News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

dorothy snarker

by dorothy snarker

Five reasons why I loved/hated my TV in 2007

Whenever I see someone with one of those “Kill Your Television” bumper stickers, I feel two distinct emotions. One, shut up, Smuggy McSmugerson. I bet you don’t read the copies of The New Yorker in your bathroom either. And two, yeah, sometimes I do feel like taking a 12-gauge to the old idiot box. This year I got my usual mix of joy and pain from my television. The highs were so very fantastic. The lows so very sucktastic. Here's a rundown of my top and bottom five TV shows for 2007.

Five I Loved:

1) 30 Rock: Everything about this show, well, rocks. It’s smart, funny, geeky and good to the gays — just like its creator, Tina Fey. She is the antidote to the mediocrity that keeps trying to choke our culture into submission. This show alone is reason enough to own a television.

2) Pushing Daisies: The facts are these: The most inventive new show on television involves dead people and fruit pies. Like Disney for adults, this Technicolor daydream does whimsy proud. Don’t you just wish you had a pocket-sized Kristin Chenoweth of your very own?

3) Damages: Piecing this treacherous moral puzzle together each week was a true TV treat. Throw in a Machiavellian Glenn Close and smart women in power suits, and I’ll follow this case through the legal system as long as it takes.

4) Bones/House combo: Call me lazy or call me happy to not have to pick up the remote for a solid two hours, but Fox’s Tuesday night one-two punch of spooks/squints and docs/diagnosis was consistently crisp and engaging. Heck, I’d even root for a crossover episode. Bones meets House? Misanthropes unite!

5) Saving Grace: Great TV has complex characters, smart writing and great acting. This show pulls the hat trick with ease. That we get to see a lot of Holly Hunter naked doesn’t hurt either.

5.5) Ugly Betty: Hey, it’s my list and I can cheat if I want to. When frothy meets fun, a good time is had by all. Plus, America Ferrera actually makes me feel good about the future of young Hollywood.

Five I Hated:

1) Bionic Woman: I had considered making this all five reasons. Because when it comes to disappointments, none were bigger, faster or stronger than this. No amount of ripped abs can make up for insipid storytelling and a lackluster lead. Sarah Corvus, we hardly knew ya.

2) Cavemen: A friend made me watch the pilot. That was not a good friend. It was like evolution never happened.

3) Dirt: I wanted to like this show. And in theory, it seemed like I would. But in reality, it was an oppressively joyless exercise in Courteney Cox giving the tabloids the middle finger. How do you make a show about gossip so glum?

4) A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila: Life is too short. The list of books I still haven’t read is too long. And real tequila probably kills fewer brain cells. Though, Dani? Duh, hottie.

5) Keeping Up With the Kardashians: I’m pretty sure the existence of this show is a harbinger of the apocalypse. When it starts raining toads, it’s every woman for herself.

Wench2007's picture

Bones

Love Love Love Bones!!!!!!!!!

I love the chemistry between Brennan & Booth. I love Angela. I love every character on the show. Did I mention I love the show x

ElizaRuin's picture

Tiny KC!

As dissapointing and obvious as A shot at love was, it was kind of addictive at times; I know that I'll probably have to tune into the series next year, even though I *know* it is going to be trash, and I *know* what is going to happen.

"Don’t you just wish you had a pocket-sized Kristin Chenoweth of your very own?"

Dear lord, yes. Yes. I. Do. I'd take her out every now and then and *make* her sing. Saying that, I'd also have a tiny pocket sized Idina Menzel as well. 

 

A long road

http://www.asearchforlove.blogspot.com/

Anastasiaaah's picture

Well...

Kristen Chenoweth is already pocket-sized! So, it's really just the task of making her sing.

Like girls? Like Clothes? So do we. Tune in. Trust.

www.lefashioncast.podomatic.com

damnhippie's picture

I want a pocket-sized

I want a pocket-sized Kristin Chenoweth, but I want my Indina Menzel to be a very grown-up size.  And I want them both to sing.
Punkin's picture

Saving Grace

Thank you for including the most captivating, intelligent, adult, and thought-provoking hour of television shown each week (not counting the re-runs of course). The writers have captured the realism, the humor, and the pathos in such a way as to give one hope that not everyone in the country thinks the epitome of American televison is found in the various "reality" shows/farces/circuses so prevalent in the current broadcast season.

