East Coast Update - 'The Amazing Race 10' - Finish and Philimination

Sigh.

The Pit Stop arrival order:

1. Tyler/James - won a trip to Mexico
2. Dustin/Kandice
3. Rob/Kimberly
4. Lyn/Karlyn
5. Erwin/Godwin - Philiminated

Sniffle.

A full recap/review will be posted late tonight.

Tonight's 'The Amazing Race' Blogging - 11/19

As usual with the Sunday night programming, The Amazing Race was delayed due to football coverage in this area. I'll be posting the Pit Stop arrival and Philimination in about an hour as the show just started. Late tonight, a full review/recap will be posted.

Get Yer Pants Here - Coming This Week On Letterman (Nov. 20-24)

Although it's a somber time - Impressionists Week is done and over - this week's guest list for Letterman is winning me over. Plus, it's Thanksgiving week with all new shows throughout the week, including the holiday. Dave's holiday show usually features bits from the staff and I have to see what they're up to this year!

Here are this week's expected guests on The Late Show with David Letterman:

• Monday, Nov. 20 - Jerry Seinfeld (what's he up to these days?), DJ Shadow and Q-Tip. (Um, okay to the latter. One thing I love about the show is he often exposes me to music acts with whom I may not be familiar.)
• Tuesday, Nov. 21 - Chris Elliott, Hugh Jackman and the Nextel Cup Winner. Chris Elliott is old-school Letterman and I always get a kick out of seeing him on the show. As for the Nextel Cup Winner? I haven't a clue. Maybe it's the Annoying Walkie-Talkie King or the Most Obnoxious Cell Phone User In Public Places Queen. We'll see.
• Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Matthew Broderick, Lupe Fiasco & Jill Scott. Matthew, of course, is starring with Danny DiVito in the new holiday movie Deck the Halls, but I'm once again clueless on the latter two guests. It makes things more interesting that way, don't you think? I enjoy seeing Matthew Broderick on the show... he's always an entertaining guest.
• Thursday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Day) - Eugene Levy (For Your Consideration) and John Mayer. Eugene Levy is usually a hoot! And, though John Mayer isn't always my musical cuppa tea, he is very popular. As I previously mentioned, I think we can expect some staff bits on this show, too.
• Friday, Nov. 24 - Oh, the only guest listed is Helen Hunt (Bobby and Mad About You fame). I like seeing her, but I would also guess there's more to the show than solely Helen Hunt. I love surprises.

There, that's the week ahead for The Late Show. Did I ever tell you about the time I stood outside the filming of the show with the masses by the Roseland and excitement ensued?

TV Newsy Bits - Sunday, November 18, 2006

It's Sunday! Of course, you know that I'll be watching tonight's Amazing Race. Did you see the promos? They have the teams in armored tanks. Now, that looks interesting. May the ChoBros rule!

In comments, blog reader Sydney mentioned seeing a TV show promo while watching the most excellent new James Bond movie. The advertised show intrigued her and yes, I can help. I wrote a brief preview of the upcoming My Boys show which will premiere November 28 on TBS (the very funny station). It's one of two new original sitcoms I previewed thanks to screeners from the good folks at Turner Broadcasting. The other show is 10 Items or Less - both innovative and funny. That one will premiere Monday, November 27.

In other TV-related news:

• I'm tired of hearing about Tomkat's wedding. Make them stop! I'll admit it's a cool castle, though.
• Sarah Ferguson Begs For Spot on Dancing With the Stars - Do you think Fergie has a chance?
• FOX Orders Additional Episodes of "Standoff" - I haven't watched this show as of yet, but the premise sounds interesting. Are you watching? Should I check it out?
• Gordon Ramsey, the ill-tempered chef of Hell's Kitchen, has opened a new restaurant in Manhattan. I'm tempted to make a reservation, but I'm sure it's a bit out of my budget.
• Can't get enough Amazing Race? Reality News Online has transcribed the latest "Insider" video from the CBS website. Find out what we didn't see on last week's show before we see what we will see on tonight's show!
• It seems that The Bachelor has been renewed for another season.
• Save the cheerleader, save the world. (Yeah, that's my new favorite TV tag line.) Not only is tomorrow night's Heroes episode a crucial one, but some new cast announcements are out and about. Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston and George Takei (Sulu from Star Trek) will be added to the cast. Takei will be playing Hiro's father. Perfect! Dang, I love this show.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - Ep. 9 -or- "Time (to go) in a bottle."

