THE TKTV NEWSLETTER
Season 4, Episode 3 aired January 29, 2001

CONTENTS
1. Intro
2. Letters from the viewing audience
3. Media Junkie
     -by guest writer Jason Friedman
4. Don't Miss
5. TV Trivia
6. A totally unrelated link
1. Intro

Yay, Survivor II premiered! Oh yeah, and the Giants got completely creamed in the Super Bowl. I'll admit, that was a bit of a surprise, but the highlight of my Sunday was definitely in the Australian Outback. It'll take me a little while to get to know these new Survivors, and there will never be another show like the first, but this series has great potential. The Stonehenge-like tribal council area is fabulous, particularly situated next to a waterfall going over a huge cliff. The cast is fun to look at it, even if you don't listen to what's coming out of their mouths. The first challenge was a doozy, and the first Survivor voted off the island, Debb, will not be missed. The "CSI," "Survivor" line-up on Thursday nights is going to be my new guilty pleasure (now that "Titans," which wasn't nearly pleasurable enough, is gone).

I've watched one episode of FOX's version of "Survivor," "Temptation Island." Dear, God, what an incredibly messed up show!!! Oddly engaging, but really really messed up. Fox, and I didn't think it was possible after "Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire," has hit a new low, and yet their ratings have hit a new high. Augh. Can you believe this show is actually stealing some viewers from "The West Wing" in certain key demographics? What is this world coming to?

So get this: the cast and crew of "3rd Rock from the Sun" have already wrapped for the season. Since the show hasn't been strong in the ratings this season, no one knows yet whether or not this will be a season finale or a series finale. In the episode, the aliens are called back home and end up back in the red convertible, just as they arrived five years and 138 episodes ago. It's an hour-long episode, and apparently is designed to close either the season or the whole series, depending on what is necessary. I gotta say, this show appeals to me much like "The Nanny" does. It's a rather silly premise, and should be really annoying, but is oddly engaging despite itself. "3rd Rock" beats out "The Nanny" with its really stellar cast and slightly more intellectual approach to comedy. I think it would be sad to see this show go, and yet it won't leave a big hole in my life personally.

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2. Letters from the viewing audience

From Laura:
I agree that Freaks and Geeks is a great show. I loved it and was very upset when it was cancelled. I wish the Fox Family channel would order new episodes, but I'm sure the actors have moved on (John Daley and James Franco obviously have).

As far as the college kids not being done before - several shows showcased kids in college, including Beverly Hills, 90210. BUT there was a show back in the earlier 90's on FOX specifically about college kids and dorm/college life.

I loved this show and was again upset when it was cancelled after very few episodes - but I cannot recall the name of the show. I do remember it starred Kari Wuhrer, Brandon Douglas, and Megan Ward (I think that was her name - she was the blonde that played Jill on Party of Five, Bailey's ill-fated love from season 1) among other talented young actors of the time. Do you recall this show?? If you do, I would appreciate a reply with the TITLE so I can stop beating my head against the wall trying to figure it out. (In one particularly good episode, REM's song "Losing My Religion" figured prominently in it with Douglas's character). please help!

Thanks!!!

Note from TK: the show you're looking for is called "Class of '96." It starred Brandon Douglas, Jason Gedrick, Lisa Dean Ryan, Perry Moore, Megan Ward (who was, indeed, Bailey's love interest Jill on "Party of Five" who overdosed and died at the end of the first season), Gale Hansen, Kari Wuhrer, Robin Tunney, Madolyn Smith-Osborne, Bridgid Coulter, and David Beecroft. The plot followed seven students at a ficticious Ivy League university. The show was a mid-season replacement in 1993 and was gone after a few episodes due to low ratings.
Letters from the viewing audience are always welcome. Please email any opinions, questions, comments, or random thoughts to TK at tk@tktv.net with the subject of "letters." Letters may be edited for length or content.

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3. Media Junkie by Jason Friedman

Since my cable wasn't quite working on Wednesday, I watched "Spin City" and "Drew Carey." It is the first time I have seen both this year ("West Wing" timeslot). Needless to say, NBC wasn't coming in on my TV. "Spin City" was very good the first few years. Let's face it, even before Michael J. left it wasn't good anymore. Heather Locklear is just not funny, and seems unsure of herself on a sitcom. Basically, this episode was pretty funny when she wasn't in it. Charlie Sheen is very adept at comedy and shows some of his "Hot Shots" flair. The rest of the supporting cast is solid as well. The parts with Heather were boring and unfunny.

I like Drew Carey, but don't generally like the show. This week proved that right; the show seems strained and out of good ideas. The fact that they are having Drew get hit by a bus is pretty pathetic. The supporting cast is not much help. Ryan Stiles is funny on "Whose Line is it Anyway?" but seems a bit lost here. And, the heavily made-up co-worker is just annoying. I know it is extremely difficult to keep a sitcom fresh after a few years, but this isn't anywhere near fresh.

The new Dick Wolf "Law and Order" spin-off has set its cast for the first season. The main star is Vincent D'Onofrio, who is a talented character actor. He has been in many movies, but I will always remember him as the overweight Private Pyle in "Full Metal Jacket." Another star of the new show is Kathryn Erbe. Fans of "Oz" will remember her great stint as a death row inmate. Finally, Jamey Sheridan has been added to the cast as the head of the grizzled police lieutenant. I remember him best from a great role on the mini-series "The Stand." The difference of this show is the criminal's point of view is the focus, instead of the cop's. I am intrigued by the cast. Hopefully, it will be better than Special Victims Unit.

E!'s "Talk Soup" has finally picked a new host; Aisha Taylor. I don't know who she is either, but she seemed pretty good. In case you have never seen it, "Talk Soup" shows funny clips from various talk shows throughout the week. In between, the host clowns around on a set that probably cost $1.50 to construct. It is usually a very amusing half-hour. Greg Kinnear launched his career on this show. The last host, John Henson, was very over the top, but funny. He left the show for some reason. Has anyone seen him since? Anyway, "Talk Soup" is a typical E! program; somewhat embarrassing, yet pretty entertaining.

TKTV is always looking for new guest writers. Do you have an idea for an article? Write to TK with the subject of "guestwriter."

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4. Don't Miss

And so February sweeps begins...
For details and lots more fun TV to look forward to, see
http://www.tktv.net/index.html?/upcoming.html

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5. TV Trivia

Last week's question was: which CBS sitcom actress starred in the 1988 film "The Blob?"

Only two people answered this one correctly, so first prize is split between MikeyJake and Allan J. Congratulations!

The correct answer was Shawnee Smith, who currently stars as Linda on CBS's "Becker."

This week's question is: what current NBC drama actor, who now plays a cop, played a criminal helping out the FBI in another short-lived NBC drama in 1997?

Send answers to TK at tk@tktv.net with the subject of tvtrivia. Winners will be chosen at random from all the correct answers.

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6. A totally unrelated link

Anti-Radiation Safety Enhancing Wideband Insulating Phone Extender

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It goes without saying that you should never have more children than you have car windows. -Erma Bombeck