On TV

Reality, Non-Reality and Everything In-Between

Columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Friday, March 6 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.

The transcript follows.

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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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Boston: Hi Lisa,

Is there any update on the status of "Project Runway"? I'm so nervous it will die in this deadlock.

Lisa de Moraes: Hi. I'm guessing this is going to track like "Bleak House" -- the neverending lawsuit...They have been shooting the season -- the finalists presented their styles at the faux fashion show during Fashion Week but, of course, nobody was supposed to know who they were because we haven't seen the show....aka, it's a mess

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Washington, D.C.: I may like "Gossip Girl" but my REAL guilty pleasure is the light and lovely "Privileged." Megan is such a clueless dolt who doesn't seem to have to work at her job, just live in style and have men of all types fawn over her. I love it! Any chance it's coming back?

Lisa de Moraes: Sadly, it is the only fall drama on CW's lineup the network that did not get an early pickup the other day. CW's also holding out on "Reaper" but since it is a midseason starter that hold-out is not so ominous. Wish I had better news..

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Help Me, I'm in a New Demo: I just turned 50 last month and I am afraid. I almost never used to watch CBS (just "Big Bang Theory" and "Ghost Whisperer"). Now, thanks to seeing promos for other shows when watching "The Mentalist," I now watch "NCIS," "Without a Trace" and "The 11th Hour." I might even start watching Katie Couric. Is life as I know it over?

Lisa de Moraes: Okay, you lost me with "Ghost Whisperer"....You need help right away. I suggest you run right out and get yourself a tattoo sleeve. Seriously. It's your only hope.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Lisa, Why should we ever "get into" a new hour-long drama on network TV? For every one that lasts, there are at least a dozen that get canceled. Unless it's a sitcom, I'm going to stick with cable for dramas from now on because I know that they'll get a decent run.

Lisa de Moraes: Hi. Here's an idea. Why don't you watch CBS dramas, which tend not to be cancelled, because they tend to be watched by enough people to keep them afloat. Here's another idea -- don't watch broadcast dramas that get good reviews from TV critics. Oh wait -- it's the same thing! It's the serialized ones that have such a high mortality rate because they're a mugs game. Typically serialized dramas start with the biggest audience they're ever going to get in season one -- from there on out, it's all about losing audience until the network pulls the plug, because people can't, or think they can't, jump in after season 3. Ditto "high concept" dramas like "Pushing Daisies." Meanwhile, "NCIS" this season is clocking its biggest audience ever -- in its sixth season, which is practically unheard of. On the other hand, why not just watch cable dramas. Some of them are great. Seriously. There is no scenery chewing on broadcast network that begins to compare with Glenn Close on "Damages" -- and I mean that in the best possible sense of "scenery chewing"...

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WAPO TEAM TV STATUS UPDATE:

RENEWED

"Heroes" (NBC), though unofficially, for fourth season

"Two and Half Men" (CBS), for a seventh, eighth and ninth season

"The Big Bang Theory" (CBS), for a third and fourth season

"Rita Rocks" (Lifetime, for a second season)

CANCELED

"Life on Mars" (ABC) after one season

"D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" (CNN) after one season

"Frank TV" (TBS) after two seasons

NEXT WEEK...

"Breaking Bad" (AMC) season premiere on Sunday, March 8

"Castle" (ABC) series debut on Monday, March 9

"Dancing with the Stars" (ABC) season premiere on Monday, March 9

"The Chopping Block" (NBC) series debut on Wednesday, March 11

"You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush" (HBO) on Saturday, March 14

"Kings" (NBC) series debut on Sunday, March 15

Lisa de Moraes: Once again, I neglected to post the WaPo TeamTV Status Update which will answer so very many questions

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Washington, D.C.: Tatania blew her hand. The second she started using her native accent she proves this was all an act to her. She was trying to be the craziest person possible. She won, hands down. As much as it pains me to say, she has an AMAZING voice. It's kind of a shame it's being wasted on her.

