Sunday night on HBO

If you're a TV fan, that actually used to mean something. Well, the magic returns this Sunday when "The Sopranos" returns for 12 new episodes, with 8 more scheduled for the beginning of 2007.

Also, be sure to check out "Big Love," about a husband (Bill Paxton) and his three wives. I've watched the first episode and it's good stuff.

It's nice to have Tony and the gang back. Though, personally speaking, I'll take the consistency of "Deadwood."

Which makes me think, if you've got to back one guy in a fight to the death, who's it gonna be:

Tony Soprano or Al Swearengen??

If poker's too exciting for you....

Here's ESPN's next big thing...

ESPN DEPORTES BREAKS GROUND BY TELEVISING DOMINO TOURNAMENT
Telecast of the 2005 World Domino Tournament Begins March 21, 2006
Tournament Scheduled to Air in English on ESPN2 June 2006

In another groundbreaking effort to develop distinct programming initiatives, ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s Spanish-language network, has announced that it will bring dominoes to the television screen with its telecast of the 2005 World Domino Tournament, which took place November 18 – 20, in Las Vegas. ESPN Deportes’ telecast will focus on the quarterfinals, semifinals and the finals of the competition. The 2005 World Domino Tournament will be aired on ESPN Deportes beginning March 21 at 10 p.m., ET. In addition, to the delight of English-speaking domino fans, the 2005 World Domino Tournament will be aired on ESPN2 June 2006.

“ESPN Deportes is once again pushing the envelope providing innovative programming,” said Lino García, general manager, ESPN Deportes. “Dominoes is one of the most popular games among Latinos and it has also proven to have a strong following among English-speaking fans. Our goal is to make dominoes the next mainstream sport on television.”

“We hope to bring Domino to light via a commitment to high-quality production standards that are synonymous with ESPN’s original programming,” said Chris Calcinari, vice president, production and operations, International and ESPN Deportes. “Our coverage of the 2005 World Domino Tournament will utilize cutting-edge technology, combined with compelling story telling that will break through and entertain our viewers. Our presentations will be produced in both English and Spanish-language and will air on our ESPN Deportes and ESPN2 networks.”

“Dominoes is part of the Latino lifestyle and in Las Vegas we felt the passion that comes with this game. By having ESPN televise the 2005 World Domino Tournament, it takes dominoes to its proper place”, said Ralph Paniagua, President of R. Paniagua Inc, organizer of The 2005 World Domino Tournament.

The telecast, produced in a reality show format, will include seven one-hour shows. ESPN’s veteran announcer Álvaro Martín will be joined by actor/comedian Casper Martinez for commentary of the tournament on ESPN Deportes and ESPN2.

The 2005 World Domino Tournament featured more than 40 teams from the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean competing in a two-day tournament that featured the most skilled professional players. Coverage will include various compelling features that will air within the shows and on SportsCenter the week leading up to the launch of the series.

ESPN Deportes is the brand under which ESPN Inc. has been serving U.S. Hispanic sports fans since 2000. In addition to ESPN Deportes TV, the roster of branded initiatives now includes ESPN Deportes Radio, the only around-the-clock national Spanish-language sports radio network; ESPNdeportes.com, a fully integrated Spanish-language website; ESPN Deportes La Revista, a Spanish-language version of the popular ESPN The Magazine; and ESPN Deportes Wireless, which offers mobile phone subscribers images of their favorite Latino sports stars.

R. Paniagua INC. is a leading Broadcast, Event and online publishing company based in New York City. Since 1984 RPI has provided innovative alternative programs that target the U.S Latino market place.

Breaking news

Forget politics, the war in Iraq and the bird flu, this is real news, courtesy of our good friends at "Access Hollywood":

OVER HALF OF "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD" VIEWERS POLLED PREFER ACTRESS SIENNA MILLER'S HAIR SHORT


SHOW AIRS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2005


BURBANK, Calif. - November 22, 2005 - A website poll conducted by "Access Hollywood" reveals that over half of the hit entertainment newsmagazine's participating viewers prefer actress Sienna Miller's new cropped coif to her former long locks. The story airs on "Access Hollywood" on Tuesday, November 22, 2005.

