THE TKTV NEWSLETTER
Season 3, Episode 31 aired October 30, 2000

CONTENTS
1. Intro
2. Letters from the viewing audience
3. Kim's Commercial Comments
4. Don't miss
5. TV Trivia
6. Media Junkie
     -by guest writer Jason Friedman
7. Favorite quotes of the week
8. A totally unrelated link

1. Intro

I think it's time for "The District" to go away.

On that note, NBC has already cancelled their "Malcolm in the Middle" rip-off, "Tucker," and its lead-in, "Daddio," is back on hiatus where it belongs.

NBC also came to their senses and scrapped their plans for the reality show, "Chains of Love." This was the show in which four men are chained to one woman, and she cuts a guy free each day until at the end she has her dream date. Thank God I never saw a pilot for this show. Ewwww.

CBS scored with the very NBC-like drama, "CSI." It's got a strong similarity to "Law & Order," except they're interviewing the forensic evidence instead of people. The characters are fairly realistic and likeable, for the most part, and there's often a great plot twist or two at the end of an episode, much like "Law & Order." What this show has over "Law & Order" is the fact that they generally cover two cases per episode instead of one, and there's usually also a little personal character development storyline going on as well. A perfect example was last Friday's episode, where they covered the woman found in the lake case and the fraternity hazing case, as well as Warrick's personal triumph over a nasty crooked judge. Both cases had a little surprise twist at the end, and Warrick's story helped round out the definition of his character. In addition, the use of flashbacks is great, where the flashbacks change to correctly reflect what the investigators have figured out about the case from the evidence. It's a shame that this show is crushing FOX's "Freakylinks" in the ratings, but honestly, it deserves it.

The TKTV Newsletter has a new guest writer, Jason Friedman, who seems to be as much of a TV addict as I am. Check out what the self-proclaimed Media Junkie has to say about the new fall season.

Have a great Halloween!

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2. Letters from the viewing audience

From Wildflower3333:
I absolutely love the Gilmore Girls, I'm 15 and my whole family watches it. It's the only show every single person in my house watches willingly.
From CD81184:
Ed, in my opinion, is one of the greatest new shows of the season. Its witty, charming, and humorous while maintaining its dramedy qualities. The supporting cast of the bowling alley staff really make the show what it is. Well, thats just my opinion.
From Judith to Kim:
Guess we have to disagree about this one. I found the Snickers political commercial offensive because it trivialized the elections the consequences of which can be very significant. Although the entire election process can be very maddening, it does make a difference whether Al Gore or George W. Bush is elected president.

I usually have a pretty good sense of humor, but I don't appreciate the Snickers people poking fun at the candidates for commercial purposes. And, while I won't tell you which candidate I support, I do think that that commercial was harder on one of the candidates than the other. JMHO
From Jason:
I really like "Ed" and "Gilmore Girls." "Ed" reminds me of the likable quirkiness of "Northern Exposure." The lead (Tom Cavanagh) is very likable and the writing is excellent. "Gilmore Girls" is also very good (I like it even though I was told it was a "chick" show and I am a guy!). I started watching it and I kept waiting for it to be boring but it never happened. The acting is great across the board. Don't grow too attached to "Freakylinks;" I see the guillotine coming!
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. Kim's Commercial Comments

Once again, "laughing" isn't exactly the appropriate terminology. This spot, or this series of spots, is just cool. First of all, if you've never heard of the Blue Man Group (don't worry, you can still appreciate the coolness of the spots without having heard of them) you are really missing out. You can learn quite a bit about them on the web at http://www.blueman.com. I suggest you check it out at some point. This group of artists is definitely worth a few minutes of research.

These spots feature the members of the Blue Man Group doing what they do best -- creating and surprising. The three guys, decked out in their blue masks and wielding lots of bright green paint, set out to give us their version of Intel's logo and/or tones.

One version has each member of the group painting, in his own unique way, the three stripes in Intel's Pentium III logo. The first and second stripes are fairly unexciting, at least compared to the third. He covers himself in the green paint and catapults himself onto the wall, using his own body to make that third stripe.

