TV shows

I don't care what anyone has ever said about JT. I can't help but love him to death. I also like that he doesn't care what anyone says and took that role in Hairspray. That takes guts and talent.

Nah I usually see all JT's movies. I like him. But I have never heard him make degrading remarks about women. Or run his mouth off about his religion. TC has and will continue to do so. I hope his next movie tanks just like his last one did.

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"ER" Exec John Wells "Writer's Strike Could Be Over in Two Weeks!"

By JOSEF ADALIAN

As the WGA's negotiating committee prepares to meet Saturday to discuss the DGA's tentative deal with the studios -- and the WGA board of directors plans a Tuesday powwow -- the helmers' pact is getting a rave review from one former Guild prexy.

"ER" exec producer John Wells told Daily Variety he's very impressed by the deal, and says the template provided by it could produce an end to the writers' strike within two weeks.

"This is a genuinely landmark deal," Wells said Friday. "I've been involved in negotiations for 20 years. This is the best deal I've seen that anyone's been able to negotiate."

Informal talks among groups of scribes have been going on since the DGA deal was announced Thursday, and are expected to continue over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.

It's also believed backchannel conversations between key WGA members and CEOs and top execs from the AMPTP companies have already begun, possibly paving the way for a formal resumption of negotiations.

Wells said scribes should be happy about the gains made by directors. "This was the deal everyone was hoping for, plus a little more," he said.

He made it clear the WGA strike was a key factor in the helmers' gains.

"The DGA took all the leverage the writers gave them and negotiated a hell of deal," he said. "I didn't think we'd be anywhere close to this."

Wells cautioned that are still important issues that need to be resolved on matters that weren't addressed by the directors.

There's the thorny matter of "separated rights," for instance. Scribes are looking to figure out how they get credited and paid when work they do on a webisode of a show such as "The Office" or "Lost" is later turned into a movie or book.

Still, assuming the WGA and AMPTP begin formal talks quickly, Wells thinks scribes could be pounding their keyboards before Valentine's Day.

"This deal should be done in two weeks," he said.

Meanwhile, Wells underlined his embrace of the DGA deal in a letter to a colleague that's been widely circulated around the Net.

In that missive, DGA also noted what he called an "underreported" section of the deal that he found particularly vital. Helmers were able to get the studios to agree to open up their books to let the WGA look at the details of their new-media deals and contracts.

"This has never happened before," Wells wrote. "It will allow the DGA to analyze whether the terms of this new deal are working and if the revenues are being properly reported. This is another extraordinary aspect of this deal and a cause for celebration."

While a number of major showrunners have expressed their support of the DGA pact, the accord hasn't been greeted with universal acclaim.

Message boards on a number of WGA strike-related Websites are filled with slew of comments denouncing the deal, or expressing serious reservations.

Members of the popular United Hollywood site issued a first-blush analysis of the pact that offered a middle-of-the-road take on the directors' pact.

"The DGA deal, as we understand it, is neither reason for celebration nor mourning," scribes wrote.

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Paul Haggis Investigates: In Search of the Schism

The DGA deal looks great. At least that is what everyone in the press is saying. And the writers better be grateful and take it... or else.

The “or else’ part has been well reported. Even before the DGA came to an agreement with the studios, we were hearing about the ramifications of not taking their deal. It would be catastrophic. It would split the WGA. I read it again in the trades Friday morning. The story goes that there is a growing schism in the guild, and top screenwriters are ready to walk.

I was asked about this schism Thursday by two reporters. I was embarrassed to say that I didn’t know anything about it. I hadn’t been approached, even in the most oblique way, to join with the "top screenwriters" who are going to pressure the guild to accept the deal, or else.

I can only assume that this is because my film failed so sensationally this year that I quickly fell off the list. I guess even secret screenwriter cabals judge you by your last picture.

But then I realized that no actual top screenwriter I know has been approached to join either. And none of them know anyone else who has. So I asked these two reporters if they had spoken to any writers who had indicated, even off the record or on deep background, that they were going to pressure the guild or go financial corps. Neither of them had. And neither of them knew any other reporters who had actually spoken to writers who said they would do any such thing.

Curious.

Yes, we have had one writer publicly declaring financial core status, but this can’t be what the press is referring to, can it? Because they surely wouldn’t describe one or two writers out of seven thousand active members as a major pressure group. At least so one would think.

Even if these reporters had found and interviewed a couple of other writers who were threatening to do the same, surely they would have reported it as “a couple of mid-level writers are going to pressure the guild.” But no, that can’t be it because a few writers isn’t a schism. Journalists and editors don’t just throw around terms like that.

But if it is true, shouldn’t someone actually know at least one big writer who is in this group? Shouldn’t someone have let it slip? We have been called a lot of things, but when is the last time a writer was accused of keeping his mouth shut? Surely someone would want the glory that comes with being the spokesperson for a group that is going to save the Guild from itself. Look at ‘85 and ‘88, the Union Blues spokesmen were out front from day one. They even had a catchy name and a logo.

