Has Liz Lemon Jumped the Shark?

Back in the day, Tina Fey aka Liz Lemon aka Sarah Palin was in her element alongside Amy Poehler aka Leslie Knope tearing it up on “SNL” with her weekend updates. The comic duo were sassy, sharp, and never missed a punchline. They represented a new prototype of feminist - they weren’t your mom’s brand of feminist whose extremist tendencies of either too traditional or too workaholic repelled you from the whole notion of “women’s lib.” Poehler & Fey proved that funny, smart, and confident with a hint of vulnerable could work and moreover, women could be successful at this shtick.

So imagine my disappointment this season as I watch Liz Lemon on “30 Rock” pathetically whining, mooning over past loves, and contemplating the concept of settling for the dreamy Michael Sheen over going at it solo. Her cynicism reaching new heights, Lemon’s once empowered femme drole is merely a shred of her former hip lady self. The compelling storyline involving Liz’s desire to adopt a baby (something many single, career-minded women in their late 30s might be able to relate too) which was ongoing for the past few seasons has all but vanished with her character shifting into more of a slapstick sidekick providing occasional comedic relief for the venerable Alec Baldwin. On a side note: Do I really care if Jack chooses Julianne Moore or Elizabeth Banks? Just bring Selma Hayek back! Note to network television: In case you didn’t notice from the ratings success of “Modern Family,” Latina relief is the only thing working on sitcoms these days…

On the other hand, Amy Poehler has managed to transform Leslie Knope, a rather plain yokel and no doubt the anti-Liz Lemon hipster chick into a comedic heroine by steering clear of the “SNL” footfalls of vitriolic NY-bred humor - the type of bagel humor that might have worked with “Seinfeld” 15 years ago but doesn’t do it for the iGeneration. In contrast to Liz Lemon, Leslie is kind and giving to a fault and like Liz, she is not without her ambitions and her desire to win at all costs. The difference is Poehler’s affable delivery - it’s her refreshingly candid demeanor that endears her to us and also at the same time represents a true shift in in what we want our female role models to look like.

Today’s Mary Tyler Moore doesn’t need to wear black, live in the 100- zip code, walk around all day muttering “oy vey” under her breadth, and sip soy lattes while dreaming up the wittiest retorts in preparation for their next rendez-vous. They can date park rangers, go hunting with the boys, and put it all on the line for a friend in need. They don’t need to arm themselves with sarcasm to shield themselves from being vulnerable or self-deprecation as a means to communicate with others for fear of actually conveying any shred of authenticity.

Today’s lady can be geeky, socially responsible, single, self-aware, and sassy. Welcome to the ’10s ladies. It’s a bold new world and you, too, can be cool in this one - even in NBC’s impossibly hip Thursday night line-up.

Btw, contrary to rumors Amy’s impending baby mama status is not the cause of “Parks & Rec” push back to NBC’s Thursday night mid-season 2011 lineup)

Marge Simpson Bares it All

A little while ago Hugh Hefner teased on his Twitter page that Marge Simpson fans would have a treat in store for them in the November issues of Playboy. Turns out as next month’s cover of Playboy  reveals (see right), Marge is stripping for her fans.

So does anyone else find is downright bizarre that a relatively benign PG-show like The Simpsons is stooping to this level of debasement? Series creator Matt Groening has always made a serious effort to keep his show from veering down that path, so why now?
Surely one might expect such behavior from a Seth MacFarlane matriarch like Family Guy’s Lois, but Marge has always been way too wholesome and morally upright. I guess even I’ll be tempted to buy next month’s issue - if for nothing else, than sheer curiosity. 

One thing’s for sure…November sweeps is coming.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Another blond Hollywood starlet with ample assets has been possessed by the politician bug, at least virtually. Actress Scarlett Johansson has been exchanging emails with presidential hopeful Barack Obama. The connection? Her twin brother, Hunter, works for the Obama campaign after conveniently leaving his gig as Community Liaison for Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer a few weeks ago.