Eleven are left and the jury has its first member. Who will be voted out next?

And, my own added question, aren't we due for a numbers crunch? Remember, the season started with 20 castaways. Normally there are 16, some seasons 18. The finale is scheduled for December 17. We have four weeks and eleven castaways. You do the math. (I'll just go on writing...!)

The show opened on Day 22 looking in on the Raro tribe. Jonathan, recently mutinied from Aitu, was still working, fishing, and making fire in an effort to prove his worth to the new tribe. He now realizes that he made a very bad move by mutinying. "I'm a wandering Jew without a tribe," he said. The other Aitu mutineer, Candice, is fitting in better thanks to her relationship with Adam. Their thing for each other is hitting fling phase now that she's teamed up with him once again.

Over at Aitu, the small Can Do Tribe, Ozzy's attitude has definitely changed. Without Jonathan (in particular) around, he's meshing with the others well. Aitu has become a tribe to be reckoned with, for sure. "We're the underdogs and I'm happy," Ozzy said. Yul also spoke about what a solid bond the tribe has since the mutiny of Candice and Jonathan.

Treemail brought the tribes nautical flags which signify letters of the alphabet, so both tribes went to work studying. The Rewards Challenge itself had the tribes using given coordinates to a huge compass in the sand and two tribe members digging up four treasure chests per tribe (one at a time). After all the chests were collected, they opened them to find nautical flags which they had to use to spell the word "victory."

Raro did horribly at the challenge. I don't know who was worse - Jenny and Jonathan almost refusing to work together or Adam and Candice just not working well together at all. Nate, Parvati, and Rebecca just kept cringing on the bench as they watched Aitu work well together and claim victory.

Aitu won a plane ride to a nearby island where they would partake in a local feast called an umu. There would be pork and an alcohol-laden homebrew beverage. They announced they were sending Candice to Exile Island with a "1, 2, 3... Candice" cheer. I know why they're targeting her, but I thought they might have gone for Jonathan this week. I guess they were closer to her all along and still feel betrayed. I realize they have a reason, but my own personal feelings say it's kind of mean.

While Candice fussed on Exile Island - "it's horrible when people you like want you to suffer" - Raro was all bummed out (once again) at their camp. The talk turned to ousting Rebecca if they lose Immunity. Rebecca hasn't proved strong in any challenges, nor mental or physical ones. Jonathan has been busting his butt being Mr. Provider and his plan seems to be working. For now it's working, anyway.

The hit of the show was the umu. No, not the emu, but there was a hog! Aitu was greeted by native islanders wearing grass skirts and men in tribal sort of gear. It looked a bit frightening, but soon became reminiscent of the Munchkins leading Dorothy down the yellow brick road. I was just waiting for three of the men to step forward and start singing about the Lollipop Guild.

Two rather large women took a liking to Yul and both bumped and grinded against him, much to his embarrassment. One jumped on him as he fell (see photo). The reward seemed to be the most fun I've ever seen them have and it was a hoot to watch, too. Poor Yul. But, hey, he seemed to have a good time!

The next treemail had a map of the Cook Islands. Again, the tribes studied. The Immunity Challenge had the tribes swimming out to a floating platform, diving for a bundle of island names and swimming them back. They had four members competing as there are only four Aitu members and each retrieved one bag.

Once again, Raro fell apart while Aitu rocketed. They retrieved their island name bundles quickly and placed them right in the puzzle within a minute or two while Raro was just bringing in their last bundle. In a new twist, Raro was given a bottle with a scroll inside. They were directed to bring it to Tribal Council, but warned not to open it - it would be read after the vote was cast.

When I heard the instructions and knew that we had to double an eviction soon, I guessed what it was. Raro tried to guess and I think they knew the possibility of a double castoff, but were afraid to think in that direction. The talk at camp was mainly for a Rebecca eviction, but Adam mentioned that Jenny was getting very untrustworthy and out for herself. Plus, he figured she would target Candice. So, she should be next - more dangerous than Jonathan.

