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So last year I said I was sorry to Louis C.K. about an outburst that led to a heated argument with the curmudgeon comedian at a show in Brooklyn. It was this weird interaction with an artist that I generally respect that has left a bizarre impression on me, and apparently it left something with Louis C.K. as well. Recently, I started recapping a few programs for DaemonsTV, one of them being C.K.’s new FX program, “Louie.” So this week’s episode, which dealt with the dreaded heckler, hit just a bit too close to home. While not identical to my real-life experience with Louis, it was eerily similar. And of course, our heated conversation didn’t take place till after his set, it still revolved around him considering himself a good person, thinking his pedophile jokes were okay, me being a not nice person and Todd Barry lurking the whole time.
This episode was probably a culmination of various women/hecklers Louis has had the opportunity to interact with over the years, but since I am conveniently one of those women, who happens to be blonde, bold, and drunk at the time, I can now say that I have made it. So TV writers, if you would like me to come down and yell at you for a bit so you have a plot/arc for an upcoming episode, let me know. I work freelance.
So you might have noticed an absence on The Spielster recently. Well thanks to some development glitches and backend issues, I haven’t had an ounce of time to actual BLOG here. But thanks to my friend Nick, who has helped me keep my sanity by getting the site up and running once again, I am back.
In the meantime, there have been oodles of things we’ve missed like Lohan getting jail time, bros icing bros and the new trailer for “The Social Network.” No worries folks – we’ll get to it.
Sadly, I was right last week when I called you all out for not watching “Party Down“. STARZ has decided that its not interested in keeping their only redeemable program on the air and vetoed a third season for this near classic comedy series. Yesterday the executive veep of programming, Stephan Shelanski released a statement:
“After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of Party Down and Gravity. We’re grateful to everyone involved in the shows, and are proud to have had them on the channel. Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup.”
And while this news isn’t shocking to anyone paying attention to ratings, it’s definitely sad for us programming junkies. “Party Down” was a rare gem in a very bloated television landscape and allowed a talented cast to shine each and every episode. Its truthfulness in what really happens when you try to ‘make it’ in Hollywood was a breath of fresh air compared to the escapist and vacuous programs like “Entourage” and “The Hills“. But its real strength lied in the witty writing, the chemistry between the cast and the ability to execute smart physical comedy. As we now know, its not necessarily the best TV programs to rise in the ratings and it doesn’t help when you are on a network that’s broadcast into like all of 12 homes. And while some of “Party Down” alum have already made their move, like Jane Lynch with “Glee” and Adam Scott on “Parks and Recreation“, I hope that the rest of the talented cast find its foot somewhere else in the TV landscape. It’s just a shame that another quality program bites the dust when there is so much garbage still on TV. Well at least Rob Thomas can start working on that ‘Veronica Mars‘ movie now, right?
So I beg you Network Executives, please please please give quality a chance. Look at “Mad Men” or “Southland” – these are shows that were either passed on or cancelled by major networks and have found their footing on other channels. It can happen and with “Party Down” the cast can rotate without effecting the overall structure, so even if some of the stars are getting deals of networks like NBC, they can still bang out a few episodes for a third season. And if no one will take a chance on this, please acknowledge that we have lost another classic series due to poor programming and ratings issues – not lack of quality. RIP “Party Down“. I’ll pour myself a glass of wine and get a bowl of soup in your honor tonight.
Last year I turned to this site to offer an apology to the brash comedian and now I’m here promoting his new TV series “Louie“, which premiered last night on FX. Since no one from FX‘s marketing department were nice enough to send me screeners, I caught the show last night and the critics were right – its fantastic.
