On TV

Reality, Non-Reality and Everything In-Between

Columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Friday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. ET to take your questions about the drama, comedy and heartbreak of the world of television -- both onscreen and behind-the-scenes.

This week, Lisa talks about the slew of TV shows set in Washington, ABC shelving "Ugly Betty" in March, and "American Idol" apologizing for accusing a Louisville contestant of being a threat after his ominous goodbye: "Y'all take care and be careful."

The transcript follows.

Take this week's survey and offer your opinion about Bruce Springsteen at the Super Bowl.

TV columns | On TV discussion transcripts | de Moraes on TV blog.

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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Lisa De Moraes

washingtonpost.com: All ages are in weeks. Pictures courtesy of Animal Planet.

Lisa de Moraes: Hi everyone.

Puppy Bowl is Sunday, and that Advertising Bowl too. Here is the PB starting lineup to peruse. And be sure to stick around after this chat to chat with the producer of the Puppy Bowl... Meanwhile you guys need to explain to me why BBC America won last week's poll for best inauguration coverage, with 22 percent of the votes, though I get the whole Daily Show at No. 3 with 17 percent.

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PETA column: Hi Lisa,

Question about the PETA column: why did you write it? We all know (as you wrote) this was a publicity stunt, so why did you play along? Just curious, love your column and chats!

washingtonpost.com: Veggie Tales, It's Not: PETA's Super Bowl Ad Is Too Much for NBC to Stomach (Post, Jan. 28)

Lisa de Moraes: Because I wanted to make sure you saw the "ad" silly! And, you're welcome. I will never be able to look at a pumpkin again without blushing.

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Washington, D.C.: Be careful? I think that "American Idol" has jumped the shark. I haven't watched it since the first year, and I'm glad to see that it will soon be off the air. Be careful, Rupert!!

Lisa de Moraes: If you haven't watched, how do you know? But yes, I think it's standing at the edge of the precipice....

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washingtonpost.com

poll by twiigs.com

Lisa de Moraes: And I'm interested in what you think about the apology "Idol" has put on its web site for having aired footage of Simon and Paula and telling contestant Mark Mudd Jr. that he had threatened them when, as he was leaving his audition, he told them "Y'all take care and be careful"...Vote Here.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I love "Life on Mars" but the ratings this week were awful (6.5 million). Will it last the season?

Lisa de Moraes: Well, it depends on how you define "survive." They will run the episodes they have ordered, but with these numbers, it's not likely to come back unless ABC's drama development for next season is really bad...

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Hero, ES: I'm a die hard fan of "Heroes," even though I concede that the second season was an abomination. I'm still holding out hope that the show can return to it's first-season greatness. In your infinite wisdom, do you believe "Heroes" has several seasons left in it, or will it be replaced next year by some "Momma's Boys" knock off?

Lisa de Moraes: Given that "Momma's Boys" clocked about 4.9 million viewers last week, I don't think "Heroes" has anything to worry about on that front. "Heroes" biggest threat is cost of production relative to its ratings. It's an expensive show and NBC programs to margins. It helps that ancillary sales on the show (DVD, overseas, etc.) have been good. Here are some other things to consider: NBC has discovered two-hour versions of its reality series are doing better than one-hour versions. Combine that with the fact that NBC is not going to program 10 p.m. next season -- handed it over to Jay Leno Monday through Friday -- and it's not looking great for scripted series in general on NBC.

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Richmond, Va: TCM begins 31 days of Oscar soon. Will you be watching? I can't wait!

washingtonpost.com: 31 Days of Oscar Index (tcm.com)

Lisa de Moraes: You betcha! They're kicking off February with "My Favorite Year," "The Sunshine Boys" (gak) and "Bye, Bye, Birdie" which -- believe it or not -- got an Oscar nom for best music. Go figure. "Sabrina" is Monday, Feb. 2 and, because this is a TV chat, I should mention "Network" is Sunday right after midnight, so get DVR-ing. If you haven't seen it for a while -- or if you have never seen it -- be sure to watch. I used to think Paddy Chayefsky went a bit too far with his story -- now, of course, I know he did not go far enough, by a mile.

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Anonymous: Can I just give a big shout out to "Damages." I stumbled on the show after season 1 and spent a whole weekend just watching each episode back to back. And it was so good -- Glen Close was (scary) brilliant. I had my doubts about season 2, but after the first 4 episodes, I am hooked. How is it doing ratings wise? My biggest fear is that I'll get wrapped up in the characters, but the show gets canceled without running all the way through because of low interest (no one is talking about this show) -- which at this stage of the game could quite possibly kill me.