At Tribal Council, Jonathan should learn to shut his mouth. He bragged about catching 22 fish since the day before. I understand he's proud, but I think it would be better to quietly serve up the fish. The votes were cast and Rebecca (the one who's the make-up artist for The View) was voted off unanimously with the exception of her own vote for Jonathan.

Then came the twist. The bottle was opened after Rebecca left. "You've just voted out one member of your tribe, you'll now vote out another." That was it. No time to plot, scheme, or even think much about things. In the second vote, Jenny was voted out. She and Nathan voted for Jonathan, the rest voted for her.

She wasn't a happy camper. In the ending shot as the credits rolled, she just about spit venom. They didn't show Rebecca's parting shot, but I would think she'd be polite.

So now the tribes are a lot more even, five to four. While Jeff hinted there might not be a merge at Tribal Council, I think he may have been saying that just to throw off the contestants.

Another very entertaining episode. Hey, that's two in a row! Let's try again next week!

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Update - 11/16 - Castoff

Rebecca was voted off with her vote the sole one not for her (Jonathan).

The note: You've just voted out one member of your tribe, you'll now vote out another.

I'll add to this post when the vote is known.

Update: Jenny was the second voted out - 2 votes Jonathan, 4 votes Jenny.

A full review/recap, along with some interesting screencaps of Yul dancing with native women, will be posted late tonight.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Update - 11/16 - Immunity

Aitu won Immunity. In a new twist, the losing tribe (Raro) was given a sealed bottle which they must bring to Tribal Council. The cannot open it. It will be opened at TC after the votes have been cast.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Update - 11/16 - Reward

Aitu won Reward, sent Candice to Exile Island. They won a plane ride to a feast on a nearby island.

TV Newsy Bits - Thursday, November 16, 2006

It's another very stormy night here - high winds, thunderstorms, flood warnings - but I plan to post East Coast Updates as tonight's Survivor airs here in the NYC area (power and cable TV willing). Reward, Immunity, the boot and any other important happenings will be blogged real time and a review/recap should be posted late this evening. So, if you're West Coast, or just want to outcry an event as you watch, check for those entries. You may have to refresh the blog page or click on the Archive for this week (right sidebar on main page) to see the most recent entry.

In other Bits o' Blog Business, blog reader Sydney (hi!) missed Dancing With The Stars last night. I found that ABC doesn't seem to have the show in its entirety online, but has many video clips posted at their website. I haven't checked YouTube, but would guess clips are also there. If anyone has any other ideas, speak up! She knows who won, but would like to see the show if it's out there anywhere.

I received an email from a gentleman involved with the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston. He knows there are some Grey's Anatomy fans here. (Yay!) Kate Burton, who plays Ellis Grey (Meredith Grey's mother on Grey's Anatomy) will be appearing on stage in the Huntington's production of the play "The Cherry Orchard" from January 5 - February 6. Alas, I don't foresee a Boston trip in my future at that time. But if any of you are in the area and are interested, more details are available here. If you think you might want to go, please let me know! It would make for interesting discussion.

The thunder is getting louder here, so I'll call this an entry. All of those folks camping out in lines for the PlayStation 3 must be getting drenched. Since I can't beat Crash Bandicoot on my plain ol' original PlayStation, I don't see PS3 in my future - a trip to Boston would be more likely.

The Best Reruns You Aren't Watching

I'm usually not home on weekdays in the daytime hours. But when I am, I'm bored with a lot of the television programming. Since Ellen DeGeneres has moved to the afternoons here in the NYC area, the morning and noon hour is a bit of a vast wasteland of Jerry Springer and The Maury Show.

Now, nothing against those fine gentlemen - they've both made their mark in their genres and seem successful - but they're just not my cuppa tea, not at all. If I had children, I'd know who the father was and drag queens duking it out can only hold my attention for so long.

So, there I was, channel-flipping today. And there it was. I now have a new must-see 11 AM program on any weekdays I happen to be home. A series which ranks amongst my personal all-time favorites is regularly shown on Superstation WGN (cable). Perfect! And, today, the day I made the discovery, aired one of the most notable episodes from the series. I'm beside myself with the glee. Yes, truly I am!

