So although I can appreciate the appeal of "Heroes," I have to say the best thing on TV is ABC's "Brothers & Sisters." The more I watch the more I'm so into the stories and the characters. Unlike the 3rd season of "Desperate Housewives" (yes, my name's Rox and I USED to be a DH addict) where only the characters are a little amusing while the story line, oh wait, is there a story line? I even bored myself talking just now about DH. Anywho, I'm totally digging the B&S (of course I am!). For the pilot, Sally Field was nowhere to be seen ("open your eyes, Shelby, open...open...open your eyes!"); it was Broadway diva and "Eight is Enough" alumn Betty Buckley who was the matriarch of the original "B&S" cast. TTGP has learned that although the "line" from execs is that Buckley's character "wasn't testing well with audiences," what Rox is hearing is that, although no viewer liked her, apparently NO ONE liked her. As any proud Broadway diva knows, you don't get that title by being sweet. Apparently she was impossible to work with -- I mean, you're talking about a woman who was the Step-Monster of 8 kids for three years on "Eight" and then she wasn't even asked back for the Bradford Reunion (the fabulous Mary-Fran replaced her for the reunion). Do we not learn from our mistakes, people? So, to go from Betty to Sally is miraculous (how many remember her and Burt Reynolds tearing it up on "Smokie and the Bandit"? Shut UP!!!). Anywho, the cast is fantastic finally and the interworkings of a true family (disfunctional as they may be) are at the heart of this terrific show. And let's talk about some non-Americans doing the American accent so well and being believable: Rachel Griffiths -- we loved to hate her on "Six Feet Under" is Australian but does "American" better than anyone from Chicago or Michigan (it hurts, but it's true!); and Matthew Rhys who is a total hottie Welsh actor who plays gay (but not queenie) son Kevin (Rhys is straight in real life which makes him even hotter). Yes, and there's Calista. She's great but I need to see more of her political views to really believe she's a rightwinger (or a dancing baby... or a waddle). Sally is in a field of her own and you will L-O-V-E her! So if you haven't seen the show, check it out. You'll be hooked by this family. As far as Buckley goes, perhaps "Cats" is looking for a new/old Grizzabella?! Meow.
10.27.2006
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So although I can appreciate the appeal of "Heroes," I have to say the best thing on TV is ABC's "Brothers & Sisters." The more I watch the more I'm so into the stories and the characters. Unlike the 3rd season of "Desperate Housewives" (yes, my name's Rox and I USED to be a DH addict) where only the characters are a little amusing while the story line, oh wait, is there a story line? I even bored myself talking just now about DH. Anywho, I'm totally digging the B&S (of course I am!). For the pilot, Sally Field was nowhere to be seen ("open your eyes, Shelby, open...open...open your eyes!"); it was Broadway diva and "Eight is Enough" alumn Betty Buckley who was the matriarch of the original "B&S" cast. TTGP has learned that although the "line" from execs is that Buckley's character "wasn't testing well with audiences," what Rox is hearing is that, although no viewer liked her, apparently NO ONE liked her. As any proud Broadway diva knows, you don't get that title by being sweet. Apparently she was impossible to work with -- I mean, you're talking about a woman who was the Step-Monster of 8 kids for three years on "Eight" and then she wasn't even asked back for the Bradford Reunion (the fabulous Mary-Fran replaced her for the reunion). Do we not learn from our mistakes, people? So, to go from Betty to Sally is miraculous (how many remember her and Burt Reynolds tearing it up on "Smokie and the Bandit"? Shut UP!!!). Anywho, the cast is fantastic finally and the interworkings of a true family (disfunctional as they may be) are at the heart of this terrific show. And let's talk about some non-Americans doing the American accent so well and being believable: Rachel Griffiths -- we loved to hate her on "Six Feet Under" is Australian but does "American" better than anyone from Chicago or Michigan (it hurts, but it's true!); and Matthew Rhys who is a total hottie Welsh actor who plays gay (but not queenie) son Kevin (Rhys is straight in real life which makes him even hotter). Yes, and there's Calista. She's great but I need to see more of her political views to really believe she's a rightwinger (or a dancing baby... or a waddle). Sally is in a field of her own and you will L-O-V-E her! So if you haven't seen the show, check it out. You'll be hooked by this family. As far as Buckley goes, perhaps "Cats" is looking for a new/old Grizzabella?! Meow.
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3 comments:
It is always amazing to me how good things can become a vehicle for meanness and stupidity. Take the Internet for instance. As much as it makes the world a smaller place, it also gives ignorant people the power to represent themselves as “experts” on matters they know nothing about. Rox’s comments concerning Betty Buckley’s participation in “Brothers and Sister’s” is filled with so much misinformation and outright lies, that I am compelled to set the record straight. I am a twenty- five year veteren of film/TV production in Los Angeles. I was on the original team of the pilot for “Brothers and Sisters” and I can give an accurate account what took place. First, the original pilot with Betty Buckley was well received by critics as compared to the one that actually aired. The original was accidentally sent to critics who then had the opportunity to see both versions. It was generally preferred over the one that was finally aired. Some critics stated that the replacement of Betty and Jonthan LaPaglia as the gay brother was an error. We all know what a legend Betty Buckley is from her work on Broadway and the countless film and TV shows she has been in. I was at the filming of the original pilot day in and day out. Now mind you that the pilot that aired is totally different than the original. I spent 16+ hour days with the entire cast and crew. Betty Buckley was a joy to work with and a true professional. The cast and crew would stay and watch even when we didn’t have to be there, just to watch Betty’s work. You should have been there to see the support and true admiration among professionals who had witnessed her honest and lovely work. Rox, you know nothing! It is common knowledge that Betty Buckley was offered both of the “Eight is Enough” reunion movies. She was filming Roman Polanski’s “Frantic” with Harrison Ford in Paris during the first one and was busy doing other work when the other film was scheduled to shoot. Lastly and most importantly, the reason Betty Buckley did not continue with the series of “Brothers and Sisters” is purely one of business. Contractual terms could not be met. It is that simple. It was not of matter of anyone not liking anyone else. While Sally Field is doing a fine job as the matriarch of the Walker family, it would have been nice to have seen the original pilot carried through to what could have been one hell of a TV show.
Dear Anonymous, it's fantastic to see someone attempting to set the record straight with my little 'ol blog. As is with everything in this celeb-driven world of 15 minute fame and gossip TV, perception -- and frankly some credible sources -- usually is reality in this world. My sources are journalists and editors, as well as my first-hand experiences, so let me ask you this, anonymous: Why does Ms. Buckley not stand up for herself when everyone from People to NY Times has reported similar things as TTGP? In a time when information is power one would think the parties in question would want the accurate account out there to empower with facts instead of giving the "ignorant people" the stage for "outright lies"? Luckily Rox does not profess to know everything, 'tis true. I appreciate your point of view and only hope the facts can one day speak for themselves. And if they can't, then at least we can approach everything we do with an open mind and a little giggle. Sincerely, Rox
I have to agree with Anonymous and Maria. As for BLB not responding about the recasting, she has made an official statement on her website weeks ago.
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