Love the chats!

Lisa de Moraes: "so brilliant" -- "scenery chewing" -- potaytow, pohtato....This season of "Damages" opened to a dismal 1.8 million viewers in early January which is pretty lousy compared to its first season debut when nearly 4 million caught it...

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi there,

I noticed that you said "Lost" had a mere 11.4 million for its season opener, the lowest ever. Yet, I just saw an ABC ad that said 20 million watched the episode. What gives? Does this have something to do with new ratings rules or something? DVRs? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: With Six-Minute Maneuver, Fox's Gain Is ABC's 'Lost' (Post, Jan. 23)

Lisa de Moraes: I did not see the ABC ad, but usually a network desperate to inflate the numbers pulls out the old "reach" stat -- that's anyone who watched as little as a few minutes of the show -- and then went away. It's sort of the same as "sampling." That number is usually about double the average audience. The reach figure is relevant to advertisers because conventional wisdom is that anyone who watched as little as six minutes of a show -- and no more -- probably saw an ad break. But it is not the number that goes in the record books, the season average, etc. Short answer: ABC is masking disappointment.

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Washington, D.C.: Oh no about Ugly Betty. This season is so much better than last year's weird season. It's actually funny at times. Is this the beginning of the end for it?

Lisa de Moraes: ABC is taking it off the air in March to try out to sitcoms in the time slot. If that goes well, it won't be good news for "Betty." ABC promises it's coming back later this season for a last couple episodes. Next season -- not so sure. Thank goodness they moved it to New York and got all those tax breaks...

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Toronto, Ontario: Hi Lisa,

My question is regarding Tim Roth's "Lie to Me."

I'm curious how they can show all those famous faces and imply lying or deception?

Thanks

Lisa de Moraes: You just answered your own question. They're public figures.. Fair game...

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Paula's Boy Toy: Who does she go all cougar on, I mean, "mentor" this season? Or is that why Kara's on the show?

Lisa de Moraes: Remember that country singer, Brent Keith Smith? Paula and Kara both thought he was dreamy and they got mad when Simon didn't like him. My money's on BKS.....

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Washington, D.C.: Any thoughts on this season of "24"? I like it but I'm not sure if anyone else does.

Also, what are you're thoughts about sites like Hulu? Is it eating in to TV and movie profits?

Lisa de Moraes: Well, I'm so glad you asked! Because I just got a message from The Great Tony Kornheiser and HE thinks -- and I quite agree -- that it's gotten ridiculous because the head of CTU, or whatever they're calling it these days, has blond streaks in his hair, which of course is ridiculous. He would never be head of a counter-terrorist organization with streaks in his hair. Tony rests his case. Me too..

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Chattanooga, Tenn: Remember that show "The Sopranos"? I used to argue with my Sopranos Superfan friends about Anthony Junior. I said dude was a terrible actor, but they said he was an okay actor playing a terrible character.

Just saw dude on "Law and Order" this week. I win. Dude is baaaaaad.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, isn't it strange how Bad Actor + Bad Role = brilliant. But Bad Actor + okay role = unwatchable....

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Alexandria, Va.: Are you as excited as I am for MTV's "The Girls of Hedsor Hall"? Bringing in the uptight British finishing school marms from "Ladette to Lady" is brilliant! I loved watching them on Sundance channel and will love it even more when they are dealing with our version of ladettes!

Lisa de Moraes: It's produced by Donald Trump. What more is there to say? For those of you who aren't up to speed on this one, this new show sends 12 foul-mouthed chicks to England to attend a proper finishing school to learn how to become proper ladies. Poor Tara Connor, the former Miss USA, got in trouble for mondo boozing, etc. is among the show's victims....can't wait.

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Re: Springsteen: I didn't like the options for the survey, Pookie. Appearing at the Super Bowl doesn't mean the Boss has sold out. Showing his face on the most watched television event in the world when he has a new record coming out is just plain smart business. Clearly, the Boss has realized there's a new market dynamic and he can't sell a million records without doing some publicity. He even joked about that on the Today show when Magic was released ("I must really want to sell some records to be up this early in the morning"). Is the Man of the People thing overblown? Yes, but that's the fault of the media more than the Boss. He's still the same dedicated, self-effacing and authentic singer he's always been and that he always will be.

Lisa de Moraes: Point taken but your best bet is to answer "No." Meanwhile, if everyone hasn't seen it yet, today's poll asks whether you think Bruce Springsteen is guilty of soul-crushing sellout for agreeing to perform at Super Bowl No Breasts Here Halftime Show. Weigh in now!

