mercadoTV - 4 what 2 watch!

BOOK EM DANNO

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:12:00 +0000

OK, I'm still in New York and so overwhelmed by all the pop culture around me, I don't know where to start. So let's start with remakes. V starts on Nine in Australia this Sunday (I think) and watch it because it's hot. But will it be as hot as another re-do HAWAII 5-0? It could have the hottest cast ever with Alex O'Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim and now Scott Caan (pictured) to play Danno (as in "Book 'em Danno"). Oh yeah, I'll be watching that one. Right now I am watching LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY although Anderson Cooper is fill-in host for Regis. Yesterday Tom Hanks said Kathie Lee instead of Kelly (someone in Australia, GET THIS SHOW!). Ialso winding down and filming its final episodes which could be why I saw Michael Urie (who plays Marc) rushing down the streets of Broadway. Or maybe he was just running late for the gay play he is doing here, I was just relieved to see him so I didn't have to go hom saying the only other celeb I saw was Bindi bloody Irwin (having breakfast with her mother and a bunch of old ladies but hey, at least she wasn't wearing khaki). A big screen movie of GILLIGAN ISLAND is coming and if you think that is as bad as it gets, you obviously didn't see Sarah Palin doing stand-up comedy on THE JAY LENO SHOW. Look, I really should be talking about my (front row) experiences at THE VIEW and LETTERMAN but I'm saving that juiciness for another edition. So let's sign off with another promo for THE MARRIAGE REF which has gotten the worst reviews ever. I don't get it - any show that puts Larry David, Ricky Gervais and Madonna together on the same stage is OK with me ...

LET THE SUNSHINE IN

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:07:00 +0000

After watching the premiere of THE MARRIAGE REF on NBC last night (straight after the star-studded Canadian Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics), how can Seven still be serious about doing a local version? The Olympics finished William Shatner, Michael J Fox and Michael Bauble (how did he go commentating for Foxtel I wonder?) while THE MARRIAGE REF began with Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Rip and Alec Baldwin (pictured). The preview for Thursday's instalment had an even more alluring panel of Larry Charles, Ricky Gervais and Madonna! Can someone tell me how an Aussie line-up can ever compare to these legends? Seven, let the sun shine in and just show the US version. If it's a huge success and the public seems to want more, then and only then do a local version. Now also while in New York, I have checked out the revival of 1967 hippie musical HAIR. I never did see a Perth production with Nikki Webster and Millsy and can only shudder at what I once saw at the Twin Towns Club with PACIFIC DRIVE's Andre Eikmeier. That cast chose not to do a nude scene but in the Broadway version, they let it all hang out ...

BRING REGIS TO AUSSIE TV

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Regis Philbin is an American TV icon, not unlike our own Bert Newton. Just like Moonface, Reg has been around a hundred years but he also hosts the US version of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE as well as the morning chat show LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY (you can also see him and his wife Joy Philbin guesting and singing on THE VIEW next Monday in Australia). Regis is a really funny guy (he makes me laugh out loud) and tis successful has been going over over 20 years. It was first known as LIVE WITH REGIS AND KATHIE LEE but Kathie Lee Gifford is now the host of the 4th hour of NBC`s TODAY show. Kelly Ripa, who married her ALL MY CHILDREN co-star Mark Consuelos (pictured), is a much more natural replacement (particularly given there`s not a lot of natural left in Kathie Lee who can get a bit obnoxious from time to time). But regardless of who Regis is with (and in this attached clip he's with both his hosts), he has chenistry galore and I get sucked into watching him on a daily basis while ever I am in North America. Why hasn`t some Australian TV network hasn't taken this show? Yes, it's a bit New York-centric but it attracts A-list guests like Bruce Willis who was on yesterday.