While all this background might explain how Obama and Scarlett were introduced, it doesn’t quite explain why the Dem candidate is garnering “advice” from the Hollywood hottie or why Scarlett is gushing about Obama’s prompt responsiveness to her emails all over the political site, Politico.

Kinda sheds new light on the whole “Yes we can” linchpin of Barack’s campaign.

Dancing With The Stars’s Gender Equalizer

I’m actually looking forward to this season of Dancing with the Stars. There I said it.

There seems to be some decent female competitors to match, if not, exceed the skill and potential of their male counterparts. And while this doesn’t usually happen, the buzz around this season’s most toted female dancers (Kristi Yamaguchi, Marlee Matlin, and Priscilla Presley) is pretty accurate and worthy of the praise.

As for the other female dancers…

Maybe I’m just tired of seeing Shannon Elizabeth in every conceivable American Pie sequel and Celebrity Poker challenge, but I’m not that excited to watch her onscreen strutting her stuff. I know I’m most likely in the minority here. I could just be guilty of old refrain, “She reminds me of every overly perky and arrogant popular girl I ever went to school with,” (only I never went to school with a girl quite like that)

By her own admission, Marissa Winokur doesn’t have the typical lithe dancer frame, but she is “flexible” with her movements (per my husband) and she stands a good chance of going somewhere, possibly losing some weight, but ultimately being eliminated before the finals.

Whatever skills Monica Seles may have had as a tennis player, she unfortunately lacks as a dancer. Let’s put it this way: She makes Penn Gillette look agile and Billie Ray Cyrus as something more than just his daughter’s oozing appendage.

I’ll cover the guys in another post. No new updates other than middle-aged white dudes can’t and shouldn’t dance, but older peeps (including dudes) usually garner enough sympathy to last for a couple more rounds.

Is This The Last We Hear From Heather Mills?

So, she finally made it, she shook the tree, and got her $48.6M from Sir Paul. “I’m so, so happy with this,” Heather Mills told the many reporters following the closed hearing. “I’m so glad it’s over, It was an incredible result in the end to secure mine and my daughter’s future and that of all the charities that I obviously plan on helping and making a difference with — because you know it has been my life for 20 years” she said. Oh…..so noble…. What she forgot to mention, was that she was offered this amount from McCartney in the past, but the greedy dancer wannabe refused to settle, and sought almost $250 million.
I just hope that we can now have a break from Heather Mills’ circus, and concentrate on what’s really important… American Idol…..

Don’t Blame Oscar’s Lowest Ratings Ever on John Stewart’s Ad Libbing

Oscar ratings were dramatically down this year. This despite all the George Clooney pimping, the red dresses, and Sean Penn’s new arm candy. While the writers’ strike is rumored to be the primary culprit of ABC’s bad fortune in a year that was ripe with downer nominees, some fault needs to be shifted to the downright lack of charisma of the show’s host, John Stewart. Considering I had to wait till 10:50 PM before there was one comment that made me chuckle and that it’s all but erased from my memory, it can’t bode well for Stewart’s wittiness. Yeah, yeah, writers’ strike and there were 5 writers that had pitch in to write the telecast this year and they had fast turnaround given time restrictions, but isn’t Stewart a comedian after all? If Tina Fey can pull off of the more memorable SNL episodes to hit the tube in a long time, can’t Stewart work some magic? I always thought Stewart was a little bit of a whiny sissy anyways, but maybe he lacks that bitch is the new black factor after all…

My Kid Is More Of A Brat Than Your Kid

I’m sitting here watching the intro to NBC’s latest wunderkind, My Dad is Better Than Your Dad and wondering how they managed to depict kids in such an evil light. These competitive, bratty kids actually make their dads look passive and somewhat sympathetic comparatively, but isn’t it meant to be the other way around? Showing how unlikable the parents are that spawn such annoying kids. Who hasn’t seen Willy Wonka?

