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Friday, July 11, 2008; 1:00 PM
Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Thursday, July 10 at 1 p.m. ET to welcome everyone back to the press tour, try to scrape meaning out of a "Mad Men" creator's sparse words, and discuss HBO's plans for world domination.
The transcript follows.
De Moraes has written "The TV Column" for The Post since 1998. She served as the TV editor for the entertainment industry trade publication the "Hollywood Reporter" for almost a decade.
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Washington: I'm almost embarrassed to ask this question, but will "Carpoolers" be coming back in the fall?
Lisa de Moraes: Hi. Nope...
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Arlington, Va.: So I actually sat through an episode of "The Bill Engvall Show" last night. Besides being a totally cliche comedy, it wasn't completely terrible. And who knew Tim Meadows still was working?!
Lisa de Moraes: It's like time traveling back to the '60s in terms of storyline, acting and writing. It would have made a nice package with "Petticoat Junction."
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Vienna, Va.: Hi Lisa, any idea what will happen with the SAG-AMPTP impasse? If they just go for several more weeks or longer with no contract, but they don't do a strike vote either, will everyone keep working? Will our favorite shows be back on schedule in the fall?
Lisa de Moraes: There is a chance the studios will lock out the actors at some point. The longer this drags on, the more the entertainment industry is in a sort of de facto strike, whether SAG calls a strike or not: movies that won't start shooting because the studio is afraid it will be shut down by a SAG strike, TV pilots that aren't being shot for same reason, etc.
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Rockville, Md.: For some reasons that I will not examine too closely, I like "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" But the contestants seem innocent of any education. Nice people -- smart people -- but very innocent of facts. Is this on purpose, or could they get some "Jeopardy" rejects?
Lisa de Moraes: Yes, they're casting people who aren't Mensa boys and/or who are going to blank out when the camera is running, and the children are coached. But honestly, haven't you been stumped by some of the easier questions because you haven't had to use algebra in like forever? Is it just me? Please say it 's not just me...
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Austin, Texas: I was watching Season 1 of "Murder One" on Hulu, and I've got to say it was a great show. Do you have any thoughts on why legalese shows that follow a trial for an entire season don't seem to have staying power -- "Murder One," "Damages," etc. -- when shows like "Lost" or "The Practice" seem to stay around? Thanks.
Lisa de Moraes: Hey, a broadcast network would love to have the kind of numbers "Murder One" was doing when it was canceled. And "The Practice" did kind of survive -- '97 through '04 -- and you might argue it's still around now, after having morphed into "Boston Legal." Maybe not?
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Washington: When does "Dirty Sexy Money" come back on TV? Is "Lipstick Jungle" returning?
Lisa de Moraes: "Dirty Sexy Money" is on ABC's fall schedule, Wednesdays at 10. "Lipstick Jungle" is on NBC's fall schedule, Wednesdays at 10. NBC has announced its start dates and says "Lipstick" will be back Sept. 24.
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Severna Park, Md.: Has you not been blogging the press conference? You has not!
washingtonpost.com: She have too!
Lisa de Moraes: apparently it's impossible to find, though.
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"Celebrity Family Feud": Why, oh why do I watch this show? Did you watch this past week's episode with the casts from "My Name is Earl" and "The Office"? Painful! Are these people really as stupid as they seem?
Lisa de Moraes: Um, yes? One of the most interesting things to discover, particularly at the press tour -- where I am now -- is which actors can speak without a script and which cannot...
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Richmond, Va.: So how did Jo of Orange County get a recording contract? I guessed that her (then-)boyfriend bought her some studio time, but now an actual contract? No way.
Lisa de Moraes: How did William Hung get a recording contract?
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Jasper, Texas: We were glad to see the news in your tour blog that "In Treatment" will return on HBO -- they're in treatment, so we don't have to be. On another front, we tried to watch CBS's dog show last night. We lasted about 5 minutes -- it was "Survivor" with Alpo! So, we grudgingly switched to the "Last Comic Standing" re-run. We have come to the conclusion that this is the only show on television that would improve with Jay Mohr back on it.
Lisa de Moraes: Ha -- you say that now, but that was the old Jay Mohr. He's on a new CBS sitcom debuting this fall called "Project Gary." It too would be the perfect companion piece to "The Bill Engvall Show." What happened to Jay Mohr? I used to think he was so edgy. Remember "Action"?
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LLL: I'm so upset!. I was really hoping "Greatest American Dog" would be about the dogs. After watching the first 10 minutes, it appears that will not be the case. Evidently, no fat people own dogs, nor do any women over the age of 30 (unless the woman is the token African American woman, who is both). Ten minutes into the show, and they're focusing on the contestants' smack talk: "She showed up with her dog in a jacket and booties and it's 90 degrees out here. That was ridiculous." Then there's the woman who does not tolerate anyone touching her dog. I can't wait until scatological sarcasm sneaks into the mix ... of course, I'll have stopped viewing by then. What a shame. There really are some great dogs out there, and presumably some great owners as well -- just not on this show.
Lisa de Moraes: Clearly CBS promos did not reflect what the show really was. The network did the same thing in its promos last year for "Kid Nation." Or as I liked to call it "Survivor: Skirt Child Protection Laws."
