Please note that the following review was written after viewing the original pilot back in August. A few of the characters have been recast and, from the looks of the previews, some other minor changes made as well.
After viewing this pilot, I was anxious to see "Cashmere Mafia." While many critics are giving the (slight) edge to "Lipstick," I personally enjoy "Cashmere" more. While it's certainly not Emmy-worthy, I find it to be fun and the cast more likable.
However, I will definitely be tuning in on Feb. 7th to see if all the changes made to "Lipstick Jungle" were for the better.
Without further ado, my original review:
The opening gives us two contradictory quotes: one from Rudyard Kipling (“Now this is the law of the jungle as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die”) and the other, Katherine Hepburn (“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”). Then cut to multiple shots of animal print-clad high-heeled feet.
We get it. It’s a “jungle” out there. And these women are the ones “ruling” it. Point taken.
“These women aren’t looking for Mr. Big, they are Mr. Big.”
That’s the official tagline from NBC. How true that actually is, well, let’s just say it leaves plenty of room for debate. The main message I got from this pilot was “That’s just the way it is.” That is referring to the misogynistic view of women in the workplace. Well, let me take that back. It’s referring more to women of power in the workplace. We hear all the old clichés – women are “too emotional” and “involved with their work” to ever realistically attain a CEO-level of success.
OK, so if you couldn’t already tell -- too many years spent in college scrutinizing message/meaning in films (especially when it comes to portrayals of women) resulted in my overly-nitpicky analysis of this particular show. I should really take it for what it was meant to be: a hour of frilly, supposed girl-power message-filled fun.
So let’s just look at it from a strictly entertainment point of view.
The Pros:
- Casting did a semi-decent job with the three leads. Kim Raver (Nico) came off as the most believable.
- Cameo alert! Edward Hermann (aka Grandpa Gilmore) graces us with his presence as big CEO boss to both Nico and Wendy.
- Cameo alert part 2! welcome back Andrew McCarthy! Long time no see. He’s a smarmy, egomaniacal billionaire with a thing for lil Miss Victory. Luckily, he’s got some endearing qualities; there may be hope for him yet.
The Cons:
- We’ve seen a lot of these plots/scenarios before: nice gals finish last, women with careers on the rise while personal lives are in shambles (or vice-versa) women can never make as much money as men, blah blah blah.
- The name of Lindsay Price’s character? Victory Ford. Seriously?
- As if they didn’t think we got the message before (say, from the opening scene), Joe Bennett lets Victory know why it’s a rarity that women are billionaires unless they’re spoiled heiresses (“too emotional to make the right decisions,” etc). The delivery seemed slightly forced (maybe because even he couldn’t believe what he was saying)
The Verdict: Give it a few episodes before making a final decision (but really, with the limited choices we have these days, it might fill the guilty-pleasure quota)
Personally, the longer Andrew McCarthy sticks around, the more inclined I might be to watch.
2.01.2008
Lipstick Jungle - Jenn's Review
1.24.2008
New TV Tonight!
The last pre-strike "Ugly Betty" episode airs tonight @ 8PM. As much as I'll miss the Mode crew, there's something I'll miss a bit more -- the official Ugly Betty podcast with the fabulous duo of Michael Urie and Becki Newton! Three words: Pure comedy gold!
You can either subscribe via iTunes or go here.
What will I do without my weekly dose of the 'blink blink' song and show 'call ins?'
In the new episode "A Thousand Words by Friday," Betty (America Ferrera) is excited about an assignment to interview writer Phil Roth. Unfortunately, this guy isn't Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Philip Roth but some dude who writes books about picking up women. Daniel (Eric Mabius) learns a shocking secret about a new lust interest (Gabrielle Union). Rocker Gene Simmons also guest stars. (Zap2it)
We also get a "Chuck" two-fer at 8 PM and 10 PM (sandwiched in between is, ugh "Celebrity" Apprentice).
I love both of these shows, so while it's nice to have new eps, it's also incredibly depressing that we have no clue how long it will be til we see them again! Frickin strike.
On a more serious note, if you haven't already read this, head over to Michael Ausiello's blog and check out his wonderful post: "Grieving Heath Ledger via Ennis Del Mar"
It had me in tears. Have your hankies ready!
1.22.2008
Complete and Utter Shock
Unbelievable shock is the general feeling at the moment.
Heath Ledger is dead at the young age of 28.
Reports from the media:
NYTimes: Heath Ledger, Actor, Is Found Dead at 28
People: Heath Ledger’s Rep Calls Death ‘Accident’
Our thoughts are with his family and 2 yr. old daughter Matilda.
