Saturday, September 11, 2010

Inspirational Tough Girl: Joan Jett

I was eleven when Joan Jett's anthemic cover of "I Love Rock-n-Roll" became a huge hit in 1982. I remember trying to perfect my own version of her raw, "Aaaooowww," in the song. She was both bad-ass and fun.

With its minimalist, raw pop rock sensiblity, the song holds up remarkably well. As an adult, I am impressed by the in-charge attitude Jett takes. She's taking that boy home, where they can be alowooowoone, and it's her decision.



Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Kidnapped: The Best TV Show You Never Saw

Before he became the scruffy Lupo, Jeremy Sisto was equally tattered as dogged investigator-for-hire Knapp in the doomed 2006 series Kidnapped.

You probably never saw this excellent show because, after a brief scheduling jostle, it was canceled by NBC after it aired a scant number of episodes and then did dreaded time slot two-step.

The good news is that you can catch this thriller, also starring Delroy Lindo (below) and Timothy Hutton (with pre-Leverage gravitas) via Netflix on demand or DVD.


I would describe the complex show as family drama meets conspiracy theory, chock full of cops and Feds.

Meanwhile, now that Lost, 24, Prison Break and various other episodic dramas have either been canceled or ended their runs, I fear a future where intelligent, story-driven shows like Kidnapped won't air at all.


Monday, September 6, 2010

Fantasy Casting: Lisa Kudrow on Glee

Kudrow's portrayal of the daffy Phoebe on Friends gave heart and even subtle smarts to the stereotypical dumb blond motif. Can I get an 'Amen' to the idea of bringing Kudrow back to network TV, if only for one episode?

Dear Glee producers, please hire:

Actor: Lisa Kudrow
Ideal Role: Hilariously clueless cheerleader Brittany's mother.
Song Pick: Cruel Summer, by Bananarama (Listen here.)
Bonus Points: She played one of TVs most infamous bad singers on Friends. It's time for redemption.






Friday, September 3, 2010

Fantasy Casting: Christina Ricci on Glee

Can I argue for a new bad ass female character to emerge on season two of Glee? As much as I love Rachel, Quinn and Emma, I think the show needs some edge and toughness too.

Dear Glee producers, please hire:

Actor: Christina Ricci
Ideal Role: Sue Sylvester's newest nemesis, in the form of a former student who was once an anti-cheerleader.
Song Pick: Hit Me with Your Best Shot, by Pat Benatar (Listen here.)
Bonus Points: Ricci's Indie film street cred, combined with her former child star status make a her a perfect, unexpected choice for Glee.


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Fantasy Casting: Wentworth Miller on Glee

Michael Scofield may have left the building, but Wentworth Miller is back in the new Resident Evil movie. I think he should show off his singing chops on the coming season of Glee.

Dear Glee producers, please hire:

Actor: Wentworth Miller
Ideal Role: Puck's mysterious uncle, passing through town, shows what it really means to be cool
Song Pick: Break on Through (to the Other Side), The Doors (Listen here.)
Bonus Points: Miller sang baritone for an a capella group at Princeton. (Listen here.) Prison break and Glee are both Fox network shows. Miller also appeared on Glee creator Ryan Murphy's show Popular. (Watch here.)

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fantasy Casting: Taye Diggs on Glee

The recent Emmy performance of the Glee cast alongside other actors like Tina Fey has inspired me. I'm doing my own central casting of dream Glee appearances.

Dear Glee producers, please hire:

Actor: Taye Diggs
Ideal Role: Dreamboat science teacher with a secret desire to sing
Song Pick: Lovely Day, by Bill Withers (Listen here.)
Bonus Points: Musical theater veteran Diggs is married to Idina Menzel, who played Rachel Berry's mom last season.