I'm sure... in our world, there are folks like Robogeek in some ways.... buuuuuuutttt... There is only one Robogeek. Below you will find the stunningly organized absolute decisions upon all manner of things that occurred in the past year. From TELEVISION to RADIO to weird as hell MAC stuff. I try to fathom many things about Robogeek... but... his strange robotic shrilling laugh covers hours of never being turned off. His brain.... repeating directions, orders, data, factoids, the minutae of life. As you pass him on the street you will hear the pistons in his cranial areas pounding away like the engines of the Titanic. And... well, here's what they spat out today. You will soon see that the primary fuel that Robogeek runs on is.... CRACK!!! as well as Rice Krispies, those chocolate mint Girl Scout cookies and 24 hour a day sensory input...
ROBOGEEK'S 1998 YEAR IN ROBO-REVIEW -- PART ONE
So I was spending the holidays at the West Coast branch of the Banzai Institute, getting my annual tune-up and eating more of Mrs. Johnson's world famous cinnamon buns than you could shake a stick at. And I couldn't help but notice that the place was in an even more festive mood than usual for the season, due to recent news that has been chronicled by the esteemed Glen Oliver over in AICN Coaxial.
Anyway, in between upgrade sessions, I found myself utterly transfixed by a new discovery Reno turned me on to -- "Lonely Planet," weeknights at 8 ET/PT on The Travel Channel. I am now shamelessly smitten with its fabulously cool co-host, Justine Shapiro, who somehow manages to evoke equal parts Marion Ravenwood and Penny Robinson. Now I ask you, how could I possibly resist _that_?
Unfortunately, my reverie was shattered by the realization that this would totally throw off the Top Ten list I was feverishly working on for the site. In the top spot, I was still going back and forth between CNN's Laurie Dhue and Gillian Anderson of, well, you know... (though the fact Ms. Anderson doesn't currently sport a ring does give her a certain advantage). After that, the list was a dizzying free-for-all including the sweetly saucy Liz Vassey from "Maximum Bob," the vastly underrated Maura Tierney from "NewsRadio," the intoxicating Lisa Nicole Carson from "Ally McBeal," E!'s irrepressible Jules Asner, the irresistable Nicole deBoer from "Deep Space Nine," the oh-so-sassy Jennifer Esposito from "Spin City," and that vision of divinity Mädchen Amick from the sadly (and wrongfully) now-cancelled "Fantasy Island."
"What are you doing?" Scooter asked, looking over my shoulder at my Palm computer.
"My 1998 Top Ten Women on TV list for AICN," I replied matter-of-factly.
"Are you on crack?" he asked, appropriating my catch phrase. "Shouldn't that be a Top Ten film list, or something?"
I looked at him, dumbfounded. "What the hell for?"
"Damn, you must have gotten a bad line of code in your last upgrade," he said, shaking his head as he punched the intercom button. "Dr. Hikita, something's wrong with Robogeek. He's acting... _sexist_."
"Nani? Chukusho!" came the response from the professor.
"I think I'll go get more cinnamon buns," I said absently.
"I think you'd better stay out of Mrs. Johnson's kitchen until we get you looked at," Scooter cautioned, giving me a slightly nervous look.
Moments later, I was being wheeled back into the cybernetics lab and -- after a bit of tinkering administered by a brand-spankin' new Power Macintosh G3 running Mac OS X Server -- I was back to myself, more or less, and relieved not to have to finish that particular list.
However, it probably would have been a heck of a lot easier to complete than the lists now before me. Anyway, here goes..
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VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE -- WIDESCREEN / SUBTITLED EDITION (VHS) Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (1989). Released by Buena Vista Home Video.
After shattering sales expectations with the dubbed pan/scan release of this 1989 Miyazaki classic (which "Entertainment Weekly" recently hailed as "Best Video of the Year"), Disney quietly released the Japanese version, much to the joy of otaku-dom. BUY THIS TAPE. Send a message to Disney that there is a market for the films of Miyazaki in their original, unaltered form -- and that they're missing an opportunity by not releasing them theatrically, or on DVD. (Look for my review of their dubbed version of "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" soon.)
HONORABLE MENTION: THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES -- WORLD'S FINEST
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BOOK OF THE YEAR:
SUPERMAN: PEACE ON EARTH by Paul Dini and Alex Ross (DC Comics).
