Karen Woodward's Blog

Posted by Karen Woodward

I’m not angry at Fox for killing off Dr. Tancredi. I’m angry at Sarah Wayne Callies, who clearly didn’t care enough about the series to give closure to the fans of Michael & Sara.

From all the “research” I’ve done (Ok, I pore over websites, seeking answers. I can call that research. I have a masters in media studies) the blame seems to lie squarely with Callies. Most of us know that she was pregnant, and was thus written out of the first half of the season. We all assumed – as did Fox – that she would come back after that. But apparently there was one small hitch: She either had to be paid for all 22 episodes, or her contract was void. Apparently Fox didn’t want to do that, or maybe they asked if they could fly out to her. She wouldn’t give, so they basically told her to F- off. Either that, or she wanted to take some time for maternity leave and they wouldn’t let her. Again, depends on who you ask.

But I’m going with the former. I think Sarah Wayne Callies just didn’t care enough to come back, and she found a loophole and took it. It’s terribly disappointing. Michael and Sara were really the only reason I watched this show, and I feel let down that Callies didn’t care about the fans. Look at Marcia Cross – she let ABC tear up her house so they could film there. George Clooney filmed a super secret scene with Julianna Margulies so fans could get closure.

I feel disrespected. Callies really isn’t that fabulous an actor – she’s hardly in a position to be biting the hands that feeds her.

Posted by Karen Woodward

I love Two and a Half Men and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It’s a show that actually makes me laugh out loud. I know it can be sexist, misogynist, and filled with 14-year-old boy humor, but somehow that doesn’t bother me. I like watching Charlie and Alan squabble and act like morons, and I keep hoping that Emilio Estevez will stop by for a guest arc.

Speaking of, in celebration of the season 1 DVD release, Warner Home video is giving away a chance to guest arc in Malibu, California. It's not an arc on the show, but – arguably, even better – a chance to hang out in Malibu and “live like Charlie.” (And Alan? I mean, he lives there, too. Poor Alan. Shafted even in a Warner Bros promotion.)

Anyway, I think it’s sort of a cool idea. Visit TwoAndAHalfMen.com, and send a “Two and Half Men Hipster card "to a friend and you’re automatically entered into the sweepstakes. Some of these cards are damn funny. Birthday cards, Get Well Soon, and some really random ones. I chose one of Charlie saying “Thinking of you, me and Malibu” and sent it to my sister. (I wonder if Warner Bros would give me cash for the flight and rental car since I already live in LA?)

Sweepstakes winner receives:

• Two round trip airline ticket and airport transfers
• Lodging including 2 nights, 3 days
• Three day mid size rental car
• Two and Half Men merchandise, "exciting activities and more" (Now that sounds interesting)

All entries must be received by October 11, so times a wastin’. Go the site, and send ME a card. Primetimetv@suite101.com

Posted by Karen Woodward

Am I the only person who thought Carpoolers was funny? Come on, this show was a lot funnier than it had any right to be. Maybe it’s just Jerry O’Connell – it’s like he carries the whole show. The other guys are funny, but the scenes with Jerry really pop. I had no idea that he had such comedic timing!

The way he sits in the car, totally resigned to his fate as a carpooler; the serious intensity in his fight with the new Carpooler; his total commitment to getting the best spot in the parking lot, and then dropping that commitment on a dime when an equally good spot comes up. I rewound my DVR three times to watch his face change from fierce competition to “Oh there’s another spot,” and thus leaving his fellow Carpooler alone in the dust on the hood of a competing car. It’s classic.

I’m not saying this is a good show. I’m just saying that it’s highly watchable, and that’s all because of Jerry. I’m not even a huge Jerry fan in general, but he really brings it in this show. You gotta check it out just for him.

Posted by Karen Woodward

Dr. Sara Tancredi isn’t coming back? Nonononono.. Sara and Michael are my favorite part of Prison Break. They’re the only reason I watch! I’m a girl – I don’t care about prison riots. Seriously, how could the producers let this happen? I know that Sarah Wayne Callies went on maternity leave, and that she was going to be gone the first half of the season, but I always thought she was coming back. But no, Michael Ausiello at TVGuide says it was Sarah Wayne Callies' decision not to come back after she had her baby. What? Why? Sure it shoots in Texas which sort of sucks, but it’s a hit show and she probably doesn’t have to do much work.

But wait- I believe that there is a catch here. A very interesting one. My sources – and they’re good – tell me that Prison Break is a very unhappy set. That Robert Knepper (T-Bag) and Wentworth Miller (Michael Scofield) had a heated argument (about what I do not know) and almost came to blows. Apparently no one really gets along that set. Interesting.

But still – no Dr. Sara and Michael as a couple? I wanted someone to end up happy on this show. Now I don’t think I’ll watch. I wonder what’s going on on How I Met Your Mother. Has Ted met his kids' mom yet?...

Posted by Karen Woodward

Oh. My. God. Okay I am not a prude, but Tell Me You Love Me is shocking. Don’t believe the nonsense that HBO is feeding about this being art, this is softcore porn. Worse than that, it’s depressing and dull. Why would I want to watch a show like this? My life is depressing enough.

I was only vaguely interested in seeing the show, and I admit that what curiosity I had came from everything I’d read addressing the nudity issue. I wanted to see just how far these actors would go. Because these actors are real! These aren’t elevated porn stars. “They got good actors,” thought I. “It must be good material.”

And ok the material is compelling if you’re an actor. I guess. There is lot’s of sobbing and yelling and quiet depression. Ally Walker is amazing. But as a viewer, I really don’t want to watch this. The show’s message is that Being In a Relationship Sucks. You lose yourself, you lose your partner when you stop communicating, you get jealous, and essentially being in a relationship is a very lonely existence. Well that certainly sounds like something I want to check in with once week.

The nudity and sex isn’t even necessary, and it takes you right out of the show. Watching it, all I can think is, “is that really Adam Scott’s penis?” or “Doesn’t Ally Walker feel stupid doing that?”

Not exactly compelling television.