Happy Holidays, everyone!

Eh, I’m Over It

Dating back to James’ post in January To Watch or Not To Watch?, I stated that while American Idol was growing thin on me, I would continue to watch it. But I have to say, I think my fondness of it is over, and for a few reasons.

For one, I’m just bored. No singer is “original” per se, and no one holds my interest. I can’t say I’ve had a favorite the last two years, or even a person I remotely would like to see win. I don’t pretend that I would ever buy a contestant’s CD, but I definitely don’t even try to with this year’s group.

Granted I did make reference to liking Michael Johns, which could be due to the contributing factors of his looks and his accent. Really what struck me about him was his performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" during Hollywood Week.

Since then, I haven’t really felt he did anything spectacular, but it was pleasant enough. But now he’s gone, so I can’t even convince myself to watch for that.

With the remaining contestants… I just really can’t even differentiate them. I just learned that Kristy Lee Cook is gone as of tonight, which is good, as she should’ve been long ago. Syesha is just forgettable to me. Everyone seems to think Brooke is down-to-earth, but I feel she’s smug and thinks she’s better than me (and everyone else). That Jason guy just seems really stoned and out of it all the time, and reminds me of a girl I went to high school with, who also was really stoned and out of it all the time. And there’s also the 80s stylings of the Irish chick.

And this young kid, David Archuleta…why do people love him? I really don’t get it. All I can think of is how Simon loves telling young female contestants how they’re too “precocious.” That’s exactly what this kid is. And he licks his lips way too much.

So whom are we left with? I guess David Cook. He seems deserving enough. Even if some of his rock-covers creep me out, like Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby”, still others seem to love it.

Lastly, I know some people have felt the group song sang on the Idol Gives Back special was controversial. Personally I just don’t like listening to a group of reality show contestants singing a Christian song; not really my form of entertainment. I will leave it to others to debate whether it’s inappropriate or not. Is it the main reason that I’ve stopped watching American Idol? Not really. But it really didn’t help matters.

I guess bottom line is, I’m through. I’m just not entertained anymore, not even on a level of a guilty pleasure. I’ll read online who gets voted off and who wins, and then that person will be forgotten about and they’ll do it all over again next year. I love you dearly Simon Cowell, but your snarkiness alone isn't enough for me anymore.

Childhood Flashback Moment of the Day

So I was doing some cleaning on this snowy Saturday afternoon, listening to my Beatles playlist on iTunes. The track "You Really Got A Hold On Me" from the Live At The BBC album came on and triggered a pop culture moment that laid deep in the recesses of my mind. I'm talking something I clearly haven't thought about in years.

Maybe I repressed this memory due to its disturbing nature? All I remember is the song, and some large red puppety thing being very clingy. A feeling of being trapped came over me. I needed air. What could this be?!

A quick consult of YouTube found the answer for me...it wasn't all just a dream.

Upon watching I thought maybe it wasn't as disturbing as I thought it was as a child. I can say maybe it's not, but it's still kind of creepy.

Agreed? Agreed.

For Your Consideration: First Game Show Contestant Who Should Be Shot in 2008

To Watch or Not To Watch?

This is a painful time for those of us who are lovers of quality television. As an ardent supporter of the WGA, I am OK with my current suffering if it means the writers will benefit in the long run. However, that misery grows with every new reality show added to the bunch.

Yes I am that one in the group that hates reality television. I'll admit that I didn't always feel that way. I had watched probably every episode of the Real World for it's first 10 years. As a pre-teen and teenager it matched well with my sensibilities. Once I was old enough to realize most of the antics on the show were pathetic I moved on from reality television. I think reality TV showcases everything that is negative about current society. If that were its purpose and it highlighted those issues in an intelligent light, that would be one thing. But these shows instead revel in the idiocy and debauchery of its own participants and paints it as a way of life that average people should follow.

I admit that occasionally a reality program will catch my eye and I will enjoy it. Scott Baio Is 45... And Single definitely intrigued me because of his idol status that I grew up with. And Confessions of a Matchmaker is endlessly fascinating, in part because Buffalo is about as local as television gets. For the most part though i do resist the urge.

American Idol presents a problem, however. I only watched the first season of the show. Because the music produced is for the most part unoriginal tripe I felt no need to continue watching it. But now there is very little to watch on television and, unfortunately, the majority of people I know and converse with on a regular basis watch AI. So the question I pose is, should I follow my instincts and continue to resist this so-called "cultural phenomenon"? Or should I get off my high porch and watch it so I can participate in the discussions of how stupid Paula is, what a jerk Simon is and how Randy keeps saying, "Yo, dawg"? So I put it to you, the pop-pop audience to give me your opinion.

