BABA BOOEY ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE....

THE COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF WILLIAM SHATNER (COM)
Hilarious and profane as always, the roast rocked, Shatner was in fine form, taking it like the best of them. Sulu and Artie Lange were there, which gave the whole thing a Howard Stern effect - although I thought Artie wasn't his usual self and didn't score as well as people like Jeff Ross (great), Greg Giraldo, and even Betty White, who was shockingly good. Lisa Lampanelli is usually great, but her same - "I go out with the black man" shtick is getting really old. But this was as good as these things usually get. I just wonder where people like James Spader and Leanard Nimoy were.
Grade: B +
THE ROAST OF BABA BOOEY (HOWARD TV)
On the other side of the taste-meter, here was the roast for Howard's long suffering producer, Gary Dell'Abate. I've met Gary a few times and have to say he's one of the nicest human beings I've ever met - so I wasn't surprised that nobody (except a delightfully insane Sal) went for the jugular. I was a little surprised Howard himself didn't do a set, but Artie was a grand slam - as was almost everybody. These roasts are becoming the talk of the town, but the real oddball thing in this was to see the long-departed Jackie The Jokeman in the roaster's seat. Being a fan of Howards now for 20 plus years, this was a real thrill. About 10 years ago, Jackie walked off the show in a contract dispute (he wanted more money) and has really not been heard from since. Probably one of the all time career blunders ever made - and the roasters did not let that go unnoticed. Jackie is back now with a one hour weekly show on Sirious, and well - what can I say - Jackie is a HUGE part of Stern show history - one of the elements that originally attracted people to the show - and I will always have affection for The Jokeman. A lot of the roasters really came after him - and he handled it about as well as he could have. His own set was pretty funny - and it was heartwarming to see him and Fred Norris working together again. But that song did go too long - and if it wasn't the triumphant return that we'd hoped for, it was a return of sorts - and a memorable one. And hopefuly, not the last. While Artie was funny, he seemed to really skewer Jackie in a set that was a departure from his usual sweetness. Gary never really got skewered, and Sal was probably the best roaster of the night. But his targets were not so much Gary as they were Beth (he actually made a Horse whinny - I guess implying that Beth looks like a horse - and got the weirdest look from Howard I've ever seen - but he did kill. Maybe the best roaster of the bunch.
Grade: A +

ICE T's RAP SCHOOL (VH1)
Very fun, the kids are hysterical. But the real tension here is usually whether or not Ice T is going to beat the kids on camera.
Grade: B

FLAVA OF LOVE - THE REUNION (VH1)
This could've run 2 hours, as this is probably one of the best reality shows ever. No spoilers in case you haven't seen it - but I know I'll be ready for I LOVE NY! - a new reality show that will have NEW YORK picking out her new man from a bunch of suitors. That VH1 is willing to put this mentally questionable woman on tv is really pushing the envelope - but Jesus, I can't wait for that show to come on.
Grade: A


LOST (ABC)
Comes in with another episode that trafficked in "THE OTHERS." Many plot points were insanely convenient - but I'll admit the thing with the pacemaker was pretty cool. All in all, a push.
Grade: C +

NIP/TUCK (FX)

Had a decent episode that dealt with Sean operating to fix his child's hands. A more sturdy installment.
Grade: B

BREAKING BONADUCE (VH1)
I just watched the first 2 eps of this reality show and am riveted. Artie Lange's impression of Danny in the premiere was priceless. And Danny is out of his mind.
Grade: A

MONSTER HOUSE (PPV)
Really good. Great voice work from Steve Buscemi.
Grade: B +

MIAMI VICE: THE MOVIE (PPV)
I fell asleep in this mess after the first half hour - and I didn't understand anything. Not one bit of it.
Grade: D

You, ME & DUPREE (PPV)
Funny opening, so-so middle, disastrous ending.
Grade: D +

CLERKS 2 (PPV)
Kevin Smith, of whom I'm not the biggest fan (that distinction would belong to him) directs CLERKS 2 and comes close to matching the shot pattern and vibe of the original. I didn't love the original but thought it had it's moments. This one does, too - but not as many of them.
Grade: B -

30 ROCK (NBC)
3rd funny ep in a row. Nice work. Funny that Jane Kcaewrwlfrjkadack wasn't in ep 3 - and it still rankles me that the brilliant Rachel Dracht was fucked out of this role by short sighted network executives.

THE BACHELOR (ABC)
Still fun. The girls are whack. I think they should have the next one be your typical ABC bachelor but have the girls of FLAVA in da house!
Grade: B

THE SOPRANOS (HBO ON DEMAND)
Started watching the last season just to catch up and review the season that I didn't think was so good - thought I have to say - the premiere episode, MEMBERS ONLY - was pretty damn good. And the end where Tony takes a bullet from his uncle works very very well.
Grade: B +