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Buzz News Roundup, 8/17

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:28:07 -0700

"American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks' first album is due in November, the Associated Press reports; her first single, "Tattoo," will be released Aug. 27.
Variety has news of Djimon Houndsou and Dakota Fanning signing on to star together in a thriller titled Push.
ABC has set dates for two relatively high-profile TV movies, the latest Oprah movie and an adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, Zap2it reports.
According to Billboard, Jamie Foxx will star in another musical biopic, titled The Soloist.
TV Guide reports that the remaining episodes of "The Nine" are now streaming online, if anyone still cares.
The Washington Post explains why Ryan Seacrest is "hosting" the Super Bowl.
There's yet another new hero: Bratz star Janel Parrish is joining the cast of "Heroes" to play the head cheerleader at Claire's new school, writes the Hollywood Reporter.
Billboard reports that Amy Winehouse continues to cite "ongoing health issues" as she cancels another event: the V Festival in the U.K.

Photo courtesy of Fox

Bad Idea of the Week: Canceling the Canceled Shows

BuzzSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 06:30:00 -0700

Here's the story of this TV season in a nutshell: Networks put on new shows. Networks cancel new shows. Networks promise to bring back the canceled shows so dedicated fans can get some bit of closure. Well, now we can add a new step to the process: Networks cancel the canceled shows again, further frustrating fans who had waited months for the supposed resolution and now are unlikely to get it at all.

ABC got into the act this week, canceling "The Knights of Prosperity" and "The Nine" for a second time after just two episodes each. They must have taken a lesson from Fox, which moved the date of the final two episodes of "Drive" several times before finally deciding against putting the episodes on TV at all.

In all these cases, the presumed reason behind pulling the show yet again is low ratings. But how could the networks have expected anything else? We viewers take risks when we make time for new shows, and when they get pulled mid-season, that chips away at our trust and makes us less likely to return. With me so far? Then read more

Only the most dedicated fans of the canceled shows are likely to even know that the remaining episodes have been slipped back on the air, as they arrive with no fanfare and little, if any, promotion. And quite a few fans, having been burned by the network the first time around, are unlikely to make time in their schedules for the burn-off episodes; even I, a big "Knights of Prosperity" fan the first time around, only remembered at the last minute to TiVo one of last week's two new episodes, and I haven't even watched it yet.

That still doesn't justify the networks' yanking of shows a second time around. It's pretty obvious that if the shows had been getting good ratings to start with, they wouldn't have been canceled in the first place. Naturally, episodes of an irrelevant show that air long after the show was last broadcast will do worse. Any network executive who believes otherwise is, frankly, delirious.

But having the shows pulled a second time is just an insult to the dedicated fans who did make an effort to find the show again- and that makes viewers even less likely to commit to new network shows the next time around. I'd like to see shows get to finish their full runs on the air a la "Studio 60." But if the networks aren't fully committed to letting them burn every one of the unaired episodes on TV, I'd rather see the series go online or to a DVD. When they pop back on TV only briefly, we just feel the rug being pulled out from under us again.

TV Tonight: "The Nine" Returns

BuzzSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:30:00 -0700

One of the shows I most looked forward to last fall was "The Nine," ABC's serial drama about what happened to nine people who were held hostage during a bank robbery. The show premiered to positive reviews, and I was absolutely sucked in by the tension-filled pilot. But viewers didn't stick around to watch the mystery unravel - even I found myself letting unwatched episodes pile up on my TiVo - and the show was pulled in November after just seven episodes.

Tonight, fans of the show will finally start getting some measure of resolution when "The Nine" returns to its old 10 p.m. Wednesday time slot. Six more episodes are scheduled to air, though I'm not sure if we'll ever get to find out what really happened inside that bank. Most of the cast members have moved on to other projects - Tim Daly to "Private Practice," Chi McBride to "Pushing Daisies," Dana Davis to "Heroes" - so there's really no chance of the show being resurrected. But at least it's getting to finish out its run on TV, even if it's just a summer burnoff. To watch a preview of what the show was all about, read more

Buzz News Roundup, 7/6

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:58:37 -0700

ABC's canceled serial thriller "The Nine" will air six more episodes starting in August, says the Futon Critic.
The makers of Indiana Jones 4 are insisting on not using any CG effects in order to maintain the style of the older Indiana Jones movies, reports the New Haven Register.
The Los Angeles Times says fans of "The Black Donnellys" are sending crackers to HBO, hoping the channel will pick up the series.
Variety brings news of a Dirty Dozen remake written by Zak Penn whose credits include X-Men 2 and Fantastic Four.
Billboard reports that Miley Cyrus' (a.k.a. Hannah Montana) album is beating out Kelly Clarkson's and is topping the Billboard 200 chart.
Joan Baez, the Shins and Donovan are among the artists recording "Little Boxes" for the third season of "Weeds," Zap2it reports.
According to TV Guide, Lara Croft will be getting her own online animated series, with Minnie Driver as Croft's voice.
"Everwood" alum Stephanie Niznik will star in The CW's "Life is Wild," writes the Hollywood Reporter.