Nielsen Loves Me...But Not Really

So a few weeks ago I received a call which I thought was a telemarketer, but it was not. Instead it was the people at Nielsen TV Ratings, asking how many televisions I had so they could send me TV Viewing Diaries.

So my diaries arrived last Thursday. Apparently you write down every minute the TV is on, whether anyone is watching it or not. Any persons watching must be listed, including their gender, age and hours they work a week. Of course that means just me, except for one other person (who also writes on this blog) who was a visitor one night, so she got included too.

While this is not an informative nor necessarily intelligent post for my first non-CMVofW posting in months, it's something I find amusing. I'm not sure how or why the Nielsen people picked me, but I don't think I'm helping their cause.

Here is the television I have listed as watching so far:

• The Soup (on E!)
• SpongeBob SquarePants (on Nick)
• Everybody Hates Chris (on the CW)
• My Name is Earl (on NBC)
• The Office (on NBC)
• Scrubs (on NBC)
• Grey's Anatomy (on ABC)
• Best Week Ever (on VH1)
• Sex & The City (on TBS)
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (on Nick. Twice.)
• SpongeBob SquarePants (yes, again)
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (okay, three times)
• Full House (on Family)
• The Philadelphia Story (on TCM)
• How I Met Your Mother (on CBS)
• 50 Greatest TV Icons (on TV Land)
• Heroes (on NBC)

If they were expecting According To Jim or Dancing With The Stars, they are sorely mistaken. Needless to say I doubt I'll skew their results, they'll probably just throw them away. It's almost encouraging me to watch weird things on TV, just so I can write it down.

There's also a small section for me to write in my "comments" on Television in general... Maybe I should just write down this blog's URL...and leave it at that.

A Scary Halloween Indeed

As I type this one can only hope that the disastrous events that have been set into motion can be averted before midnight strikes tomorrow night. What is taking place is a monumental struggle to keep the life force of pop culture alive. The battle between the major film and television studios and the Writers Guild of America has been widely publicized within publications that those of us here are likely to read. As we try to once again find our footing here at Pop-Pop, it is essential that the source of our admiration continue unabated. The results of these negotiations could play a significant role in the fate in the near future of our happy little blog.

Due to the magnitude of this event I felt it was worthy of our pop cents. First, it is important to realize what is at stake here. If negotiations between the two sides fail, then the Screenwriters Guild will call for a strike. This will result in major disruptions to television and film schedules and thereby disrupting our pop-culture intake. Television will be affected the worst due to the short production period. Late night shows will suffer immediately. Granted, the world is certainly a better place if Jay Leno can no longer spin new material. However, losing original airings of Late Night With Conan O'Brien will be a blow felt around the universe. Eventually sitcoms and finally dramas will suffer the blow of striking screenwriters. All that will be left would be the cultural void of reality programming. While I occasionally view a reality program from time to time, I would surely enjoy the television landscape purged of that scourge. However, in this dark future that a strike presents, the studios would warmly embrace the low-cost alternative of reality television. The infamous "Slut Wars" from The TV Set could actually become a reality. Yikes! If the strike were to proceed for a decent length of time, movies would certainly take a hit.

Personally the thought of getting cut off from the pop-culture we hold dear is a disturbing one. It is a thought that can keep fanatics, such as ourselves, awake at night. Who the hell do these screenwriters think they are anyways? If they have to make sacrifices so that we can continue to receive our daily dose of pop culture, then so be it. What's the big deal anyways? Sure the entire landscape in which consumers view television is changing. And, yes, the new distribution methods almost completely ignore the rights of those writing the material.

But how much money do these greedy writers need? Even George and Jerry received at least 8 grand for their script about nothing. I would take that in a heartbeat. What's that you say? The basic television set as a portal for television shows is dying? Television ratings and total viewership has been in decline for years? Alright, so what? They are still making money hand over fist. Right now they are doing fantastic. Yeah maybe unions are supposed to look out for the future interests of its members. But the needs of the future are so far off. Wait... you say that television shows are the fastest growing sector of DVD sales? And viewership of shows online and through programs such as ITunes is increasing constantly? Hmmmm.