Yes, there will be many different opinions about the DGA deal and whether we should take it or not. But that is not what is being reported. You would think that Jim Brooks, Steve Gaghan, Eric Roth, John Logan, Robin Swicord, Susannah Grant, Aaron Sorkin, Callie Khouri, Tony Gilroy, Ron Harwood, Diablo Cody and a coterie of other highly-paid, award-clutching scribes are circling the Guild offices in black Priuses, waiting for the right moment to pounce and pressure us into taking the DGA deal verbatim.

Those are top screenwriters, no doubt, but I would find it strangely ironic if they were plotting subversion while picketing, working tirelessly on various Guild boards, and openly expressing their support for the strike.

So here is where my mind started to go: Could this reporting have anything to do with a well organized and very expensive PR campaign to convince WGA members that we should shut up and be grateful for what we got? But then I thought, “Come on, these are The Trades and other very reputable newspapers – top media sources that we rely upon not just for local news, but for well-researched and independent reporting on international events. Whether it is Burbank or Baghdad, they speak with integrity, they check their sources, they get things right or they don’t print it.

Seriously, what would this town be like if we couldn’t trust our newspapers, our well-meaning agents and producer friends?

So, you have my apologies for questioning this undisputable fact that is so well reported. This powerful group of influential screenwriters not only exists, we should be very, very afraid of them.

Sometimes I just have this cynical streak.

Paul Haggis

And a WGA friend of mine who writes TV said: Instead of $40,000, I would make $26,000 if we go with the DGA deal.

Well Lost comes back on next week I cannot wait.
Also the show following it sounds like I will love it . Eli Stone starring Jonny Lee Miller.

Quote :

Is it possible to change life midstream and get back to who you are at your core? From Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, Dirty Sexy Money, Everwood) and Marc Guggenheim (Brothers & Sisters, Law & Order, The Practice) comes a story about a lawyer who finds himself at a crossroads between the man he has become and the man he wants to be... even if that means being a prophet.

Driven by ambition, Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller, The Flying Scotsman) has built a successful career at a top San Francisco law firm in representing the biggest and richest corporations where "screwing over the little guy" is common practice. After experiencing a series of odd hallucinations, including a crooning vision of George Michael, Eli turns to his neurologist brother, Nathan (Matt Letsher, The New Adventures of Old Christine), only to be told there is nothing wrong with him. As the visions persist, he's anxious to find the cause of his delirium and seeks the help of Dr. Chen (James Saito, I Think I Love My Wife), a Chinese acupuncturist who specializes in holistic medicine. Though skeptical of his practice, Eli finds Dr. Chen can help him recall important memories from his past.

Eli's visions continue to intensify and begin to affect his practice, relationships and how he is perceived. But it's not until Eli puts his own life in peril that Nathan recognizes similar episodes their father shared and reconsiders what may be ailing his brother. Upon another review of the symptoms and an MRI, Nathan discovers Eli is suffering from an inoperable brain aneurysm that's causing his illusions.

If Nathan represents science, Dr. Chen represents faith. As Eli struggles to cope with his diagnosis, he looks to Dr. Chen for his take on the relationship of his revelations to his aneurysm. Dr. Chen suggests there could be a divine answer for why he's having delusions of grandeur - Eli may be a prophet.

It sounds good, no? and Jonny is a doll.

I certainly wouldn't mind watching Jonny! What a concept! I can't wait to see the George Michael hallucination. That will be so awesome!

Yay I know it sounds really unique. And it is on after Lost. Did you see Jonny Lee play Lord Byron a few years back? He was terrific.

Well I am HAPPY about this:

Quote :

Strike takes toll on network ratings
Fox wins race thank to 'Idol,' 'Truth'
By RICK KISSELL
Fox claimed the top three shows of the week in numerous categories, with 'American Idol' segs on Tuesday and Wednesday.


Wednesday's 'Moment of Truth' retained an impressive 94% of its 18-49 lead-in from 'American Idol.'

The effects of the writers strike are starting to show up in year-to-year ratings comparisons: In a week when Fox dominated thanks to "American Idol" and to a good start for lie-detector reality series "Moment of Truth," the broadcast industry as a whole limped across the finish line.
This week makes for a clean year-to-year comparison, since it features no football. Also, the same frame from 2007 featured original episodes of such shows as "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives" and "CSI" that exhausted their final fresh episodes for this season earlier this month.

Although increased DVR penetration nationally makes year-to-year comparisons a bit misleading -- more viewers are getting caught up in the week following a show's premiere -- it's hard to ignore the declines. The top five English-language broadcasters were down a collective 21% in adults 18-49 vs. the corresponding week of a year ago, according to Nielsen. (In most weeks earlier this season, that falloff was closer to 10%.)

ABC slid 23% and CBS 26%, while Fox was off about 15%. CW, meanwhile, hemorrhaged a full 50% of its year-ago 18-49 audience.