Buzz News Roundup, 12/18

BuzzSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:55:15 -0800

Now that Babel is up for a Golden Globe, everyone suddenly wants to see it - Variety
Giant media networks could be close to creating a YouTube rival - New York Times
"Desperate Housewives" is mulling a special male-centric episode narrated by Bree's dead husband - TV Guide
Happyness helps Sony Pictures break the annual domestic box-office record - Zap2It
Avril Lavigne will release a new album, The Best Damn Thing, in April - Billboard
TV execs explain the continuing decline of ABC's "The Nine" - Los Angeles Times
Pitchfork names the 100 best tracks of 2006 - Pitchfork Media
Sony plans a movie downloading service to complement its PSP - Variety
Now in high-def: "The Yule Log" show - Variety

Fergie's "Be Italian" From Nine - Nailed It or Not Impressed?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:24 -0800

Rob Marshall's long anticipated movie musical Nine won't hit theaters until December, and I'm practically counting the minutes until I can see all the talented ladies (Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, the list goes on) singing and dancing with Daniel-Day Lewis. The songs are showstoppers for sure, and now you can have a taste of the upcoming soundtrack. Give a listen to Fergie singing "Be Italian," one of the show's biggest numbers, and tell me what you think - nailed it or not impressed?

Link Time!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:50:10 -0700

Bradley Whitford is heading back to TV in Jack and Dan - TV Squad
A few early predictions for the 2010 Oscars - Vulture
The release date of Nine has been moved from Thanksgiving to Christmas - Cinematical
Ellen Pompeo may not miss any episodes of Grey's Anatomy for maternity leave after all - Watch With Kristin
A countdown of Vince Vaughn's funniest moments (including video clips!) - Moviefone
Daniel Radcliffe will return to Broadway in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - MTV Movies Blog
Amazon has New Moon soundtrack snippets! - Pitchfork
Desperate Housewives' creator Marc Cherry is working on a new show for ABC - Hollywood Reporter
ABC picks up The Middle, Cougar Town, and Modern Family for full seasons - HitFix
Fine Living Network is changing over to the Cooking Channel - Yum Sugar
The Top 15: Greatest Opening Title Sequences - TV.com

The Office, "Koi Pond": Best Lines of the Night and Video!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:30:00 -0700

This week's opening of The Office isn't necessarily a huge spooky surprise since we already got a peek at those costumed spoiler photos, but I still laughed through every minute of the intro. Jim's "Bookface" costume? A-ma-zing.

I sort of wished the rest of the episode followed suit with a Halloween theme, but that's OK, because we still get a great set up with Michael, Jim, and a lobby koi pond - not to mention a ton of quips that had me cackling. Check out my list of faves, and weigh in with your own!

"Kids, just remember suicide is never the answer . . . Why is Christmas the only holiday that can have a message?"-Michael
It's bad enough that Michael Scott has the D*ck in a Box costume, but to wear it - and hang himself - in front of children?! That's even more hilariously inappropriate than usual for him. And am I totally off base, or is Ryan trying to be Edward Cullen?

Even more funny lines, plus that koi pond video, when you read more.

"I date models - face models. My girlfriend, on a scale of 1 to Gisele? A nine. Pam's carrying our surrogate, because my girlfriend needed to keep her figure for Fashion Week."
Andy and Pam are forced to make cold calls when their sales figures are low, and clients mistakenly think they're married. This is when things get really awkward, leading up to a belly kiss. We normally don't get much interaction between Andy and Pam, but I think they do well as foils.

"The custodian called again. Apparently a koi has died."-Erin
I don't know why a koi pond is so funny to me, but I was giggling at the random jokes about Michael's mishap - yes, even Phyllis's lame, "Did you flounder?" 'Bout time the employees took a few shots at their bumbling boss. Then, when he gathers them into a meeting to make his "mocking" board, the insecurity really flies. Dwight's upset over his small nose, Angela's worried that she eats like a squirrel, and Meredith says she's embarrassed because she . . . had sex with a terrorist? (Um, did I read that right?!)

"The guy was like, Who are your five friends? And I was like, I don't even know . . . . I'm a total loser. Loooooser. Too far."-Michael
I died over this one. Michael tries to save his embarrassment over the koi incident by making fun of himself, and instead, he comes across as pathetic. But "too far" was the real kicker for me.