All kidding aside, it seems pretty clear to me that the studios are realizing that in the future standard television viewing as we know it will be obsolete. They are trying to set themselves up in the new system without having to pay due diligence. Did they really feel they could sneak past the writers the new profits from DVDs and the internet? Screenwriters deserve much more credit than they currently receive. While directors and actors get all of the credit, the writers are often times, the true geniuses at work. They deserve a fair percentage of the new innovations in television and film viewing. Hopefully the federal mediator that arrived today will see that and make the right decision. Otherwise, we could be in for a long winter.

Classic Music Video of the Week

I love the 80s. I love them more than I probably should.

One of the things I love most about the 80s is New Wave. No, I'm not referring to the beautiful coifs people sported (although there were some sweet waves of that kind, too). I'm referring to the music that sounded like nothing before it, the music that explored the glory of the synthesizer.

I don't have much of a set-up for this video, other than the fact that I simply think it's a great song. The video creates a bit of chaos, which adds to the message of the lyrics. It almost made me wish I had grown up on the other side of town. Almost.

I can also say that Flight of the Conchords truly captures the essence of this CMVW in their song and video for "Inner City Pressure."
Since I find FOTC to be musical geniuses, I think it's a great compliment that they came as close as they could get (without copying) to this week's Classic Music Video of the Week.

Please enjoy "West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys. The 80s are gone, but this song will always live in my cold, cold heart.

The Triumph Return of Television

It’s been over three weeks since my last post, and even longer since my last post of substance. But hopefully soon that will all change with the return of Fall Network Programming this week!

The following are the list of shows I’m planning to watch this season…and yes, most of them are returning series. I really don’t have much faith or interest in any of the new offerings.

Mondays:

Of course I will be continuing my watching of How I Met Your Mother, which should contain more hilarious moments as the last season provided.

I will be simultaneously taping Everybody Hates Chris on the CW. I find this sitcom more “cute” than laugh-out-loud funny, and I enjoy the 80s pop culture.

Also I will be watching Heroes. I am late coming into this show, but have been able to catch up on the first season through NetFlix, and I do find this show enjoyable in that comic book way.

Tuesdays:

…will apparently be spent watching something from NetFlix, or reading.

Wednesdays:

I’ve decided to give Private Practice a try, since I am a fan of Grey’s Anatomy. I never have much faith in spinoffs, though.

A show that premiered last week I happened to catch and enjoyed is Kitchen Nightmares, featured Hell’s Kitchen's Gordon Ramsay. I just find him so ridiculously entertaining and enjoy any show where a majority of the dialogue has to be bleeped out. Like this:

Thursdays:

Grey’s Anatomy will be watched, but my expectations are low as well. They have a lot to make up for after the second half of last season.

My Name is Earl…although I love Jason Lee, I can take or leave at this point.

The Office though, of course! This is probably the “must-see” of all of my television viewing. What will it be like with Ryan being Michael’s boss? And what happened with Jim and Pam? And is Karen just still sitting in NYC somewhere? Oh Dwight, how I’ve missed you…

Scrubs will be watched as well, but that won’t be on until the month of hour-long episodes of The Office finish up. I can’t say I’m really pulling for JD and Eliot to get together, though.

Fridays & Saturdays:

These are not TV nights, my friends.

Sundays:

I guess I could lie and say I’ll still watch Desperate Housewives, but that would be embarrassing to myself and others.

So that’s it, dear neglected readers! What shows are on your schedule?

Pop-Culture Annoyances, Part One

Per Eileen’s previous request, here are the beginnings of a list. So, in no particular order:

Pop-Culture Things That Make Me Want To Crash My Car Into A Building, Part One:

1. That "Delilah" Song

God that song is so whining and annoying. And everyone seems to love it. Oh it’s so sweet and romantic and…good God, there’s blood pouring from my ears! Make it stop!

2. Sugar Ray

Everything about Sugar Ray bothers me. First of all, their popular songs are crap. I state this because I may cut some slack for their Lemonade and Brownies as opposed to Fly and everything after. But the music is awful, Mark McGrath of Extra is awful, and everyone song is overplayed and annoying. Plus the fact that the lyrics are incredibly ridiculous, and usually about cheating.

3. The Neverending Story

This one doesn’t make me want to crash my car because it’s bad. It just scares the crap out of me. I don’t know why I have an irrational fear of this movie. Maybe all the sad and creepy parts hit me a little hard as a kid. Since I have this terror though, I can’t put a clip up. So here’s a Family Guy-related one instead.

