Gail: Hi, everybody. I’m getting started a few minutes earlytoday because I have to cut off right at 2 — I have an interviewthen with comedian Billy Gardell, who’s Mike on “Mike & Molly.”He’ll be performing in St. Louis July 23. So now let’s talk Emmysand more.
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Tim W.: Gail, Big Brother is my favorite show. The fact that itis only on in the summer is both a blessing and a curse. I neverget tired of it but I hate waiting nine months to see it again.That being said, I was very excited to hear about the twist thisyear and they teased me with Dr. Will and Mike Boogie, my all-timefavorite dynamic duo. My question is this. Do you know if they werenever actually asked to be on the show or if they declined for somereason. And if so, what was their reason. Thanks for the chats.
Gail: CBS likes to tease by showing pictures of people who”might” be on a show — they did that with the all-stars “AmazingRace,” too. There were a lot of rumors before that Will and Mikewould return. I didn’t hear anything about the casting process ofthis “Big Brother,” though.
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Jeff: Have your heard anything about NBC bringing back FearFactor? If so, do you know when?
Gail: Yes, NBC has announced this, but no date is set. I thinkcasting is in progress.
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Katie: Hi Gail! I was hoping you could tell me if the NateBerkus Show had been canceled or not. They have been showing rerunsfor the last 2 weeks and I thought that was odd since it is a 1stseason daily talk show. I really enjoy it and would hate to see itgo. Thanks!
Gail: I love this show too, and it hasn’t been canceled. Mosttalk shows (“Rachael Ray,” “Ellen”) are in repeats during thesummer. I can’t confirm that KMOV will still air it in the fallbecause the program director hasn’t answered me, but I hope so.
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Let’s have some fun today! In Memory of my favorite TV Producer!Sherwood Schwartz! I just loved coming home from school to theBradys and the lessons learned! “Don’t play ball in the house!”
Who was the Bully that picked on Cindy?
What was Jan’s imaginary boyfriend’s name?
Have a great week Gail…
Gail: One, I’m terrible at trivia, even (especially?) TV trivia.The new stuff crowds the old stuff out. I could do better at”Gilligan’s Island,” though, because I watched that the last timeit was on TV Land.
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Gleefully: What do you think of Glee “graduating” Lea Michele,Cory Monteith and Chris Colfer?
Without Colfer, will you still watch?
Gail: If people haven’t heard, producers say Rachel, Finn andKurt will graduate after next season. They were sophomores and willseniors. It has to happen — Cory Monteith is almost 30 years old.I like Chris Colfer, but if you’ve seen “The Glee Project” (whichis great, by the way), you know there are a lot of kids who areactually kids and can sing like that.
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Teacher Gal: Just a couple of questions running around in myhead. On Design Star: where is Clive? I know this is the second (?)year he has not been present. How come? And my other nosy questionis about Mary McCormack on In Plain Sight. Is she really expectingor is it just the story line?
And I’ve got a little gripe that USA and TNT seem to havescheduled all the summer shows on the same couple of nights. My DVRis getting quite a workout!
Gail: I still miss Clive Pearse as host of “Design Star.” Theyshould have brought him back this season instead of Tanika Ray –although so far I think this season is improved oveer last.
Mary McCormack is indeed pregnant, and the show wrote thatin.
You’re right about TV pileups on various nights. Aren’t you gladfor a DVR, and that cable shows repeat enough to catch an episoelater if you have three or four things in the same slot?
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Picking the Bones apart: What did T.J. Thyne say about Boneswhen he was on “Masterchef”? I mean, I know you must have seenit.
Gail: I thought, “What?” I did see that episode, and now Irealize he must have been the guy I thought was Carson Kressley’sboyfriend.
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Still picking the Bones apart: After the season “Bones” had, wasthere any doubt that David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel would benominated for Emmys for best actor/actress?
Gail: And yet, they were robbed again.
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Betty: Any updates on Psych’s return?
Gail: All I’ve heard is “fall.”
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Any idea what’s up next for Glee? Is there any hope they’llactually focus on the characters instead of stunts? And do youthink this will be the last season?
Gail: No, I definitely don’t think it’s the last season. They’vehired a bunch of new writers and promised fewer stunts and morestorytelling. I’m optimistic.
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robbotis: Hey Gail- is anyone better at making you feel awkwardthan Louis CK? Louie is outragously funny!
Gail: I don’t know why “makes me cringe” amounts to success fora comedy. I think “Louie” is often funny, but shows that make melaugh — “Parks and Rec,” “Modern Family,” “Big Bang Theory,” “TheDaily Show”/”Colbert Report” — most often don’t make me want tohide in embarrassment.
