william p. bohlen
Monday, September 29, 2003
RedEye, 9/26/03
'Coupling' in need of makeover
By William P. Bohlen
Let's talk about sex, baby. Let's talk about new TV. Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that's "Coupling."
Actually, the much-hyped new NBC comedy, which debuted Thursday night, is mostly bad.
First of all, the laugh track is horrendous. If someone doesn't get a double entendre, that's their loss--there's no need to make a good joke into a groaner by adding canned guffaws.
And in a few short weeks, the sex talk on "Coupling" will lose its forbidden fruit allure, and all that will be left is cruddy overacting. Give me the sly sexual suggestiveness of "Friends" any day.
The pilot's story line left much to be desired; the conclusion, with all six people of disparate connections sitting down for a meal, was way too convenient. Perhaps future episodes would rely less on exposition and more on plot, but I think we can expect frank sex joke after frank sex joke until we're, frankly, quite tired.
Why couldn't NBC just have bought the BBC version, which was modeled after "Friends"? Just like the "Harry Potter" books--which changed crumpets to English muffins--translating a British work into American loses some of the original flavor.
One of the few bright spots is that "Coupling" is set in Chicago. Or maybe that's a bad thing.
Whows to watch
- On Friday, Alicia Silverstone's "Miss Match" premieres at 7 p.m. on NBC, and Joe Pantoliano's "The Handler" debuts on CBS at 9 p.m.
- Sunday has a number of premieres, including "American Dreams" on NBC at 7 p.m., the same time as "Cold Case" on CBS. "Alias" is at 8 p.m. on ABC, and flip back to NBC at 9 p.m. for Rob Lowe's "The Lyon's Den."
- Fox has the two-hour finale of "Temptation Island" at 7 p.m. Monday. At 9 p.m., MTV has the next "Real World/Road Rules Challenge."
- Fox's "Paradise Hotel" closes shop with two hours at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The WB puts up the "Smallville" and "Angel" openings as competition.
- "Scrubs" finally returns at 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
RedEye, 9/22/03
Emmys in love with 'Raymond'
By William P. Bohlen
On a night celebrating television comedy history, the Emmys went with the most traditional comedy choice for several of its top awards.
"Everybody Loves Raymond"--which is a good show, mind you--won for best comedy, and Doris Roberts and Brad Garrett won supporting acting awards. It was certainly one way to go, but not the way I would have chosen. How about something like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or "Sex and the City," comedies worthy of this decade, not the 1950s?
Roberts is great as Ray's mother on "Raymond," but Cynthia Nixon should have won for her "Sex and the City" portrayal of Miranda, the relationship-wanting single mother. Perhaps she's too much like a dramatic actress these days. Supporting actor Brian Cranston is tops on "Malcolm in the Middle," but the series is beginning its decline despite his manic efforts. Plus, Garrett's "Raymond" contract negotiations put him in the spotlight, and he took the category.
Tony Shalhoub won for best actor in a comedy series for his work on "Monk" and gave a heartfelt tribute to his nephew, who recently passed away. But Bernie Mac better win next year.
Debra Messing's best actress award was an upset over Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston. Messing's good, but not that good.
There was high comedy--or maybe high drama--in the drama categories as HBO's "The Sopranos" won a writing award and three acting awards, including both leads for James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, but didn't win the best dramatic series award. That went to "The West Wing," whose mastermind, Aaron Sorkin, was ousted before the upcoming season.
"The West Wing" has been up and down recently, and maybe this was a way to make everyone happy, but what is "The Sopranos" lacking in spite of its impressive components?
Wayne Brady won for individual performance in a variety or musical performance for "Whose Line is it Anyway?" He is amazingly talented and a proper fit in the variety category, but--and this is a big but--how can you deny Jon Stewart an award when he is the funniest and arguably most influential comedian in television today? Well, you can make some amends by giving "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" the awards for best variety/music/comedy program and for writing in that category, which is what the Emmy voters appropriately did.
It really is wonderful when undeniably quality programming is rewarded. In the reality competition category, "The Amazing Race" beat "Survivor" and "American Idol," adding a major award to critical acclaim and a small, loyal audience. Maybe CBS will use the Emmy win to turn it into a big, loyal audience.
