but is anyone really dissatisfied with the late night options right now? Kimmel, O’Brien, Letterman have all been given a Grid Effect approval, and Fallon isn’t as bad (some even say he’s excelling) as many would have thought at late night. The only complaint I can get on board with is Carson Daly, but that is barely even a late night show anymore. It’s more an entertainment news show that does fluff pieces for celebrities, like every other entertainment news show.

September 14th has been marked as the date Leno will premiere in his new 10PM slot, just in time for the cold weather to set in and you don’t mind going to bed a little earlier (note: I haven’t fallen asleep voluntarily before 1am in roughly ten years, so I feel I’m going to be subjected to at least a little of this).

Jermaine Crawford (the doe-eyed kid who played Dukie on The Wire) is working with 50 Cent on something. On what? Does it fucking matter? If you aren’t overcome with joy anytime one of those sad bastards gets a break, then I don’t know what to tell you. And yes, I’m having a difficult time separating the character from the actor. Seeing Crawford standing next to someone as absurd as 50 Cent my jolt me back to reality.

Speaking of doughy-eyed, here’s an interview with Zack Gilford, who plays Matt Saracen on FNL with his alma-mater’s paper. I usually don’t link to things like this if I can help it, but there’s a couple amusing anecdotes that could surely brighten up your day.

And finally, DirectTV is paying the way for Friday Night Lights’ Emmy campaign. I think we’re sort of in Wire territory now with this show and how it relates to Emmy voters. Only its not nearly as good as The Wire, so its been given a few more nominations than the one The Wire got for “Middle Ground” (the penultimate episode of the third season). Though I appreciate the effort from DirectTV, it’s amazing what NFL money can afford. Thanks a lot for helping the NFL make it impossible for me to watch Eagles games.

Probably it for today. We’ll try to post some more links in addition to our preview for Friday night’s viewing. If you want our take on your options for tonight, go here.