Billboard Music Awards 2013: The Band Perry do Goth marital fidelity
Punked out in black, surrounded by lights and dry-ice fog, with Kimberly Perry flaunting Stevie Nicks-esque fringe and big hair, The Band Perry took the stage at the MGM Grand during the 2013 Billboard Music Awards to blend country twang with a big propulsive beat to perform its hit single "Better Dig Two."
With rock attitude -- and banging on some big drums -- Mississippi-born siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, plus a guest fiddler, swaggered through a song about a woman who made her husband wait until his wedding night -- "That's the first and the last time I'll ever wear white" -- for sex and swears she'll never be with anybody else.
It's not everyday in modern music that a hard-edged song celebrated crazy passionate marital love.
"I told you on the day we wed, I was gonna love you 'til I's dead."
Preach it ...
With rock attitude -- and banging on some big drums -- Mississippi-born siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, plus a guest fiddler, swaggered through a song about a woman who made her husband wait until his wedding night -- "That's the first and the last time I'll ever wear white" -- for sex and swears she'll never be with anybody else.
It's not everyday in modern music that a hard-edged song celebrated crazy passionate marital love.
"I told you on the day we wed, I was gonna love you 'til I's dead."
Preach it ...
'Breaking Amish: Brave New World' Season 2: Kate Stoltzfus 'wasn't looking forward to' coming back
Even before it hit the airwaves last fall, TLC's reality shocker "Breaking Amish" stirred up a hotbed of controversy. On a near-daily basis, reporters and former friends of the five cast members revealed the truth behind the supposedly naive Amish and Mennonite 20-somethings getting their first taste of life in New York.
The show became an instant smash.
Now Amish-exile newlyweds Abe and Rebecca Schmucker, rising model Kate Stoltzfus, rebel Jeremiah Raber, and sole Mennonite Sabrina High are back for a second season in "Breaking Amish: Brave New World," airing Sundays.
Attempting a fresh start amid a large Amish and ex-Amish community in Sarasota, Fla., the group finds that starting over is tougher than it seems.
"I hadn't seen the rest of the cast since the reunion -- and I wasn't looking forward to seeing them again," Stoltzfus admits to Zap2it. "It was good to be reunited; however, I had several things I wanted to set straight with them, and I wanted to show them they couldn't run all over me again."
High says that while adjusting to the cameras was easier the second time around, coping with fame is an ongoing process.
"I don't think any of us were really prepared," she says. "Because I didn't grow up with that, it was hard for me to fathom that people would watch TV that much -- especially a show with the five of us! But I've never tried to hide anything from anyone; if they want to dig they can go ahead and dig. I can't let it affect me or I'd drive myself crazy."
"We are the ones that exposed ourselves, after all," Stoltzfus agrees. "It was difficult, but critics have always been my motivators, and the fans became my encouragement."
Both women say they're most excited for fans to see how far they've come since leaving New York.
"I'm excited for them to see how much more confident I am!" Stoltzfus says. "I also want them to see that dreams do come true if you work hard enough and set your mind to it."
The show became an instant smash.
Now Amish-exile newlyweds Abe and Rebecca Schmucker, rising model Kate Stoltzfus, rebel Jeremiah Raber, and sole Mennonite Sabrina High are back for a second season in "Breaking Amish: Brave New World," airing Sundays.
Attempting a fresh start amid a large Amish and ex-Amish community in Sarasota, Fla., the group finds that starting over is tougher than it seems.
"I hadn't seen the rest of the cast since the reunion -- and I wasn't looking forward to seeing them again," Stoltzfus admits to Zap2it. "It was good to be reunited; however, I had several things I wanted to set straight with them, and I wanted to show them they couldn't run all over me again."
High says that while adjusting to the cameras was easier the second time around, coping with fame is an ongoing process.
"I don't think any of us were really prepared," she says. "Because I didn't grow up with that, it was hard for me to fathom that people would watch TV that much -- especially a show with the five of us! But I've never tried to hide anything from anyone; if they want to dig they can go ahead and dig. I can't let it affect me or I'd drive myself crazy."
"We are the ones that exposed ourselves, after all," Stoltzfus agrees. "It was difficult, but critics have always been my motivators, and the fans became my encouragement."
Both women say they're most excited for fans to see how far they've come since leaving New York.
"I'm excited for them to see how much more confident I am!" Stoltzfus says. "I also want them to see that dreams do come true if you work hard enough and set your mind to it."
'Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night' heats up CBS
Tim McGraw doesn't consider himself a traditional host, but his name is on a star-packed new music special.
The Academy of Country Music made him the headliner of "ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night" Sunday, May 19, on CBS. Now touring in support of his latest album, "Two Lanes of Freedom" -- with stops in Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati in the coming week -- McGraw is grateful the special was taped right after last month's ACM Awards at the same location, Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"It was just one of those nights when everybody was excited to be there," he tells Zap2it, "but it can be a problem on another level. Everybody's really geared up for the award show, then after they've sort of shot their wad there, they've got to think about staying an extra day and doing something else. This didn't feel like that at all, though."
Many other artists were on hand to confirm that, including Mrs. McGraw, Faith Hill. Also present: Taylor Swift (whose first single was titled "Tim McGraw"), Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, the Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line ... and several performers associated with other genres -- Nelly, Ne-Yo, Pitbull and Creedence Clearwater Revival veteran John Fogerty.
"They'd asked me to do this months ago," the easygoing McGraw says of the event benefiting the ACM Lifting Lives initiative. "They really wanted to change the format of what the shows had been in the past. And if I was going to be involved, I certainly wanted it to be a different sort of format as well. It wasn't going to be a tribute show but a full-on concert of great music, [showcasing] what's going to be on tour this summer.
"I didn't really feel like a host," McGraw maintains, "because I didn't do a whole lot of talking. It was mainly performing and letting the other acts go out and do their thing."
A winner of three Grammys and numerous country honors including 14 ACM Awards, McGraw likes the musical crossovers indicated by some "Superstar Summer Night" guests, noting that "years ago, I had a No. 1 urban record with Nelly ('Over and Over'). I think there's a history of that; I can remember Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias having a top record with 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before.'
"I think that's probably even more prevalent now," adds McGraw. "My generation of musicians was exposed to tons more music than the generation before, just by the nature of how small the world has gotten. And the newer generation certainly has been. They've grown up in a time when you can go online and find any music you want, from anywhere in the world. We're all swimming in the same stream; it's just different little branches here and there."
McGraw's recent work with Swift also demonstrates that, her teaming with him and Urban on the "Two Lanes of Freedom" tune "Highway Don't Care" a prime example. "I've got a lot of respect for Taylor," McGraw says. "I've been sitting back watching her almost like a big brother.
"She opened for Faith and me on our 'Soul2Soul' tour, and what's always struck me is not only her talent -- and she's that elite, one-in-a-million songwriter who comes along so rarely in this business -- but her sense of style, her sense of herself and her sense of knowing, and owning, where she's going as an artist. That's something you don't see as often as you'd like to."
The Academy of Country Music made him the headliner of "ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night" Sunday, May 19, on CBS. Now touring in support of his latest album, "Two Lanes of Freedom" -- with stops in Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati in the coming week -- McGraw is grateful the special was taped right after last month's ACM Awards at the same location, Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"It was just one of those nights when everybody was excited to be there," he tells Zap2it, "but it can be a problem on another level. Everybody's really geared up for the award show, then after they've sort of shot their wad there, they've got to think about staying an extra day and doing something else. This didn't feel like that at all, though."
Many other artists were on hand to confirm that, including Mrs. McGraw, Faith Hill. Also present: Taylor Swift (whose first single was titled "Tim McGraw"), Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, the Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line ... and several performers associated with other genres -- Nelly, Ne-Yo, Pitbull and Creedence Clearwater Revival veteran John Fogerty.
"They'd asked me to do this months ago," the easygoing McGraw says of the event benefiting the ACM Lifting Lives initiative. "They really wanted to change the format of what the shows had been in the past. And if I was going to be involved, I certainly wanted it to be a different sort of format as well. It wasn't going to be a tribute show but a full-on concert of great music, [showcasing] what's going to be on tour this summer.
"I didn't really feel like a host," McGraw maintains, "because I didn't do a whole lot of talking. It was mainly performing and letting the other acts go out and do their thing."
A winner of three Grammys and numerous country honors including 14 ACM Awards, McGraw likes the musical crossovers indicated by some "Superstar Summer Night" guests, noting that "years ago, I had a No. 1 urban record with Nelly ('Over and Over'). I think there's a history of that; I can remember Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias having a top record with 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before.'