As an old pagan (and recovering Catholic) I most appreciate the philosophy of inclusiveness (the path to "redemption" has many routes, not all of them have Christian signposts).

 

 

FilmGrrl's picture

Cheers!

I like your top 5 (and a half) list. 30 Rock - and Tina Fey - can do no wrong. Though I'm not a Bones or a House fan, I've heard good things. I must agree on the Bionic Woman disappointment. It had potential. I think we also need an indifferent list. I would toss Women's Murder Club on there along with Dirty Sexy Money.

The one show that seems to missing from many top 5 show lists - the good kind - is Samantha Who? It appears to have flown under many a radar this fall. Christina Applegate is terrific as is Jean Smart (and I've always been a Melissa McCarthy fan). I'm looking forward to its return, whenever that may be given the writers' strike.

Hopefully, we can Cashmere Mafia to our good lists next spring!

Missy2003sl's picture

Love/Hate my tv

My top 5

1. Dexter.....Suspense,Suspense,Suspense

2. Bones/House......Emily Deschanel? and Hugh Laurie. Loved the survivor twist on house. BRING BACK CUTTHROAT BITCH 

3. Gossip Girl/Dirty Sexy Money (What? the're both on Wed. night)... Blair,Serena

4. 30 rock......Too too funny,Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin

5. How I met Your Mother... Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris, Slapbet

As for the worst list if i have a vague idea i wiill hate a show i just won't watch i.e. Cavemen and Carpoolers. It's CNN or Book time. But i must confess to being disappointed in Bionic woman, just because i saw Michell Ryan in Jekyll and i expected better but it didn't suck too much.  2007 didn't suck too much apart from the cancellation of Veronica Mars and the end of gilmore Girls.

ElizaRuin's picture

Right there with you on

Right there with you on HIMYM.

 

E

 

A long road

http://www.asearchforlove.blogspot.com/

boywithmoonandstars's picture

Dexter!

Dexter is at least worth three of a top 5. Gossip girl and the only reality show I've ever really liked for anything beyond making fun of it, Little People, Big World. Just something about this show I really like.
NorthernStar's picture

Moonlight, Moonlight and Moonlight!

It's my absolute favourite show, the gem of this season!
Missy2003sl's picture

temporary brain freeze

2.5. Moonlight  ( my bad. how could i forget this little gem)

i'm slapping my wrists as we speak.

MIrrenFan's picture

Iffy

Overall, I think TV basically sucked this year.  And I'm usually glued to the idiot box.  I can't say I dislike 30 Rock.  I'm just bitter.  I LOVED Studio 60 and I haven't gotten over it's cancellation.  Everyone drew comparisons between the two.  One stayed, one went, blah, blah, blah.....  Never got into Ugly Betty either.  Was very disappointed in Grey's Anatomy this season.  House was just OK.  Scrubs just OK, as well.

As for the newbies, LOVED Chuck and The Big Bang Theory.  HATED that they were on opposite each other.  I park it on BBC America a lot, so really dug Jekyll, Clatterford and Torchwood.  1st season for all here...not so much in Britain.  Also can't live without Bad Girls on LOGO.  Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares got off to a good start, as did the new season of Survivor, but I lost interest in both very quickly. Then there was Dirty Sexy Money....I actually really enjoyed it.  It seems everyone is divided with this one.  Otherwise, I stuck to my reruns of Friends, Will & Grace, Fraser and Two & A Half Men.  I know it's guys, but they make me laugh.   Why did they ever stop re-running The West Wing?  That was just cruel.

boundtostone's picture

oo

in no particular order: 30 rock, gossip girls, dexter, heroes, blood ties, and bones. 

happily guilty pleasure? one tree hill. i have a few words for you: hilarie burton and sophia bush. 'nuff said.  

baller50's picture

gotta agree...

