SueTube - Let’s talk TV with critic Susan Young

Sorry for taking so long to post, but I’ve been out on disability. Hopefully, I’m all better now and ready to give you the attention you all so deserve.

First up, time to get those vocal chords tuned because “American Idol” wants you - if not for the competition, then at least for those endless audition shows. And for goodness sake, choose your songs wisely. Don’t start with “Unchained Melody” or anything by Whitney or Celine.

Auditions for the eighth season of “American Idol” begin Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA, and will continue in seven other cities. It’s the first step on a journey that could include the opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the coveted American Idol title and a major recording contract.

Or more likely, the chance to be mocked by millions and have TMZ tailing you.

Auditions will be held as follows:

San Francisco, CA Thursday, July 17 Cow Palace

Louisville, KY Monday, July 21 Freedom Hall

Phoenix, AZ Friday, July 25 Jobing.com Arena

Salt Lake City, UT Tuesday, July 29 EnergySolutions Arena

San Juan, Puerto Rico Saturday, Aug. 2 Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Kansas City, MO Friday, Aug. 8 Sprint Center

Jacksonville, FL Wednesday, Aug. 13 Veterans Memorial Arena

East Rutherford, NJ Tuesday, Aug. 19 IZOD Center at the Meadowlands

Sports Complex

Here’s the info on the San Francisco “American Idol” auditions, with more details on the other auditions to come later.

WHO: Men and women 16-28 years old as of July 15, 2008 who are eligible to work in the United States. Some restrictions apply. Visit the Web site for specific information.

WHERE: The Cow Palace 2600 Geneva Ave. Daly City, CA 94014

WHEN: Thursday, July 17

HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15 until 8:00 AM on Thursday, July 17. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the Cow Palace on Thursday, July 17.

First it was the Amish, now reality show producers are looking for couples who got together through arranged marriages.

Casting is open to men and women “eager to explore an ancient cultural practice of finding a lifelong mate” in the upcoming “Arranged Marriage,” from the production company Magical Elves (”Top Chef,” “Project Greenlight”, “Step It Up & Dance”) and Lifetime.

Individuals who are ready to commit to marriage with a match selected by their closest loved ones can apply at w here. Cameras will then document the couple’s first year of marriage.

“This has the potential to be one of the most interesting social experiments in years,” said Executive Producer Jane Lipsitz, founder of Magical Elves along with producing partner Dan Cutforth. “The concept of finding a mate for life is universal, and we are excited to bring this journey to television.”

Acording to the press release, and you can go check this out on your own if you care, approximately half of all marriages end in divorce, but arranged marriages have a success rate estimated at 85%. The practice of using a matchmaker has soared in popularity, and an arranged marriage puts the people who know you best in the matchmaking role.

“Most of us choose our partners and relationships based on chemistry, which is actually looking down a path of destruction in a lot of ways,” said Lisa Clampitt, Executive Director of the Matchmaking Institute and someone who has advised the show. “The show will shake things up a bit by making people rethink the way that they’re finding love.”

Arranged marriage worked for David and Elizabeth Weinlick, who will serve as consultants on the show. The couple is celebrating ten years of marriage and three children together after tying the knot the day they met. The Weinlicks appeared on NBC’s Today and discussed their journey, which began with a campaign staged by David’s closest friends to find his bride.

“The traditional dating realm did not seem conducive to finding a long term life partnership that was healthy and successful and happy,” said David Weinlick.

“I just recognized that dating in my experience always resulted in a relationship that just wasn’t very fulfilling. So I thought maybe this will be a different way to have that fulfilling relationship,” said Elizabeth Weinlick.

Loved ones will match selected participants based on shared goals, values, experiences, and commitment to the relationship.

Even though we don’t get the season finale of “Lost” until tomorrow night, the TV season is pretty much over and out.

We know who gets off the island, and who doesn’t. Which sets up the final stretch of ABC’s “Lost” in the two-hour season finale on Thursday. The Oceanic Six, who get off the island, includes YUNJIN KIM, EVANGELINE LILLY, NAVEEN ANDREWS and baby Aaron. Also escaping are MATTHEW FOX, JORGE GARCIA (not show). Photo: ABC/MARIO PEREZ

It’s been a rocky one, with the WGA strike stalling new programs and perhaps allowing some on-the-bubble shows to survive. This fall seems like a rehash of last season, with most new fall shows getting a do-over.

Here’s a look at how the shows stacked up this season.