And yes, I said _book_ of the year -- not just "comic book" of the year. This stunning collaboration between writer Paul ("The New Batman / Superman Adventures") Dini and Alex ("Kingdom Come") Ross -- two of the most talented artists working in any medium today -- is a work to be savored and treasured. (And it should be required reading for everyone working at Warner Bros. -- especially Terry Semel.) Beautiful storytelling told with sweeping, cinematic scope and breathtaking artistry. Absolutely awe-inspiring.
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE -- 2-CD set from Varese Sarabande (VSD2-5981). Music composed by John Williams. Performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by John Debney. Album produced by Robert Townson.
For twenty years, I've been waiting for the definitive soundtrack release of one of the greatest film scores of all time. This isn't it, but it's damn close. And I can live with that for now. This ambitious new 2-CD set is absolutely glorious, and infuses the score with a renewed vitality. Listening to this state-of-the-art recording is almost like hearing the music for the first time, as it is presented in vivid 20-bit digital clarity. Granted, it's not perfect: there are a few liberties taken here and there in the orchestration; the tempo on "Trip to Earth" and "Growing Up" is a tad too slow; and one track ("The Fortress of Solitude") isn't quite up to snuff. Also, this release doesn't include _all_ the score, notably omitting "Super Rescues" and "Super Feats"(which are on the original soundtrack CD release). But, my God, having a recording of "Jonathan's Death," "To The Lair" and "The Helicopter Sequence" is absolutely priceless. Call me a sentimental, but I couldn't help but cry upon hearing these two tracks for the first time. Conductor John Debney joins Joel McNeely as one of the best interpreters of John Williams' music, conjuring exhilarating performances from the RSNO. (One pet peeve though: the packaging. Three gorgeous paintings by Bob Peak -- which I'd love to see released as prints -- are buried under horrendously blah typography. Tragic.)
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MISSED OPPORTUNITY OF THE YEAR:
Warner Bros. failed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Superman and the 20th anniversary of "Superman: The Movie" by not having Richard Donner oversee a "Special Edition" treatment of the film. Just think -- we could've had a definitive "director's cut," re-edited with digitally remastered sound and special effects, released theatrically and then onto video. But, no... Warner Bros. was too busy pumping tens of millions of dollars into the development black hole of "Superman Lives/Reborn." That money would have been _far_ better spent on restoring a classic. And imagine the additional PR and good will they could have generated by donating the proceeds from a limited theatrical engagement to the Christopher Reeve foundation for spinal research. Damn you, Terry Semel!
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BEST NEWS OF THE YEAR:
HARRY NOTE: REVERSE THE ORDER OF THE FOLLOWING!!!!
The enlightened Fox Network ordered development of a pilot for a proposed "Buckaroo Banzai" television series. Praise be to John Emdall! This, quite simply, could be the coolest TV show ever made. Ever. (For more info, check out www.banzai-institute.com) Now, if only we can get the book back in print, and a widescreen director's cut DVD of the movie with digitally remastered sound and effects... (This is one of only three dream-DVDs that would single-handedly compel me to buy a DVD player.)
HONORABLE MENTION: New Line announced production of "The Lord of the Rings" as a big-budget film trilogy, shot back-to-back by staggeringly brilliant writer/director Peter Jackson. (If you dare question his genius, rent "Heavenly Creatures.")
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WEIRDEST NEWS OF THE YEAR:
The Golden Globe nominations. Is the entire Hollywood Foreign Press Association on CRACK?!?! What the hell happened here? And then we find out that half their membership hadn't even seen "The Thin Red Line," among other stuff. Well, there goes the Golden Globes' credibility, I guess. I mean, what's the point of nominating films if you don't even to bother to see those that are eligible? That's not just incompentent -- it's irresponsible.
HONORABLE MENTION: The brilliant art film "Babe: Pig in the City" gets a "G" rating from the MPAA, and Universal proceeds to market it as a kid's film.
