"Canceled, On Hiatus, On the Bubble--Oh, MY!"



(sigh.) No more 'Happy Endings,' and no more half-naked 'Max.'

It's the "Attack of the Gays;" backlash for last season's

gay prominence seen in this coming TV season!

Unbelievably, 3 completely awesome and perhaps the

gayest shows on TV--NBC's "Smash," NBC's "The

New Normal," and (my personal favorite show on air,)

ABC's "Happy Endings" have officially been canceled.

No renewals, all the shows that will be broadcast have

been broadcast, "Hast la vista, baby."

And the carnage worsens; The following laundry list

of perfectly good shows didn't make the cut (or they got

cut--however you want to say it!) within this 2012/2013

season (either due to low ratings or series' endings.)

(We're talking gay content, gay characters, gay hosted,

gay subtext, gay sensibilities, gay interest here--yeah, it's

broad! Sue me--I'm dramatic!)

* 30 rock (fabulous!)

* 666 Park Avenue (Vanessa Williams)

* Anderson Live (duh!)

* The Big C

* Body of Proof (Dana Delaney)

* Bomb Girls (tough females)

* Cult (sexy sci-fi)

* Deception (Grrrrl...DRAMA!)

* Don't Trust The B--- in Apt. 23 (sassy and fiesty)

* Drop Dead Diva (Margaret Cho)

* Futurama (gay robot)

* Go On (featuring lesbian character)

* Gossip Girl (teen soap with wit)

* Kathy (Kathy Griffin's talk show)

* Love You, Mean It with Whitney Cummings

* Merlin

* Spartacus (gladiators!)

* Touch

* Up All Night

* Young Justice

...and of course the gratuitous "we're only tuning in for the

hot men" guilty pleasures of  "Do No Harm," "Golden Boy,"

"Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe," and "Vegas." (Somehow I

think "Rookie Blue," which is a hot soapy mess I love, got

renewed, though!?!?)

Even down-the-pike gay greatness like the revived "In

Living Color" and "Political Animals" (Sigourney Weaver)

rumored returns are dead in the water. And there's to be a new

Dr. Who?!?! This is the final season of "Warehouse 13"?!

The question now becomes...what will be the signs of backlash

in remaining shows?

Will "Arrow" cease to be the prime hot spot for Grade-A

fleshy sex sightings?

Stephen Amell shows off his acting chops. (Mmnnnn--chops...slobber!)

Will "Happily Divorced" lighten up on the gay themes or talk?

Will "Modern Family" and "Necessary Roughness" and

"Parks and Recreation" and "Raising Hope" and "Suburgatory"

lose their wit  and sting?

What's most awful is that we gays have taste, and there are some

really lame-ass puke-a-rama shows being KEPT while quality

programs can't get a fair shake. Ugh! (How did "2 Broke Girls"

ever get a green light, let alone a renewal? Why is "Big Brother"

still on the air?)



Julie White portrayed a poignant and original (i.e., 'real') character

 Of course, there are the scores of LGBT hopefuls sure to be

viewed weekly as the contestants of "The Voice" and "American

Idol" are notoriously gay-heavy (How many queens were in the

Final 12 on Idol?!!? JESUS!) And, we can lust at the contestants

on "American Ninja Warrior," and the gratuitously shirtless

characters on"Being Human," "Blue Bloods," "Chicago Fire,"

"Teen Wolf," "Supernatural," and others.

We rise and we fall...and there's always netflix

and hulu if the networks fail us!

**************************************

"Feet on the Ground, Feet on the Ground..."

"...everybody keep they damned feet on the ground!"

After singer Miguel literally crushed a fan during a performance

this week, the video was shot around the world, and he was

quite rightfully bashed on for the ridiculously dangerous move.

The butt (ha ha) of jokes all week, the only thing more

stupid was the interview with the fan (a woman, naturally)

who was just so pleased to have come that close to his ass.

"No big!"

