Flintstones complete DVD set coming later this year
I haven’t seen an episode of The Flintstones in many years. It was one of my favorite TV shows as a kid, and I watched them as an adult, too, but it’s just one of those shows that I haven’t gone back to in the past five or ten years. I’ve been thinking about buying the season DVD sets (there are six seasons), but now it looks like I’m going to hold off on that because there’s a complete series set coming later this year!
Warner is coming out with this cool-looking set that will house all six seasons in a special box that looks like a TV set (albeit one made of rocks with rock knobs). The DVDs themselves will slide into holders that are book-shaped and contain all of the info about what’s on each DVD.
No word yet on extras, but the individual sets for each season contain extras such as rare, unseen footage, original storyboards, documentaries (including a guide to raising a child in the Stone Age), promo spots, and the original pilot (The Flagstones).
Heroes, Gossip Girl, Prison Break and More
Teresa in Miami: Kristin, who cares about Dan and Serena kissing? Give us some news on whether Chuck or Nate or anyone will be gay on Gossip Girl!
I’ve heard of no plans to have any of the characters we know come out or even dabble in the second season—well, aside from little Eric van der Woodsen, por supuesto, who I’m told will have a love interest or two. Still, if the book series is any indication, Gossip will be getting gayer by the season, according to Penn Badgley. “By the end of the series, I think they got so bored writing the same things for 12 years, they were like, ’Let’s just make ’em all gay,’ ” Penn says. “Chuck ends up gay and has a monkey on his shoulder that dresses in similar outfits.” Oooh, please tell me that’s true on the show, too.
Molly in Nebraska: Please tell me Mike will be back on Desperate Housewives. I can’t find the answer anywhere! Also, is Niki back on Heroes? Those are two of my favorite TV people and no one seems to know if they’ll be back.
Keep reading to the spoiler section!
J in NYC: There are new photos of Dave Annable, Matthew Rhys and Will Estes at a recent event. Does this mean that Will Estes has been cast as the newest Walker brother, Ryan? Please say that it’s so!
I wish it were (I love him, too), but a source who works for the show tells me: “Will Estes is not Ryan. He and Dave are good friends. He’s been on set a few times to visit.” Awww, Reunion reunion! Good times. An ABC rep tells me casting for the big Ryan Walker role hasn’t yet begun, so sit tight and comment below with any further recommendations.
Ron in Memphis, Tenn.: How many episodes of Burn Notice are we being blessed with this summer?
The second-season order is for 16 episodes, but when I talked to Matt Nix last week I was surprised to learn that the season is being split in two. The first nine episodes premiere July 10 and run through September 18 (with preemptions on Aug. 28 and Sept. 9 to make room for the U.S. Open), and then the final seven premiere in January 2009. I’m kind of thrilled to hear that I get Michael and Fiona back this winter to warm me when it’s cold. Your take?
Rachel in Charleston, S.C.: Check out the Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog page; there is an awesome trailer! I love Joss Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion—Nathan does the trailer voice-over, too! Brilliant!
I love them all. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog will be divided into three parts, and part one premieres July 15, which is Jen’s birthday and the day after my wedding anniversary, so we’ve decided it’s a present Joss didn’t know he was giving us. Anyway, if you haven’t already enjoyed the trailer 27 times in a row, check it out below:
Mark in Massapequa, N.Y.: Monk is coming back in three weeks! How will they be handling Stanley Kamel’s passing?
When the show returns, weeks will have passed since we last saw Monk, and he is very much reeling (as are we) from the death of his therapist, but he will be shopping around for a new one, and Hector Elizondo is set to take Dr. Kroger’s place. We’ll also get another CBS vet in the premiere: Brad Garrett is helping Monk with his new home, and not that you would ever believe this about Brad Garrett, but there’s something a little off about him.
Nelli in Dallas: I want to know where Mike is on Desperate Housewives! Please tell me he isn’t gone for good?
He’s not gone for good! He’s in the season premiere and looks to be sticking around. I’m told Mike and Susan have joint custody of their son M.J. and that they seem to see each other quite frequently.
Tessa in Kansas City, Mo.: Kristin, will Ali Larter definitely be back on Heroes this season? Last we saw her she was in an explosion, if I remember correctly.
Ali is definitely still a part of Heroes. Niki Sanders, not so much, but Ali will stick around and conjure up a whole new personality we haven’t yet seen before for season three: Tracy Strauss. (Something tells me she’ll be hot, blond and look like that chick who once wore a whipped-cream bikini for Dawson Leery.) Meanwhile, I’m pretty sure I’m hitting the set tomorrow to interview a few of the castmembers, so if you have Q’s for the Heroes cast, I know a secret place you can hide them: . (I’m not sure who’ll be there, but I know Zach and Milo will be.)
