TVSquad

Thirteen/WNET and Ghost Light films named Billy Crystal host of the new documentary series Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America. The six-hour documentary, which will air in January 2009, will explore the tropes of American comedy and chronicle its evolution.

The comedian will appear in the opening of each episode and introduce viewers to the funniest moments in American entertainment. Some of the comedic talents that will be featured include: Charlie Chaplin, Jack Benny, Abbott & Costello, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, Anne Beatts, Woody Allen, Larry Wilmore, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Richard Lewis, Jon Stewart, and Chris Rock.

A day hasn't gone by where we haven't received some sort of tip or email asking us, the TV Squad, how to get on [insert reality show here]. Unfortunately no, Simon Cowell does not work for us, and Donald Trump isn't my BFF, so we really can't help all that much.

The folks at RealityWanted.com often send us a list of new and existing reality shows that are looking for new, er, talent, and they've given us permission to make mention of them here. We'll try to make this a regular feature as often as we get a new list.

This time we have Trading Spaces, The Newlywed Game and other new shows.

(S04E12) "People don't change." -- House, who mentioned it several times.

So Wilson is going out with Cutthroat Bitch (aka: Amber), huh? And, for awhile all is well. That's a pretty good record for Wilson, and devious as hell since he was able to keep it from House for so long. Of course, there is now a challenge for Greg to figure out why Amber seems such a catch for his best friend.

Manipulation? Well, that's a possible answer since Wilson is directly connected to House and can be the avenue to get her a fellowship. Revenge? Certainly, especially the way the good doctor treated Amber during the competition. Actual love and affection for Wilson? Nah, couldn't be! I mean, that would just be ludicrous coming from someone who was only concerned about herself during the game. Come on, doesn't anyone remember when she got all of those candidates to stop washing House's car and walk away from the competition? Plus, according to House, people don't change.

(S04E10) "Who's that from?" -- Kutner

"Santa, of course. Don't you know that I worship him? Oh wait, that's Satan. Sorry, I get them confused." -- House

Well, maybe it was the fact that I haven't seen an episode of House in nearly two months, but dear ol' Greggie seemed more cynical than his normal cynical self. Most likely it was due to the holidays. You know, the holidays that came and went over a month ago. I know that FOX is trying to save as many episodes of its hit shows as possible, but it would have been nice if they aired the House Christmas episode around, you know, Christmas.

(S04E09)"Well, at least the games are over" -- Cuddy

"How well do you know me?" -- House

It's over. After 8 episodes, 40 some-odd candidates, and one dead patient House's new team has been picked. And, I'm pretty sure the results weren't too much of a surprise to those who have watched the competition from episode two. So, the winners are...

Now, why would I want to mention that in the first two paragraphs of this review? If I did that then all of you who have yet to see this week's episode of House would be at the virtual doorstep of my virtual house with virtual pitchforks. If you haven't watched the episode yet but are dying to know who the finalists are then jump ahead. Otherwise, hold off a bit until you watch and then marvel at the way I make the episode come to life in my review. Or, just bash me like normal.

(S04E07) All right, back in the saddle! Thanks to the wonderful and beautiful Jen Creer for taking over the last two weeks. I will be guiding you through the world that is House this week and next. Then, who knows? If the gods of television are listening everyone will come to their senses and the Writer's strike will be over before Christmas.

If not, well then you'll see reviews of Marcus Welby, M.D. every Tuesday at this time. Let's pray that the strike is over soon.

(S04E04) Wilson -- You're quite impressed with yourself right now, aren't you?

House -- Who wouldn't be?

After a brief baseball break, House returned with a pretty decent episode. Not only did we get to see a further fleshing out of the new characters, but also witnessed additional connection between the old and new team members. Plus, we found out that trying to find a job outside of Princeton-Plainsboro when you worked for House was not the best thing to do.

Three out, five in. With the resignations of Doctors Eric Foreman and Alison Cameron and the firing of Doctor Robert Chase during the third season finale of House there isn't really anyone that Gregory House can abuse anymore. Don't despair, though, because five new actors are joining the cast of the FOX medical procedural for House to play with like a puppy's chew toy mold into fine healers.

Being added for the fourth season (which begins on September 25th) are Olivia Wilde (The Black Donnellys), Kal Penn (24, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), Peter Jacobson (The Starter Wife, Transformers), Anne Dudek (Big Day, Bones) and Edi Gathegi (Lincoln Heights). They will all be in recurring roles for a undetermined amount of episodes; however, I have a feeling if one of their characters clicks with the viewing public they may be promoted to full-time status.

I've been trying to follow along with TVShowsOnDVD's coverage of the upcoming release of The Tick animated series on DVD. Well, the DVD is coming out on August 29, but with only twelve of the original thirteen episodes from the first season. Why the missing episode? Well, as it turns out a band of leprechauns stole the only copy of that episode and sent it through a wormhole in time and space where it ... okay, I have no idea. Actually, no one really knows at this point, at least no one who's talking, though TVShowsOnDVD mentions "legal issues." Buying the DVD in August may be a bit like getting your sundae without the cherry on top, but heck, I'll take some Tick over no Tick any day. The question, however, is do I buy the set when it comes out, or wait and see if this lost episode eventually makes it into a future release?