However...

the big news--and Weirdness--happened on the

"Dancing with the Stars" finale, when the above move

(seen here in practice, working) was flubbed beyond all compare--

and everyone pretended that nothing had happened!

Jacoby Jones of The Ravens (sadly, it didn't help, as he

obviously can't fly) was making an attempted leap over

partner Karina's head, but two problems occurred.

First, she was facing him at the time,

and second, he didn't make the height required!

WHAM! She got pecker-faced with a vengeance!

It's a good thing her mouth wasn't open!
It's a wonder she wasn't knocked the fuck out.

It's surprising that she has all her teeth.

But they kept up the pretense that it was planned....

even after he rode her face for many seconds like

it was a XXX film.

And the judges didn't acknowledge the problem at all!
They raved over his performance--and he got a perfect score!

(Fortunately the right person ended up winning, but--WTF!?!
Were they afraid he'd groin-slam them if he got a bad score?
Was it compensatory-discrimination?

Whatever the rationale, it was weird to watch--but having
a mix-up keeps things lively.)

Hey, if you're not on wires, stay on the ground, fellas.

***

The Grande Dame, Jeanne Cooper

She was a consummate actress and professional,

a stalwart presence and striking energy for

daytime viewers for almost four decades!

Her commanding delivery and offscreen

firecracker personality made her highly

popular and found her a place in the hearts

of millions of viewers.

Jeanne died Wednesday at age 84.

Thanks to a true bright light for all the many

memories and inspiration.

***

"Call Me Crazy: A Five Film" (event)

If you haven't been watching, Lifetime has a tremendous series of

shorts entitled "CALL ME CRAZY: A FIVE FILM."

The films sport an incredible cast of actresses and directors,

including Ashley Judd, Laura Dern, Jennifer Hudson,

Jennifer Aniston, Brittany Snow, Octavia Spencer,

and many more!

The five short films deal with a range

of different mental health issues through

a single different woman's personal

journey and struggle.

The project was designed to elucidate what

it is to have mental illness (and to deal with a

loved one who has it,) and is designed to erase the

stigma--to start dialogue and healing.

For a more detailed look at the films, the actresses,

and  to get show times for the next movies, check out

"Call Me Crazy" website

***

WTF!?!? A Bomb didn't hit the TV station, did it?

Look, my week has been pretty shitty, and the

last thing I like to do at the end of a difficult day

is dwell on Real World problems and upset.

I like to Veg-out. I like to get lost in fantasy.

I like to drop out for a while so my mind can numb.

Now, granted, my week hasn't been 'lose-an-arm in a bomb'

bad or 'face-full-of-shrapnel' bad, but it's not a fucking

contest and my stress needs dealing with, so...

I was more than a tad annoyed when I tuned in to see

"Revolution" Monday night, only to find it preempted by

more NBC News lack-of-coverage and anything-but-fact-finding.

(Don't get me started on non-stop space-filler 'coverage' of

tragedies where inanities abound. And yes, I was hoping to

escape real-life strife by watching fictional strife; sue me!)

So I heard there was a great ep of "Independent Lens" featuring

the history of Wonder Woman on instead! Eureka!

A solution! I haven't been abandoned by the TV goddesses!

Helllllllll to the No!

They aired (locally, at least) a god-damned episode

about Fort Lauderdale and the history of tarpon fishing!
(Or something to that effect; I was so upset about the

pre-empting, I didn't linger to get the whole scoop!)

All I know is, that by tonight, I better have

some fricking "Happy Endings" on the tube, or there

may be some more upset on the streets soon enough!

Dammit--I ask for so very little!
How much endless cycling or horrible images do

people really need, anyway!!??

A Favorite Uncle Passes

My first memories of the 'Dynamic Duo' of Roger & Gene

must have been from about age 12 or 13. I was a hopeless

insomniac, and would watch the overnight syndicated TV shows

as one of my means of getting through the night.

And there it would be, their movie review show, with

witty yet venomous banter, intelligent speaking on the

art and history of cinema, and I was mesmerized.

