The VICIOUS TV News Wrap 04.11.06

Posted by Steve Vicious on 04.11.2006

The Simpsons movie trailer, Katie Couric to CBS, Eva Longoria is HUGE, Barry Bonds' reality show, Flavor of Love's second season, Scrubs in trouble of being canceled and the NFL returns to NBC with a big game. Plus, Marcia Cross has some nice jugs on her and is Spider-Man the Animated Series finally coming to DVD in season sets? Find out...



- Written in front of a not-so-live audience in Central, CA

Segment 1: Introduction:
Welcome to the 29th edition of 411mania's flagship TV news report, the Vicious TV News Wrap. There was plenty of television related news to cover this week. Of course, you will notice that this version of the VTNW has different colors to add variety to the news report. Unfortunately, the different colors f**ked up the original news wrap because it made the font HUGE, so I had to rewrite all the HTML until it came out perfectly. Note to aspiring 411writers: Never try anything fancy hours before you go on live. Obviously, the Movie zone would crumble without my contributions, so it's always nice to have several DVD reviews in the works. Anyway, the television news world was pumping this week, with lots of stuff to cover. Without further delay, let's get to our top television story of the week...

The Top TV Story of the Week:
- Katie Couric signs with CBS
CBS has finally lured away Today co-host Katie Couric away from NBC. I'm sure the news surprised no one, but I was shock that she was allowed to mention it on air. That was probably due to Couric departing to CBS to anchor their nightly news program and not their morning show. Couric's deal with NBC expires in May 2006, so she must be excited to have the chance to repair CBS' news reputation after their botched investigation on President Bush a few years ago. I know a lot of guys love to jerk their meat to Katie, but she doesn't do it for me anymore. However, her legs are still as good as they ever were, so that's a big plus. I know that the guy who took over the evening news program from Dan Rather had higher ratings than his predecessor, so it won't be so easy over at CBS for Katie. I'd still [censored] her, though. I wish the lovely Katie Couric all the luck in the world at CBS.

The Random TV News/Thoughts/Gossip/Etc.
- Meredith Vieira to NBC
Since NBC's the Today Show will be losing one of their co-hosts to a rival network, NBC needed a new face for the morning. While I would have selected the very hot Ann Curry to replace Katie Couric, NBC has decided to bring in ABC's The View co-host Meredith Vieira over to the network morning show. Vieira's current deal with ABC also expires at the end of May, but I have heard rumors that she will not debut on the Today Show until September. Another rumor I hear is that Vieira will be payed $10 million per year to be co-host of Today. Meredith Vieira is also quite the MILF, and I still remember that one time she accidentally let her one of her boobs slip out on The View. Unfortunately, I cannot find an image or video of the incident, but maybe you can give me the heads up?



- The Simpsons Movie trailer
In what I would personally consider shocking news this week in television, The Simpsons are indeed going to the big screen in 2007. The 23 second trailer for the film premiered right before Ice Age 2: The Meltdown in theaters and has been posted online on any video sharing network you prefer to visit. While the show's debut on the big screen has been rumored for some time, I never thought they would actually go through with it considering how bad the series has become the past several years. However, one could assume that the writers over at the show have kept all of their decent ideas for something like this to themselves. But I just cannot see the film being as good as any of the classic episodes. As for the trailer, it's basically Homer sitting on the couch with a Superman t-shirt on. Yeah, that doesn't seem very appealing right now, but it might next year. The Simpsons will hit the big screens on July 27th, 2007. Will the show find success on the big screen? Talk about it at the 411 forums or email me with your thoughts and predictions. Personally, I think the film will bomb and FOX would be better off releasing the film on direct-to-DVD ala Family Guy presents: Stewie Griffin- The Untold Story. >>>Watch the Simpsons Movie Trailer.

- Scrubs to bow out of NBC in May? Heading over to ABC?
It seems that NBC's low rated gem Scrubs will have its contract with the network expire in May 2006 and there is talk of NBC canceling the show after five seasons. The show's ratings haven't been very impressive since its return to the NBC lineup in January 2006. However, if NBC does decide to cancel Scrubs after its contract has expired, the show's creator Bill Lawrence has already stated that the show would find its way to ABC soon after. Man, ABC is starving for a quality sitcom, aren't they? A few months ago they wanted Arrested Development and now they want Scrubs. Here's a thought ABC -- CREATE A DECENT SITCOM YOURSELVES!!!

