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The Week in "Idol" News

August 25, 2006

A federal judge has temporarily barred William Smith (no, not the jiggy one) from selling songs recorded by Taylor Hicks when he was just a gray haired guy hanging around Alabama.

Two songs written and sung by Hicks showed up for sale on the iTunes recently, and Hicks is claiming that Smith doesn't have the rights to them.

''It aggravated me because I knew what a gifted performer and writer he is,'' Smith said in an AP interview. ''I love Taylor Hicks, and for three months I was refuting the bad press he was getting.''

A sworn statement by Hicks' attorney states the recordings were poor-quality demos that could cause ''immense irreparable financial harm.” (More than those tacky car ads?)

Meanwhile, former finalist Mikalah Gordon was ''in a panic'' but unharmed after being robbed at gunpoint in Las Vegas. Las Vegas police confirmed the robberyand said they are investigating.

And, finally, Katharine McPhee was back in the news this week saying she no longer has any “weird eating things” going on.

Gosh, being an Idol sounds like fun, doesn’t it? By the way, 10,000 hopefuls showed up in Birmingham, Alabama this weekend to audition for the next round.

Survivor: Media Circus Island

When we repoted on this yesterday, we secretly hoped it would go away quietly. Turns out that we’re just another dancing bear in this media circus, so we have to report further.

New York City Councilman, John Liu, is asking that CBS pull "Survivor"’s new season -- which pits European American, African American, Asian American and Latino American teams against each other.

"The idea of having a battle of the races is preposterous," City Councilman John Liu said Thursday. "How could anybody be so desperate for ratings?"

Wait. What? Have you not been watching television for the last 10 years? “The Swan” had it’s major plastic surgery and freaked out beauty ideals. “The Bachelor” -- where women compete to get married.

"CBS fully recognizes the controversial nature of this format but has full confidence in the producers and their ability to produce the program in a responsible manner," CBS said in a statement to the press.

Liu, who is Asian American, is not so confident, and feels the show will encourage a racial divide and promote negative stereotypes. He, along with a coalition of officials of all races, are planning a rally at City Hall.

A rally at City Hall? More press conferences? Did "Survivor" pay him, or something? If not, we can only imagine the reaction from the show’s producers. In fact, CBS is a few blocks from here, and with our binoculars, we’re pretty sure we can see them jumping up and down with joy.

Survivor: Stereotype Island

August 24, 2006

Asians, African Americans, Latinos and Caucasions pitted against each other; all trying to survive in seperate enclaves, secretly battling each other to survive. No it's not just another day in Los Angeles, it's a new season of "Survivor."

After 13 seasons on the air, “Survivor” has tried everything to bring themselves back to their ratings highs of season one. New wacky challenges, more attractive contestants, new and exciting ways of confusing the audience. But here’s a new low. Four teams: Black, White, Asian, Hispanic. For real.

To quote the host, Jeff Probst: ”It's very risky because you're bringing up a topic that is a hot button.'' You think, Jeff?

Probst spilled the new style in an interview with ASAP. (That's the AP, for kids!) The interview is full of all sorts of nuggets of racial wisdom. ''There's a history of segregation you can't ignore. It is part of our history. For that, it's much safer to say, 'No, let's just stick with things the way they are. Let's don't be the network to rock the boat. Let's not have ''Survivor'' try something new,''' he said. ''But the biases from home can't affect you. This is an equal opportunity game.''

Yes. Let us all share in the equality of reality television, through the lens of various races competing in a mock primitive war for island domination. Forward thinking.

If this season handles "race" maybe next season will be "religions" pitting "Muslims" "Jews" "Christians" and
"Buddhists" up against each other. That would be pretty cool, and topical. And what about sexual orientation for the season after that? "Lesbians" "Gay Men" "Straights" and "Transgenders" against each other. Call it Survior: The Castro. It's fun to think of all the possibilities. Limitless.

We just wonder if during this "race" season they'll get to perform the opening number from West Side Story. Or is all that beach sand too tough on the Capezios?

Saturday Night Live Rumors

We work down the hall from "Saturday Night Live." And so we’re privy to all sorts of … internet rumors.

We’ve been waiting to say anything about the rumor mill surrounding SNL this week, because there seem to be new and conflicting reports every ten minutes.

This morning, there were rumors that Horatio Sanz, Chris Parnell, and Kenan Thompson were all being given the boot. But another source has Maya Rudolph and Will Forte leaving because they're sick of the show.

And then this afternoon, we find an interview with Horatio Sanz in today's Chicago Sun Times: "I haven't been approached with anything that's led me to believe I won't be back … I think some executives leaked a bunch of bulls#!^."

So, here’s what we know for sure. Tina Fey is definitely leaving because she’s working on NBC’s “30 Rock.” So is Rachel Dratch, who is now going play several different parts on "30 Rock." (Her original character will now be played by Jane Krakowski. Why?)