I knew I was into movies as an escapist forum, but

I was only just coming to understand my love for

the knowledge of actors, directors, nuances, and so forth.

Certainly I had no one to help cultivate such interests in

Southern Podunkia, and now I had found an outlet and

an inspiration for truly experiencing film.

I was exposed to so many ideas and textures, indeed

exposed to films themselves. I was so excited by footage of

the 1986 French film, "Summer"/"The Green Ray" (Le Rayon Vert,)

that I sought out a special Saturday morning foreign film showing

in Tampa--my first foreign film, I'm sure--and was mesmerized!

Film became not just an isolated experience, but a trip into

the larger world.

On a family outing in Daytona Beach, while everyone else was

gung-ho for watching some stock racing one night, I slipped

away to a theatre I had spied with a showing of "Shy People"

(an incredible movie with Jill Clayburgh, Barbara Hershey,

and Martha Plimpton) at the age of 17, knowing where

my true heart was to be found. It was amazing, and I had been

introduced to the film by an episode of  "At The Movies."

I learned whose opinion jived with mine and whose was

the polar opposite, and either way I was able to accurately

determine which movies to avoid or rush to probably 95%

of the time. For a long time, Roger's outlook nearly identically

mirrored my own, until he seemed to swing in a different

direction. And still I enjoyed his evaluations!

But the idea of having the input, the familiarity, the connection

of these two film aficionados and critics to turn to on a

regular basis was a large part of my life, and I will always

appreciate the impact these two gents had.

Thanks for the education and the memories, Roger...

I'll see you at the movies.

The Seventh Sign (1988)

"The Seventh Sign" trailer

***

"Jesus of Montreal" full movie

"Jesus of Montreal" full movie

***

TV Favorites, Episode 3

If you're not already watching, check out these great shows on

netflix, hulu, or the shows'/networks' websites to catch up with

older episodes.

***

Bragging Rites

Better Late Than Never...

both for his recognition by the Academy

(more or less) and my

giving a nod of approval to my honorary

husband, Ben Affleck.

And damn if that beard doesn't look goooood!

***

Monday Night Suspense-Fest

In what could otherwise easily be referred to as

one of the most atrocious nights of the week in

terms of broadcast television, Monday

nights have been rocking lately thanks to

two new entries in the suspense/drama category.

"The Following" (FOX, 9 p.m. EST)

followed by "Deception" (NBC, 10 p.m. EST)

are great addictive TV, replete with sprawling

quality casts, intricate pot-burner mysteries,

and fast-paced story lines that keep you hooked tight.

If you've taken up knitting on Monday nights,

check out these hot new series today!

***

30 Rock finale

The '30 rock' cast and crew

Well, after last season's Desperate Housewives finale, I learned to

bag expectations for final episodes. Fortunately that's how I went into

the final '30 rock' the other week.



The entire cast was superb as always, but it was a very lackluster effort

overall (the script) as it just seemed to meander. There were cute bits,

and it wasn't horrible, but let me just say this; Jane Krakowski saved it

from being a greater loss with her "Rrrr-Jrr" ("Rural Juror") performance

which had me splitting my seams.



The significance? Well, maybe you had to be there. Be there for the last

several years, to be in on the joke. But stunning, still--and it was a fun ride.

"Law & Order: SVU" is Red-Hot

SPOILER ALERT:
Discusses plot elements from the

February 6th show.

***

Another great episode of Law &Order SVU this last week! (Man this

season is shaping up into one of their best!)

Mike Tyson was great as an adult survivor, and it's always nice to

see (you know what I mean) the end run of childhood abuse, all

those many years later played out. The story was well-crafted and

reliably intricate. Ed Asner had a tremendous role as well, definitely

a turn for him.

But back to Tyson; I was really shocked that he would take such a role,

and it's so important. Not just because male survivors have it so tough

but also because black men in particular have such a burden with

bearing things silently.