"I think that's probably even more prevalent now," adds McGraw. "My generation of musicians was exposed to tons more music than the generation before, just by the nature of how small the world has gotten. And the newer generation certainly has been. They've grown up in a time when you can go online and find any music you want, from anywhere in the world. We're all swimming in the same stream; it's just different little branches here and there."
McGraw's recent work with Swift also demonstrates that, her teaming with him and Urban on the "Two Lanes of Freedom" tune "Highway Don't Care" a prime example. "I've got a lot of respect for Taylor," McGraw says. "I've been sitting back watching her almost like a big brother.
"She opened for Faith and me on our 'Soul2Soul' tour, and what's always struck me is not only her talent -- and she's that elite, one-in-a-million songwriter who comes along so rarely in this business -- but her sense of style, her sense of herself and her sense of knowing, and owning, where she's going as an artist. That's something you don't see as often as you'd like to."
With help from Bon Jovi and Tom Selleck, 'North America' goes wild for Discovery
Every year, residents of North America shell out Canadian and U.S. dollars, Mexican pesos, Costa Rican colons and so forth to hop on planes or cruise ships to explore the wonders of South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, in search of spectacular natural landscapes and impressive wildlife.
What many of them don't realize is that they don't have to cross an ocean - or even much more than the Panama Canal -- to get just that.
Over seven parts airing between Sunday, May 19, and Sunday, June 16, Discovery Channel aims to enlighten these folks with the natural history documentary "North America," narrated by Tom Selleck and executive produced by Keith Scholey, with Brit Huw Cordey as series producer.
The song "Army of One" by American rock group Bon Jovi is the theme of the series.
Shooting over three years, in locations ranging from the Canadian tundra to the tropical rain forests of Panama, the "North America" film crew spent 2,830 days on 250 separate expeditions, using 11 types of cameras -- including ultra-high-speed and submarine ones -- to create more than 850 hours of footage.
As for why he's including lands south of Mexico as part of North America, Cordey tells Zap2it, "That's a good question. It's one that we've had to deal with quite a bit over the making of the series. But the important thing to realize is that this was the continent of North America. There is no continent of Central America. North America, as a continent, starts in Panama.
"Three million years ago, the two continents, North and South, joined at Panama. That's the blink of an eye in geological time. So when we were looking at the continent of North America, it goes from Panama all the way to northern Canada."
The first five episodes reveal intimate stories of animals, from the elusive desert jaguars of Mexico to grizzly bears diving after salmon in Alaska. That's followed by a "Making Of" episode that chronicles the challenges of the production team, which included battling Hurricane Irene. The final installment reveals which natural location online voters chose as their favorite via Discovery's "My North America" Facebook page.
Discovery is also offering a digital and mobile experience around the miniseries, through its second-screen, mobile iPad app TV Plus. Viewers will have access to bonus videos, photos, interactive quizzes and rich content, synced to the TV airing. Discovery is also planning a mobile/Web natural history app and will be partnering with a zoo to offer a live camera feed of North American wildlife.
While the spectacular large fauna of Africa, the unique marsupials of Australia and extremely cute critters such as China's pandas get most of the TV attention, North America's wildlife -- except for cable's fascination with alligators and feral hogs -- gets short shrift.
"I've said this a few times," says Cordey, "what I want this series to get across is how incredibly varied and diverse the wildlife and the environments are in North America. I think this is a definitive - nothing can be utterly definitive -- but I think this is a definitive series of the natural history story of North America.
"Strangely ... nobody's done that before. This is a first, taking North America as a whole like this and making a six-part series. Your average American will see lots of things that are very new and fresh.
"To me, a hardened old natural history filmmaker, I know most of what lives in various places, but there are some really unusual things in North America. We think North America is just this first-world power that's just built up and developed; to understand that there are these incredible wild places with this really cool wildlife -- it will surprise the audience."
While the show covers big, impressive animals such as bears, bison, mountain lions, jaguars (which, by the way, have been spotted not far from Tucson, Ariz.), wolves, elk, horses and so on, it doesn't ignore some of the continent's smallest inhabitants.
"We filmed a segment with chipmunks," says Cordey. "I love them. In one of the programs, there's a chipmunk gathering nuts for winter, and he has a slight problem with one of his neighbors stealing his nuts.
"There's a big fight-off. It's quite funny. Chipmunks are only the size of your palm, but when you see these little things going hammer and tongs, they can be vicious. They have a lot of attitude for a little animal."
As for Cordey's personal favorite, he says, "I have an affection for prairie dogs. They're feisty little things. I did a film on them for a year a while back, and I've had a sweet spot for prairie dogs every since.
"They get hard press, but they are an amazing animal. They underpin an entire ecosystem. So I love prairie dogs."
What many of them don't realize is that they don't have to cross an ocean - or even much more than the Panama Canal -- to get just that.
Over seven parts airing between Sunday, May 19, and Sunday, June 16, Discovery Channel aims to enlighten these folks with the natural history documentary "North America," narrated by Tom Selleck and executive produced by Keith Scholey, with Brit Huw Cordey as series producer.
The song "Army of One" by American rock group Bon Jovi is the theme of the series.
Shooting over three years, in locations ranging from the Canadian tundra to the tropical rain forests of Panama, the "North America" film crew spent 2,830 days on 250 separate expeditions, using 11 types of cameras -- including ultra-high-speed and submarine ones -- to create more than 850 hours of footage.
As for why he's including lands south of Mexico as part of North America, Cordey tells Zap2it, "That's a good question. It's one that we've had to deal with quite a bit over the making of the series. But the important thing to realize is that this was the continent of North America. There is no continent of Central America. North America, as a continent, starts in Panama.
"Three million years ago, the two continents, North and South, joined at Panama. That's the blink of an eye in geological time. So when we were looking at the continent of North America, it goes from Panama all the way to northern Canada."
The first five episodes reveal intimate stories of animals, from the elusive desert jaguars of Mexico to grizzly bears diving after salmon in Alaska. That's followed by a "Making Of" episode that chronicles the challenges of the production team, which included battling Hurricane Irene. The final installment reveals which natural location online voters chose as their favorite via Discovery's "My North America" Facebook page.
Discovery is also offering a digital and mobile experience around the miniseries, through its second-screen, mobile iPad app TV Plus. Viewers will have access to bonus videos, photos, interactive quizzes and rich content, synced to the TV airing. Discovery is also planning a mobile/Web natural history app and will be partnering with a zoo to offer a live camera feed of North American wildlife.
While the spectacular large fauna of Africa, the unique marsupials of Australia and extremely cute critters such as China's pandas get most of the TV attention, North America's wildlife -- except for cable's fascination with alligators and feral hogs -- gets short shrift.
"I've said this a few times," says Cordey, "what I want this series to get across is how incredibly varied and diverse the wildlife and the environments are in North America. I think this is a definitive - nothing can be utterly definitive -- but I think this is a definitive series of the natural history story of North America.
"Strangely ... nobody's done that before. This is a first, taking North America as a whole like this and making a six-part series. Your average American will see lots of things that are very new and fresh.
"To me, a hardened old natural history filmmaker, I know most of what lives in various places, but there are some really unusual things in North America. We think North America is just this first-world power that's just built up and developed; to understand that there are these incredible wild places with this really cool wildlife -- it will surprise the audience."
While the show covers big, impressive animals such as bears, bison, mountain lions, jaguars (which, by the way, have been spotted not far from Tucson, Ariz.), wolves, elk, horses and so on, it doesn't ignore some of the continent's smallest inhabitants.
"We filmed a segment with chipmunks," says Cordey. "I love them. In one of the programs, there's a chipmunk gathering nuts for winter, and he has a slight problem with one of his neighbors stealing his nuts.
"There's a big fight-off. It's quite funny. Chipmunks are only the size of your palm, but when you see these little things going hammer and tongs, they can be vicious. They have a lot of attitude for a little animal."
As for Cordey's personal favorite, he says, "I have an affection for prairie dogs. They're feisty little things. I did a film on them for a year a while back, and I've had a sweet spot for prairie dogs every since.
"They get hard press, but they are an amazing animal. They underpin an entire ecosystem. So I love prairie dogs."
'Saturday Night Live' video: Watch Stefon's farewell, Kanye West's new singles and more
Did you miss the "Saturday Night Live" Season 38 finale with Ben Affleck and Kanye West? Just want to relive your favorite sketches over again? Feel the need to view Stefon's bizarre wedding ceremony?
If so, you are in luck. You can watch any of the night's clips here.
The night on "SNL" began, as it usually does, with a cold-open sketch. This one dealt with the current IRS scandal.
After that, Ben Affleck took the stage as the night's host. He mostly focused on being an uncelebrated member of the five-time club before dealing with his Oscar acceptance speech and its impact on wife, Jennifer Garner.
The first of the night's main sketches was the Iranian version of Affleck's film, "Argo."