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Your Pookiness: If I make you a Slanket out of Shamwows, would you wear it while you watch TV?

Lisa de Moraes: I would take a hot shower, slip on my Shamwow Slanket and watch TV. Yes, I really would. Does Shamwow come in pink, cause I look really good in pink...

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I need to get a life: Hi Lisa. The Puppy Bowl runs only two hours and then repeats. The Super Bowl is more than four hours. Why not program the second two hours with "The Meerkat Bowl"? Will you tell Animal Planet?

Lisa de Moraes: I prefer it just as it is because, what with having to flip back and forth to Advertising Bowl to check out the ads, I miss a lot of the Puppy Bowl play and I like having the chance to catch upon the replay....

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Survey says -- Actually, it's both: I have to watch the game at a friend's house, so I'm going to DVR both halftime shows just in case.

Lisa de Moraes: Excellent!

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Mark's name is Mudd: And to think of all the hard work that TV journalist Roger Mudd went to in order to rehabilitate the family name. Down the drain...

Lisa de Moraes: But Idol has apologized, so it's all better now. Right? Really, they owe that guy an on-screen apology, so that 25 million people can see it -- not just some online apology...

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re: "be careful": This whole thing is ridiculous. Paula said "be careful" first! As the poor dude was leaving, she said "be careful" because there was the storyline that he almost died five times in his life and had a few major car accidents. He responded with whatever he said, adding "be careful" as well.

Lisa de Moraes: I don't remember her saying "be careful" first. I remember her saying "be careful" in a kinda threatening way after lecturing him that you don't say "be careful" to people in this great country of ours. That's commie talk!

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"Be careful" = "Be Seeing you"?: Maybe Simon and Paula had just watched a marathon of old "The Prisoner" episodes and felt "be careful" was a too much of a callback to the totalitarian world of the village.

Lisa de Moraes: I think you have cleared up my mystery...Seriously.

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Sober House: Are you watching it Lisa? What do you think?

Lisa de Moraes: Say it isn't so! (I'm behind on my "House" viewing) I don't want my House sober. He's not interesting sober. Why can't we have our drug addict?

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Tinseltown: Seriously, what is up with "What About Jim?" They brought it back for what, two new episodes with the slightly downsized cast, and then it disappeared. Is it good for good? Why did it return?

Lisa de Moraes: It's like a cockroach. You think you've killed it and then it crawls back through the scheduling crack at ABC and you have to call the exterminator again....

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Puppy Bowl: The only show my dog will watch. He walks around the back of the tv when a dog on the screen walks off camera.

It is fascinating. Do they have a live audience?

Lisa de Moraes: I don't think they have an audience. Except the crew...

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Baltimore: Re "Trust Me": I posted last week asking about this ad agency show, which was being advertised as "from the producers of The Closer." Interestingly enough, this week TNT started flagging it as "from the producers of Nip/Tuck." I know this is a minuscule change, but the former show is a cop procedural with a cute 'n quirky protagonist, while the latter is about slutty, half-mad L.A. plastic surgeons. Why do you think the ID was changed? Thanks.

Lisa de Moraes: To make it look like an edgier show? I'm guessing some marketing guy making six figures had this brainstorm...

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The Office: Why is it in repeats? I don't get it? They built us up to the cresendo of the love triangle story line of Angela, Dwight and poor Andy and then no follow up.

Lisa de Moraes: Ah -- because the February sweep is in March this year -- thank you digital transition. We're all so used to seeing original episodes in late Jan and throughout Feb that it really throws you off, doesn't it, that we have just entered the Dark Hole of Reruns for a month. And now, if Congress ever does get its act together and agree to postpone the transition, all this suffering through February will have been for nothing....

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how they can show all those famous faces and imply lying or deception?: Not only public personages, but they made those expressions themselves. As long as the show didn't fake them.

Lisa de Moraes: Well yes, that too...

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Anonymous: Does no one remember the last Puppy Bowl? It was boring as hell. Just a lot of crotch licking. I love puppies and I love the concept, but -- like the Super Bowl -- it's not always an exciting contest.

Lisa de Moraes: Maybe that's why they have more Australian shepherds in the competition this year? Just a theory....

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Washington, D.C.: When I read about "Idol" apologizing, it sounded more like they were apologizing to the viewers for having to see it. I got no impression whatsoever that they were apologizing to Mudd. Did I miss something?