4. Emo

See #1 and the ear bleeding comment. I just don’t get it…I thought there were different eras of this, and it used to just be called depressed adolescence. Or androgynous punk. Or goth. Or just listening to The Smiths or Morrissey. But instead there’s Emo…a great “short” word for Emotional (because it’s so long of a word), which really translates to “sucky music.” This is a good description:

5. Stupid Beer Commercials

Football season is about to commence (not counting pre-season of course). I don’t think I need to elaborate.

6. Beating An Idea to Death (i.e. Penguins)

So first there was March of the Penguins. Then Happy Feet. Now penguins…surfing in Surf’s Up. Okay, we get it. You made money off of penguins. Now let it go. Just go to the Zoo or something.

DVD Release of the Week

I am almost a week late on this news, and I apologize. My change in jobs has kept my schedule quite busy, and also limited my Internet access during the work week. But I'm sure this will make up for it...

I don't know if Will's CMVotW post of SBTB was due to this release, or was by sheer coincidence, but it was good timing nonetheless. For last Tuesday August 7th, a DVD was released that many fans have long awaited...


That's right, my friends, Saved by the Bell Hawaiian Style AND Wedding in Las Vegas, both yours to own on one DVD for the low, low price of $14.99! It's been forever since I've seen these, and now I'm glad they're available for purchase.

So get your copy now, so you can watch legendary scenes with amazing songs!

LIGHT SPEED TOO SLOW?!

Do you ever feel like you just don't have enough time to catch up on your television pop-culture? I mean there are so many episodes of classics like Silver Spoons, Who's the Boss, The Facts of Life, etc.. Who has the time? Well now you can watch an entire episode of those classics you love in under six minutes! That's right! Thanks to the folks over at the minisodenetwork, you can watch abbreviated versions of your favorite shows of days gone by. I mean, right now this is a pop-culturist's best way to watch the classics, without spending hundreds on the DVDs. Lord knows Nick at Nite's not gonna help us out! I mean come on NaN, get with the programs. All the pop-culture you've got stored in your vaults and all you seem to want to give us is Roseanne and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! C'MON! Where's the Who's the Boss, the Growing Pains, the Night Court, The Facts of Life, The Webster, the Wings, the Welcome Back Kotter, the Diff'rent Strokes, the Silver Spoons, etc.?! I mean what gives? Really?! It's like having a that big box of Crayola Crayons and only using Burnt Siena and Blue-Green! Congratulations Nickelodeon, you're officially on my list! And that ain't a good thing!

I’ll Miss You, “Cliff Hangers” Guy

So I love game shows. And I’m talking REAL game shows here, not modern game shows like Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? or reality game shows like Fear Factor. You know, game shows like Match Game, Press Your Luck, Name That Tune, Family Feud…this post could go on forever, but I don’t have time.

Clearly one of the most well-known, long running, network television game shows has been The Price Is Right. Bob Barker has been a staple for the unemployed, the college student, the kid home sick from school and anyone else watching syndicated daytime television. With his recent retirement, he joins other great game show hosts such as Richard Dawson, Wink Martindale, Dick Clark, Bob Eubanks, Allen Ludden…okay, again, I’ll stop, I don’t have time. Most readers of entertainment news know where I’m going with this.

Why the *&#$ is Drew Carey the new host of TPIR?!

Okay, yes, no one is going to live up to Bob Barker. He was host for so long that there will obviously be critiques and comparisons. What are Drew Carey’s qualifications? The American Whose Line Is It Anyway? The not-yet-premiered Power of 10?

I just…don’t…like him. I didn’t like The Drew Carey Show. I don’t think he’s funny. I don’t want him giving out new cars and playing with the Trusty Plinko Stick.

I really don’t know who I’d rather have. Definitely not Rosie O’Donnell, but I probably wouldn’t have minded George Hamilton as much. What do you think, friends?

Guess what just got added to my Christmas wishlist...

I saw this in David Wain's blog today, for those of you who haven't seen it yet...

The State

Pop-Pop Hall of Shame

I felt it was appropriate with this blog to honor something the Bluth's know firsthand, shame. We are all snobs about what we enjoy in the pop culture world so why shouldn't the same apply to what we feel is unworthy? The Hall of Shame should highlight pop culture that not only was awful, but managed to succeed despite the lack of quality and sometimes because of it. This is what separates it from the Razzies. After all, the general public should be ashamed of some of the creations they have chosen to rally behind. This becomes increasingly more relevant as quality music, movies and television (especially this blog's namesake) die out long before they should.