SHOULD TV SHOWS BECOME MUSICALS?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:43:00 +0000

It has become a Toronto tradition of mine to see a terrible theatrical production every time while I visit. Last time I was in Canada, it was Joan Collins and Linda Evans in LEGENDS. The former DYNASTY co-stars tried their best but the play was crap and it collapsed before making it to Broadway (with Joan writing a nasty newspaper article about how horrible Linda's plastic surgery was up close). Anyway, I have just returned from a matinee of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL starring Melissa Gilbert (who used to play little Laura) now playing Caroline Ingalls (Ma). The crit that had me rushing to the Canon Theatre described it as "laughably bad, lacking memorable songs and sets and props that look borrowed from community theatre." The (one out of five) review went on to say Ms Gilbert "oversells every scene and can't sing a note". Harsh, but I would have added that she also can't dance. But you know what - it was Laura "Half Pint" Ingalls up there giving it her best shot and I loved it. Although during some (OK, most) of the more boring musical numbers (and there were plenty), I daydreamed about what Aussie TV shows could be remade as theatrical musical productions. What about SONS AND DAUGHTERS: THE MUSICAL starring Peter Phelps and Alexandra Fowler. Instead of playing the (inappropriately close) twins, Phelpsy could play David Plamer and Chantoozies Ally could be Pat the Rat. That'd work, right? And wouldn't it be a gas to get Rowena Wallace playing Fiona? Any other ideas, people ... ?

WAR IS HELL

noreply@blogger.com (Princess Penny) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:21:00 +0000

I have just flown overseas so (naturally) I spent the entire night watching movies. Because I would never go see it in cinemas, THE HURT LOCKER was top of my list because it has been nominated for as many Academy Awards as AVATAR and just won big at the British Academy Awards. But why? I was bored senseless and thought it was just more macho bullshit. I've seen it all before - war is hell, soldiers do it tough, blah blah blah. Great if you love that sort of thing but I don't and remain mystified as to why it is being so honoured. The only good things about it were cameos from Guy Pearce and LOST'S Evangeline Lily. So, whatever, give all the Oscars to AVATAR. Now I'm in Canada and saw a much more interesting flick called DEFENDOR. I thought it was going to be more superhero rubbish starring Woody Harrelson but - surprise surprise - it wasn't that type of film at all and extremely touching. Don't know if it will ever get an Australian release but it should ...

ALL MY CHILDREN NEEDS SOME HELP

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:43:00 +0000

Several readers have emailed here begging for help with keeping ALL MY CHILDREN on 7TWO. It's only been on a few months but its ratings are deadly at 1pm. The US daytime drama just celebrated its 40th anniversary and it's a shame these episodes weren't screened because they make a great introduction to the series. These are great shows with classic black and white clips and cheesiness galore as Pine Valley is proclaimed America's Best Town (with the in-joke being that Hayley is filming a documentary after actress Kelly Ripa left some years back to become the co-host of LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY). You'll see the infamous Susan Lucci (pictured as Erica Kane) who is so goddamned famous that she has her own waxwork at Madame Tussauds (and the word done there is nearly as good as that done on the real version). She is the STAR of the show and gets the best lines and the best frocks (see below). Also on show in these episodes is Lee Meriwether (the 1966 BATMAN movie's Catwoman) as she retires to Florida (in real life, the actor playing town patriarch Joe Martin didn't want to relocate to Los Angeles as the show has just moved there after always filming in New York). Look, even I'm having trouble keeping up with AMC with all the soaps on 7TWO but give it a go if you likes these clips...

KEEP THE THEME SONG

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:57:00 +0000

She hung out with Britney Spears in CROSSROADS and made out with Eminem in 8 MILE but now Taryn Manning is going all network on us by joining the cast of the new HAWAII FIVE-O. She'll play the sister of Alex O'Loughlin who has the title role of Steve McGarrett (and let's hope it's third time lucky for the Aussie who CBS has tried to turn into a star via two failed TV series now, MOONLIGHT and THREE RIVERS). Also in the remake is Daniel Dae Kim (Jin from LOST) who will play Chin Ho. HAWAII FIVE-O was a massive TV hit that ran for 12 seasons from 1968. Many other shows tried to capitalise on its Hawaiian location but the only one to ever succeed was MAGNUM P.I. The only thing the new HAWAII FIVE-0 needs to get right is to keep old the old theme song - one of the greatest in TV history ...

