THE TKTV NEWSLETTER
Season 2, Episode 35 aired November 8, 1999

For subscription requests, simply email me personally at tk@tktv.net.

CONTENTS
1. Intro
2. Letters from the viewing audience
3. Decisions, decisions!
4. Don't miss
5. TV Trivia
6. Favorite quotes of the week
7. A totally unrelated link

1. Intro

Well, we're smack in the middle of November sweeps, and now is when we get to see what is going to make it to spring, and what is going to be the victim of a mid-season replacement. So far, Fox has already cancelled their entire Friday night line-up, consisting of the new Chris Carter series "Harsh Realm," and some new cop drama called "Ryan Caulfield: Year One." I believe that they were both victims of a bad timeslot and lack of promotion, but since I never watched either one I can't be sure that they weren't just terrible shows.

I was looking forward to "Harsh Realm." I was one of those few people that liked Chris Carter's sophomore effort with "Millennium," and I'm also a big fan of the star of the show, Scott Bairstow, who was featured on "Party of Five" last season. Unfortunately, Fox managed to launch the show in a difficult Friday night slot with almost no fanfare at all. It was so quiet even I almost missed it.

The least they could have done was pair it up with something that was already popular, like "The X-Files." Instead, they launched late into the season along with another brand new totally under-hyped show called "Ryan Caulfield: Year One" about a rookie cop trying to learn the ropes of his job. Did that already sound like a dud or what? Did anyone catch this show? Was it any good at all? The two shows flopped together, and Fox pulled them after only three airings. Sad sad sad.

Some other early disappearing acts are the NBC drama "Cold Feet," which has a small chance of coming back this summer, ABC's "It's Like, You Know..." and "Sports Night," which have both been pulled for part of November sweeps, NBC's "Suddenly Susan" which is gone for sweeps (and not missed, I might add), CBS's "Love & Money" which might be back in January, ABC's highly anticipated Kevin Williamson show, "Wasteland," which will probably get another chance later in the season, Fox's "Family Guy," which is gone indefinitely but not officially cancelled, Fox's "Action" and "Get Real" which have been pulled for the remainder of sweeps but will most likely be back, Fox's "Manchester Prep," which never even made it to air and never will (Fox has been having a hard season), and NBC's early October cancellation, "The Mike O'Malley Show." How's that for a really long sentence?

Shows still on the air, but in serious danger of getting cancelled, include one of my new favorites, "Freaks & Geeks" on NBC, and also the new dramedy on the WB, "Jack & Jill." Shows that will at least make it to the end of the season now include the new CBS sci-fi drama "Now & Again," which should have a TKTV site in a couple of weeks, the WB's teen show "Popular," NBC's "The West Wing," ABC's "Once and Again" which will be vacating the "NYPD Blue" timeslot in January and moving to Mondays at 10pm, ABC's new David E. Kelley show "Snoops," which surprised everyone, and the WB's "Buffy" spin-off "Angel," which didn't surprise anyone.

So keep watching, but be careful not to get too attached. It seems like just when you start to like something, the networks decide to give up on it and the next time you try to tune in, suddenly it's a rerun of "Friends" or a new "When Animals Attack" special. And send your opinions into the newsletter. If other viewers hear you talk about your favorite shows, they might also tune in and therefore help keep it on the air. Never underestimate the power of the web....

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2. Letters from the viewing audience

From Daphne:
I've discovered a new way to watch TV, and felt compelled to share it. Have you seen the new WB show "Jack and Jill?" I think the show itself is REALLY REALLY stupid (badly written, annoying characters, I could go on) BUT that fellow who plays Jill is just too hot to be believed. The tousled brown hair, the cleft chin, the full red lips, the muscular shoulders... ok, ok -- you get the picture. So I've figured out how to enjoy the eye candy without insulting my intelligence too much. I turn the TV sound off and listen to Ira Glass's "This American Life."

I don't know if you're familiar with this program (it's on NPR), but it is an absolute gem. The host, Ira Glass, has a very soothing voice and is clearly a very intelligent guy, but let's face it -- if he had all those qualities AND a hot bod... well, he probably wouldn't exist at all -- but if he did he CERTAINLY wouldn't be on the radio.