Lisa de Moraes: I think she reverted back to what I hope is her native accent because she saw that card had worked so well for Jorge. The judges were so patronizing to Jorge but when he wept people voted for him. Really, that last performance by Jorge -- 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' -- was excruciating. I know I'm about to lose credibility but I think Tatiana has a great voice compared to most of this season's Idolettes...and with the right medication, she'd be no loopier than Paula who had a long and successful singing/dancing career. Why not Tatiana too? Instead of mocking here, they should put her in touch with Paula's pharmacist..

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Truth In Advertising: Can we have the network execs change the title of Trump's show to " 'Celebrity' Apprentice"? Because seriously, that crop is beyond has-beens.

And although I've only seen the commercials, I can say that HD is not kind to Ms. Rivers.

Lisa de Moraes: Yet another advantage to not having a big-screen TV....and, to be fair, all these "celebrity" shows are mostly populated by has-beens. "Dancing with the Stars" -- paleeze. But at least we get to see the C-listers losing a lot of weight and getting in shape on "Dancing." It's like "Celebrity Biggest Loser."

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Lisa:

What are the numbers on "Private Practice"? I am in the minority, but I find the show to be a lot more mature than the "Grey's" foolishness. I've heard it's on the chopping block. Say it ain't so!!

Lisa de Moraes: It's been doing much better since ABC finally scheduled it where it should have been all along -- in the post "Grey's" timeslot, and since they did the crossover storylines. The best leadin for a show is usually itself (why ABC tried "Lost" reruns before episodes of "Lost" etc). "Grey's" and "PP" are both from Shonda Rhimes and both medical shows, so that's about as close as you can get without running two episodes of the same show.

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Washington, D.C.: What is "scenery chewing"?

washingtonpost.com: YouTube - CSI Miami: David Caruso One Liners II: Sunglasses Edition

Lisa de Moraes: It's when an actor chews the scenery, which is another way of saying "some kind of serious overacting going on."

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Celebrity Biggest Loser: Lisa, Ben Silverman is on hold for you, line 3. He wants to talk a development deal.

Lisa de Moraes: Ah, but I'd pitch him my better idea: "Celebrity Autopsy"... Seriously, you have to admit it -- you'd watch that. I always thought it should be paired with my other show idea: "Celebrities You Thought Were Dead but Aren't."

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Silver Spring, Md.: I watched Jimmy Fallon's interview with Tina Fey on Hulu the other night. Is it just me, or do The Roots seem a little bored and despondent for it only being their first week on the job?

washingtonpost.com: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Tue, Mar 3, 2009 (season 1, episode 2)

Lisa de Moraes: Thank you! My thought exactly, about half way into the first episode. Hope they are being paid some serious coin for selling out...

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Arlington, Va.: Lisa, I don't know if you're caught up on "Ugly Betty," but I need to ask: is it possible this show has Jumped the Shark? Last week we find out that a guy working for Meade had been stealing from it -- out of nowhere -- and this week the father's only way of raising money is going on a fictitious TV show. I used to love this show but lately it just seems stupid. Your thoughts?

Lisa de Moraes: Well, it is an adaptation of a telenovela, so "realistic" is not necessarily what they're going for. But yes, it does seem to have fallen off the track somewhere.

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Atlanta: Okay I started watching "Dollhouse" and I'm 50 percent confused and 50 percent intrigued. How did Fred get those scars on her face? (I'm using the old Joss character names because I haven't learned the new ones) I thought the idea was to have Faith start to remember her old identity? They use these dolls for spies AND sex toys?

Should I bother to keep watching to find out answers or is this show doomed?