- Commander in Chief in trouble
Another show that is on the edge of also being cancelled is ABC's Commander in Chief. Now, the show is doing MUCH better than most of us have expected, but the trouble behind the scenes in producing the episodes has left its future in doubt. The show had to take a VERY long hiatus because of production problems, so the show has probably lost a lot of steam since then. However, I fully expect ABC to keep the show around since the ratings are good. In the end, the ratings are the most important thing in the world to television networks.


- The Flavor of Love to return for another season
Yes, it is true. I am a fan of VH1's Flavor of Love and I'm glad to see the show return for a second season later in the summer. As mentioned last week, Flav & Hoopz split after the show due to Hoopz liking Flav only as a friend. That is seriously f**ked up because Hoopz gave the impression throughout the competition that she was in love with Flav, but I guess it was all to receive exposure for whatever career that bitch wants. As Guns N' Roses would say, "Nothing last forever..." Anyway, the good news about the split is that Flav & VH1 are on search for new contestants to be on the second season of The Flavor of Love. For more information on how YOU could be on the show, please visit the official website. Thankfully no female has ever read the Vicious TV News Wrap, so I doubt anyone will be clicking to sign up. Next up for VH1 will be a show called The Vicious of Love in which porn stars Kobe Tai, Eve Lawrence, Kianna Dior, Kira Kener, Taylor Rain, Ava Devine, Emma Starr, Lexi Simone, Lisa Lipps, Porsha Blaze, Jackie Moore, Summer Sin, Harley Raines, Venus and Brandy Taylor all compete for the love of Steve Vicious. However, they are all no match for the beauty that is Amanda Wenk (pictured below). Stay tuned for that! >>>Visit the Flavor of Love website for more details.



- Pepper Dennis
The WB aired a brand new series entitled Pepper Dennis last Tuesday night. The show stars Rebecca Romijn and has perhaps the dumbest name for a show I have come across in a very long time. The previews have made it look like the Heather Graham show from a few months ago (that lasted one episode, though). Rebecca Romijn is hot, but the show does not look very appealing.

- Related cancelled
It's almost time for television networks to start cleaning house, but the news has come early for one WB show. Related was a show that tried to mix Sex & the City with Friends, but it failed to generate any major buzz for itself. But, to its credit, the WB gave the show a big push and moved it around to see if they could find a solid audience for it. Unfortunately, that did not work and it seems that the show has received the ax. Plus, the show's star, Jennifer Esposito, has landed a part in a new series for the fall. Stick a fork in this show because it's done.

- Damn, Eva Longoria is one huge cover girl
In case you haven't heard, Maxim Magazine decided to create a HUGE image of Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria in some desert in celebration of their 100th issue hitting newsstands. I hear the image is about 75FT by 100FT big. She's hot, but she fools around with too many guys and I hate that. Anyway, you can head over to Google Earth to check out the image for yourself, or you can enjoy the ones I have for you below.




- The King of Reality TV teams up with The King of Film Directors
Reality TV king Mark Burnett (creator of Survivor and The Apprentice) has decided to partner up with legendary film director Steven Spielberg for a new reality show on FOX currently entitled On the Lot. The show will revolve around aspiring film directors trying to win a contract to make it big. Of course, the show will allow the viewers watching at home to vote for who advances from week to week. I will definitely be looking out for this show, but I think it sounds too much like Project Green Light. No word on when the show will debut, but I would expect it for early 2007.

- Love Monkey saved!!!
In what I could only describe as a miracle, fans of the show now cancelled show Love Monkey have managed to bring the show back on air, this time for VH1. The first three episodes of the show will air tonight at 7PM (EST). After that, VH1 will air the last five episodes that were filmed before production on the show was halted a few months ago. While it's nice of VH1 to do something for fans of the show, there is nothing coming out of it for anyone. I mean, the show will never come back to production now because Tom Cavanagh (star of Love Monkey) has already moved on to a new show for the fall on CBS. Well, if VH1 manages to pull in a 1.5 rating for the show, then it will be considered a success.

- Rescue Me is back coming soon!!!
Mark your calendars for May 30th because that is when the third season of FX's awesome Rescue Me comes back to action. I cannot wait to see what Tommy Gavin has been up to since last season's awesome finale.

- The NFL's return to NBC
I'm sure 411sports has covered much of the upcoming NFL season; I would just like to mention that the first NFL game on NBC in nearly a decade will air on September 7th. The game will see the defending Super Bowl champions the Pittsburgh Steelers at home against the much improved Miami Dolphins.

