TV Talk: Recap of Cougar Town's 'Little Girl Blues'

Last night's "Cougar Town" offered audiences another solid episode of the Cul-De-Sac Crew's strange(ly loving) antics.

As previewed earlier this week, "Little Girl Blues" centered on a storyline in which Jules' son Travis, a college freshman, brought home his first college girlfriend--a blonde and beautiful, 23-year-old grad student named Kirsten.

Jules immediately freaks out, worried that Kirsten is going to steal her son.

This episode primarily played on Jules' unhealthy, bordering-on-inapproprate attachment to her son. And while it garnered a few laughs, the joke is starting to get old. We get it. She's the smothering type of mother, and she only smothers because she loves Travis (and as a recent divorcee, needs something to bide her time and attention).

As a result of Kirsten's presence, Jules and the gang start hanging out at Grayson's. This storyline was also a bit weaker than previous episodes, but it was worth it for the bonding moment Grayson and Ellie share in their scheming.

Despite so-so storylines, the character interactions, inside jokes and side gags were as funny as ever. The writers deftly slip in clever, gut-wrenching one-liners and bits (e.g. "Uncle Joe" the wine glass, human bedbugs, imaginary hat tip, the contraception song).

Though these may be slighly unrealistic, they make you wish you and your friends had the same intuitive, knee-slapping comedic timing.

To view the episode courtesy of Hulu, click play below.



Next week's episode, "When The Time Comes," will air Wednesday Nov. 24 at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.

TV Talk: 'Glee' invites Gwenyth Paltrow to stand under its umbrella-ella-ella

Last week's guest-free "Glee" episode "Never Been Kissed" was a breath of fresh air. Though it introduced a new character, Blaine--the openly gay lead singer of the rival glee club the Dalton Academy Warblers--it didn't use a flashy new gimmick or guest star to boost ratings or water cooler chat.

In fact, the show returned to last season's enjoyably memorable boys vs. girls mash-up competition (from the episode "Vitamin D") to simply get back to what the characters do best: sing. However, at the heart of the episode were two storylines of bullying and mistreatment.

Kurt was getting beat up by a big, rough jock with seemingly no support from any of his peers or teachers. Meanwhile, the glee club students were inappropriately thinking of football Couch Bieste to help them "cool off" during heated make-out sessions.

The show featured several touching and relevant scenes without coming off as "preachy" or forced. The characters' issues, emotions and connections felt real. The question is whether the appearance of guest star Gwenyth Paltrow will help or hurt the solid focus "Glee" has recently been achieving in its second season.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 16, Paltrow will play Holly Holliday, a substitute teacher who fills in for a sick Will Shuester. Paltrow, who recently debuted her singing chops at the Country Music Awards, will sing an altered version of Cee-Lo's "F--- You" (now titled "Forget You") with the New Directions kids. Her character Holly will also perform a mashup of Rhianna's summer anthem "Umbrella" and the classic "Singing In The Rain" with Schuester (Matthew Morrison).

To listen to the mashup at JustJared.com, click here.

To view a clip of Paltrow and the "Glee" cast singing "Forget You," click play below.



Sources:
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow sings Cee-Lo's "Forget You"
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow's "Umbrella"-"Singing In The Rain" mashup released

TV Talk: 'I'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat'

Even if only for a short time, America (and even other parts of the world) have been consumed by a love for letters.

Well, maybe not their own affinity for the alphabet, but by 26-year-old Caitlin Burke's.

Burke managed to become an Internet senstion after solving a 27-letter puzzle on the gameshow "Wheel of Fortune" with just one letter--an "l"--revealed. Additionally, the category was that the puzzle was a phrase.

The fashion journalist from New Jersey stunned host Pat Sajak when she quickly and correctly guessed the puzzle "I've got a good feeling about this" with 26 remaining spots still open.

So, was it luck? Or irony? Or is Burke really that talented with phrases and letters? That's probably a good thing if she's a journalist. Or, is Burke actually not a very good contestant, considering she could have spun for more money and guessed more letters?

The U.K. Telegraph reports that when Burke was asked about the mystery phrase, she responded: " I saw that it was a small word, so [thought] 'I've'."

The bigger question, however, may be why does anyone care? Yes, it's an interesting tidbit, and word challenges are a good way to keep the mind in shape. But should Burke's masterful one-letter solve have clogged the news hole as much as it did? Didn't something more important happen?

At least it's better than some ridiculous scandal stealing all the headlines. Or is it? You decide.

To view Burke solving the phrase and winning a holiday in the Caribbean worth $6,500, click play below.



Sources:
U.K. Telegraph: US woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with just one letter revealed
Huffington Post: Woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with one letter

TV Talk: Bush responds to Kanye statement

Remember a certain famous phrase uttered by the always polite, never pushy rapper Kanye West?