"Jim is my enemy. But Jim is also his greatest enemy. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend. So Jim is my friend."- Dwight
When the staff watches the security tape from the koi lobby and witnesses Jim actually letting Michael fall in, their loyalty swiftly changes. Dwight so confused, his mind gets blown. I am enjoying this new glimpse into the Michael and Jim work dynamic - by the end of the episode, it seemed like they might actually get along as comanagers. On the other hand, I have to say that I miss the days when Jim was the dude with a sweet crush who liked to pull pranks. Check out the actual video of Jim leaning out of the way:

"Oh, do you mean Marlon Wayans? Cause he is."- Erin
Way to go Erin! I've always sort of viewed her as a background character, but she delivered several funny ones this week. (I'm also loving her right now thanks to her Subtle Sexuality music video.) Do you think the writers are really going to set her up with Andy? Pam seems to be pushing it in that direction - even comparing Andy to Marlon Brando - and I think it's brilliant.

What'd you think of this week's episode? Who wore your favorite costume? Would you like to see Andy and Erin take their relationship to the next level? (I wonder if Angela would get jealous . . . )

And don't forget that you can always head over to The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community to dish about the show!

Photo courtesy of NBC

Kim Raver Scrubs Up For Grey's Anatomy

BuzzSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:53:28 -0700

Seattle Grace may be downsizing its staff on Grey's Anatomy, but there's still room at the hospital for some fresh meat. Kim Raver will join the cast in a recurring role as a new surgeon, making her first appearance on Nov. 12.

Word on the street is that Raver's character will be stirring up trouble for Owen and Cristina, possibly as a love interest from Owen's past. Can't say I'm surprised about this one, since happy couples on Grey's usually don't stay that way for too long.

Raver's had some trouble finding a home on the small screen in recent years after The Nine and Lipstick Jungle were both canceled, but maybe she could breathe some new life into Grey's - especially since we know both Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl will be out for least a handful of episodes. Are you excited to welcome Kim Raver back to TV?

The Vampire Diaries: The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:30:25 -0700

The Vampire Diaries must be doing something right, because the CW just ordered nine more episodes of the freshman series. I'm pretty psyched - with its third episode, "Friday Night Bites," Diaries has become one of my favorites of the Fall season.

Even though I've been gushing over Ian Somerhalder's Damon, this week the episode belonged to sensitive Stefan, who put down the blood bag, picked up the football, and brought out the high-school girl in me, who roots for the hot quarterback. Of course, the show hasn't lost all its cheesiness, which I'm ready to talk about (spoilers ahead) when you read more.

The Good

Nina Dobrev really won me over in this episode - her portrayal of Elena got a little more complex this week, which, I guess, is due to Elena getting more complex. I cheered for her when she slaps Damon after leaning in for a kiss, declaring unwaveringly, "I am NOT Katherine."
Speaking of that interaction, the sexual tension between Elena and Damon is out of control, rejections notwithstanding. Her chemistry with Stefan is also great, but the Damon-Elena dynamic is worthy of Eric and Sookie on that other vampire show.
The atmosphere has gone from cheesy (the fog) to palpably creepy. It's not just about the vampiric stuff, either; when Bonnie sees the numbers that have been playing in her head (so Lost-y!) around Coach Tanner's murder scene, I got chills. By the by - can Bonnie predict deaths? That's so much better than a vague psychic or seeing the future ability, but I have a feeling it won't be that specific.
The dialogue seems to get better and better with each episode. It helps when you have Kevin Williamson writing and people like Ian Somerhalder delivering it with such ease: "BTW. That means by the way." You can educate me about acronyms all day, Damon.

The Bad

This is a complaint about many vampire shows or movies, but why do people always think a vampire attack is an animal attack? I get it, a wild animal would bite and go for the neck, but is it really the only possibility to people? Elena: "What kind of animal could be doing all this? Why would it come out of the woods and attack someone in the middle of town?" Exactly. What kind of crack police force does Mystic Falls have?
Thanks for listening to me about the diary writing, Vampire Diaries, but I still saw one crow! It's not really creepy, it's just weird.

The Bloody

So apparently every episode is going to open with a scary scene. I can handle that, now that I know to be prepared. This week's opener is pretty small potatoes in the gore department, but I was still terrified as I watched Damon breathe and sleep (such a faker!) while Caroline tiptoed around the room.
Damon didn't do much to disprove Stefan's humanity theory when he kills Coach Tanner in front of him. The guy was a total douche, taunting his students, and Elena's aunt called him an "asshat" last week. Asshats don't last long in the horror genre. Good riddance.

So were you rah-rahing this week's episode with me? I'm really intrigued for the next few episodes - I want to know more about this Katherine-Damon-Stefan love triangle and, surprisingly, Bonnie. What did you like and dislike about "Friday Night Bites"?

Photo courtesy of The CW