Question:
I just wanted to say bravo to 24! At first, when I saw that Kim was getting involved, I was very scared considering her stupid past, but the writers came up with a very intelligent, suspenseful storyline. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire sting operation. Overall, I thought the episode was exceptional. What did you think of Kim's latest exploits? — Tom B.
Matt:
Having been among those who said at the time that they killed the wrong Bauer at the end of the first season, I'll admit I was impressed — especially by the way Kim stood up to her father to remind him she wasn't a charity case and she had to do her duty. But I don't think I was caught up in the suspense as much as in the fear that she would be kidnapped, and that we'd have to go through all of that nonsense again. Thankfully, they went another way. And I can't wait until the next episode.
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Question:
I was wondering how you have been taking the last few episodes of Alias. I admit the show has been shaky creatively at times this year, but it still remains one of the few shows I will actively schedule my evening around, and I think the last few episodes have been fantastic. Vaughn finally finding out about Lauren and his slow-burn rage; Sydney finding out about her half-sister, and Jack's reaction to the news that Sloane and Irina had an affair; and, in the April 18 episode, the wonderful wordplay and interaction between Ron Rifkin and Victor Garber in their scenes together. Giving these two powerful actors a good chunk of the show was a great decision on the show's part, and I, for one, was thrilled to see it. Just wanted to know if you had felt the same way. Enjoy your column, and please keep up the good work. — Beth
Matt:
It has gotten much better lately, although it's still a chore if you try to approach much of it logically. (One digression: I'm still shocked at
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Question:
I loved those reality miniseries PBS has made in the past few years, especially Manor House. These shows were a cut above most of the other reality programs, as well as incredibly interesting. Do you know if there are any plans for any more "historical" reality TV? — Rebecca
Matt:
You're in luck. The multipart Colonial House will begin airing on PBS on May 17. And I agree. This takes the reality concept of real people taking on extraordinary challenges to a much higher level.
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Question:
I've stuck with The Practice for many seasons now, continued to watch during the upheaval and was glad they brought it back after the firings. I think James Spader should be nominated for an Emmy and we're seeing more depth added to his character each week. I even planned on continuing with the new show and kind of like the addition of Rebecca De Mornay as the Lara Flynn Boyle replacement. But William Shatner may single-handedly cause me to quit. I honestly can't think back to any other character on any other show that has annoyed me more than this Denny Crane. It would be one thing if he was the least bit "David E. Kelley-quirky," but I'm at the point where I'd rather watch a show centered on the Sharon Stone character than this. From the repetition of his name to the blank stares, this character has to go for me to stay with the show. What's your take and have you heard from anyone else on this topic? — Adam
Matt:
I've heard pros and cons but none quite so passionate
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Question:
As a fan of the Law & Order franchise (my heart belongs to Special Victims Unit), I have been dismayed by the recent spate of episodes touted as having been "ripped from the headlines." I don't think occasionally drawing from reality is terrible. However, I don't look to these shows to rehash the nightly news — I watch to see things I couldn't have read about anywhere else. A recent "ripped" SVU episode followed a millionaire pedophile who was effeminate and lived in a toy-stocked mansion that had a fantasy atmosphere. Yes, I got it. I was also bored to tears by it. Why can't they stick to creating compelling original story lines, and leave the news to Dan Rather? Can you tell me if this is a ratings ploy, and if so, does it work? — Nancy D.
Matt:
Well, Law & Order and its offshoots have been using the "ripped from the headlines" promo strategy for years, and it's worked pretty well so far. But I agree with you that, first, that Jacko-inspired episode was probably the
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Question:
I have been as big a fan as any of 24 this season, and the show has delivered all season long so far, but having just finished watching the April 18 episode, I have to say that I think I might finally be let down by the show. There's always been a line between strong and meaningful plot twists and excessively unnecessary plot twists. I'm still in shock at the execution of Ryan Chappelle on 24 this past episode, and what's more, I'm still not sure how exactly I feel about it. Was it going too far? Was it more for shock value than a necessary plot event? Part of me wants to rank it with the helicopter blade severing a certain doctor's arm on ER earlier this season. You take a character like Chappelle, who is pretty much an insensitive jerk throughout the entire season, and suddenly put him in a position where the audience has no choice but to develop a sympathetic connection to him. He admits he has no family to speak of and no real friends, and the entire scene just
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Question:
I understand that Bobby (Dylan McDermott) of The Practice is coming back next month, but wasn't he supposed to come back at the beginning of the season to explain why he, Lindsay, Rebecca and Helen left? That didn't happen — why? As a fan of The Practice, I hate that half of the staff is gone. I hate that they left with no reason. I understand why Bobby and Lindsay left, but why did Helen and Rebecca leave? We finally got a reason why the receptionist left, but I feel let down by David E. Kelley and ABC. I also hate that they are using so many of the last few episodes of The Practice to develop the spinoff. I like the concept of a serious Ally McBeal-type of show, but I love The Practice. I want the final episodes to be about the people in Young, Frutt and Berluti. — R.N.
Matt:
It will always be a puzzlement why we didn't get a bit more exposition at the start of this season about why so many regular characters had disappeared and where they'd gone to. And I've never
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Question:
I love Alias and 24, and I am usually satisfied with saying that they are both equally entertaining and thrilling. However, after April 18, I can finally say that 24 has the upper hand. Both shows were in similar positions of possibly killing off major characters, but only 24 shocked us all by actually going through with it. The death of Chappelle (Paul Schulze) was television at its very best. On the other hand, Alias is, of late, getting kind of predictable. What are your thoughts on the unshocking survival of Sloane? — Luis C.
Matt:
First off, just let me say that Ron Rifkin's excellent understated performance as Sloane more than compensates for the show's kooky, baroque plotting. Both Alias and 24 have been favorites of mine since they premiered during the same season, and for a while, it depended on which week you asked as to which was my favorite. This season has been trickier. Alias was really hurt by losing Lena Olin, by bringing aboard the ineffectual (until
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Question:
I gave The Restaurant's season premiere a chance to see what they were gonna possibly do this season. With the big battle of owner vs. owner and the usual employee chatter that you can find in any restaurant, one thing really bothered me: Rocco's mother. She looks so completely lost that I honestly feel bad for her. I think it's cruel what they are putting her through on TV. Not just the corporate half of Rocco's but her own son, as well — not to mention NBC! Shame on everyone involved with this show, and shame on anyone who enjoys watching the confusion and fear in Rocco's mother's eyes. If she were my mother and a television producer did that to her, I'd wrap a camera around his head. And that's being nice. This show needs to go, but let me guess: It had great ratings and isn't going anywhere. Well, either way, I won't be watching again. — Anthony P.
Matt:
Several viewers wrote in with deep concern for Rocco's mother, which didn't really register with me as I watched.
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Question:
Are you unaware that luckily for those of us who are BBC America addicts, they rerun their shows during the late-night hours, from 11 pm to 5 am? You failed to mention that alternative in your column for this week's presentation of State of Play. — Raymond S.
Matt:
I am aware of that option, and have taken advantage of it on many occasions. I tend to limit my recommendations to hours when people might actually be watching live, but it's a fact that many cable outlets double-run their shows so if you miss it during prime time, you can catch it or record it in the wee hours. Very convenient. And for those who've been asking about BBC America, having seen the references in the good reviews for State of Play or in the many stories written about The Office, the bad news is that this channel still isn't available on many systems. I didn't get it until I went digital. And am I ever glad I did.
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