Yesterday, "Access Hollywood" asked viewers to go to www.accesshollywood.com, and weigh in on whether or not they prefer Miller's new haircut.

56-percent voted in favor of the actress's short hairstyle, while 44-percent preferred her hair long.

On yesterday's "Access Hollywood," New York Correspondent Tim Vincent asked Miller which look she likes better. "Long probably," she said. "Long is more me, but to be honest, it's fun to have a change. I'm young...it was quite liberating cutting it all off."

Euro trash

That'll be me come February, when I'm off to Berlin for 2 weeks to cover the Berlin Film Festival for Variety.

We put out a daily paper there for the fest and it'll be a busy time. Never been before but it should be a memorable experience.

If anyone has hotel, restaurant or sightseeing recommendations, I'm all ears.

Intelligent ladies

I spoke on the phone with Claire Danes and Scarlett Johansson this week, for Oscar profile for their respective films, "Shopgirl" and "Match Point."

Both women were very nice, well spoken and gave a lot of thought to questions regarding their characters, the relationship they had on set with their directors (Scarlett was directed by Woody Allen) and how they prepared for their roles.

It's always nice to see a film and then talk to the actor about your thoughts on it and how they, as actors, played out certain scenes that resonate long after the movie's over.

Celeb sighting

Had lunch at Canter's Deli today and, upon walking in, almost bumped into Dustin Hoffman ordering from the counter.

Movie marathon

Saw 4 movies over a 48-hour period last week.... short synopsis...

Jarhead: Good but nothing particularly earth shattering or new. I'm not sold on Jake Gyllenhaal in such a complex role. Peter Sarsgaard, as always, was very good.
Grade: B

Prime: Like chicken soup, being Jewish will help. Uma Thurman is gorgeous and Meryl Streep hands out the guilt with the best of any Jewish mother.
Grade: B-

Brokeback Mountain: Heath Ledger is a hands-down Oscar nominee in this story of gay cowboys. Director Ang Lee paints a beautiful portait of love in the strangest of situations.
Grade: B+

Match Point: Woody's back. Wish all his movies of the past 5 years could be this good.
Grade: A-

Ball's back in court

If you're a Six Feet Under fan, take note...

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2005 - HBO has concluded an exclusive two-year television deal with "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball to develop and produce original programming for the network, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. Ball's first project under the agreement will be an hour-long series based on the popular "Southern Vampire" books of Charlaine Harris.

"HBO and Alan Ball are battle-tested, a perfect creative fit," noted Strauss. "His new show promises to be every bit as original and provocative as 'Six Feet Under,' which was a landmark series for the network."

"I'm thrilled to be working with HBO again," said Ball. "I picked up 'Dead Until Dark,' the first book of the 'Southern Vampire' series, on impulse and could not put it down. The same was true of the remaining books. Charlaine Harris has created a rich world filled with unique characters, a world that's as terrifying as it is hilarious, as well as sexy, generous and profound. I'm humbled she put her trust in me and I look forward to bringing her vision to television."

Ball will executive produce the project, as well as write and direct the pilot, with other talent to be announced as it is confirmed. The series will take place in the rural South, at a time when vampires have made their existence known to the world following the Japanese development of synthetic blood.

New blood

Nice to see the Astros and the White Sox in the World Series. (Granted, I would've much prefered the Yankees or Angels but it wasn't meant to be).

Don't have a particular rooting interest but I'll probably pull for the 'Stros, with former Yanks Andy Pettite and Roger Clemens on the staff.

New Commander in Chief

The TV show, not the president. Creator Rod Lurie was fired by ABC/Touchstone and was replaced by small-screen legend Steven Bochco, who'll hire his own staff to write and direct "Commander."

Word has it that Lurie was late in delivering episodes on time, which cost Touchstone (the TV division of Disney) a lot of extra money. Touchstone didn't want to get in an Aaron Sorkin/"West Wing" scenario, when Sorkin was way over deadline in delivering scripts, costing Warner Bros. big bucks.

Baseball playoffs

My heart was divided in the Yankees-Angels series but now that the Halos have won, I'll be able to devote my encouragement solely for the Angels.

I don't really have a strong opinion on who'll win the National League series, except that I'll be rooting for the Astros. Me thinks Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa comes off as too smug and seems to believe he's smarter than everyone else. And I'd like to see former Yanks Roger Clemens and Andy Petite back in the Series.