- Nick@Nite is Mad About You
Nick will be airing a marathon for their newest classic show Mad About You all week long. I have recently seen the show air on Oxygen, which also airs Roseanne (another Nick@Nite show).

- TNA's move to Thursdays
This week marks TNA's long awaited move from Saturday nights to Thursday nights on Spike TV. You can expect the X-Title to be defended by "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels against the still unbeaten (in single's competition) Samoa Joe. Also, Sting called out Jeff Jarrett for a match between the two on iMPACT this Thursday night. Will it happen? Tune in for you to see the answer.

- Bonds on Bonds
San Francisco Giant's slugger Barry Bonds has a reality show on ESPN2 where the crew will follow him through the upcoming season to see if he can surpass Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron for the all-time leader in home runs. I checked out the series a few nights ago and I was impressed by how honest Barry Bonds is on the show. He even talked about the ongoing steroid allegations, which was shocking. ESPN has been into reality shows about athletes, like Shaq. Anyway, fans of baseball should definitely check out Bonds on Bonds.

- New Music Video by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers premiered their brand new music video for their upcoming double-CD "Stadium Arcadium" entitled "Dani California." You might recognize the name from "By The Way" and she is rumored to be "the teenage bride with the baby inside getting high on information" from "Californication." I love the Chili Peppers and they are coming to my part of the world to jam later in the summer. I will definitely buy tickets to check them out. Anyway, the video for "Dani California" was very cool, with lots of dressing up done by the RHCP. I really liked the Van Halen look and even the Misfits look was cool. The video was directed by the director of the very awesome American History X. >>>Watch "Dani California"


- South Park wins a Peabody award
Well, hell has frozen over as South Park has won a Peabody award for their excellent work over the past couple of years. "Other big winners were the Fox drama House, Sci-Fi Channels Battlestar Galactica, ABC's Boston Public. HBO also picked up three awards, one for the documentary Children of Beslan, about 2004 hostage crisis in Russia, and the others for movies Yesterday and Classical Baby." Credit: LAtimes.com

- Ivana Young Man
Ivana Trump (Donald's ex-wife) has a new reality show where we will see if she can find a young man to do god knows what with. The show will air on Oxygen soon.

TV-on-DVD News:
- Justice League: Season Two will be released in Widescreen format in June 2006. However, the set will not be brought to you in Widescreen anamorphic, which is very disappointing to hear. Anyway, I'll still run out and purchase the set, along with Superman: Vol. 3, in June. I have just cracked open the DVD box set for season one and I hope to have a review done very soon.

- Spider-Man The Animated Series rumored to be coming to DVD in season sets later in the year. Well, that's what I hear from this Playstation website. The site has some very good information that sounds like the project is a go, which I hope is 100% true since The Tick is already coming out later this year (Disney owns both shows now). Read the quote below:

"Exclusively available on DVD in this feature-packed 2-disc set, SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES depicts the complete first season including all 13 episodes. Including an informative SPIDER-MAN factoid track, audio commentary for all episodes, a 'Previsualisation' feature showing the original pitch, rough animation and abandoned 'Spidey-Sense' test, as well as additional behind-the-scenes featurettes and multi-angle functions breaking down scenes by layers, SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is a true collectors' DVD for animation fans."

The Vicious TV Mini-Wrap:
- Gilmore Girls: "I'm OK, You're OK"
Lorelai continues to struggle with Luke's relationship with his daughter, April. This is made even more apparent when Luke announces that he is going on a trip with April. Rory makes her return to Stars Hollow and even she complains about Luke having a daughter. F**k, don't these people sense the irony in all of their dislike for Luke's daughter when Lorelai is in the same situation (she has a daughter, too!). I know Luke kept the news about having a daughter a secret, but you can't blame the guy for that because you know Lorelai would have still overreacted to the situation. Anyway, Rory & Lorelai spend time together, but Rory runs off to buy something for her mother at the shop which is owned and operated by April's mother. Lorelai is pissed at Rory for going, but things cool off later. Later on, Lorelai sees a new bag at Luke's diner and Rory stirs things up by telling her that she saw the same bag at April's mother's store. Lorelai seems to be upset over the fact that Luke & his ex are still seeing each other. In other plots this week, Rory moves back to Logan's place after he carefully explained his past relationships (they were on a break!). Terrible. Meanwhile, Lane's mother works with the band on making them have a hit song. Dull episode, with the same pattern that has been going on all season and I'm of anticipation of nothing. Next week, Jess returns. ***

- Scrubs
Due to my local NBC affiliate deciding that a town meeting about immigration was more important than Scrubs, so they decided air this early Wednesday morning at 4AM. Unfortunately, I forgot to put in a DVD-R disc into my recorder to tape the show, so no mini-wrap this week. I still say that Scrubs should be placed back at 8:30PM on Thursdays, which is where the ratings can climb back to where they once were.

