Inside the Actors Studio (8pm, Bravo) - James Lipton chats with the cast of ABC's 'Modern Family.'
Opry Memories (8pm, UNC-TV) - A special featuring vintage performances from the Grand Ole Opry, featuring John Schneider as host.
MasterChef (8pm, Fox) - Second round of auditions finishes out the contestant pool for Season 2.
White Collar (9pm, USA) - In the solid Season 3 premiere, Peter and Neal (Matt Bomer at left with Willie Garson/Mozzie) must put aside their differences while hunting down a thief who robbed the Federal Reserve. But Peter still can't quite shake the feeling that Neal is conning him, and after the opening of tonight's episode, you'll understand why.
The Voice (9pm, NBC) - The performance round kicks off with singers from each team battling each other. Also of interest tonight, the judges -- Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, and Adam Levine -- perform a medley of Queen songs.
Covert Affairs (10pm, USA) - The Season 2 premiere has Ben vanishing after returning to Washington. Also, Annie is assigned to protect a Russian tennis player.
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow
Comments
OK but not a great Actor's Studio
Wed, 06/08/2011 - 08:09 — coughlin_jake(I wrote a nice long comment and then pressed the wrong freakin' key, and the browser navigated away. I HATE MAC COMPUTERS!!!) So now I'm giving the highlights:
1. The show was sliced and diced into a disappointment. It was mildly interesting to learn how different these people are, but we saw VERY little of James Lipton's strengths: wit and insight. Lipton is spook brilliant -- I'm not exaggerating when I say that the man scares the bejeezus out of me. There were a couple of really sharp moments, but on the whole, what was broadcast was a disappointment.
2. Expounding on #1, the editting made Lipton seem mean and abrupt.
3. Ty (the actor who plays Phil) is getting more rough looking by the day. I think he needs a grooming intervention.
4. Sofia's so-called beauty is getting tired. Yeah, she has all the "right" curves in all the "right" places, and while it may be appropriate for the cast to joke about it (since they know each other well), it's tacky and betrays a complete lack of class for anyone outside of the inner circle to repeat the joke. In fact, it's nauseating, and when Lipton jumped on the bandwagon with his "I'd refuse anaethesia" line, I nearly turned the show off.
Julie (who plays Claire) was positively RADIANT last night.
5. The scene with Jay and Gloria was funny in the context of the episode, but it completely fails to stand on its own. It wasn't funny (outside of the episode), and it boggles my mind why they selected this scene to represent this couple. Dumb. (Inexcusibly dumb from a group of very intelligent people.)
However, the other two scenes demonstrate that the strength of the show is with the other two couples. Both scenes were hilarious, and I'd go so far as to say that both scenes were simultaneouly beautifully poignant. *THIS* is what makes Modern Family, not the schlocky Jay/Gloria dynamic (which I'd say completely rests upon Gloria's kid [it's a TRIPLE, morons, not a COUPLE. (aimed at whoever picked that ridiculous scene)]).
6. Eric and Ty (in that order) are obviously the best actors in the ensemble presented by Lipton's show. I think Julie's right up there, but I was completely baffled by her insecurity. It leads me to believe that Julie doesn't know her character as well as she plays her.
Inside "Modern Family"
Thu, 06/09/2011 - 11:18 — brookecain (author)Just watched last night, and I agree with you that the drooling over Sofia Vergara's sex appeal does get old after awhile (and she's clearly milking it for all its worth). Also agree that Julie Bowen was stunning (as always). Really like her, and have since she was Carol Vessey on "Ed." Also loved her on "Boston Legal." She's perfect as Claire. Remind me where Julie talked about/displayed her insecurities? I actually think any woman, even one as remarkable as Julie Bowen, might start to feel "invisible" in a room full of men and Sofia Vergara. What is she, chopped liver?
I actually thought Ty Burrell looked good with that beard. He's another terrific actor (and "Back to You" was under appreciated!). I've also seen him in dramatic roles ("Law & Order" guest spot type stuff) and he's equally good.
And the more I see of Eric Stonestreet, the more impressed I am. I want to go back now and find those episodes of "CSI" he guest starred on. I don't even watch "CSI" (can't stand it) but I would watch those.