Anyways, I’m just happy that an all new Medium is back at 10 PM on NBC. With the writers’ strike kickin’ it in high gear over the last few months, I grew to immensely enjoy the acting delights of Patricia Arquette’s silly little show. Call me crazy but knowing there is someone else who wakes up in trembling in a sweaty panic over their work makes me feel a little less alone.

Heather Mills Fights Back

If you’ve been watching any of Heather Mills’ interviews in the last 48 hours, you probably notice a major tone change. No more ignoring the media’s bad mouthing of her, or the acceptance of the lurking Paparazzi now she decided to fights back. And what’s a better way to fight back then to through all the blame and responsibility on her soon to be husband? “Please protect me,” she said she asked Paul McCartney, and if he did: “It could have all been over, and done with very, very quietly.” Said the ex Dancing With The Stars contestant.
She also say she is not a gold digger, and the divorce issues are all about their little daughter. I am the first to agree that the media has a major part in destroying our dear celebrities’ lives, but Heather Mills should have known what she is getting into when she married a public figure in the magnitude of McCartney.

Ilana Donna + Dolly = Long-Term Potential?

Amaldo.com video blogger Ilana Donna thought she was ready for a live-in. So she found her rescue pup Dolly. They were ready to euthanize her. Instead, she got to stay with Ilana. What a treat! I think?

We’re just happy Ilana’s vlogging again…And that she meets a nice “companion” very soon.

Mitch Winehouse Pulls A Michael Lohan

Adding to the leak of damaging and discouraging Amy Winehouse photos/news of late, Winehouse’s dad has now entered into the paparazzi mixploitation giving an interview to the BBC earlier today, which read like a sincere enough plea for help on behalf of his daughter. Concerned father or not, Mitch is clearly in denial about a few things regarding his daughter’s history of emotional health. First off, Mitch states (in the transcript) that Amy only started using hardcore drugs in the past few mos and that prior to this, she prided herself on being “clean”. The girl has been spiraling down on a drug-frenzied journey for at least a year now. Also, given the combination of eating disorder, potential spousal abuse, and drugs, it’s quite obvious she’s self-medicating and self-destructing at the same time. That sh*t doesn’t happen overnight.
If, as Mitch Winehouse is quick to relay, the record companies are really looking out for Amy’s best interest in canceling her tour dates and ensuring a speedier and healthier recovery period for the gifted singer, then props to them. Somehow Mitch Winehouse’s careful finessing of certain high density media outlets at opportune times makes me think he might quietly be relishing all this attention. I hope time prove me wrong. Lord know we have enough celebrity whore fathers out there…

Dr. Brad and Mr. Dude

For me, Brad Pitt is always the dude who managed to go through the commentary to the movie Fight Club with only saying clever word like Yeah, Sure, and That was cool between Edward Norton’s somewhat enthusiastic comments. That’s why It was kinda funny to watch Brad Pitt the other day on The Today Show so articulate talking to Ann Curry while touring New Orleans green housing project he helped launch. I guess there is nothing like a strong, tough and most important aware to the environment wife to improve your verbal skills.

Weeds Season Premiere Makes A Dent

Showtime ushered in a new season of the hit show Weeds. Unlike last season’s climatic season opener, Season 3 opened with more of a whimper (with the exception of the episode’s ending, which is a must-watch), but also a reminder of what we’ve come to love about this show since it began - flawed, f*cked up characters, funny dialogue, and ridiculous, brilliantly-timed comedic situations. Sure, it’s no Office but watching Elizabeth Perkin’s husband bond with Kevin Nealon (who incidentally had an affair with Perkins last season) over mud facial masks and genital size comparisons isn’t without its merit. Not to mention that Mary-Louise Parker is my doppelganger, or so some have told me.

Stay tuned for a brand spanking new season of Weeds on Showtime, airing Mondays at 10 PM.

Amy Winehouse ODs…Well Kinda, Anyways?

NME reports that our beloved MOT equivalent of Diana Ross, aka Amy Winehouse is currently in a hotel in London recovering from what appears to have been a drug overdose.

Reports have suggested that Winehouse suffered from a drug overdose at 1am on Wednesday (August , and was treated with an adrenaline shot before her stomach was pumped.

Anyone else find it mildly perplexing that Amy is convalescing in the warm, homey environs of a hotel? Anyways, talk-of-town post OD rumors was the Amy was entering rehab, but as fate would have it, her publicist dismissed that rumor with a “no, no, no.”

Winehouse overdosed on August 10th. Only two days earlier, she was nominated for 3 MTV VMA awards including Female Artist of the Year and and Video of the Year. Precluding any potential rumor of Winehouse succumbing to the pressure, and falling prey to its folly, one can only hope she’s emotionally and mentally in better shape when Grammy nomination time comes.

Big Girls Don’t Cry, They Spit

Dame Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas got it right. Big Girls Don’t Cry

But do they get piss poor drunk (for the umpteenth time), forget their lines onstage, proceed to say “F*ck! F*ck! F*ck!” while repeatedly hitting their head with a microphone, and then proceed to spit at the crowd after being a no-show at several other scheduled live gigs in the past few months?

So Amy Winehouse is back in the media whirlwind for her behaviour while onstage at the Eden Project this week. While Amy’s actions have been linked to the two bottles of Champagne, two bottles of Jack Daniels, and two bottles of red wine found in her trailer, one has to wonder if she’s trying to conceal something a bit bigger. Like maybe this girl with the amazing voice is simply a manufactured product of a British recording studio. Conspiracy theories aside, the self-destructive rockstar diva bit is getting old.

You Again, Oof!

Just when we thought it’s finally over, the Donald proves us wrong, again. The Apprentice will be back for another season, this time with celebrities competing for charity. The show was just about to be canceled after last season low ratings, but no one like Donald Trump knows how to rise back after a hard fall. And since you can’t mention the Trump without mentioning the O’Donnell, Donald used his sharp marketing skills to invite his sworn enemy/The one who keeps him in the headlines Rosie to be a part of the show. So far according to Reuters, O’Donnell’s spokeswoman immediately dismissed the idea. To that I can only say Oy Vey.

David Beckham, Hollywood Style

How to promote an unpopular sport, step by step, by the Los Angeles Galaxy. You got to hand it to the Los Angeles Galaxy. They sure know how to rock the world, literally. So how do you do it?

Ilana Donna: iPhone Of The Sexes

Ilana Donna is back in a new video. What is the big deal about the iPhone? Was it really worth waiting in line for? Find out how both sexes feel the iPhone will change their lives in Amaldo.com vlogger Ilana Donna’s latest video.

Being An Anglo-Wannabe Is This Year’s Black, Just Ask Pink

For as long as the U.S. has been around, it’s been cool to copy our mother country England. Whether by boob tube (”The Office,” “Three’s Company”), musician (The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Coldplay), or trendsetter (Posh Spice, James Bond (yes, i know he’s not a REAL person), it’s all the rage to be an Anglo-wannabe and to exist wholeheartedly in this subtext of superficial existence.

Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow or Katie Holmes.

So when I hear things like the outrageous singer Pink wants to do a duet with Amy Winehouse or fellow pop-Brit Lily Allen simply for the reason that both are “interesting pop stars that like to party, drink, and act crazy,” I think to myself somewhere off over the trans-Atlantic, some poor girl with an ounce of talent and a whole lot of angst, must be cutting herself. Not to take this matter lightly or anything, but if Pink said something like this about me, I think I’d just about have to hit the bottle. So what’s next? Posting an ad for “Crazy Bitches Who Can’t Sing But Want To Do Duets With Pop Stars Who Can But Like To Drink, Party, & Get Fucked Up” on Meetup.com or Facebook.com?
Seriously Pink needs to get a clue. And poor Lily and Amy. Someone tell them to run, not walk, from the nearest MTV recording studio.

Pretty Betty

Two days ago I posted a piece responding to The New York Times commentary on insecure, self-doubting women as depicted on television. I alluded to the show “Ugly Betty” and its status as the critics’ darling.

As much as I can appreciate what “Ugly Betty” executive producer Salma Hayek is trying to convey with the “dowdy is beautiful” message, it just feels so shallow and contrived. Not to mention borrowed material. But what gets me is the attempt to glam up Betty’s appeal (as evidenced by ”Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera on the cover of W Magazine striking a seductive pose with the words Hot Betty) both onscreen and off.

It’s no longer acceptable for her to be walking around with unstyled hair and a Guadalajara poncho because now that viewers “like” her and can see her “instrinsic” beauty (not to mention her love life kicking into high gear), Ugly Betty doesn’t have to be so frumpy anymore.

In fact, it’s not a “beauty in the eye of the beholder” tranformation that’s taking place but a deliberate glamming up of the character. And doesn’t this go against the very intent that’s being incited in the first place? If Hayek’s message was to get America to stop looking and assessing people skin-deep, then why bother with the Betty’s wardrobe/make-up change? Is this a trend? Is the fate of the loveable, better than average-looking, smart, likeable protagonist/heroine on successful shows to have to pretty herself up? Tiny Fey’s character on “30 Rock” has fallen victim to a similar phenomena. Each week, her hair is a little bigger, her cleavage a little more exposed.

Is what we’re saying through these otherwise “flawed” women is that in today’s society, less than perfect might get you in the door, but less than pretty won’t keep you happy and employed for very long?

Female TV Characters Need To Stop Their Kvetching Already

I used to watch Grey’s Anatomy and it would always leave me with that feeling akin to the after-effects of eating Chinese food. I couldn’t get enough of it, yet it always left me feeling empty and with achy, shallow pit in my stomach.

Upon reading Alessandra Stanley’s piece on women in TV I know I am not alone in my sentiment, but I question when the transition happened when professionally successful women on TV became hapless neurotic balls of emotional insecurity. When did we become such a captive audience to their self-absorption? And furthermore, why do any of us care about these characters?

I used to know a woman who was in love with Grey’s Anatomy. I imagine in the 90s she was the type that jumped on the “Ally McBeal” bandwagon too because she could identify with such a woman (she loved to talk about herself) and presently, she’s evolved into “Desperate Housewife” because it reflects the current period of her life. In each of these scenarios, she’s molding herself to the status quo pop culture-wise as portrayed on TV. Whatever is socially acceptable and moreover desirable for women becomes de rigeur.

I imagine a lot of women think this way. In the same way I used to watch my former female roommates moon over “Sex & The City” and SJP’s fashion choices. The women on these shows take on iconesque proportions for the average woman. And as affable as the “Ugly Betty” mode of woman might be (and as much as Golden Globe critics can shove her down our throats), she’s not the type of woman that’s sweeping American women off their feet. Her love life/fashion choices are the not water cooler talk on Friday morning.

So what’s the appeal with this type of rather unlikeable woman? In part, women don’t envy the plain, happy girl. They model themselves after the photogenically enhanced self-absorbed bitch. Why? Because she holds more power in that she commands more positive attention from her male co-workers and from the world, in general.

There’s something alluring about watching someone else’s life hang in the balance (especially if she’s pretty), witnessing them at their most vulnerable, and the power we attain from our front row view. It gives us reassurance that maybe our lives aren’t as pitiable or maybe they are, but if our feeble, flawed heroine Meredith can cry at the end of each episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Meredith’s gal pal, the formidable ice queen Sandra Oh can shed a tear from time to time, maybe we can break a little too. And on a superficial level, the average American woman will resonate with this message and it’s not entirely harmful one.

It’s important to provide entertainment that mirrors reality for women, but I’d also argue that there’s more value in watching films like “Volver” and seeing images of strong, capable, flawed women who also own their flaws and their insecurities and move on.