1.06.2008
In Honor of This Week's Premieres...
"Some people are just born evil. That kid from "The Omen."
- Gus (Psych)
The Children of the Corn. Chad Michael Murray."
Ditto Burton Guster, you wise sage.
The oft-ignored bastard child of my TV roster, One Tree Hill, returns with a two-hour premiere on Tuesday. The "kids" have flashed forward four years, which might make things slightly more believable - No more 28 year olds trying to pass for 18. Then again, they've cast K-Fed as a rock star.
Moving on...
A show I've never been ashamed to admit to watching, Psych returns on Friday with its second season winter premiere. Anyone else giddy to see the "Big Adventures of Little Shawn and Gus?" Check out these cute bios for the little tykes. Apparently little Shawn is repelled by broccoli and Molly Ringwald, but shares Gus' love of Mr. T.
This week also brings the beginning of the end of fresh new episodes. Desperate Housewives concludes the tornado disaster storyline tonight, followed by the series premiere of Cashmere Mafia. Read on for the rest of the week's schedule and deets.
SUNDAY 1.07
9 PM (ABC) - Desperate Housewives [season finale due to strike]
"Following the tornado, Wisteria Lane residents begin to rebuild their lives, but with Mrs. McCluskey's house completely destroyed, Lynette faces the possibility that her family and Ida Greenberg didn't survive. Meanwhile, Katherine finds out that someone knows the truth about her mysterious past."
10:01 PM - Cashmere Mafia (ABC) [series premiere]- from "Sex and the City" creator Darren Starr
"Four ambitious, sexy female friends in Manhattan share the ups and downs of their careers and personal lives in a girls-club setting. First up: Mia (Lucy Liu) and her fiancé vie for the same promotion; Caitlin (Bonnie Somerville) falls in love; and Juliet (Miranda Otto) decides to avenge her husband's indiscretions."
TUESDAY 1.08
8 PM - One Tree Hill (The CW) [season premiere]
"As the fifth season opens, the series flashes forward four years to postcollege life. While most of the gang struggle to find their footing in the working world, now-famous fashion designer Brooke faces the challenges success brings her in New York City."
9 PM - One Tree Hill
"Skills and Lucas enter Jamie in a soap-box derby and begin coaching the Ravens. Meanwhile, Haley encounters difficulties on her first day as a teacher and interviews potential nannies for her son."
WEDNESDAY 1.09
9 PM - Gossip Girl (The CW) [season finale due to strike, grrr]
In "A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate," Serena is seen purchasing a pregnancy test, and this info gets reported on Gossip Girl's Web site before the facts are all checked.
10 PM - Cashmere Mafia (ABC) [timeslot premiere]
"After being appointed publisher of the Barnstead Media Group, Mia is ordered to fire her mentor. In romantic matters, Zoe has a new rival for Eric's favor; Kate and Alicia take their relationship to a new level; and Juliet and Davis' counseling hits a snag."
THURSDAY 1.10 - the last Thursday of an almost full slate of new eps :(
8 PM - My Name is Earl (NBC) [season finale]
"When his postprison life offers no home, no job and no money, a bitter Earl renounces karma and regresses to his old bad self. As Randy plans a Christmas-morning intervention, karma comes calling for Earl in the form of Billie (Alyssa Milano) and a car."
8 PM - Ugly Betty (ABC)
"Amanda seeks help from a clairvoyant (Annie Potts) in the search for her father's identity; a visit to the magazine by Justin and his classmates prompts Betty to coax Daniel to change the image of Mode's models; a new twist develops in Wilhelmina's designs on the Meade empire. Rappers Bow Wow and Omarion appear as themselves."
8:30 PM - 30 Rock (NBC) [season finale]
"As Jack wheels and deals with German TV bigwigs to close a huge television project, he also works to keep his long-distance romance with C.C. (Edie Falco) alive and well. Meanwhile, Liz buys into real estate. And here's the buzz on Kenneth: He becomes addicted to caffeinated coffee. Singer Gladys Knight guest stars."
9 PM - Grey's Anatomy (ABC) [season finale] -- can I just vent for a quick sec? I hate ABC's promo dept. If any of you've seen the preview for this ep, the big drama has already been spoiled. I really hate ABC's promo dept.
"While Bailey's family faces a medical trauma, the doc faces a marital one. Meanwhile, a surprise visit from George's mother (Debra Monk) comes as a shock to both Izzie and Callie; a faith healer challenges Erica and Alex's beliefs in Western medicine; and Derek must deal with the aftermath of his kiss with Rose (Lauren Stamile)."
