Monthly Archives: March 2007

March 2, 2007 · 1:34 pm

The Pros and Cons of Survivor: Fiji – “Let’s Just Call Jeff on the Jeff Phone”

With Thursday Night TV Club taking a bit of a break this week, and an episode of Survivor that was rather broad in its effects, I figure there’s no better chance to discuss some more Pros and Cons about Survivor: Fiji.

Pro

Survivor Producers

I would like to thank the Survivor producers for finally throwing a wrench into the whole camp issue, much later than I expected them to. While I think you waited a bit too long, the idea of using the camp comforts in exchange for immunity is a decision that should have been much tougher for them to make (which I’ll get to in a second). While it’s still clearly ripping off themselves, considering the Apprentice’s use of the same basic concept, it’s coming across better because of the more physical nature of the game. Honestly, on the Apprentice it’s just silly; here, it seems natural because it’s actually changing the way people play the game and truly affecting them both mentally and physically.

Con

Moto

Moto gets put on the Con side for making the decision to keep their comfort in exchange for their immunity win. While I get that their decision was made for their future success, they should have realized that at this point their solidarity is more than just numbers. Now, whereas this wasn’t the case before, the alliance lines are clearly drawn within the tribe. While they might have lost their luxury, they would have at least stayed 7 strong without the need to draw the battle lines. Whereas it was once a silent five alliance, it is now clearly out into the open. While they might still have their comfort, their unity is shattered; that’s not a trade they should have made, and they’re going to suffer because of it.

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It’s All About the Benjamins: Clip Shows and TV’s Financial Realities

[Editor’s Note: Tonight on ABC (April 12th), Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy aired Clip Shows. I figure this is a good time to focus on this piece, which explains why a Clip Show is a television reality, and why we’re waiting until next week to see new episodes of ABC’s hit Thursday Dramas. While written about an episode of Scrubs, this applies to all shows. – Myles]

Now, everyone, last night was certainly a slower night than usual when it comes to Thursday Night TV Club, which is really quite sensible considering that it’s now no longer the coveted February Sweeps period; as a result, I’m going to put it on a one week hiatus, maybe more if nothing’s on next week as well. And yet, I have a lot to say about last night’s television, specifically the episode of Scrubs: “My Night to Remember.” This was actually quite a literal title, because the show took 22 minutes to remember some of its “best” moments of the past 2 and a half seasons. I was very much disappointed to learn it was a clip show, but I think this is a good opportunity to discuss something fairly important. Because, I want to call a special meeting right now about the reality of the clip show and the financial reality of network television.

Link – Wikipedia: “Clip Show”

Shows go clip shows for only one reason, and it wasn’t the tongue-in-cheek reason found within the episode itself; rather than being a lack of creativity, it is purely for budget reasons that such episodes are constructed. It’s really quite pragmatic, as with the number of episodes these shows have in a season some will no doubt be more complicated and, therefore, more expensive than others. Continue reading →

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Filed under Battlestar Galactica, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Scrubs, Television, Ugly Betty

March 1, 2007 · 1:53 am

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? On Youtube, of course!

Thanks to some good friends over at GAF, I was sent back down memory lane late this evening when I stumbled upon a thread which made my nostalgia meter go through the roof. For, you see, it appears that full episodes of “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” have made their way onto YouTube. Considering that I just posted about The Weekenders being found on the service, my respect for YouTube is at an all time high right now. Also, as if the universe is out to prove me wrong, this show is actually quite good at balancing pure cheese and educational value. I think my life would have been more valuable if I had known Kiev was the capital of the Ukraine before the age of 10.

There was just something about the character of Carmen Sandiego that I found intriguing. I played the computer games, I rocked out to the theme song, and I watched intently as young children fought crime and saved the day before heading out onto a giant map of the United States (or another continent) with giant siren poles and usually failed miserably. I always thought I would do much better, but it’s not like I knew all of the US States well enough to be able to do it; I don’t know how I thought I’d know where Kansas was better than an American grade schooler. I didn’t even LIKE geography. But, alas, I was sucked in anyways.

So, without further ado, here is a low quality but nonetheless entertaining episode of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I never quite got hooked on geography because of it, but that theme song sure is catchy.

Part One: The girl in the middle isn’t too bright in the beginning, but she picks it up later.

Part Two: They CLEARLY said it was a Sea, guy on the right side. Come on! Also, it’s amazing that I remember the “How much you gonna risk” song better than most of the rest of the show.

Part Three: This part of the game is really my favourite, although it takes absolutely no skill and is all entirely luck based until they hit the map. I won’t ruin it for you, but how well did YOU know Africa when you were 10-12?

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Tagged as Youtube