...with the bones/house combo.  hands down the greatest two hours on television.  "top chef" and "flipping out" were highly entertaining (and addictive!)
countrycomfort's picture

Not the worst TV season ever

but it has many rays of light...  Bones, Life, Grace  (though a naked Holly is not my idea of hot), 30Rock, Mad Men, Dexter and a resurgent Law and Order C.I. due to Alicia Witt's fiery detective Fallucci.

Clunkers have to lead off with Bionic Woman. As we used to say in grade school back in the 70's, it rots. The lead actress has nothing that makes you want to embrace her and feel like you want to help her fight her battles. She's no Jennifer Garner and BW is no Alias. Even Heroes has left me out in the cold despite the now legal (yay!) Hayden Panettiere. But al least Heroes tries.

explorergal's picture

Thank God for DVR's!

I agree with just about all of your choices!

I just got into Saving Grace.  Now I have to search for past episodes.  What a great show!

Ugly Betty....sweet, entertaining, with snarky gay/fag hag combo, and VANESSA WILLIAMS!  YUM

Bones/House...YES!  Although Kathy Reichs books are quite a bit different than the show.

Pushing Daisies..... they can push Kristin right over to me!  (And ditto to Idina)

HEROES -  still keeping with the show altho the second season is not as riveting as the first.

Kudos also to all those geeky shows on Discovery Channel and their clones.

Bionic Woman was not as good as the original, but I still had to watch it as I happen to love watching Michele Ryan.

On the GLBT side....Exes and Ohs and SON!

Easier to mention what I like than what I don't!

 

 

Riayn's picture

Bionic Letdown

I totally agree with your assessment of Bionic Woman. The show had so much potential, but because of bad writing and a lead actress that is as wooden as the sets, it totally bombed. Why did they ever cast Michelle Ryan as Jamie Summers?

I am hoping it doesn't make a comeback after the Writer's Strike has ended. It is one show that deserves to be on strike permanently.

 

gryphyn's picture

Blood Ties

One of my top five is Blood Ties.  I don't think I saw all the episodes because I kept forgetting when the show was on, but what I saw of it I liked a lot.  Christina Cox as the lead character had a lot to do with that.  I hope they'll make more episodes sometime in the future. 
Kaira's picture

Top five I loved

Top five I loved it: House (still going strong, just a lil bit wavering on the medical aspect prolly to make up for all the character development), Bones (only straight couple Im rooting for and melting over lol), Dexter (omg! this show just gets better and more intense!), South park (cant forget this show, the social commentary is so succinct and hilarious) and Hells Kitchen (totally addicted to Ramsey now)

Top Five I hated it: CSI (show is getting boring, Jorja left, stories are just blending together for me now and I think they're getting a lil CSI Miami with the last two stories), Tila shot love (I didnt watch it, but ugh, that it was poisoning my television is sad), Back to you (you'd think Kelsey Grammer could have picked something more original. All it is, is barbs thrown back and forth.... meh), Judge Judy (this woman is the Springer of court tv.... obnoxious, rude, entitled... gawd only masochists would stand before her in the courtroom), and Bill O'Reilly (self explanatory)     

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

Wench2007's picture

tv

Dexter was fresh and I enjoyed that a lot. In England TV is all about reality shows and I hate to watch a bunch of wannabe's, just where have all the quality programmes gone?

I can not see 2008 getting any better........ depressed now

 

x

IfOnly's picture

's all about the grrls for me

 The BEST:

  • Bones (Brennan, Brennan, Brennan. Oh, and Angela)
  • Women's Murder Club (Boxer!)
  • Navy CIS (Ziva!)
  • Exes & Ohs (Michelle!)
  • CSI (Sara!)
  • The L Word
  • Anna Pihl (Anna Pihl!)

The WORST (that I still watched):

  • CSI (til Sara left)
  • A Shot At Love (Dani)
  • Bionic Woman (Jamie)
  • Nip/Tuck (Julia/Olivia)
pecola's picture

Top 5/Bottom 5

Top 5:

1. Ugly Betty - The ease with which this show goes from laugh-out-loud funny to amazingly heartwarming continues to astound me.