“Louie” is part real-life, part nouveau sitcom – allowing Louis CK to ‘play’ a character, who happens to be a recently divorced comedian named Louie. The show doesn’t veer too far from CK’s real life, including his awkward return to dating and his bizarre attempts to make his daughters ‘like’ him and much of the plot comes from his stand-up routine. Think an HBO version of “Seinfeld” but circa 1995, with the stand-up material acting as a bridge to the plot not an introduction. And you can’t forget that this show is about an actual NYC comedian because within the first two episodes, which premiered back to back last night, there have already been cameos from half of the NYC comedian population. Its an evolved version of the stand-up to sitcom premise we are all so familiar with, both in its tone and its settings. The show carefully straddles the line of real-life for Louis CK and has moved beyond the studio settings so popular for sitcoms and uses New York City as its actual backdrop. This show breaks ground as it doesn’t stick to the standard parameters of a TV show, much like a handful of HBO & Showtime programming has, so much at times I actually forgot I was watching a sitcom.
This is not the first TV project for Louis CK – his overtly realistic sitcom “Lucky Louie” ran on HBO for a season back in 2006 before getting canceled due to low ratings. And “Louie” seems like an obvious evolution from “Lucky Louie”, where the jokes allow us to laugh at the uncomfortable aspects of every day life, especially as an adult. CK’s standard themes – aging, curiosity over sexuality, fatherhood and dieting – are still weaved throughout the show, but now we can actually laugh with the comedian as opposed to just feel plain old bad for him. Much like CK’s material, “Louie” sometimes loses its main focus and there were a few very “STELLA” moments, like when his date just left in a helicopter, where the show goes almost too ‘next level’. If you are familiar with CK’s brand of comedy or if you appreciate a comedy that is far from cookie cutter, then you will find this the show more than refreshing. FX continues to bring a new style of comedy to the small screen, like its hit “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, a program where the main characters are so dysfunctional that you have to laugh at them. Check out a promo for “Louie” below and if you enjoy awkward comedies, in the vein of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “IASIF”, make sure to tune in every Tuesday at 11PM on FX.
Sadly the answer is probably yes – that you have better things to do on a Friday night than watch one of the funniest shows on television. And while Im sure that’s somewhat true, thanks to the internet, DVR and Netflix it’s not too late to get into “Party Down“. The critically acclaimed sitcom, which focuses officially wraps its second season tonight at 10PM.
Tonight marks the triumphant return of Jane Lynch to the show, which has held up nicely this season despite her lame but likely profitable choice to leave Party Down for Glee. In the episode, Jane Lynch hires her former colleagues to cater her wedding, and much like every other episode of the show, hijinks ensue. Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally make up the insanely dysfunctional crew, who would prefer to be making it in Hollywood than serving in it. And with guest appearances from Steve Guttenberg, Kristen Bell, Patrick Duffy and Paul Scheer, to name a few, this show should be appointment TV. Season 3 isn’t a definite yet, as ratings are tricky on Starz and most of the cast are too busy actually scoring major gigs, but Im keeping my fingers crossed. As a handful of entertainment sites, like Movieline, are speculating that tonight’s episode could be Party Down’s last and providing pretty good reasoning, like losing a handful of the cast due to their major gigs, it would be incredibly sad to see another gem of a TV show leave the airwaves way too soon.
Check out the trailer for Season 2 and see what you have been missing. And don’t forget to tune in tonight at 10PM.
Love her or hate her, its pretty difficult not to be completely enthralled with Courtney Love — which is why Vh1 gave the rocker her own “Behind The Music“. Last week I told you about the two-hour special, which premiered this past Monday, that gave us an inside look into glorious crazy that is Courtney. From Courtney’s early childhood, where she was abandoned by nearly every family member, to her search for success in Hollywood, it was riveting to see the usually eccentric Love being frank and openly discussing the dark periods of her life. Love described her inherent awareness that she would one day be famous, her quest to lead the biggest rock band and her self-sabotage of the success she so desperately needed.