The producers boiled Bob Hope's career down to a minute, which was a shame, but the winner of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Bill Cosby, who taught generations about laughter and family, got several minutes. Not to be too insensitive, but John Ritter improperly received more tribute time (two minutes) than Hope and Fred Rogers (a few seconds) combined. Ritter was taken so surprisingly and recently, but the others were giants.
Finally, our long national nightmare is over. Glenn Weiss won the Emmy for best directing in a variety, music or comedy special for the 56th Tony Awards. Phew. I know I'll be sleeping better now.
RedEye, 9/22/03
Reality Rewind
The show: Paradise Hotel
7 p.m. Tuesday, Fox
Last episode recap: Charla calls Dave because she's lonely, but the rest of the guests ruin Dave's attempted booty call, and he ends up getting frustrated with Charla (again). The slow march to the finish begins with Tom and Beau getting the boot.
Fast-forward: It's an "Arabian Nights" party, and the girls do some belly dancing. One guy does a striptease, and one or maybe two people (likely women) will be shown the door.
Get real: Charla and Dave are something; they bicker like an old married couple. Dave calls her his best friend but wants more, but Charla gets creeped out whenever he gets too close.
The show: Cupid
8 p.m. Tuesday, CBS
Last episode recap: Finale. Down to four guys. Bye Dominic and Evan.
Chicago's own Hank wins over Robert. Lisa is overjoyed. They don't marry on camera as Hank says he wants to wait and do it properly in real life.
Fast-forward: ABC's "The Bachelor," the gold standard for reality relationship shows, debuts in its fourth incarnation with lovable Bob in the title role. It premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Get real: While we feel a little gypped about not seeing a wedding, it is sweet that he wanted to tie the knot away from the cameras.
Unlike Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter.
The show: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
9 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo
Last episode recap: Tom Minogue is a single dad looking to get back on the market. He hosts a party and rolls his sushi. The result? A date with a single mom.
Fast-forward: The subject: Alan Corey. The mission: Get thrift-shopper guy in shape for the big moment when his parents meet his girlfriend's folks for the first time.
Get real: How about an episode where a straight man isn't schlumpy? Where the goal is to improve on perfection? That'd really test the experts.
The show: Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
9:30 p.m. Tuesday, MTV
Last episode recap: In Cincinnati for Nick's grandmother's wedding, Nick and Drew sing for her. Immediately, there's a more interesting married couple to watch on the show.
Fast-forward: Nick and Jessica try to rekindle their romance with a vacation in the Bahamas. They swim with the dolphins. Jessica gets freaked out by fish and a plastic bag.
Get real: Does anyone really understand their relationship? Do they really know what a marriage entails? Is this the point of the whole show? Could MTV really be that deep?
The show: Survivor
7 p.m. Thursday, CBS
Last episode recap: Premiere. Two tribes--Morgan and Drake--are marooned off Panama coast wearing only the clothes on their backs. Pirate theme prevails, and tribes, particularly Drake, take it to heart. Drake wins immunity, and Morgan votes off Nicole.
Fast-forward: More pirating. Winning tribe in reward challenge gets to raid other tribe's camp.
Rupert gets mad at a tribemate. Someone is fed up and wants to leave.
Get real: Rupert is this season's Matt--a few screws loose, but quite endearing. Let's hope he stays for a while.
The show: Temptation Island 3
7 p.m. Thursday, Fox
Last episode recap: Guys eliminate Melanie and Kristin. Melissa saves Jerome and sends Chris from the girls' camp. At the bonfire, Anthony and Michael watch clips, and Michael says something about being made of ice or steel and that you can't break him down.
Fast-forward: Two hours. Want to know how much they can stretch one hour's worth of canoodling and cavorting?
Tune in and you'll find out.
Get real: When did Mark Walberg start thinking he was Dr. Phil? At the bonfire, he tries to ask people about feelings, when really he's the person making them feel miserable.
Monday, September 22, 2003
PROGRAMMING NOTE
I'm going to be on the radio (and web) talking about the fall TV season tonight, Monday Sept. 22). It's from 11:20 to midnight central time (12:20 to 1 a.m. eastern for the math-impaired folks), on WGN radio, 720 AM in the midwest or www.wgnradio.com on the web.