10 PM - Big Shots (ABC) [returns w/ the first of three new eps]
"Duncan tries to distract himself from Lisbeth's marriage to Terrence by pursuing a rival company's model; James eyes an opportunity for a proper date with Katie; a stranger (Charisma Carpenter) charms Brody; Cameron discovers shocking news about Zack."
10 PM - ER (NBC)
"Abby returns from rehab and feels judged by her peers. Elsewhere, she treats a young fire victim who may have problems with her eyes, and Harold gets an ego boost after a night with Neela's cousin."
FRIDAY 1.11
10 PM - Psych (USA)
"A woman claiming to be Gus' wife hires Shawn to search for someone. Kerry Washington guest stars."
1.01.2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
While I'm sure we all made some soon-to-be-broken resolutions, maybe we should create a few for the studios and the networks, such as:
- Resolve the damn strike already!
- Stop relying on crappy reality shows to fill your schedules; while it's nice that a few scripted programs were held back to air at midseason, I never asked for "According to Jim." Take it back, take it back!!
- Air reruns of your newbie shows to maintain interest (by the time "Chuck" and "Dirty Sexy Money" come back, we'll need a refresher/recap)
My resolution is to freakin update this blog more!
12.19.2007
Not Cool USA Network, NOT Cool
"The 4400" is kaput.
On a slightly more positive note (well, as positive as you can get during this crazy strike), NBC will re-air eps of USA Network's other shows, as opposed to completely filling their schedule with reality crap.
Here's an official statement from "The 4400" creator, Scott Peters:
To all the wonderful fans of The 4400
It's with great sadness that I pass along to you the information I've just received -- The 4400 has been cancelled. We've had a great time bringing you this story and submersing you in the lives of all these incredible characters. Thank you especially to the folks on the board here whose tireless devotion to the show is nothing short of remarkable.
Shout out to Bubba, by the way! I love your posts, man.
I just spoke to Joel and we had a great talk about what we all accomplished and how much we'll miss our family that is our crew and our cast... and our fans. But at least we got to go out with a bang! I had an awesome time directing the last episode. I think I got to make almost every single cast member cry (on camera). How much fun was that?!
So let me raise my metaphorical glass to you all and thank you for being so loyal and so dedicated. I wish we could go on forever, but the party has come to an end. Be well and on behalf of all of us at The 4400 -- thank you, it's been a pleasure.
Scott Peters
Creator / Executive Producer
The 4400
12.16.2007
"Are You Having a Laugh?"
This holiday season: be careful what you wish for. Andy Millman — now the star of a hit, albeit lowbrow, sitcom — discovers success isn't all it seems. Desperate for respect, Millman is about to take drastic measures that will turn his life upside down.
But does Andy have the talent and savvy it takes to get his wish: to be both respected and famous?
Special guest stars: George Michael, Clive Owen (yay!), David Tennant and Gordon Ramsay.
This BBC site has a great recap of the entire series.
CLICK TO READ MORE...
12.14.2007
Christmas Christmas Time is Heeeere....
If you need a bit of help getting in the Christmas spirit (like me), here's a little something from my pals Alvin, Simon and Theodore:
12.09.2007
11.24.2007
The Writer's Strike: How It Affects YOUR Shows
The potentially good news is that the Writer's Guild and the studios will resume negotiation talks on Nov. 26th. Let's hope the studios come to their senses!
In the meantime, here are a few sources to keep track of the # of episodes of your favorite shows that are remaining to air. Among them: The Futon Critic, USAToday, and Ausiello has a handy little Strike Chart.
The following is a night-by-night summary (as of 11/25/07) of what we could gather from the abovementioned sources:
SUNDAYS
Desperate Housewives - 3 remaining, with 2 airing on 11/25 and 12/2 and the third to air sometime in January
Family Guy - 1 ep remaining to air 11/25
Brothers & Sisters - 5 remaining; 2 airing through Dec., the remaining saved for January
MONDAYS
Prison Break - 5 remaining; returns from hiatus on January 14th
Chuck - 4 more; 2 to air this year, 2 saved for next year
How I Met Your Mother - 2 more, finishing on 12/10
Heroes - 2 remaining, concludes on 12/3
Journeyman - possibly 2
TUESDAYS
Bones - 4 remaining; one to air 11/27, with the rest for next year possibly
House - 4 left as well; one airing 11/27, remaining 3 saved for mid-January to early February
Reaper - 2 more; "One Tree Hill" will takeover the timeslot (grrrrr) beginning Jan. 8th; Reaper returns 'sometime' later in the year
Cane - 2 more
WEDNESDAYS
Pushing Daisies - 2 remaining to air 11/28 and 12/12
Private Practice - 2 more, one on 12/5, unsure of airdate for last one
Gossip Girl - 5 more to air 11/28, 12/5, and rest possibly saved for the new year
Dirty Sexy Money - 3 more; 2 to air this year, last one saved for later?