Tough choice

Now that my two favorite baseball teams -- Yankees and Angels -- are battling in the first round of the playoffs, I'll root in full force for whoever comes out of that.

If Game 1 is any indication, the Bombers are looking good.

The final 3

My hometown Yanks and Bosox decide the season this weekend at Fenway. Nothing like a season-ending series between these to rekindle my hatred of the Sox.

Geez, they win a World Series for the first time in about 80 years and we're supposed to stop Earth from spinning, just for them. Enough with Stephen King essays the heartache of being a Sox fan. Boo-friggin-hoo. We've won 26. When you catch up, let me know.

"Here's the pitch to Bucky.... it's a long drive and it's over the Green Monster in left..."

First week

Now that most of the new and returning shows have had their season premiere, a look at the ratings after week #1:

-Total Viewers:
CSI (CBS, season premiere: 29.02 million)
Desperate Housewives (ABC, season premiere: 28.36)
Lost (ABC, season premiere: 23.47)
Criminal Minds (CBS, Thursday 10 p.m. preview: 19.57)
CSI: Miami (CBS, season premiere: 19.21)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, season premiere: 18.98)
Survivor: Guatemala (CBS: 16.98)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC, season premiere: 16.82)
Invasion (ABC, premiere: 16.43)
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC: 16.41)
60 Minutes (CBS, season premiere: 16.35)
NFL Monday Night Football (ABC: 16.10)
NCIS (CBS, season premiere: 15.48)
Destination Lost (ABC: 15.27)
My Name Is Earl (NBC, premiere: 15.25)
Two and a Half Men (CBS, season premiere: 15.04)
ER (NBC, season premiere: 14.37)
Cold Case (CBS, season premiere: 13.68)
House (Fox: 13.64)
Out Of Practice (CBS, premiere: 13.18)
Crossing Jordan (NBC, season premiere: 13.08)
Law & Order (NBC, season premiere: 13.03)
Medium (NBC, season premiere: 12.69)
Las Vegas (NBC, season premiere: 12.49)
Ghost Whisperer (CBS, premiere: 11.25)
Surface (NBC, premiere)
Numb3rs (CBS, season premiere: 11.18 each)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, premiere: 10.94)
Dancing With the Stars: Dance-Off (ABC, 10.91)
CSI R (CBS, Wednesday: 10.75)

Serious cinema

Now that the Toronto Film Festival has ended, all the award-contending films are screening here in town. So far, I've been impressed.

"Good Night, and Good Luck" is terrific. Directed by George Clooney -- who also co-stars -- its a look at Edward R. Murrow and his influential news program, "See It Now." Both he and the show railed against Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Communist scare and blacklisting in the States.

Murrow is played by veteran character actor David Strathairn, who's poised, stoic presence makes him an Oscar nom in my book. One of the best performances of the year, in one of the best movies of the year.

Speaking of Oscar noms for best actor, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is a front-runner in the category for his portrayal of Truman Capote in "Capote." Some people like the movie a lot more than me, but his perf is unquestionably great.

More to come soon...

Emmy reaction

And the Emmmys wonder why they don't get the respect that Oscar does.

People make fun of the Golden Globes but at least they have the guts to select new shows and performers and be a bit forward thinking.

Nobody's a bigger "Raymond" fan than me but "Desperate Housewives" was the most talked about show in TV this year and it should've been rewarded as such with best comedy. (Though it's really not a comedy but that's another rant for another time.)

And don't even get me started on William Shatner and James Spader. If there was any justice in the world, "Deadwood's" Ian McShane should've won. But when he didn't, he should've let loose a classic Al Swearengen expletive to let the whole audience know how robbed he was.

Horrible vs. terrible

I was having a discussion with someone talking about which event is worse: the 9/11 attacks or Hurricane Katrina.

What do you think? Why?

All hail Caesar!

After only three episodes, HBO renewed "Rome" for a second season.

This was really a no-brainer for HBO, considering all the money it spent on production and marketing (over $100 million). Even if the numbers were poor, which they're not, the network would want to give it a second season to appeal to as many viewers as possible — and save face.