One of the qualities I have always loved in Courtney is her sheer ambition, and the fact that she has never let it get in her way. While this helped her succeed with her band Hole, it has also been the reason for her many mental breakdowns and her various issues with her daughter Frances Bean. “BTM” tackled the 90′s answer to Romeo & Juliet/John & Yoko/Sid & Nancy with a frankness rarely seen when it comes to Courtney and Kurt Cobain’s love affair. And it was oddly refreshing to finally hear folks who actually KNEW Kurt describe his depression, his love of his daughter and wife and his inability to cope with his life anymore. Mixed in with the media backlash and overwhelming depression that Courtney faced after Kurt’s death was her band Hole finally reaching the big time with the release of “Live Through This” (which in my opinion should be mandatory listening for any teenage girls aged 12 -15). We got a behind the scenes look at the full on meltdown of Courtney, her losing custody of her daughter multiple times and finally, her arrival in Hollywood. Love’s band went on to another successful record with “Celebrity Skin“, which coincided with Love’s success in the movie business and her four-year relationship with “The People Vs. Larry Flynt” costar Ed Norton. Love discussed her various love affairs with Billy Corgan, Ed Norton and Trent Reznor, which led to one of the funniest quotes from the show “Don’t call your band Nine Inch Nails if you’ve got a three inch one”. For a look at all the gems, check out Jezebel‘s amazing video of the goodies dished out by Love.
I will watch a “Behind The Music” on just about anyone, but this episode was a true classic. Courtney Love is truly a force, be it for good or bad. And I’m sure its been one hell of a ride to be her child or close friend, but those of us lucky enough to be just far enough away from her, she can remain one of the true bold role models of a generation of women who won’t give in or give up. The special only emphasized the love I have for this woman, who won’t apologize for being a bitch. And it has also had me addicted to Hole’s Pandora station all day (VIVA THE ’90s!!!). After the show, I just wanted to dye my hair, open up an issue of Sassy and start writing lyrics about my feelings. Instead, Im just blogging away, but I guess that’s the 2010 version of being an affected tween, right?
With the media in full reality overdrive, it’s refreshing to see an unflinching documentary that delves into what it’s really like to be famous. “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work,” which opens to a limited run this Friday, is an intimate and intriguing look at a year in the life of the comedic pioneer. The film opens with a close-up on Joan Rivers, sans makeup, and we are subtly informed that this will be not your typical fluff piece, but a more pointed look at the woman behind the face. Rivers, who became synonymous with plastic surgery in the 1980′s, bravely exposes herself warts and all for the filmmakers and the audience. It’s obvious why this film was one of the standout offerings of the festival season with its earnest look at the pop culture phenomenon that is Joan Rivers.
The woman who famously asked, “Can we talk,” does just that in ‘APW’ and relishes in being the first person publicly to discuss anything taboo. Be it plastic surgery, suicide or aging, if it’s on her mind, and she think it’s on yours, it will be a topic of discussion. Filmmakers Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg, were eager to have a complex female subject for their next film and felt Rivers was a perfect fit. Stern said Rivers “was turning 75 and it was a time in her life where she was owning her age publicly and she thought, what the heck, let’s go for it”. Rivers was eager to be Stern and Sundberg’s pawn, giving the filmmakers carte blanche in the 14 months they followed the comedian during what turned out to be one of her most successful years to date. For folks only familiar with her red-carpet coverage and multiple plastic surgeries, this is a compelling look at an artist who made it by making fun of herself and celebrity.
Juxtaposed between archival footage and early interviews, we watch Rivers as she struggles to remain relevant, a word she desperately wants others to describe her as. The comedian, who scoffs at the idea of being considered a pioneer, would work 48 hours straight if there was a venue that would have her. While filming, Stern and Sundberg had to actually leave Rivers during one of her many cross-country ventures, as they were just too tired to keep up. ‘APW’ looks at both the physical and the mental toll her struggle for success has taken on Rivers. Comedians, specifically of the stand-up variety are known to be insecure, but you can see that criticism really sits with Rivers, who fears that even at 75 she will never be taken seriously. Comedy for Rivers evolved from a gig to pay the bills while struggling as a dramatic actress to what she describes today as an industry and it seems that poor critiques she received back in the early 1970’s still resonate. Rivers attempts to battle those demons with a new play, based on her life, which receives rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and harsh critiques during it’s a limited run, she decides to end the play to avoid being attacked once again by Broadway critics. Rivers routinely worries about her age and her inadequacies, which seems to cripple the performer as she prepares a set for an upcoming Kennedy Center ceremony honoring George Carlin. Rivers fears she won’t be able to compare to writing staffs of Jon Stewart, Bill Maher and Garry Shandling, as she writes her own material, the comedian is near tears before her performance. Be it the effect of aging or just her constant battle with her self-esteem, Rivers seems never quite happy with herself, acknowledging that she is her own biggest critic.