Life - 3 remaining, airing 11/28 and then a two-parter on 12/3 and 12/5
THURSDAYS
Ugly Betty - 4 remaining
My Name is Earl - 3 left; wraps up on 12/13
Smallville - 7 remaining (which from the looks of it, they're saving for '08
Supernatural - 3 to 5 remaining, probably being saved for '08 as well
Scrubs - 7 left
Grey's Anatomy - 2 remaining
Big Shots - possibly 2, couldn't find much info
ER - 5 remaining
FRIDAYS
Men in Trees - 13 remaining (thank goodness!)
Moonlight - not sure
* Note - these are just the shows that the two of us watch. If you don't see one of your shows on this list, please check the links given at the top of the post.
11.13.2007
Heroes Chapter 8: "Four Months Ago"
Call it exhaustion from catching up on the gazillion shows I watch or just sheer laziness, this week’s “Heroes” post will not be a full recap. Instead, I’m just going to rave about everything I loved and rant about the things that annoyed. Luckily, last night’s ep was freakin awesome.
One of the things that I love about this show is that they actually give us answers! We finally found out: how Peter ended up in Ireland with amnesia, how Nathan survived and why he still sees his charred mug in the mirror, how D.L. really died (I’ll gripe about that later), and how the twins discovered their powers.
If you couldn’t already tell, I love lists. Lists and bullet points. Let’s get to the good stuff first:
- Kensei is Adam. Adam is Kensei? I’m still majorly confused about this, can anyone clarify? All I know is, I’m deliriously happy that they’ve integrated the character into the present day storyline. And partnering him with Peter is just icing on top of a man-candy cake.
- Props to the writers for their clever flashback method for this ep: Peter "healing" his head.
- Elle is deliciously evil. I loved that she made Peter her little plaything. She can do her “sadistic lightning thing” as long as she wants and keep those Heroes on their toes! Hey someone’s got to when Sylar disappears to hang with Captain Kirk.
- The Haitian has got some mad skills and it turns out, he’s a decent guy. Working his super power, he made a valiant effort to give Peter a new life. But we all knew that things would catch up with Peter eventually.
- We knew that Maya and Alejandro were on the run for murder, but damn, she offed the entire wedding party. Gotta say, didn’t feel all that bad for Alejandro’s new bride and her ex (who might look familiar to those of you willing to admit you watched “Passions.” Yes, the guilty pleasure supernatural soap opera. He played Miguel. I know I know, how hypocritical of me to rant on and on about how more people should watch quality shows while I myself admit to have watched “Passions.” On more than one occasion....over a number of years. I can’t explain it – the acting was horrible, the special effects lame, and all the incestuous hookups made for a cringe worthy, craptacular hour of afternoon television. And still I watched. Moving on...
The not-so-enjoyable:
- So Niki discovers yet another personality: Gina. Are you kidding me? Really? We're really going there again?!
We find out that D.L. did indeed survive the Kirby Plaza events of the finale. He’s gotten his life together by getting a real job (firefighting) and taking care of his son and supposedly on-her-meds wife. Of course “Gina” hauls ass to L.A. to get her party on. D.L. gets shot again (fatally this time) while trying to rescue his wife. RIP D.L. Sanders. Too bad you had a crackpot for a wife.
10.31.2007
Laid Back...I Got My Mind on My Money and My Money on My...
We apologize for the lack of posts, BUT we're on vacation!! Hells yeah!
When we get back we'll have a LOT of shows to catch up on, but we'll be blogging away once we are.
10.21.2007
Season Pick-ups and Other News
A few weeks ago, The CW's "Gossip Girl" had the honor of being the first show to receive a full season pick-up. Now "Private Practice" gets a go at it as well. Oh, yeah and some CBS shows we don't watch. Zap2it
Speaking of Practice, looks like Addison will have more man candy coming her way. David Sutcliffe (Christopher on "Gilmore Girls) is joining the cast.
Debra Messing continues her "Starter Wife" adventures.
Get geeked out even more over K.Bell joining "Heroes." Check out this awesome Give Me My Remote feature: Kristen Bell, From PI to Hero (complete with video).
Looks like both "Ugly Betty" and "Desperate Housewives" are killing off some characters.
Hey, Where Have I Seen That Person Before?