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robbotis: Breaking Bad this week, can you hardly wait? Too badthe season was so long that Bryan Cranston can’t go for his 4thBest Actor in a row!
Gail: I’ve seen the first three. (Jealous?) I have a columnabout it in Sunday’s A&E.
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Sarah at home: Sorry if this is a repost — my browser justwigged out on me for a minute. (And, yes, that’s the technicalterm.)
I was flipping through the channels the other night and I cameacross an old episode of Doogie Howser, MD. So I started to wonderif there is any other actor who has played such differentcharacters on two successful shows. The only other one I couldthink of was Rick(y) Schroder, but I think NPH’s more impressive,since I think his first character was more iconic. What do youthink? Who am I forgetting?
Gail: Bryan Cranston reinventing himself from Hal on “Malcolm inthe Middle” to Walter White on “Breaking Bad” is the mostimpressive I can think of. We may be saying this next year aboutTed Danson on “CSI.” He was pretty great on “Damages.”
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bobo: Gail — i have been watching Torchwood so far the firstepisode was fantastic.Why do you think it is that HBO, Showtime etchave been able to turn out such great miniseries at a time when thebroadcast networks seem to be flopping with new shows. Is itpossible they should try and reinvent themselves with more qualityrather than quantity ? And by the way big brother has been awful sofar i think the reality trend towards bringing back ex playershurts the format.
Gail: I love “Torchwood,” but it’s a British co-production, notexclusively American. Premium cable does fabulous work because itsgoal is to spend a boatload of money to get new subscribers.Broadcast networks need to draw mass audiences with broader appeal,and they have to pay for the shows with advertising. Apples andoranges.
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Bob Kuhlmann: Regis and Kelly have so many technicalproblems…freeze frames, dead air, out-of-synch audio, greenscreen, commercials partly played during programming…is it thenetwork,the local station, or Charter?
Gail: I’ve noticed this too. It’s the only program that’s thisbad, in my experience. I queried the station, which is “lookinginto it.” Check back next week.
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Gail: I’m putting all the Emmy questions and comments together,by the way, so we’ll get there shortly.
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greggh: You might edit this out due to spoilers, although with ashow on 3 times a week people are just going to have to keep up, isBB13 worth watching now that Evil Dick has left unexpectedly? Doyou know if he’s gone for good? And finally, did they really giveno explanation to his daughter?
Gail: This has been all over, so I think anybody who cares,knows. Producers have to be very disappointed in his departure, andI think it was cruel not to give Danielle an explanation (and asfar as I know, they didn’t). There are so many spoilers floatingaround based on the live feeds that I think you can find outanything you want if you have time to poke around.
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BillS: Hi Gail, Any chance St Louis could get one of those TNT,USA type dramas to film here in St Louis?
Gail: Probably not. We have no infrastructure for film-TVproduction, and I think it’s short sighted that we don’t. Butdidn’t the Mo. film office just pull subsidies for movie productionhere?
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suzyjax: Why do daytime talk shows go into reruns during thesummer? The night ones do no (Leno, Letterman, et al).
It’s all kinda topsy-turvy when you consider daytime scriptedprogramming doesn’t repeat during the summer but network nightdramas and sitcoms.
Just an observation, but it also seems like the Talk Shows aremissing out since there would/should be plenty of stars wanting topromote their summer blockbuster.
Gail: Production costs. Have you noticed that the ones thatmostly do new shows in summer are the ones with sitting and talking(“Regis and Kelly,” “The View”)?
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suzyjax: Ohh…I’m sure you will ask, but I am curious to knowif Billy is ecstatic that his co-star Melissa McCarthy recvd anEmmy nom? (I am simply thrilled for her!)
Gail: Or maybe he’s bitter and jealous and will quit the shownow? (Don’t think so.)
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attherink: @ Sarah at home: Here’s one from the same show. MaxCassella who played his friend Vinne on the show was a wiseguy on”The Sopranos” the last few seasons.
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Any word on when we can expect new episodes of Diners, Drive Insand Dives? It is our family’s favorite Food Network TV show, but Ithink we’ve seen every episode at least 36 times.
Thanks for your insight,
Gail: They make a lot of episodes a year of that show, but GuyFieri is a really busy guy, and they must run it 100 times a week.Not sure when new episodes will air; it’s really hard to keep upwith “seasons” of shows like that except by watching for thenetwork to announce it on air.