The second version has the members of the group "playing" what look like large green piano keys. Again, each member of the group is more outlandish than the last as they tap out the familiar Intel tones.

These spots are very appealing visually because of the bright, contrasting colors and the unusual appearance of the members of the group. Plus, we get another little taste of the fabulous style of the Blue Man Group without having to go to the big city. At least one of these spots can be viewed online at adcritic.com. You probably won't have to go to that much trouble, though, just keep your eyes open... I've been seeing them on a pretty regular basis!

Until next week... happy viewing!

Kim wants to hear YOUR comments! Do you agree with her? Disagree? Do you want to point out a great (or horrible) commercial that she should review. Write to Kim at kim@tktv.net.

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4. Don't miss

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 sister and brother actors are both on CBS dramas?

First prize goes to Suzanne B. Congratulations!

Honorable mentions go to Carrie L. and Crystal L.

The answer I was looking for was Tyne and Tim Daly, who are on "Judging Amy" and "The Fugitive" respectively. However, I also accepted Heather and David Tom who are both on "The Young and the Restless" because I realized that the question wasn't entirely clear that I was looking for two DIFFERENT dramas.

This week's question is: what current "Star Trek: Voyager" actor once starred in a cheesy sci-fi flick as Courtney Cox's ("Friends") boyfriend?

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. Media Junkie by Jason Friedman

I am sorry to say it, but "The Practice" has gone drastically downhill. Last year, the quality dropped for most episodes. This year hasn't been any better. There was a reason it received no Emmys last year.

As far as "Ally McBeal" goes, first Downey Jr., then Anne Heche gets a story arc. Enough with the stunt casting, just make the show less of a cartoon like in the first season.

"The West Wing" is the best show on TV now (since "Homicide" is over). I am happy to see a lack of a sophomore slump. The premiere was brilliant (yes, I watched it twice) and this week's episode was very solid. I still think it is a crime that Bradley Whitford didn't get an Emmy nomination.

Compared to last year, quality wise, this year's new crop of shows falls short. Last year, there were three new shows that were great ("The West Wing," "Once and Again" and "Freaks and Geeks"). But I am very impressed so far with "Ed" and "Gilmore Girls."

Don't get too attached to "Grosse Pointe." The dubya-bee network is already moving the show from Friday to Sunday. The ratings have been weak even by their standards. It will be a real shame if it gets axed because it is very amusing. Anyone who grew up watching 90210 would probably like it.

Speaking of 90210, Luke Perry is going to do a stint on "Oz." He will be some type of faith healer. Former Brat Packer Ally Sheedy will also show up in "Oz" as a reporter. New episodes start in January of this terrific, but sometimes brutal, show.

If you are ever burning the midnight oil, try watching "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn." He is consistently funny and does a great job of getting the guests to have fun. I hate to say it, but he is better than Conan.

Bette, Geena, Kramer... take your pick. I couldn't sit through an entire episode of any of them.

Any "Thirtysomething" fan remembers the character of Miles Drentell very well. He has become a regular cast member on "Once and Again" this year and will be more involved in the storylines. This should make for great conflicts. He was always intriguing on "Thirtysomething."

Hey, whatever happened to "The Gossip Show" on E!? C'mon, you know you watched! If you didn't, you missed Downtown Julie Brown (of MTV fame) and her infamous gossip posse.

My guilty pleasure show is about to be off my must watch list. Yes, I am a guy and watch "Dawson's Creek." No, I am not a teeny-bopper. Ever since creator Kevin Williamson left last year to run his own show (the cancelled "Wasteland"), it hasn't been the same. Dawson sitting around moping is B-O-R-I-N-G!

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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7. Favorite quotes of the week

My friend Farrah watching her first (and last) episode of The District:
"I feel like this is like my mom trying to make me eat spinach when I was little."

and

"I need a chew toy."

and

"I want to climb under the couch cushions."

From Felicity
Molly: Guys are like Venus Flytraps. Something emotional lands on them and they snap shut.

From Frasier
Niles: Why do you like pygmies so much?
Martin: They're short and they blow darts. What's not to like?

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8. A totally unrelated link

Pupshaw Animation

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Happy Halloween!