Each Inductee will receive this magnificent trophy:

Tobias Fünke Trophy of Shame

Now on to the inductee. The first choice was a no-brainer. Jim Belushi, for reasons beyond understanding, has been able to make a career out of acting without any discernable talent. His latest and perhaps best known foray into acting has been with the long-running show, According to Jim. The show has long been an unsightly stain on the television industry. The show continues to astound people of any reputable taste as it has lasted 7 seasons and could potentially continue on. If Jim was the only cause of this grotesque display of television then perhaps he would be inducted himself. But there is a gem of a cast that has helped make this monstrosity successful.

We also have to thank Courtney Thourne-Smith who for years has played the most annoying characters on shows like Melrose Place and Alley McBeal. Then there is Kimberly Williams who's biggest acting credit is sadly enough, According to Jim. Rounding out this all-star team of a cast is Larry Joe Campbell whose greatest claim to fame is also According to Jim.

Despite it all of its shortcomings the show has found an audience over the years and has succeeded where so many quality shows have failed. It is hard to say whether this is a failure on behalf of the networks or the American television viewing public. Either way it is a sad display for the state of modern television.

As it is too unbearable to watch for great lengths at a time I will only post links to 2 short clips. Anything more would be inhumane. For evidence of this atrocity click here and here.

So here it is, the inaugural inductee of the Pop-Pop Hall of Shame:

More inductees to follow once I get back from vacation. And all blog contributors are encouraged to induct their own candidates worthy of shame.

Celebrity Male Crush of the Month for June

For info on the Celebrity Male Crush of the Month guidelines, go here. Despite the delay, I didn't forget about this month's CMCM. It simply took me a while to decide who to give this great honor. The decision was not easy. Paul Rudd had so much steam going into this month I felt to honor him would be too obvious, although he is definitely worthy. This month's recipient was my choice at first but then I was sold on someone else for a while. At the last minute I felt I should go with my gut and switch back to the original choice. I wanted to honor a man who truly is a Celebrity Male Crush we can all be proud of.

So, without further interruption, I give you the June Celebrity Male Crush of the Month!

Andy Richter

To me, Andy Richter exemplifies the great qualities of CMCM. He has immense talent and his likability factor is through the roof. Let us start first with his personality. What guy would be better to hang out with than someone who actually did that for a living? As the loyal sidekick to Conan O'Brien for 7 years he was great at comedic banter and interjecting interviews with repartee. He would be the perfect choice to kick back and watch some lame television or movies whilst making funny comments.

If his positive qualities ended simply at being witty and a nice guy then he would fall short of this position. However, he used that wit and charm to create a respectable career. Andy enjoys high critical success despite the continued failure of many of his projects. Instead of letting the cancellations get him down, Andy dusts himself off and tries again.

Andy's big break was. of course, his biggest gig to date. On Late Night with Conan O'Brien he was the perfect match for Conan. Their sketches reached legendary status. But a genius the level of Andy can only remain in the sidekick role for so long. At some point he must reach for his own glory. Since his departure in 2000 it has not been an easy road for Andy.

In 2002 Andy scored his first television show as the lead. It was the underrated Andy Richter Controls the Universe. The show relied on Andy's charm and extreme likability and a first rate supporting cast. Unfortunately, as would be a theme with quality television, Fox failed to give the show adequate time to grow a loyal following.

Andy's next big television project was a step backwards. In choosing to make Quintuplets, Andy in my opinion was trying to at last gain that commercial success he had longed for. But he sacrificed quality material for a grab at good ratings. Sadly, for Andy, even this attempt failed to produce positive results. Yet another show of his was axed by Fox.

It is amazing and a true testament to his fortitude that he ever wanted to have his own television show again. Like so often before he decided to give it another shot. He went back to his roots and what works well for him. His newest project would greatly rely on his charm and perceived innocence. It would be his finest work to date. What helped set Andy Barker, P.I. apart was that it also had Conan as a producer and writer. The tag team of O'Brien and Richter were back together to kick ass and take names!

Could it be that Andy's chance at success was finally here? He switched networks to NBC and was again surrounded by a stellar cast, most notably the brilliant Tony Hale. Surely the American public would rise up and see how brilliant this show was. Alas it was not meant to be. Once again Andy is facing uncertainty.

