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RSSWe're all in the dawg pound now . . . 'American Idol' returns
Is American Idol, which returns for a seventh season Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FOX, the savviest show on television? Consider the facts:
1. No matter what Simon says, it's not about the music. It's about creating a TV show people want to watch. And every year, people watch. Say what you want about declining record sales and Taylor Hicks losing his record contract, American Idol is laughing all the way to the number one slot on TV. Sure ratings fell slightly last season but it remains a ratings juggernaut. Other hot reality shows (The Apprentice, Survivor) saw their favor in the pop culture limelight fall much more quickly.
2. I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Since premiering, it has only had one season per year -- turning a television show into an annual event. It is a brilliant strategic decision. I can only imagine that many times, it was tempting to think about having a fall, spring and summer version of American Idol (especially because FOX traditionally suffers in the fall) but they never did.
3. They are unstoppable. No scandal (Paula related or otherwise) can stop them. No untalented member of the final twelve undermines their credibility -- it just seem to make people want to watch even more. And no matter how many times the show airs each week, how long they drag out the results episodes, we tune in.
4. They have built upon their success without changing the winning formula. From "Idol Gives Back," to tweaking how the final 12 are chosen, to celebrity coaches, the show continues to try new things. And when they don't work (remember the Wild Card slot?), they try something else.
5. The show launches careers. Clay Aiken is heading to Broadway. So is LaKisha Jones. Chris Daughtry, Kelly Pickler, and even Bucky Covington have all had radio hits post --Idol. And some may say last year's winner Jordin Sparks isn't a success but as I write this her single "Tattoo" is played approximately every 15 minutes on my top 40 radio station. While her duet with Chris Brown seems to be on about every 45 minutes.
So sure there's plenty to criticize Idol about. Let's hope this is the season Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest put their offensive homophobic banter to rest. Enough already with the endless plugs to their sponsors (let's drink Coke from our new Ford Focus). And I, for one, can't stand this part of the show -- where the untalented but over confident audition and America laughs. It always makes me uncomfortable. I typically start to pay attention once they hit Hollywood week.
Given the dearth of new programming that is available right now, I think this year Idol will be bigger than ever. What do you think? Do you like this part of American Idol or do you wait for Hollywood week? Talk about it below.
Highlights of the Week Ahead
Kyle XY returns with ten brand new episodes Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC Family. Now is the time to check this entertaining series out.
As you know Prison Break and I had a short and sweet break up this fall. We avoided harsh words that we would regret and we both moved on -- Prison Break to a story about a very dirty prison in Panama and me to being able to fully devote my Monday night 8 p.m. timeslot to How I Met Your Mother, Everybody Hates Chris and Aliens in America. But I've heard from many of you that Prison Break is back on track and that I should give the show another chance. The series returns to complete its third season Monday at 8 p.m. on FOX. Michael is in solitary confinement and, you know, they're trying to break out of Sona. Should I tune in to the final five episodes and reconcile with Prison Break? We all know that getting back together with exes can get a little messy. Have you been watching Prison Break this season? Should I tune back in? Let me know what you think.
I know I'm in a weakened writer's strike induced fate because I actually didn't mind the season premiere of One Tree Hill. Even though the show did the same thing it would have done if they had done the college years (suddenly they all have reasons for being in the same city), the acting remains questionable (you know who I'm talking about) and the story lines repetitive (really Peyton and Lucas, still?), I might watch again this week. And that's even when I know that Kevin Federline is beginning his three episode guest star stint as a "problematic musician" this Tuesday at 9 p.m. on the CW. What's happening to me? Well in my defense, the do have a really cute kid playing Nate and Hayley's son. And I am kind of curious to see what's going to happen when Dan returns. I blame October Road for paving the way for this. What did you think of the two hour season premiere of One Tree Hill? The ratings were up from last season's finale so I know I wasn't the only one watching. Don't try to deny it. Talk about the season premiere of One Tree Hill below.
How are you liking the new characters on Law & Order (Wednesday, NBC, 10 p.m.). I'm pretty fond of Jeremy Sisto's troubled Cyrus Lupo but I'm surprised by how much I don't think Linus Roache is fitting in. One of my friends can't take how he's constantly on his blackberry. And I have to agree. We get it. Times have changed. New technology makes an assistant District Attorney's job very different. Enough already. Instead of enhancing the character, it's become a constant distraction. Law & Order also seems to be wavering from its "just the facts" style -- Lupo was introduced via a very personal story. Did you like that? What do you think of the new characters? This week, Green and Lupo investigate a murder of a young lawyer.