- Law & Order: SVU- "Fault"
A serial pedophile murders members of a family and kidnaps the two younger children. During this episode, the murderer is named Victor (Lou Diamond Phillips) and he manages to slit Olivia's throat, while trying to avoid the SVU team. Of course, the cut on Olivia's throat is nothing more than a nip. Anyway, while Elliot was checking on Olivia, Victor slits the throat of one of the children he was running away with. Elliot blames Olivia for always needing him to look after her. Things eventually calm down between the two partners. Everything leads up to a big showdown in which Elliot has a gun pointed to his head by Victor, and Olivia has to make the choice of whether or not to shoot Victor. Unfortunately for me, my local NBC affiliate decides to have a flood warning and the audio is off for the whole thing. God, I hate this local network. Back to the action, and Olivia tries to convince Victor to drop the gun and he explains that he killed the girl, although my local NBC affiliate gives me another warning while he was explaining of what he did to her. I like the fact that NBC is now allowing the word "dick" to be used ("I don't know dick."). Of course, you can not say "I have a dick" because THAT'S wrong. Elliot calmly tells Olivia that it's okay to shoot, although a police officer does it for her. Olivia & Elliot find the little girl in a crate, crying. Olivia & Elliot have a heart-to-heart moment at the end, and Olivia is shocked to hear Elliot say that she and his job are the only things he has in this world, so he doesnt want to lose it. OMFG! Olivia walks in to the Captain's office and asks him for a new partner. Way to go, Elliot. You have scared her off by revealing your true feelings. The ending was very interesting, and I'm left wondering how things are going to go down in the coming weeks. However, I felt that the little boy being found dead with a slit throat was a bit too much, even for me. But the rest of the episode was great. ****1/2

- The Bedford Diaries: "The Truth About Sex"
Lee's girlfriend's news will change his life forever; Owen sleeps with his sister's roommate. The fact that these idiots allow themselves to reveal such things as sleeping with someone's husband, or thinking about getting nailed on the roof, ON VIDEO TAPE IN FRONT OF THEIR CLASS makes me wonder how awful some WB shows are. **

- My Name Is Earl: "The Bounty Hunter"
Earl's ex-girlfriend returns to town, hell-bent on seeking revenge against Joy for causing Earl to leaver her. Of course, Joy runs to Earl for help, which allows Earl to try his best to make up the pain he caused his ex. In the end, Earl's ex chases down Joy & Earl, which leads to a major fight between Joy and the ex. Joy ends up kicking the ex's ass, which she attributes to watching a lot of Springer (obviously making reference to Jaime Pressley's part in the Jerry Springer "movie" several years ago). The episode was okay, but I felt the biggest flaw it had is that it focused too much on Joy. However, I did enjoy the flashback to how Earl & Joy got married (she had her friends get him drunk and then she married him while she was pregnant with someone else's child). ***1/2

- The O.C.: "The Day After Tomorrow"
The kids receive their college acceptance and rejection letters, forcing them to make some life-altering decisions. This leads Seth to call it quits with Summer, Sady calls it quits with Ryan, Marissa is acting like a bitch (think of the lesbian plot from last year), and Matt is in trouble with some very bad people. All in all, another lame episode that continues to send the show nowhere. **

- Family Guy: "Deep Throats"
When Meg lands an internship with Mayor West, Brian argues that he is corrupt after receiving a $400 dollar ticket on his taxi cab. Brian decides to get information from an informant, who is revealed to be Kermit the Frog. That was great. Later on, Brian & Stewie discover that Mayor West is screwing around with Meg. Brian talks to Meg about the situation and tells her that he thinks West fools around with all of his interns. However, Mayor West decides to break things off with Meg because he doesn't want to take her down. Meanwhile, Peter & Lois try to restart their old band for a talent show, but they are sidetracked by smoking weed. Of course, they suck on stage because they were so stoned, although they thought they gave a great performance. Damn, I think that South Park episode has ruined my love for Family Guy. There were too many gags and not enough focus to make the actual plot funny. Adam West is always great, though. ***