It seems that Andy's career as a leading television man is doomed for failure. We can only hope that changes in the future. However, Andy has found success in one area through the years. He has made cameos in numerous television shows and movies. Although the parts are mainly small they do make an impact and reinforce his ability to inject comedy in any situation. He has been involved in such notable shows as Arrested Development, Strangers with Candy,
Ed and Monk. Upcoming he will have a role in the Will Ferrell comedy Semi-Pro. With luck he will find another television show that matches his talent.

Reality Confessional

It seems common today to hear people complain about Reality TV. How it’s out of control, overdone, etc. While I do semi-agree, there clearly is a market for this medium if people continue watching.

I've found the reality TV shows I’m drawn to are ones that have some sort of incentive or prize. But I think that stems from my love (aka obsession) of game shows. While shows like American Idol and Big Brother are indeed categorized as “reality TV,” I see them as extended game shows that follow the same group of contestants for weeks.

That being said, I do love American Idol. I had barely missed one minute of it until this last season, because none of the contestants appealed to me. But due to its supreme fan base and the juggernaut that it is in the ratings world, I’m not embarrassed to admit I watch it.

What am I embarrassed about? That I've watched every season of The Apprentice. And yes, I know Donald Trump is a giant d-bag. Hell, I even watched the Martha Stewart Apprentice. Complete with the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) theme song and awkward not-quite-a-catchphrase, “You just don’t fit in.”

I never really liked the celebrity reality shows like Newlyweds or The Surreal Life. I didn't become engrossed in The Real World. I also never was a fan of Survivor, even if that has a prize, or Big Brother for that matter. I don’t know why. I have friends and family who watch these programs, but they never appealed to me.

However, there is another program I have to admit I watched a large chunk of. And it is one I’m extremely embarrassed about. It’s Dancing With the Stars. I refused, refused, refused to watch it in previous seasons. But the perfect storm of 90210-alum Ian Ziering, embarrassingly idiotic boy-bander Joey Fatone and will-her-leg-stay-on Heather Mills (formerly McCartney) couldn't keep me away.

Currently this summer I’m watching On The Lot. Fox keeps stumbling around trying to find how they want to present it. In the beginning it seemed like The Apprentice. Then like American Idol. Now I don’t know what the hell they’re doing or what day it’s even on. But a reality TV show for aspiring film directors I had high hopes for. I’ll keep watching when I can, even if its horrible.

I’m also watching Hell’s Kitchen at the urging of a coworker of mine. While I wasn't fully engrossed, I must admit I get some pleasure out of watching people get yelled at and seeing them cry. It’s horribly mean, but makes me feel better after a day of work.

Come to think of it, maybe that’s the second tie-in of why I watch the reality TV programming that I do. Not only for the contest/game show factor, but I like shows where people are meanly judged. I like Simon Cowell insulting people. I like watching people getting fired. And maybe that’s what I should be truly embarrassed about.

And in the End...

So this past weekend one of the biggest pop culture events of recent memory took place. No I'm not talking about Paris Hilton going back to jail. Although cries of joy could be heard throughout the land with the release of that news. What I'm talking about is of course the series finale of The Sopranos. Regardless of whether you watch it or not, it is hard to recall a bigger water cooler moment in the past 5 years. Just a warning, this post may contain some spoilers. Though I'd be surprised if anyone has managed to get through the day without hearing about it at least once.

One could certainly make a case that The Sopranos was the most influential television show of the new century. David Chase was able to create a frightening yet plausible world that generated a plethora of emotions in the average viewer. He painstakingly pushed the series along after numerous hiatuses. This past weekend was to be the culmination of all the secrecy, death and misery that the family brought upon itself.

I wouldn't say that I'm quite the devotee to the show that many other claim to be. I have allegiances to several other HBO shows over The Sopranos. In terms of dramas I am more partial to Six Feet Under, Deadwood and Big Love. However, I still looked upon this finale with eager anticipation. Like it or not, I had feelings about how I wanted these despicable characters to end up.

Across the internet there were numerous theories as to how Chase would end the show. Many thought there would be a major last battle resulting in the death of Tony and the other mobsters. Others thought Tony would end up in jail or even simpler, end up contemplating ducks as he did in Season 1. In the end Chase decided to go the untraditional route yet again by leaving the last moments up to the imaginations of each viewer.