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MEDIA MYSTERY OF THE YEAR:
With over a million daily readers and a year's worth of ad banners, why the hell isn't AICN rolling in dough? (Sorry, Harry -- couldn't resist!)(HARRY NOTE: No need to apologize, tis a mystery that still screws with me as well my robo-kemosabe)
HONORABLE MENTION: www.love4oneanother.com
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METAPHYSICAL VINDICATION OF THE YEAR:
APPLE COMPUTER! YES!!! Who would've thought a year ago that they'd have the #1 selling personal computer in America? Or the most powerful desktop and laptop personal computers anywhere? I just wish Steve had gone ahead and dubbed Mac OS X Server "Mac OS Enterprise Server." Imagine the ad -- a bearded Steve introducing MOSES with the tag line, "it'll take you to the promised land!" That would've rocked! Oh, well. Check out all of Apple's new kick-ass funky fresh gear at www.apple.com, and prepare to drool. (Note to Steve: Austin wants their doughnuts back! And they deserve them!)
HONORABLE MENTION:
BABYLON 5. My God, Joe, you pulled it off. I'm still in awe.
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DUMBEST SPORTS RULE:
The Dutch were robbed at this year's World Cup because of an incredibly stupid rule. See, up through the semi-finals, tied games are settled in overtime. However, once you hit the quarter-finals, ties are settled by... penalty kicks. What the hell kind of sense does that make? Is FIFA on crack? I mean, the World Cup is supposed to decide who plays the best soccer, not who can make the most penalty kicks. Those bastards...
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COOLEST RADIO SHOW YOU'VE NEVER HEARD:
Marissa's Show KVRX 91.7 FM. Okay, I'm biased; Marissa is a good friend of mine. But still, she's undeniably cool, and so's her delightful free-form, anything-goes, show. Enough to make you hate commercial corporate radio. Tune in online at http://www.utexas.edu/students/kvrx/.web/ra.html before she heads off to law school.
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TOP THREE TV SERIES I DON'T WATCH BUT KNOW I SHOULD:
3. OZ (HBO)
2. HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET (NBC)
1. LAW & ORDER (NBC)
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TOP FIVE TV SERIES I MISS THAT SAID GOODBYE IN 1998:
5. (TIE) MICHAEL HAYES (CBS) and C-16 (ABC)
Two solid, underrated shows that just didn't get the nurturing they needed from their respective networks. Probably suffered from being too understated, subtle, and intelligent.
4. ARLI$$ (HBO)
HBO's decision to kill this gem continues to confound me. Robert Wuhl, I salute you!
3. THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW (HBO)
I have no words. But, boy, how I would love to see Shandling guest host "The Tonight Show" -- as Larry Sanders.
2. MAXIMUM BOB (ABC)
This marvellously inspired summer series on ABC is one of the best Elmore Leonard adaptations ever made, thanks to the inspired Barry Sonnenfeld and Barry Josephson, and their spectacular cast that included Beau Bridges and the wonderful Liz Vassey. It was sort of "Out of Sight" meets "Twin Peaks," only funnier and even more charming. Bring it back, dammit!
1. BABYLON 5 (TNT)
The landmark five-year epic came to a glorious conclusion this fall, culminating in one of the finest hours of television ever produced -- "Sleeping in Light," the triumphant series finale. Hats off, Joe!
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TOP THREE TV SERIES I _WILL_ MISS
3. REMEMBER WENN (AMC)
One of the best shows you've never seen, from the boundlessly talented Rupert Holmes. Four years. 56 episodes. A television treasure. They just don't make 'em like they used to...
2. FANTASY ISLAND (ABC)
While I'm glad ABC is sticking with "Sports Night" and "Cupid," they really should have had the sense to stick with this tantalizingly inventive reincarnation from Sonnenfeld and Josephson. Though it had a few uneven episodes, it held great promise, and was a real treat. Lots of potential, down the drain. A real shame.
1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE (syndicated)
Ever the stepchild of the "Star Trek" universe, this series dared to be different. Through a rocky start and many uneven years, it reached artistic heights almost unmatched by those other Treks. Outside of the original series' "The City on the Edge of Forever," it's hard to think of any other Trek that tops such DS9 triumphs as "The Visitor" and "Far Beyond The Stars." As Captain Benjamin Sisko, the enormously underrated Avery Brooks emerged as one of the most compelling performers on television, presenting one of the most resonant father/son relationships to ever grace the medium.
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TV SERIES I MISS THE MOST:
RELATIVITY (ABC)
To anyone who can provide me with pristine copies of this show on tape, along with a soundtrack of W. G. Snuffy Walden's fantastic score, I will be forever in your debt!
