Why 'Idol' Won't Work

Update: It appears that Fox is trying to fill the void, and not just with Kara DioGuardi - Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham have been lined up as guest judges. Is this enough? In my opinion, having guest judges was never a good idea...

American Idol, despite it's enormous popularity, has seen some changes lately. Last year, the "Judge's Save" was added - a feature that allowed a judge to stop a contestant from being eliminated. Of course, in Season 8, the biggest change was that of the fourth judge - singer/song-write Kara DioGuardi.

She served alongside Idol veterans Simo

n Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson all throughout last season, and it's been confirmed that she will be returning for the upcoming Season 9. While this intially doesn't seem like a 'problem', it has become one, with the news that Paula Abdul will not be returning as a judge for the next season.

Now, I'm not going to be comparing these two - they are entirely different people - but with the situation, that is exactly what fans will be doing. Despite her being around for last season, she will be seen as a "replacement" of Abdul. Why is this a problem? She simply isn't recognizable enough. The three original judges are so well known because they have been with the show for years. And while she may have rose to fame as a fourth judge given enough time, she has to become a veteran judge after one season.

You see, the judges' names should be recognizable by fans and non-fans alike. When a non-fan can tell who is an Idol judge and who isn't, that is a big sign of popularity. Kara DioGuardi simply doesn't have that kind of Idol fame, and most people wouldn't even know her name before she appeared on Idol.

After the announcement that Abdul was leaving, my expectations for the next season sunk dramatically. The balance of judges will be thrown off completely, and I feel quite confident that ratings for Idol will dip severely. We're just going to have to wait and see, however, if Kara can really carry that much weight on her shoulders.

Image credit: USA Today (here), MTV (here).

Making The Case: A 'Bones' Movie

The reason I chose Bones as opposed to any other crime drama is exactly what sets it apart from the others - characterization. The characters in Bones seem very life-like, making it an ideal candidate for a movie. We've seen Booth and Brennan both go into action several times before, and the "Gormogon" story arc proves the series can handle something more epic than a single episode.

Of course, a movie would have to wait until the next season is complete to work into the story (if you've seen the season finale, you'll know why), but that doesn't mean it couldn't work altogether. Booth and Brennan have already travelled to different locales before, which would seem to be the best idea for a movie - but there is no reason not to get the entire team involved.

One story idea is having a terrorist (or terrorist group) begin a series of murders around the D.C. area. The group could then attack the Jeffersonian, and the whole building would go on a lock-down. Booth and Brennan could chase down the terrorists through the Jeffersonian, and perhaps also chase them through the city.

How would the movie fit into the whole story arc of the show? While it would be terrible to see the series end, I think a full-length, theater-released movie would be a great cinematic ending to the series, with Booth and Bones finally "getting together" - though I would love to see the show progress at least two more seasons before it ended permanently.

Image credit: smh.com.au (here).

Paula Abdul Leaves 'American Idol'

Paula Abdul, who has been with American Idol (the highest rated show on television) since the beginning, will not return to her role as judge in the upcoming Season 9.

The shocking announcement was made on Abdul's twitter, where she revealed that while she would miss "nurturing the new talent", she plans in her free time to work on a reunion project with MC Scat Kat.

It seems that Paula's absence could only negatively impact ratings, but how far they will drop remains to be seen. Check back for more information on the upcoming season of Idol.

Image credit: MSNBC (here).

Futurama Cast Updates

After fans were shocked that the voice cast from Futurama might not return for the new season, some good news has surfaced: the voice cast might just return after all.

Currently, Maurice LaMarche (who plays Kif Kroker) has officially signed on, as well as Katey Sagal (who voices Leela) and Tress MacNeille (who voices Mom, as well as other side characters). Billy West and John DiMaggio (Fry and Bender, respectively) have yet to officially sign, though it has been reported that they are "close".

Stay tuned for updates on the situation, and news of the upcoming season.

Image credit: Tv-serieguiden (here).

'Futurama' Cast To Be Replaced

Fanboys may have been excited over the return of Futurama, but perhaps they shouldn't get their hopes up: several news outlets have reported that the entire cast of Futurama is to be replaced.

According to 2oth Century Fox, the reason for this major change is their inablity (or, more likely, reluctance) to meet "their [the Futurama cast] salary demands". Seeing as animated shows usually have low budgets, this isn't a surprise, but considering the overwhelming fan response, Fox would be wise to meet these "demands" to please their fans.

Variety reports that the show, while it is indeed returning, will have the incredibly low budget of $75,000 per episode. Their is a small chance that the original voice actors will return, especially considering the overwhelming fan response, because a similar event occured with the cast of The Simpsons a few years back.

Check back for updates on this astounding development in the return of Futurama.

Image credit: diggin88nine.wordpress.com (here).

"Lost": Stolen?

ABC is getting sued over the TV series Lost, with Anthony Spinner (the producer of multiple TV series, including The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) claiming that it was stolen from him.