It is easy to jump to the conclusion that he took the easy way out. Instead of going after the perfect ending, which probably doesn't exist, he gave up. I think that judgment would be too harsh. His choice was bold and although it certainly won't be beloved by many it will forever be talked about in pop culture annals.

So now begins the time where all of us pop culture pundits can reflect and compare this finale to the greatest of all time. Yes this topic has been covered many times and will continue to be by every pop culture outlet in existence. But I figured with the superb knowledge and expertise present here we could bring our own taste to the discussion.

So, with that said, what are the greatest series finales of all time? There are of course the usual suspects, M*A*S*H and Newhart. But I hope that we can try to think a bit outside of the box. Try to come up with some great finales that we might not have thought of. Your choices of course depend a lot on what you feel makes a good finale. People invariably like different types, whether it wraps up the plot points of the show or leaves the viewer with one final cliffhanger.

I personally believe that each show is different. That the finale should reflect the mood and feeling of the show. Some shows should remain a mystery while others require a sense of closure to remain redeemable. As I am a television addict, there are many finales which I have enjoyed and been completely satisfied with. However, it becomes much harder to think of the few I truly loved. I believe that Six Feet Under is one of the greatest finale episodes of all time. What made it so great was how well it fit with the theme of the series. The focus on death and how it shapes life continued to the very end. As a viewer I was left completely at peace with the end of the show, despite my constant desire to see my shows continue.

I also have to add a personal favorite of mine. And I wouldn't be surprised if others here share it with me. The Office Christmas Special for me was and is something to cherish. It was the perfect ending to a show that pushed the viewer's embarrassment to a new level each episode. The characters we had grown to love were allowed to leave with some class.


I am sure that I will be able to think of more that I love as the days progress. I am eager to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Unsung Characters

I've been thinking about posting this topic for a while now. I feel with the wealth of knowledge here people could really come up with some great characters that just get overlooked. Hopefully it can become a regular feature here. With that said, I was leaning a couple of different ways with my inaugural choice. But ultimately I am happy with my selection.

Squiggy from "Laverne and Shirley"

Obviously "Laverne and Shirley" was a classic sitcom. It was one of the many 70s staples that I grew up watching through syndication. It was full of great characters who helped make the show a hit. But of course some get more credit than others. So try to imagine that you are Squiggy. You are up against the two female leads who bring laughs with the best of them. Then on top of that you are partnered with a character played by one of the great improv geniuses of our time.

How could a character possibly compete with that? You become one of the most lovable losers in television history. Squiggy's confidence knew no bounds. Each line was delivered with irreverent delight. And all this despite Squiggy's obvious mental shortcomings. Plus, Squiggy is a hero to men with widows' peaks everywhere, even those of us who lost them due to receding hairlines.

Here is a clip that I find incredibly amusing. It also would go well in Eileen's topic about songs created for television. I find it quite catchy and Squiggy steals the show of course.

Pop Goes The Cliché

I know that many people reading this probably didn’t even watch last night’s American Idol performance finale. But I can’t take it anymore, so I have to say something.

THAT was the winning song of the song writing contest? Really?

Lyrically it sounded like the type of poem a 5th grader would write. Perhaps I shouldn’t cast stones since I did not enter, but I am confident I could’ve written better lyrics, even if I can’t compose music. It was like someone opened a bag of clichés, grabbed a handful and threw it at the wall.

Apparently it was written by Jeff Peabody a church pastor and his fellow congregation member Scott Krippayne:

There was a time I packed my dreams away.
Living in a shell, hiding from myself.

There was a time when I was so afraid.
I thought I’d reached the end,
Baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterdays.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around I can’t believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.

Had to decide was I going to play it safe
or look somewhere deep in inside try to turn the tide
and find the strength to take that step of faith

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
I look around I can’t believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts.
That was then, this is my now.

And I have the courage like never before, yeah.
I’ve settled for less but I’m ready for more,
Ready for more.
This is my now

I’m living in the moment
As I look around I can’t believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts.
That was then, this is my now.

I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around
Can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then.
This is my now.
This is my now.

If you’re really dying to hear the finalists each sing it, here’s Blake and here’s Jordin. But honestly, I don’t recommend wasting your time.

I don’t know what I expect. It is American Idol, it is cheesy and it is supposed to be a pop song. And like all the other “finale” songs, it won’t do well. But I’m very sensitive about lyrics and it just really, really bothered me. Thanks for letting me vent.