So, basically, we're still wondering who the four off of SNL will be. If we hear anything around the elevator bank, we’ll let you know.

Patty Hearst on Mars

We’re huge “Veronica Mars” fans around here, and we’re proud of our girl going off to college this year. We’re also very pleased to hear that she’ll be staying local, enabling the show to keep most of it’s core cast.

The character will be attending Hearst College -- named for a fictionalized lumber magnate based on newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst.

Here’s the awesome part: In a November episode of the show, Veronica will have to find an abducted board of trustees member of the college. And that part will be played by ... Patty Hearst!

For those that don’t know, a quick run down on Patty. She’s the granddaugther of William Randolph Hearst (the guy Citizen Kane is based on) and in 1974, she was abducted by the the Symbionese Liberation Army, who she then joined and robbed a bank with. She served a little bit of jail time, but her sentence was suspended by Jimmy Carter, and she was granted a full pardon by Bill Clinton in 2001.

Patty Hearst is no stranger to acting. She’s appeared in a few John Waters movies, and has made various television appearances. But this may be the first time she's acted as an abductee. Fascinating.

Now, why didn't they cast her in "Deadwood" this season?

Bring Your Daughter to Work Day

August 23, 2006

Every year during awards season, we see these women and think to ourselves: how is this still happening? And then we watch and remember -- Joan and Melissa Rivers were born to host red-carpet events.

This Sunday, at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmys, the ladies will host their 1,000th red-carpet interview. Which is great, because it seems that Joan’s been doing this for more than 30 years. (Maybe she has!)

With that in mind, Joan and Melissa are sharing their old-pro tips for red-carpet arrivals. We won’t go into all of them, but here are a few to keep in mind.

According to Joan, it’s important that you at least look like you’re enjoying yourself, even if you’re not really all that big of a star: “You're not in Kansas or Toledo or Boise anymore. Smile. Show everybody your new caps.”

The ladies also stress the importance of the choice in date. According to Joan: “Come alone or bring an escort who knows the industry.You don't want to babysit a starstruck cousin who is fresh off the farm. Or to worry about whether Paris Hilton has disappeared into the bathroom with your date.”

We think Joan Rivers is pure genius. Melissa’s sweet, kinda, and wears nice clothes and all. But we’re in it for Joan. She sat in for Johnny Carson, come on! She’s a legend who never ceases to make us laugh.

Stargate Closing

Zap2it.com is reporting a sad little story about America’s longest running science fiction television show. In what is sure to cause a collective “No!” across the country, the Sci Fi Channel has decided to end production on “Stargate SG-1.”

The show has been running for 10 seasons, and just over 200 episodes (four years on Showtime, six on Sci Fi). It spawned the spin-off “Stargate: Atlantis” as well as an enormous fan base that still draws roughly two million viewers per week.

“Stargate: SG1” is just the kind of science fiction TV we all love. A vivid world, with other cultures that teach us about ourselves on some primal level. How do the Goa’uld get along with the Ori? And what does that say about the Middle East? And these are people who don’t mess around with Homeland Security. No sir. Home WORLD security -- how’s that for a utopian future?

The official word from the network: "Having achieved so much over the course of the past 10 years, Sci Fi believes that the time is right to make this season ['SG-1's'] last on the channel. Sci Fi is honored to have been part of the 'Stargate' legacy for five years, and we look forward to continuing to explore the 'Stargate' universe" through more episodes of "Atlantis."

So, like Star Trek and others who have come before it, Stargate’s original series is through, but it will most certainly live on. And that’s the best kind of cancelled TV. The kind that people want more of.

4400 More

In keeping with our “fate-of-science-fiction-television-shows” theme today, we’ re happy to report that USA Network has picked up “The 4400” for another season.

Are you watching this show? 4400 people dissappear over several years and then are returned to earth with super powers? Who abducted them? Aliens seem the obvious answer, right? Oh no, friends … it’s humans from the future.

When it debuted in 2003, we were sure it would falter based on the premise alone. But the show has now gained enough of an audience for USA to call the show a “ratings blockbuster.” The show has even survived the soap-opera convention of bringing back a long-dead character, played by Billy Campbell. We’ll give props where they are due.

USA’s statement is that "this show continues to thrive creatively from year to year … and we're looking forward to another season filled with intriguing characters, unique twists and incredibly suspenseful storylines."

It’s third season premires this Sunday night, and the next season will start in summer '07.

Smoking Cartoons

August 22, 2006

We've had our Janet Jacksons and our Howard Sterns, but it seems America is not the only "Western Democracy" with censor problems. Here is a run down on current censorship news from Europe.

BBC News (not to be confused with BBCancelled News) reports that the UK will be censoring "Tom and Jerry" cartoons. No, Jerry hasn't been wearing the thong, and Tom’s drinking troubles seem to be behind him. It just seems that children's advocates are disturbed by scenes glamorizing the cat and mouse smoking.