2. Pushing Daisies - Forget Lee Pace and Anna Friel, for me this show is all about Chi McBride and Kristen Chenoweth!

3. The Closer/Damages - The return of strong female leads!

4. Grey's Anatomy - The George/Izzie pairing notwithstanding, this season's had some great moments courtesy of my two favorite characters: Drs. Bailey and Torres.

5. Life - Sarah Shahi back on TV. Woohoo!

Bottom 5:

1. Viva Laughlin - Cancelled almost immediately after it first aired and deservingly so...

2. Bionic Woman - When you spend the entire hour hoping that the protangist will die so that her archrival will take over as the lead...well, you know the wheels have come off.

3. A Shot At Love - No further explanation needed.

4. Nip/Tuck - It's amazing how one look at Portia de Rossi can distract you from the inevitable train wreck that's coming...I should've known how horrible this was going to end up.

5. Degrassi - Yes, I'm still bitter and I haven't watched it since.

Kerrpar's picture

yes...good catch

Love The Closer!

cakeordeath's picture

I wanted Bionic Woman to be great...

...oh so badly. I saw Michelle Ryan in Jekyll, and liked her in it. Maybe if she'd been allowed to keep her British accent? **swoon** LOVE me some British accent. But, alas, the show did suffer from sucky writing.

Best shows:

1, 2 and 3. Pushing Daisies and Life are by far my two favorite NEW shows this season on network TV. And 3 is definitely HBO's Flight of the Conchords. This show is sheer genius. AND (yippy skippy!!) it's been renewed for a 2nd season.

And I must disagree with Pecola about Lee Pace and Anna Friel. Check youtube for their previous work, and you will fall in love with them too. Specifically, Lee Pace in A Soldier's Girl and Anna Friel in Brookside. AND let's not forgot Swoosie Kurtz! Man, this show has everything going for it.

4. Of the returning shows, Dexter kept me riveted all season. Hot naked chicks...um, I mean suspenseful story telling...

5 and 5.5. The Closer and Damages

5.6 Jekyll - Man, I wish this were a regular series. James Nesbitt is fantastic.

Train wreaks:

1. Nip/Tuck - how is this still on the air?? Poor, poor Joely Richardson...time to cut bait and find a different pay check.

2. A Shot at Love - I watched 5 minutes and very quickly gave up.

3. All the CSIs - enough already!

4. Heroes - zzzzZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

We'll see what happens when The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Cashmere Mafia debut in January.

pecola's picture

I didn't mean it like

I didn't mean it like that...

I like Lee Pace and Anna Friel, both for their previous work and their performances on Pushing Daisies, but, for me, Olive Snook (played by Kristen Chenowith) and Emerson Cod (played by Chi McBride) really make the show. I appreciate the sweetness between the pie-maker and Charlie, but, more than that, I love the humor that Olive and Emerson regularly bring...hilarious!

 

 

angel winters's picture

right on

this is one list I happen to agree with 100% although I have a bias hate for reality shows so duh..:p
Kreigers's picture

Two Hour Tuesdays

I am totaly with you on just getting in bed and watching them turn it out and put on a a 2 and a half hour sleep timer and I'm set.
bean67's picture

How About Some Love for Mad Men?

Bean67

Where's the love for Mad Men-- a searing look at 50's capitalist / misogynist culture with a terriifc script and finely acted--not to mention Christina Hendricks' assets in a push-up bra.

 

And I'm calling for some love for Brotherhood too. The Sopranos goes Mick with this tale about the Irish mob--and Annabeth Gish as a pot-smoking infidel and mom is worth the price of admission alone.

 

shygurl99's picture

I don't have a list...

I didn't see much in 2007 that was actually good tv outside of Tina Fey and a few other shows. It seems that every show was either bad reality tv show or looked like a bad reality tv show. Hopefully 2008 will be a better year for tv  but I have my doubts...

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."-Helen Keller

Danarra's picture

Well...guess I'm out of step again.

Watched 30 Rock's first episode - was disappointed and haven't watched since.  Thinking about giving it another shot just cause it's Tina Fey.  Watched Damages first 2 episodes - didn't get into it.  Have never watched Bones, thought House this season showed signs of slipping, never watched Saving Grace and...watched the first episode of Ugly Betty and wasn't inclined to watch it again. 

