TV Gal Courts Trouble

By Amy Amatangelo, Zap2It.com | March 19, 2007

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I think you know that TV tends to get very dramatic when I go on vacation. Remember the week I went away and the WB and UPN decided to become one network. See? Dramatic.

Well I haven't even left yet (I'm off next week and will be back with a new column on April 1) and already we've got trouble with a capital T. Hmmm . . . how do I put this in professional, critical terms? Double crap.

My fearless predictions about "American Idol" are already crushed. Brandon Rogers was voted off last week officially making Sanjaya this year's Kevin Covais.

Days after I wrote my column declaring my love for all things Boston Rob, Romber was eliminated from "The Amazing Race." I know, I know. So many of you were so happy about this little development, but mark my words: you'll miss him. And all I have to say is "BOOOOOO."

George slept with Isabel on "Grey's Anatomy" (or it certainly seems like they slept together unless they decided to play coed naked tag or something). I know I've written a lot lately about characters we love making bad decisions but this goes beyond that. It makes me really not like or respect George. How about you?

But the worst news is that rumors abound that "Veronica Mars" has been cancelled, which means I've got to get to my annual Save This Show column stat. We have a plethora of shows in need of rescuing this spring (if only we could get one of the "Heroes" on that), but I narrowed it down to the five most in need of my intervention:

"Veronica Mars": We've suffered a lot of loss of quality TV shows over the last few years but this would be the most egregious. I don't know what else to say except that if "Veronica Mars" isn't picked up for a fourth season (and I'll take it in whatever format they want) not only will I lose faith in The CW (which let's be honest was already shaky to begin with) but I'll lose faith in the viewing public in general.

"Friday Night Lights": The series returns this Wednesday at 8 p.m. on NBC. Week in and week out, "Friday Night Lights" brings nuanced multi-layered characters to life against the improbable background of high school football. There is humor (is there anyone more funny than Buddy Garrity?), the breaking down of stereotypes (from the high school bad girl to the dedicated football mom), the amazing arc of a young man dealing with sudden paralysis and so many Emmy-winning performances that it's hard to know where to begin. But let's start with Kyle Chandler who continues to give the performance of his career. Just when I think he can't get any better, he does. Do me a favor and watch the show this week.

"30 Rock": One, there simply aren't that many funny comedies out there and this one makes me laugh out loud at least once a week. Two, "30 Rock" gets my vote for most improved new show. Three, we need Alec Baldwin on TV every week. "30 Rock" is a crucial part of NBC's resurrected must-see TV line up.

"What About Brian": Trust me, if you gave this show a chance you would find yourself as addicted as I am.

"Crossing Jordan": An oldie but goodie that has been mistreated by the peacock network. Really putting it up against "American Idol" is plain rude.

What shows do you think are worth saving? Talk about it on the TV Gal Message Board.

Quotes of the Week

"Sorry, I'm feeling ambivalent. I'm going to go." Chloe to former President Logan on "24." Thanks to Vicki who was the first to send in this week's most popular quote.

"You're like a walking encyclopedia of weirdness!" Dean to Sam on "Supernatural." Thanks to Cassie for the quote.

"She's blonde. She's stacked. She's a supermodel. I'm George." George to Callie on "Grey's Anatomy" explaining why he thought Isabel would never go for him. It actually hurt me when he said that.

"Sorry." Locke to Kate and Sayid after he killed Mikhail on "Lost." What is going on with Locke? He's stressing me out.

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

Well, well, well, I don't know what to think about the fact that Andy and Ken were the first of MANY to report that Louis Lombardi, the dear departed Edgar on "24," was the security guard on "In Case of Emergency." Let she or he who did not religiously watch "The Class" cast the first stone.

Andrew recognized Chip Esten, who we saw earlier this season as Josh Porter, Jim's new boss on "The Office," as Richard's brother on "The New Adventures of Old Christine." It was a big week for Esten; he was also on "The Winner" as Allison's boyfriend. We've also seen him as a regular on "Whose Line is It Anyway?" and he was Luke on "Party of Five."

Michelle recognized Michael Weston played Olivia's half-brother on "Law & Order:SVU". We recently saw him as the military patient suffering from short term memory loss on "Scrubs." Jennie remembers that Weston was Kenny the cop in Zach Braff's "Garden State."

Jacqueline McKenzie, Diana on "The 4400" (raise your hand if you can't wait for the show to return this summer), was the missing senator on "Without a Trace." Alex Carter, Detective Vartann on "CSI," was her murderous husband.

Kathie recognized Lukas Haas, the little boy from "Witness," as the photographer helping Don on "Dirt." We also saw Haas back in season four of "24" as the tech guy Andrew Paige.

Jennifer recognized Roger Rees as Dr. Marlow, Christina's old boyfriend on "Grey's Anatomy." Rees was the drunken English ambassador, Lord John Marbury, on "The West Wing," and, in one of my favorite roles, Robin Colcord on "Cheers."

Possible Spin- Offs

A few weeks ago I asked you who you would like to see have a spin-off. Here are my favorite responses:

Mary and Joe think there should be a spin-off involving Michael and Walt on "Lost." Word is we'll see the father and son duo on "Lost" next season, but I love the spin-off idea.

Shannon wants a spin-off with the ever-fabulous Amanda on "Ugly Betty."

Mark thinks "The Apprentice" should have a spin-off with Rosie O'Donnell and have the winner replace Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View."

Libby thinks scene stealer Kenneth on "30 Rock" would be good in a series of his own.

Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for March 18 to 25

"Dancing with the Stars" kicks off its fourth season Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC. Steve Sanders getting ready to samba? Can't wait.

"24" (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.) came alive last week with the arrival of Jean Smart and really highlighted that one of the problems this season is that they simply don't have the same caliber of actors that they had last season. The scenes with Jean Smart and Gregory Itzin remain riveting.

Her talk show was recently cancelled, but Megan Mullally didn't waste any time finding her next gig. The former "Will & Grace" star guest stars on "Boston Legal" (Tuesday, ABC, 10 p.m.) as a bride accused of murdering her husband-to-be.

I, for one, still love "Lost" (Wednesday, ABC, 10 p.m.). Seriously how creepy was the ending scene of Jack playing football with Tom? And I can't wait for the mystery we've been waiting forever for -– how Locke end up in a wheelchair –- to be revealed.

I love the love triangle happening over on "Ugly Betty" (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.). Christopher Gorham is so darn charming and his on-screen chemistry with America Ferrera is palpable.

So I kind of like "Andy Barker, P.I." (Thursday, NBC, 9:30 p.m.). It kind of reminds me of "Monk": a fun, light show that is an entertaining diversion. It's also the perfect show for Andy Richter's distinct style. What do you think?

As ABC promised, "Six Degrees" returns to the schedule Friday at 9 p.m. on ABC. But my question is: Will you watch?

Highlights for the Week I'm on Vacation

Just a couple of things I wanted to remind you about while I'm gone.

The season finale of "What About Brian" is Monday, March 26, at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Jennifer Aniston guest stars on the season finale of "Dirt" on Tuesday, March 27 at 10 p.m. on FX.

George meets his new father-in-law and deals with the consequences of sleeping with Izzie on the March 29 episode of "Grey's Anatomy" at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Don't forget that "Brothers & Sisters" returns with a brand new episode on Sunday, April 1. I'm happy to report that Holly has cut her hair (yay) but even better is that the episode introduces Rebecca to the entire Walker family.

That's all for today. When I return we'll have so much to talk about. The return of "The Sopranos" and "Entourage," the new Showtime series "The Tudors" and much, much more. Now promise to watch "Friday Night Lights" and "What About Brian." Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.