And anytime the Injustice System gets put on trial, it's a good day.

Another job well done, all the way around.

***

2013 Oscar Noms: Silver Linings, Life of Pi, Zero Dark...Oh MY!

Still a ways off until the 85th annual Academy Awards ceremony,

and I'm mixed about the rather strange choice of host (Seth MacFarlane,)

but the one thing you can't go wrong with?

Checking out all the awesome movies ahead of time so you can

enjoy them and be better informed come Oscar night!

And, throw down with a mad Oscar-party if you can! Debating and

cheering and jeering is the best part!

For a complete list of the nominations, check out the official site:

Oscar Nominations 2013

and then watch the Oscars Live on

Sunday, February 26th.

******

My Favorite 'Holiday' Movies

Probably my fave, between the songs and

the starkness. Spectacular performances.

Even though more 'Hallmark' than I

typically like, it has a good message.

Good story about growing up.

Just stupid-ass funny, which we all

definitely need.

Definitely a great movie, and the heartsick

longing of a world at war, a family separated,

are unfortunately always topical.

Just a fun, dorky, light, chick flick with

some good performances (esp. Ghost of Christmas Past!)

The Real Deal of X-Mas flix, it's the

third in the trilogy for the Friday franchise!

"Stop selling that snatch for Jesus!"

Classic!

My fave of the old claymation, what with all

the politically-charged message and the diversity

bit. Anything with loners, underdogs winning, and

lonely folks coming together works like a charm!

Hilarious...complete with a great Carol

Kane performance, Annie Lennox music,

and all the cheese you can eat!

Yeah, it's always on a list because it really

is that good. The ending is unbelievable,

but the need for it to be true is what affects

people so deeply, and it's the hopefulness

Capra understood so well.

The most-maligned film of all time!
Yes, it's saccharine...yes, it's corny..

but it's a good catharsis for real feelings

and the cast can't be beat...a lot of my

favorites are in this!

The only religious-themed movie (not counting 'Ultimate Gift,'

which is only peripherally such) on my list, but it's well-done.

It presents a world of people as they really are, not idealized

versions, and the message isn't 'beat you over the head'

annoying. Good flick.

Pure crazy and hilarious...awesome cast.

Anyone who's ever been in a bad relationship can

totally relate!

Just a fabulous movie, period,

but since the setting is what it is...perfect!

Okay, so not actually a Christmas movie, but between

the setting and the magic, and the perfect analogy

for what's wrong with religion, I consider it a

great Holiday film!

Still brilliant, even 3 decades later.

I don't care who you are, this

shit is funny!

Both Die hard 1 and 2 are great popcorn

movies that keep you on the edge from start to

finish, and sport Xmas themes in each.

We all wish we'd have a chance to be John

McCain and have an excuse to shoot up

a bunch of crazy bastards about

this time of year!

Another nice, easy, feel-good romantic comedy

when you're in the mood to zone out and get

caught up in fantasy. Damn, Bill Pullman

looked his best right here!

Another super action flick with plenty

of surprises and kick-ass, plus a good

story about identity, politics, and more.

Heh heh. Neil Patrick Harris has his candy cane

pointed at my face! Ho ho ho!
Crazy good times...let the 'inappropriateness'

commence! Only for those tolerant of the

'politically incorrect.'

***

I'm definitely more a fan of the lewd and lascivious,

with a love of raunchy humor and turning tradition

on its ear, but I do also like some of the heartfelt

stuff. Not as much as when I was young and innocent, but...

There are also some great TV shows that handle Christmas

right; 'Happy Endings' is hilarious, so were all of 'In Living

Color' Christmas themed eps.  Anything David Kelly does

with holidays is spot-on (Ally McBeal, Picket Fences, L.A. Law,

etc.) and Ryan Murphy always puts the proper schmaltzy

and rebellious spin on things!

Stock up on the good stuff, and let the movies be

your company! The end results are likely to be

much merrier! Peace~

***