However, I also managed to never watch Cavemen, Dirt, or Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and only managed to watch 2 episodes of Bionic Woman before getting bored with that one.

So...the bottom 5 is pretty much taken care of.  Here's my list for top 5:

1) Dexter - yeah, it got a little soapy this season, but it's still Dexter.  I waited all week for another hit.

2) Life - tuned in for Sara Shahi, stayed for the whole story

3) Pushing Daisies - lovelovelovelovelovelovelove

4) Daily Show\Colbert Report - conflicted about them coming back without the writers but they kept me sane through some really weird news cycles

5) Grey's Anatomy - Can't help myself.  I love Christina.  I'll follow her anywhere.

and Top Guilty Pleasure goes to ...

Shot at Love with Tila Tequila - I know I know...every week I'd be horrified that I was tuning in again.  Might as well have been watching Jerry Springer.  But like a lot of girls, I developed a little crush on Dani and sometimes it was fall-off-the-chair funny.

Luckystar's picture

Am I The Only One Who Likes Kim K

I guess I am, but I can't help it.  I thought her reality show was fun in that fake reality way, lol..

My Top 5

Lost ~ I loved the season finale, the fast forward episode, it answered questions and created new ones.

Gossip Girl ~ just a fun show..xoxo

Life ~ I started watching because of Sarah but the show turned out to be much better than I expected.

The Amazing Race ~ my all time favorite reality show

Ugly Betty ~ they do comedy and drama so well

also loved HIMYM, The L Word, Friday Night Lights, Dirty Sexy Money & Damages

Biggest Disappointment ~ The Bionic Woman, it was just blah

www.myspace.com/madonna3

FlyJenny13's picture

FABULOUS!

I love Kim Kimora! That show is fun to watch.

The show I really fell in love with was Exes and Ohs. (I know its last year but I just found it recently)

 And Saving Grace really surprised me. I thought it was going to be stupid but it turned out to be a pretty good show.

I wasn't impressed with Bionic Woman though,

I did like a few of the reality shows too. Even Tila Tequila, although the ending was horrid! And even though sometimes she's a little out there... I still like New York, at least she picked the one who was best for her... unlike Tila Tequila, while I did find the show entertaining I thought she made the wrong choice in the end, Dani seemed to be a better "fit".

 

 Love sees with the heart and not with mind.

mumpitzkiesel's picture

Limited TV Favs


The only things I rooted around the channel to see were:
 
Dexter
Californication (LUV LUV LUV Natasche Mcelhone -- hmm yum)
Weeds -- occasionally. 
Extras -- occasionally.
Bad Girls
Dr. Who -- side kick was very very hot this season.
The Dog Whisperer
Kim Possible --
 
Kim possible lyrics:

Ooohh yeahh yeah 
I'm your basic average girl 
And I'm here to save the world 
You can't stop me 
Cause I'm Kim Pos-si-ble 
There is nothin I can't do 
When danger calls 
Just know that I am on my way 

It doesn't matter where or 
When there's trouble 
If ya just call my name 
Kim Possible 

Call me, beep me if ya 
Wanna reach me 
When ya wanna page me it's okay 
I just can't wait until I hear 
My cell phone ring 
Doesn't matter if it's day or night 
Everything's gonna be alright 
Whenever you need me baby 
Call me, beep me if ya 
wanna reach me

Message clear, I am here
(Let me reassure you)
I’m never gonna leave you alone 
(I am on my way)
You can always count on me
When it gets stuck I’ll help you see
I will help you find your way
(Help you find your way)

It doesn't matter where or 
when there's trouble 
If ya just call my name 

Call me, beep me if ya 
wanna reach me 
When ya wanna page me it's okay 
I just can't wait until I hear 
my cell phone ring 
Doesn't matter if it's day or night 
Everything's gonna be alright 
Whenever you need me baby 
Call me, beep me if ya 
wanna reach me

Call me, beep me if you 
wanna reach me
If you wanna page me it’s okay

Doesn't matter where 
Doesn't matter when 
I will be there for ya til the very end 
Danger or trouble 
I'm there on the double 
You know that you always can call 
Kim Possible 
Yeaahh yeaah 

