Every broadcast network has big finales tonight except for The CW.
CHUCK SEASON FINALE: While at first it seemed like a lot happened during the two-hour finale, there were some persistent issues that repeated: Chuck’s brain being affected by the intersect, the fact that without his father’s special watch (The Governor), Chuck was unable to function as a spy and the issue of Chuck not being a spy was brought up, only this time it was from his sister Ellie. All that said, I enjoyed seeing Chuck’s genius/inventor/spy dad Steven again and was sad that we may not see him anymore. I’m not sure having John Casey’s daughter around helps the story but it did provide laughs when Casey threatened Morgan if he hit on the daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed the destruction of a particular set and I’m wondering if that means certain people are out of the show for good. I realize show budgets are tight and NBC still isn’t getting the ratings return on CHUCK they’ve been hoping for. Happily, the network has ordered 13 episodes for next season which is a solid show of faith.
THE TONY AWARDS: It was announced yesterday that Sean Hayes will host the hosting the Tony Awards, which will be presented June 13th. Hayes is currently co-starring on Broadway with Kristin Chenoweth in PROMISES, PROMISES. I wouldn’t have thought of him but now that he’s been announced, I think he’ll do a great job, based on his incredible energy and humor.
COMING SOON IN THE SURF REPORT: An interview with Michael Blieden and Mike DiCenzo, two of the minds who made the fantastic episodes of LATE for LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON. While I was in New York, I lucked into some time to talk with Blieden and DiCenzo, the director and writer of the series of mini-episodes I quickly got addicted to. It was a truly loving homage to LOST that managed to respect the show’s conventions while putting a comic twist on it at the same time, which amazed me. If you haven’t seen it, be sure to check it out at the LATE NIGHT site: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/late/
Also coming soon: My New York treat was a visit to the set of ROYAL PAINS, the USA hit starring Marc Feuerstein and Paulo Costanzo. I’ll be running an interview with ROYAL PAINS showrunners Michael Rauch & Andrew Lenchewski soon, before the show returns to the airwaves June 3rd at 10pm, right after BURN NOTICE returns at 9pm the same night.
On the DVR: The 24 finale. I’ll also be catching up on BREAKING BAD since I missed the last two episodes; I’m liking this season very much.
TODAY’S SURF WRITTEN WHILE LISTENING TO: “Tighten Up” by The Black Keys — my new fave band because I love the mix of 60s and 70s artist influences you hear when you listen to them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc
TUESDAY TWINSPIN! The Black Keys – “I Got Mine” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5FW8Xo8ENo&feature=related
MY MUST-SEE TONIGHT: The season finale of THE GOOD WIFE, one of the smartest, freshest shows to come down the programming pike in a long time. Last week’s episode turned the screws in a big way as Cary was laid off from the firm while Alicia signed Eli Gold as a client which saved her job at the firm. Cary immediately landed a job in with prosecutor Glenn Childs (the always intensely good Titus Welliver) in the state prosecutor’s office and Childs told him outright that he’ll need his help with Alicia, which Cary quickly agreed to. I expect a lot of muck-raising from this new alliance. Another great thing about the new fall season of THE GOOD WIFE: Alan Cumming will be a series regular as Peter is now free from house arrest and going full bore into rebuilding his political career. I love this show for its nuance, the quiet dignity and poise Julianna Margulies has imbued Alicia with, and the strength of every cast member that makes the show one of the best hours on TV. In tonight’s season finale: Alicia contemplates whether she wants to support Peter in his political campaign or whether she wants to pursue a relationship with Will (Josh Charles).
Tonight’s finale-laden rundown:
ABC: 8:00 p.m. Dancing With the Stars (R) 9:00 p.m. Dancing With the Stars (season finale, two hours)
CBS: 8:00 p.m. NCIS (season finale) 9:00 p.m. NCIS: Los Angeles (season finale) 10:00 p.m. The Good Wife (season finale)
NBC: 8:00 p.m. The Biggest Loser (season finale, two hours) 10:00 p.m. Parenthood (season finale)
FOX: 8:00 p.m. American Idol (final performance show) 9:00 p.m. Glee
Tonight is the GLEE episode featuring performances of Lady Gaga songs. Expect IDOL to run long as they can’t seem to end the show on time – if you’re recording GLEE, add at least 5 extra minutes for the stop time.
THE CW: 8:00 p.m. Life Unexpected (R) 9:00 p.m. 90210 (R)
FX: 10pm: Justified
Boyd Crowder and his crew become vigilantes and Raylan has to stop them.
TNT: NBA PLAYOFF GAME: Lakers at Suns
Bravo: 10pm: 9 By Design
Discovery: DEADLIEST CATCH repeats
TLC: 19 Kids and Counting
That’s a wrap for now.