The ratings so far have been pretty good, but not "Sopranos"-level good. That's OK, though, as the viewing audience remains a bit more diluted than even a couple of years ago. And with "Desperate Housewives" dominating Sunday night viewing, HBO can't expect huge numbers anymore.

When talking to HBO about ratings, the network is always quick to point out that, unlike broadcast networks, they look at culmulative numbers -- viewers totaling up during an entire week, the when the episode is run 3 or 4 times. To just look at the Sunday premiere of a new episode, especially in the time where "Housewives" is so dominant, isn't particularly fair.

Are you watching? I've been enjoying it. I don't think it's in the realm of "Sopranos," "Deadwood" or "The Wire," but it's certainly compelling.

Here's the HBO official release:

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2005 - HBO has renewed its epic drama series ROME for a second season, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. Production of the 12-episode second season will begin next March, with the debut set for 2007.

"Although the first season of ROME is just underway, we're affirming our support for this exciting and ambitious series by preparing for a second season now," noted Strauss. "I'm delighted that critics and subscribers share our enthusiasm for the show."

The initial episodes of ROME have inspired legions of critical praise. TV Guide hailed it as a "feast for the eyes" and a "ripping good story," as well as a "shamelessly enjoyable historical romp." USA Today called ROME "as extravagant, enticing and chaotic as Rome itself," adding, "you may never want to leave." The Washington Post described the series as "ravishing and wickedly shocking," and "a feast for the senses that includes generous portions of food for thought."

Chronicling the fall of a republic and the rise of an empire, the 12-episode first season of ROME kicked off Aug. 28 on HBO. New episodes debut Sundays (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT); throughout the series run, the previous week's episode will air Sunday (8:00-9:00 p.m.), leading into the debut of that week's new episode.

A co-production between HBO and the BBC, the first season of ROME began shooting in Rome in March 2004, with production for the series based at Rome's Cinecittà Studios. Among the actors starring in the first season are Kevin McKidd ("Kingdom of Heaven") as Lucius Vorenus, Ray Stevenson ("King Arthur") as Titus Pullo, Ciarán Hinds ("Road to Perdition") as Gaius Julius Caesar, Kenneth Cranham ("Gangster No. 1") as Pompey Magnus, Polly Walker ("Patriot Games") as Atia of the Julii, James Purefoy ("Vanity Fair") as Mark Antony, Tobias Menzies ("Foyle's War") as Marcus Junius Brutus, Lindsay Duncan ("Under the Tuscan Sun") as Servilia of the Junii, Indira Varma ("Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love") as Niobe, Max Pirkis ("Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Gaius Octavian and Kerry Condon ("Angela's Ashes") as Octavia of the Julii.

The new TV season

As a purveyor of much of the new TV season in advance, several folks have asked me what are the best new shows are to watch this fall.

The short answer is … there's nothing all that compelling. That's a lot different from last year, when you could easily tell that "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" were standout hits from the pilot.

Interestingly, with TV being a copycat business, you'd think that the networks would try to imitate "Housewives" but what happened is that the supernatural elements of "Lost" became the element that everyone wanted. There's something like 4 or 5 new shows dealing with the spooky.

There's ABC's "Invasion," CBS' "Threshold" and "Ghost Whisperer," NBC's "Surface" and WB's "Supernatural." Of those "Invasion" and "Threshold" are best but nothing that really makes you salivate, waiting until the next episode.

Other non-scary dramas that have potential include Fox's "Prison Break" and ABC's "Commander-in-Chief." I really wanted to like this Geena Davis as president series but I think it comes off as a cheap "West Wing". But I'll watch the first few episodes to see if I can be swayed.

For the first time in countless years, comedies are better than dramas this fall, in terms of new shows. I highly recommend UPN's "Everybody Hates Chris" and CBS' "How I Met Your Mother." Both made me laugh, which isn't easy to do.

Not as good as the top two, but not bad are Fox's "Kitchen Confidential" and NBC's "My Name Is Earl." NBC, which fell in the toilet last year, really needs a hit and is counting on "Earl" as a savior.

My bad

Geez, I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. What kind of self-respected blogger can I be??? Vacation, busy at work, school starting, blah, blah, blah … no excuse.

Sorry for the delay. I'll post a couple of choice items now...