In case, you've forgotten, after FEMA failed to react efficiently and quickly to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, the rapper took it upon himself to say why. And as he notoriously stated, "George Bush doesn't care about Black people."

In an interview for a special prime-time Matt Lauer Reports set to air Nov. 8, Bush revisits that notorious political moment as he talks with the NBC host about his new upcoming book Decision Points.

The phrase, no matter how true or false, was ridiculous then, and it's still ridiculous now.

As for Bush' thoughts on the matter, NBC released some quotations from the interview:

"He called me a racist,” Bush tells Lauer. “And I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now. It’s one thing to say, ‘I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.’ It’s another thing to say, ‘This man’s a racist.’ I resent it, it’s not true.”

Bush went on to say that distinguishing moment "represented an all-time low" in his presidency. The former president's comment has already drawn fire for implying that the insult of being racist was worse than the tragegy and suffering of those affected by Katrina.

Though, Lauer seems to be the first one to make that leap in interpretation. From the written excerpts, it's difficult to discern if that's really what Bush thinks or if Lauer, in the fashion of many interviewers, is simply putting words in his guest's mouth.

To decide for yourself, check out Entertainment Weekly to see more excerpts from the interview and Bush's new book.

***Nov. 3rd update: In an interesting turn of events, Kanye West has responded to Bush's comments. And in the biggest surprise of them all, after the fallout for interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs, Kanye says he emphathizes with the man he once accused of being racist.

During an interview with a Houston radio station, Kanye said:

"I think we’re all quick to pull a race card in America. And now I’m more open, and the poetic justice that I feel, to have went through the same thing that he went [through] — and now I really more connect with him on just a humanitarian level.”

To listen to the full radio clip, click play below.

TV Talk: 'Idol' judges move on to other reality shows

Looks like audiences will be seeing former American Idol judges Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi on their TV screens again as each musical starlet has her own reality show in the works.

Adbul's show, "Live To Dance," will debut on CBS with a two-hour episode on Tuesday, Jan. 4. It will then air on Jan. 5 in its regular 8-9 p.m. timeslot against the singer and dancer's former TV home, American Idol, on Wednesday nights (the first live broadcast is set for Jan. 12).

The reality dance competition will feature 18 contestants competing for a $500,000 prize. It will be hosted by Australian Idol host Andrew Günsberg. Lead expert Abdul , 48, will be joined at the juding table by fellow panelists Travis Payne, choreographer from Michael Jackson's "This Is It," and former Pussycat Doll member Kimberly Wyatt.

Fellow former Idol judge Kara DioGuardi has also graduated to her own new reality competition. Called "Going Platinum," the 10-episode songwriter competition is set to air on Bravo in 2011. DioGuardi, who has penned hits for Kelly Clarkson, Pink, the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears, will serve as head judge, with folk songtress Jewel set to play host.

The show will follow 12 musicians as they write and perform lyrics for themed episodes to compete for a $100,000 cash prize, and music publishing and recording deals with Sonny, the Writing Camp and RCA/Jive. The show also plans to include a judging panel consisting of an unnamed music executive and celebrity guests.

This all, of course, follows news that Simon Cowell is working on an American version of his U.K. hit "The X Factor," slated to air next fall. Abdul is currently rumoured to be reuniting with Cowell at the judging table.

Sources:
Washington Post: Paula Abdul's dance show taking on 'American Idol' night in January
Los Angeles Times: Paula Abdul preps for her new CBS show
MTV: Former 'American Idol' judge Kara DioGuardi lands new show

TV Talk: "Glee" GQ cover stirs up controversy

In the October issue of the men's magazine GQ, "Glee" stars Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Cory Monteith were splashed across the cover and inside pages in provocative clothing, poses and sets.

The photos quickly drew ire from fans of the FOX hit and their parents, citing the photoshoot as too sexualized and verging on "pedophilia."

Tim Winters, president of the Parents Television Council, said:

"It is disturbing that GQ, which is explicitly written for adult men, is sexualizing the actresses who play high school-aged characters on 'Glee' in this way. It borders on pedophilia. Sadly, this is just the latest example of the overt sexualization of young girls in entertainment."

In the photos, Michele and Agron are wearing little other than colored, lacy panties and bras in suggestive poses scattered throughout a high school setting (often while donning kitten heels and sucking on lollipops). In one shot, the girls are scantily clad in the library. In other photos, Michele is straddling a bench in the boys lockerroom while Agron depicts the male fantasy of a sexy cheerleader.

Though the actors in the shoot are adults--Michele and Agron are 24, Monteith is 28--the photo spread is clearly promoting the comedy show set in a high school in which the actors portray teenagers. It is not uncommon for older actors to play teens in TV shows or movies.

Though FOX did not comment, GQ responded:

"The Parents Television Council must not be watching much TV these days and should learn to divide reality from fantasy. As often happens in Hollywood, these 'kids' are in their twenties. Cory Montieth's almost 30! I think they're old enough to do what they want."