Drew in Montana: Give up some goods on Heroes! What’s next for my favorite, Matt?
He’s going to end up in the desert with a horse with no name…and a tortoise. Believe it or not, I’m serious about the desert and the tortoise part. Matt’s storyline is about to get über-trippy!
Will in Hope, Ark.: Anything on my boy Chuck?
Apparently rabid gamers Zachary Levi and Joshua Gomez have finally gotten to the writers and succeeded in getting their hobby written into a storyline outside of Buy More: In episode five, “Chuck vs. Tom Sawyer,” Chuck helps a Japanese videogame inventor named Maury Moto who dabbled in industrial espionage and is now in a bad-guy-related bind.
Conrad in Eugene, Ore.: Please give me some goods on Reaper. It’s the best show on TV. You know that, right?
That show is made of all kinds of awesome. I’m hearing that we’re going to get some hot new females to keep our boys occupied in the coming season. The first newbie is Kristen, a beautiful Asian-American girl who is Sock’s new step-sister (remember his mama got married?) and who will drive Sock insane with her lack of clothing and insistence on practicing her massage techniques. The other new girl is Nina, a demon who falls for Ben (and has a stunningly beautiful human form) and ultimately starts having feelings for Sam (and could prove very helpful to him). Andi, time to put your main on a leash, girlfriend.
Jaritza in Caguas, Puerto Rico: What is the scoop on Pushing Daisies season two?
You bee people are going to love the ep “bzzzz,” which is set at a Burt’s Bees-esque company where Chuck goes to work after the founder names her essay “Why I Love Bees” the winner of a contest. I also hear the season premiere is all about a circus. Whee!
John in Philadelphia: What’s in store for Don and Charlie next season on Numb3rs?
They’re breaking up the band—but just for a bit. In an upcoming episode, Don, Larry and Amita work on a case without Charlie, who is preoccupied with a separate investigation…Yay, Don can get to know his future sister-in-law better. (OK, that last part is wishful thinking, but work with me here.)
Christy in Seaford, Del.: What’s coming up on the new season of The Closer?
It’s all in the family over at The Closer: We’ll soon be introduced to Detective Sanchez’s brother and Detective Tao’s wife. Unfortunately, tragedy soon befalls one of those two families…
Danikka in Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.: Have you got any scoop on Prison Break?
How cool is this? I’m hearing that this season, the boys will be staging a break-in (instead of breakout, see). Word is, they’re trying to get into a building owned by the Treasury Department, and I’m guessing it has something to do with taking down the Company, which is their ticket to unconditional freedom, offered by government agent Michael Rapaport. Let’s just hope they don’t forget about Sucre down in Sona!
Kim in Irvine, Calif.: Secret Diary of a Call Girl should really be an hour! How come it’s not longer?
That’s what she said! (Me love you long time, Michael Scott.) And don’t worry, they’re jamming in plenty: Hannah gets a girlfriend, but stop thinking dirty! It’s just for a job, but she does become friends with the other girl—until she steals Belle’s favorite regular. I hate when that happens.
Jennifer in Columbia, S.C.: Any Swingtown news? I’m surprisingly hooked, and you haven’t dished any on it!
I’ve got two words for ya: Key. Party. You saw it in The Ice Storm and that episode of Cold Case, and now it’s coming to Swingtown. Also, I’m hearing that our girl Trina has become semipermanently queasy—which can only mean one thing…
Courtney in Cocoa Beach, Fla.: Thanks for getting me hooked on My Boys. Now what secrets can you tell me?
In the next ep, called “Spit Take,” airing this Thursday, July 3, Bobby gets engaged! Yep, and not only is Bobby getting engaged to Andy’s hot Swedish nanny, Elsa, but P.J. is confessing to Brando that she invited Bobby to Italy. Aaah!
Laura in Pittsburgh: Anything good on Californication?
Just finished watching season one on DVD, and it’s a hell of a showcase for Duchovny, isn’t it? I love Hank Moody’s dysfunctional little family…Anyway, I don’t want to give too much away, but Hank might have something in common with Xander Harris and George O’Malley: yep, the funny syphilis.
Miranda in Sioux Falls, S.D.: Is there any new scoop on Ghost Whisperer?
I just talked to J. Love Hew., and she says that season four is all about possession. This season is going to be especially dark and morbid, and apparently demonic forces will possess many of Grand View’s still-living citizens—and maybe the town itself…
Sally in New Hampshire: Kristin, how about some CSI: Miami love? How will they get out of the Horatio “death” storyline?