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MOST IMPROVED TV SERIES:
STAR TREK: VOYAGER (UPN)
Early this fall, about four episodes into this season, I was struck by a stunning realization -- "Voyager" didn't suck! It's strange, but true. While they've had a misstep here and there this season, the show has improved by leaps and bounds, building on the progress that was made in the second half of last season thanks to a creative shake-up. And though it has yet to reach the heights of "Deep Space Nine" (or even begin to approach "Babylon 5"), it is finally starting to fulfill its promise. Given that next season it will take center stage once "Deep Space Nine" retires, it's nice to see it grow. Rumors abound that this season will end with the ship's return to the Alpha Quadrant, and the show's re-integration into the current "Star Trek" plot context. In other words, we could see "Voyager" shift gears to be more TNG/DS9-like, and open the possibility for some cast cross-pollination. (My vote: Voyager needs a ship's counselor, and I want to keep seeing Nicole deBoer, so transfer Ezri Dax aboard!) Have to admit, though, that I still kinda miss Kes...
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MOST WORSENED TV SERIES:
MILLENNIUM (FOX)
After undergoing a radical and misguided reworking this season, it might have been better to just end it with last season's mind-blowing finale. Killing off the character of Katherine Black still escapes all logic, and taking the yellow house off the table defeats the whole purpose of the show. And Klea Scott's new character (whose name escapes me) is nowhere near as intriguing, engaging and compelling as Kristen Cloke's fantastic work as Lara Means from last season. Plus, the opportunity to build closer ties with "The X-Files" has not just been squandered, it's been undermined; in a recent episode, we could clearly hear that "X-Files" was on TV in the background -- thereby drawing a line between the two shows' worlds. I just don't know what to make of this show anymore, which used to be in my Top Ten during its first two seasons. It'll be ironic if this show doesn't survive into its namesake.
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BEST FRIEND OF INSOMNIACS:
ABC WORLD NEWS NOW -- Overnight weekdays on ABC
Ace broadcaster (and sharp dresser) Mark Mullen hosts this recently revamped half-hour news program out of ABC's London bureau in the wee hours with sharp professionalism and tongue-in-cheek charm. It's a refreshing late, late, _late_ night alternative to CNN Headline News, peppered with wit and the occasional unexpected treat -- like a musical number from Barry Mitchell. "More insomniacs get their news from World News Now than any other source!" Hey, they even have their own polka!
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BEST TV TALK SHOW:
THE CHRIS ROCK SHOW (HBO)
Now how you gonna argue with _that_? Hey, you never see Pootie Tang on Charlie Rose!
HONORABLE MENTION: SPACE GHOST COAST-TO-COAST -- Fridays on the Cartoon Network. Now in its fifth season, it just gets better and better.
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MOST GLEEFULLY FREAKY AND SUBVERSIVELY TWISTED TV SHOW:
TELETUBBIES (PBS)
Have you actually seen this? It's unbelievable! While targeted at the prime 6-month to 2-year-old demographic, this potently hypnotic show is simply far too disturbing (and potentially damaging) for children. Adults, however, will find it stunningly trippy. It defies analysis or understanding, as it is both unsettling yet strangely comforting. Is it art? I don't know. But it is some damn freaky shit. (Sponsored by Kellogg's Rice Krispies !)
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SHOW MOST DESERVING (AND IN NEED) OF A BETTER TIME SLOT:
CNN International's excellent half-hour arts and cultural magazine "the artclub," hosted by Katy Haswell. which airs in the US on CNN Sunday mornings at 3 am. Goddamn!
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ROBOGEEK'S TOP TEN TELEVISION SERIES OF 1998
10. LONELY PLANET -- The Travel Channel (Weeknights at 8pm EST/PST)
Want to escape your life for an hour, and be transported to some exotic place you've never been, guided by someone really cool? The check out this marvellous show. A group of "travellers" (led by Ian Wright and Justine Shapiro) rotate hosting duties, headlining engaging first-person micro-documentaries that criss-cross the globe far off the beaten path. And while all of the travellers are charismatic and fun, I must admit the show made this list because of one of them in particular -- the afore-lauded Justine Shapiro. I find myself tuning in with startling regularity and giddy anticipation, hoping that she'll be the traveller of the day.