Try it -- it's a great way to fall asleep thinking happy thoughts on a Sunday evening!
From TheJosie1 (regarding TK's questions about 90210 last week):
I think Jennie Garth directed once. She was on a talk show discussing how it was strange for her to direct etc. I still watch the show, however I do not enjoy it the way I used to. In fact, the only thing that is currently holding my attention is the Steve/Janet/pregnancy story line. It bugs me that they turbo enhanced her pregnant belly. One week she was 4 months along and had told nobody, then she decided to tell everyone and boom, next episode she had a big ol' belly. But I am interested in watching Steve's character to see how he changes etc. with the pregnancy and eventual fatherhood. If it wasn't for that, I don't think I would be watching anymore. Some of those old story lines are really getting boring!
From Jennifer J.:
It's me again... aka Desperately Seeking Freaks & Geeks. Please, please, please...everyone take one hour to sit down and watch this show. I can honestly say I have NEVER laughed as hard from any TV show as I did during the second episode of Freaks and Geeks. Those of you who watched please recall the image of Sam's friend Bill, the geekiest one, more than a little intoxicated, discussing the monkey special that he saw on PBS. Oh man...still makes me laugh to tears. And um.... if you didn't see him becoming the Bionic Woman for Halloween in the third episode...well...need I say more? I am literally trying to pick myself up off of the floor just thinking about that scene ("If I were the Bionic Woman, what would I wear"). How often is it that a PREVIEW can make you explode with tearful laughter?? Have we seen Bill go "What the hell is that?" when viewing the sex ed chart in his P.E. class??? Oh my gosh.... this kid is absolutely amazing!!! They're all amusing...but he is just brilliant! In addition to the laughs, 5 stars to the person(s) in charge of music selection. I eagerly anticipate each episode...and hope that all of you give it a chance! Just had to make a plea to the so far unaware... ;)
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. Decisions, decisions! by Kim

Another week has come and gone and once it again the time has come for me to bestow upon you all my never-to-be-humble opinions about what's worth watching in prime time. In Part I of "Decision, decisions" I asked you all to check out NBC's Third Watch and I hope you did. Sunday's episode was fantastic so I hope you didn't miss it! But enough about last week's article... I know you are all waiting with baited breath to hear what I have to say about the Wednesday through Saturday.

WEDNESDAY: The West Wing (NBC)/Get Real (FOX), Law & Order (NBC)
To be honest, I'm having a little trouble with Wednesday nights. For the past few years, Wednesday has revolved around Party of Five and FOX. I've watched Law & Order but the only thing I really cared about was Party of Five. In the old days, I thought I couldn't live without Beverly Hills 90210. I even said that I was going to watch it this year after missing most of the last two seasons. But after two episodes I was bored. And I mean I really tried to get into it. But it just wasn't happening.

As for what I _am_ watching... I'm still undecided when it comes to the second hour of prime time. I watched the first three episodes of The West Wing; and I was impressed. Its premise is fairly original. And I like that its cast is not as recycled as a lot of the other new shows out there this season. To me it's a little more interesting that way. I didn't know what to expect from any of them going in... So for now I'm watching and waiting. And then there's Get Real on FOX. I worry that this freshman is not going to see it's sophomore season. I wasn't incredibly impressed with the first episode. It didn't WOW me. But it didn't run me off, either, and sometimes, when every show's a freshman, that's not such a bad thing. So only time will tell where I'll finally end up on Wednesday nights. Any input from the viewing audience on this one?

I tune in to Law & Order next. It's one of the most awarded and critically-acclaimed shows on television. It has survived countless cast, day, and time changes. But still, it stays strong. I know that for this hour I can be completely consumed by the story being told. And while, I hated to see Benjamin Bratt leave the show, I have to say the Jesse L. Martin is going to be very, very strong as "Lenny's" new partner. He fired up the show (and the women) when he guest starred on Ally McBeal last season... I'm betting he can do the same at Law & Order.

THURSDAY: Friends (NBC), Jesse (NBC), Wasteland (ABC), ER (NBC)
Last week I promised to fill you in on the show that has made me change the channel on Thursday nights. I'm getting to that, but first -- Old Faithful. Friends is a show that has been so neglected by Emmy that it's just sad. It is consistently funny. Week after week I tune in and week after week I laugh out loud. The characters are normal and neurotic at the same time. I'm guessing that I probably don't need to sell you all on Friends. You know it's funny...and even heart-warming at times. Guaranteed. After Friends, I usually leave the TV on NBC for Jesse. It's moderately funny and somewhat original. And it's certainly better than Diagnosis Murder. But ABC keeps juggling Whose Line Is It Anyway, and if it lands opposite Jesse Christina and company will be history in my book.

As the credits roll at the end of Jesse, I flip it over a minute or so early to ABC because I don't want to miss a single minute of Wasteland. Finally, a good drama about people my age... going through the things I'm going through. They're struggling to find out who they really are. They're trying to work real jobs and find the people they're going to spend their lives with. They are a group of friends who've been through college together and are now trying to figure out how to be friends (and adults) in the strange new world they're growing into. ABC has shelved Wasteland for November sweeps, but, according to ABC's web site "Wasteland will return in December." It better. I'd hate to see this network mess up a really, really good thing. I love it. I've recorded (and kept) every episode so far and hope there are many more to come.

