The show was spectacular. Ron James hosted. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood brought the house down with their improv routine. Featured musicians included Corey Hart and Jessica Mitchell.
I was on duty before the show started at the Sony Centre. There were a few famous Canadians in the room. It was hilarious. I offered a cheery “Hi!” to one actor, before I reined myself in.
Note to Self: Following someone on Twitter does NOT mean that they will recognize you in real life.
I can’t wait ’til next year! Lord willing, I’ll be back–either as a volunteer, or an attendee.
A few weeks ago I wrote the following piece for an assignment. In our criticism class we had the chance to comment on the new pack of fall shows. I picked Robin Williams’ latest vehicle–The Crazy Ones.
As you’ll see, initially, I had my concerns. Will the daughter always save her father…?But the show’s surpassed my cynicism.
And as for the title? Well…I was trying to be… Punny.
That’s what I said to myself when I first heard about CBS’s latest offering, The Crazy Ones. Over 30 years ago, I first fell for Mr. Williams as Mork in Mork and Mindy, and he hasn’t been on television since. Back then, in Mork, Williams inhabited the body of an alien. The role was perfect for him. Mork’s eccentricities gave Williams the freedom to showcase his comedic talent.
This fall The Crazy Ones’ creators seem to be relying on the same formula, only in human form. In The Crazy Ones, Williams plays Simon Roberts, an advertising executive whose grip on reality isn’t quite as strong as it ought to be. I can tell that Williams’ abilities won’t be wasted. Although capable of portraying straight characters, it’s clear to me that he’s at his best when playing men who are a bit left-of centre.
The cast features other actors who are bound to be audience favorites.
Yet it was more than the cast that gave me serious déjà-vu. The producers caught my attention. For some reason I was drawn to Bill D’Elia’s name in the credits. At first I couldn’t figure out why. But a quick search on imdb.com opened my eyes. Mr. D’Elia has a history of producing single-camera comedies featuring quirky ensembles. However, his name is also tied to one of the biggest fish in the TV pond: David. E. Kelley. Kelley and D’Elia have been tied together as producers since the days of Ally McBeal.
But enough background, let’s talk about story. In The Crazy Ones’ pilot, Simon accepts a challenge from his clients—McDonald’s—to find a signature voice to sing their latest jingle within 24 hours. The agency is thrown into chaos after he decides to rely on the old adage, “Leap, and the net will appear.” He courts Kelly Clarkson and with the help of his daughter, is successful. However his business coup doesn’t come without risks.
Throughout the first episode, I found the father-daughter dynamic between Williams and Gellar believable. I also had no trouble buying them as stressed executives. However, in the first and second episodes of The Crazy Ones, I was concerned about the plot. During both shows, Simon manages to push Sydney (and by default, the agency) into high-stress situations where she must deliver a superior end product to prestigious clients. If the show’s shtick relies on Williams throwing his colleagues into a state of jeopardy each week, I predict that problems will arise. Anyone who has seen The Crazy Ones can tell that the show’s cast and audience are too intelligent for that type of dreck. With Williams and Gellar at the helm, The Crazy Ones is a comedy that deserves smart stories that serve its characters.
Back when I was a little girl, there was a show called Barney Miller. It was a *multi-camera sitcom that took place in a police precinct in New York City.
Flash forward to today. There’s a new *single-camera sitcom on FOX. Starring Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg…And set in a police precinct in NYC…It’s damn near perfect.
Everything about this show, I dig. From Andy Samberg the entire cast, to the theme song, to the look of the show.
I’m glad it’s been picked up for a full season. I’d like to see how it progresses.
*Is it weird that I think it’s cool that I actually know what this means? The odd, nerdy ish you learn in TV school…One day at a party, I’m gonna blow someone’s mind.
Last night’s Republic of Doyle threw me a real curve ball. It began when I noticed Leslie Bennett interacting with a mysterious bloke by the name of Callum. My curiosity was piqued.
Of all the pop-culture references, the first thing that came to my mind was this song
I know Chanté’s singing about an entirely different circumstance. Yet the chorus kept popping into my head. I found myself replacing “Chanté” with the name “Leslie”. And then of course I thought, “Hmph! Leslie should be singin’ this about Jake.”
However, of course, she can’t because, well…She’s MARRIED.
More than that—they need to be acknowledged by key players in the entertainment industry.
When will folks’ ideas about what black people women can do change? This current controversy has affirmed something for me. I’m in the right place. The only way to improve the media is from the inside, through hard work.
As you already know, I’m in TV school, learning the tricks of the trade. Over the past couple of weeks, I watched these videos. The first I learned about in class…
The second showed up while I was doing research for a project.
Both speak volumes about the writing process.
Tell your truth–no matter what it is. Don’t worry about convention. Don’t be discouraged by what “they” say. Just be honest.
I especially enjoy listening to it while I write. Since Saturday was supposed to be devoted to writing like a motherf*cker I was in my glory. Here are a couple of tracks that made me dance as I typed:
I can’t find the studio version of “When I Fall…” on iTunes. I might have to acquire it by…Other means.
This next song is, however, a part of Apple’s collection.
claire.she.goes 