Lisa de Moraes: Fox will try to find a way to save this show -- maybe they should let DirecTV run it first, a la "Friday Night Lights"...and where I come from they call them "hookers" but if you want to call them "dollas as spies and sex toys" go right ahead. You have definitely written the best, most succinct description of the show I have ever read -- congratulations. Go with the "intrigued" -- this show is so much fun to watch on so many levels. Drinking games, etc...

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Idol: Alright dog, here's what's up. I wasn't crazy about your Idol coverage this week. You missed the funniest part of Tuesday's show- where Ryan asks Nathaniel's grandmother if she's proud of him, and she fails to give a ringing endorsement. I was really hoping you'd report what exactly she said since I was laughing too hard to actually hear her. It was like what would happen if my cousin was on tv to show off her tattoos, and took my grandma.

I thought it was just a so-so performance from you, especially since you didn't note how weirdly reluctant Simon was to say anything negative for a good part of the show last night. He was unusually complimentary.

Anyway, thanks for the continuing Idol coverage. Keep up the snark!

Lisa de Moraes: Actually I thought grandma was just a bit frightened by the cameras and confused, so I decided to give her a break. I adored my grandmother -- apparently I'm losing my edge....

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Gainesville, Fla.: Lisa, I was a little surprised Simon so blatantly stated they were casting for personality not singing. We all know that is the case but I never expected to hear it stated so plainly since he loves to disdainfully remind everyone that "this is a singing competition."

Lisa de Moraes: My thoughts exactly. Admitting they are "casting" the show is the kind of cynicism/reality you'd think he would not want exposed. How can he expect fans of the show not to become cynical and lose faith in it with talk like that? He's like some figure in a Greek tragedy, pulling his empire down around him...or, of course, he could be just another delusional bit of on-air talent, who has come to believe it's all about him.

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Jacksonville, Fla.: I'd rather not see "the bachelor" get married simply because the world is a better place if this guy (and these two ladies) avoid breeding.

Lisa de Moraes: I'm guessing this new relationship with Dumped Girl won't last that long...

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Arlington, Va.: Lisa -

I am a Nathan Fillion Fan. So, his new ABC show "Castle." What have you heard? The promos look "cute," which could be good, or bad.

Lisa de Moraes: Definitely check it out..

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Garfield Goose, the real King of the United States: Just how rotten is "Kings" since the National Barfbag Company is not running it in sweeps?

Lisa de Moraes: I just don't even know where to start with this one. If you are a serious student of TV you must watch this show. If you are a fan if Ian McShane, you should watch this show. If you are fan of butterflies you should watch this show. Please do not watch it alone. You'll need support.

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Seattle: Hi Lisa,

Great job on your "AI" blog! You nailed last night's show (Pretend Judging on 'American Idol')!...Your blog is the first article I read on Wednesday and Thursday, much better than the finance section.

Who had higher ratings last night, "AI" or "Survivor"? We follow both shows, and last night watched "AI", had to since it was a first.

Lisa de Moraes: Survivor: 12 million

Idol: 22 million

Idol also pounded Survivor among younger viewers. That said, "Idol" is definitely getting more beat up in these kinds of competitions this season. It's getting older, and more vulnerable. Frankly, I'm surprised at the wrongheaded changes they've made to "Idol" this season to try to bolster its ratings. Adding the fourth judge, for instance, has eliminated the rat-a-tat thing the judges had going on when there were just three. Too many judges. And I like the return of Wild Card but the way they picked the first 9 finalists was bad -- you only got to see each sing one number and by the third batch, I had not seen them in so long I could hardly remember who they were...

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Tearsville, Md.: From 1 to 10, how good a crier is Jason Mesnick? Are women more angry that Jason treated Melissa so badly than they are that he cried so much and showed his sensitive side so readily?

Lisa de Moraes: It depends on how you define "good crier." I'd rate a guy who weeps over the death of his beloved dog at a 10. A guy who weeps because he's faced with the reality he can't keep using his son as a prop and canoodling two chicks at once and living in some made-for-TV mansion on ABC's dime -- I'd rate a 0.