The "Gigli" reference is still far funnier than it ought to be.
After this, we got a fake commercial for "New Xanax," designed for straight people to not feel inferior at gay weddings.
The Depression-style movie was most notable for Affleck's rather impressive Jimmy Stewart impression.
Kanye West performed next, debuting his single, "Black Skinhead."
"Weekend Update" was such a big deal in this episode of "SNL," there are two separate videos to relive. First, we have the "Really?! IRS" bit.
And then the farewell of Stefon (Bill Hader).
Ben Affleck resumed his guest-starring duties in the funeral sketch that followed.
After that, he was a cowboy (Girth Brooks) in a Hermes porn-star ad.
Kanye's second new single of the night, "New Slaves," came near the end of the show.
The final sketch of the night was also musical in nature.
Did you have a favorite out of those? How did the "SNL" finale rate for you?
Which 'Saturday Night Live' sketch was your favorite from the season finale?
If so, you are in luck. You can watch any of the night's clips here.
The night on "SNL" began, as it usually does, with a cold-open sketch. This one dealt with the current IRS scandal.
After that, Ben Affleck took the stage as the night's host. He mostly focused on being an uncelebrated member of the five-time club before dealing with his Oscar acceptance speech and its impact on wife, Jennifer Garner.
The first of the night's main sketches was the Iranian version of Affleck's film, "Argo."
The "Gigli" reference is still far funnier than it ought to be.
After this, we got a fake commercial for "New Xanax," designed for straight people to not feel inferior at gay weddings.
The Depression-style movie was most notable for Affleck's rather impressive Jimmy Stewart impression.
Kanye West performed next, debuting his single, "Black Skinhead."
"Weekend Update" was such a big deal in this episode of "SNL," there are two separate videos to relive. First, we have the "Really?! IRS" bit.
And then the farewell of Stefon (Bill Hader).
Ben Affleck resumed his guest-starring duties in the funeral sketch that followed.
After that, he was a cowboy (Girth Brooks) in a Hermes porn-star ad.
Kanye's second new single of the night, "New Slaves," came near the end of the show.
The final sketch of the night was also musical in nature.
Did you have a favorite out of those? How did the "SNL" finale rate for you?
Which 'Saturday Night Live' sketch was your favorite from the season finale?
'Doctor Who' finale Season 7 episode 13 review: 'Name of the Doctor' is a smashing finish
For a "Doctor Who" finale that accomplishes quite a lot in a rather brief amount of time, "The Name of the Doctor" is an incredibly smooth ride.
Just think of everything on Steven Moffat's "to-do list" here: revealing the Doctor's greatest secret, explaining the mystery of Clara the Impossible Girl, bringing back River Song and the Great Intelligence, closing out the season and setting up the 50th anniversary special. And he pulls it all off with wit, verve and quite a bit of nerve -- topped off by a final scene that immediately goes down in "Who" history.
To put it more succinctly: Yowza, what a finale.
The episode zips right along, driven by everything we learn about both Clara and the Doctor. It gets off to a thrilling start on the Doctor's home planet of Gallifrey and immediately introduces a dazzling bit of 50th anniversary magic as Clara encounters every one of the past Doctors (including the original, as played by William Hartnell, who Clara warns is "about to make a very big mistake" -- by stealing the wrong TARDIS).
Let's get one thing out of the way: The tantalizing "secret" revealed about the Doctor isn't his name (that would be both too obvious and too misguided after all these years), but there are still plenty of teases that it could be said at any moment as the journey heads to the Doctor's grave. Madame Vastra uncovers a mystery that leads the Doctor and Clara to Trenzalore -- the site of the Doctor's tomb, the one place he knows he should never go and "potentially the most dangerous place in the universe."
But he can't help it, partly out of loyalty to Jenny, Vastra and Strax -- who are being threatened by the Great Intelligence and an army of Whispermen -- and partly because he's the Doctor and needs to save the universe. At any rate, Clara has a destiny to face, so off they go over the objections of the TARDIS.
Even though the Doctor's name is the key to opening his tomb, it's River Song who utters it (and only to the TARDIS, not to us), which isn't so much a cheat as a clever necessity. And it's the Great Intelligence stepping into the Doctor's time stream (apparently the Time Lord's version of a corpse) in an effort to destroy the enemy that leads to Clara's most heroic act yet and explains why she's the Impossible Girl.
She too steps into the time stream to prevent the Great Intelligence from rewriting the Doctor's past for evil, and in the process is scattered into a million echoes across the Doctor's various lifetimes.
Ignoring River's pleas to be "sensible," the Doctor goes in after her and runs directly into ... himself. But it's a version of himself -- as played by British screen legend John Hurt -- that we've never seen (and neither has Clara). There's a darkness to this man that the Doctor finds highly objectionable. Alas, that's all we get for now... at least until the 50th anniversary special (in which Hurt has long been scheduled to appear).
As for the finale's major accomplishment: Tying Clara into the entire history of "Doctor Who" is a brilliant nod to the show's legacy while remaining fresh enough to reaffirm the franchise's future.
Here was a season finale that did more than fill us with giddy enthusiasm for the future. It made us feel better about the recent past. Now that we know what makes the Impossible Girl possible, there's something even more satisfying about key episodes like "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS" (when the Doctor first revealed Clara's fate to her and then tried to erase it from her timeline) and "The Crimson Horror" (with its return to Victorian England and re-introduction of Vastra, Jenny and Strax).
It's also important that Clara has been strongly defined in these past seven episodes as both sensible and brave, not one to seek out danger but never one to run from it either. She's exactly the companion the Doctor needs for this moment in time, and "The Name of the Doctor" is exactly the episode we needed right now.
Other highlights:
- Bringing Vastra, Jenny and Strax back for the finale gives Clara's debut half-season a nice bit of consistency (following their roles in "The Snowmen" and "The Crimson Horror"), and the trio's interactions here are among their all-time best. That spinoff talk sparked by "Crimson" should get a whole lot louder after this, with good reason.
- The much-awaited meeting of Clara and River Song happens not in the flesh but via Vastra's psychic "conference call." Although there's a bit of expected rivalry between the Doctor's wife and the new companion after his heart(s), that's mostly swept aside by the urgent business at hand.
- If River's goodbye to the Doctor is the end of Alex Kingston's time on "Who," it's an elegant, understated and touching exit. She leaves with a mysterious tease (why didn't the psychic link she shared with Clara end when Clara stepped into the time stream?) and a "Goodbye, Sweetie."
- Should we assume that the hostility the TARDIS showed Clara was a hint that the TARDIS knew this Impossible Girl would lead the Doctor to his grave?
- The Whispermen were very scary window-dressing. No objections to the role they played here, but their creepiness probably could've sustained an entire episode of their own.
- The Doctor after his passionate kiss with River: "Since nobody else in this room can see you, god knows how that looked!"
- See you for the 50th, in November.
Just think of everything on Steven Moffat's "to-do list" here: revealing the Doctor's greatest secret, explaining the mystery of Clara the Impossible Girl, bringing back River Song and the Great Intelligence, closing out the season and setting up the 50th anniversary special. And he pulls it all off with wit, verve and quite a bit of nerve -- topped off by a final scene that immediately goes down in "Who" history.
To put it more succinctly: Yowza, what a finale.
The episode zips right along, driven by everything we learn about both Clara and the Doctor. It gets off to a thrilling start on the Doctor's home planet of Gallifrey and immediately introduces a dazzling bit of 50th anniversary magic as Clara encounters every one of the past Doctors (including the original, as played by William Hartnell, who Clara warns is "about to make a very big mistake" -- by stealing the wrong TARDIS).
Let's get one thing out of the way: The tantalizing "secret" revealed about the Doctor isn't his name (that would be both too obvious and too misguided after all these years), but there are still plenty of teases that it could be said at any moment as the journey heads to the Doctor's grave. Madame Vastra uncovers a mystery that leads the Doctor and Clara to Trenzalore -- the site of the Doctor's tomb, the one place he knows he should never go and "potentially the most dangerous place in the universe."
But he can't help it, partly out of loyalty to Jenny, Vastra and Strax -- who are being threatened by the Great Intelligence and an army of Whispermen -- and partly because he's the Doctor and needs to save the universe. At any rate, Clara has a destiny to face, so off they go over the objections of the TARDIS.
Even though the Doctor's name is the key to opening his tomb, it's River Song who utters it (and only to the TARDIS, not to us), which isn't so much a cheat as a clever necessity. And it's the Great Intelligence stepping into the Doctor's time stream (apparently the Time Lord's version of a corpse) in an effort to destroy the enemy that leads to Clara's most heroic act yet and explains why she's the Impossible Girl.
She too steps into the time stream to prevent the Great Intelligence from rewriting the Doctor's past for evil, and in the process is scattered into a million echoes across the Doctor's various lifetimes.
Ignoring River's pleas to be "sensible," the Doctor goes in after her and runs directly into ... himself. But it's a version of himself -- as played by British screen legend John Hurt -- that we've never seen (and neither has Clara). There's a darkness to this man that the Doctor finds highly objectionable. Alas, that's all we get for now... at least until the 50th anniversary special (in which Hurt has long been scheduled to appear).
As for the finale's major accomplishment: Tying Clara into the entire history of "Doctor Who" is a brilliant nod to the show's legacy while remaining fresh enough to reaffirm the franchise's future.
Here was a season finale that did more than fill us with giddy enthusiasm for the future. It made us feel better about the recent past. Now that we know what makes the Impossible Girl possible, there's something even more satisfying about key episodes like "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS" (when the Doctor first revealed Clara's fate to her and then tried to erase it from her timeline) and "The Crimson Horror" (with its return to Victorian England and re-introduction of Vastra, Jenny and Strax).
It's also important that Clara has been strongly defined in these past seven episodes as both sensible and brave, not one to seek out danger but never one to run from it either. She's exactly the companion the Doctor needs for this moment in time, and "The Name of the Doctor" is exactly the episode we needed right now.
Other highlights:
- Bringing Vastra, Jenny and Strax back for the finale gives Clara's debut half-season a nice bit of consistency (following their roles in "The Snowmen" and "The Crimson Horror"), and the trio's interactions here are among their all-time best. That spinoff talk sparked by "Crimson" should get a whole lot louder after this, with good reason.
- The much-awaited meeting of Clara and River Song happens not in the flesh but via Vastra's psychic "conference call." Although there's a bit of expected rivalry between the Doctor's wife and the new companion after his heart(s), that's mostly swept aside by the urgent business at hand.
- If River's goodbye to the Doctor is the end of Alex Kingston's time on "Who," it's an elegant, understated and touching exit. She leaves with a mysterious tease (why didn't the psychic link she shared with Clara end when Clara stepped into the time stream?) and a "Goodbye, Sweetie."
- Should we assume that the hostility the TARDIS showed Clara was a hint that the TARDIS knew this Impossible Girl would lead the Doctor to his grave?
- The Whispermen were very scary window-dressing. No objections to the role they played here, but their creepiness probably could've sustained an entire episode of their own.
- The Doctor after his passionate kiss with River: "Since nobody else in this room can see you, god knows how that looked!"
- See you for the 50th, in November.
'Saturday Night Live' season finale: Ben Affleck and Kanye West win an otherwise forgettable 'SNL'
The "Saturday Night Live" Season 38 finale featured Ben Affleck as the host and Kanye West as the musical guest. They were both great.
And this is a very good thing in an "SNL" episode that was otherwise notable only in how forgettable it truly was.
A comedy show shouldn't have to depend on its guests for laughs and quality. This is especially true in a season finale. But with few exceptions, there really wasn't much to remember from this "SNL." As the official farewell episode for Bill Hader, we got to see a lot of the comedian (including his big character, Stefon). Amy Poehler's cameo appearance on "Weekend Update" was pretty fun too.
It's just that not much on "Saturday Night Live" -- other than a few performances by Affleck -- was funny. For example, did the writers and producers really think they should start off the season finale with an "Argo" gag? Maybe if this had been a January episode that would be kind of fun. But it's May now. The joke is old.
Perhaps the saddest part of all of this is the way in which the show completely seemed to forget to do anything big. Surely a season finale merits a little notice. Also, there's the fact that -- as Affleck pointed out at the beginning of his monologue -- the show was welcoming back a five-time host. Why doesn't Ben merit the same attention that Justin Timberlake got a few weeks back?
What did work? Most of Ben Affleck's parts were pretty fun to watch -- his "straight" counselor at a religious camp for gay kids and the rope-swinging Girth Brooks were especially fun. Also, Kanye West pretty much killed both of his musical performances, especially his just-released single, "New Slaves."
Much of the rest of "SNL" didn't work out so well. This unfortunately includes Jennifer Garner's cameo during her husband's monologue. Was it awkward? Let's explain it this way: You remember how last season on "Mad Men," Don and Megan Draper had a bit they were using for a pitch and it seemed totally natural. The interaction of Ben and Jennifer during the "SNL" open was pretty much the opposite of that.
A few sketches -- most notably Stefon's wedding -- don't really fall into the good or the bad category, instead landing in that no man's land of WTF.
Which 'Saturday Night Live' sketch was your favorite from the season finale?
And this is a very good thing in an "SNL" episode that was otherwise notable only in how forgettable it truly was.
A comedy show shouldn't have to depend on its guests for laughs and quality. This is especially true in a season finale. But with few exceptions, there really wasn't much to remember from this "SNL." As the official farewell episode for Bill Hader, we got to see a lot of the comedian (including his big character, Stefon). Amy Poehler's cameo appearance on "Weekend Update" was pretty fun too.
It's just that not much on "Saturday Night Live" -- other than a few performances by Affleck -- was funny. For example, did the writers and producers really think they should start off the season finale with an "Argo" gag? Maybe if this had been a January episode that would be kind of fun. But it's May now. The joke is old.
Perhaps the saddest part of all of this is the way in which the show completely seemed to forget to do anything big. Surely a season finale merits a little notice. Also, there's the fact that -- as Affleck pointed out at the beginning of his monologue -- the show was welcoming back a five-time host. Why doesn't Ben merit the same attention that Justin Timberlake got a few weeks back?
What did work? Most of Ben Affleck's parts were pretty fun to watch -- his "straight" counselor at a religious camp for gay kids and the rope-swinging Girth Brooks were especially fun. Also, Kanye West pretty much killed both of his musical performances, especially his just-released single, "New Slaves."
Much of the rest of "SNL" didn't work out so well. This unfortunately includes Jennifer Garner's cameo during her husband's monologue. Was it awkward? Let's explain it this way: You remember how last season on "Mad Men," Don and Megan Draper had a bit they were using for a pitch and it seemed totally natural. The interaction of Ben and Jennifer during the "SNL" open was pretty much the opposite of that.
A few sketches -- most notably Stefon's wedding -- don't really fall into the good or the bad category, instead landing in that no man's land of WTF.
Which 'Saturday Night Live' sketch was your favorite from the season finale?
'Saturday Night Live': Amy Poehler is the best at everything, even 'Weekend Update'
Back in the day, Amy Poehler was a necessary and hilarious part of the "Weekend Update" segments on "Saturday Night Live." We got a bittersweet reminder of this during the current season's finale when Poehler joined Seth Meyers for the fake news bit.
Whatever you think about the standard quality of "Weekend Update" these days, it's pretty hard to deny that Amy Poehler was a bright spot in an otherwise fairly dull few minutes of television. The finale's "Update" seems to have been pretty much a farewell for Meyers and Bill Hader. After all, it wasn't too long into the segment when all vague semblances of sanity disappeared, only to be replaced by a fever-dream version of "The Graduate" in which Meyers interrupted Stefon's wedding -- with ALF, Gizmo and other oddities in attendance.
Sure, it was kind of funny, in a surreal sort of way. But could it compare to Amy Poehler begging the IRS not to notice her? Even the shared jealous glare between Amy and Stefon was a total win for the "SNL" alum.
All of this feels more meaningful when we remember that Seth Meyers is leaving "Saturday Night Live" to take over Jimmy Fallon's late-night show. While Meyers wasn't exactly a surprise to follow Fallon, many criticized NBC for not picking a female comedian for the job. You know, a woman like Tina Fey or Amy Poehler.
Seeing segments like this week's "Weekend Update" just makes it clear how much we are missing by not getting someone like Amy Poehler on late-night TV. Thank goodness we still have "Parks and Recreation."
Whatever you think about the standard quality of "Weekend Update" these days, it's pretty hard to deny that Amy Poehler was a bright spot in an otherwise fairly dull few minutes of television. The finale's "Update" seems to have been pretty much a farewell for Meyers and Bill Hader. After all, it wasn't too long into the segment when all vague semblances of sanity disappeared, only to be replaced by a fever-dream version of "The Graduate" in which Meyers interrupted Stefon's wedding -- with ALF, Gizmo and other oddities in attendance.
Sure, it was kind of funny, in a surreal sort of way. But could it compare to Amy Poehler begging the IRS not to notice her? Even the shared jealous glare between Amy and Stefon was a total win for the "SNL" alum.
All of this feels more meaningful when we remember that Seth Meyers is leaving "Saturday Night Live" to take over Jimmy Fallon's late-night show. While Meyers wasn't exactly a surprise to follow Fallon, many criticized NBC for not picking a female comedian for the job. You know, a woman like Tina Fey or Amy Poehler.
