(April 2005) The Gilmore Girls Take On Idol
You may recognize the two actresses gracing the cover of TV Guide this week. The Gilmore Girls, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel are currently appearing on the big screen in the hit films 'The Pacifier' and 'Sin City' respectively. What you may not recognize is that these ladies are among television’s most talented actresses, and their vehicle ranks among the most entertaining, and certainly the most overlooked show on the air.
Gilmore Girls, which airs on the WB on Tuesday nights at 8 PM has some pretty heavy competition in the form of the FOX powerhouse and cultural phenomenon 'American Idol.' Despite a recent surge in ratings in its fifth season, and increasingly drawing in fans thanks to daily reruns on the ABC Family Channel, it will undoubtedly be tough to convince 'Idol' viewers to change the channel.
‘Idol’ shows no signs of aging and boasts ratings that are among the show’s highest, but I personally cannot muster up enthusiasm for yet another rendition of 'Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch.' For some of us, the show has just lost its luster – Diana Degarmo as last season’s runner up? Call me a purist, but I strongly believe that Kelly Clarkson’s charisma, talent, and powerhouse performances on Idol’s premiere season have remained unmatched by any contestant on subsequent seasons. I also have a long-running theory that reality shows are never as good as they are in season one, but I digress…Bottom line, I still appreciate the entertainment value of watching Paula Abdul’s unpredictably absurd quirks and quips…and increasing display of affection for everyone to Simon Cowell to Nikko Smith, who was eliminated despite (or perhaps because of) Paula’s declaration of love for 'the comeback kid.' However, I will be thrilled to have a reason to change the channel when fresh episodes of Gilmore Girls resume on April 19. For any frustrated former fans, or Anti –Idolists, consider this more than worthy alternative.
I ask you in advance to please excuse any overdone adjectives and unapologetic gushing that I incorporate into my opus on the Gilmore Girls. Anyone who has paid a visit to the show’s fictional Star’s Hollow setting can appreciate that the show really is THAT GOOD. The premise is simple enough – Graham and Bledel play the Gilmore girls, Lorelai and Rory, a young mother and her teenage daughter whose relationship is also that of two best friends. Despite the syrupy theme song, the sap factor on the show is minimal. Rather, it is characterized by the rapid-fire dialogue and pop culture references, which work remarkably well to create an agreeable blend of comedy and drama with a sprinkle of nostalgia mixed in. Gilmore Girls is a rare show that gives its audience something to chew on, yet is easy to digest.
After a two-month break, Gilmore Girls is set to return and promises plot twists that will shake up the lives of the main characters and change their lives forever. Despite the fact that a statement like this is usually as reliable as the phrase 'most dramatic rose ceremony ever,' the show has been subtly constructing this opportunity. Lorelai and Rory have been building their lives, accomplishing their goals of owning an inn and going to a prestigious college. Both are in developing relationships. Lorelai, at last is together with diner owner and longtime admirer Luke, and Rory is involved with fellow Yalie, Logan. The characters dreams have become realities, making it the perfect time to turn their world upside down. This fact and the consistently compelling storytelling has caused the cynic in me to step aside, and allowed me to believe that in this case, the drama will actually live up to the hype.
Gilmore Girls is a show that more than exceeds expectations. Tonight the show’s 100th episode, arguably one of the series’ best episodes will re-air. It’s a perfect opportunity for new viewers to tune in. As for those reluctant channel surfers, take one more week to laugh at Paula, hiss at Simon, or cheer for the remaining idols, each a clone from seasons past. New episodes of Gilmore Girls begin airing on April 19.
E. Werth
http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Apr/EEN425c012a966d5.html
Gilmore Girls, which airs on the WB on Tuesday nights at 8 PM has some pretty heavy competition in the form of the FOX powerhouse and cultural phenomenon 'American Idol.' Despite a recent surge in ratings in its fifth season, and increasingly drawing in fans thanks to daily reruns on the ABC Family Channel, it will undoubtedly be tough to convince 'Idol' viewers to change the channel.
‘Idol’ shows no signs of aging and boasts ratings that are among the show’s highest, but I personally cannot muster up enthusiasm for yet another rendition of 'Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch.' For some of us, the show has just lost its luster – Diana Degarmo as last season’s runner up? Call me a purist, but I strongly believe that Kelly Clarkson’s charisma, talent, and powerhouse performances on Idol’s premiere season have remained unmatched by any contestant on subsequent seasons. I also have a long-running theory that reality shows are never as good as they are in season one, but I digress…Bottom line, I still appreciate the entertainment value of watching Paula Abdul’s unpredictably absurd quirks and quips…and increasing display of affection for everyone to Simon Cowell to Nikko Smith, who was eliminated despite (or perhaps because of) Paula’s declaration of love for 'the comeback kid.' However, I will be thrilled to have a reason to change the channel when fresh episodes of Gilmore Girls resume on April 19. For any frustrated former fans, or Anti –Idolists, consider this more than worthy alternative.
I ask you in advance to please excuse any overdone adjectives and unapologetic gushing that I incorporate into my opus on the Gilmore Girls. Anyone who has paid a visit to the show’s fictional Star’s Hollow setting can appreciate that the show really is THAT GOOD. The premise is simple enough – Graham and Bledel play the Gilmore girls, Lorelai and Rory, a young mother and her teenage daughter whose relationship is also that of two best friends. Despite the syrupy theme song, the sap factor on the show is minimal. Rather, it is characterized by the rapid-fire dialogue and pop culture references, which work remarkably well to create an agreeable blend of comedy and drama with a sprinkle of nostalgia mixed in. Gilmore Girls is a rare show that gives its audience something to chew on, yet is easy to digest.
After a two-month break, Gilmore Girls is set to return and promises plot twists that will shake up the lives of the main characters and change their lives forever. Despite the fact that a statement like this is usually as reliable as the phrase 'most dramatic rose ceremony ever,' the show has been subtly constructing this opportunity. Lorelai and Rory have been building their lives, accomplishing their goals of owning an inn and going to a prestigious college. Both are in developing relationships. Lorelai, at last is together with diner owner and longtime admirer Luke, and Rory is involved with fellow Yalie, Logan. The characters dreams have become realities, making it the perfect time to turn their world upside down. This fact and the consistently compelling storytelling has caused the cynic in me to step aside, and allowed me to believe that in this case, the drama will actually live up to the hype.
Gilmore Girls is a show that more than exceeds expectations. Tonight the show’s 100th episode, arguably one of the series’ best episodes will re-air. It’s a perfect opportunity for new viewers to tune in. As for those reluctant channel surfers, take one more week to laugh at Paula, hiss at Simon, or cheer for the remaining idols, each a clone from seasons past. New episodes of Gilmore Girls begin airing on April 19.
E. Werth
http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Apr/EEN425c012a966d5.html
- Submitted by Trisha
posted by MissCoffee @ 3:06 p.m.