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AI = yawn: Seriously, AI has gotten so bad this year. I'm only watching it so I can keep up with your snarkfests via blogging. None of the contestants have impressed me and don't even get me started on that useless form of flesh Kara!

Lisa de Moraes: I'm flattered you would spend hours -- four this week alone -- watching a TV show to keep up with my blog. Thanks! But the only contestant who has impressed me is Lambert. He has a tremendous voice and hopefully they can get him to tone down the drama on his performances, speaking of "scenery chewing." I'll say it again, since I'm in so deep already: another great voice was Tatiana's, but they went the "mock" route with her instead of the "medicate" route, so she's out.

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Tatiana's Great Voice: How do we know what kind of voice she has? She sang the same song 6 times. Is it possible that she doesn't have a very good voice, she just can sing "Saving all my Love for you" really well?

-TANGENT-

I tried watching "The Mentalist" and I don't get it. The guy who plays the main character isn't as good of an actor as Tim Roth, and the character himself isn't as interesting as the guy from "Life." I only got through about 20 minutes before I changed the channel. Can you explain the appeal to me?

Lisa de Moraes: The. Smile.

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Bachelorhood, get used to it dude: Is it possible that anyone else can live such a mistake-free life as bachelor Jason? I mean, common dude, you picked the wrong lady. Now we have to hear about how you made the right decision at that time, and now this decision is the right one at this time.

Lisa de Moraes: Dumped Chick -- I get Molly and Melissa's names confused because I think Molly looks more like a Melissa and v.v. -- should be thanking the TV gods for her narrow escape.

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BBCAmerica: Any news on when "Robin Hood" is coming back? Also, whatever happened to the BBC show "Merlin"? I thought NBC picked up the rights, did they run it and I missed it because I don't watch NBC?

Lisa de Moraes: "Robin Hood": late 2009. "Merlin" is definitely MIA, don't hold your breath.

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Amy Poehler: Not getting a good feeling watching those trailers for her new show. Not sure a knockoff of "The Office" is the best mode for her skills.

Lisa de Moraes: I read the pilot script and it was great. But it's all in the execution and in the casting around her. And, because it's on NBC, if the ratings aren't great, they will immediately plunge her into some cutsie relationship, maybe even a love triangle, which is the GE Formula for Feeding Ratings-Starved Sitcoms

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Molasses pace on "The Mentalist": Pooks, I know Simon Baker's baby blues and knockout smile are irresistable and have made that show a huge it - but am I the only one who thinks the plots limp and drag along? It's a lo-ong hour!

Lisa de Moraes: So, you're saying he needs to take off his shirt? I agree...

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LOST: Lisa, How bad are the ratings in reality? I've been hearing that a lot of people watch it online and I forget, do ratings include Tivo and DVR? I just think the show is doing so much better, it's sad that it doesn't have the ratings from season 1/2.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, "Lost" is one of the mosts heavily DVR'd shows on broadcast. About three weeks after an episode airs, Nielsen sends out what's called the Live-plus-7-day number. At some point the networks and Nielsen agreed that would be the number of days out on DVR-ing that they would include in final ratings. I think it's because their studies showed that if you did not watch something you had DVR'd within a week, you were never gonna really watch it. It's not a disaster in overall tonnage and "Lost" is still strong among younger viewers, and it sells well overseas, etc. Best of all, they've announced an end date, so I don't think you have to worry about this show getting yanked before its end date.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, DC: Pookie -

What are the chances ABC is going to give "Life on Mars" fans a cohesive ending to the series, as opposed to leaving us hanging as they did with "The Nine"?

Lisa de Moraes: ABC has already informed the producers they will not be ordering any more episodes, just so the producers will have time to wrap up the show. Props to ABC...