Seeing segments like this week's "Weekend Update" just makes it clear how much we are missing by not getting someone like Amy Poehler on late-night TV. Thank goodness we still have "Parks and Recreation."
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013: Ann and Nancy Wilson bring the Heart
It's rare that relatives get to experience receiving one of music's highest honors together.
But sooner or later -- and their devotees believe it should have been sooner -- it was bound to happen for Ann and Nancy Wilson, alias Heart.
The sibling rockers were among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2013 inductees last month at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre, and HBO will televise the 28th annual ceremony Saturday, May 18. Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Rush and (posthumously) Albert King and Donna Summer also were honored.
Additionally, producer-manager Lou Adler and music entrepreneur Quincy Jones received the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement. Participants in the evening included Christina Aguilera, Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Cheech and Chong, John Fogerty, Dave Grohl, Don Henley, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King, Spike Lee, John Mayer, and Usher.
Fellow Seattle music scene veterans Chris Cornell, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam took part in the tribute to Heart. With a four-decade career marked by albums from 1976's "Dreamboat Annie" to last fall's "Fanatic," and hits from the hard-driving "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda" to the reflective "These Dreams" and "Alone," the Wilson sisters recently spoke with Zap2it about their longevity and their Hall of Fame milestone ... and their meaning to other female rock stars.
Zap2it: You were first nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. Does that make being inducted now better?
Nancy: It's very exciting, sure. And for our fans, too, who have been like the voices of the Whos in Whoville. They've been putting up a big ruckus about us being inducted, so it's a great thing for all of us, including those who have been yelling about it for a few years.
Zap2it: How did you learn you were being inducted?
Nancy: I was visiting a friend in the hospital, and I had a call from (Hall of Fame co-founder) Jann Wenner's office. My first thought was, "Oh, no. What is this all about?" I figured it was 50-50; either we were going to be inducted or he was going to apologize because we weren't. This is like the Oscar of rock and roll, and I was just so excited to be able to tell Ann about it myself.
Ann: Yeah, it was great. We'd talked about it the first time we were nominated, and we were kind of miffed [not to get in]. We looked at each other and went, "Well, I guess we don't care about it as much as we thought" -- but secretly, we did. So when we got it the second time around, it was really great, quite a thrill. A huge, fun honor.
Zap2it: You helped celebrate Led Zeppelin by performing "Stairway to Heaven" at last December's Kennedy Center Honors. Did that give you a taste of how the Hall of Fame salute to you might be?
Ann: What a fun night that was. Just the mix of people in the audience was thrilling.
Nancy: We understood later, when we watched it on TV, how moved [the surviving Zeppelin members] were ... and that they appreciated it that much, that was the best part of all for us. At the beginning of the song, they were not so sure it was going to go well. It's so iconic, a lot of people would not do it with the restraint it deserves. I think they were not only honored, but completely relieved that it went as well as it did.
Zap2it: You're still very much on the concert trail, and as you start on it again this summer with a new "Heartbreaker" tour, what do you think has kept Heart so relevant and vital?
Ann: I don't know. It's a very rough lifestyle, to go out there and be traveling and pour out your soul. It's a challenge just to keep up with it, but I think what keeps us vital is that we love it, the connection with the audience. And just getting to do the songs themselves, it's very satisfying.
This tour's going to be different from any other because it's about Led Zeppelin. We'll be doing some of our own songs, too, but I'm really looking forward to singing Zeppelin.
Nancy: It's going to be a thrill ride. We don't really want to be viewed as a Zeppelin tribute band, but that music is fun, fun, fun to do. And it's good to have something new for our fans.
Zap2it: How frequently, and what, do you hear from artists you've inspired?
Ann: We get a lot of people asking, "What would you say if you were going to give advice to younger women musicians?" They're finding their own way, though. They don't necessarily look to their big sisters to answer questions for them, any more than John Lennon would have called up Bo Diddley and said, "Hey, brother, what do I do?" I think women musicians are essentially still pioneers.
Zap2it: What are your reflections on the career you've had together?
Nancy: We were young enough, when we set out, to do this job just for the love of it. As we gathered experience, it was like, "What the heck do we think we're doing?"
Being women, it's not as much of a fit in terms of what Mother Nature intends for you to do. There are definitely sacrifices that we never expected to encounter, but we've kind of come through and survived it really well. And we still have our music on, and it's sweeter than ever.
But sooner or later -- and their devotees believe it should have been sooner -- it was bound to happen for Ann and Nancy Wilson, alias Heart.
The sibling rockers were among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2013 inductees last month at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre, and HBO will televise the 28th annual ceremony Saturday, May 18. Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Rush and (posthumously) Albert King and Donna Summer also were honored.
Additionally, producer-manager Lou Adler and music entrepreneur Quincy Jones received the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement. Participants in the evening included Christina Aguilera, Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Cheech and Chong, John Fogerty, Dave Grohl, Don Henley, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King, Spike Lee, John Mayer, and Usher.
Fellow Seattle music scene veterans Chris Cornell, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam took part in the tribute to Heart. With a four-decade career marked by albums from 1976's "Dreamboat Annie" to last fall's "Fanatic," and hits from the hard-driving "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda" to the reflective "These Dreams" and "Alone," the Wilson sisters recently spoke with Zap2it about their longevity and their Hall of Fame milestone ... and their meaning to other female rock stars.
Zap2it: You were first nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. Does that make being inducted now better?
Nancy: It's very exciting, sure. And for our fans, too, who have been like the voices of the Whos in Whoville. They've been putting up a big ruckus about us being inducted, so it's a great thing for all of us, including those who have been yelling about it for a few years.
Zap2it: How did you learn you were being inducted?
Nancy: I was visiting a friend in the hospital, and I had a call from (Hall of Fame co-founder) Jann Wenner's office. My first thought was, "Oh, no. What is this all about?" I figured it was 50-50; either we were going to be inducted or he was going to apologize because we weren't. This is like the Oscar of rock and roll, and I was just so excited to be able to tell Ann about it myself.
Ann: Yeah, it was great. We'd talked about it the first time we were nominated, and we were kind of miffed [not to get in]. We looked at each other and went, "Well, I guess we don't care about it as much as we thought" -- but secretly, we did. So when we got it the second time around, it was really great, quite a thrill. A huge, fun honor.
Zap2it: You helped celebrate Led Zeppelin by performing "Stairway to Heaven" at last December's Kennedy Center Honors. Did that give you a taste of how the Hall of Fame salute to you might be?
Ann: What a fun night that was. Just the mix of people in the audience was thrilling.
Nancy: We understood later, when we watched it on TV, how moved [the surviving Zeppelin members] were ... and that they appreciated it that much, that was the best part of all for us. At the beginning of the song, they were not so sure it was going to go well. It's so iconic, a lot of people would not do it with the restraint it deserves. I think they were not only honored, but completely relieved that it went as well as it did.
Zap2it: You're still very much on the concert trail, and as you start on it again this summer with a new "Heartbreaker" tour, what do you think has kept Heart so relevant and vital?
Ann: I don't know. It's a very rough lifestyle, to go out there and be traveling and pour out your soul. It's a challenge just to keep up with it, but I think what keeps us vital is that we love it, the connection with the audience. And just getting to do the songs themselves, it's very satisfying.
This tour's going to be different from any other because it's about Led Zeppelin. We'll be doing some of our own songs, too, but I'm really looking forward to singing Zeppelin.
Nancy: It's going to be a thrill ride. We don't really want to be viewed as a Zeppelin tribute band, but that music is fun, fun, fun to do. And it's good to have something new for our fans.
Zap2it: How frequently, and what, do you hear from artists you've inspired?
Ann: We get a lot of people asking, "What would you say if you were going to give advice to younger women musicians?" They're finding their own way, though. They don't necessarily look to their big sisters to answer questions for them, any more than John Lennon would have called up Bo Diddley and said, "Hey, brother, what do I do?" I think women musicians are essentially still pioneers.
Zap2it: What are your reflections on the career you've had together?
Nancy: We were young enough, when we set out, to do this job just for the love of it. As we gathered experience, it was like, "What the heck do we think we're doing?"
Being women, it's not as much of a fit in terms of what Mother Nature intends for you to do. There are definitely sacrifices that we never expected to encounter, but we've kind of come through and survived it really well. And we still have our music on, and it's sweeter than ever.
'American Idol' runner-up Kree Harrison to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 4
Kree Harrison may not have won "American Idol" Season 12, but her career prospects are looking good. The country singer will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 4.
Kree shared the news with reporters on Friday (May 17), saying "Today's my birthday, and that's the best birthday present I've ever gotten in my life!"