As I mentioned when it happened, David Caruso isn’t going anywhere (duh), and I hear the resolution in the season premiere will have something to do with the big H (not to be confused with hemorrhoids) staging his own death so he can figure out what is going on with all the deadly bullets flying around.
Denise in Asheville, N.C.: Have you seen this smoking hot photo from One Tree Hill? A fan snapped it while they were shooting a scene of Peyton meeting Lucas at the airport in the season-six premiere.
Ahhh! My eyes! I think that photo done scorched me retinas. It is way hot. Thanks for the heads-up, though I am wondering if that’s all a red herring in the vein of Desmond or Sawyer in the coffin on Lost. Oh, who am I kidding? They’re totally hooking up, I’m sure. Happy? Nauseated? Comment below.
Keleigh in Maryville, Tenn.: I am a huge One Tree Hill fan! I was wondering if you had any scoop on what is happening next season.
We’ll be meeting Denice, Quentin’s “strong and protective” mom. Definitely more with the parents this year! And yes, Brooke’s mom will be back, too. Run for cover.
Five Buffy/Angel spinoffs I would like to see
Do not adjust your web browser. You are now entering the Retro Squad, where we are reviewing past episodes of classic TV shows.
When one of our favorite TV shows goes off the air, it can be devastating. However, many times, the cancellation is the birth of a spinoff. Sometimes it can be a great thing (Frasier) and sometimes not so much (AfterM*A*S*H). Here are some this month’s spinoff ideas that I would love to see.
So you Think You’re a Gentleman
Do you have the power to take away the ability of speech? Can you make it look like you’re floating while walking? Are you one of the creepiest looking people in the world? Then you might be just what “The Gentlemen” are looking for. “The Gentlemen” from the Emmy winning Buffy episode ’Hush’ are looking for a new member and you may be him. Please send in a videotape of yourself flashing your creepiest smile and detailing what makes you the only choice to be the next Gentleman. Hosted by Doug Jones
Loaded Gunn
After Angel and his crew saved the world, there wasn’t much sense in sticking around Los Angeles anymore. That’s when Charles Gunn decided to pack his bags and get as far away as a man without a passport could go … Alaska. Shortly after arriving, he is offered the job as Sheriff in the small town of Eek, Alaska (pop. 280). The job seems like a dream come true until Gunn realizes that the aptly name town is built right on top of a hellmouth. Hopefully with the help of his eager deputy (Josh Gad) and a good amount of street smarts, he’ll be able to keep Alaska safe.
Young Robin Wood
Before Robin Wood was a full time principal and part time vampire hunter, he was just a normal kid with a slayer for a Mom. Follow his adventures as a teenager on the mean streets of New York. Watch him infiltrate the most dangerous parts of the city as each step brings him closer and closer to the truth about who killed his mother … and took her jacket.
Lindsey and the McDonalds
When we last saw Lindsey McDonald, he met an ignominious end at the business end of a gun. Well, the lawyer turned rock singer is not one to let a little thing like death keep him down. After being brought back by his old Wolfram and Hart buddies, Lindsey hits the road again searching for a new beginning. He finds that new beginning when he meets and marries Roni, a diner waitress with four teenage kids. As luck would have it Roni (Justine Bateman) and her kids are also musicians and they’re just talented enough to cover for the musical shortcomings of their new stepdad. Now the McDonalds cruise around the Southwest playing gigs and solving crimes that they happen to stumble upon with the help of their burned out roadie Max (Butch Patrick).
Up Late with Lorne
Move over Conan, step aside Carson. Make way for the hottest late night host in years. After Jimmy Fallon failed miserably as the host of Late Night, NBC decided it was time for a major change. That change is here in the form of a six foot green skinned, pink eyed, crooning demon. With his gift of gab and the ability to entertain for hours on end. Lorne puts the cool back in late night TV with a little help from his bandleader the reanimated corpse of Count Basie.
Army Wives: Strangers in a Strange Land
Army Wives is reminding me of some of my favorite TV dramas of all time, shows like thirtysomething and Party of Five. Especially this episode where there are more feelings and reactions to the bombing at the Hump Bar. How does life go back to normal after a tragedy? How do you cope?
Time has passed and life may appear to be getting back to normal at Fort Marshall, but things are still quite unsettled among the close knit coterie on Army Wives. Chief among them are the Holdens. Claudia Joy is simply not returning to normal and it become clear as the episode progressed that she’s an emotional powder keg.
Roland and Joan finally seemed to finally come to an understanding about their future — he’s not going to Northwestern — but the soldier in Joan is struggling with the choices before her. She describes her body as being invaded by the baby and calls herself a “host.”