RedEye, 9/19/03
Networks get over reality--for now
By William P. Bohlen
Are you ready for some acting?
This fall, the television networks seem to be trying to wean themselves from reality television by offering a bevy of new dramas and sitcoms.
Don't worry. By midseason, there will be comedy carcasses and drama scraps by the wayside. And the networks will be knee-deep in the reality show muck, sinking lower and lower with new twists on old formulas.
The networks are turning to stars to help them get over reality, a strategy that has had some success in the past.
Recent years have given boosts to the flagging careers of Rob Lowe and Kiefer Sutherland, but this year's crop--including Charlie Sheen (CBS' "Two and a Half Men"), Whoopi Goldberg (NBC's "Whoopi"), John Larroquette and Christine Baranski (NBC's "Happy Family")--will be dud-filled.
Perhaps Alicia Silverstone's NBC dramedy "Miss Match" will soar, but even that's not likely if it stays on Friday nights.
CBS is scraping the bottom of the "JAG"/ "CSI" barrel with two new shows: "Navy NCIS" and "Cold Case." Do we really need any more crime investigation/prosecution shows? The answer is no.
Yet there is some hope for CBS. The network is giving producer David E. Kelley another chance in television with "The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire"--more "Twin Peaks" than "Ally McBeal"--one of a number of promising new dramas, including the network's "The Handler" with Joe Pantoliano.
NBC's got "Las Vegas" and Rob Lowe's "The Lyon's Den." Fox has "Skin," a Romeo and Juliet show set in the porn industry, and the already popular "The O.C." The WB will probably win the teen girls over yet again with a hunky "Tarzan." Question marks remain for CBS' God drama "Joan of Arcadia" and ABC's "Alias" lead-in, cop show "10-8."
On the sitcom front, there are some wonderful new developments, mostly on Fox, among the same old druck. Norm McDonald fans will flock to Fox's "A Minute With Stan Hooper," and "Arrested Development" will get a promising start after "Malcolm in the Middle" as part of Fox's Sunday night lineup. "The Ortegas," a fence-sitting sitcom emulating "The Michael Essany Show," could fall either way but certainly has a good slot after "The Simpsons."
The other networks will struggle with their sitcoms. ABC is hoping the Kelly Ripa show "Hope and Faith" can anchor its new TGIF lineup, but the only adults watching will be parents.
NBC will have a series of flops, but the sex-obsessed "Coupling" is at least intriguing--"Friends" translated into British and then back again.
The sure things are, of course, the returning shows. "Friends" is back for a final season, so look for more love triangle twists with Joey, Ross and Rachel. "The West Wing" is without Aaron Sorkin but starts the season in the thick of a good plot line. Same for "Alias," with Sydney waking up two years later and Vaughn married to someone else. "24" picks up three years later, and "Gilmore Girls" has Rory off to Yale.
And then there are the tried-and-true reality shows, the acceptable kind of reality in the networks' eyes.
"Survivor," which premiered last night, is riding a good wave after last season's exceptional finish. "The Bachelor" has lovable Trista reject Bob Guiney; let's hope he doesn't turn smarmy on us.
But the new TV season's big question is: How on earth will Fox pull off a new season of "Joe Millionaire?" After the astronomical hype, publicity and ratings of the first season, how can they come up with a twist to top it?
As always, stay tuned.
RedEye, 9/19/03
'Survivor' returns
By William P. Bohlen
"Survivor" is back, and this time it's really back.
Buoyed by the great Amazon season last spring that revived the flagging series, "Survivor: Pearl Islands," which premiered Thursday, impressed with its innovation and found a winner with its new pirate theme.
The castaways were literally cast away--dropped in the ocean off the western coast of Panama with the clothes on their backs and a small bag of Panamanian coins. With the money, the two tribes--Drake and Morgan--went to a small fishing village and bartered for the supplies they might need.
Immediately, the Drake tribe became the favorite. Black-bearded, jolly Rupert raided the Morgan tribe's stash of extra shoes and traded for a knife and some pineapples. The game--and the plundering--had already begun. Then Sandra, who speaks Spanish, got some great deals, including an entire barbecue setup for her gold necklace. Back at the camp, though, some of the men began to aggravate the women and Rupert. Shawn and Burton were too vocal, and Jon got too drunk and obnoxious.