It turns out that "Idol" judge Keith Urban invited her to be part of the show -- in which he will also perform -- on a night that should be very familiar to many television audiences. In addition to Urban and Harrison, the Opry bill for June 4 lists another "Idol" alum, Kellie Pickler. Other acts planned include Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Diamond Rio, and Lennon and Maisy Stella (the two sisters who play Rayna James' daughters on "Nashville.")
For her part, Kree couldn't be happier about her upcoming performance. "One of my lifelong goals is to play the Opry and to stand where all of my peers and all those country music legends have stood," she said. Kellie Pickler performing on the same night is only a bonus. "I talk to her all the time, but I haven't heard from her," Kree said of the current "Dancing with the Stars" competitor. "I'm so freakin' proud of her. I hope she wins 'Dancing with the Stars'!"
Kree shared the news with reporters on Friday (May 17), saying "Today's my birthday, and that's the best birthday present I've ever gotten in my life!"
It turns out that "Idol" judge Keith Urban invited her to be part of the show -- in which he will also perform -- on a night that should be very familiar to many television audiences. In addition to Urban and Harrison, the Opry bill for June 4 lists another "Idol" alum, Kellie Pickler. Other acts planned include Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Diamond Rio, and Lennon and Maisy Stella (the two sisters who play Rayna James' daughters on "Nashville.")
For her part, Kree couldn't be happier about her upcoming performance. "One of my lifelong goals is to play the Opry and to stand where all of my peers and all those country music legends have stood," she said. Kellie Pickler performing on the same night is only a bonus. "I talk to her all the time, but I haven't heard from her," Kree said of the current "Dancing with the Stars" competitor. "I'm so freakin' proud of her. I hope she wins 'Dancing with the Stars'!"
Mariah Carey did not lip-sync on 'American Idol,' according to her rep
Judging from the reaction online following the "American Idol" Season 12 finale, plenty of viewers believe that Mariah Carey lip-synced the medley of her hits aired during the final results show. But according to a rep for the singer and "Idol" judge, this is not true.
Carey's spokesperson made a statement to E!Online, saying "She ABSOLUTELY DID NOT lip-sync. She performed LIVE in front of several thousands of people!!!! (and did it 3 times!!)"
The rep did confirm that Carey sang to a pre-recorded track but that the singing -- along with the 40-person choir providing backup vocals -- was done live. Singing to a recorded track is not all that uncommon in the music industry, even though many do object to it.
Still, video of the performance does indicate that something was off. It is very possible that the sound relay in the FOX broadcast had a bit of a glitch, making it look like Carey wasn't exactly at the right place in her songs at the right time.
There is also the fact that Mariah Carey did not in fact perform live at "American Idol." The song medley shown during the Thursday-night (May 16) broadcast was actually recorded the day before in front of a live audience at the Nokia Theater. Audience members attending the live "Idol" finale results were simply asked to cheer at the end of a video shown on screens.
At no point during the "American Idol" finale did Carey leave her seat at the judges' table. That does make it hard to determine for sure if the original singing was live (at the time of recording) or not.
TV ratings: 'Nikita' finale rises slightly while 'Shark Tank' dominates a night of news and reruns
Fast National ratings for Friday, May 17, 2013
Despite a quiet night on all of the networks, "Nikita" saw soft ratings for its Season 3 finale, landing at the bottom of the ratings pile against a lineup of reality, news programs and repeats. The low-rated -- yet already renewed for a final fourth season -- program only pulled in 1.1 million viewers for the only original scripted program of the night. While an increase over recent weeks, the show has seen higher ratings this season alone.
Thanks mostly to the dominance of two hours of "Shark Tank," the night's highest-rated show, ABC led the night overall, with 5.7 million viewers and a 3.7/7 share in households. NBC's solid night of news programming followed (5.2 million, 3.6/7), with CBS' (4.9 million, 3.3/6) "Undercover Boss"-dominated night rounding out the big three. FOX aired only reruns to come in fourth (2.2 million, 1.5/3), while The CW lagged with 0.9 million viewers (0.6/1).
ABC also won the night for adults 18-49 at 1.5. NBC followed with 1.2, CBS earned 1.0, FOX managed 0.6 and The CW trailed again with 0.3.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Undercover Boss" (5.4 million, 3.6/7)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (5.0 million viewers, 3.3/6 households)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" rerun (4.7 million, 3.3/6)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (1.9 million, 1.3/3)
The CW: "Nikita" (1.1 million, 0.7/1)
18-49 leader: "Shark Tank" (1.2)
9 p.m.
ABC: "Shark Tank" (6.6 million, 4.1/7)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (5.8 million, 4.0/7)
CBS: "Undercover Boss" rerun (5.0 million, 3.4/6)
FOX: "Bones" rerun (2.5 million, 1.7/3)
The CW: "Supernatural" rerun (0.8 million, 0.5/1)
18-49 leader: "Shark Tank" (1.9)
10 p.m.
ABC: "20/20" (5.6 million, 3.7/7)
NBC: "Rock Center with Brian Williams" (5.1 million, 3.4/6)
CBS: "48 Hours" (4.4 million, 2.9/5)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (1.5)
Ratings information includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change. Source: The Nielsen Company.
More ratings at Zap2it: Daily, weekly and cable
Despite a quiet night on all of the networks, "Nikita" saw soft ratings for its Season 3 finale, landing at the bottom of the ratings pile against a lineup of reality, news programs and repeats. The low-rated -- yet already renewed for a final fourth season -- program only pulled in 1.1 million viewers for the only original scripted program of the night. While an increase over recent weeks, the show has seen higher ratings this season alone.
Thanks mostly to the dominance of two hours of "Shark Tank," the night's highest-rated show, ABC led the night overall, with 5.7 million viewers and a 3.7/7 share in households. NBC's solid night of news programming followed (5.2 million, 3.6/7), with CBS' (4.9 million, 3.3/6) "Undercover Boss"-dominated night rounding out the big three. FOX aired only reruns to come in fourth (2.2 million, 1.5/3), while The CW lagged with 0.9 million viewers (0.6/1).
ABC also won the night for adults 18-49 at 1.5. NBC followed with 1.2, CBS earned 1.0, FOX managed 0.6 and The CW trailed again with 0.3.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Undercover Boss" (5.4 million, 3.6/7)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (5.0 million viewers, 3.3/6 households)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" rerun (4.7 million, 3.3/6)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (1.9 million, 1.3/3)
The CW: "Nikita" (1.1 million, 0.7/1)
18-49 leader: "Shark Tank" (1.2)
9 p.m.
ABC: "Shark Tank" (6.6 million, 4.1/7)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (5.8 million, 4.0/7)
CBS: "Undercover Boss" rerun (5.0 million, 3.4/6)
FOX: "Bones" rerun (2.5 million, 1.7/3)
The CW: "Supernatural" rerun (0.8 million, 0.5/1)
18-49 leader: "Shark Tank" (1.9)
10 p.m.
ABC: "20/20" (5.6 million, 3.7/7)
NBC: "Rock Center with Brian Williams" (5.1 million, 3.4/6)
CBS: "48 Hours" (4.4 million, 2.9/5)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (1.5)
Ratings information includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change. Source: The Nielsen Company.
More ratings at Zap2it: Daily, weekly and cable
'Doctor Who' Season 7 finale: Watch Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman introduce 'Name of the Doctor' and the prequel episode
What better way to prepare for the "Doctor Who" season finale, "The Name of the Doctor," than watching the introduction from stars Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman themselves?
They preview an epic end to the season that builds up to the "moment of moments." (Having already enjoyed a sneak peek of everything but the final scene, we can tell you they're not exaggerating the epic-ness of a truly smashing installment.)
Check out their introduction above, the episode's brief prequel below and a collection of preview photos from the grand finale. "Doctor Who" airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on BBC America.
'The Greatest Event in Television History': Adam Scott and Amy Poehler to recreate 'Hart to Hart'
In October, Adam Scott and Jon Hamm brought the world something called "The Greatest Event in Television History." That amazing bit of TV turned out to be a shot-for-shot remake of the "Simon & Simon" opening credits.
Click here to watch the original "Greatest Event."
Of course there has to be a follow-up. The next "Greatest Event in Television History" will air on June 6 -- and it will focus on the classic TV show, "Hart to Hart." And Amy Poehler will co-star with Scott this time.
This identification is not exactly official yet, but the one photo released to the world does indicate that the "Parks and Recreation" co-stars will be playing millionaire sleuths Jonathan and Jennifer Hart. We'll probably have to wait until the show actually airs to see if this is for the opening credits or some other homage to the cheesy (but entertaining) series.