Spinner recounts the similarities between the TV series and his idea, also titled Lost, stating that his series also included a plane from Los Angeles crashing into an uncharted island. His series involved both a doctor and a man from the military - which could be the basis for the characters Jack and Sayid, respectively.

Spinner offered the project to ABC multiple times, including 1977, 1991, and 1994, but was rejected everytime. He is now sueing for a cut of royalties, though no other details are known.

Image credit: "The Antitrust Hotch Potch" (here).

June 25: A Day That Will Live In Infamy

Today, the world was stricken with grief as Farrah Fawcett, after a long battle with anal cancer, passed away. But, unfortunately the pain would not end as it has been confirmed that Michael Jackson has also passed away today.

Farrah Fawcett, who was most famous for playing Jill Munroe in the hit TV series Charlie's Angels, was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, acted as a role model for cancer patients with her aggressive attitude toward her disease. She unfortunately passed away early this morning, at 9:30 PDT. Her documentary, Farrah's Story, aired a little over

a month ago, and documented her time with cancer. Fawcett also acted as a sex symbol of the 1970s.

Jackson's death, while confirmed by TMZ and the LA Times, has been met with both grief and skepticism. Because he is "known for his theatrics", a few believe that this may be a stunt - unlikely, however, has he did suffer a serious heart attack earlier in the day. Jackson was one of the most popular musicians of all time, having been admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. His most popular song, undoubtedly, was Thriller.

Fawcett and Jackson will be greatly missed, and June 25 will surely be a day that no one forgets.

Image credit: HamovHotov (here), ESPN (here).

Rest In Peace, Ed McMahon

Earlier today, it was reported that famous The Tonight Show co-host Ed McMahon had passed away. While no formal cause of death has been released, it has been reported that McMahon was previously suffering from pneumonia. The pneumonia may be an effect of a toxic mold problem he and his family faced several years ago. He was also recently diagnosed with bone cancer.

McMahon worked on a number of TV shows, as well as a few movies, but he is undoubtedly most popular for his role as co-host on The Tonight Show. Alongside host Johnny Carson, he provided plenty of laughs with his booming voice and signature "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!". His role on the show gave him the nickname "Human Laugh Track".

McMahon was also the host of Star Search for it's entire 12-year run, and has appeared in Alf's Hit Talk Show as co-host. He has written two memoirs: Here's Johnny!: My Memories of Johnny Carson, The Tonighty Show, and 46 Years of Friendship, and For Laughing Out Loud. Ed McMahon was 86.

Image credit: msnbc (here).

'Scrubs' To Change Drastically

Although Scrubs, the popular hospital-based comedy, has recently aired it's "series finale", it has been confirmed that the show is actually coming back for another season. However, with some of the main cast leaving, the show will be never be the same.

The new show will take place at a med school, as opposed to an actual hospital. However, two familiar faces will be teaching as this school: Dr. Chris Turk (played by Donald Faison) and Dr. Percival Cox (John C. McGinley), who have signed on for full-time roles. The rest of the main cast has agreed to make quick appearances, though these will likely be for around one episode for the season.

The new cast will be comprised of med students, though we have no information on who will be playing them. According to ABC, "One of them will be fairly famous". This has lead to much speculation, but we will just have to wait to get more information on the cast.

Image credit: Burrowowl (here).

Episode In Review: "Book Of Judges" (Mental)

Wow.

Any doubts I previously held about Mental's ability to please audiences have been washed away. This episode was amazing, and I truly hope that this represents what the rest of the season will be like.

The episode started off well, with Dr. Jack Gallagher "assaulting" the head-honcho of a medication company, claiming that he doesn't care about the patients, only money. Apart from this, some great character development was seen in Arturo and Carl, with the latter asking the former to "spy" on Jack - beginning with the information on Jack's missing sister.

The strangest part of the episode was the patient - played by the late David Carradine, Gideon Graham is a catatonic patient, who had previously been stricken by lightning. He has been rendered mostly unable to move, and seemingly cannot connect with the real world.

That's where Dr. Gallagher comes in. Cutting off all of the man's emotional attachments to his late wife, whom he feels he "killed", the man is forced into slowly coming into the real world. Jack's use of the man's self-guilt eventually drives him back into reality.

The characterization that occurs in this episode makes it a huge improvement over the previous one - Jack himself even sees some character development as he begins a "relationship" with Gideon's daughter. Easily, this episode deserves a 9/10.

"Futurama" Returns!

Comedy Central has made dreams come true by confirming that Futurama, the animated series canceled years ago that has seen a resurrection through direct-to-DVD movies, is coming back on TV.

The new episodes are expected to air mid-2010, and may air on Fox before Comedy Central.

Similar to the "uncancelation" of Family Guy, Futurama's come back has been brought on by impressive DVD sales, as well as fans constantly clamoring for more of the series. Check back for more details as 2010 approaches.