And, of course, I'm back to NBC after that for television's best-known drama, ER. I'd say the show hasn't suffered at all from the loss of George Clooney. It's just way too strong for that. I regret that Julianna Margulies' character, Carol, has been reduced to a semi-marginal character for the first few episodes of the season. We got to see so much of her at the end of last season as she dealt with Doug's leaving and her pregnancy, it seems a real shame to push her aside now. Despite this complaint, I am still happy with the show. Rebecca DeMornay's stint as Carter's love interest has been interesting. It's allowed us to spend a little time with Carter outside of the ER and with Noah Wylie as a "leading man." Just for the record, when he gets ready to go for full-time leading man status, I'm confident he can pull it off! He doesn't jump out at you like a Clooney or a Brad Pitt, but he's got charm... and class. As for the rest of the ER staff/cast... Eric LaSalle and Anthony Edwards are steady and strong as doctors Benton and Green. My only complaint about this great hour of television is that there are so many interesting characters there's not enough time for all of them.

FRIDAY: Freaks & Geeks (NBC), Providence (NBC)
I don't watch a lot of television of Friday night... Thank goodness that more often than not I have something "better" to do. I try to get out of the house at least once a week! ;-) But seriously, the last two weeks I've watched Freaks & Geeks and Providence on NBC. I think it's normal time slot will actually be Saturday nights at 8pm, but the way everybody's shuffling lineups, who knows? Anyway, wherever it winds up, Freaks & Geeks is worth a look. It's a fairly wholesome, mostly inoffensive look at a time period I vaguely remember. The show is set in a jr. high/high school in the early 80's. It has a Wonder Years-type style, but mixed with witty references to Dallas, The Bionic Woman, and Star Wars (the original release). The parents are incredibly "lame." And the kids are working incredibly hard at fitting in. I don't look for Freaks & Geeks to break any new ground in the plot department, but I have found it to be entertaining... that's what it's all about, right?

Another one I won't miss is Providence. I'm sure right about now you guys are wondering how I manage to watch all this tv, right? I wonder that myself sometimes. Sometimes, I spend most of Saturday watching all my tapes from the week before while I clean house. It sure makes cleaning a lot more fun. Anyway... Providence is one of my favorites right now. It's not too serious, but not too flaky, either. I love Marina Kanakaredes. She is luminous as Dr. Sidney Hanson... The entire cast comes off as very _real_. And Providence has two things that they teach you in every advertising/marketing class: puppies and babies! Especially for all the women out there -- the show has an interesting way of looking at and dealing with the relationships between mothers and daughters and between sisters. I highly recommend it!

SATURDAY: The Pretender (NBC)
I used to relish the NBC Saturday Night Thrillogy. They kicked off what I considered to be this incredible marketing campaign in the fall season of 1997 (I think). The promos were AWESOME! "Feel the thrillogy..." and the like... The original Thrillogy lineup was Dark Skies (killed after one season), The Pretender (still going strong), and Profiler. My husband says The Pretender is his favorite show. It's really tailor-made for men. It's very Quantum Leap-y, only without the Science Fiction. Jarod, the main character, is a pretender. "A genius who can become anyone he wants to be." He was taken from his family as a child and held at The Center, a "research center" in Delaware. As an adult, Jarod escaped from the Center and is spending his time looking for what's left of his family and running from those at The Center who are trying to capture him and bring him back. His status as a pretender allows for new situations in each episode and interesting guest characters. Michael T. Weiss (once Dr. Mike Horton on Days of Our Lives) is charming and dark at the same time as Jarod. He brings strength and weakness to a very unique character week after week. If you actually have a life, meaning you're not home on Saturday night, set the VCR. The Pretender will hook you before you know it!

Well, that's it! You've heard my two cents. Now I'm sure TK and the rest of the viewing audience would love to hear yours. What do you think? Have I completely missed the mark? Or hit the nail on the head?

By the way... these opinions are about as likely to change as the network's lineups... so stay tuned!

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

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4. Don't miss

It's guest star week....

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: what TV series co-starred Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Mira Sorvino, and Brittany Daniel (currently on "Dawson's Creek" as Eve)?

First prize goes to Mare, who correctly answered "Swan's Crossing."

Second prizes go to Monique, Shannon W., Allan J., WBWeekly, Amer1985, Ines, Tim K., Lindsay, Todd C., and Scott S. - the next ten people to answer correctly.

This week's question is, what is the name of the actress who originally played Jack in the pilot of the WB's "Jack & Jill?"

Send answers to TK at tk@tktv.net with the subject of tvtrivia.

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6. Favorite Quotes of the Week

From "Sports Night" "I didn't behave like a man." -Jeremy
"You're apologizing like one." -Natalie

From "Two Guys and a Girl" "This is the only way they'll let us have our wedding here. And this church is really special to me. It's where my mom married my favorite step-father." -Sharon

From "The Pretender"
"Behind the aluminum siding suburbia's a freak show." -Miss Parker

From "Felicity"
"Excuse me, I have to... dust... the scones." -Javier

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7. A totally unrelated link

The Densa Quiz - see how dumb you are

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Never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut.