TVSquad

Unless you've been in a coma over the last week (and if you have, I'm glad you're back) you probably know a little something about the troubles former New York governor Eliot Spitzer has been having. Not to go into to much detail, but it has something to do with an illegal prostitution ring, taking said prostitutes across state lines, and a little bit of money laundering. Hence, the reason he isn't "current" New York governor Eliot Spitzer anymore (at least as of noon on Monday).

To defend himself against these charges, Spitzer has hired a set of pretty powerful lawyers to help him put together a strong defense. But, will these purveyors of truth and justice be the ones who keep Governor Spitzer out of the pokey? I'm thinking not. In fact, I think Spitzer is barking up the wrong tree when it comes to the people who will defend him in court. What he should really be doing is visiting some of the high-profile television law firms that have been able to make a jury bawl in their seats over a serial killer's second amendment rights.

Here are but a few of the TV law firms the former governor should consider.

HBO has decided not to air a new Lily Tomlin comedy series, even though six episodes are in the can. 12 Miles of Bad Road, created by Designing Women writer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, is a one-hour comedy about the Shakespeare family, a millionaire Texas clan whose real estate fortune is mixed up with their eccentric antics. Sounds vaguely like Dallas meets Arrested Development, but whatever the recipe, HBO has given it the thumbs down.

(S02E18) They don't do much in the way of developing the big mysteries, but I do like it when the Supernatural team takes time out to have some fun. Such was the case this week with "Hollywood Babylon." If it was the overall style of the show, I don't think it would work nearly as well. But as an every once in a while thing, these tongue-in-cheek, laugh at yourself, episodes are a fun diversion from the norm. Although, I would have preferred to see this one and "Tall Tales" separated a little more on the schedule.

... nine Colbert moments

Mr. Stephen Colbert had a great run in 2005, when The Colbert Report debuted and took off like a mighty eagle... with a disturbingly dedicated fanbase. This past year somehow managed to top all that, making Colbert and his show absolute pop culture giants and easily one of the biggest hits of 2006. I've been a fan ever since I first saw the man many years ago on The Daily Show and Strangers With Candy, so I feel like I've seen his career positively explode before my very eyes. Ohh, my boy's all grown up.

Now now, let's move on to my list before I get even more sappy and awkwardly maternal (the fact that Colbert's over twenty years older than me does not help the strangeness). Here are the top nine Colbert Report moments of 2006!

Fans of Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law have gotten used to seeing the silent bear who appears in the group scene at the end of almost every episode and inexplicably pops up now and again throughout the show. Adult Swim has a transcript of creators Michael Ouweleen and Erik Richter talking about the origin of the bear, which first appeared in the episode "Very Personal Injury," the one where Apache Chief loses the ability to grow into a giant. The bear was designed by Vincent Waller, an animator and storyboard artist who worked on Ren and Stimpy and other John Kricfalusi projects, as well as SpongeBob SquarePants and Duckman. Ouweleen describes the bear as "the most zen creature on Earth." When you look at that serene face, you can't help but agree. He's the calm eye of the storm at the center of the Sebben and Sebben hurricane; the fuzzy lynchpin of the Birdman universe.

Good news for fans of Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law. New episodes of the series kick off tonight at 12:15 am (so Monday morning, if you wanna get technical about it). In tonight's episode, Harvey tries to help yet another fellow Hanna-Barbera character, Shazzan the Genie. The problem is, Peanut is Shazzan's master, so Harvey is out of luck. The episode, which is either titled "Shazzan" or "Mufti Trouble" depending on which part of the Adult Swim site you go to, is currently playing on Adult Swim Fix. Ah, how I've missed the folks and animals who work at Sebben and Sebben: Peter Potamus, Avenger, Mentok the Mind Taker, and of course, the one and only Phil Ken Sebben. Rock on.

The Detour, Canadian television's late-night cartoon block, has picked up six more Adult Swim shows: 12oz Mouse, Robot Chicken, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Squidbillies, and Tom Goes to the Mayor. Didn't Space Ghost end a few years ago? I'm a bit surprised by that addition to the line-up. Anyway, these shows will join the returning Adult Swim programs, Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Harvey Birdman, Attorney At Law; and The Venture Bros. Have fun with that, Canadians.

If you're a fan of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, I have good news for you. First, the show will be back for a fifth season. Second, although there doesn't seem to be any listing on Amazon for it just yet, a "best of" DVD will be released this year. This information was buried in this article over at Toon Zone, which also lists a plethora of new shows and renewals over at Cartoon Network. Being an admirer of Craig McCracken's work, this was the tidbit that caught my attention.

Also of interest to me: Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law has nine episodes left in its contract. It's unknown as to whether or not it will continue beyond that.