9. NEWSRADIO -- NBC (Tuesdays at 8:30pm EST/PST)
I'm a long-time fan of this off-the-wall show from Paul Simms, which boasts some of the most inventive comedy on television, executed by one of the most dynamic ensemble casts. Certainly the loss of the enormously talented Phil Hartman was a huge blow, but this series has weathered it valiantly.
8. NYPD BLUE -- ABC (Tuesdays at 10pm EST/PST)
Frankly, last season I felt this series was wearing a bit thin, and I was getting pretty bored with it. This season, however, it's been notably re-energized. And I gotta hand it to them -- Rick Schroeder is a welcome addition, and pleasant surprise.
7. SPIN CITY -- ABC (Tuesdays at 9pm EST/PST)
My second favorite sitcom, this show returned to its later (and more appropriate) time slot and in doing so has entered its prime with rejuvinated sass. It's a weekly romp that does some adventurous and inspired comedy in a very unpretentious way. Just when you think you've got the show figured out, they'll throw you something out of left field -- like the recurring suicidal telepathic dog. You gotta love that! Pure fun.
6. CUPID -- ABC (Thursdays at 9pm EST/PST)
The second best new show of the season is also its most pleasant surprise. The vastly talented Jeremy Piven gets a chance to cut loose with virtuoso verve, nicely complimented by underrated straight gal Paula Marshall. While its high-concept nature looks a tad too precious at a distance, up close it's a marvellous change of pace that breaks a bunch of rules, crosses a lot of boundaries, and is snappy as all get out. Inventive and intelligent, it exudes boundless energy and fun along with unexpected depth and heart. Great stuff.
5. THE NEW BATMAN / SUPERMAN ADVENTURES -- WB (Weekdays afternoons and Saturday mornings
I never cease to be astounded by the work produced by Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett and the rest of the gang. Seriously. This is damn good stuff. And it just gets better and better. To get a taste, pick up the "World's Finest" cross-over movie on home video.
4. ALLY MCBEAL -- FOX (Mondays at 9pm EST/PST)
Now in its second season, David E. Kelly's other show continues to be a joy, with fantastic writing and a wonderful cast. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.
3. SPORTS NIGHT -- ABC (Tuesdays at 8:30pm EST/PST) BEST NEW SHOW OF THE YEAR!
God, I _love_ this show. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! For someone who, as a general rule, has a.) virtually no interest in sports and b.) a profound contempt for sitcoms in general, this "anti-sitcom" is a revelation. I just wish I hadn't ignored it when it premiered -- like far too many of you did. Thankfully, however, I only missed a handful of episodes -- though now I wish I were taping every one. Hands down the best new show of the year, with a dynamite cast and superb writing. Writer/producer Aaron Sorkin (playwright and screenwriter of "A Few Good Men" and "The American President," among other things) manages to deliver an exhilaratingly sharp one act play each and every week. I just wish ABC would lose the laugh track.
2. THE X-FILES -- FOX (Sundays at 9pm EST/PST)
After a long overdue start to the season, Chris Carter proved he hasn't run out of ways to keep this show fresh and wildly inventive. Inspired, adventurous, and engrossing storytelling that is intellegently entertaining. The fact this show actually exists is nothing short of miraculous.
1. THE PRACTICE -- ABC (Sundays at 10pm EST/PST)
David E. Kelley is a God, and this show really entered its prime last season, boasting the best ensemble cast on television -- and sharpest writing anywhere. Thank God it's finally getting the notice, awards, and ratings it deserves. If I could only watch one show, this would be it -- hands down. (Oh, and a tip of the hat to highly impressive newcomer Marla Sokoloff, who adds a perfect pinch of spice to the show this season. Anyone who can so deftly step up to the plate with a cast including Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Camryn Manheim, Steve Harris, Lara Flynn Boyle, Lisa Gay Hamilton and Michael Badalucco is definitely someone to watch.)
COMING SOON: 1998 YEAR IN ROBO-REVIEW, PART TWO -- FILM
P.S.: ATTENTION MACINTOSH USERS! Got OS 8.5? Download the Official AICN Sherlock Plug-In, courtesy of El Cosmico and the Banzai Institute! (For more information on Mac OS 8.5 and Sherlock, visit www.apple.com.)