The series is Homicide: Life on the Street. In my opinion, it remains one of the best police shows ever on television. I have the boxed DVD set of the first two seasons, but it doesn't include the show I (re)watched today. The show enjoyed a six-year run from 1993 through 1999, so my two-year collection is only a taste. Seeing today's show is going to make me hit up the boxed set again, but now I have Homicide fever once again. I may have to tape daily shows on WGN.

Today's episode was "The Hat" with guest star Lily Tomlin. I found her performance as Rose Halligan mesmerizing and chilling. The role garnered her an Emmy nomination and was certainly worthy of winning (although it didn't). Rose was a prim and proper opera fan and voice coach suspected of murdering her husband. Detectives Lewis (Clark Johnson) and Kellerman (Reed Diamond) were assigned to pick up Rose to transport her back to Baltimore for questioning, yet lose her on the way. They take a liking to the unusual, but oh-so-respectable murder suspect. After all, she could be a great aunt. She couldn't be a cold-blooded killer, could she?

Ah, but yes, she certainly could be. Rose escaped from them with the goal to return the hat of the woman who had an affair with her husband. It was the hat she wore throughout the episode. Well, that is until the end, when her friend and reason for killing her husband wore the hat - as she lay dead on the floor while Rose sat singing an opera tune outside on a porch swing.

This is one of the finest episodes of that season, but I never saw a "bad" episode of the show. And, it's one of the best reruns on daytime television that I haven't been watching. But I will be from now on.

TV Newsy Bits - Tuesday, November 14, 2006

For me, tonight wasn't a huge TV night. I'm a Law and Order fan, so the new episodes of SVU and Criminal Intent were on my watch-list. Both shows lived up to their standard fare of good writing, good acting, and the drama I want. (As if I don't have enough drama in my personal life. Oh, well... it's a different sort of drama, for sure.)

Criminal Intent finally showed Goren's mother, the one with the health and mental problems. I don't believe they've shown her before, or I missed it. Goren's going a bit off the edge once again. I like Vincent D'Onofrio in the role, but I found tonight's performance a bit more odd than usual. Whether it's acting or not, I don't know. He was almost stumbling pigeon-toed, but he was also scruffier than usual and stressed out by his mother. That doesn't explain him getting chubbier, though. At the end, he told them they could fire him if they wanted, he had to get to his mother. I guess we'll know more the next Goren episode - next week is a Chris Noth one.

Oh, one real complaint about the show. They film the show in the NYC area, which I love because I see places I know and have even seen them filming at times. But, dang, get the seasons right. The leaves are never green on the trees on Thanksgiving. Sheesh. The leaves are almost all gone, those which remain are brown or perhaps a bit of color, but that color isn't green!

It'll be coming before you know it! The sixth season of American Idol is set to premiere January 17 and 18. I mentioned in another TV Newsy Bits that Kellie Pickler has picked up a sitcom. The previous contestants have hit the news wires again with stories such as this one - Are ‘American Idol’ finalists quickly forgotten? - American Idol - MSNBC.com. I had wondered what's been going on with Taylor Hicks. I don't need to know what's going on with Justin Guarino. I really don't.

In other TV News Bits:

• Save the cheerleader, save the world! My new favorite must-watch show is getting a lot of press these days. Heroes Links I know I've mentioned it in passing and it's too far into the season to pick up blogging about it regularly, but I feel an article coming on.
• A Message in a Bottle Leads to a Twist This Week on Survivor: Cook Islands - Beware, mild spoilers.
• Mild spoilers for next week's Amazing Race episode.

On The Box Tonight - Monday, November 13, 2006

It's raining here again tonight, so another perfect evening to stay indoors, read a bit and watch television. Yep, it's a snuggly robe and fuzzy slippers kind of night, perhaps a mug of hot chocolate... excellent!

