John Schneider in odd new show
John Schneider could be back on our television screens soon, if someone will buy the show. The odd part about this one isn’t the content, but rather the production. Schneider is starring in twentysixmiles — a reference to Catalina Island, where the show is being shot — which is an independently funded production. Executive producer Rob Miller is spending some $5.5 million to shoot six episodes of the show that can serve as a launch to the series, or a trio of movies.
And he’s doing the whole thing with no deal in place for broadcast. Ballsy. Despite the lack of a studio deal, they have managed to land some pretty big names to join Schneider. George Segal (Just Shoot Me), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), and James Denton (Desperate Housewives) are all set to make cameos while Jessica Tuck (Judging Amy), Eric Lange, and Daniel Quinn will be part of the regular cast. Schneider’s character is a high powered executive who moves to Catalina Island after his wife divorces him in order to be closer to his children.
Boston Legal: The Gods Must Be Crazy
(S04E19) It wasn’t until I saw George Segal that I realized how much I missed seeing him on TV. It made me long for the days when he and Finch made me laugh out loud and lament the fact that David Spade hasn’t done anything funny since.
While the thought of Denny Crane being President of the United States is certainly funny, the idea that he would be chosen for his electability is ludicrous. Aside from the more obvious problems, the Republicans would never nominate a single man with multiple divorces and an embarrassing arrest record. Let’s be honest.
I loved seeing Denny reveal his stash of guns. Finally after a season of political fist shaking, BL has come to make a point that I wholeheartedly agree with. I guess if the utmost concern of the Republican party is to keep the support of the NRA, Denny Crane is the best choice. I have to wonder, even with Hollywood being as liberal as it is, isn’t there one conservative who works on this show?
Considering how hard this show has been on Clinton and McCain, it’s pretty clear who David E. Kelley is voting for and that’s fine. My only problem is the lame attempt to be fair by having Denny locate the Photoshopped Whitney Houston picture. Not only was it unfunny but compared to the pictured of Hillary, it was downright complimentary.
It took way too long for Missi Pyle to return to the show. With C,P&S’s hiring record, you’d think Renee would be on staff by now. The way she so subtly plays her character is so brilliant it’s almost unnerving to watch. As for her case, it’s another ridiculous one that can’t be won. Everybody knows that the Catholic Church does what it wants, when it wants. Hell, it took almost 2000 years before they changed their position on child molestation. It’s going to take a lot more than a high priced lawyer to let a woman wear the fancy robe. The funny part is that if you’re going to sue the Catholic Church to change all their regulations that don’t make sense, you better bring an apple, because you’re definitely working through lunch.
One thing I will say about the case against the church is that John Larroquette is just as brilliant as he ever was. Few people know that after Larroquette won multiple Emmys for his work on Night Court, he stopped submitting himself for nomination. I’m hoping that he puts himself back in consideration for Carl Sack.
This episode certainly had its share of great guest stars. As much as I love David Clennon, that guy seriously needs to grow back his beard. Not only would it remind people of the great Miles Drentell, but it would help to hide his bad case of Imus neck. Without commenting on any storylines involving prostitution, I’ll just say that Gina Torres was a sight for sore eyes.
Having Denny turn the joke around on his “friends” was really the only way that storyline could have been successfully buttoned, however, it should have gone on much longer. Five minutes of fear is hardly payback for what Denny went through. I would have, at least, made Paul strip down to his underwear.
As for the balcony scene, DEK has a lot of nerve complaining about the state of television, considering he created Wedding Belles.
Private Practice: In Which Dell Finds His Fight
(S01E09) “He’s fighting for her.” - Dell about Sam
What could be the last Private Practice episode in a long while (this was the last episode completed before the writers’ strike) finally gave Dell a good amount of screen time. However, it felt like it was too little too late.
Dell
When I first read the title of this episode weeks ago, I was looking forward to finally seeing some development for Dell. However, when the network released the Dell-less official episode description, I was worried that maybe his storyline wouldn’t be that good. I’m torn about what I saw this week. I’m happy that Dell got more screen time, but as I’ve hinted in the intro, I feel like it may be too little, too late.
I didn’t engage much with his storyline in “In Which Dell Finds His Fight.” The story about his grandfather (George Segal) being bored at the nursing home and taking part in a fight club was touching on some levels as it highlighted own senior citizens spend their days, how they are treated, etc. But the love triangle that is Dell/Naomi/Sam is not interesting me at all. I was over that during the Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice episode back in May. I never saw Naomi and Dell being couple potential then, and I still don’t now. Actually, I do less now. Dell, as Sam put it, is a kid in my eyes. I’m not bothered by the age difference but from what we’ve seen of Naomi she needs a mature man. Dell is not there yet. Maybe she’ll give Dell a chance but I don’t see it ever becoming a permanent couple. He’ll be an experiment for her and she’ll be a trophy for him (even if he does love her).
Sam and Naomi
After some hesitation, Sam discovered that he wants to give another try to him and Naomi. After Dell’s “I love her and I won’t make her cry” speech and thanks to an eye-opening speech from Dell’s grandfather, Sam decides to fight for Naomi and kisses her in front of some of the other doctors. Naomi now has to make a choice: Dell or Sam. Dell could bring in some fun and novelty. Sam brings security and a chance at rebuilding her family. Personally, I hope she chooses Sam but my instinct thinks the writers will have her choose Dell.
Cooper
My favorite character was thrown off his game by Dr. Charlotte “control” King. Cooper devised a plan (stealing her “dads-to-be class” idea) to make her feel exactly how he feels when he can’t be on top. This was definitely the humorous storyline of the episode. It was fun to watch Pete and Cooper teach fathers-to-be how to take care for babies. Paul Adelstein must have channeled his inner Kellerman when it was time to shoot that Jack/Cooper face-off because Cooper was totally in control and rocking in that scene.
Addison
I was almost clapping when Addison walked in the police station to ask Kevin out not only because that means we’ll see more of David Sutcliffe, but also because that’s the type of thing Grey’s Anatomy’s Addison would have done. I miss that Addison so I’m glad that she is starting to come back. “I think I’m helping some other guy with over Addison,” said Pete. Indeed, you helped Kevin win, Pete, at least for now. He clearly realized his mistake but he arrived too late at Addison’s house. Pete will have to watch Addison date “Officer Manly” for a while. I believe Addison and Pete will end up together but that their paths need to separate for a while before they cross again.
Other tidbits of interest:
- Violet, who was almost absent from the episode, and Cooper finally made peace. It’ll take time for them to be as opened as they were before though.
- Pete and Cooper warn Sam about office drama, yet they were ready to date/sleep with Addison and Violet respectively. Isn’t that office drama too?
- I’m happy that Addison and Naomi were able to find a way (aka “sperm search and rescue”) to help Kathleen and Jeffrey conceive. They are a great couple and I wouldn’t mind seeing them return for more episodes so we follow them through their pregnancy (taking into account that it worked). Since it’s a clinic, shouldn’t we see patients come back here and there anyway?
- “It’s amazing what some people will do to entertain themselves.” - Naomi