From the Inside Out

Brad and Jen. Ben and JLo. Jessica and Nick. We’ve seen lots of celebrity couples split up during the last few years, but none have affected me as much as this one. I was really disappointed, sad even, when it happened.

Normally, these separations last forever. You seldom see two big names reconcile after parting, but it finally happened. The announcement came yesterday. Two “greats” are joining forces, re-embarking on a once thriving relationship. Apple and NBC have worked out their differences — they are together again. Okay, I know what you are thinking. Apple and NBC are not a celebrity couple, but they are two really big names (dare I say “celebrities”) within the technology and entertainment industries. With that in mind, I think the intro is fitting.

Anyway, the two companies parted last year after disagreements about the pricing structure on iTunes. Some reports stated NBC sought control over the pricing, wanting to charge up to $4.99 per episode. Before the fight, NBC (including its family of networks like Bravo, USA, and SciFi) was the number one supplier of iTunes digital media.

I was really hacked when they pulled out of iTunes. When I’m traveling, I like to download a few episodes to watch on the plane. After NBC left, I couldn’t access some of my favorite shows. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it was annoying.

I’m happy to report that it’s all over now. NBC shows are available again on iTunes. They are even extending a few “welcome back” perks to customers. For a limited time, you can download some of the most popular NBC (and peacock network) shows for FREE. Yes, that’s right — absolutely FREE.

If you are an iTunes user, you can head over there now and let the downloading begin. If you aren’t an iTunes user, it’s easy to become one. Simply download and install the free software, then click on the iTunes store. Once there, click on the NBC banner at the top to download the free episodes.

Kids are back in school. Labor day weekend begins on Friday. Like it or not, Fall is quickly approaching. As it draws near, the television studios are getting ready to premiere their new Fall shows. I’m not sure how many of these I’ll catch since free time will be sparse in September, but in case you are wondering what’s coming up…here’s the line-up of the Top 10 most anticipated new series according to Yahoo! Buzz:

10. The Mentalist, a drama about a physic who uses his gifts to help solve crimes. It sounds like a cross between CSI and a serious version of Pysch. The Mentalist features Simon Baker from the Guardian and one of the girls that was written out (killed off) of the Fox show Prison Break. Hmm…I think I’ll PASS.

9. Opportunity Knocks, Aston Kucher brings us a new game show that quizzes families on how well they know each other, the mail carrier or the people next door. This could be mildly entertaining. I won’t go out of my way to watch it, but if it’s convenient, I may CHECK IT OUT.

8. Life on Mars, an ABC remake of a popular British drama about a cop who gets transported from present-day to the 70s after an automobile accident. I actually watched the original British version which was quite good. I was surprised to learn that ABC is doing a remake starring Harvey Keitel. If it’s as good as the original, it’s a MUST WATCH.

7. Easy Money, is a dramedy about a family that runs the modern legitimate version of a loan sharking operation — an advance payday loan business. The show centers on the matriarch and her middle son who is conflicted about the nature of their business. Yawn…that’s a PASS for me.

6. True Blood, a new vampire show appearing on HBO. The show is set in Louisiana where vampires (thanks to a Japanese invention) can now mingle amongst normal humans. Supposedly it’s getting rave reviews, but this ain’t no “Buffy” — no thanks. PASS.

5. Sanctuary, a Sci-Fi show starring Amanda Tapping (of Stargate fame) that started as a series of Webisodes released on the internet. Because of its online popularity, Sci-Fi picked it up and ordered a full season. Sanctuary is the first television show to employ virtual backgrounds (ala 300 and Sin City). Normally, this isn’t my kind of show, but because I like Amanda Tapping, I watched the Webisodes and must admit that I enjoyed them. If you like Sci-fi, check it out. For me, it’s a MUST WATCH.

4. Fringe, a JJ Abrams creation (Lost, Cloverfield) which automatically makes it a MUST SEE in my book. This show pairs a female FBI agent with a nutcase scientist and his estranged son. Together, they investigate paranormal occurrences. Hmm…could this be an updated version of the X-Files? I hope so. I still miss that show and the movie was a big disappointment. Fringe has one of the most expensive pilots ever filmed. It weighs in at a whopping $10+ million. If that doesn’t catch your attention, nothing will.

3. Sons of Anarchy, a chrome hog drama about a motorcycle-riding, gun-running family syndicate. I’m not into motorcycles, so this show doesn’t sound that appealing to me. However, it does have an interesting creative team and cast: a “Shield” script writer, “Sopranos” director, Charles Hunnam, Ron Perlman, and Katey Sagal. It’s a PASS for me, but if you’re a guy, it’s probably a CHECK IT OUT.