The Morgan tribe was much less likable, with the possible exception of Lillian, the scoutmaster. In what I hope was a one-time special premiere event, Osten's plumber's crack made repeated blurry appearances.
The show's editing and cinematography were superb. When three male Morgan members, so to speak, dropped trou to make an immunity challenge easier (though to no avail), the editors coyly paired a shot of several rear ends with the caption "Morgan behind." It was the perfect reward for paying attention.
But even if it isn't watched closely, this edition of "Survivor" promises to be as rewarding as plundered booty.
- The Miss America pageant airs at 7 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
- Fox has the Emmy Awards at 7 p.m. Sunday.
- CBS's Monday comedy lineup airs at 7 p.m., and NBC premieres "Las Vegas" at 9 p.m.
- On Tuesday, The WB has "Gilmore Girls" and "One Tree Hill," beginning at 7 p.m.
- Set your TIVO: Your 8 p.m. choice is between NBC's "The West Wing," ABC's "The Bachelor" and the finale of CBS's "Big Brother."
- NBC rules the night with the premieres of "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Coupling," beginning at 7 p.m.
RedEye, 9/15/03
Reality Rewind
By Will Bohlen
The show: Paradise Hotel
8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, Fox
Last episode recap: Melanie and Beau rejoin the gang. During roommate selection, Desiree is left out, and Charla says that Dave is her best friend. How sweet. There's a jungle party. There's more whining and plotting.
Fast forward: You know the drill. There will be a roommate selection, and the odd person out will have to leave. What's really to stop them from renting out the Mexican villa after the show ends?
Get real: Did anyone think that Dave would still be around? With all of the rule changes and "surprises," this show has become so annoying--but in a good way.
The show: Cupid
8 p.m. Tuesday, CBS
Last episode recap: Bye-bye street hustler Renda. The remaining four guys get fantasy dates with Lisa. Chicago's Hank took Lisa to a vineyard to show her how he envisioned their future.
(Obviously, he's having Andrew Firestone envy.)
Fast forward: Robert and Dominic seem mostly out of the running, and Evan would have to pull a major upset to stop Hank from rolling to victory.
Get real: Most of the other guys have warned Lisa and Co. about Hank's behavior in the house. Maybe he's not the white knight after all?
The show: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
9 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo
Last episode recap: Rerun. (It's OK. The Fab Five needed a break.) Schlubby dad Adam Zalta transformed into slightly more suave Long Island husband.
Fast forward: The subject: Tom Minogue.
The mission: Turn a twice-divorced dad into a hot commodity on the local meet market.
Get real: It's funny to think that the guys have become celebs. The popular Web site www.gawker.com has begun including gossip about them in its "Gawker Stalker."
The show: Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
9:30 p.m. Tuesday, MTV
Last episode recap: Nick goes to the Playboy mansion for the Spike TV launch party over Jessica's objections. Nick and Jessica go golfing. Jessica has to pee.
Fast forward: They head to Cincinnati for Nick's grandmother's wedding. Nick and Drew sing at the reception. An old man falls down. Jessica has to pee.
Geat real: Congrats to Jessica for breaking down the idea that celebrities weren't real people and thus never had to use the bathroom.
Or maybe she's just acting.
The show: Temptation Island 3
8 p.m. Thursday, Fox
Last episode recap: The temptresses put on a lingerie show for the coupled guys, while the men of temptation play truth or dare. Jerome and Jeff get into a fight. The women kick off John and Ryan M., the guys kick off Corie, Tanaya and Kelly Anne.
Fast forward: Flirting, frenching, drinking, crying, cringing, sleeping, swimming, dating, eating, drinking, flirting, kissing, hugging, drinking, crying, flirting, frenching, drinking.
Geat real: If you want your children to become reality TV, um, stars, give them names like Erryn, Tanaya, Corie and Giulio. With these names, there's no chance they'll be president.
The show: Race to the Altar
8 p.m. Saturday, NBC
Last episode recap: Phew, finale. Coyt and Susan continue winning and beat Andree and Tonya for the whole shebang. Their prize was a televised Malibu wedding and a honeymoon in romantic ... Ecuador? Certainly cool, but for a honeymoon?