- South Park: "Cartoon Wars, part I"
All of South Park is in panic (think December 31, 1999) over an episode of Family Guy that is bound to offend certain people. Of course, the boys are the only ones who are not worried about the situation. The rest of the episode basically puts the new version of Family Guy in its place by pointing out in hilarious fashion how repetitive the flashback sequences are in that show. Of course, one could argue how repetitive South Park has become over the last couple of years (well, Kenny's not dying every episode now), so the sh*t goes both ways. The episode ends in a dreaded cliffhanger as Cartman tries to put an end to Family Guy, which does not sit well with Kyle. Let's see where things end next week. ***

TV Nielsen Ratings for March 27-April 2, 2006
1. American Idol- TUES (FOX) 18.0
2. American Idol- WED (FOX) 15.9
2. CSI (CBS) 15.9
4. Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 14.1
5. Desperate Housewives (ABC) 13.6
6. House (FOX) 12.8
7. Without A Trace (CBS) 12.2
8. CSI: Miami (CBS) 11.0
9. The Unit (CBS) 10.0
10. Deal or No Deal- WED (NBC) 9.9

New TV-on-DVD Released Today: April 11, 2006
- In Living Color: Season 5 (Pick of the Week, by default)
- The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete 3rd Season

From the Vault: Classic TV-on-DVD
- Chappelle's Show: Season 2 (Uncensored)
I have decided to bring back this feature because there are a lot of television shows that should receive some new viewers and there are some weeks where I do not want to pick anything due to low quality. My pick this week is the most popular DVD TV set of all-time, which is none other than Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show. While Season One was very good, Season Two just blows everything out of the water. Of course, most people will point to Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Story tale about Rick James, and how he got whooped in a game of basketball by Prince & the Revolution. Also in Season Two, Dave Chappelle manages to get Oprah pregnant, he quits his show and is replaced with Wayne Brady, turns into President Black Bush, is asked to serve as a juror for the O.J. Simpson & R. Kelly trials, plus much more! Season Two of Chappelle's Show is perhaps the funniest television show you will EVER see in your LIFE! BUY IT!



The Vicious TV Babe of the Week:
This week's TV babe is another MILF (sadly, she's not a mom in real-life) and she is also a co-star on ABC's Desperate Housewives. Of course, I'm talking about the lovely Marcia Cross. Marcia has also appeared in FOX's Melrose Place and the WB's Everwood. She is also rumored to be one first class BITCH. For some strange reason I think t*ty f**k when I look at the images below. Enjoy.








See those suckers!

The Vicious Links: Proud Sponsors of the TV News Wrap
- The Warped News delivers another raving performance, although Cris has given the ax to the segment which had my name on it. Still, you should read Cris Murphy's Warped News report.

- I have a DVD review of Cowboy Bebop REMIX 4 almost done. Check back on Wednesday for that.

- The Following has been paid for by the Steve Vicious for 411mania President Fund: As president, I promise to invade other 411 zones for oil. Vote Vicious.

- 411mania.com is hiring again. I have recently noticed that there is a LOT of writers for the Wrestling Zone. Anyway, I think a few hardcore TV/Movie readers should definitely apply to write something up for 411mania. coughDVDREVIEWScough. On a personal note, I nearly laughed my ass off when I read the part about 411 Politics needing a Republican/Conservative columnist. That was too funny.

The Vicious TV News Wrap Credits:
Written & Directed by Steve Vicious
Art/Graphic Designs by SteveCorp
Executive Producers: Steve Vicious, Ashish Pabari & Scott Rutherford
Original Concept by Scott Rutherford & Steve Vicious
A SteveCorp.net & 411mania.com Presentation

On the Next Vicious TV News Wrap (#30): April 18th, 2006
- Since I'm a trooper, I have decided to watch the upcoming season three premiere of MTV's My Super Sweet 16. Now, I will admit the truth -- I have become addicted to the show. I know. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the message the show sends to younger females (and homos) about being stuck-up bitches, but it's fun to watch just to see how they act with everyone around them. Plus, I love looking at hot chicks. If you will excuse me for, I'm going to go listen to some Fall Out Boy. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

- YO MOMMA! Yes, it's a brand new show from the "fine" folks over at MTV and That 70's Show Wilmer Val-de something. I can't believe that guy is being paid ONE MILLION DOLLARS per episode on That 70's Show. Life is un-f**king-fair.