(000) RTG

—– —— —— ——

1 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY 19 28800 10.1

2 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY 18 27810 9.7

3 DANCING W/THE STARS-MON 10 21670 7.6

4 DANCING WITH THE STARS 10 19630 6.9

5 DANCING W/STARS RESULT-TU 9 19560 6.8

6 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS 9 18090 6.3

7 HOUSE 16 17640 6.2

8 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES 18 17520 6.1

9 CSI 32 16620 5.8

10 GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM 22 15920 5.6

11 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 13 15480 5.4

12 SURVIVOR: CHINA 11 15180 5.3

13 MOMENT OF TRUTH 9 14660 5.1

14 NCIS 32 14410 5.0

15 HOUSE-MON 9P 5 14380 5.0
Read the rest of this entry »

Nobody puts Cristina Yang in the corner – at least not for very long.

Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) finally gets her surgical groove back, with the help of Sparkle Pager, on the season finale of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“I’m happy we’re wrapping up the relationship with Erica Hahn,” says Sandra Oh. “I know the fans were frustrated with the way Cristina was, but I think they’ll be fine with the way everything works out.”

I knew I wasn’t the only one who was disappointed in the early stages this season on “Grey’s Anatomy.” . Cristina’s depression after getting dumped at the altar by her prince-not-so-charming-after-all was hard enough, but to watch her flush that strong sense of who she was right down the tube was physically painful.

Preston Burke scooted out of that relationship like a wilting weasel, leaving Cristina to pick up the pieces.

We all know why, of course.

Actor Isaiah Washington had opted to write his own script when it came to relationships with cast members like T.R. Knight. Washington’s inflammatory remarks about sexual orientation were completely out of line.

But why should Sandra Oh pay the price? Last season, she did a mesmerizing job of showcasing Cristina in a life-changing evolution as she allowed herself to find love and vulnerability. She should have won the Emmy for it.

This season was difficult for everyone because of the WGA strike, but the whole storyline of how Christina became Hahn’s whipping girl was soul sucking.

Which brings us to this season’s finale “Freedom.”

Thankfully, we got at least five new episodes to tide us over until the fall and I like the direction.

Well, most of it anyway.

I’m not sure about the instant lesbian situation between Hahn and Callie, which took on an entirely too creepy tone when the writers chose to have horn dog Mark Sloan turn into a matchmaker between the two.

But having George retake the exam so he can move on with his career was a nice touch. Time to show why George may just be the best doc of the bunch.

And it was high time Meredith moved on towards being an adult. The final moments in the two-hour season ender when she vents a bit towards Derek before the two get swept up in the legendary romance was delicious.

But no good can come of the final moment when Derek decides he has to clear the air with Rose before he and Meredith can begin their new life together. Death, destruction and ooh-so-many-bad vibes on that one.

Bring it on.

It’s true. As producer Shawn Ryan predicted, CBS took it’s own sweet time deciding on picking up the show, but “The Unit” will be back on board at 10 p.m. Sundays this fall.

Max Martini, Dennis Haysbert, and Scott Foley star in “The Unit” on CBS. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2007 Broadcasting Inc.

Sadly, both “Shark” and “Moonlight” didn’t make the final cut.

Vampire Mick had a brief time in the sun before CBS canceled “Moonlight.” Mick (Alex O’Loughlin) enjoys what time he has left as a human with Beth (Sophia Myles), on “Moonlight” at 9 p.m. Friday April 25 on CBS. Photo: Adam Taylor/CBS

Forgive me, but a flare-up of the herniated disk in my neck means I’m poaching liberally from the CBS press release. So here goes:

CBS announced today its 2008-2009 Fall Primetime Lineup, featuring five new series — two comedies and three dramas — and the launch of a new comedy block on Wednesdays.

The new series include:

ELEVENTH HOUR, a dramatic thriller from producer Jerry Bruckheimer about a special advisor to the government who investigates scientific crises and oddities.

THE MENTALIST, starring Simon Baker as a former celebrity psychic-turned- detective who uses his gifted skills of observation and expertise at “reading” people to solve crimes

THE EX LIST, a sexy comedic drama about a 30-something woman who searches her past relationships to find her future husband

PROJECT GARY, a comedy starring Jay Mohr and Paula Marshall as dueling ex-spouses and parents trying to move forward with new relationships

WORST WEEK a comedy based on a British series about a good guy who is always trying to do the right thing, yet something always goes wrong — especially when he’s around his girlfriend’s parents.

The freshman series will join 18 returning programs on the current CBS lineup.

CBS will return network television’s Number One drama franchise — CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION; CSI: MIAMI, CSI: NY — the Number One comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN; the Number One news magazine, 60 MINUTES; and two franchise reality series —SURVIVOR and the five-time Emmy Award-winning THE AMAZING RACE.

Also returning are: THE BIG BANG THEORY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NCIS, WITHOUT A TRACE, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CRIMINAL MINDS, GHOST WHISPERER, NUMB3RS, COLD CASE, THE UNIT, 48 HOURS MYSTERY and CRIMETIME SATURDAY.
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Both “Psych” and “Monk” were taken off the NBC schedule, and no wonder with their rankings down in the 70s.

And “Lost” tying with “60 Minutes” ? What’s up with that?