MADONNA'S MARRIAGE MADNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:12:00 +0000

Jerry Seinfeld's new US series THE MARRIAGE REF looks set to be a hit if this clip is anything to go by. The show is signing A-list celebrities such as Alec Baldwin (pictured) and Madonna to give out advice to warring couples (because these two sure know how to make a successful union last, right?). They'll be joined by comedians like Ricky Gervais and Larry David but what does this mean for Aussie viewers? Seven wants to make a local version and there's no way they can pull in this sort of talent. So do we just ignore the star-studded American version and plough ahead with our own D-list marriage experts (Wayne Cooper and Tiffani Wood perhaps)? Seven will be celebrating the rising ratings for MY KITCHEN RULES (it finally beat TWO AND A HALF MEN last night) and hoping things improve for Thursday's TV trivia quiz show THE WHITE ROOM (check it out if you love you classic TV clips) but THE MARRIAGE REF looms largest ...

SOS - SAVE OUR SHOWS

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:58:00 +0000

It's that time of the year in the US when networks start deciding what shows are staying and which shows are being given the boot. FRINGE, starring Anna Torv (pictured) is looking good as is the teen Superman drama SMALLVILLE which has increased its ratings despite being dumped to Fridays. COLD CASE has probably become too expensive to keep making and HEROES might only be given enough time to wrap things up properly becuase the show sells well overseas (despite worseing ratings in America). Executives will be looking very closely at ratings for FLASHFORWARD and V as they wrap up their first seasons with diminishing audiences but the future is looking particularly bleak for FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, BETTER OFF TED and the new SCRUBS and MELROSE PLACE.

JORDAN AND JOHN MAYER STINK

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:09:00 +0000

Sometimes celebrities make me want to vomit. Let's start with Jordan and Peter Andre in the UK. She dumped her cross-dressing boyfriend Alex Reid live on I'M A CELEBRITY ... GET ME OUT OF HERE, then married him in Vegas. Now she's admitting she really is a lying whore but it was just so she had some good material for her reality series WHAT KATIE DID NEXT. For those of you watching this garbage on Lifestyle You, please remember this - there is no such thing as "seeing the real Katie" when everything is fodder for her pathetic media existence. Meanwhile Peter Andre keeps breaking down in tears doing talk shows while talking about his children. And whilst this is obviously another media manipulation, I'd probably cry too if Jordan got her make-up and turned my baby into a pre-school hooker like she just did with Princess Tiamamamama (google the disgraceful shots, they'll be everywhere). And in the US, John Mayer can't stop talking sex sex sex. In a Playboy interview, he discussed how Jessica Simpson's vagina was like cocaine and then went into graphic detail about his dick and black girls (even dropping the 'n'w word). He's trying to come across as a stud but let me tell you, when I interviewed him several years ago for Music Max, his breath STUNK. There is nothing remotely sexy about him as these pictures show. End of story. Thank goodness for last night's SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE where really talented people did really talented things without having to embellish anything. I'd post a clip but there's nothing on YouTube - for highlights, check out Ten's official catch-up website, this show is having another fabulous year.

EVERYTHING OLD IS OLD AGAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:04:00 +0000

SUPERMAN is coming back with BATMAN director Christopher Nolan "guiding" a new re-boot (and yes BATMAN 3 is being written as we speak). Tom Cruise has signed on the dotted line for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4. Sequels are being planned for MRS DOUBTFIRE and THE GOONIES (with the grown up kids now having kids of their own) but Spielberg has scotched rumours of a GREMLINS 3D flick and WATCHMEN 2 ain't happening either. UNDERWORLD 3D is a goer though and the dreaded TRANSFORMERS will probably get the 3D treatment as well as the final HARRY POTTER movies. The fifth FAST AND FURIOUS flick with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker (pictured) will be called FAST FIVE and 24 is headed to the big screen with a European adventure. And Aussie good guy Joel Edgerton is doing another version of THE THING. But whatever happened to the remake of Aussie cult classic LONG WEEKEND with John Hargraeves and Briony Behets? The Claudia Karvan thriller looks like a shot by shot re-telling (and has clearly been released somewhere European by the follwing trialer) but we are yet to see it here down under ...

