Moronic Post to Battle My Mounting Panic: TV!

In light of my horrid fucking unending PMS (seriously--it's been over two weeks. And NO I'm not pregnant, silly) and today's third-time-this-week wicked migraine--which is leading to an incredibly short temper and complete lack of patience--I thought I'd post about something innocuous: summer television! That way I don't have to get into the email I got from someone who wants me to believe that aborted babies are left to die in janitorial closets at hospitals (which, if you are a labor and delivery nurse, you already know, right?) and therefore I should STOP EVERYTHING AND SAVE THE BABIES. Or the fact that my freelance client is growing more distant and more folks are being laid off at that company and at any moment I am going to lose three quarters of my income and I am UTTERLY PANICKED about that fact (although the last time I took the dog to the vet the vet practically begged me to come work for her--"even one shift" she said, so I guess I can do that if I have to). I totally do NOT want to think about those things.

So on to television!

There's not much on that's new that isn't a reality show. And I'll admit it--I have watched a couple. I'm watching Nashville Star (of course you know that she is my favorite, right?) even though they cannot seem to match the tension of American Idol and OH MY FUCKING GOD Billy Ray Cyrus is the worst fucking host in the universe (seriously, I doubted that there was anything that could make me think Ryan Seacrest is brilliant, but Billy Ray has managed to do it). But I do love country music (classic and alternative country, thank you, not the current popular stuff I like to call "bimbo country" and "if he really was a country singer his hair wouldn't be frosted" country). But there's nothing else on. So I watch.

I've also watched one episode of The Baby Borrowers, but I couldn't stop feeling totally freaked out that there were people who would give their children to these teenagers, even just for three days, even if you could watch from a monitor, and even if a "nanny" was nearby to supervise. FUCK THAT SHIT. So, um, I shall not be watching again.

I got sucked into Wipeout, and since it was during an early evening re-run of the first episode, so did Tori. She LOVED it, saying "Uh-Oh!" and "Silly!" while we watched. I will admit to laughing, quite hard, as these idiots bounced on the big red balls. I'm rapidly becoming a horrible bit of humanity, I know.

OF COURSE I watched Battlestar Gallactica, and am utterly devastated by this completely and utterly unreasonable interruption in the final season. Although I do NOT want the show to end, I also MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Very frustrating.

I am very, very eagerly awaiting the start of two of my absolute favorite shows ever. I am a HUGE fan of Keira Sedgewick's brilliant show The Closer, which is starting up again in a couple of weeks (oh, for the sake of completeness, July 14). I don't think there has been such a perfectly nuanced female character on television, ever. She is utterly spectacular as Brenda Lee Johnson, a deputy sheriff with a gift for making suspects crack. She is smart as shit, bent, and with weaknesses (watching her fight, and fail, her addiction to sweets is awesome. Oh, and she was diagnosed with PCOS last season). I adore her, and want her to be my friend. Yes, I want a  fictional person to be my friend.

Also starting at the same time is the equally awesome Saving Grace staring Holly Hunter as the functional alcoholic I wish I could have been (she makes being an alcoholic look like so much fun sometimes I need a meeting after watching the show). She is a cop NOT in search of redemption with an angel named Earl following her around determined to give it to her. While it may sound as sappy as Touched By An Angel, I assure you it is NOT since Earl tends to appear at times, say, when Grace is tied to her bed naked and left there by a one night stand with writing on her ass. I seriously love this show. But I don't want to be Grace's friend because she would totally convince me to relapse in about ten seconds.

Not quite as well constructed and yet still highly enjoyable is In Plain Sight, staring a woman who was on ER for five seasons although for the life of my I can't remember who she played (yes, I still watch ER, and I will until the bitter fucking end). This show is a bit campy but is often laugh-out-loud funny, and I really like her mildly-funny looking partner. Bonus--Lesley Anne Warren plays her down-on-her-luck mother with panache.

Lastly, for some reason while flipping channels I ended up watching the pilot episode of The Middleman, a show that would so totally suck if it weren't for two things: an amazing actress playing the lead role, and a script that is so funny, snappy, and full of esoteric references that I actually have to pause it and rewind--often--to catch it all. It is not a show geared to adults--I'm guessing tweens are the audience--but DAMN. It is hilarious. The show is majorly campy (think Hercules, but with shades of Men In Black) but still worth a watch. If you have kids eight and up, I'd suggest you watch this show with them (there is some cartoonish violence, but it's bearable). After all, I imagine that there will never be another show that references Simone De Beauvior, Johnny Cash, Mexican wrestlers, and makes fun of Hooters in a single episode.

