Beverly Hills, Calif. – The most contentious news conference so far this week was ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” where outraged TV critics insinuated that the June finale was rigged. ABC, the producers, judges and winners denied it.
The press tour pas de deux centered on the crowning of ABC soap star (“General Hospital”) Kelly Monaco as the winner, although a slew of viewers believed John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) turned in the better performance.
“Dance is in the eyes of the beholder,” Monaco said.
The producers seconded ABC boss Stephen McPherson’s suggestion that a rematch might be in order.
“Bring it on!” Monaco said.
“We’re really enjoying the controversy, but it baffles us, frankly,” said producer Paul Telegdy, who helped launch the original series on the BBC.
McPherson denied that the guest list for the coming season would be seeded with ABC stars. “This show isn’t about cross-promotion,” he said. Expect more couples competing in a longer run next season. Bet some are from ABC?
The tiff was unresolved, and questions linger regarding the voting process. The whole testy tango seemed a bit silly.
It has been a fertile press tour.
“Alias” star Jennifer Garner and the series creator J.J. Abrams will “creatively embrace the fact that she’s pregnant” in the coming season. “It would be a mistake to hide it,” ABC’s McPherson said. She’ll still do lots of running and kicking.
In similar fashion, Ming Na’s pregnancy will be worked into the story on her NBC series “Inconceivable.” At least there, pregnancy is a useful reference point since the series is about a fertility clinic. And both “Inconceivable” executive producers have used surrogate mothers to deliver their children.
“We realized in the 21st century it might take a village to conceive a child, not just to raise a child,” said producer Oliver Goldstick (“Desperate Housewives”).
“Inconceivable” explores the world of infertile couples, surrogates, donors and pioneers on the edge of medical technology, legality and ethics. The science is changing quickly. “Women can now bank their eggs! That wasn’t possible when we sold this show to NBC,” Goldstick said.
The series frames the ongoing debate, expressed by Ming Na’s character in the pilot: “Just because we can doesn’t mean we should.”
To call Amy Grant’s new series for NBC, “Three Wishes,” a feel-good show doesn’t do justice to its heartstring-tugging, tear-inducing, goosebump inspiring and essentially cloying tone. This in-your-face pep rally makes you feel downright virtuous for sitting there, watching unfortunate folks win charity.
“Three Wishes,” coming Sept. 23, is the modern “Queen for a Day,” bringing surgery to those in need, creating families where none existed and furnishing Main Street USA with sparkling new ballparks, all for the asking. Simply wish and corporate underwriters and product placement merchandisers make it so.
Do not underestimate the power of this potential hit, likely to be ignored by critics and adored by the public. You may be wishing for a hankie by the time you’re done.
Over at the cowed peacock, NBC honchos conceded they will languish in fourth place for some time. When will NBC regain first place?
“May 23, 2007,” said Jeff Zucker, president of the NBC Universal Television Group. “That’s a joke, guys!” he said. “The answer is, I don’t know but this doesn’t turn around in a year.” Humility means dropping the “supersizing” gimmick and starting shows on the half-hour and hour.
David E. Kelley, creator of ABC’s “Boston Legal,” threatened to bolt for cable TV if the “commercial encroachment gets worse.” The current 41 minutes per hour of programming after advertising is “a terrible trend,” he said. “Eight minutes per act before a Dodge Ram commercial comes banging in makes for difficult storytelling.” He’s exploring ways to co-produce with a sponsor and restore a few minutes of show time.
TV critic Joanne Ostrow can be reached at 303-820-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com.