Rivers was also fearful of appearing on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice“, where she eventually took the top prize, alongside her daughter Melissa. Beyond her being the oldest contestant by nearly 30 years, this would be Joan’s first appearance on NBC since being blacklisted from the network in 1987 after a crippling fall out with her one-time mentor Johnny Carson. For those of you unfamiliar, the friendship led to a trailblazing late night gig on Fox, which then led to her being blacklisted. Soon after, her husband Edgar Rosenberg, was fired as a producer from the Fox program and committed suicide. So it’s easy to understand why Joan might not have run to NBC, but she looked at it as an opportunity to be with her daughter, to make amends and most importantly, pay the bills. As we learn, Rivers is willing to do anything and everything that it takes to maintain her success. Joan’s act, and it’s all hers, is one of connection and revelation. Rivers is famous for pulling no punches and speaking candidly about subjects generally untouched by others. And having had the opportunity to interview Joan about the film, what you see in “A Piece of Work” is what you get in real life. She feels “lucky and blessed” that she has been able to make a successful career out of what she loves to do the most perform on stage and that on a given day “there are people being paid to talk about” her. “The joke comes first” according to Rivers and she has no issue poking fun at herself, friends and others. Rivers hopes to outlive everyone in comedy and still be performing at 100, and with her strength and tenacity its seems more than possible. This film is a poignant look at celebrity, its parallels to aging, and what it takes to survive and succeed in entertainment. After the film, it’s hard not to be enamored at River’s strength, as a woman, a mother and foremost a pioneer. Just don’t call her that to her face. [A-]
“Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work” opened last weekend in select cities and has expanded this weekend. If you see any film this weekend that doesn’t involve animated toys, please make it this.
The magnificent Courtney Love will be telling all, and refreshingly it won’t be through her Twitter account. The kooky rock icon got her own “Behind the Music” and it will premiere this Monday. When I caught the commercial for the special yesterday I literally shrieked with glee. My obsession with Love began in my early tweens when she was the living embodiment of rock to me. She was like the missing love child of Jim Morrison and Led Zeppelin, so different from the Riot Grrls and folk singers I had been into before she came into my life. Her brash ego made her alarming to so many and caused a hatred rarely seen in so many rock fans. She was the 1990’s answer to Yoko Ono, but with even more vitriol sent her way.
Throughout the years, her music has gone from epic to less than relevant and her recent public battle with her and Kurt’s daughter France Bean was tasteless and sad, but she will always be Courtney Love. The rock chick who pulls no punches, holds nothing back and gave a generation of chicks the balls to say “F U!”. Check out this three-minute clip of Monday’s show and tell me you aren’t excited to invite Love into your house to dish on everything from Kurt Cobain to motherhood to Trent Reznor’s penis size.
So last year I said I was sorry to Louis C.K. about an outburst that led to a heated argument with the curmudgeon comedian at a show in Brooklyn. It was this weird interaction with an artist that I generally respect that has left a bizarre impression on me, and apparently it left something with Louis C.K. as well. Recently, I started recapping a few programs for DaemonsTV, one of them being C.K.’s new FX program, “Louie.” So this week’s episode, which dealt with the dreaded heckler, hit just a bit too close to home. While not identical to my real-life experience with Louis, it was eerily similar. And of course, our heated conversation didn’t take place till after his set, it still revolved around him considering himself a good person, thinking his pedophile jokes were okay, me being a not nice person and Todd Barry lurking the whole time.
