Set in Whales during King Edward’s reign, The Bastard Executioner (BE) is one of TVs most expensive pilots (episodes 1/2) at ten million dollars and ninety-one minutes. It explores a hero’s double life as an executioner and rebel leader, who follows a Slavic witch’s council (Annora) and tries to avoid a political maverick … Continue reading Pilot Reviews: September’s Good, Bad and Unwatchable
Fall’s TV list is out and well I clicked the link, like some would open a Tiffany Box, jittery with anticipation and excitement. If you have read my Ten Best Shows of 2015 you know of my love, read addiction, for TV. There are at least 90 returning shows and 45 new shows on network and cable TV this season.
I’ll review pilots of interest from the list provided here and choose several shows to follow for the entire season. At the end of every couple viewing weeks I’ll post the pilot reviews and note any shows I have selected to review for the entire season. I doubt I’ll review more than five shows for the season (new or returning). Let me know if there are any shows you’d like me to review for the pilot or season!
Dear Lord (Goddess, Supreme Being, Allah), The 2015 Emmy Awards will be remembered fondly by many. Not for the hosts’, Andy Samberg, acknowledgment of white privilege, Olive Kitteridge’s wins or Jon Hamm’s stage mount, but for the moment when we began to believe that … Continue reading A Prayer for Viola, Regina, Uzo and Reg
On Sunday, September 20th the television industry will recognize excellence with Emmy Awards. All the predictions have been made, the odds calculated and bets made. Often our most beloved shows are not recognized, nominated or awarded. Sons of Anarchy was as culturally provocative as Mad Men or Breaking Bad, but it was never an industry darling. My list of the ten best shows this year is an attempt to acknowledge the artists who have entertained and enlightened us with their work. You may be surprised that some of your favorites did not make my list.
There are many entertaining and enjoyable shows that simply were not the best shows of the year. The question I asked myself wasn’t only one of entertainment, but also one of anticipation, intrigue and unique storytelling. So while, Scandal, Survivor’s Remorse, How To Get Away with Murder, American Crime, Power, Games of Throne, Walking Dead, Orphan Black, Broadchurch, The Strain, The Honourable Woman, and Red Road are some of my favorite shows, they did not top the scales in all areas this year. The best ten shows this year bring forth unique stories and they are told creatively with attention to pacing, imagery and have cultural impact without meaningless isms (misogny, sexism, racism…). The list does not include any Netflex or Amazon shows.
In no particular order here are my favorite shows this year. Let me know if you agree or disagree.
Many were tuned-in to Serena Williams’ Calendar Slam run as a historic cultural and sporting moment. If she had won the US Open, it would have been her fifth consecutive slam and 22nd career slam. It was not to be. Serena lost to the pressure … Continue reading Tennis’ Love-Hate Relationship with the Revolutionary Serena Williams
Tennis Pet Peeve: Tennis media referring to matches as performances. Entertainers perform: dancers, singers, musicians, etc… Athletes compete in matches, games, tournaments, etc… If media use this language, fans will begin to also. Then fans will expect a performance from tennis players. Performances have familiar narratives, highs and … Continue reading #1 Tennis Pet Peeve
5. With his 4+ hours win over Murray, Kevin Anderson has arrived and put the top 4 on notice!
4. Donald Young has had a very successful Slam. He pulled a two sets down win in the first round against Simon and the third against Troiki. Unfortunately, he fell to Wawrinka in the fourth round. He also played doubles and mixed doubles. He’ll be joining the Davis Cup.
3. Venus Williams is into the second week and will play Serena Williams on Tuesday in the quarter finals. Though her first (Puig) and second round (Falconi) wins were not clean and required three sets, she won her third round with clean and beautiful tennis, especially in the first set over Bencic 6-3 6-4.
2. Mid-match Interviews. Coco Vandeweghe was the first player to give a mid match interview. While she won the match over Stephens in straight sets, she did go out the next round to Bethany Mattek Sands 6-2, 6-1. The interview, at the end of the first set was jarring and added nothing of value.
1. US Open Week 1 retirements and injuries were many! No fewer than 14 ATP and 2 WTA players have retired, most notable Jack Sock who all but collapsed on the court and Vitalia Diatchenko, Serena’s first round opponent, who took the court with what appeared to be an ankle injury before retiring 6-2 2-0. As the last slam of the year, no doubt players are weary and many may need the funds that this slam would provide, but the number of ATP retirements highlights the lack of a Heat Ruling and the Five Set Slam. More than anything, this has shown how untenable the tennis calendar is. .
What was your top tennis moment this week?
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