Will this new "Greatest Event" be able to top the first one? It will be a difficult feat. In addition to Hamm and Scott, the "Simon & Simon" event featured such talent as Gus Van Sant, Paul Rudd, Jeff Probst, Megan Mullaly, Kathryn Hahn and Paul Scheer. Also, absolutely no one knew what the big event was until it happened. At that point, many would agree with the fake director of the new credits (played by Rudd): "Ultimately, this whole thing is just kind of stupid."
Stupid, yes. But it was also brilliant.
TVGuide.com quoted Scott in explanation for this newest "Event." "Literally every day since our first episode aired back in October, I have been inundated, nonstop, with people not asking for another one," Scott said. "I applaud everyone for their restraint, and as a thank-you we bring you Episode 2."
Unfortunately for sane and boring people, this probably isn't the last "Greatest Event in Television History" either -- Adam Scott has a deal with Adult Swim for two more events in the future.
Click here to watch the original "Greatest Event."
Of course there has to be a follow-up. The next "Greatest Event in Television History" will air on June 6 -- and it will focus on the classic TV show, "Hart to Hart." And Amy Poehler will co-star with Scott this time.
This identification is not exactly official yet, but the one photo released to the world does indicate that the "Parks and Recreation" co-stars will be playing millionaire sleuths Jonathan and Jennifer Hart. We'll probably have to wait until the show actually airs to see if this is for the opening credits or some other homage to the cheesy (but entertaining) series.
Will this new "Greatest Event" be able to top the first one? It will be a difficult feat. In addition to Hamm and Scott, the "Simon & Simon" event featured such talent as Gus Van Sant, Paul Rudd, Jeff Probst, Megan Mullaly, Kathryn Hahn and Paul Scheer. Also, absolutely no one knew what the big event was until it happened. At that point, many would agree with the fake director of the new credits (played by Rudd): "Ultimately, this whole thing is just kind of stupid."
Stupid, yes. But it was also brilliant.
TVGuide.com quoted Scott in explanation for this newest "Event." "Literally every day since our first episode aired back in October, I have been inundated, nonstop, with people not asking for another one," Scott said. "I applaud everyone for their restraint, and as a thank-you we bring you Episode 2."
Unfortunately for sane and boring people, this probably isn't the last "Greatest Event in Television History" either -- Adam Scott has a deal with Adult Swim for two more events in the future.
Kelly Rowland planned as 'The X Factor' judge for Season 3
If the producers of "The X Factor" get their way, a former member of Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, will be on the show's judging panel for Season 3.
According to EW.com, Rowland is in the process of closing a deal with the singing competition to host for the upcoming season. If everything goes according to plan, Rowland will join confirmed judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato in finding music stars. A fourth judge has not yet been determined.
The vacancies at the judges' table come as the result of two of last season's judges, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid. No fourth judge has been determined yet, but rumors indicate that Latin singer and actress Paulina Rubio may be a front-runner for the job.
Kelly Rowland came to prominence as an original member of Destiny's Child, the girl group that launched the superstar career of Beyonce Knowles. While Rowland has not had quite as much fame as her old band-mate, she has done pretty well. In addition to a Grammy, Rowland performed at the Super Bowl last year (as part of a Destiny's Child reunion) and has judged the UK version of "The X Factor" in that show's Season 8.
Will Rowland make a good judge? That remains to be seen, but this is definitely a step in a good direction for the show.
According to EW.com, Rowland is in the process of closing a deal with the singing competition to host for the upcoming season. If everything goes according to plan, Rowland will join confirmed judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato in finding music stars. A fourth judge has not yet been determined.
The vacancies at the judges' table come as the result of two of last season's judges, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid. No fourth judge has been determined yet, but rumors indicate that Latin singer and actress Paulina Rubio may be a front-runner for the job.
Kelly Rowland came to prominence as an original member of Destiny's Child, the girl group that launched the superstar career of Beyonce Knowles. While Rowland has not had quite as much fame as her old band-mate, she has done pretty well. In addition to a Grammy, Rowland performed at the Super Bowl last year (as part of a Destiny's Child reunion) and has judged the UK version of "The X Factor" in that show's Season 8.
Will Rowland make a good judge? That remains to be seen, but this is definitely a step in a good direction for the show.
'Nashville' season finale photos: Brad Paisley and a funeral in 'I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive'
The first season of "Nashville" comes to a close on Wednesday (May 22) with "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive." With Brad Paisley appearing as a guest star, Jolene's funeral and the CMA awards, it's going to be a busy episode.
Despite the big excitement of country music's biggest night -- the Country Music Awards -- not everything is happy on "Nashville." Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) finds a letter from her mother that sheds some light on the previous episode's murder-suicide. Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten) start out having a great time at the awards, but they may not get a happy ending anyway. Meanwhile, Gunnar (Jonathan Jackson) tries to win back Scarlett (Clare Bowen), and the U.S. Attorney's office comes after Teddy (Eric Close).
Need to see any of this for yourself? Here are photos from the "Nashville" finale.
Rayna meets Brad Paisley and his big hat at the awards show.
Is Brad proposing something?
Deacon doesn't seem too pleased about what's going on.
Does Deacon have a problem with Brad Paisley? Or his hat?
Rayna and Brad rock out on stage.
They're getting along just fine.
Deacon may be getting jealous. He's the one who plays back-to-back with Rayna!
Trouble in paradise?
At least Rayna thinks it was a good performance.
Juliette approaches her mother's casket.
This must be both sad and awkward.
It looks like Rayna showed up for the funeral.
This is not a very well-attended funeral.
It's kind of odd that Gunnar shows up at the funeral, isn't it?
He doesn't seem to be making her feel any better.
Can Rayna comfort Juliette?
The frenemies seem to be connecting a little at least.
The "Nashville" Season 1 finale airs Wednesday, May 22 at 10pm on ABC.
Despite the big excitement of country music's biggest night -- the Country Music Awards -- not everything is happy on "Nashville." Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) finds a letter from her mother that sheds some light on the previous episode's murder-suicide. Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten) start out having a great time at the awards, but they may not get a happy ending anyway. Meanwhile, Gunnar (Jonathan Jackson) tries to win back Scarlett (Clare Bowen), and the U.S. Attorney's office comes after Teddy (Eric Close).
Need to see any of this for yourself? Here are photos from the "Nashville" finale.
Rayna meets Brad Paisley and his big hat at the awards show.
Is Brad proposing something?
Deacon doesn't seem too pleased about what's going on.
Does Deacon have a problem with Brad Paisley? Or his hat?
Rayna and Brad rock out on stage.
They're getting along just fine.
Deacon may be getting jealous. He's the one who plays back-to-back with Rayna!
Trouble in paradise?
At least Rayna thinks it was a good performance.
Juliette approaches her mother's casket.
This must be both sad and awkward.
It looks like Rayna showed up for the funeral.
This is not a very well-attended funeral.
It's kind of odd that Gunnar shows up at the funeral, isn't it?
He doesn't seem to be making her feel any better.
Can Rayna comfort Juliette?
The frenemies seem to be connecting a little at least.
The "Nashville" Season 1 finale airs Wednesday, May 22 at 10pm on ABC.
'Mike and Molly' creator Mark Roberts leaving show before Season 4
"Mike & Molly" has been renewed for a Season 4, but the CBS comedy will return without its creator, Mark Roberts. Roberts, who worked as the sitcom's showrunner and executive producer for the first three seasons.
According to a report from Deadline, Roberts is leaving to focus on other projects. The original article quoted a Warner Bros. TV statement that said, "Al Higgins, currently co-executive producer of 'Mike & Molly,' has been named executive producer and will serve as day-to-day showrunner of the comedy for its upcoming fourth season."
There is no further word from the studio about why Roberts decided to leave now, but there has been speculation that the cast and crew of the show were not happy with the creator in charge.
Higgins has worked on the show since its premiere and will now serve as executive producer with Chuck Lorre. It is unlikely, however, that Lorre will have much to do with production. Already only somewhat involved in Season 3, Lorre will have four separate sitcoms on the air next year. "Mike & Molly" is probably not his priority.
Although lead actress Melissa McCarthy did win an Emmy award for her role, "Mike & Molly" hasn't been the most prominent CBS comedy this past year. For Season 4, the show will not return until midseason.
According to a report from Deadline, Roberts is leaving to focus on other projects. The original article quoted a Warner Bros. TV statement that said, "Al Higgins, currently co-executive producer of 'Mike & Molly,' has been named executive producer and will serve as day-to-day showrunner of the comedy for its upcoming fourth season."
There is no further word from the studio about why Roberts decided to leave now, but there has been speculation that the cast and crew of the show were not happy with the creator in charge.
Higgins has worked on the show since its premiere and will now serve as executive producer with Chuck Lorre. It is unlikely, however, that Lorre will have much to do with production. Already only somewhat involved in Season 3, Lorre will have four separate sitcoms on the air next year. "Mike & Molly" is probably not his priority.