I found it a bit unnerving that Roland isn’t acting more assertive. When he apologized for sharing the news about the baby with his friends — his true support system when Joan is deployed or away — Joan just didn’t get it. Clearly, she’s a character who truly more of an island, a fact reinforced later on when she learns that Roland won’t leave her if she has the abortion, but goes alone on the day of the procedure. While I was emotionally moved by the moment when she showed Roland the video of the baby in her womb, I wondered if it wouldn’t have been more appropriate to let Roland in on what was happening when it was happening. After all, he is the father. Yes, it’s a woman’s right to choose, but I think the writers were trying to have it both ways.
Trevor’s okay, at least as okay as he can be in Iraq. His sending a letter home — and the way they showed what he was experiencing compared to what he was writing was great — with a gift of sand from the desert was a nice touch. You have to love that about Trevor, the way he makes connections with Roxy and the boys. Roxy was also in full-flower in this episode, coming to Betty’s aid, standing up for her with the brass, and reaching an agreement with the older woman that will benefit them both. Of course, if Roxy’s mom comes to visit again, you can bet that she and Betty will be like oil and water. Sounds like a definite plot permutation to me.
The heart of Strangers in a Strange Land, the title of the episode, are clearly the Holdens (although Trevor’s reaction to Iraq also ties in to the title). As a family, Michael, Claudia Joy and Emmaline have never endured a loss like this. Amanda’s death has made them feel like strangers within their own home. Michael is devastated that he watched their baby girl die. Emmaline is so traumatized that she can’t stay in the house and see how her parents are being torn apart. She flees to Denice’s home, a safe place where she can confess to her surrogate “aunt” that she believes her mother loved Amanda more. And Claudia Joy, who’s so use to being a caregiver not a care-receiver, can’t accept help. Her panic attack in the PX was a seminal moment for the character. Her gripping Emmaline’s arms and shaking her is a physical manifestation of her terror at losing her family. Good work by Kim Delaney.
Pamela’s life again is turned inside out when Chase appears out of nowhere. The Delta Force experience, Chase’s appearing and disappearing is hard on her. “I’m pissed,” she tells Roxy about her home situation, half the time being a single mom, the other half Suzy Homemaker. Chase shares his feelings about what it’s like for him, not being able to call home, he tells her “You’re not alone in this family.” The later scene of his making dinner and caring for the kids was still a bit obvious for me, and perhaps too soapy. Would the real Chase get so Alan Alda?
Overall, this was a really good episode. When Claudia Joy says at the end, “It’s going to be okay,” you feel she’s speaking for all the them, not just the Holdens. But I like that Army Wives is dealing with the ongoing storylines, not just jumping into new ones.
Other Points of Interest
— Roxy’s feelings about Trevor being gone, “I’m lonelier married to him than when I was single.”
— Amanda’s gravestone reads, “We had the world, when we had you.” It was also heartbreaking to remember that she was only 18.
— As Michael’s EX-O, Joan has great responsibility, like addressing 60 soldiers. It was a great way to illustrate the power she has as an officer. You could almost read her thoughts, “Will I be able to address these soldiers like this if I’m six months pregnant and my belly’s out to here?” Then, later, in front of a mirror in her fatigues, she puts a pillow under her shirt to see what she’ll look like.
— The way they filmed the PX scene underscored how disoriented Claudia Joy feels right now.
— Both Roxy and Trevor are shown unable to sleep. “Worse than not being able to sleep, is not being able to dream,” Trevor writes to Roxy.
— Through most of the show, Joan’s all tucked in and her hair is severely drawn back. At the end, after choosing to keep the baby, she’s let her hair down and looks very pretty and womanly at the Holden dinner party.
— Kudos to Brigid Branagh especially for the scene on the porch. Pamela’s revelation that her brother died as a child when shot at a gas station was intense. “The dying is bad enough, but when it happens out of order like that…” Claudia’s plaintive response, “What do you do?” is heartbreaking. “You never get over it,” Pamela tells her honestly.
— “Remember your training; that’s how you get through this.” That’s the advice Trevor gets in Iraq from a sargeant, and it’s the advice the Holden’s are living in Charleston.
— When Roxy confronts hospital administrator for Betty, she has a great line, “You all keep saying that she’s not army, but she had her business, her home and her heart destroyed by one of our own, that means the Army, so we gotta make it right.”
— I loved Michael’s reaction to Joan’s pregnancy. Maybe it was too great a reaction, like what women wish all bosses would say in the same situation.
— Emmaline’s return to the house, saying to her mom, “I want to come home,” echoes back to Trevor’s letter.
— The Holden dinner with everyone around the table is a way of healing, perhaps the first time since the Hump Bar that most of them are together again.