Of Fall TV Thoughts and Weekend Plans: HOLLOW MAN and More

Few thoughts as we head into the Columbus Day weekend...

-More thoughts on the new TV season: PUSHING DAISIES might be the flavor of the moment for TV critics but I couldn't get past its "Desperate Housewives"-like photography, faux-Danny Elfman score, and "ironic narration" provided here in voice-over by Jim Dale. Like a lot of "quirky" shows it manages to be so removed from reality that there's nobody to identify with, while I found the tone too sickly sweet (even in spite of its subject matter) and far too reminiscent of "Desperate Housewives" to satisfy. Last month Entertainment Weekly said its staffers were as divided on the show as any that has come down the pike -- and it's easy to see why. I doubt viewers are going to hang in there for the long haul. I know I've seen enough.

-Better was NBC's CHUCK, which I recently caught up with on my DVR. McG and Josh Schwartz teamed up for this engaging comedic-spy action show, which manages to be quite likeable and fun without being merely frivolous (see above). The series airs Mondays at 8 and probably runs on USA at times too, so check it out. Its ratings have also been healthy so there's reason for hope.

-Coming back from the dead this week was one-time "Natty Gann" Meredith Salenger. I was flipping around the other night and saw Salenger guest-starring on the NBC crime drama LIFE, which other than starring fine actor Damian Lewis seems to be another DOA NBC crime series (remember "Raines" with Jeff Goldblum? No I didn't think you would). Salenger looked good too -- I've never understood why some actresses' careers take off while others go nowhere...but it's still good to see her working.

-My cousin is getting married on the Cape Sunday afternoon -- which of course means a ceremony right in the middle of Red Sox-Angels Game 3 and the Patriots-Browns game. Good thing I picked up this awesome mini-walkman off Amazon that not only works well but is light as a feather and fits right in the pocket.

-Now that it's getting a firmware revision, it might be a good time to try out the Microsoft Zune -- MS' 30GB MP3/Video player that Woot.com has for an obscene $99 plus shipping. Though it says the unit is refurbished, it's likely brand new since it has a full warranty and the new generation of Zune's are due out soon.

-The Farrelly Brothers' remake of THE HEARTBREAK KID is getting unanimously good reviews. I haven't been out to the theater in a while so it might be worth a look. Maybe not this weekend but perhaps soon. You can just see Ben Stiller making more box-office magic with this release, particularly since nothing has captured the public's attention since "Bourne" opened in August.

-Aint It Cool News is reporting that Brett Ratner is taking over the remake of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK from Len Wiseman. I can't wait........