Fast forward: "Survivor: Pearl Islands" starts Thursday.
The castaways are dropped off wearing whatever clothes they have on. Can you make a good shelter out of a three-piece suit?
Geat real: From one really bad reality show to one really good reality show. Thank goodness the new fall season is here!
Monday, September 15, 2003
RedEye, 9/12/03
Simpson has small brain, big head
By William P. Bohlen
Jessica Simpson has a bladder the size of a lima bean and a brain almost as big.
Starring in her own MTV reality series, "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," with husband Nick Lachey, she completes the Mt. Rushmore of reality with Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Campos and Anna Nicole Smith. In fact, take away a dozen years and dozens of pounds from Anna, and Jessica is what you'd have left.
She makes Lachey look like a Nobel winner with her silly questions about tuna fish (you've heard it by now--she didn't understand the Chicken of the Sea brand), her inability to handle laundry, and her constant whining on outings to the woods and the golf course, especially about bodily functions.
The show has a feel and pacing similar to "The Osbournes," whose Tuesday night slot "Newlyweds" has taken. Nick and Jessica are fresher material than Ozzy and Sharon, but their expiration date might come sooner as the emerging storyline pattern of Jessica-is-stupid, Nick-is-smarter is playing out quickly.
Also, how many fish-out-of-water trips can MTV send them on before the stars catch on and it goes to their heads?
Really, despite Simpson's so-called attractive appearance, which I think resembles a Tootsie Roll pop (giant head on stick body), it's a wonder that Lachey puts up with her. He says he's got a five-year plan to un-spoil her, but she doesn't seem capable of becoming a reasonable member of society.
"Newlyweds" is a show that's worth experiencing once, just to see how stupid Simpson really is. Whether you go back depends on whether you think atrophied brain cells will make you more attractive.
- The two-hour "Race to the Altar" finale airs at 8 p.m. Saturday on NBC.
- Win $1 billion? Yeah, right. See for yourself on "Play for a Billion" on The WB at 7 p.m. Sunday.
- On Thursday, "Survivor: Pearl Islands" premieres on CBS at 7 p.m.
- "Threat Matrix," a national security drama, debuts on ABC at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
RedEye, 9/5/03
'The O.C.' is much-needed guilty pleasure
By William P. Bohlen
We've been missing a good, trashy prime-time melodrama for quite some time, the kind where vapid, rich, pretty California teens worry about their Lexus and where their next booze-soaked underage party will be.
Fox was a pioneer in some regard, bringing us "Beverly Hills 90210" in the early '90s, so it's only appropriate they revive the formula with "The O.C." early in this decade, full of the requisite teen drama archetypes.
Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) is the hardscrabble Chino kid who moves into posh Newport Beach thanks to the kindness of his public defender, Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher). Ryan befriends Sandy's son Seth, the dork, and crushes on neighbor Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton).
Ryan is the classic fish out of water, and despite his efforts to lie low, the preppy O.C. boys seem eager to mark their territory by fighting with him.
The producers are pushing the predictable Ryan and Marissa plotline, but the better story is the friendship struck between Ryan and Seth, played ably by Adam Brody ("Gilmore Girls"). Seth's nervous nerdiness relieves tension in all the right places and raises the character intelligence bar just enough to make this show palatable after all of the wooden acting and cliched dialogue.
It's a guilty pleasure, sure, but we've had enough dramas about cops, courts and classrooms, and it's about time we have shows about class-biased kids lacking class.
Shows to watch
- Monday is the big day for Erin on "For Love or Money 2." She chooses between Chad and Wade and finds out whether she gets the guy and the $2 million or is left with the consolation money she worked out with NBC.
- On Tuesday, Bravo delves into the "Reality of Reality" with a special on reality show contestants, including Richard Hatch and Justin Guarini, at 8 p.m.
- UPN is getting a jump on the fall season at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the debut of "Jake 2.0," sort of a modern-day version of "The Six Million Dollar Man," starring up-and-comer Christopher Gorham.
