PROJECT RUNWAY Better Make it Work or Else Be Auf’d From My Schedule

Isn’t it over yet?

Last night was the last PROJECT RUNWAY challenge before Fashion Week and the designs that came down the runway were quite representative of this season - uninspired, safe and without a strong point of view.

Much was made about the behind-the-scenes drama leading up to this season of PROJECT RUNWAY. The show left Bravo and moved to Lifetime. Production moved from New York to L.A.. Lawsuits galore. But what was left behind in all of the chaos was the sense of excitement that accompanied past seasons. There was no flair - in the designs or with the designers. Reality shows, even competition based shows such as this, rely on the personality of the contestants to drive each episode. We don’t need catfights, but we do need some kind of spark to keep the show interesting. That spark can come from over the top designs like that of Chris March. Or over the top personalities like Christian Siriano. This season the only spark we got was from Irina’s catty comments ripping apart talent of the other contestants. And it didn’t matter if it was true or not, it was still boring and petty.

There were no risks this season, on either side of the camera. Mediocre designers stayed well past their time. The producers seemed to put in no effort in creating interesting challenges. As a result the more mundane aspects of the show, such as Heidi’s robot-like speeches, stood out that much more. Even Tim Gunn, a man worthy of worship, seemed bored.

Overall there was no sense of progression this season. The tasks didn’t challenge the designers to grow. There was no evolution of talent. Without that, there’s not much to the show if you ask me.

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THE OFFICE: Double Date

Last night’s episode of THE OFFICE was kind of like Michael’s relationship with Helene.  It started off with great promise, but came off the hinges fast. While there were some really funny moments, on the whole it wasn’t one of my favorite episodes.

It has to be said - Michael Scott would make for a truly fascinating psychological case study. Can you imagine the layers that could be peeled back when examining the psyche of someone as emotionally stunted as Michael Scott? He is abnormally complex yet at the same time the most simple of men.  His needs in life are basic. He wants to be loved.  Now how he goes about searching for that love is a whole other matter better left for the professionals.

Last night the inevitable happened.  Michael finally got Jim and Pam to acknowledge his relationship with Pam’s mother, Helene, by insisting that the four of them have lunch together to celebrate Helene’s birthday.  Try as she may, Pam couldn’t escape the encounter. Not even a last minute faux emergency shipping issue could keep her away. It was time to face the music.

Despite her protests, Pam seemed to be taken back at just how happy Michael made her mother. Not only did he arrange an extra special birthday lunch (with full on decorations), but he also gave Helene a heartfelt, overly sentimental scrapbook with reminders of their relationship to date.  How very Jim Halpert of him.  How could Pam be against a relationship that made her mother smile? Oh right, because at the end of the day it was still Michael.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, November 6, 2009

TGIF my friends! Did you survive the Thursday night TV lineup?  I hope so. Check back throughout the day as we’ll have reviews and discussions on many of last night’s shows including BONES, THE OFFICE, SUPERNATURAL, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and more.

As for tonight’s lineup, well there’s plenty to choose from.  But my one pick would be WHITE COLLAR at 10pm on USA. I’m loving this show. I realize that with all of my health woes I haven’t been writing enough lately, but I’m going to start to fold WHITE COLLAR into the mix. Check back tomorrow for a full episode discussion! Who needs pain meds when there’s Matt Bomer to look at.

Don’t forget to check out John Krasinski from THE OFFICE on THE VIEW this morning.  He’ll also be live chatting on Boston.com at 12pm EST (It’s 9am now. So that leaves me three hours to find a wheelchair and someone with a wheelchair van to drive me into work today. I’m sure my bosses will understand, right? I mean I’ve been out of work for a month, and I just happen to show up the one day John Krasinski is in the office.  Yeah, I’m sure they wouldn’t care. But seriously - JKras visits my office when I’m not there? Cruel.)

If you’re going out tonight (or going to bed early), set those DVRs because Cory Monteith from GLEE with be on with Conan.  Ian Somerholder from THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is talking with Jimmy Fallon. And Ricky Gervais is on Letterman.

Check out a few other shows on tonight.

Ugly Betty | 8pm on ABC
“Plus None”
Matt asks someone to be his “plus one” at Wilhelmina’s fundraiser; Daniel hires Natalie to be his assistant, making Betty feel obsolete; Amanda keeps a secret from Betty; Daniel discovers that his mother has a history with Cal Hartley.

Smallville | 8pm on The CW
“Kandor”
Jor-El comes to the Kent farm looking for his son but finds Chloe instead; Zod asks Tess for help finding the Blur; Clark tries to find Jor-El before Zod does.

Monk | 9pm on USA
“Mr. Monk Goes Camping”
To woo the only holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip.

Stargate Universe | 9pm on SyFy
“Earth”
A high-risk operation may be able to return everyone who is trapped aboard the Destiny to Earth; Eli and Chloe are allowed to use the communication stones to visit Earth.

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Smallville | 8pm on The CW

Jor-El comes to the Kent farm looking for his son but finds Chloe instead; Zod asks Tess for help finding the Blur; Clark tries to find Jor-El before Zod does.

White Collar | 10pm on USA

A New York City mafia kingpin enlists help from Peter and the FBI after his precious Bible disappears; Neal finds himself in a tango with a sexy female villain and must decide where his loyalty truly lies.

Stargate Universe | 9pm on SyFy

A high-risk operation may be able to return everyone who is trapped aboard the Destiny to Earth; Eli and Chloe are allowed to use the communication stones to visit Earth.

John Krasinski Screens ‘Brief Interviews’ in Boston this Weekend (Update)

THE OFFICE’s John Krasinski will be screening his directorial debut, BRIEF INTERVIEWS WITH HIDEOUS MEN, this weekend at the Kendall Square Theatre in Cambridge, MA.

Friday, November 6th
7PM Show - Intro & Q&A
9:45PM Show - Intro

Saturday, November 7th
7PM Show - Intro & Q&A
9:45PM Show - Intro

John will also be signing “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men” film postcards at the Brookline Booksmith on Saturday, November 7th at 4pm.

My back issues have me stuck in the house or else you know there is no way I would miss this. John Krasinski, my favorite TV actor, back home in Boston and I can’t be there?! I’m so bummed. Doesn’t seem fair now does it? But I hope you can make it. Word is that the screenings are sold out, but keep trying.

UPDATE: John Krasinski will be LIVE chatting on Boston.com tomorrow at noon.  Be sure to check it out and get your questions in.

Yes, Mr. Krasinski is actually coming to my office tomorrow and I’m stuck at home.  Life is so cruel sometimes.

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