So clip, clip ... no more sexy smoking mammals on kids TV. And Turner Broadcasting, which owns the Boomerang Channel in Europe where the complainants first saw the offending cartoons, will be scouring all archival cartoons and cutting smoking scenes from other classics as well, like "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons."

Who smoked on "The Jetsons?"

Censorship is stupid, but promoting smoking to kids is an old and deadly corporate strategy. We would just like to point out that there’s a time and a place for history. Remember, "Tom and Jerry" also included, for many years, the overtly racist character of “Mammy.” Inappropriate to show to children, but important to remember.

In other news, the BBC is also reporting reports that a Swedish News program accidentally let one of the background monitors in the newsroom show hardcore porn during a weekend news program.

That's right, right behind the anchor was a monitor showing some nasty down and dirty naked AC-TION. Get down! It was a complete accident by a staffer who was watching sports on Canal Plus earlier in the evening, and left the monitor tuned to the station -- which shows porn after midnight.

Suffice it to say the SVT, the Swedish State Broadcaster, was very red-faced at the blunder. If it happened here in America, oh my, everyone would be fired, there would be serious fines, and even legislation passed to protect the children from the news.

Sweden, huh?

Gandolfini Sticks With HBO

He’s won HBO a few Emmys and he’s helped launched one of the largest cult-following programs in recent history, so he should probably be given his due. We love a guy with staying power, and James Gandolfini is one of them.

This past week, the "Sopranos" star signed a deal with HBO that ensures he will be sticking around long after the “Sopranos” closes up shop.

According to an article on Zap2it.com, Gandolfini signed a three-year production deal that allows him to develop and produce projects for HBO’s film division, “Picturehouse.”

Does that mean he’ll get to smoke cigars and have people killed?

Already in the works is a pet project of Gandolfini’s: a biopic called “Hemingway.” The script is being written by Pollock author Barbara Turner, and will star Gandolfini as the bearded old man. Also in development is a documentary about soldiers in Iraq.

East Coast "O.C."

It’s like “The Facts of Life” only everyone is Blair.

Josh Schwartz, the creator of “The O.C.” is talking with The CW about executive producing the television version of the popular “Gossip Girls” young adult book series.

The books follow a group of ultra-privileged girls through their adventures at a very high priced and upscale private school in Manhattan. It was nearly made into a movie, to be written by “Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladnio, and to star Lindsay Lohan, but the whole thing fell through.

I suppose we could stand more shows about affluent teenagers. It’s a perfect demographic to sell things to. And some people are seriously crazy about watching “The O.C.” – so we’ll reserve our judgement on this one.

It sounds a little “destined for cancelled,” though, doesn’t it?

Emmys for TV Geeks

August 21, 2006

This being BrilliantButCancelled.com, we thought you’d be interested in who won the Emmy for “Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming -- Multi-Camera Production.” To those who follow this sort of thing (all of us TV geeks), the winner was clear:“The Amazing Race: Here Comes the Bedouin!”

And what about the Emmy for “Technical Direction and Camerawork, Video, for a Series”? That honor went to “Dancing with the Stars, Episode 204.”

And in a stiffer competition than usual, this year's Emmy for choreography went to “High School Musical.”

The Creative Emmys are a dry affair, the kind that don’t spend a lot of time on a fussy red carpet. There were, of course, some star-studded moments, brought on mostly by presenters like Allison Janney, Christina Ricci, and Mark Harmon. The show’s hosts Penn and Teller, whose own show “Penn and Teller: Bullshit” was nominated for three technical Emmys, went home empty-handed.

The bulk of the awards went to HBO, for miniseries such as “Elizabeth I” and “Rome.”

There are some acting awards given at this ceremony, notably the awards for guest-starring in a series, comedy or drama. The unbelievably funny Cloris Leachman (top left) won for her role as the grandmother on “Malcom In the Middle” while the amazing Patricia Clarkson (right) took home an Emmy for her role as Ruth’s hippie sister on “Six Feet Under.”

You can find the entire list of winners here.

"Patchwork" Family

No kidding, that’s what the Germans are calling the family of Project Runway’s Heidi Klum and her husband, pop-star Seal.

Patchwork. Yikes.

But Heidi and Seal are currently expecting their third child (the second that's biologically both of theirs). And they plan on having a lot more. Why? It makes Heidi even prettier. ''We want to have a lot of children,'' the supermodel tells Life magazine in its latest issue. ''(Seal) always says that he finds me the most beautiful when I'm pregnant.''

Klum and Seal were married last year and already have a 10-month-old son, named Henry Guenther Ademola Dashtu Samuel.

Klum, 33, also has a two-year-old daughter, Leni, from a previous relationship with Formula One manager Flavio Briatore.

So back to that patchwork thing. Charmingly harmless, or racist and inappropriate?

''I was like, 'Hmm, is this an insult or is this positive?'” says Klum, “I talked to Seal about it, and we're, like, it's actually kind of great -- we're all different shades and we came together and we all love each other.''

Alles klar. Zupa.