Month: May 2005

This week

I will refrain from saying much more about the Star Trek series finale just yet. I thought the final two episodes were initially strong; still feel the next to last episode was strong; yet increasingly feel that the series finale was… more to be desired (perhaps I have been since influenced by the on-line message boards, or just on further reflection, or what).

“Survivor” – funny how that show remains a compelling watch.

This week, the tv networks decide what to renew or cancel. On my would-love-to-see-renewed: WB’s “Jack and Bobby” – but its season (?) finale was so… well, a finale indeed. But, great show. CBS’ “Joan of Arcadia” is on the bubble too – not sure how did it get to be on the bubble. It had pretty strong (well, critically, I guess; don’t know the ratings numbers) episodes. It got dark though. I’d like it to stick around. “Arrested Development” deserves to stick around.

I think “Scrubs” is going to be around (what will NBC do?) – and maybe as to “Joey” (but just not funny enough). NBC needs help.

Very glad that “Veronica Mars” and “House” are already renewed. I have no idea what ABC’s plans are as to “Grey’s Anatomy” – but I enjoy it. Hope it sticks around.

Curious to know what new offerings may be in the fall. I still like the idea of tv seasons (routine is nice, in a world where routines are declining), and I don’t hate reruns (these fans of “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” act like reruns are the bane of society; get a life and a grip and enjoy the freakin’ reruns!). I do find reality shows tiresome, but it’ll be awhile before the networks do decide to show more interesting stuff. Unless I get cable. Or buy DVD’s of my favorite (cancelled) shows. But, either ain’t happening. Oh well.

Enjoy the work week…

Fonzie

I like this interview that Tavis Smiley just did on PBS with Henry Winkler, the former Fonzie of “Happy Days.” Smiley asked Winkler how did he deal with the setbacks of his career/life (having dyslexia and avoiding the threat of being typecasted as just Fonzie), and Winkler said he learned that having a learning disability meant that he had to find new ways to learn (ok, lot of repetition on “learn”). This motivated him to become what he is today. And, then Winkler said he worked as hard as he did, because he was afraid to see himself in a “Where are they now?” tv show, so that drove him. “Tenacity and fear” said Winkler, got him through life. Hmm. Thumbs up. A life lesson indeed!

(oh, and yes, I know he’s Henry Winkler, but I can’t help it that I still see him as Fonzie. Pardon!).