IS MELONI MOVING ON OR JUST LOST?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:04:00 +0000

According to Brisbane newspaper The Courier Mail, Christopher Meloni is leaving LAW AND ORDER: SVU after 12 years but producers have since denied it. The Courier Mail isn't usually renowned for world exclusives so did they get it wrong or did Meloni suddenly regret his comments? If Stabler really does love SVU (which is returning to Ten this Thursday), let's hope he races off (and gets his kit off again) to do edgier fare like the infamous prison drama OZ (pictured). Meanwhile, LOST returns to Aussie screens tomorrow (Wednesday) with a recap special and then the two hour premiere on 7TWO from 8.30pm. Confusingly, the first hour only then screens on 7HD at 11.30pm meaning those fans who want to watch the show twice every night won't be able to because the HD screenings will be a week behind. Those who've watched the premiere insist it's so good it's worth a re-visit - in other words, it's so bloody complicated, you need all the help you can get to undertand it fully!

END OF AN ERA

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:03:00 +0000

DAYS OF OUR LIVES is about to farewell two legends. Next Wednesday, Nine will screen the final episode with John and Marlena (Dierdre Hall, pictured) and coming sometime in the near future, a tribute to Frances Reid who played matriarch Alice Horton. The 94 year old died this week in real life but continues to live on in Salem .. for now. Alice was previously thought to have died when she was murdered by Marlena when she was the Salem Slasher. Only she wasn't a murderess, Marlena had been drugged and all her "victims" turned up alive and well on Melaswen, a complete copy of Salem constructed by Tony DiMera on a remote desert island. Utterly ridiculous but funny when you consider they didn't have to build any new sets, just throw a few tropical plants around the existing ones. This time Alice's exit will have to be more permanent ... RIP Frances Reid ...

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN RATE?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion and friends have re-recorded "We Are The World" while Kylie Minogue, Susan Boyle and friends have re-recorded "Everybody Hurts" for relief for Haiti. But who is going to save Ten now that the first week of (non-official) ratings is underway here in Australia? On Monday, the number one show was Nine's TWO AND A HALF MEN (what is wrong with you people?) and last night Seven's GREY'S ANATOMY was a biggie. But lost in these surprise hits are Ten's reality shows THE BIGGEST LOSER and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Both did well as Sunday premiers (up against the Australian Open tennis final) but their follwoing episodes in weekday slots slid. THE BIGGEST LOSER is barely making sense thanks to an (alleged) kiddie fiddler being removed from the cast (that's why it's been so heavily re-edited) while DANCE is suffering from its poor LOSER lead-in. But the real blame ls due to THE 7PM PROJECT which is still underperforming (with only half the audience of HOME & AWAY). Last night THE 7PM PROJECT had Steve Price on the panel and if they think redneck shock jocks will get people watching, they are sadly mistaken. At least SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is still great TV with the return of last year's dancet Heath (pictured) who only left the competition after breaking his foot. Another episode screens tonight (and again tomorrow, thrusday) and while that could be overkill for some, I can never get enough DANCE ...

HOW CAN A MOVIE WITH THIS MUCH STRIPPING BE SO BORING?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:43:00 +0000

So went the review from "New York" magazine about NINE, the much-anticipated movie musical which has turned into a critical and commercial flop. That quote may also be used to describe Naomi Robson's new internet venture. The former TODAY TONIGHT host isn't letting a lack of interest from every TV station stop her self-titled Oprah-like show about "Love" and "Life" so it's going straight to the web. It sounds utterly fascinating given her guests chatting about these earth-shattering topics will be the classy Tottie Goldsmith (pictured) and big boobed BIG BROTHER loser Krystal. I really shouldn't pre-judge this web weirdness because despite all the negative press, I went to see NINE and really enjoyed it. The cast were all super-sexy (barring Fergie who was slightly scary) and the surprise stand-out performance came from Kate Hudson (see below). Maybe if Naomi sang, danced and surrounded herself with cool Italianos while reviving the 60s, she too might become watchable ...