RedEye, 9/2/03
Reality Rewind
By Will Bohlen
The show: For Love or Money
8 p.m. Monday, NBC
Last episode recap: Last week, Erin had 24-hour dates with Chad, Wade and Rob. Erin dumped Rob for the second time on national television. Last night, there was a reunion special so NBC could drag us along for an extra week.
Fast-forward: The final episode. Dun, dun, dun. Or should it be, "dumb, dumb, dumb?" As in, "Who will be ... ?" One of the guys for turning down money for Erin or Erin for risking $1 million?
Get real: For all of its decent ratings, I hope NBC doesn't bring it back, or if they do, they let me run it. I've got ideas, all right.
The show: Boy Meets Boy
8 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo
Last episode recap: Down to three. James knows one is straight but can't ask them directly or let on that he knows the secret. He told Andra, however, and her angry reaction was priceless. James goes on one-on-ones but makes no eliminations.
Fast-forward: The finale. If James chooses a gay man, he gets a New Zealand trip and $25,000. If he chooses the straight guy, the guy gets the money, but do they still go on the trip?
Get real: Think the producers wanted to milk another episode out after filming wrapped? It might explain the mysterious non-elimination episode.
The show: Cupid
8 p.m. Tuesday, CBS
Last episode recap: Ken becomes the first Chicagoan to leave. The remaining three Chicago guys are still in pretty good standing, especially after trips home with Lisa to see the remaining six guys' families.
Fast-forward: Down from six guys to five. Please, please, please get rid of Robert! Do what's right, America!
Get real: Lisa is looking more like a doll--a Barbie-like doll with a tiny body and a big head. Maybe she's not really real ...
The show: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
9 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo
Last episode recap: George Katsigiannis is a mama's-boy kickboxing instructor from Queens who wants to rebound from a breakup and wade back into the social scene. The Fab Five help him throw a barbecue and cut off his Fabio hair.
Fast-forward: The subject: Josh Diaz. The mission: Help a recently slimmed-down man change his drab look and impress a new girl in his life with his dancing.
Get real: Who's your Fab Five favorite? Mine is foodie--and Chicagoan--Ted Allen. His dry wit contrasts smartly with fashionista Carson Kressley.
The show: Temptation Island 3
8 p.m. Thursday, Fox
Last episode recap: Four couples meet the 28 singles who will do the tempting. Chicago's Anthony already has the look of a player, while Jason, judging by his icy glares at rival Jeff, either wants to pummel him or mate with him.
Fast-forward: Michael, floored when none of the single women choose him as their favorite, goes into flirtation overdrive as the the couples split up to go on first dates. Let the groping begin!
Get real: Will the ratings for this third edition take off? Formerly the trashiest reality show on television, it's certainly been given a run for its money in its hiatus.
The show: Race to the Altar
8 p.m. Saturday, NBC
Last episode recap: The power couples eliminated Chris and Cindy, who were so in love after a few days of bickering they decided to get married two days later in the same Las Vegas chapel where they got the boot.
Fast-forward: It looks like the show will finally live up to its name, as the three remaining couples run around Las Vegas in some sort of race, led by host Lisa Dergan.
Get real: It's no wonder some of the couples went on this show, given their ultra-conservative parents: Cuddling is illegal in Cindy's house, and Susan's dad refuses to dance.
RedEye, 8/29/03
ESPN scores big with 'Playmakers'
By William P. Bohlen
Who knew ESPN had the guts to air something edgy, especially after a week's worth of bubble gum and tears at the Little League World Series?
"Playmakers," the sports network's first crack at fictional drama, depicts a harsh version of pro football, from half-naked groupies to foul language to drug abuse. The ensemble show is suited more for HBO than for basic cable: Just minutes into the 8 p.m. episode Tuesday, a player referred crudely to his anatomy with a nickname for Richard.
But compelling shows, no matter their flaws, are welcome on television these days, and despite requiring some suspension of disbelief, "Playmakers" is certainly compelling with strong characters and some good acting.
Tops are the chops of Jason Matthew Smith, whose Eric Olczyk is a middle linebacker struggling to accept his fate as a football player.
Also notable is Omar Gooding, Cuba's brother, as Demetrius Harris, the cocky, drug-addicted young running back with the speed and stamina of a bronco and the willpower of a 5-year-old near an unattended cookie jar.