Hey guys! Where are you? I wanna talk about Eli Stone! I already posted in TwoP! They're actually recapping it!

I totally loved this show. I know the case was bogus and the legal stuff was ridiculous, but, like I said at TwoP, I'm not looking for realism or to learn about the law.

I realize there's a controversy about the whole vaccine/autism thing and the huge hoopla that surrounded the show. All they did was give it more publicity. As I also said at TwoP, if people are using a ficitional show as their only form of information as to whether to vaccinate their child, there ain't much going on upstairs!

I totally love the brother and Dr. Chen. Ed was in it! (Tom Cavanaugh) who I hope is in it more.

LOVE this show!

I watched last night! I loved it! This show is a keeper. Yeah it was kinda trite. But I did read an article a few years ago about the correaltion between vaccines and autism by Robert Kennedy. Jonny Lee is a doll. I loved the George Michael hallucinations. Dr. Chen is cool. Is Tom Cananaugh a regular? I hope so. I also love the fact that is gf is not an out and out bitch. Cool Show. ohh and Victor Garber too.

Well, I have to say I didn't watch it because nothing about the previews made me think I would like it. I have never seen or heard of Johnny Lee, so no interest in him either. I do however love Tom Cavanaugh (adored ED) and Garber too, so maybe I will check it out next week.

FC, it's very whimsical. I did not know it would have Victor Garber and Tom Cavanaugh in it, so that made it a very pleasant surprise for me. Those two, combined with the hot JLM makes me know this is the show for me!

They actually hooked me right away. The George Michael stuff was a total plus. I couldn't wait to see that.

It's cute and funny and life-affirming. Looking forward to more scenes between the brothers because that kiss on the forehead FLOORED me.

OK, I like whimsical! I simply LOVE Pushing Daisies! I'll try to check it out. Sorry I missed George Michael. I always like him.

I hope you like it, FC!

Check this out!

Crossing my fingers!

YIPPEEE!! Thank you GE!
I want my tv back! All that reality sux. What is that new game show? Moment of Truth? disgusting. I think FC will like Eli Stone.

aerwin wrote:

YIPPEEE!! Thank you GE!
I want my tv back! All that reality sux. What is that new game show? Moment of Truth? disgusting. I think FC will like Eli Stone.

I have not watched Moment of Truth.........it looks like it would be a train wreck. I can't imagine anyone subjecting themselves to some of the questions that I've seen on the commercials for that show.

I know. I hope everything goes well.

FC, I know you're not a fan of TwoP, but there's a recap of Eli Stone at recapist.com that's shorter and snark free.

recap of Eli Stone

Thanks GE. I will read it when I get the chance!

I think you can also watch the pilot on ABC.com, should you choose to!

Ohhhhh, GE, I went to ABC and watched the first episode of Eli Stone.

I really liked it. Was almost fully engaged. Will absolutely watch again.

The distraction was the closeups of the lead actor's eyelids which have been surgically altered. Every time they showed them (which was a lot) I wondered what his eyes looked like before, and why there is something dead looking about him, even though i can tell he is HOME somewhere in there..

So now I am on a possibly-not-healthy mission to find out the answer.

HAH! Found it. Here is Jonny Lee Miller before the distractingly fake pupppy-dog eyes:


And after the eye job:


Dang, I wish he hadn't done what he did.

Wow Frazz! You've got a set of eyes on YOU apparently. I would never have known and I pride myself on being able to spot all plastic surgery. Quite impressive. I know I'll be checking it out with the next show and will probably be distracted as well.

Glad you liked the show! It's just so much fun. I love that it just flies in the face of convention and it's like nothing else on TV. I have always loved shows like that. I am rarely engaged with a show within the first five minutes, but this one had me.

Whoa you have eagle eyes. I've followed Jonny Lee since Transpotting and I sure did not notice.

The only reason I noticed is that there was something off about him, even though he was doing a really good acting job. So I was pondering what it was about his eyes and right then they showed a close up of them closed and you can see the scars, not quite in alignment with how his eyelids are shaped. I didn't know what he looked like before last night.

EEEEKKK!!! I LOVE Joshua Jackson!!! Pacey!!! AND Sci-Fi to boot!

J.J. Abrams casts Joshua Jackson in 'Fringe'


Feb 7, 2008, 08:27 PM | by Dan Snierson
Categories: TV Biz

J.J. Abrams is adding another J.J. to his team: The writer-producer has just cast Joshua Jackson as one of the leads of his new Fox drama, Fringe. Jackson — best known as wise-cracking Pacey from Dawson's Creek — will play a member of a unit investigating sci-fi mysteries; the gang also includes his gifted yet possibly insane scientist dad with whom he clashes (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King's John Noble) and an FBI agent (Australian actress Anna Torv). The series, which Abrams has described as similar in spirit to The X-Files, Altered States, and The Twilight Zone, is shooting a two-hour pilot with a reported $10-million-plus budget this month.