If you don't have cable, all of these shows are available for viewing online. Aren't you thrilled? Because I know you aren't spending enough time online already.

The only other shows I'm watching are Showtime's Weeds (really a disappointment so far this season) and The Secret Dairy of Call Girl (also not that interesting, yet I watch).

Anyway, I am much cheered by thinking about all these mindlessly entertaining shows and not my problems. Forgive me. So, what are you watching?

Comments

[Chickenpig]

1.

I love The Closer, I think the entire cast does a great job, and the writing is really well done. I'm also entirely pissed that I have to wait to see the rest of Battlestar Galactica...how can they leave us hanging like that? Grrr...... I'm looking forward to seeing the final season of the Shield, man these cops are real skeezy, but what a well crafted drama!

Right now I'm addicted to Deadliest Catch...who knew that crab fishing could be interesting? and Hell's Kitchen, which is almost over. I can't stand any of the singing shows, I would rather go out to a bar and watch drunks sing karaoke....or have knitting needles driven into my eyes...again and again and again and again and again.

I hope everything works out on the job front, and that the PMS resolves itself shortly. (you're sure you're not pregnant? KIDDING...just kidding!)

[Hazy]

2.

For us in the Uk, its slim pickings as a lot of the good series have finished for the summer. We're holding on to 'Brothers & Sisters' for dear life, and hoping that they start showing the new series (old to you, I assume) of Grey's Anatomy. We even only have one more week of Doctor Who. Next thing you know my DH and I will have to talk to each other!

[Lisa]

3.

I watched the first two seasons of The Closer and am waiting with bated breath for the third season to come via Netflix. I'm the only person who wants Brenda with Chief Pope, not Fritz!

I've been watching the first season of Burn Notice on DVD and can't wait for next Thursday for the season premiere. Jeff Donovan = rawr.

I like In Plain Sight, too, and am a YOOGE fan of Psych. Basically, I'm USA's whore.

[Kathy C.]

4.

Don't watch much TV so not up on any of this, but (bangs fists) me want more pictures of BABY GIRL.

[Journeywoman]

5.

What? No Swingtown?

[JuliaKB]

6.

I watch Closer when I catch it. I like her, but I am not addicted.
Am enjoying TV on DVD. A lot. Not even a need to fast forward through the commercials. Although we are going to need a new series to watch soon.
Hope PMS is better soon.

[away2me]

7.

I too watched the baby borrows and freaked. I don't think I will watch it again.

Wipeout is hysterical. My 2yo loves it also.

I survived a Japanese game show, good, not as good. I also like Ice Road Truckers, Deadliest Catch, Black Gold, those type.

I watch WAY too much TV!

[Amie]

8.

The only thing I'm watching is Top Chef...I miss sitcoms....but like, the real ones...everything is all reality tv and drama series now :(

[charmingdriver]

9.

Mary McCormack (the Marshal on In Plain Sight) wasn't on ER for several seasons; she was on several episodes as somewhat of a love interest for Carter and I believe her character was involved in Carter's overseas ventures.

Sherry Stringfield was on the newest episode of In Plain Sight this past week and she was on ER for about five years total (she was on for a few seasons, left, came back and left again); she is the Dr (Susan Something) who was raising ''Suzy'', her (addict) sister's abandoned baby daughter.

Thank grief this trivia is filling up my mind so I don't slip up and do something productive.

[Ally]

10.

And Burn Notice starts next week! (http://www.usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice/) TURN VOLUME DOWN - link opens with music.

[Sandy]

11.

I am loving Dirty Jobs right now. Talk about funny. And, I also like Deadliest Catch. I am completely bummed that Top Chef is over, but all it did was make me hungry, and I was wicked happy that Stephanie won.

And, I am really waiting for these TV execs to figure out that we don't all summer at lake houses with no TV anymore. Therefore, stagger the schedule and start shows at different times, so that I can have a constant fill of mind-numbing drivel! That would be make my summer (when I actually have more time and don't really want to hang out in the heat) more complete. If only I could rule the world!

[Celeste]

12.

Mary McCormack is the agent on In Plain Sight. She was on West Wing for a long time. Maria Novello was the one who was on E/R. They could be sisters.

It's embarrassing how much tv I watch. Only sometimes do I knit or otherwise be productive.