A Tribute To: David Carradine

Born December 8, 1936, actor David Carradine has had roles in over 100 movies throughout his life, though his rise to fame did not truly come until starring in the 1970s TV series, Kung Fu. He would once again be noted for his role in the Kill Bill films.


Just yesterday (June 4), Carradine was found dead in his Bangkok hotel, and appeared to have strangled himself. However, a forensics team has concluded that it was an accidentally death, involving auto-erotic asphyxiation (wikipedia article). He was in Bangkok to film in the movie Stretch.

Episode In Review: A Beautiful Delusion (Mental)

electric overdrive will no longer post updates on E3, except certain announcements on twitter. However, it will post on all the major announcements of E3 once it has concluded, in a new "Post-E3" series.

I was highly expectant of this episode of Mental, simply because I was amazed at the pilot episode. However, while I cannot say it was not enjoyable, it didn't hit the same level of excitement as the previous episode.


The case, regarding a man who believes that his wife is pregnant (when she is actually not, as revealed by a ultrasound) and has even made his wife believe it, was incredibly interesting. This was clearly the highlight of the episode.

Unfortunately, while Dr. Jack Gallagher has been characterized a great deal already, the rest of the cast still seems unfamiliar. The attempts at developing their characters seem awfully forced and choppy, as if it was just thrown in at the end of the creation of the episode.

I do believe this show has potential, but we'll just have to wait and see if it can live up to it. 7/10

Colbert's Cover Blown

Next month, comedy sensation Stephen Colbert will be filming his show on the road, but he has not disclosed exactly where. However, Sarah Palin, via Twitter, accidentally blew his cover with the following post:

"Getting ready to tape shout-out for our awesome US troops serving overseas! Will be on ‘Colbert Report’ next month, broadcast from Iraq…"

Stephen Colbert has not yet commented on this.

Leno Moves On, O'Brien Takes Place

This Friday, the final episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno will air. Taking Jay Leno's place is Conan O'Brien, host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien for the past 16 years. The first episode of O'Brien's new show will include guests Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam.


But despite Leno's "passing the torch", he is not retiring from TV talk shows. He will be airing The Jay Leno Show this fall, which will be airing before the new Tonight Show. This has brought on some controversy, however, because fans believe that Jay Leno is simply moving his time back, and O'Brien is still following him.

Review: Pilot (Mental)

The highly anticipated TV series Mental turned out to be just as great as expected.


The TV audience was almost immediately immersed in the world of Wharton Memorial Hospital, where we meet the new Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. Jack Gallagher. While he could arguably considered similar to Dr. House (of House), he isn't as rude and sarcastic to patients - his manner to his patients is unusual, and met with mixed reactions from his new colleagues.

I give the pilot episode a 9/10 - a great start, unlike many other pilots that don't reflect how good the season actually is. Stay tuned for the next episode of Mental, "A Beautiful Delusion", airing June 2.

Preview: Mental (TV)

\When summer hits, there is often a "lull" on TV, as many series have their season/series finales, and viewers are left with little to no new shows to watch. Fortunately, a new series that already seems promising is kicking off right in the beginning: Mental.


The show is centered in Los Angeles (specifically, the Wharton Memorial Hospital), and follows the adventures of Dr. Jack Gallagher, who has just been made the Director of Mental Health Services. His methods of "getting inside a patient's head" are considered unorthodox by the rest of the staff.

Mental airs it's pilot episode tonight at 9:00 PM (EST). For more information on the series, click here.

Thanks goes to IGN for the image.

Upcoming TV Season - Who Made The Cut?

Each year, many TV shows are released - unfortunately, many fail to take off, and are promptly canceled. Multiple shows that have garnered many fans are being canceled - take a look at whose coming band, and who isn't.

Some of my personal favorite shows have been renewed already. Family Guy, Bones, all of the CSI shows, Burn Notice, Chuck, and How I Met Your Mother have all been renewed.

According To Jim, Cupid, and King of the Hill have all been officially canceled, and for various reasons. Go here to get a complete list of shows that have been canceled and renewed.

'Scrubs' Gets Ninth Season

Despite a "series finale", "Scrubs" has been renewed for a new season. However, things will definitely be changing.

A whole new cast of characters will become the main crew, while the old gang will appear in the first six episodes of the new season to help "transition" viewers into the "new show".

The show may even have a different title, and it is unknown if any supporting characters will be returning.

Episode In Review: The End In The Beginning (Bones)

Audiences were met with a shock right at the beginning when the highly anticipated Bones season finale began - it was all a dream.

With Booth and Brennan married, and owning a night club ("The Lab") instead of working for the Smithsonian, the episode was quite a shocker. Unfortunately, this didn't make the episode as exciting as many had anticipated.

Despite the interesting (and at times, humorous) fact that the rest of the Smithsonian team worked at the club, the episode's detective portion was quite dull compared to the average episode.

The "expected shocker" (in that a shocker was expected, as it was the season finale) was quite amazing, and will easily lead us into a new season. 7.5/10