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Happy that “Curb…” is back. Funny first episode. How about thelook of Bob Einstein (Funkstein)? Either his eye brows are gone orthat is one bad facelift! YIKES! Still makes me snicker that hisbrother the great (Albert Brooks) is really Albert Einstein.
So happy for the Emmy nominations for the “Justified” folks andLouis CK. Over all I think the committee did a pretty good job. Ifthey could just work out that category placement glitch for showslike “Nurse Jackie”.
So what was the coolest thing you got in the mail this week?
Gail: People told me they didn’t like that “Curb YourEnthusiasm” episode. Just saying.
I was thrilled for Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins and(especially) Margo Martindale for their “Justified” nominations.Wish the show could have broken through too.
Louis CK was a shock for everybody.
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suzyjax: Emmy Nominations, Movie/Miniseries category:
I didn’t even know Downton Abbey was eligible for an Emmy so amabsolutely thrilled that the show is nominated and ElizabethMcGovern.
Of course, all the shows in this category are great, but I willbe rooting for Downton Abbey or Too Big to Fail
Gail: PBS shows win Emmys all the time. I was happy for”Upstairs, Downstairs,” and Jean Marsh, too.
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suzyjax: Lead Actor in a Comdey:
I was very surprised the Louis C.K. received a nomination. Ienjoy his show, so am not sure why I am surprised. The biggestshocker in this category was Matt LeBlanc. I didn’t even realize hewas on a television show.
Gail: Matt LeBlanc’s “Episodes” was very entertaining. He playeda dark version of himself. Get it on DVD.
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Princess: I am a fan of Kate Winslet…..but I could hardlywatch Mildred Pearce…..awful….that gal who played the daughterwas horrible! And the guy who played the playboy boyfriend…..theworst. Anyone agree?
Gail: I liked “Mildred Pierce” a lot and knew Kate Winslet wouldget nominated. So did Evan Rachel Wood, who played thedaughter.
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Wheels: I see the Emmy nominations came out today. How on earthis Sean Bean NOT nominated? I adore Peter Dinklage and I’m on boardwith his nomination, but come ON. It’s not as though they cannominate him for his portrayal of Ned Stark NEXT season. Sigh.
Gail: Yes, well; I said that about Sean Bean and his only chancein my blog. But if only one person could be nominated, I’m glad itwas Peter Dinklage. And the show got nominated too, so that’sgreat.
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Elder Gleek: With your news of the Emmy nominations, do youthink there will be a sympathetic swell for Steve Carell who hasleft “The Office” to win the Best Actor in a Comedy Seriesaward?
So, if all four of the actors in “Modern Family” have beennominated as Supporting Actors, who is the Lead Actor in thatprogram? I know it is an ensemble cast, but it’s interesting no oneis considered the “lead”. Thanks for your service to the SaintLouis TV community. I hope that you and Oliver are staying cool onthese “warm” summer days.
Gail: I wouldn’t be surprised if Steve Carell — who has neverwon — got the Emmy as a goodbye present.
“Modern Family” decided last year that nobody would submithim/herself as lead. It’s a decision the show makes, and it makesvoting really complicated for people who love the show.
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Katie: I just read all the Emmy nominations. How in the world doI choose between Big Bang Theory, Parks and Rec, and Modern Familyfor Outstanding Comedy Series?! Speaking of Modern Family, I can’tbelieve they have 4 nominations in the Outstanding Supporting Actorin a Comedy Series category. Another tough call! I do hope SofiaVergara wins for supporting actress, because I think her acceptancespeech will be hilarious.
Gail: Voters probably just go with the one they personally likebest. “Parks and Rec” is my favorite comedy, but I love the otherstoo.
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Wayne: How did Game of Thrones do in the nominations?
Gail: Thirteen, including best drama, supporting actor (PeterDinklage), directing and writing.
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Joe D: What characteristics distinguish a show as beingconsidered a drama series as opposed to a miniseries and viceversa? I noticed that there are categories for both in the Emmynominations but wasn’t sure what makes a show one and not theother. Is there ever any overlap?
Gail: That’s complicated. A series is supposed to be ongoing; aminiseries limited run, with a beginning, middle and end. But someshows, especially British ones, seem to blur between thecategories.
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Holly: Just curious about what you think is the biggest Emmysnub this year. I was generally so thrilled to see Parks and Rec(though no Ron Swanson) and Justified and Friday Night Lights getnominated that I really didn’t even notice until later thatCourtney Cox and the Cougar Town folks were totally shut out!