NO MO FOR NURSE JACKIE 2

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:37:00 +0000

TV has just gotten less gay with the cancellation of UGLY BETTY and across town at NURSE JACKIE's All Saints hospital, gay nurse Mo-Mo (Haaz Sleiman, pictured) is missing in action. The second season is about to start in the US and this hilarious trailer promises more drugs, more laughs but no more Mo-Mo. His absence won't be referred to on screen but co-creator Linda Wallem promises the hospital will still be overrun with other gay characters, specifically her real-life brother who plays another gay nurse called Thor. No news yet on whether Ten still want my favourite new show of 2009 given they ended its run at 1am (and in the non-ratings period). Let's hope another network will swoop in and give this series a better timeslot ...

NEW NUMBER 96 DVD REVEALED

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:15:00 +0000

Here's your first look at the cover for the third NUMBER 96 DVD AFTERMATH OF MURDER which will be released on March 13, the 38th anniversary of the serie's premiere, also referred to as "the night Australian TV lost its virginity". With very few stills remaining from the show, the covers are always designed with screen grabs from the actual show. So here we have Vera (Elaine Lee) finding a naked cyclist in her bathroom, Tania (Natalie Mosco) and Andy (Peter Adams), Michael (Peter Flett) and Marilyn (Frances Hargraeves), Trixie (Jan Adele) and the TC (Brian Moll) while Dorrie (Pat McDonald) is avoiding knives in the centre image. Other characters to feature in this colleciton include Maggie Cameron (Bettina Welch), Aldo (Johnny Lockwood) and Roma (Philippa Baker) so here's a scene with them as Trixie O'Toole discusses the finer points of 70's discrimination, Aussie style. ONe thing has really struck me watching these episodes - so many shows from this era are dated, with overly long scenes and set-ups. But the pace in NUMBER 96 never lets up, constantly moving between flats and cr5ackling dialogue - check it out ...

GIVE AN OSCAR TO JEFF BRIDGES NOW

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:49:00 +0000

Yesterday I saw and loved CRAZY HEART starring Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell (all three do their own singing and are great) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (pictured). The story isn't that original and you probably need to enjoy (traditional) country music but it's all about Jeff Bridges in the title role. Academy Award nominations are announced next week and he has to be nominated, in fact he could win it given the Academy's sentiment for awarding for body of work. Bridges deserves to win on both counts, especially given a likable resume that also includes such classics as THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (what a debut), TRON (and he's doing the upcoming sequel TRON LEGACY), STARMAN, THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE FISHER KING, FEARLESS (my favourite), THE BIG LEBOWSKI (a cult classic I need to re-watch), THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (another stunner based on a John Irving novel) and the upcoming remake of TRUE GRIT (there ain't many actors with the balls to take on John Wayne but Bridges can probably get away with it). He also gave one of the most appealing acceptance speeches at this year's Golden Globes so he would be most welcome on Oscars night ...

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:39:00 +0000

I can't believe I missed marking a very important milestone in Australian TV history. Last Thursday (January 21) was the 30 year anniversary of ARCADE beginning on air (and sadly the end was just a few weeks later). So as drunk yobbos with Southern Cross tattoos and Aussie flags draped around their necks like Superman capes barbecue sausages at beaches everywhere in this great land, here a few clips that make me proud to be an Australian. Like Barry Crocker, Abigail singing, Cameron Daddo on IT'S A (CELEBRITY) KNOCKOUT, Rebecca Gilling on HOLIDAY ISLAND, Patrick Ward's bum on ARCADE, Johnny Farnham and Sigrid Thornton on BOBBY DAZZLER, Belinda Giblin on MATLOCK POLICE and Mel Gibson (pictured here frolicking in the nude with his GALLIPOLI mates and is there anything more ocker than that?) on the doomed PRISONER male clone called PUNISHMENT ...