In the GQ photo shoot, the stars appear to be playing their characters and not themselves as individuals. This probably indicates that the shoot is too racy for the audience "Glee" is actually intended for. But the photos probably aren't too racy for GQ readers. The question is, had the actors not been on high school sets intended to simulate the "Glee" world, would the rules be different?

Also, is "Glee" really a family show just because it's about teenagers? With storylines about the loss of virginity, early ejaculation and masturbation, is "Glee" meant to be considered family programming?

Another issue at the center of the controversy is the gender inequality evident in the photo spread. While Michele and Agron must be feeling a breeze due to their lack of clothing, Monteith has to be toasty warm in his several layers of shirts and sweaters. Why are the girls undressed, but the boy is not? All three should have been in the same state of dress (or undress).

Lastly, in a show known for its wide, diverse cast, why were only the three white, straight, thin actors chosen for the photo shoot? Were none of the actors available? Or maybe, they were smart enough to stay away from GQ's overly sexual shoot.

To weigh in on the debate, CBS' Katie Couric shared her opinion in a special segment. Click here to view it. To share your thoughts, feel free to comment below.

Sources:
EW: 'Glee' goes provocative for GQ, and we ask: Ugh, why?
Billboard: Sexy 'Glee' photos draw pedophilia protests
Yahoo: 'Glee' photos drawing fire for Lea Michele and Dianna Agron

TV Talk: Miley's music video mayhem

Following the typical path of sweet pop princesses who get famous and grow up too fast (a 'la Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson--but surprisingy, not Mandy Moore), Miley Cyrus has once again angered the parents who used to be grateful for her formerly squeaky clean, Disney persona. According to reports, Cyrus has upset her fans' parents with another scandalous music video.

Last time, her caged dance video for "Can't Be Tamed" was scrutinized for its suggestive dance moves and questionable clothing choices. In the new video for her single "Who Owns My Heart?" the message is clear. With the final season of "Hannah Montanna" wrapping up on the Disney channel, Cyrus is ready to shed her clean-cut image once and for all (and also, her clothes).

The video opens with Cyrus waking up in bed wearing a blindfold. She then vamps it up in tiny shorts to show off her long legs and a low cut golden halter before going clubbing all night long. Throughout the video, Cyrus is seen wearing very little for a 17-year-old singer whose fanbase still consists of little girls and preteens. In fact, in quite a few scenes, the minor is seen wearing little else than panties and tank-tops.

Tim Winter, the president of the Parents Television Council, critiziced the teen's sexualized video, saying:

"It is unfortunate that she would participate in such a sexualized video like this one," Winter said. "It sends messages to her fanbase that are diametrically opposed to everything she has done up to this point. Miley built her fame and fortune entirely on the backs of young girls, and it saddens us that she seems so eager to distance herself from that fanbase so rapidly."

The Parents Television Council frequently speaks out against television content it deems as inappropriate or damaging for children. Most recently, the organization raised objections against CBS' program "SH*! My Dad Says," Adam Lambert's male-on-male liplock and simulated fellatio at the American Music Awards, and the threesome storyline on the CW's "Gossip Girl."

Cyrus also faced similar controversies for a topless Vanity Fair cover in 2008, her pole-dancing move at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, and her simulated girl-on-girl kiss on "Britain's Got Talent."

With all these incidents in tow, is the "Who Owns My Heart?" video really that surprising? Is it that inappropriate for a pop act that's been pulling these kind of marketing stunts for years?

Watch the Ms. Never-ending Source of Controversy in action below:




Sources:
EW: Miley Cyrus' new music video blasted by Parents Television Council
MTV: Miley Cyrus "Who Owns My Heart" video blasted by Parents Television Council
Yahoo: Miley Cyrus "Who Owns My Heart?" video -- too racy or age appropriate?

TV Talk: No swearing in the house of Marshall Mathers

On Sunday, Oct. 10th, CBS' staple evening program "60 Minutes" will air Anderson Cooper's revealing interview with Grammy award-winning hip-hop mogul Eminem.

For the interview, the rapper will return to his Detroit roots to take a trip down memory lane. He will discuss his past history with drugs, the issue of race in his career as a lone white rapper, and the constant controversies surrounding his heated lyrics  filled with anti-gay slurs and depictions of violence against women.

The 37-year-old rap artist will also give viewers a glimpse into his creative process and his love of words.

However, in a special preview released by CBS, its seems one of the most water-cooler worthy moments may be a brief glimpse into Eminem's parenting. Specifically, the no cursing rule everyone must abide by under his roof.