I like Swingtown because I lived in those times.

[Courtney]

13.

Charmingdriver beat me to it, but Mary McCormack was apparently on ER for 6 episodes between 2003-2006, or so IMDB tells me. I know her from the West Wing, where I wasn't enthused about her character.

I don't own a tv. But I'm off to watch The Daily Show on my computer. :)

[Sarah]

14.

I have repeatedly told my husband that SNL needs to do a skit on Billy Ray and his HIDEOUS hosting. He is a complete and utter train wreck on that show.

Shows I am watching: Deadliest Catch, Ice Truckers, Season 3 of Weeds, and Season 1 of Dexter. There are probably more, but these are these are my faves right now.

[Claudia Marsh]

15.

I'm sucked into Swingtown. Guilty pleasure, for sure, but like most network programming, it'd be better if it was on cable re: HBO or Showtime.

I saw the first episode of Rock the Reception and it was pretty darned entertaining. It's on TLC and follows couples as they plan and perform a surprise super-duper-show-stopper first dance at their wedding reception. I'm bummed I didn't think to do that at my wedding.

[Elena]

16.

On regular t.v. I am watching So You Think You Can Dance. I'm also following the Bachelorette. But I am really enjoying Netflix! I just love getting my shows that way. Right now we are watching the John Adams Series that was on HBO and my 15-year-old who studied this portion of history is loving it! Since it is also the year of St. Paul, I got a DVD about him too. I'm enjoying Netflx so much, I'm thinking of buying a subscription for my mom! That's the plan anyway.

[jenn]

17.

I am totally, unapologetically addicted to "So You Think You Can Dance." I especially enjoy being super-critical of the young, lithe, amazingly talented contestants while sitting on my couch eating Cheet-os. Really? You call that a lift? Work for it, baby!! I should add that I have no dance experience, just a well-developed bitchy streak.

I've also Netflix-ed "Nip/Tuck" which one of my girlfriends has been raving at me about for years. Other than that, I've found suck-all on TV this summer. Thank God for blogging.

[HeatherHM]

18.

I am a total FREAK for "So You Think You Can Dance." I swear, I sit around all week and just slobber for Wednesday night to roll around. Kinda sad commentary on my life, but I don't care. I'm also completely hooked, all the time, on Deadliest Catch. I know, I know--it's cold, they're catching crab, yada yada--but it just sucks me in every time. Maybe it's because I have a crush on Edgar Hansen?

[Lisa]

19.

I've been getting into Swingtown, even though it has some minor flaws. I want to like the two main characters but the main actress is just so blank-eyed, it's hard, but the sub-plots involving the kids are interesting and I really like the annoying goody-goody-friend character. I'm hoping the main actress will settle into her character and give it more depth as the show goes on.

We've also been watching a lot of "Dateline" and "Primetime" and "20/20" which would lead you to believe that all spouses will eventually kill each other since it seems that every night there is one of these programs on and it's always about a murderous spouse. Kinda depressing, but I totally get into the murder-mystery stuff.

We checked out "Wipeout" for the first time last night, it was funny, and we watched the "Japanese Gameshow" show and that was ok too. I have to admit I've also been paying vague attention to "The Bachelorette."

We've also been watching the latest DVD-available seasons of "Weeds" (ok), "Flight of the Conchords" (OMG so funny), "The Riches" (surprisingly poignant), "Ghost Hunters" (minor obsession of mine) and we just got the first disc of "Mad Men" from Netflix.

[Nanarocksween]

20.

Fan of So You Think You Can Dance.
Also, HUGE fan of The Closer.
DVD series watching now: Freaks and Geeks. I think Apatow has got something there (and with his movies). Best show now out on DVD (my daughter bought it - I was lucky enough to see it on cable) MAD MEN.
Best tv show in years. If you haven't seen it, check it out. EXCELLENT writing AND acting.

All of this is so much better for my psyche than watching and reading the news.

[watercolor]

21.

Project Runway! Can't wait for it to start! I'm totally hooked. It is sad. heh.

[Mary]

22.

I DVR "In Plain Sight" because I can't watch TV that late. I'm loving it. I especially love her partner - his delivery is hysterical!
Other than that, pretty much I watch "The Wonder Pets," "Signing Time," and "Jeopardy." Why yes, I do have a brilliant 2 3/4 year old. Why do you ask?

[Susan]

23.