A PERFECT DAY OF SOAP

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:33:00 +0000

It all starts on 7TWO with the biegest show on television, SONS AND DAUGHTERS (9am) and then the unbelievably daggy HOME & AWAY: THE EARLY YEARS (9.30am). Then it's black-and-white episodes of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS (10am) before HEADLAND (11am) which is finally screening all-new episodes. It is such a shame this uni soapie didn't rate because it's really, really good. Rachael Taylor overacts as the blonde bitch but its roster of guest stars (like the amazing John Brumpton and Anne Tenney) and interesting stories (currently pole-dancing and baby bastardry) more than make up for Taylor's eye-rolling. At noon, change over to W for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (a drunk Jill crashing Kay's wedding today was hilarious) and at 1pm, switch back to 7TWO for ALL MY CHILDREN. The US daytime drama is at a very strange point in its history with a tortured transsexual and a serial killer but it's early days and still worth checking out. At 2pm it's New Zealand's SHORTLAND STREET with UK actor/singer Adam Ricketts (pictured) where they just caught their serial killer but another is running amok on CORONATION STREET (2.30pm). Don't think they've ever had a serial killer in rural dramas EMMERDALE (3pm) or A COUNTRY PRACTICE (Hallmark 3.30pm) and the 2010 return of HOME & AWAY tonight promises less killers and more love and comedy instead. I can't wait ... if only I had the time!

SAVE OUR PIGS

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:10:00 +0000

How can Mariah Carey put her breasts away and stop drinking long enough to actually do something amazing? Yesterday I saw PRECIOUS in which Mariah dresses down to play a brunette social worker and her performance is pretty good (as is Lenny Kravitz's as a nurse because I didn't recognise him). It's the start of my Academy Awards viewing and this disturbing but powerful film has to get some acting nominations although Mariah will probably be reduced to sticking her chest out while co-stars Mo'Nique and Babourey Sidibe get nods. At least Mariah has that new champagne she is brewing and if that doesn't keep her porked up, nothing well. Speaking of pork and rooting behaviour, JAMIE SAVES OUR BACON is repeated on Ten tomorrow (Sunday) at 2.30pm. This was the most inspiring piece of television I saw in 2009 as Jamie shows the most humane ways to farm pigs and then offers up a great suggestion which I just tried to great success. Apparently the shoulder of pig is ignored by picky consumers in favour of the loin but if more of us ordered shoulders from our butchers, we wouldn't need to kill so many pigs. Jamie Oliver's slow roasted shoulder of pork (the recipe is on his website) takes about 7 hours to cook but you end up with the most amazing crackling and meat that just falls apart inside. Again, just like Mariah Carey ...

AUSSIES LOOK GOOD BUT CAN THEY DANCE?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:47:00 +0000

US TV audiences are about to see just how much full frontal nudity and sex really is going to be in SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND, a hot new version of the classic Kirk Douglas movie. Starring Aussies Andy Whitfield and Jai Courtney (pictured), it's said to be the most graphic show ever made for American television. US cable TV just keeps pushing those boundaries and Aussie viewers who haven't seen BREAKING BAD on Showcase would be well advised to watch it from the beginning tomorrow (Friday) on ABC2. It's a tough show and not for everyone but it's unlike anything you've ever seen before. Soemthing else I'd never seen before is Nicole Kidman dancing like a drunk bogan and believe me, her moves make Kylie Minogue look like Margot Fonteyn. Sadly she has proved to be the kiss of death - yet again - with her latest movie NINE now a critical and commercial flop. In the clip below, Ketih does not call Nic "baby girl" like he usually does at most awards shows and I am still waiting for Nicole to acknowledge him from the stage as her "baby boy". You just know they say it to each other in private ...