Here are my personal picks for the night and honorable mentions which I may tape or, at the very least, know others will be watching:

• How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - 8 PM ET/PT - Oh, my. It looks like Marshall and Lily are indeed back together. I'll be watching
• Prison Break (FOX) - 8 PM ET/PT - Not my cuppa, but it's a new episode for show fans.
• Deal or No Deal (NBC) - 8 PM ET/PT - New episode, but I still can't understand the popularity of this show. It's not like they're giving me briefcases of money.
• Wife Swap (ABC) - 8 PM/ET - New episode, okay. I've watched on occasion, but...!
• The Class (CBS) - 8:30 PM/ET - I'm not totally enamored with the show, but since I watch the half-hour before, it's on here. I'll most likely be reading with it on in the background.
• Heroes (NBC) - 9 PM ET/PT - My must watch show of the night. Must, must watch. A new episode, naturally. Save the cheerleader; save the world!
• On CBS Two and One Half Men and The New Adventures of Old Christine take the 9 PM ET/PT block. Both are new episodes.
• C.S.I.: Miami - 10 PM ET/PT - New episode, still David Caruso. I'll pass.
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC) - 10 PM ET/PT - New episode. I'm just not getting into the show, but know a lot of the blog readers enjoy it.
• What About Brian (ABC) - 10 PM ET/PT - Huh? A new episode? Has this show been in this slot all along? I seem to recall watching it once, then it vanished. Is it a shifted show?
• Murder by the Book - (CourtTV) - My choice for the 10 PM ET/PT hour. Tonight is the James Ellroy episode. It should be interesting.
• And, but of course, don't forget it's the exciting start of Impressionist Week on David Letterman (CBS) at 11:37 PM here. I'm so psyched. Er, actually I enjoy Rich Little and Robin Williams, tonight's guests.

What are you watching?

'The Amazing Race 10' - Ep. 9 -or- "Don't they wear wooden shoes in Finland?"

Five teams remain. Who will be eliminated next?

Yes, that is the question.

Teams had their mandatory rest period at the Madagascar Pit Stop where we last left them. As they arrived first, Dustin and Kandice (Evil Beauty Queens) were the first to leave at 2:56 AM. The Alabama Moms, Lyn and Karlyn, were the last team to leave at 3:55 AM, so we're talking an hour between first and last place. It's still a tight race at this point.

The clue they received directed them to fly to Helsinki, Finland. They had a total of $265 for this leg of the run. But flying to Helsinki isn't as easy as it sounds like it should be. Due to the lack of flights out of Madagascar, the show would arrange for flights to Paris and then the teams would be responsible for making the connecting flights to their destination.

Upon reading the destination, one of the Beauty Queens said, "Don't they wear wooden shoes?" I just looked at my cat and sadly shook my head.

At the airport, it didn't take the teams long to figure out there may be a quicker way to Helsinki. They found out that a flight to Johannesburg could connect them more quickly to Helsinki than the Paris connection, so all teams made a go at it. The 'Bama Moms barely squeaked aboard to the delight of the ChoBros (Erwin and Godwin), but to the chagrin of the Beauty Queens and the Rehabbed Model Boy Toys (Tyler and James).

Once in Helsinki, teams had to locate the Kapeli Restaurant where they'd face the inevitable AOL "You've Got Mail!" clue of the season. This year it wasn't so much of a clue as it was a taste of home -- video messages from family and friends. I know it's all touching and emotional, but didn't I just go through the same ordeal (or similar) on Survivor this week? Sheesh. After they saw the videos, the next clue was given to them by the restaurant manager.

They had to take a train to a school which I couldn't spell if my life depended on it. Shoot me now. Despite varying degrees of manners and lack thereof, all the teams ended up on the same train. Oh, the ChoBros were the polite ones, just in case you couldn't guess. Alabama just cut in front of the queue at the taxi stand and made me cringe once again. I know they're in a race. But they're also Americans in a foreign land. I must say it again. Sheesh.

Once at the school, they followed markers which led them to a Detour, a choice between two tasks the teams must perform to receive the next clue. Detours always have some connection with the local area, its people, or its customs. The choices this time were Swamp This or Swamp That. I guess it must be swampy there, eh? In Swamp This teams had to use cross-country skis to ski through a mile-long mud course. In Swamp That teams had to go through a muddy (sometimes up to their waists) obstacle course. It wasn't too cultural of a challenge, but it did get down and dirty!


Although Rob and Kimberly got lost on the way to the mudbath, they made good time of it and passed by both the ChoBros and 'Bama.