I so love The Closer, best show ever.
And Mary McCormack (forgive me if anyone beofre me posted this) was on ER, she was a Red Cross/refugee aid type person in the Congo (or wherever it was he went) and showed Carter the ropes and I think she showed up again when Luca went as well.

[Janice]

24.

Am I the only one who likes Army Wives? I'm also watching Swingtown,caught the first Wipe Out, and anything that looks interesting on 48 hours. Looks like I need to check out The Closer.

[Jenny]

25.

Oh BOY do I love me some TeeVee to keep my mind off of all the things I should be doing. I love the Closer, and if you haven't seen Burn Notice it is also love-worthy.

Fingers crossed for you (and me) that things get better realreal soon.

[Dara]

26.

I love, LOVE, LOVE me some Craig Fergusen. I can't stay up that late but I Tivo it and he is the best of all the late night talk shows. I wish I had that much fun doing my job. His unbridled joy at getting paid to do what he does is amazing.

[Sarah]

27.

Ok, clearing it up:
Mary McCormack was on ER,she was in the Dafur episodes. She was the aid worker and lover of the african doctor.
It was Maria Bello (not novello) who was on ER in the old old days and does bear a striking resemblance to Mary McCormack.
I'm breathlessly awaiting the return of Mad Men, which I know did not thrill you. Aside from teh writing and compelling stories, I enjoy feeling like I'm in a time machine. One look at the undergarments those women wore is enough to make me want to jump back to the future!

[Libby]

28.

I too am addicted to So You Think You Can Dance - although it's not as good this year as the past two. Am also anxiously awaiting the return of Mad Men - THE best show on television, hands down. Just discovered last year's episodes are on On Demand from Comcast right now, sweet! I love Brenda Johnson too, for many reasons, but I truly love her relationship with her parents, it's hysterical.

[Diana]

29.

Not quite sure if you know that the show In Plain sight is totally filmed here in Albuquerque, Makes it more fun to watch if you look for the familiar Alb sites.

[Annie]

30.

on DVD - Shameless (british, only season 1 is on region 1 dvd, but seriously, it's genius. season 2 also genius). Same situation, including regional constraints, for Hex. Torchwood & the New Dr. Who - very good and all region 1 dvd and also BBC america.

love Mad Men, really inexplicably fond of Burn Notice (why is it so watchable? why?), like the Tudors but cannot figure out or explain why (costumes are often better than acting and yet I watch on, besotted), and Dexter is delightful. Flight of Conchords really great.

[Jenni]

31.

I am ashamed to admit I might have been sucked into Swingtown also. I was interested because I am a big fan of the lead actor (although he should just be British in it because I am not buying the American accent) and it is just so horribly cheesy I've just got to watch it!

Other guilty pleasures include anything on the Discovery Health channel about weird conditions or obesity (I am a fat person, like to learn new things that might help me) and sometimes Dr. G & Mystery Diagnosis.

And when I want to wind myself up big time there is of course Countdown. I heart Keith Oberman.

[bh]

32.

Swingtown has sucked me in...and i better go watch it right now....
it would be better on HBO though

[lynnie]

33.

Endless PMS and migraines seems to be the story of my life. Did you stop taking the metfromin, or is it not helping with that?

I love The Closer. My mister loves her too. We don't have cable anymore and I didn't know it was available for viewing online. Yay!

[mary Means]

34.

while I LOVE the Closer, I'm anxiously awaiting Burn Notice- good lord do I have a crush on him!
And I'm sorry, but I can;t watch Billy Ray Cyrus even in the commercials: he has the same hair cut my mother had while I was in elementary school...that's just about how cool he is, as cool as my mom in the late 70s :)

[akeeyu]

35.

If you liked Wipeout, you should Netflix the old episodes of MXC. Or TiVo them. Or, um, just watch them live, I guess. They're a hoot, and Wipeout is just a shameless (nerfed) rip off.

[Alison]

36.

I am in a horribly bad mood and your t.v. post always make me feel better. Please, don't ever stop your television blogging:)

[queleanorirk]

37.

My sister started taking Coenzyme Q10 about a year ago because she went on a cholesterol lowering drug. She noticed that she was not getting her usual periodic migraines, but did not make any connection with the supplement. Then,while watching the PBS show "Second Opinion", she heard the doctors say that CoQ10 helps relieve migraines in some people. Maybe it's worth a try? It's expensive, though.

[Heather]

38.

Mad Men is awesome - the first season is out on DVD and the new season starts next week. I expected to hate this show but it totally rocks.