Six TV characters with whom I’d like to share July 4th - VIDEO
So, did you hear that they did a poll they did to determine which presidential candidate people would like to hang out with at a barbecue? Obama won 52 to 45 percent over McCain, which may not mean very much in the long run, but the day before July 4th it made news.
The thought of barbecues and July 4th parties got me thinking about which TV characters with whom I’d like to spend Independence Day. I wouldn’t want them here at my place, though, I want to go to their places. I have high expectations, too, and a vivid imagination.
Here’s the six TV characters who could expect me to join them to watch the rockets red glare — if only they were real live folks and not just my fictional faves.
1) Ricky Ricardo, I Love Lucy
When Ricky and Lucy moved to Connecticut, one of the first things they did was build a beautiful barbecue. Remember? Lucy thought she lost her ring in the cement, but it was just Ricky teaching her a lesson because he’d pocketed the ring when he saw it next to the cement? Anyway, the Ricardos would be a swell place for the 4th because as a Cuban-born American (thanks to his marriage to Lucy), Ricky would blend the best of Americana with his Latin roots. He might decide to roast a pig in the Cubano tradition, and I could imagine him introducing the Mertzes to the tangy taste of a mojito. For fireworks, Lucy would surely take center stage, with or without sparklers and cherry bombs.
2) Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
Barney with Ted, Marshall, Lily and Robin. On the 4th of July in New York City, it would be — wait for it — awesome. I would trust Barney to make all the arrangements — he’s got the Platinum Card to pay for the limo, the drinks, the good time. I’d even suit up for the occasion if those were the Stinson party rules. I don’t think I’m Barney’s type (damn that wedding ring!), but I’d be willing to swap Bob Barker stories with him and listen to his tales of the awesomeness that is Barney.
3) Hawkeye Pierce, M*A*S*H
Even when Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, M.D., was stuck in Korea, he knew how to party. I would be willing to travel into a war zone just to take part in Hawkeye’s July 4th soiree. In my mind, he’d go all out, like the time he ordered ribs from Chicago. The place was called Adam’s Ribs and Hawkeye had to have some; he couldn’t stand the liver and fish that they were serving up in the mess tent. The way they described those ribs had me drooling. So, if July 4th plans are in order for the 4077, I’m voting for Chicago’s best ribs and I’m inviting myself. As far as fireworks, the North Koreans could be counted on to provide plenty.
4) JR Ewing, Dallas
They do things big and bold at Southfork. The Ewings would be sure to be grilling a side of beef — ribs, steaks, roasts and barbecued beef — in traditional Texas style. The spread would be lush, with white linen tablecloths and the finest china, no paper plates and napkins for JR’s clan. Since there was always a chance for conflict among the Ewings and Cliff Barnes or Ray Krebbs, I’m not going without a firearm. It might seem like a dream, but I’m not risking winding up shot like JR, even if he did survive Kristin Shepherd trying to kill him.
5) Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
There wasn’t a season or a holiday that went by that wasn’t celebrated in Stars Hollow, Connecticut, home of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. The townsfolk, as quirky as they were, always did something special for the holidays and I know July 4th would be unique. Kirk and Taylor would man the fireworks, Miss Patty would design a dance in celebration of Independence Day. Mrs. Kim would wonder why they were making such a fuss. I’d be glad to stay at the Dragonfly Inn where Suki would cook up traditional and untraditional fare, because you can’t tell a chef like Suki to make hot dogs and beans for the 4th. However, if all else fails, Luke will be pouring the coffee and grilling burgers at Luke’s Diner where I could sit for hours — not using my cell phone — but trying to keep up with Lorelai and Rory’s rapid-fire dialog.
6) Monica Geller, Friends
It’s true that there’s not patio or rooftop in the building where Monica and Rachel and Chandler and Joey lived, and the fire escape only held two at a time, but Monica was a top-notch chef and she had really fun friends. July 4th would be a blast with them, especially since they could look out the windows and probably see the Macy’s July 4th fireworks over the East River. I’m sure that Ross and Phoebe would join us, and whether Monica chooses to make barbecued chicken or hot dogs, you know it’ll be delicious — just stay away from turkey because Joey may put it on his head. Remember this:
Britney Spears: No Emmy Nod
Britney Spears: No Emmy Nod
Earlier this week Britney Spears and Kevin Federline were unable to come to an agreement regarding the custody of their sons Jayden James and Sean Preston. And yesterday the “Gimme More” songstress was spotted paying her lawyer a visit.
Miss Spears and her bodyguard were seen arriving at her lawyer’s office in Los Angeles, California looking serious. Brit sported a summery pink top with Capri jeans and a pair of heeled sandals.
And while the “How I Met Your Mother” ratings jumped when the “Piece of Me” singer hit the screen, it seems she won’t be in the race for a Best Guest Actress Emmy Award.
For whatever reason, Britney didn’t make the top 11 list of guest actresses for this year’s consideration. Also joining her in the Snub Department are Sarah Chalke (Scrubs blonde who played Spears’ boss on HIMYM), Mary-Kate Olsen (for her role as a Bible-thumper on Weeds) and Alyssa Milano (for her role on My Name is Earl).
Emmys 2008: The Series Semifinalists Are In, but What Are Your Picks?
The 2008 Emmy nominations announcements are due out very soon—on Thursday, July 17, to be specific—and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has offered up a sneak preview this year, releasing an official list of semifinalists.
The good news is that some of our faves, like Lost and 30 Rock, made it. The bad new is that some of our faves, like Battlestar Galactica and How I Met Your Mother, did not make it. And the competition only gets tougher from here on out.
I’m interested in your take on this year’s nominations. Which shows are you cheering for? Which fave series of yours was unfairly snubbed again this year? Vote in the polls below, and then testify about your picks (especially any shows that I totally missed) in the comments…
The CBS fall premiere schedule
Are you anxiously awaiting news of who was in that SUV that exploded? Still fraught with worry over how Gibbs is going to get his team back together? Or maybe you are just excited that Survivor is finally going to be beamed into your living room in glorious HD. Well, you can start making plans for your fall scheduling now. The eye network has released the schedule of premieres for their new and returning shows.
I’m a little concerned about two things on the schedule. First, The New Adventures Of Old Christine and Project Gary lead into Criminal Minds on Wednesday nights. That’s an odd pairing, and I don’t think bodes well for either of the comedies. And second, The Unit gets shuffled off to Sunday at 10? NCIS and The Unit have done remarkably well paired up on Tuesdays. Good for The Mentalist, not so much for The Unit. The whole thing kicks off with Survivor on September 18th. The rest of the schedule is after the jump.
September 18: Survivor: Gabon at 8:00
September 22: The Big Bang Theory at 8:00; How I Met Your Mother at 8:30; Two and a Half Men at 9:00; Worst Week at 9:30; CSI: Miami at 10:00
September 23: NCIS at 8:00; The Mentalist at 9:00; Without a Trace at 10:00
September 24: The New Adventures of Old Christine at 8:00; Project Gary at 8:30; Criminal Minds at 9:00; CSI: NY at 10:00
September 27: Crimetime Saturday at 8:00 and 9:00; 48 Hours Mystery at 10:00
September 28: 60 Minutes at 7:00; The Amazing Race at 8:00; Cold Case at 9:00; The Unit at 10:00
October 3: Ghost Whisperer at 8:00; The Ex List at 9:00; Numb3rs at 10:00
October 9: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation at 9:00; Eleventh Hour at 10:00
If you are curious about some of those new shows, take a look at our thoughts on the advance screeners.
[ via Cynopsis ]