From there, teams had to take a train to Turku, then drive to a limestone mine in Lohra. It was there that the teams faced a Roadblock - a task only one member of the team must complete. This Roadblock, dubbed "A Miner Inconvenience," looked like fun going down, but work returning as they had to ride a motorbike down into the mines, find a limestone hunk, then bring it back uphill (which the bikes couldn't handle and had to be walked), then break open the limestone to reveal their next clue. Tyler/James and Dustin/Kandice were the only teams on the first train heading in, so they got in and out of the mine first. Rob and Kimberly got lost trying to find the mine and the ChoBros actually got a bit nasty in deliberately losing them. Good. Now lose 'Bama, ChoBros.

The Boy Toys and Beauty Queens were off to the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki where the boys found their clue after a bit of searching. Uh-oh. Bad news for those who have a fear of heights. That would include my favorite team, the Chos. Eep. Teams would have to rappel face-first down the tower at the stadium. The Beauty Queens arrived and started making their way up the tower as the Boys went down one at a time.

Back at the mine, Rob was a driven man... driven to get by 'Bama and the Chos, too. He made it by 'Bama and was tailgating the ChoBros. "Get off my ass, Rob. I will slam on my brakes." Go for it ChoBros, then leave 'em in your dust! They get to the stadium and then it happens. No, not a round of fisticuffs between the Chos and Rob, not at all.

"Keep racing. This leg isn't over."

Argh. I know they do this every season. I even figured that it would take place about halfway through tonight's episode as the timing wasn't going right for a Pit Stop. You know when no one has made the Pit Stop within fifteen minutes of the show ending time or was heading to one even before that, chances are there won't be one.

So, it's not until next week that we'll know who was eliminated next.

The Evil Beauty Queens weren't so evil this episode, but I still can't forgive them for not driving the car they smashed up last week and leaving it for another team. What if it had broken down due to the damage they caused and made another team lose the race? That move on their part was totally out of line and beyond just being competitive.

As the field narrows down, I'm still rooting for the Chos and am rather ambivalent about the rest of the teams. Both the Beauty Queens and the Boy Toys are strong teams, but I just don't care so much for them. I admire 'Bama and Rob/Kimberly for doing as well as they are, but neither team thrills me. But, the ChoBros? They rock my world. They just need to get a smidgen meaner. Just for the race, of course.

'The Amazing Race 10' East Coast Update - 11/12

"Keep on racing, this leg isn't over."

Yes, it's the "to be continued" leg. Model Boy Toys are currently leading the pack. A full recap/review of the show will be posted later tonight. Stop on back!

Better Than Big Pants, Coming This Week On Letterman

I must confess. I have to confess.

I love David Letterman.

Oh, no -- not like that woman who kept breaking into his house in the '80s or, more recently, the woman who thought he was sending love messages in code to her. Not like that at all. This is more of a sane sort of love. Or, is it?

I've been a Letterman fan since his early appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and can even boast to watching his rather short-lived morning show circa 1980 or so. Through his NBC Late Night with David Letterman days into the present, he's my late-night fodder. Campy, zany, though oddly intellectual, I've spent my adult life with his show(s) on my must-see list.

Last week's highlights for me were the Jack Hanna segment (always a favorite with me) and Jorge Garcia (Hurley on Lost) reading the Top Ten Signs You're Obsessed With Lost. In particular, I enjoyed Number 10: "After each episode, you do an all-kitty reenactment in your basement." I have to admit that my two cats balked at playing all the characters and wanted to hold out for more money per episode.

The week ahead boasts Mr. Letterman's second rather unusual week-long programming event for the season. Earlier, it was Ventriloquist Week. This time we'll see Impressionists Week. Yep, you've got it! I'm not sure if it will match the excitement of the ventriloquists, but it'll be neat to see Rich Little once again. I didn't know he was still around.

Here are the guests scheduled for this week on the Late Show with David Letterman:

• Monday, Nov. 13: Robin Williams, Impressionist Rich Little, George Jones
• Tuesday, Nov. 14: Jack Black (promoting the new movie Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny which I misheard a while back as the "Pig of Destiny." I like it that way, don't you?), Impressionist Fred Travalena, Tenacious D
• Wednesday, Nov. 15: Christopher Guest, Impressionist Gordie Brown, +44
• Thursday, Nov. 16: Ellen DeGeneres, Impressionist Frank Caliendo, The Game
• Friday, Nov. 17: Senator John Edwards, Impressionist Kevin Pollak, Will Arnett

Okay, ventriloquists and impressionists... what's next? Tap dancers? Magicians? I don't know, but I'm sure to be watching. As for Leno, I watch or tape him when he has the Blue Man Group on. Dave should do more Blue Man Group.