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Philadelphia: I just got into "Terminator," and I'm loving it. It's almost certainly a goner, right? Dang. And, I'd like to get into "Dollhouse," but it's just not really happening. And I'm getting really annoyed with reading about Joss Whedon's feminist cred. Ugh. Please. Just cause people study "Buffy" in women's studies classes doesn't mean that he's some sort of one man anti-misogyny force. I don't have expectations for Judd Apatow's representation of women, I know it's going to be at the very least borderline offensive. I'm happy to have no expectations for Whedon too. Though Dushku, what's she thinking?!

Lisa de Moraes: "gravy train" is what she's thinking... this is the best thing that ever happened to her career. And Terminator is not looking good. I'm on board in re your thoughts on Whedon's alleged feminist cred. That reminds me of the time McG showed up at the press tour to explain to critics that his 'Search for the Next Pussycat Doll' was also about "empowering women." One of the most inadvertently funny press-tour gags ever.

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2.5 men: Good gravy. I cannot believe this show has been renewed for THREE more seasons. I know you love it. I loved it for the first few seasons. It was very clever. Now it's old and regurgitated and the jokes are smarmy. Yes, smarmy.

Big Bang is totally carrying it now.

Lisa de Moraes: No more so than "Everybody Loves Raymond" its last few seasons, or "Cheers" its last few seasons, or "Friends" it's last few seasons. Pretty typical stuff. And I too am a "Big Bang" fan...

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So, you're saying he needs to take off his shirt? I agree...: Wish granted! Shirtless Baker at Brushfire Relief soccer match last Sunday in L.A.

washingtonpost.com: The Courier-Mail Gallery: Kicking goals for fire victims

Lisa de Moraes: You are my god....

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But She Watches It So You Don't Have To: I've read and enjoyed all of Lisa's blog postings, yet I haven't watched a minute of the show. It's terrific--you must try it this way.

Lisa de Moraes: Yikes -- so you're saying I am your "Idol" reality? That's a bit scary.

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Bachelor and future of reality TV: Posting early because I have a meeting.

So there are many theories floating around about The Bachelor." Some say it was all a game and Melissa was the only one not in on it. Possible, but I can't seem to get out of my mind Jason's snarky grin as Molly agreed to date him after he broke up with Melissa. The look was saying "man I am so awesome -- I can try one, give it a whirl, return it and then get the other without any hassles." Nice.

So with that in mind -- has this show "jumped the shark" or are we entering a new age in reality TV where ratings and shock drama justify the ever increasing use of no-holds-barred behavior?

Lisa de Moraes: The latter. I'm expecting the next Bachelor to try to out-do Jason. Maybe he'll propose to one of the chicks and then run off with his masseuse?

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Idol: Why did Ricky Braddy not get to the top 12? He was certainly one of the best singers out of 36.

Lisa de Moraes: Because he'd had no screen time during fly over auditions or Hollywood Week. Viewers were never going to vote for him. The thing I don't get is why the producers every year do this to several of the idolettes who are talented enough to make it through. They spent so much time on Tatiana -- why not have edited the early rounds so as to give Braddy four minutes of Hollywood time, or fly-over time. It's not rocket science..

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Washington, DC: There are two commercials on TV lately that I can't stand. They both portray women as nearly insane creatures. One is the woman who freaks out because her son wants to give away the roll-over minutes. The other is for some snack that is low in calories (I can't remember the snack) and women all over the city start to scream like banshees and run to the truck. Oh, and I just thought of another one, the one with all the women at a party and all they can talk about is what kind of soup they eat to stay slim. Are there no women in advertising anymore?

Lisa de Moraes: Apparently only ones that are afraid to speak up. I'm out of time. And The Bachelor has been voted our most hypnotic TV Trainwreck of the week with an impressive 44 percent of this week's votes, though Tatiana is leaping for Jason's throat with nearly 40 percent. Poor Jimmy Fallon has just 17 percent of the votes which does not bode well for his show. We'll keep the poll up for a while, so vote now -- vote often. Bye.

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