TV WASTELAND AND BACK TO THE MONKEES
TV WASTELAND? --- The next two weeks in TV-land are their most important; as the so-called Up Fronts begin. This is the two-week period when shows are officially renewed and the new-shows, to begin in the Fall, are introduced to the media and the advertisers. First out of the pack is Fox; already having renewed Fringe, which as we've said here, just competed a rather scattered, yet brilliant season; finishing their season last Friday with just an outstanding episode. Many felt the show wouldn't return, but Fox definitely scored a mitzvah early on in bringing it back. On the flip-side, they unceremoniously canceled Shawn Ryan's The Chicago Code, with Jennifer Beals, Jason Lee and Delroy Lindo. The show, whose first few episodes were just stellar, sagged a bit after that, but their last several episodes were just outstanding. The writing, direction and acting just off the charts. To this writer, a real loss and if I may observe: another network should pick it up … it's that good! Also canceled was Christian Slater's Breaking In, the actor's third-series in a row to get cut. Boy, Slater just can't catch a break. This show a comedy of sorts, wasn't bad at all and actually had several truly funny moments. It wasn't to this writer's personal taste, but it certainly deserved a full season as it came on as a mid-season replacement. I prefer the actor in a serious-mode, but this is a shame nonetheless. House will return for a final season which surprised some too. Let the wars begin!
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PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY? --- So, it looks like they'll be four Monkees onstage after all when the group returns to the concert stage tomorrow night in the U. K., although, it won't be Michael Nesmith, but rather the 33-year old wife of Davy Jones (Jessica) … who'll be dazzling audiences with her flamenco dancing in two of the group's songs. What??? Interesting in that the bit of news is coming right before their unveiling tomorrow night; to tell you the truth: had it be unveiled any earlier I can only imagine the hubbub from the media … and, fans alike. … not to mention tour-poobah Irving Azoff or Andy Gould. Harry Nilsson must be spinning in his grave! Jones says that's not the only reason she's coming on tour, “We're never happier than when we're together. I can't sleep anymore if she's not with me. If I go (away) alone … I find myself texting her in the middle of the night.” Well, I can only imagine what the reaction will be from the media; especially the ones who have had problems accepting the group in the first place ... hence, the Pre Fab Four. Would be funny if her routines outshone the lads. Amazing! We also hear that their booking agency has lowered the guarantee to promoters, essentially giving them a better opportunity to generate some profits. Also, some dates have been added for August. Gee … wonder if Don Henley's wife Sharon will be along on their next tour, or Irving's Shelli? I can only imagine Nesmith's reaction to this news: probably thanking his lucky stars his decision to skip this tour was a brilliant one!
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CANNES CANNES --- Tonight is the kick-off of the Cannes Fiml Festival with Woody Allen's romantic-opus Midnight In Paris; that is generating tremendous early response, with one reviewer even trumpeting it as" Allen's return to form!” Also expected for the stargazers are: Robert De Niro; Uma Thurman; Jude Law; Angelina Jolie; Jack Black; Dustin Hoffman; Owen Wilson; Rachel McAdams; Marian Cotillard; Antonio Banderas; and Salma Hayek.Tomorrow also begins a 12-day retrospective for Italian-director Bernardo Bertolucci.
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