Lisa de Moraes: No, you are right, the apology was worded so as to be directed toward the viewer, but the explanation is in effect an apology to Mudd, saying they did not understand his "regional dialect" or something hilarious like that. Really, they need to get out more. And I'm not buying that anyway. They were clearly setting up the guy to be "dangerous." I mean, really, Simon mistaking his cell phone for a gun?! Paleeze...

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Nosy Parker: Allegedly that new mom of octuplets in Southern California already had six kids, and may have obtained fertility meds from a foreign seller online. Do you suppose she figured she could short-cut her way to landing her own TV show about a mega-family?

Lisa de Moraes: I'm trying really hard not to think she did it for that reason and I'm trying really hard to believe no cable network is going to pitch just that to her. I'm hoping they're reading all the negative press about this story and moving on.

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Philadelphia: Ana Ortiz says she's pregnant but that her pregnancy is not being written into the show. Are they going to hide her pregnancy, or does this mean she knows they're not shooting any new "Ugly Betty" episodes over the next nine months?

Lisa de Moraes: You know, I don't know. I don't get why people get so knicker-knotted over actresses on TV shows getting pregnant. It's not like they're growing green scales all over their body or something really interesting...honestly, I do not get it.

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Alexandria, Va.: With a show like "HIMYM" being so self-referential and relying on flashbacks so much, why are they being so blase about the continuity lately? Casting Laura Prepon as Ted's on-and-off girlfriend since high school contradicts so much of the established canon!

Lisa de Moraes: It is strange, isn't it? I guess they assume "HIMYM" wonks are so stuck on the show it won't matter and Prepon might bring in some new viewers. But yes, it's sloppy.

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Washington, D.C.: No Pooks, House is still our favorite pill popping doc. Think that last poster was talking about that new vh1 show about washed up celebs trying to kick the habit.

Lisa de Moraes: Thank god!

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Digitized: Does the new stimulus bill include more money for digital converter boxes? That will get the people to call their reps! Or maybe they can include a new flatscreen TV for all, and a year's worth of a HD cable package. Congress should know that there are few things that motivate people like their TV!

Lisa de Moraes: It includes money to fund the coupon campaign to help people who aren't digital ready, um, get ready. That campaign ran out of funds and the feds say there are about 2.6 million people on the coupon waiting list or otherwise in limbo. That was one of the reasons the transition delay was under consideration -- and approved by the Senate, but then it got stalled in the House...

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Idol and Be Careful: While I agree that the judges response to someone saying "be careful" in a polite voice while walking away was crazy, I doubt they would have reacted that way if not for the suicidal Paula Abdul stalker still being fresh in their minds.

Lisa de Moraes: If they were genuinely concerned, they would not have aired him. Wouldn't putting some crazy guy on national TV just be feeding into his craziness? You don't encourage people you are genuinely concerned about -- it would be like giving a Calista Flockhart stalker a guest spot on "Ally McBeal" back in the day. That's just nuts...

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Arlington, Va.: I never knew the awesomeness of TCM until last night when I was ready to go to bed but ended up watching "The Apartment." I loved it! I obviously should take more of your advice quickly because I know you've been talking about TCM for about as long as I can remember following your chats.

Lisa de Moraes: It's a national treasure. Seriously. But these days, what with its new Big Cheeses pushing to get a younger demographic -- don't get me started -- they air a lot of the more interesting movies late at night and very early in the morning. So you really do need a DVR.

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My Idol Theory, Alexandria, Va.: So there is nothing jumping out on "Idol" to draw attention or viewership so far.

"Idol" makes a big fuss out of something to draw attention to the show.

No scantily clad pics of contestants in fountains, no big headed kid butchering Ricky Martin (don't take that literally).

When there is no news, make some up.

Thoughts?

Lisa de Moraes: Preaching to the choir. They are, understandably, looking for ways to freshen up the auditions portion of the season. Taking the auditions to Puerto Rico was another effort in that direction, though apparently the results so lousy they mashed up that visit with the NYC one.

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"A lot of crotch licking": I love this chat.

Lisa de Moraes: I know, where else can you go online to discuss crotch licking? I'm guessing if you do a Google search of "crotch licking," in a couple hours this chat will be right at the top of the results. But we'll need to work it into the conversation a few more times just to be sure....

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Detroit: What do you think, is the blind guy the leader in the clubhouse on "American Idol"? He got high praise at the start and the commercials for Hollywood show him playing and singing followed by all four judges standing and applauding. Has their early push to educate the public on picking their winner began?

Lisa de Moraes: No way is he going to win. And I'll bet they edited that way just to push your buttons the way they have. This season really is "American Idol: Hard Luck Story"

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Forget the apology, they already thrashed his character: If the producers were really aware the judges were mistaken in assuming "be careful" was a threat, they should have re-edited the footage so as not to trash the man as a stalker or would-be troublemaker.