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Because you haven't had to use algebra in like forever? Is it just me? Please say it's not just me...: My algebra's still on the mark, but I've forgotten a lot of French (use it or lose it, I guess).
Lisa de Moraes: ... and French. I've pretty much forgotten everything. I walked past a hopscotch thing on the sidewalk the other day that some children obviously had drawn in chalk to play that game and I couldn't remember how you play it. ... I'm the perfect "Are you Smarter Than a Fourth Grader" contestant..
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Baltimore: Lisa: Loved your "Mad Men" column. While the show's creator sounds utterly pompous (how many times did he say "I'm an artist"), I thought John Hamm displayed a quick wit after the word "Malthusian" was used. And I really do love the show, because I spent a lot of time writing copy at ad agencies and because I'm 60, so much of the set design and propping is like my childhood come to life. (Do not mention my demographic to AMC, it will kill the show.)
I really need some advice on a related matter. One week before "Mad Men" returns, Comcast Cable -- without notice -- moved AMC to its "digital tier." Like I said, I am 60 and a basic-cable guy, so I just want to know who to complain to about this. Comcast does not give a flying whatever, and while AMC won't be happy to get a note, I doubt if they can do anything. Do I complain to city government, or the state public service commission? I know this may be out of your area of expertise, but any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Lisa de Moraes: I will get you an address. Sounds like Comcast thinks "Mad Men" will drive viewers to order its digital tier. I hear they've done the same thing with Turner Classic Movies...
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Tampa, Fla.: It is new vampire show? Vampire so sexy!
Lisa de Moraes: Really? Is it the whole "dangerous" thing? I don't get it. I'm not into fangs. Or pale.
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"Heroes": Just saw an ad for next season's "Heroes" last night. Is there any chance they will re-run Season 2 over the summer (even on a cable channel)? I missed the short season and would like to catch up before the new one starts this fall.
Lisa de Moraes: The previous season of "Heroes" is available on NBC.com...
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San Francisco: How many years did it take David Chase to reach his full "difficult, misunderstood, tormented genius" apex? Is Matthew Weiner on pace to beat that record?
Lisa de Moraes: Yes, but in fairness, Matthew sat at the feet of Chase for years, so he got a crash course...
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A Cube in Foggy Bottom: Has there been an announcement of when "Entourage" is coming back?
Lisa de Moraes: September 7. I hear NBC's "playboy" entertainment chief Ben Silverman has a cameo in an early episode. You won't want to miss it -- he's quite a character...
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Washington: "Deadwood" canceled? [bleep]! I love that [bleep]ing show. And no [bleep]ing "Deadwood" movie? This just ruined my [bleep]ing day. Well, thank you for taking my [bleep]ing question. Have a great [bleep]ing weekend.
Lisa de Moraes: Hi. Love your comment. It's hard to match the "historically accurate" richness of "Deadwood" speak, isn't it? Maybe next time, iambic pentameter?
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"Grey's" Grey Area: Catching up on "Grey's Anatomy" Seasons 1-3. McDreamy keeps alluding to his fly-fishing, yet on episode "boys will be boys" he is spin-fishing. What a fly-fishing poser.
Lisa de Moraes: I will bring this to ABC's attention on their day at the press tour, next week. But do people who fly-fish not also spin-fish? Is it like the Montagues and Capulets?
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Jacksonville, Fla.: So is there really going to be an "Office" spinoff?
Lisa de Moraes: NBC says there will be -- ha ha ha ha! Ricky Gervais was at the tour yesterday. He said he had no details on it, but he'll get a piece of the action, so he's thrilled and hopes it's a hit. NBC also had no details when it announced the spinoff at its "in-front" presentation in April. No details at its NBC Experience presentation in May either. ... NBC comes to the press tour next week, and I'm sure they'll be asked a lot of questions about it, because this group adores "The Office."
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Re: "Mad Men"/Comcast/Digital: Comcastmustdie.com is the place to make your voice heard. They monitor it in Philly, so put your account number on there. Seriously -- you'll get a phone call from some poor guy who actually can get stuff fixed.
Lisa de Moraes: Brilliant. Please complain about TCM being moved to digital while you're at it. I'd appreciate it...
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Milwaukee: "Sounds like Comcast thinks 'Mad Men' will drive viewers to order its digital tier"? Shoot, the endless reruns of "Any Which Way You Can" and "Every Which Way but Loose" are enough to keep me on board. Not just classics, but American classics.
Lisa de Moraes: Or you can switch to satellite. I got satellite TV when I moved to Washington because I was not going to pay some company good money to not give me TCM....
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HBO and More Sex : Another "Sex and the City" movie? What is there left to say? Plus, those girls are getting a little long in the tooth. But hooray that Larry David is coming back. Definitely hope there is no sex there ... I don't want to see that...
Lisa de Moraes: Ick, ick, ick...
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CBS new series: Lisa, is "Worst Week" a U.S. version of the British Series "Worst Week of My Life"? That series was brilliant, although the parents' dog seems too big to accidentally toss into a cement mixer.
washingtonpost.com: Yup. (Wikipedia)
Lisa de Moraes: Yes. I have to go now, sadly. Turner is about to start its session on "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and I need to pay special attention. They're screening an episode ... oh joy, oh rapture ... bye...
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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.



