Distinctive. Delightful. Drivel.

As an avid fan of watching television on-demand and on-my-computer, I have more than usual opportunities to experience new programming. When you can watch anything at anytime at anyplace, the need for variety becomes much more ingrained in your viewing habits.

Recently I watched the first few episodes of a new series on Showtime called Californication.

As loathe as I am to admit it, I was enraptured from the onset. Fantastically creative and complex writing, just a hint of the pretension and pace I have come to savor like a guilty pleasure from shows like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Deadwood.

This particular mind-candy comes in the tangy tart form of David Duchovny and Evan Handler clamoring around the City of Angels climbing through chaos and clutching clichéd crutches.

The twists and turns taken as the plot thickens are unique and edgy but not outrageously so. It butts up against the unbelievable with a firm hold on a possible reality, enough to drag you in but not enough to shake you awake.

Have my tastes become so diverse that drivel delights me? Probably. But it's rich, well-written, and yummy so I'm going to have another taste.

The Perfect Woman

I thought that headline might get your attention.

Lately, I've been fortunate enough to have watched some episodes of a new show called Burn Notice. It is a really well put together piece of entertainment with some pretty decent writing. Not Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip level writing, but noticeably good.

For a job like getting rid of the drug dealer next door, I'll take a hardware store over a gun any day. Guns make you stupid; better to fight your wars with duct tape. Duct tape makes you smart.
-- Michael Weston on the show Burn Notice

Ever since For Love or Money I have been a fan of Gabrielle Anwar. She's not my type if we are speaking about appearances, although she is easy enough on the eyes. No, here spirit and spunk are always radiated in the roles she portrays. It is if even though she is an actress, this thing inside of her always shines through. Something that signals this is me, this is Gabrielle; I may be acting but you know me still.

Her latest role on Burn Notice is no different, but this post isn't about the lovely actress. No instead it is about the character that is written for her: Fiona Glenanne.

Fiona is fiercely independent and fabulously feminine. No matter what craziness is going on, she can handle herself and back up the people she cares about. She knows when to ask for help and she does so clearly and deliberately. Uniquely, she knows when the person she cares about needs her and does what is required without pretense and drama. Her character is woman enough to want to talk about relationships and feelings, but practical enough to set them aside so she can beat up a bad guy, or escape in a high-speed car chase. Just a perfect partner. What is so interesting is that she isn't traditionally submissive or supportive. But then she is.

Michael: Fi, you're here.
Fiona: I came by for a visit. The door was locked so I broke in.
Michael: Fi I'm thrilled that you've come by but Sam and I need to talk about a job so you...
Fiona: Job? Sounds like fun. I'm in!

In the latest episode, you see that she recognizes their partnership and isn't afraid to ask for what she wants. "I wanna help him. Do it for me, Michael."

Michael: I just walked two miles with a twisted ankle. What happened to "Keep the car running"?
Fiona: The car was stolen Michael. Your feds were getting curious. I had a gun in the car. Our little mission was in danger of being compromised so I returned to base.
Michael: And broke in again.
Fiona: I think our little post operation briefing has taught us that you need a car and I need a key to your apartment.
Michael: A key? Aren't you more comfortable breaking in?

When all is said and done, I find that the character of Fiona Glenanne is the most perfect female character I've yet to come across.

You Kissed Back

House just keeps getting better and better. They manage to take the depths we sink to and make them real and tangible.

Cameron comes in gives him a letter of recommendation to sign, which he does without reading but with proper vhim. Then when he asks her if she really wants to leave, she doesn't say anything, she just slowly approaches and kisses him.

It is passionate and amazing. My heart stopped for just a moment. But as all fantasies do, this one ends poorly. She was really trying to stick him with a needle to sample his blood, and the kiss was just a cover. Naturally, House isn't fazed, but Cameron is definitely taken back. Not for being caught but because...

Cameron: You kissed back.
House: I didn't want you to die without knowing the feeling.
Actually no woman should die without knowing the feeling.

Such an amazingly realistic exchange laid bare and exposed like that. It was so palpable you could cut it like butter.

Whoever writes this show has my unflagging loyalty.

A Fan of Anne

The fall television season is always something I anticipate.  The new comedies, intrigues, and characters are brain candy that I sorely need while motoring along the elliptical trainer for hours on end every week.

The latest fun little surprise is Men in Trees which stars Anne Heche.   I've always been a fan of hers and it was to my delight to discover this show is a refreshing vehicle to showcase her loveableness.

If you haven't caught any of the episodes, here's a quick overview. Men in Trees is a quirkly drama with an eclectic character base and fabulous fashion sense set in the little town of Elmo, Alaska.  The main character is very real, which is uncommon for such fare, even though the sexual tension is a little predictable.

The setting makes for some great cinematography, and the quick pace of the dialog keeps you humming along.

In the mood for something light and delicious?  Check it out.

Thank God You're Here

Tonight I got to catch an episode of Thank God You're Here from Australia's Network Ten.

From the moment the first skit started until the last skit ended, I didn't stop laughing.  If you get a chance, watch this show.  It's hilarious!