The semi-annual Television Critics Association (TCA) tour has
been packed with a bevy of information and enough sweet little
sound bites from the cable nets and the Big Four to give a critic
cavities.
The semi-annual Television Critics Association (TCA) tour has been packed with a bevy of information and enough sweet little sound bites from the cable nets and the Big Four to give a critic cavities. The good news is, there’s actually some good news to report. I’ll have more details next week after a quick jaunt to L.A., but thus far, note the highlights from this summer’s tour in Pasadena, where the Big Four and cable networks have assembled to promote their upcoming shows:
Take ‘Pity’
Everything old is new again, even when what was new 30 years ago is suddenly looking real old. Beyond the regular launch of all the season premieres on network TV, fall offers a quirky if not curious resurrection of Mr. T. With TV Land’s “I Pity the Fool,” the beefed up, mohawked T of yore hasn’t quite mellowed, but he does seem to be embracing his inner something or other.
Here, the iconic ’70s star (“The A-Team”) goes by way of Dr. Phil with a sprinkle of, say, post-modern social scientist tossed in for good measure. The gist of the series, it seems, is to have the T be a catalyst for change for the everyman seeking advice. What’s next? The Love Boat’s Gavin McLeod dispensing romance advice? “I Pity the Fool” debuts in September.
Put it in ‘Park’
“South Park” fans will have something to celebrate come October. The popular Comedy Central series, notorious for not only pushing the envelope but for stretching it far celebrates its 10th anniversary. Among the many nuances creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone plan to implement this season: another parody that finds an animated Tom Cruise heading back into the closet (and we know how well that went over the first time.)
Down to the ‘Wire’
HBO darling “The Wire” returns for a fourth season in September, and the word is all about focusing on the educational system and urban development. “The Wire,” a consistently well-written show with a strong posse of actors, was the dream of creator David Simon, who wanted to launch a Baltimore-based crime saga. Fortunately, his dream spawned one of HBO’s better series. (While it’s still wonderfully executed, I’m so post-“Sopranos” it’s not even funny.)
Suddenly In Spanish
Expect ABC to dub some of its more popular shows in Spanish this fall. Among the growing list is “Desperate Housewives,” “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and the ABC comedies “George Lopez” and fall newbie “Ugly Betty.” The former is one of season’s best new offerings in this critic’s eyes. (Think “The Devil Wears Prada” by way of a Hispanic Cinderella.)
Actually, ABC is the first English-language broadcast network to offer all of its regular primetime entertainment programming in Spanish – this via a combination of closed-captioning and dubbing. With full-blown dubbing on the horizon, ABC sends a major nod to the millions of Hispanics who watch “mostly or only Spanish-language television.”
Planting ‘Weeds’
Nothing like a show about a suburban PTA mom who makes some cash on the side selling dope after her hubby dies. This engaging single-camera comedy, starring the delightful Mary-Louise Parker, begins its sophomore season Aug. 14 on Showtime. Expect more comedic spin from Kevin Nealon, who is turning out to be one the small screen’s most under-rated performers.
Day 6 Unfolds on ’24’
It is months away from premiering, but already there’s buzz surrounding the new season of “24.” At the forefront is 24’s reputable Palmer Family. Fans know that one of the many shockers last season found President Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) assassinated. The upcoming season will feature Regina King and DB Woodside joining the year’s most Emmy-nominated series – 12 Emmy nods in all.
Along with dealing with Jack’s (Keifer Sutherland) kidnapping, the Palmer Family is expected to unite – King plays Palmer’s sister Angela, a powerful advocacy lawyer, Woodside returns as Palmer’s strong-minded brother “Wayne,” who’s the recently elected President (that sure happened fast).
Greg Archer is an entertainment writer based on the Central Coast. He writes about the TV, film and being human. E-mail him at ga*****@**********rs.com or visit www.greg-archer.com.