Thankfully, the action takes place off the field instead of relying on groan-inducing fake football on the gridiron. We see what some of our heroes' lives might be like outside the glare of the stadium lights. The football scenes are done with a crew trained in the style of NFL Films, giving the action a gritty, epic feel that fits with the rest of the show.
Shows to watch
- Showtime premieres "Freshman Diaries," a look at the first year of college, at 8:25 p.m. Sunday.
- Do you miss Paige like I do? See her and others on a "For Love or Money" reunion special, at 8 p.m. Monday on NBC. It's followed by a "Who Wants to Marry My Dad?" reunion.
- James makes his final choice on "Boy Meets Boy" at 8 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo.
This oughta be good. "Joe Schmo," in which one guy thinks he's on a reality show but is really surrounded by actors, premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Spike TV.
RedEye, 8/25/03
Reality Rewind
By Will Bohlen
The show: For Love or Money 2
8 p.m. Monday, NBC
Last episode recap: The guys are mad that Rob gets to sail into the final four. Chad wins a who-knows-Erin-best competition and picks each guy's date. Eric, who thinks Erin knows about the money, is kicked off.
Fast-forward: Three winnows to two. Will Rob make the most of his second chance? Also, on Labor Day, there's a FLOM1 and FLOM2 reunion special.
Get real: OK, here's what to root for: Rob redeems himself with Erin, Erin chooses Rob over her $2 million, and Rob laughs in her face and takes the money. What a burn.
The show: Boy Meets Boy
8 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo
Last episode recap: Group horseback riding and hiking, and one-on-one time with James for Brian, Robb and Franklin. Bye Darren, Robb and Sean, the first two gay. The producers spoil everything by telling James one of the remaining three is straight.
Fast-forward: Three down to two. We see the reaction to the big secret, and James' friend Andra goes ballistic over the news.
Get real: It seems like the producers manufactured the gay/straight ratio in the last few episodes by making James eliminate one person from each of three groupings.
The show: Cupid
8 p.m. Tuesday, CBS
Last episode recap: Paul is kicked off. Each of the guys entertains kids before Lisa gets there, and then they interact with Lisa and the kids together. A halfway decent way to see how they might be as dads, though anybody could fake it for a few hours.
Fast-forward: More dates. The four Chicago guys are still in the hunt, though Ken can't be around much longer. He's still a stiff.
Get real: Isn't Robert running for California governor? The Arnold-like European fitness model has a better chance of winning that than winning Lisa.
The show: The Amazing Race
7 p.m. Thursday, CBS
Last episode recap: Teams go from Australia to the finish line in Phoenix. David and Jeff get stuck in Australia, so it's a two-team race of Kelly and Jon vs. Chip and Reichen. Boosted by good airport luck, Chip and Reichen win the $1 million prize.
Fast-forward: I'm a little ashamed to say so, but to replace the classy "Amazing Race" on Thursdays, there's the crass "Temptation Island 3" premiering this week at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Get real: Chip and Reichen recently gave an interview to The Advocate and said they have been working through some problems since the show wrapped in February.
The show: Race to the Altar
8 p.m. Saturday, NBC
Last episode recap: Five couples left. Cindy and Chris win a bungee-type challenge to become Power Couple No. 1. Second challenge was a trust-and-jealousy quiz, and Andree and Tonya win. Susan and Coyt were spared; Robert and Grace go home.
Fast-forward: Can Susan and Coyt return to their winning ways? They hadn't been vulnerable until this week, but such considerate treatment by the other couples can't be expected in the future.
Get real: The rules of this show are quite confusing. What's going to happen when we're down to the last two or three teams? How will the producers decide who wins?
The show: The Restaurant
9 p.m. Sunday, NBC
Last episode recap: Series finale. Hot new girl Lauren comes to work, distracting all the guys. Pete gets demoted to dishwasher. Jason Giambi comes for a meal. A customer successfully proposes. The restaurant gets renamed Rocco's 22nd Street.
Fast-forward: A better New York City-focused reality show is "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," airing at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on Bravo. It's more "gentle make-better" than "Extreme Makeover."
Get real: The most interesting part of the restaurant was the kitchen crew, and the show should have spent more time on them instead of on Rocco or the waitstaff melodrama.