2. Knight Rider, a remake of the popular 80s detective show starring David Hasselhoff. I liked the original and was excited about the Knight Rider movie until I saw it. The TV movie was horrible — not just bad, terrible. Because of that, I don’t think there’s any way I can bring myself to watch the new series. PASS.

1. 90210, another remake. This time it’s a remake of a 90’s TV show, Beverly Hills 90210 . Because I watched the original show, I have a morbid curiosity about the remake. Part of me thinks that some shows should rest in peace and live on in our memories without being drug up, dusted off and resurrected. Yet I will watch the premiere anyway; I expect to PASS on subsequent episodes.

To celebrate my arrival back in Dallas today, Gary and I went out to dinner at Mexi-Go (Ricardo’s was too crowded).  Afterwards, we came home and watched our Friday night line-up.  So, here’s the run down of my favorite shows from tonight:

Friday Night Lights - Tonight, Smash had to face the consequences, compromise, and issue an apology.  However, he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.  It’s too bad no one told hm how to say “no comment” to the media.  It was fun to see Tami coaching a team, and wow, Tyra’s a volleyball player now.  I wouldn’t have expected that.  I’m glad that Jason is back.  I missed him in the last few episodes.  I loved how he talked the guy into buying the hybrid.  Finally, I’m not sure where the storyline with Lyla is headed.  As a Christian, I’m really skeptical because hollywood typically likes to paint Christians in a negative light.  So far, they’ve been fair, but I’m afraid it may not stay that way.  We’ll see.

Psych - Shawn and Gus try to solve a crime that occurred on the set of a Spanish soap opera.  While investigating, Shawn is cast in one of the bit parts, and the hijinks ensue.  I had to laugh when Shawn’s Dad was watching the show and saw Shawn as the delivery guy.  The scene in the hospital room where Shawn tries to explain to Gus his epiphany was classic.  The dramatic music, Spanish accent, and overacting were how do you say…oh yes…magnifico.  Jules getting sued for stalking and Lassiter on TV (”I like cheese”) were other highlights for me.

Stargate Atlantis — tonight’s episode was written by my favorite SGA writer, Martin Gero.   I love the humor in his episodes, and he writes the best interaction between John and Rodney.  Reading the spoilers, I wasn’t sure if Iwould like this episode (the bratty kid who needs protection), but the character interaction kept me entertained (and laughing) throughout the entire show.  My favorite lines were ”Would it not be easier to beat him?” and “Oh, our first fight”.  The “I don’t not like you” scenes were also memorable.  Finally, the painting — ROTFL.  That was the funniest thing ever.  

Well, that was my Friday night line-up.  What was yours?

After a long hard week, we decided to stay home and relax this evening.  I’ll be in San Jose next week, so a quiet night at home was very appealing to me.  Besides, some of my favorite shows air on Friday nights — Friday Night Lights, Psych, and Stargate Atlantis.

Friday Night Lights — this is one of the best dramas on television in my opinion.  It’s a high quality show that is about much more than football.  The characters are well developed; the acting and directing are outstanding.  I love the interactions between Kyle Chander and Connie Britton’s characters — it’s so true to life.  Tonight’s episode wasn’t the best, but it was necessary to carry the story along.  Some of my favorite moments were when the coach and Tami were dealing with Gracie.  The Smash storyline and Matt storyline seemed forced, however.  We’ll have to see how that plays out later. 

Psych — I absolutely love this show — it’s hilarious. They cast the perfect actor for the role of the main character.  I don’t think anyone else could pull it off so naturally.  Tonight’s episode pitted Shawn against his dad while trying to solve a missing persons case at an old folks home.  The tango scene was classic.  My favorite line from this episode was:

Security guard (menacing), “I’ll be watching you.”  Shawn responds with way too much intensity, “We’ll be getting watched.”  [just watch it...it's funny.]

Stargate Atlantis — I don’t know what happened to me.  I used to hate sci-fi, but somewhere along the way, I began to appreciate the higher quality shows that grounded their stories in science.  I think it started with the X-Files.  I related with Scully — the skeptic that needed a scientific explanation for everything.  Anyway, I eventually started watching Stargate SG-1 and followed the spin off (Atlantis) as well.  At one time, I really loved this show, but TPTB decided to make major changes this season, so I’m just going along for the ride now — don’t love it, but don’t hate it.  Anyway, tonight’s episode was somewhat interesting.  There were some funny moments between Carter and Zelenka.  It was nice to see him save the day for once.  The scenes between Ronon and Keller annoyed me.  Sorry, but I miss Beckett and Weir.

Well, that was my Friday Night line-up.  What was yours?