Although lead actress Melissa McCarthy did win an Emmy award for her role, "Mike & Molly" hasn't been the most prominent CBS comedy this past year. For Season 4, the show will not return until midseason.
Nicki Minaj: 'Candice deserved to win' 'American Idol' Season 12
Candice Glover has been crowned the champion of "American Idol" Season 12, and millions of people have opinions on that. One opinion in particular -- that of "Idol" judge Nicki Minaj -- is definitely in favor of Candice's win. Minaj spoke to reporters right after the finale show, explaining why she didn't perform on the show and why Candice was her pick.
Why didn't you perform tonight?
Nicki Minaj: Well, I had already committed to the Billboard Awards to perform my single, and so I wasn't allowed to perform on "Idol" and perform on Billboard. And also I was supposed to premiere my "High School" video on "Idol," but they said it was too risque.
Do you think Candice was the right singer to win?
Nicki Minaj: Absolutely. Absolutely. I predicted that she would win, so someone owes me money. But I think that Candice is like the real -- I hate using "Cinderella story," but it kind of feels like that since we saw the video of her last week going home and we saw her family and her community. And it just felt like, "Oh my God."
And then her voice has always surpassed everyone, every night. And I'm so happy that America got it right and did this based on true talent.
To be completely honest, I think all five of our girls in the Top 5, I think that they all are going to have big careers if they want it. But Candice deserved to win.
Are you working on anything new?
Nicki Minaj: Yes, I'm working on new music for my Barbs. I have tons of features about to come out, and then in July I'm working on my official third album.
Will you be returning to "Idol" as a judge next year?
[At this point, Minaj's people declared that question time was over -- sorry!]
Why didn't you perform tonight?
Nicki Minaj: Well, I had already committed to the Billboard Awards to perform my single, and so I wasn't allowed to perform on "Idol" and perform on Billboard. And also I was supposed to premiere my "High School" video on "Idol," but they said it was too risque.
Do you think Candice was the right singer to win?
Nicki Minaj: Absolutely. Absolutely. I predicted that she would win, so someone owes me money. But I think that Candice is like the real -- I hate using "Cinderella story," but it kind of feels like that since we saw the video of her last week going home and we saw her family and her community. And it just felt like, "Oh my God."
And then her voice has always surpassed everyone, every night. And I'm so happy that America got it right and did this based on true talent.
To be completely honest, I think all five of our girls in the Top 5, I think that they all are going to have big careers if they want it. But Candice deserved to win.
Are you working on anything new?
Nicki Minaj: Yes, I'm working on new music for my Barbs. I have tons of features about to come out, and then in July I'm working on my official third album.
Will you be returning to "Idol" as a judge next year?
[At this point, Minaj's people declared that question time was over -- sorry!]
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 9: Cristin Milioti made series regular
When "How I Met Your Mother" returns this fall for its ninth and final season, there will be a new face in the opening credits.
TVLine reports that Cristin Milioti, who was revealed to be the titular mother in Monday's (May 13) season finale, will be a part of the show as a series regular. This is the first time in the show's near-decade run that the core cast has been expanded beyond Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders and Jason Segel.
CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler revealed to TVLine that the entirety of Season 9 will span Robin and Barney's weekend and only the weeding weekend, with the show focusing on "how each character, before Ted, meets the mother. So they each meet her independently before he does."
Are you looking forward to getting to know the mother when "HIMYM" returns this fall?
TVLine reports that Cristin Milioti, who was revealed to be the titular mother in Monday's (May 13) season finale, will be a part of the show as a series regular. This is the first time in the show's near-decade run that the core cast has been expanded beyond Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders and Jason Segel.
CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler revealed to TVLine that the entirety of Season 9 will span Robin and Barney's weekend and only the weeding weekend, with the show focusing on "how each character, before Ted, meets the mother. So they each meet her independently before he does."
Are you looking forward to getting to know the mother when "HIMYM" returns this fall?
'Scandal' Season 3: Guillermo Diaz and Katie Lowes talk hopes for Huck and Quinn
Sure, the Season 2 finale of "Scandal" was all about that final reveal with Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope and her peculiar parentage, but there were some key moments for a pair of characters who have grown into an interesting combination throughout the season, as well: Guillermo Diaz's Huck and Katie Lowes' Quinn.
Throughout Season 2, Huck took Quinn under his wing, teaching her his ways and, as last night's shocking moment with that drill, inadvertently may have created a monster. Zap2It caught up with both Diaz and Lowes on the red carpet at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on Thursday (May 16) for a cast reading of the finale, where Lowes gushed about working with Diaz.
"Whatever it is, we just really like working together and we have good chemistry and I couldn't love Guillermo Diaz more," she says. "He's my work husband, that's what I call him."
Lowes adds that Huckleberry Quinn fans tend to have one question when they see her. "That's the number one thing I get out on the street," she says. "'Are [Quinn] and Huck gonna get together sexually? Are they having a relationship?'"
Diaz, whose character was put through quite the ringer this season, has high hopes for Huck's continued progress, come Season 3. "I would like to see him trying to get better," he explains. "Like, in the beginning [of Season 2,] you kind of saw him going to meetings -- AA meeting for alcohol, [because] there's no meetings for torture -- but I'd love to see him really continue to try and be a better man and stop killing people and see where that goes. Maybe find another love interest. That would be kind of cool."
One of Diaz's favorite moments for Huck this season was episode 19, entitled "Seven-Fifty-Two," during which the audience learned of the character's past, including the reveal of a family he'd been forced to abandon.
"When I first read it, I remember we didn't get the script 'til the day we sat down ti read it, and I remember crying so much and I kept thinking, 'Oh my god, I have to stop crying.' Everybody was crying," Diaz reveals. "I couldn't believe that Shonda [Rhimes, series creator] fit all that backstory in one script. Shooting that episode, I was doing happy Huck, I was doing crazy torturing Huck, sad homeless Huck -- my emotions were up and down. It was a really intense, really difficult episode to shoot, but so worth it."
Knowing that the character has a family out there, somewhere, Diaz says he's hopeful that the show will find time to touch on it in the future. "I mean, I don't see why Shonda wouldn't bring back Jasika Nicole ("Fringe"), who played by wife ... It would be such an interesting episode. I think she will, I hope she does."
This being "Scandal," we're almost certain Huck's wife will return -- in the most shocking fashion possible, of course.
"Scandal" returns to ABC this fall for Season 3 on Thursdays at 10 p.m.
Throughout Season 2, Huck took Quinn under his wing, teaching her his ways and, as last night's shocking moment with that drill, inadvertently may have created a monster. Zap2It caught up with both Diaz and Lowes on the red carpet at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on Thursday (May 16) for a cast reading of the finale, where Lowes gushed about working with Diaz.
"Whatever it is, we just really like working together and we have good chemistry and I couldn't love Guillermo Diaz more," she says. "He's my work husband, that's what I call him."
Lowes adds that Huckleberry Quinn fans tend to have one question when they see her. "That's the number one thing I get out on the street," she says. "'Are [Quinn] and Huck gonna get together sexually? Are they having a relationship?'"
Diaz, whose character was put through quite the ringer this season, has high hopes for Huck's continued progress, come Season 3. "I would like to see him trying to get better," he explains. "Like, in the beginning [of Season 2,] you kind of saw him going to meetings -- AA meeting for alcohol, [because] there's no meetings for torture -- but I'd love to see him really continue to try and be a better man and stop killing people and see where that goes. Maybe find another love interest. That would be kind of cool."
One of Diaz's favorite moments for Huck this season was episode 19, entitled "Seven-Fifty-Two," during which the audience learned of the character's past, including the reveal of a family he'd been forced to abandon.
"When I first read it, I remember we didn't get the script 'til the day we sat down ti read it, and I remember crying so much and I kept thinking, 'Oh my god, I have to stop crying.' Everybody was crying," Diaz reveals. "I couldn't believe that Shonda [Rhimes, series creator] fit all that backstory in one script. Shooting that episode, I was doing happy Huck, I was doing crazy torturing Huck, sad homeless Huck -- my emotions were up and down. It was a really intense, really difficult episode to shoot, but so worth it."
Knowing that the character has a family out there, somewhere, Diaz says he's hopeful that the show will find time to touch on it in the future. "I mean, I don't see why Shonda wouldn't bring back Jasika Nicole ("Fringe"), who played by wife ... It would be such an interesting episode. I think she will, I hope she does."
This being "Scandal," we're almost certain Huck's wife will return -- in the most shocking fashion possible, of course.
"Scandal" returns to ABC this fall for Season 3 on Thursdays at 10 p.m.
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- Should Baxter restrict electronic business signs?
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