We all know reality shows can have staged moments, but last week's Celebrity Apprentice was a little much. The whole thing between Gene Simmons and Ivanka came across as so fake. Did you think so too? This week on The Celebrity Apprentice (Thursday, NBC, 9 p.m.), Gene Simmons takes over the women's team and Alec Baldwin helps out his brother's team.
I knew it. I just knew it. Something is definitely going on between Tony and Sam on ER (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.) and now we have the promos to prove it. I stand by my claim that this is a terrible, terrible idea. Right after I finish writing this column, I'm signing everyone at County General up for eharmony.
Sooooo . . . do we think David (Ken Olin) could be Rebecca's father on Brothers & Sisters? It certainly seems like that's the direction the show is heading which would open up some very interesting story lines. I have to say I kind of like that idea -- what would Nora do? What would the family think? What would happen with Justin and Rebecca? In this week's repeat (get used to that phrase), Kitty, Justin and Kevin go to pick up an injured Justin.
That's all for today. I'll be back on Wednesday with this week's familiar faces, answers to your questions, and much more. Have a question, seen a familiar face or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.
Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®
I also don't care for Linus Roache's character on Law & Order. I'm not sure why. I think I may be getting burned out on the various Law & Order series though. Most of the recent episodes haven't really grabbed me like they did at one time.
I dont like the idea of Ken Olin being Rebecca's father. First of all why would Holly think all these years that he wasn't and then finally tell Rebecca the truth about her being a Walker only to have that not be the case?
As far as Idol goes, I can't wait. It has become an annual event, almost unlike anything we've ever seen in that no matter what happens previously people tune in. Even a minor slippage in the ratings (which I think will rebound this year) won't hurt it and I expect it to be around for many many years
Idol will do well in the ratings, no doubt, but I hope the contestants are a better caliber than last year.
"And, I for one, can't stand this part of the show -- where the untalented but over confident audition and America laughs. It always makes me uncomfortable. I typically start to pay attention once they hit Hollywood week."
Amen to this, I find it boring actually to wade through all the non talent and don't tune in either until around Hollywood week. I'm excited!
Love: Jeremy Sisto (luvs me some Sisto)
Hate: Linus whats-his-name (too Jack McCoy if his face was ironed; ever heard of diversity, L&O?)
Flames coming out of my head: Trump and his insane "Celebrity" Apprentice, because it will likely get better ratings this year due to the strike, and I had hoped it would finally be canceled for good
Will miss the most because of the strike: Bros & Sissies, How I Met Your Mama (no more Barneyisms!)
The audition rounds don't bother me so much. Instead, I wish the hollywood rounds would last longer. They've dropped them down to just two episodes the past couple of years. Another day of seeing groups forget every word to a song couldn't hurt.
With Prison Break, this has to be the most disappointing show of the year. Did they really need to start a new series in Panama. And kill Sarah??? But anyway, I'll still watch and hope they can continue the good winter finale.
Speaking of successes to come out of American Idol, don't forget about Jennifer Hudson! She drove me a little crazy on the show but she was amazing in Dreamgirls.
I might not have the best opinion on this subject but I am watching Law & Order for the 1st time in 18 years and it is because of Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache. I love both of their characters. Linus is a very good actor and times they are a changin' and you'all need to change with them. Give him a chance because Jack McCoy still has alot to do. And you better believe I will be watching Prison Break tonight. It was questionable for a few episodes but it is definitely back on track and worth a look.
I agree. I really like Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache on L&O. I like that Linus Roache's character is married to his Blackberry as well as that white board in his office. It's good to have new characters. Times change and these characters reflect the change.
I wish they would repeat Season 2 of Brothers & Sisters all in order. I just finished season 1 on DVD, so now I need to catch up with season 2.
Re L & O, I like Jeremy Sisto's character, but I haven't made up my mind about the new DA yet. It's still such a shock to see him and not see Jack. And yes, I am so tired of the blackberry! I get it, you hired some younger actors. Get over yourselves already. If they want to have him use his blackberry all the time, fine, but do they have to talk about it all the time as well? Was it really necessary for the 3rd episode to be basically all about how you can e-mail a schedule from a pda to a cell phone and then get messages about the legality of that action on your blackberry? Sure, interesting question, but since I was already tired of the whole technology thing . . . Besides, if they'd hired some younger writers to go with their "younger" cast, I think it would have been way more interesting as a legal argument if the doc had been synching his pda with his computer and accidentally beamed info to Sisto's phone.
I couldn't tell you if Prison Break is worth watching. Even before they killed off Sara (which, don't forget, was not their idea. The actress quit and refused to even film a death scene), watching Prison Break:Sona was becoming a chore. I have it all on tape, though, so if I hear that it's gotten good again, I can go back and catch up.