As a father (his daughter Hailie is 14; he is also raising his ex-wife Kim's daughter Whitney and his sister's daughter Lainey), Eminem states:

“I mean, how would I really sound, as a person…walking around my house [saying] ‘Bitch, pick this up…”

Is it endearing to hear that Eminem has enough common sense or heart to not swear around the kids in his home? Or does it seem contradictory of him, seeing as the rapper brings venomous lyrics brimming with obscenities into the homes of young people across the globe? His music is targeted to adults and typically contains an "Explicit Content" warning, so maybe the fact that children listen to Em's music isn't his fault. Instead, should the blame for that lie with parents? If so, it is ironic that the rapper's daughter can't listen to him swear but other people's kids pay to listen to it?

To see the segment, click play below:





Sources:
EW: Eminem doesn't allow swearing in his house? Holy ----!
People: Eminem: "I don't use profanity at home"
E! News: Watch Your Effing Potty Mouth Around Eminem

TV Talk: The Good, Clean Fun of White Men Rapping

On the Wed., Sept. 29th episode of NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the host and his guest Justin Timberlake (promoting his current film "The Social Network") proved that watching white men rap can bring great joy. In a medley titled "A History of Rap," former SNL co-stars (The Larry Gibbs Talk Show skit) busted out lyrics from iconic rap and hip-hop acts from the past 30 years. The duo paid tribute to artists like the Sugar Hill Gang, Beastie Boys, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dog, Kanye West, Eminem, Missy Elliot and Jay-Z.

What made the performance so fun was the easy charisma of both actors. Fallon has made a place for himself in the late night landscape as a personable and pleasant force--or what NPR calls a "good-natured, non-snarky, entirely joy-fueled entertainment — a niche that sorely needs filling." With frequent cameos and hosting gigs on SNL, Timberlake has also become an ambassador for simple, funny entertainment that isn't rude or nasty (well...minus a certain skit about "gift giving)". Who knew such good, clean fun could come from a rap medley?

To receive a musical lesson from professors Timberlake and Fallon, check out the video below.



To catch more of Fallon's easy-going, fun-loving antics, watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon weeknights at 12:35 am E/11:35 pm C on NBC.

Sources:
MTV: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon School Us on History of Rap
NPR: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon are having more fun than you are
RollingStone: Timberlake, Fallon and the Roots present 'A History of Rap'

TV Talk: Sponsored by the letter "C"

Today’s blog post is sponsored by the letter "C." For Cleavage. Or Controversy. Or Crazy. You pick.

By now, everyone has heard about Katy Perry’s play-date-gone-wrong on Sesame Street. Video of her singing a remixed version of “Hot N Cold” with Elmo was released early online, sending parents into mass hysteria over the pop singer’s allegedly inappropriate outfit. Donning a lacy, frilly green princess dress, Perry chases after Elmo who can’t make up his mind if he wants to play dress-up with his celebrity friend. Spoiler: It turns out, Elmo was playing a game the whole time—tag!

There are two primary questions here:

1) Was Perry’s outfit too racy for Sesame Street’s target audience, preschool-aged children?

2) Given Perry’s status as a sex symbol, should producers have been better prepared for avoiding this type of negative feedback?

*Bonus question: Did Sesame Street producers purposefully anticipate this response for media attention?

As a result, the segment was pulled from the on-air version of the program. The clip still remains online for Katy Perry fans to view. Following the hullabaloo, Perry appeared as the musical guest star on Saturday Night Live. She also appeared briefly in the Bronx Beat skit with host Amy Poelher and Maya Rudolph wearing a tight, low cut red Elmo shirt (his eyes suggestively situated on her upper body). Kerry was portraying a children’s library volunteer who was in trouble for, yep, wearing revealing clothing.

The best part of the skit, however, was not Kerry bouncing from her perch on the sofa. It was when Rudolph’s character broke it down, saying, “Who cares if kids are looking at boobs?” As she so eloquently stated, “Boobs feed babies…I turned on CSI the other night, and there’s a dead guy with a worm in his eye. But we can’t look at the tops of boobs?”

This is the power of satire. The skit was poking fun at Perry’s affinity for the risqué, but it also exposes an interesting conundrum in America. We live in a society that is said to be sliding further downhill, falling into a black pit of violence and sex. Yet, we are afraid and embarrassed by a beautiful and useful part of the human body. The issue isn’t that pop singers aren’t wearing enough clothes. The issue, instead, is that we are not fostering a society in which people can appreciate and be proud of the brilliance and beauty of the human form.

Since then, ABC News has reported that Perry will have another opportunity to visit Sesame Street. Check out videos of Perry’s playtime with Elmo and her cameo on SNL below. Also, free feel to share your opinion on Perry’s jump from Sesame Street to Bronx Beat.

Sources:
EW: Katy Perry 'Sesame Street' appearance gets yanked over negative feedback
EW: Katy Perry laughs off 'Sesame Street' controvery on 'SNL'
ABC News: Elmo to Katy Perry: 'We'll have another play date'