TV Newsy Bits - Sunday, November 12, 2006

Ah, Sunday. For me, it's "Race, Case, and Trace" night. You know I'll be posting an East Coast update on the Pit Stop arrival order and a full review/recap of tonight's Amazing Race episode. But, that's hours away and it's a rainy day here. So, what's that mean? Well, other than a leisurely bubble-bath and hot chocolate kind of day, it's a perfect day for writing and watching television.

I shouldn't have stayed up until 3 AM watching Clerks on Comedy Central, but I did. You only live once and all that, y'know. Somehow, I had missed that movie when it was out and about in the theaters and video stores. When I saw it was on, I had to watch it. I can see why it brought Kevin Smith to the attention of the world at large and, to be honest, I liked it more than some of his more recent works since he hit the big time.

Tomorrow night Court TV's new series Murder By the Book premieres. I've been a mystery novels buff for years (and have even failed at writing my own really bad mystery novels), so this series intrigues me. This is a five-week series featuring mystery novel writers investigating a real-life case which holds a special interest to them. In the first show, it's author James Ellroy looking into the murder of his own mother. If you're an Ellroy fan like I am, you're aware that his mother's 1958 murder remains unsolved and that the case has always been a part of his own life as he pens his books. Other authors in the series include Michael Connelly, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, and Lisa Scottoline. The only author out of that group I haven't read is the last one. The series airs on Court TV Mondays at 10 PM ET/PT. I'll be watching.

In other news, Studio 60 fans will be happy to hear that that I read an AOL Television article which announced that nine new episodes of the show have been ordered despite iffy ratings. I'm still not getting into the show, but know several blog readers who enjoy it, so crack open the champagne!

David and Mary Conley of 'The Amazing Race 10'

The link I gave to a local article about David and Mary is already off and doesn't seem to be archived. Yikes! That was quick. It was only online for a day.

So, for those interested, here are some more articles:

• Lexington Herald-Leader 11/08/2006 Out of race, in the money
• 'Race' couple Dave and Mary Conley given new car, home, and more - Reality TV World - News, information, episode summaries, m...
• PRESS RELEASE Champion Enterprises Donates Modular Home to "Amazing Race" Contestants Dave and Mary Conley
• Interviews & Features - From Amazing Race to The View: Team Kentucky Recalls Their Wild Ride TVGuide.com

TV Newsy Bits - Friday, November 10, 2006

It's Friday night, Meerkat Manor night!

On tonight's episode, nature probably made the best decision, but it's still sort of sad. Hopefully Mozart will be accepted at home once again. I'd say mean nasty Commandos, but I think the Whiskers probably are just as ruthless. After all, it's not an easy life for any meerkat. On the other hand, I have two merely cats and they live the good life.

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• Brad Virata, the most recent Survivor castoff, was interviewed by Reality News Online. In the interview he refers to his horrible fantastic experience. It's an interesting read.
• RNO also has a transcript of Brad's The Early Show appearance.
• A Kentucky online newspaper has a nice write-up about David and Mary, Team Kentucky from The Amazing Race.
• American Idol's Kellie Pickler Gets Sitcom - Why am I not surprised? After all, she's a little minx, y'know.

Always remember, man is not more powerful than a locomotive.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - Ep. 8 -or- "Double Mutiny and Early Jury"

Twelve are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Finally, a bit of excitement! Not one, but two new twists happening before show's end promise to kick the rather lackluster season into gear. Remember, this season was touted as oh-so-controversial. Since the racially separated tribes merged into two mixed tribes, the show has been okay, but that's about it.

