I think I’ve overloaded on the television stuff, but that’s just me.
CBS’ “The Handler”
starring Joe Pantaliano, he’s an FBI handler, that is, he preps the special agents who go undercover and retrieves them when their cases are done or get messed up. The series’ premiere was intruiging. Missed last night’s episode, but I can recommend it.
Of course, last night’s “Boomtown” was incredibly good. The show’s about the different views of the cops and LA’s deputy DA when dealing with a case. Actor Neal McDonough as the David McNorris, the deputy DA, was the focus of yesterday’s office; he struggled with prosecuting a cop-killer, his feelings about his father, and his alcoholicism (he just got back from rehab). The portrayal of his internal conflict (where he imagines himself yelling at his boss; versus his reality where he shakes his boss’ hand, thanking him for his support) was great. The actor should have been nominated for an Emmy for his stunning work of last season. (sidenote – McDonough played Lt. Hawke on “Star Trek: First Contact” the movie).
CBS’ “Joan of Arcadia” – quite good so far. The theme song, a slimmed down version of Joan Osbourne’s “One of Us” (the song asking what if God was one of us…) is, well, slimmed down. Amber Tamblyn, ex-Emily of “General Hospital,” plays Joan, a girl who sees God, who takes up the form of any person to tell Joan to set things in motion. Quite fun, really, watching things unfold. Strong cast, with Joe Montagna as Joan’s dad (everytime I hear his voice, I think of the character’s he played on “The Simpsons” (Fat Tony); I can’t help it!) – the police chief of Arcadia; Mary Steenburgen as Joan’s mom; and Jason Ritter as Joan’s wheelchair-using brother (who strongly resembles his dad, the late John Ritter). I definitely recommend this show.
Stay tuned…