American Idol still hogs the top two slots even though we all know it is going to come down to the Davids - Archuleta and Cook. I’m putting my money on David Cross, who deserves the win just for his unique style.

Speaking of unique style, Paula Abdul melted down last week, talking about Jason Castro’s second performance, when he had only performed once that night.

Paula Abdul’s gaffe during last week’s “American Idol” on Fox.
Oh, Paula.

Check out where your favorite shows ranks on the Primetime Nielsen ratings for the week of April 28-May 4.

1 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY 25090 8.8

2 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY 22800 8.0

3 DANCING WITH THE STARS 18220 6.4

4 CSI 18010 6.3

5 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS 17060 6.0

6 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES 16760 5.9

7 GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM 15310 5.3

8 NCIS 14760 5.2

9 HOUSE-MON 9P 14640 5.1

10 CSI: MIAMI 13880 4.8
Read the rest of this entry »

Yeah, “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars” still take top honors, but it’s nice to see that “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives” breaking into the top ranks this week.

ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy is back and better than ever. ELLEN POMPEO, KATHERINE HEIGL, SANDRA OH, T.R. KNIGHT, CHYLER LEIGH Photo by Vivian Zink

Here are the numbers, with viewer numbers and ratings. As Jason Bezis pointed out a few weeks ago, blockbusters like “American Idol” would have been canceled with those kinds of ratings a decade ago when top shows rated in the double-digits.

1 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY 24740 8.6
2 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY 23200 8.1
3 DANCING WITH THE STARS 18040 6.3
4 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS 17970 6.3
5 CSI 17020 5.9
6 GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM 16370 5.7
7 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES 16350 5.7
8 CSI: MIAMI 14380 5.0
9 NCIS 14240 5.0
10 WITHOUT A TRACE 13470 4.7
11 TWO AND A HALF MEN 13360 4.7
12 SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA 12900 4.5
13 LAW AND ORDER 12750 4.5
14 LOST 12080 4.2
15 EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. 12070 4.2
Read the rest of this entry »

Oh, joy. “Ugly Betty” is back tonight, and everyone’s celebrating.

America Ferrera and Eric Mabius celebrated their birthdays on the set of “Ugly Betty” on April 18 with their fellow cast members and production crew. ©(ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

Last Friday really was America Ferrera’s birthday, with Eric Mabius’ b-day on April 22, so it’s only fitting that tonight’s episode is about Betty’s 24th birthday.

Betty’s plans to spend a romantic evening with Henry are sidelined when his Baby Mama Charlie (Jayma Mays) pops back into their lives. Gio (Freddy Rodriguez) comes to the rescue, and for the first time I thought, Betty, drop Charlie and go with Gio.

For “Project Runway” fans, you should note that one of the blouses designed by “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano designed a blouse worn in the May 1 episode, which features Siriano. The blouse will be given to Clothes Off Our Backs to auction off for charity.

Don’t get me wrong. I have every faith in the writers of “CSI” and “Two and a Half Men,” but swapping writers for a May sweep stunt has me a little concerned.

Grissom (William Petersen) always had a little raunchy Charlie in him, but can Charlie and Alan really figure out a whodunit when they can’t even find their way through a stunted life? Should be interesting when we tun in on May 5 for “Two and a Half Men” to discover CSI investigating a murder at Charlie Harper’s Malibu home.

A CSI team investigates a mysterious death at Charlie’s (Charlie Sheen) and Alan’s (Jon Cryer) house on “Two and a Half Men” at 9 p.m. May 5 on CBS. Conchata Ferrell stars as Berta. Photo: Greg Gayne/Warner Bros.

And on the May 10 episode of “CSI,” Grissom and the team solve the mysterious death of a diva sitcom star.

Grissom (William Petersen, right) and David Phillips (David Berman, left) become involved in the world of Hollywood comedy when a diva sitcom star (Katey Sagal, on floor) meets an untimely demise with a rubber chicken while filming her show in Las Vegas, on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” at 9 p.m. May 8 on CBS. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS

The following are CBS’s May sweep season highlights and finales. Read the rest of this entry »

When last we saw the lovely Mick, he had become mortal and no longer feared the garlic.

Yep, our favorite (current) TV vamp can look at himself in the mirror and drink orange juice instead of a real Bloody Mary. But just how long will this last?

Oh, you know the answer. Really. You can’t have a vampire show with a used-to-be.

What’s this? Mick hanging out in the sun and eating a picnic lunch?
Mick (Alex O’Loughlin) enjoys what time he has left as a human with Beth (Sophia Myles), on “Moonlight” at 9 p.m. Friday April 25 on CBS. Photo: Adam Taylor/CBS

The episode is campy and over-the-top, so what wasn’t to love about it? We even get a vampire smack-down going at the end. If you want some backstage info, check out this CBS video: