TVSquad

At first glance, it looks like a blend of the forthcoming apocalyptic film 2012, and the mysteries and intrigue of The Da Vinci Code. Syfy is developing a six-hour mini-series inspired by the Mayan calendar; you know, the one that's the inspiration for all that "end of the world in 2012" rhetoric we'll start hearing more and more often.

The untitled project has Brian Singer (The Triangle) attached. but we don't really know much more about it. Let's ask Brian. "Our story will explore whether we are truly alone in the universe, and other related mysteries, all of which are set against the backdrop of an incredibly exciting and fast-paced adventure." Ah, well that clears that up. Thanks.

Considering how The Triangle turned out, I'm thinking we're going to find out the Mayans were actually an ancient alien race that came to our planet long ago, but went into hiding as the Harlem Globetrotters. In our hour of greatest need, they will reveal themselves and perform basketball stunts to warm the world's hearts. We'll chuck our nuclear arsenals into the deepest reaches of space and sing "We Are the World" with our new friends!

(S05E05) The Dead Zone is losing its cohesiveness. At least during the early seasons of the show, there was a coherent subplot to all of the shows. The current season's shows seem to be stand alone, but they also seem to be marginally relevant. They are, instead, rather heavy-handed and preachy. Looking back through the episodes from earlier in the season, the most compelling one seems to be the season premiere, in which Greg Stillson's fiancee is (apparently) killed by snake venom right before her own wedding. But instead of continuing with anything about Stillson, none of the other episodes are the least bit inter-related. I know I am going on and on about this, but I do like for my television shows to at least acknowledge that there have been other episodes before that one, and that there will be another episode next week. I am not all about stand alone television.

(S31E18) There was a lot to like about this episode, but there was a lot that should never seen the light of day too. For Hanks' eighth outing at SNL host, I would have expected a bit more. We've already seen so much this season with episodes from other classic hosts like Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, that I was hoping maybe we'd get cameos from some of them. Another one of those "welcome to the club" sketches would have been funny... with those fez hats, cigars, and smoking jackets. Oh well, like I said, there was still plenty to like.

Cold Open - Politically charged as usual, the show opened with Bush and Cheney chit-chatting and discussing the current state of oil reserves and gasoline prices. Tom Hanks (as Senator Bill Frist) then shows up to tell the President about his new plan since his recent idea for a $100 gas rebate for all Americans did nothing except what the President described as "eat it." The entire conversation then evolved into some kind of infomercial where Frist was selling his new plan to Bush. As a token of the Government's thanks for allowing the drilling in Alaska, all Americans would now get $120, a free vacation to Busch Gardens, and two free Wonder Mops. Sounds like a deal to me... well maybe I'd do it if there were two re-fill shammies to come with the mops. What's that? There are two shammies? Sign me up!

Jon Stewart was terrified by the image of two Dubyas on C-SPAN this Saturday (Myth: Bush has started reproducing asexually to build his Bush-Army. Fact: It was a Bush impersonator helping the president out on his speech), but calmed himself down once he saw his buddy Stephen Colbert take the stage. Stewart gave major props to Stephen Colbert for his performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner (an event at which the White House and the press "consummate their loveless marriage"). He called it "ballsalicious" and remarked, "We've never been prouder of him but... and... holy shit." His praise sounded like that of a proud father. I love the friendship between Jon and Stephen. As a viewer, one can really feel it. Group hug!