Lisa de Moraes: You are right, they had that option. But it made for compelling TV.

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DC: I'm starting to like "Private Practice". What is wrong with me?

Lisa de Moraes: They have clearly beat you into submission. It's called The "Wings" Syndrome, after that well-known, much-abhorred piece of drivel that followed some actually good sitcom -- "Cheers" I think -- on NBC back when Thursday really was Must See TV...

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Washington, D.C.: Lisa -

I expect you already have submitted questions for the "Puppy Bowl" chat. How does it feel to be in our shoes?

washingtonpost.com: Puppy Bowl V discussion.

Lisa de Moraes: No, I don't submit questions. I'm a fly on the wall.. Like at the press tour...but by all means, send in yours.

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Baltimore: Speaking of octuplets, I used to like Discovery channel and the Learning channel but lately it's just these families with way too many kids. People, if you're going to have a litter, plan on supporting them yourselves, please.

Lisa de Moraes: That's exactly what I was referring to. It has really gotten out of hand.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Yeh, the Boss is great and all, but I'm not exactly revved up for Sunday. I feel like I'm in the car with my friends in 1979 and Eric is totally excited because "Stairway to Heaven" just came on the radio, even though he already owns every Led Zeppelin album and we could pop in the cassette with "Stairway" any time he wanted to. I guess it's a sort of validation thing or something.

Lisa de Moraes: The NFL need to stop -- now! -- with the Old Guys Halftime Show. We get it -- they don't have breasts the FCC cares about. Move on!

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Holy Guacamole!: Oh snap! I cannot believe you just referenced "Ally McBeal"... Last week I was talking to my friend about how amazed I was that it hasn't been reincarnated in syndication land. I mean, if "Felicity" can get its own New Years Day marathon (2007), can't poor Ally get even one showing a week? On Lifetime?

Lisa de Moraes: Strange, isn't it? All these chick networks and no "Ally"...Not even on oxygen...

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Dupont Circle: Pookie, Where can I get 3-D glasses to watch the commercials during the Super Bowl? I live in D.C. I don't have a car. Thanks!

Lisa de Moraes: I'm in Los Angeles right now and cannot help. Can someone get this poor chatter a pair of 3-D glasses...

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Lie to Me: Saw it for the first time this week. Why do they show their office at the DC Convention Center? Was there a big Tim Roth convention that I missed?

Lisa de Moraes: apparently they thought it was a really great looking exterior and their local liaison didn't clue them in...

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Hahahaha: Slanket of Shamwows would be the title of my debut solo album. If I sang. Or had any musical talent whatsoever.

Just sayin'.

Lisa de Moraes: It sounds like the title of a BBC TV series about adorable, quirky inhabitants of some town in Scotland who run around in kilts and say "Y'all be careful, McTavish!"

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"Lisa de Moraes: I know, where else can you go online to discuss crotch licking?": While at work? Just Weingarten, I guess.

Lisa de Moraes: Weingarten wouldn't dare have a chat about crotch licking. You tell him I said so....

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New Project Runway: Any hope it will come back? Are the lawyers done yet?

Lisa de Moraes: OMG -- lawyers? Done that fast? Hahahahahaha....

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Anonymous: I"m just glad my "crotch licking" comment made people happy. But Lisa, ah naive Lisa, there's more crotch licking references on the Web than you can shake a stick at.

Enter Puppy Bowl into Google and you get 421,000 sites. Enter crotch licking and you get 1.2 million sites.

Ah the Internet

Lisa de Moraes: I'll never catch up! Noooooooooo!

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Googling "crotch licking": It's not on Google's first page, at least not yet. But now I worry about "crotch licking" being found as a search term by my Internet service provider.

Lisa de Moraes: Keep it up people! We have miles and miles to go! Yes We Can!

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Hill Street Blues: "Let's be careful out there." Was Sarge threatening all the cops at roll call? What gives with the "Idol" judges?

Lisa de Moraes: They were all hammered during the "Hill Street Blues" years and missed it.....

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Cuteness, Squared: What's cuter than Puppy Bowl? My 16-month old watching Puppy Bowl. Picture a chubby-cheeked baby squealing with delight while toddling around the living room and saying "wuf wuf." I can't wait.

Lisa de Moraes: Well, clearly we've run out of time to discuss the finer points of crotch licking. More next week when we've had a chance to watch and learn from the experts on Puppy Bowl. Bye.

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