ELTON JOHN HIGHLIGHTS NEIL PATRICK HARRIS
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THE GLORIOUS CORNER
By: G. H. Harding
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Neil Patrick Harris
NEW TV --- Believe it or not, a week from tonight the Emmys are broadcast, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and certainly highlighted by Elton John (making his first Emmy appearance ever) in some sort of tribute to Liberace. I think the biggest accomplishment of The Emmy’s in recent memory, and many insiders agree, is that the very next day, Monday, September 23, the Fall TV season kicks off in earnest.
The speeches are nice and the pairings also somewhat inspired, but, next day, it’s all back to square one.
I do fondly recall when the show did present the entire cast of The Sopranos, as the show was ending the soon-to-begin season. It was a nice moment.
Last night in Hollywood was the creative-awards part of The Emmys ... and, the big winners so far are Steven Soderbergh's HBO movie Behind The Candelabra; House Of Cards on Netflix; and, the Bob Newhart guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory. Stay tuned for next Sunday.
According to reports, the #1 most anticipated new show is NBC’s The Blacklist, starring James Spader. Second, is Showtime’s Homeland, which this year should be one rollicking affair, and third is ABC’s Marvel’s Agents Of Shield; starring Clark Gregg in his role of Phil Colson - the character he essayed in The Avengers movie of last summer. When you think about it, Shield offers a myriad of possibilities as the show goes back in time, as Gregg’s character was killed off in that Avengers movie …. or, so they want us to believe.
Who knows maybe The Hulk will show up in an episode, or even Iron Man? Anything is possible.
According to insiders, a real sleeper of a show (good sleeper; not bad sleeper) might just be ABC’s Trophy Wife, starring Malin Akerman, Bradley Whitford, Natalie Morales and Marcia Gay Harden.
Here’s the set up: When a former party girl marries a twice-divorced older man, she also marries into his unique family—which includes of two ex-wives, three kids, and lots of messy leftovers from previous marriages.
Cute … right?
For me, I’m curious to see where CBS’ The Good Wife goes; as well as my faves from last season, Elementary; Blue Bloods; Person Of Interest; and, NCIS … interestingly enough, all on CBS.
CLOSING NOTES --- We spent part of the weekend with the just-out and sensational Bryan Ferry Live In Lyon DVD. Ferry, terrific as always has one of the best bands in recent memory, with guitarists Oliver Thompson and Neil Hubbard just inspired. Ferry, a noted Bob Dylan-fan, who even recorded an album of the master’s songs called Dylanesque, including a generous sampling of the master's songs, including “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blue, “ “Make You Feel My Love,” and an awesome version of Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” where Thompson literally explodes on his guitar. We also loved his solo take on Roxy Music’s “Let’s Stick Together,” and his luminous version of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.” A great treat this whole DVD; style-icon Bryan Ferry doesn’t disappoint here …
B.B. KING-- Speaking of “Watchtower,” Traffic’s Dave Mason appears this week at B. B. King’s here in NYC. Aside from having more managers and record labels than seemingly possible, Dave is still at his best performing live. With a new band and a new record coming sometime soon, it should be another dazzling show. His current –at least as of this writing- manager, Bruce Garfield (Mica Paris was his!) will be front and center for sure … I remember sitting with him at Langan’s Pub many years back, on West 47th Street in NYC, and one of his songs came on the airwaves … he looked at me and said he wished he still had the publishing! Well, “Feelin’ Alright” is his and it’s had more than 40 covers. Best Dave-line ever: He’s still an old Pirate! …
BURN-- USA’s series finale of their Burn Notice was pretty terrific; even if I read almost a line-by-line synopsis of the show the day before on the Internet. After seven years, it sure showed signs of dragging, but it was wrapped up nicely; with a backdoor existing if and when the guys (and, gals) want to do it again. Congrats Matt Nix and Jeffrey Donovan …
VMA-- I’ve refrained up till now from commenting on the whole Miley Cyrus at The VMAs affair, because her new video, “Wrecking Ball,” as of last night, has been viewed more than 97 million times. The song’s not for me, but she’s one smart gal … tweaking and all … This just in: SNL’s Cecily Strong will co-anchor Weekend Update With Seth Meyers. SNL’s premier this new season is September 28, and Varese Sarabande is releasing the last Harry Nilsson album ever, Flash Harry. Can't wait for this one.
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