Call me, beep me if ya 
wanna reach me 
When ya wanna page me it's okay 
I just can't wait until I hear 
my cell phone ring 
Doesn't matter if it's day or night 
Everything is gonna be alright 
Whenever ya need me, 
whenever you need me baby 
Call me, beep me if ya 
wanna reach me 
When ya wanna page me it's okay
I just can't wait until I hear 
my cell phone ring 
Doesn't matter if it's day or night 
Everything is gonna be alright 
whenever you need me baby
Call me, beep me if ya wanna reach me 

 
 

 

 

I'm a Sagittarius -- part ass, part dude with a loaded weapon, what's not to love?

damnhippie's picture

My Top Five Loved

1. Friday Night Lights.  It jumped shark a little this season, but still.  perfection.

2. Pushing Daises.  I love it.  I get jittery the whole episode I love it so much.  Anna Friel is gorgeous, Kristin Chenoweth makes me grin, and the music and colors are so pretty.

3.  Ugly Betty--I want to meet Justin when he grows up and have a drink with him.  And i like Mark eveolution this season.  And Hilda's!--she's becoming one of my favorites.

4.  How I Met Your Mother--It's like my Monday Night Happy Hour.

5.  Life--This would be great without Sarah Shahi.  With her? awesome!

Tara21's picture

dirt

hm I really liked "Dirt" a lot. Ian Hart as Don Konkey is a genius
spotticus's picture

What about the train wreck that was "Painkiller Jane"?

That one has to make someone's worst list, no?
shelleyc's picture

Top 5

1. Bad Girls (true they are re-runs as far as British TV is concerned)

2. Family Guy (the Simpson only wish they could be this good)

3. House (I love this show!)

4. SoN (This is my love/hate show. I loved Spenser and Paula. I hated Ashley this season and Aidan, Kaila or however you spell her name, Glen and the Dad just borders on soppy.)

5. And my one reality show I allow myself - Dancing with the Stars (2 reasons Leila Ali and Mel B. My God were they *bleepin* hot or what!!!) 

Worst

Bionic Woman (I tried really I did), Degrassi (man that pissed me off, so much I couldn't even watch old videos of Paige and Alex without cringing) Heroes (what was the point? Not to mention zzzzzzz. They better make it up tp me.) Any show on MTV honestly they should just change the name to RSRTV (Really Stupid Reality Television) and big duh Viva Laughlin.  

Shelley C

lilwiss2088's picture

07 TV

Best

Chuck, 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, LA Ink, Greys Anatomy, Heroes, almost anything on Bravo, Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives, Burn Notice, Reaper, Ugly Betty

Worst

Shot at Love (who really thought it was going to be good), South of Nowhere (lets be honest the only highlite was the last minute of the final episode), Bionic Woman, The Hills, Lost (lets hope this season is better), 

Wench2007's picture

tv

now i know this is very sad but i have loved striclty come dancing for one reason and it would be this pair

Wench2007's picture

errrrrrrrrrrr

alesha and matthew........ i forgot to say

x

mariskaSVU's picture

d i r t

i agreed with the shows you hated.... EXCEPT ..... "dirt" was great. sure it had a lot of gloomy moments and CCox was a total bitch, but it made up for it in the 1) good storylines and plot, 2) Garbo, 3) keeping your attention. i'd have to say the only thing i "hated" about dirt was the the guy who was schizo and all of his "problems" with his disorder. i was annoyed, and if they had to keep his disorder a part of the show it should be scaled back or something and not take up as much of the episodes. more Garbo!!!
shelleyc's picture

I really liked Dirt as well

Sometimes trashy can be fun. But yeah the schizo guy took up too much time.

Shelley C

prettyinblack33's picture

Laconic Woman

I completely agree with your bottom 5 list. The only one of them I've seen is Bionic Woman...what a freakin' let down! The other 4 I've never watched because they looked so bad!

A few of my favs this year were/are Ugly Betty, Heroes (although it wasn't as good as the 1st season), Notes From the Underbelly and 30 Rock. Tina Fey is the best! Funny, smart and hot? Damn!


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