PARADISE FOUND

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:59:00 +0000

PARADISE BEACH is one of the greatest tragedies of Australian TV. Over-hyped (as a new BAYWATCH meets 90210) but under-produced (with models who couldn't act), the series deservedly bombed in the US where it was programmed up against OPRAH. But back home on the Gold Coast, the production was radically overhauled (losing Olivia Newton-John's then-husband Matt Latanzi) and vastly improved with acting lessons and more experienced cast members. The show was a major hit throughout Europe but back in home in Australia, the plug was pulled (despite increased ratings) because its teenage audience wasn't sticking around for the 6pm NEWS. Location-wise (and I was the Locations Manager in my first TV gig ever) there was unlimited story potential in and around the Gold Coast but instead it finished and the dead-end cul-de-sac of NEIGHBOURS trudges on today. Sigh. Here then are highlights of the last episodes (together with my behind the scenes footage) with cast members Ingo Rademacher (now on GENERAL HOSPITAL), Raelee Hill (FARSCAPE), Kimberley Joseph (LOST), Tiffany Lamb (when in doubt, turn your character into a psycho killer), Robert Coleby (bowing out so his supposedly dead wife could return in the guise of Chantal Contouri for the third series which never eventuated), Gabrielle Fitzpatrick (MIGHTY SOMETHING POWER RANGERS), Roy Holding, Lochie Daddo, Melissa Bell (formerly of NEIGHBOURS), Andrew McKaige (SKYWAYS), Zoe Bertram (THE RESTLESS YEARS), Peter Bensley (CLASS OF 75), Paula Duncan (COP SHOP), Michael Caton (THE SULLIVANS), cheeky Isla Fisher (before marrying Sacha Baron Cohen), a very young Anthony Hayes, Jon Bennett and the late beautiful Megan Connolly (pictured here with Melissa Tkautz who had earlier guest starred as a love rival for Kirk's affections). Loved this show, loved the cast and loved the crew ...

LINCOLN'S HOMECOMING AND NEIGHBOUR'S SHORTCOMINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:44:00 +0000

STOP THE PRESSES! The Courier Mail in Brisbane is breathlessly bringing us the latest news on Lincoln Lewis, son of Queensland rugby league legend Wally Lewis and disgraced former star of HOME & AWAY. That cushy job went horribly wrong when Lincoln filmed himself having sex with a female cast member and then started showing it around. Thankfully his mother stood by him by telling the press the girl wasn't daughter-in-law material anyway. Phew, I was starting to think standards were slipping in rugby league families. Anyway, Lincoln is now back living with his parents after fending for himself in Sydney (and given how that turned out, one is assuming mobile phones and sleepovers are banned in the Lewis mansion). Lincoln is shocked, however, by the changes in Brisbane since he went away. "I went to the shops in Capalaba the other day and they've changed so much, I barely recognised the place," he told The Courier Mail. "I'm still trying to get my bearings with the short-term parking at the airport too." Dear God, can't Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland, do something to help this poor confused lad ease back gently into his ever-changing old home town? And how will HOME & AWAY cope with the loss of this talent in 2010? Meanwhile Ten is going all out to get more people watching NEIGHBOURS with hastily scheduled omnibus editions planned for Saturdays so fans can catch up with the 25th year happenings. And like every soap, Ramsay Street is chock-a-block with LIES! DECPTION! PREGNANCY! TOUGH TEENS! CATFIGHTS WITH CAKE! and that old hack from THE COMEDY COMPANY playing a judge (anything to keep him reviving Con the Fruiterer I say) ...

CELEB TRAGEDY, I MEAN REALITY ....

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Mercado) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:38:00 +0000

Why does anyone want to watch "celeb reality" shows with stars whose careers have clearly jumped the shark? THE OSBOURNES may have revitalised themselves with their landmark show but since then have any of the tragic has-beens (like Denise Richards and Tori Spelling) parlayed their shows into new careers? The latest once-weres trying to be "hot" again are Lisa Rinna (pictured) and husband Harry Hamlin. Plastic surgery disaster Rinna is a desperado of the highest order, having stripped (and been extensively photo-shopped) for Playboy twice (once while pregnant) and then marching up and down Melrose Ave wearing a sandwich board begging for a job in the new MELROSE PLACE (they passed). Hamlin, who was a heartthrob in LA LAW over 20 years ago, was last seen having his head decapitated in the first episode of flop series HARPERS ISLAND. In other words, both of them are barely C-listers these days so why give them their own show HARRY LOVES LISA? Sigh. Meanwhile over in the UK, BIG BROTHER is spluttering to an end with one last celebrity edition featuring Heidi Fleiss, Ivana Trump, Vinnie Jones, and some cross-dresser who dated Katie Price. Check out how many times they can talk about farting in this clip ...