Lots of familiar (but not by name) faces popped up on our screens this week:
Former Superman Dean Cain finally came to "Smallville." Except that he was pretty eeeevil. And immortal.
Lisa Sheridan (Larkin on "Invasion") was the doctor who had a failed lunch date with Dan's brother Jack on "Journeyman." Sheridan also popped up on "Moonlight" a few weeks ago.
Eddie Shin (Lane's almost BF on "Gilmore Girls") put in a hilarious turn as Wilfred Woodruff on "Pushing Daisies." He was the angry great great great great grandson of a Civil War vet whose sword was stolen by Louis Schatz.
Marsha Thomason (Nessa on "Las Vegas") made a brief appearance on "Cane."
Vanessa Lengies (Roxanne on "American Dreams") was Leni, the prosecution witness Mick was hired to find on "Moonlight."
Finally, Erick Avari (Dr. Suresh - Mohinder's dad - on "Heroes") was Harold Templeton the spy who met with Nick George on "Dirty Sexy Money."
10.17.2007
Chick Chat: Monday TV
Ok TV-holics, we're starting a new recurring feature, tentatively titled 'Chick Chat.'
A big reason we started this blog together is, we talk about all the shows with each other anyway, why not bring it to the Web? We'll rant and rave about our favorite shows just as we normally would when discussing them face-to-face.
So, here now we discuss this past Monday night of TV:
Marissa: So did you see Monday night's "Chuck?"
Jenn: Well, duh! It was highly entertaining. I think the show keeps getting better with each episode don't you?
Marissa: Why yes Jenn I do, very entertaining.
I actually enjoy it more when Chuck gets to participate in the missions
Jenn: You know, I think I'm the opposite - I like getting to see the non-spy stuff, like the Nerd Herd and his BFF Morgan
and of course, Captain Awesome
Marissa: Well I like the stuff with the family: like the eating pizza and playing 'how well do we know each other,' but the spy stuff is really fun and usually Adam Baldwin looks pretty good doing it too!
Jenn: I think Chuck and Sarah have a nice chemistry
Marissa: Yeah I like Carina's comments that Sarah likes Chuck a lot even if she doen't know it yet!
Jenn: Speaking of Carina - is it just me or does she kind of look like an anorexic and bitchier Cameron from House?
Marissa: hmmm yeah a lil I guess
Jenn: I'm glad they didn't drag out Chuck finding out about Sarah and Bryce
Marissa: Yeah it seems like a trend this season. Things might be held in for a few eps but the secrets are coming out much faster. On all the shows I mean of course
Jenn: Have you heard that Bryce isn't all that...dead? And word is, he'll be popping up before the season ends?
Marissa: I thought that might happen, seemed to easy for him to be just.... Dead!
Nobody is ever just dead
Jenn: on spy shows.Or Heroes. Or Lost or ANY soap opera.
Jenn: Moving on....wasn't "How I Met Your Mother" hi---wait for it---larious?!
Marissa: yeah I love the way that show works! Barney... will stop at NOTHING to win.
Poor Marshall though, you know he's happy with Lily and dosn't regret anything, but there is that tiny lil bit of him that still wants to get out there and "Play" with the boys.
Jenn: "Are you a model?" Poor guy has zero game.
Back to Barney - all that work and it backfired on him ha!
Marissa: Of course it did! It always backfires on him
I love that Robin got broken up with by a kid
Jenn: Yes! Everything that involved Robin and kids was hysterical
My favorite line of the night was Marshall asking: "So now that you're a mommy, are you gonna wear those totally awesome jeans that come up to your boobs?"
Marissa: hahaha yeah that was funny
Jenn: I also laughed at the bite-sized Barneys and Teds
Marissa: That was very clever of them. The Barneys were the best, also kind of creeeeeepy
Jenn: those mini voices :)
You know what else?
Patch up!
Marissa: hahaha
Seriously
Jenn: I know I already covered it in my recap, but how did you like this week's "Heroes?"
Marissa: I really liked it.I didn't think it was slow at all
Jenn: What were your favorite parts of the ep?
Marissa: Oh gosh um all the stuff with Claire and the flying boy.
Did u see the sign in Molly's eyes?
Jenn: Ooh no, what was it?
Marissa: Kensei's symbol.
Jenn: I completely missed that. Good eye!
Marissa: Yeah I had to rewind a couple of times just to make sure, but it was like right before a commercial break
Jenn: Of course, you know what I'm really excited for is next week.
Marissa: Hellz yeah!
Jenn: V. Mars in the house! Can I get a woo?
Marissa: WOO!!