One of the perks of having an often-tedious federal government job is the acquired vacation time and regularly scheduled time off for federal holidays.  Today, Columbus Day, is one of those such days, so no work for Jeff equals TV-catch-up and reading list time. 

Just a few thoughts on TV since Thursday.  Possibly spoilery for some who haven't seen, so under a cut:


I will also briefly mention that last Wednesday's second episode of Private Practice was much, MUCH more watchable than the first hour.  The cases of the week were better, and the characters actually behaved like professional adults, rather than immature adolescents.  Perhaps there is some hope for this spin-off.  Prison Break, on the other hand, is a lost cause.

Still also keeping up with everything else: Earl, 30 Rock (guest Jerry Seinfeld gave a funny shout-out to the quality of Lost - awesome), The Office, Grey's, Big Shots, ER, Ghost Whisperer, Atlantis, Housewives, and Dexter.  There's just too much to get into with more detail. And tonight's all new with HIMYM, Chuck, Heroes, and Journeyman.  I do think I may actually drop Prison Beak, though.  I can barely sit through it anymore.

Maybe I'll go read a little bit until then. From a book! What a concept! 






Kristen Bell is awesome.

If you've watched the pilot for Pushing Daisies, you'll get the entry subject.

I avoided all spoilery talk and the online availability of the pilot for this, prior to airing, and I am so glad I did.  Watching this last night in HD, I was truly, truly impressed by the originality of this offbeat offering from Bryan Fuller. The concept is unique, and everything about this is entirely different from anything else on the TV landscape right now.

From the hightened colors to the hyper-reality, almost fairy-tale like whimsy of the characters - all of it just worked perfectly in the premiere.  It remains to be seen if the charm of the first hour can be maintained throughout a series, but I sure hope ABC gives it a chance to try.  This will probably be a show that one will either completely embrace for its attention to fantasy while remaining dark in its concept, or decide to shun because it's a little too off-balance from a typical drama or comedy - and it's a crime procedural, too!

From the get-go, Lee Pace as Ned and Chi McBride as Emerson had me riveted. Each of their dialogue deliveries complimented their overall rapport, to great comedic and "buddy" effect.  Anna Friel's Chuck (Charlotte) took me a little while to warm up to, but by the end I was also getting the warm and fuzzies from her - along with the underlying tension and angst to come because of her situation with Ned.  And even the supporting players (Swoosie Kurtz, Kristen Chenowith) fit just right, into that mold of "reality-as-an-almost-fantasy" set-up.  Looking forward to seeing how this will continue, as I don't think I've had such a positive reaction to the first episode of a series since Lost and Veronica Mars.  

As for other TV so far this week:


Prison Break from Monday and Private Practice from last night are still sitting recorded and unwatched, but I'm not expecting much from them, anyway.

Looking forward to the return of Supernatural tonight (fraktastic), but have to get through Smallville to see it (*groan*).  Also have Earl, the return of 30 Rock, The Office, Grey's Anatomy and ER to sift through.

And tomorrow finally brings back Friday Night Lights (more fraktastic-ness), after I ogle GW and hope Moonlight can improve.  Atlantis continues from last week's cliffhanger, so it should be fun.

And... now it's time to get some grub. 





Kristen Bell is awesome.