Grid Effect

Since there have been exactly zero pilots that we’re following this fall season (that includes you as well, Dirty Sexy Money, even though I implied you had a glimmer of hope), we’re left with a blank slate the majority of the week. For the record, South Park kicks off its new season tomorrow at 10pm, but since we’ll be driving to South Carolina for a couple football games then (South Carolina-Kentucky Thursday night, Clemson-Va. Tech Saturday) we’ll have to get to it and The Sarah Silverman Program the following week, what with that blank slate and all.

There are a few pilots coming up this week on ABC I might try and get around to previewing. Namely Pushing Daisies, Carpoolers and Cavemen, its all a matter of how much time we can find over the course of next week. Outside of the former we’re not anticipating a positive review for any of them. Anyways, here’s some long overdue link

This article from Tim Goodman deliberates what makes Dexter so appealing. Obviously, it’s violence. We watched the first two episodes that were posted online, and while we could see the appeal, the main character was too unlikeable and the series relied too heavily on shock value for our taste.

Seinfeld apparently has a man-crush on Alec Baldwin. While it makes sense it wouldn’t be a fellow comedian, and not to say Baldwin isn’t a great comedic or dramatic actor, but doesn’t this seem like an opposites attract situation? Seinfeld has always cracked jokes on actors who take themselves too seriously. And while I like Baldwin’s work, he definitely seems to fall into this category. This is like if George Carlin admitted a long time admiration for the head of Goldmann-Saxx.

What is he funny or something?

What a surprise, Jon Stewart’s sarcasm didn’t translate well. Literally. This doesn’t seem to be a newfound development, its rare that countries not named Canada or those located in Europe can detect such humor. And even then, it seems an exception to the rule.

Exploit kids on television for CBS to turn a profit: limited protest. Have said kids slaughter chickens for said exploitation: bring on the rallies of people dousing pedestrians in blood over murdering animals. Really, you have to love this country sometimes. What a freak show.

Here’s a map labeling the location of the fictional settings on Mad Men. While I think its the best new series since Arrested Development, and best new drama since The Wire, this is odd. I know the characters are multi-dimensional and as realistic as it gets, but…people realize this is fictional, right?

It looks like “The View” (which I still refuse to italicize) is up in overall ratings with Whoopi Goldberg, but down amongst younger female viewers since her hiring. While I don’t believe for a minute that men in this country are regularly tuning in for Whoopi Goldberg, that’s what the numbers indicate. So I guess my question is, who gives a fuck as long as the overall audience is supposedly larger?

And finally, though you’ve probably already heard, Mad Men has been renewed for a second season. Not exactly a startling development given its popularity for a basic cable series, but a pleasure to report, none the less.

Back tomorrow with a day early Survivor recap.