It’s a week full of sweeps. The most obvious ploy to attract
viewers? Madonna. That’s just for starters. Take note of other
spots to point the clicker this week:
It’s a week full of sweeps. The most obvious ploy to attract viewers? Madonna. That’s just for starters. Take note of other spots to point the clicker this week:
Must-See Redux?
The sun officially set on NBC’s “Must-see Thursday Night” a long time ago, but here comes an interesting twist that could launch somewhat of a rebirth. It’s the addition of a show worthy of our attention, coupled with another stellar comedy, “My Name is Earl,” which, oddly, finds itself lagging in the ratings.
(Oh, that “Ugly Betty” competition.)
Thursday’s new outing is the unabashed, cleverly written “30 Rock,” created by SNL’s Tina Fey. Sharing the acting spotlight with Fey is the biting Alec Baldwin and addictive Tracy Morgan in a show about putting on a comedy sketch show. The series stumbled ratings when it aired on Wednesday nights and now NBC wants to give it a shot on Thursday before decided whether it should nix it entirely.
It shouldn’t.
“30 Rock” has found an enjoyable comedic rhythm in its freshman season and shows potential to keep evolving into an award-winning comedy. And in a TV universe where few worthy comedies exist, this is one show worth saving.
Thursday’s misadventure comes in the form of an expanded episode (40 minutes) immediately following a super-sized Earl episode. The former finds comedy writer Liz (Fey) incorporating her boss (Baldwin) into a sketch while Tracy (Morgan) has everybody wondering if he his faking illiteracy to get out of rehearsals. Meanwhile, Earl boasts another hilarious endeavor with guest star Christian Slater as Woody, a former stoner Earl robbed. Woody happens to be Earl’s “No. 26” and when he attempts to rectify his mistake, the now eco-friendly Woody insists the only way for Earl to do that is for him and his brother to live in an eco-friendly commune for a week.
Depending on what side of the Mississippi you live on, that can be a total joy or a savage penance.
She’s Back
Fans of “Reba” take note: The show returns from the WB afterlife to set up camp in the somewhat fertile soil of the new CW. Mark the calendar: The season premiere unfolds at a special time, 7pm Sunday. Another episode immediately follows in the shows regular time slot.
Something to Love on ‘Chris’
Speaking of The CW … last year’s fav “Everybody Hates Chris” delivers an impressive outing on Monday (8pm). Wayne Brady guest stars in this Thanksgiving episode that revolves around uncooked turkey and burnt macaroni. (Brings back college memories actually …)
Magic Madge
Bookmark Wednesday (8pm, NBC) for Madonna’s “The Confessions Tour – Live from London.” Whatever you think of the former Material Girl, it’s hard to deny her amazing showmanship. (Or, does one say showwomanship with the M?) The two-hour fest marks the performer’s first-ever broadcast network performance. Taped last summer at London’s Wembly Stadium, the concert balances the splash with sass, featuring songs from Madonna’s recent multi-platinum album Confessions on a Dance Floor, which hit No. 1 in 29 countries. Expect some production numbers from some the artist’s greatest hits.
If you’ve never seen a Madonna concert, this should prove to be a festive affair. Nothing is static here. Madge seems to have mastered the art of culling from worthy theatrics – a la Cirque de Soleil – to give birth to memorable occasion. It’s not just singing. It’s not just performing. What is it? An experience.
Money Talks
It was bound to happen. Give William Shatner a creative hand and he’ll take the whole arm. After waxing adventurous – and over the top – in his stint as Denny Crane on ABC’s “Boston Public” for several seasons – and nabbing some Emmys to boot – the suddenly comedic figure and former Capt. Kirk morphs into game show host in “Show Me The Money” (8pm Wednesday, ABC). The game show about garnering big bucks doesn’t come without a gimmick: Dancers – and plenty of them. Another way to look at it: If “Dancing With the Stars” went to bed with “Deal or No Deal,” they’d spawn something like “Show Me the Money.”
“Show me the ratings” is more like it. Based on the surge in popularity for game shows these days, Money may give ABC something to talk about all the way to bank.
Show of the Week: “Barbara Walters Special: 30 Mistakes in 30 years.” True, it has ratings stunt written all over it, but you can’t beat Babs – especially when she flubs. Apparently there are so many, the show airs in two parts – Thursday (10:01pm) and Friday (10pm) on ABC.
Greg Archer is an entertainment writer based on the Central Coast. He writes about television, film and being human. E-mail him at ga*****@**********rs.com or visit www.greg-archer.com.