Gail: Kyra Sedgwick, who won last yeara for “The Closer,” wasn’tnominated, and neither was Tina Fey for “30 Rock.”(Note; Tina Feywas nominated; I’m corrected below.) Funniest guy on TV is NickOfferman, who plays Ron Swanson, but he was crowded out by all the”Modern Family” people. I wasn’t surprised about “Cougar Town”; nota fan.
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I thought someone else might ask but…
Who do you think was robbed from Emmy noms?
Anyone you found surprising?
Gail: Oh, look. Somebody else did ask.
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Gail: I typed so fast that now I’m out of questions…. Jump inif you’re out there.
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Joe D: Don’t forget Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) on Game ofThrones! Is there a category she could be nominated for?
Gail: Supporting actress — and she was amazing. But that’s asuper-crowded category, and kids typically don’t get nominated. Howabout Nolan Gould (Luke) on “Modern Family”? How good is he?
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attherink: Maybe this is not the direction you want the chat totake but since it is “TV Talk” maybe you could pose a specificquestion every week in the chat posting to encourage a little moreparticipation from us regulars. It get’s a little tough to come upwith new stuff every week or just ask when does this or thatstart….what do you think?
BTW…3 weeks in a row with no Fluffy…where ya at dude?
Gail: That’s not a bad suggestion. I’ll ponder.
Oh my gosh, now I’ll start worrying about Fluffy. Let’s assumehe’s on a big European vacation or something.
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LauraKH: I know you’re not a Tori/Dean fan, but did StoribookWeddings get canceled?
Gail: Oxygen emailed me after the last time we discussed themand said “Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” is in fact comingback. The weddings thing (which didn’t work for me) was kind of aspinoff. Don’t know if there will be more.
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Joe D: I have a lot to say usually so I suppose I will keepgoing. Are there any shows that have started recently that you havealready given up on? If so, why?
Gail: Yes, I quit “The Killing” in mid-run. (Bored.) I tried,again, to get into “True Blood” but have officially given it up,too, after two weeks. (Silly.) I’m not watching the final season of”Rescue Me,” even though it’s the final season. (Just over it.)
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Brad: Gail, I know you’re no fan of Two and a Half Men, but I’masking this anyways. I was surprised that Conchetta Ferrell andHolland Taylor were both snubbed in the supporting actresscategory, as I think they’re two of the best comedic performers inprimetime. Do you think this was spillover from the Charlie Sheencircus, or am I just wrong about their talents?
Gail: No, I think they’re a couple of the best things about theshow, but that’s a crowded category and they’ve been aroundawhile.
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Once again thank you for the chat. I was wondering how oftenthey change the “ratings” criteria. I am one that will let 2-3episodes pile up then watch them back to back. I have heard thattype of viewing doesn’t count towards the shows ratings. A lot ofmy friends and family view this way too. Is there talk of revampingthe system with so many people watching tv almost entirely from DVRrecordings?
Gail: If you don’t have a Nielsen People Meter, it doesn’tmatter what you watch when. For people who do, Nielsen measuressame day, within 24 hours and “live plus seven” (days) to make acount. Everybody thinks ratings measurement needs revamping, butnobody agrees on how to do it except to invade our privacy morethan most of us would be comfortable with.
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suzyjax: Saw today Glee is coming out with movie in 3D. Psychedabout the movie, but why 3D?
Gail: I saw “Harry Potter” in 3D, and I have no idea why anyonelikes 3D except for cartoons. The “Glee” movie in 3D is a sillyidea, unless Darren Criss jumps right off the stage…
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Dan C: I’m surprised to see both Leno and Letterman shut out ofthe Emmy’s while Conan is in there. Are Jay and Dave relevantanymore??
Gail: Not so much. But I was surprised Craig Ferguson didn’t getnominated.
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Glorydays: There are quite a few series that I have not watched.A couple years ago we started watching all the dvds of ’24′ and ourfamily got hooked on it. We would watch 5 or 6 episodes eachweekend. I found this was the best way to watch a series as we gotthrough all the seasons in a month or two.
Is there any other drama series out there you would recommend.My son is 13 by the way so that eliminates quite a few of them onHBO.
Gail: Oh, I was going to say “Deadwood,” but I guess not. I’dhave thought “24″ was iffy.
I’m going to pose this as a question for next week’s chat andlet other people weigh in on the subject — it’s a good one.
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suzyjax: Tina Fey was nominated this year. Right? I thought Iheard that this morning.
Gail: You’re right — I looked for her before and somehow didn’tsee her, but that would have been ridiculous.
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Gail: That’s it for today, guys; I’ll say hi to Billy for you.Today’s prize goes to Glorydays (not his/her real name?) for givingme a topic for next week. Email me at give me your address so I can send your prize.