Tonight's show opened looking in on the Aitu tribe on Day 19. Jonathan was campaigning against Ozzy once again. I personally think that Jonathan keeps focusing on Ozzy to keep the target off of himself. Either that or he's delusional about all the trust he thinks others have in him. Yul kept nodding, as did Candice, but neither trust Jonathan. But on and on he goes about voting Ozzy out before the game becomes an individual one instead of competing tribes. From one week to the next, he wants Ozzy gone much like sand through the hourglass or something equally monotonous.

Jonathan also told Candice that he wants to team up with her, Adam, and Parvati for the Final Four, the four remaining members of the Caucasian tribe. She's not too keen on that. Heck, she doesn't trust him.

Over at the Raro tribe, they're pretty confident. After all, the tribes are six members each and they're surely the stronger tribe. Or, so they believe. Ah, but there's dissension in the ranks. Brad, already on the hot seat with his tribe mates over choosing to do the puzzle instead of swim last week, claimed it's "every man for himself." Nate, the bandwagon leader of the anti-Brad party, took immediate offense. "Hey! We're a team!" Fo-shizzle wit dat bizzle.

And then, the first twist of the night happened as the tribes gathered for the Rewards Challenge. Jeff Probst announced that anyone who wants to mutiny to the other tribe can do so. He gave them ten seconds to decide. Candice, not unexpectedly, stepped forward. Then, with a second to spare, Jonathan joined her. So now Aitu has four members (Yul, Ozzy, Becky, and Jenny). The other eight are all on Raro.

The Reward Challenge was fun to watch, but I don't think I'd want to be rolled and jostled in a barrel. Only four members could compete, two women and two men. The women were rolled through a course while in a barrel; buoys had to be gathered; there were barrels floating in the lagoon, flags, axes, you name it. I'd say more fun than a barrel of monkeys, for sure!

In the end, the Tribe o' Four kicked butt against their competitors. Yes, Aitu won. They sent Candice to Exile Island without even skipping a beat. Aitu won a leisurely time in fluffy white robes quaffing coffee and orange juice, eating muffins and danishes, all while reading letters and seeing pictures from home. It was definitely a bonding session and certainly made them feel stronger and more like a team. They decided they will go to the Final Four.

Alone in his newly-chosen tribe, Jonathan tried to work his way in. He talked, and talked. Then he talked some more. Then he gathered coconuts, built fire, and went fishing. He took Adam aside and told him how tight he was with Candice, and all about the Final Four plans. Adam listened. Nate bristled. "He must be smokin' some good stuff if he thinks he can just walk in here. He sold out his own tribe. He thinks we're that dumb?" Well, at least it got his mind off campaigning against Brad for a while.

The Immunity Challenge had four tribe members from each tribe (well, Aitu only has four members) row out in a glass-bottomed boat which had a target design and a hole in its bottom. Don't ask me why the boats didn't take on water, it was a fancy hole. They had cannonballs and had to locate underwater targets, then nail them to release buoys. Finally, a challenge which is fresh and new. Or, so it was until the end which was yet another puzzle.

Over in Raro boat, it looked like Jonathan was lousing up left and right, getting more frustrated as time went on. As Jeff gave his inevitable play-by-play, Jonathan muttered, "Oh, please." So, of course, Jeff included that in his play-by-play. "Jonathan is getting frustrated with me." Aitu won Immunity, strengthening their bond even more.

Raro, needless to say, was bummed out. Candice told both Parvati and Adam here true feelings about Jonathan - she didn't trust him. Nate was on the anti-Jonathan wagon, too. "We gonna cradle a traitor?" But, then, as they discussed things, they seemed to be leaning more towards the idea that they could string Jonathan along and that Brad was more of a threat in the long run. Nate said he'd lead Brad to think the plan was still one to vote off Jonathan.

And, so it went down. At Tribal Council, answering Jeff's questions, Brad admitted he didn't trust everyone on the tribe. That's all they needed if their minds weren't made up already. Brad was unanimously voted out with the exception of his own vote for Jonathan. He took it well.

And, then there was the other twist. Brad became the first member of the jury. Not only is that early for the jury, but it will make for a jury of ten members. That, but of course, could lead to a tie situation at the finale. Interesting, huh?

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Update 11/09 - Castoff

Voted out and first member of the jury (you heard me - early jury) is Brad. The vote was unanimous except for Brad's own vote (Jonathan).

A full review/recap will be posted later tonight.