WEDNESDAY
JULY 8
2015

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

ESPN, 8:00 a.m. ET

All four of the top men’s seeds play today – including No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, who will be playing singles championship tennis at Wimbledon for the third consecutive day. After falling two sets down to No. 14 seed Kevin Anderson Monday in a fiercely competitive match, Djokovic rallied to tie the match at two sets apiece, only to have the game suspended because of impending darkness. Anderson and Djokovic returned to play their final set yesterday, with Djokovic prevailing in another tough, tense matchup, finally taking that final set 7-5. And now, today, Djokovic has to play yet again, squaring off against No. 9 seed Marin Cilic. Also today, No. 2 seed, Roger Federer, plays No. 12 Gilles Simon, and No. 4 seed, Stan Wawrinka, plays No. 21 seed, Richard Gasquet. Most games will be televised live by ESPN – but matches played on Center Court will be covered by ESPN2. That’s where to find, at the start of today’s coverage, Federer's match -- but ESPN starts with what may be the day’s most emotional match: Wimbledon favorite Andy Murray, seeded No. 3, vs. Vasek Posposil, ranked No. 56. When Murray (pictured) plays on Centre Court, the local crowd goes crazy.

 
  
 
 

IFC, 9:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: This sequel to last year’s IFC comedy miniseries, The Spoils of Babylon, embraces the same goofy conceit – to equally winning but weird effect. Will Ferrell plays Eric Jonrosh, a late-period, low-rent Orson Welles-ish filmmaker equally besotted by booze and his own inflated ego. Once again, Jonrosh introduces and summarizes each episode, appearing (while drinking, eating and complaining) as a framing device to present the long-delayed premiere of his long-dormant “filmitization” of his own overblown novel. The Spoils of Babylon was a soap opera spoof in the vein of Giant; The Spoils Before Dying is a 1950s film noir spoof, starring Maya Rudolph and Kristin Wiig as jazz songbirds, one of whom is murdered. Other featured players include Michael Sheen, Kate McKinnon, Haley Joel Osment and Tim Robbins, and the star, playing jazzman turned detective Rock Banyon, is Michael K. Williams. He’s one of the two big surprises here, because his previous roles, as Omar in The Wire and Chalky in Boardwalk Empire, have been searingly tough and no-nonsense. Here, even while playing it straight, he’s all nonsense, committing to the concept fully. The other major surprise is Wiig, when she gets to sing. The lyrics (also purportedly by multi-hyphenate Jonrosh, the alleged writer and director of Dying) are absurd – but her singing voice, as a jazz chanteuse, is lilting and lovely. Both these Spoils spoofs are directed by Matt Piedmont and written by Andrew Steele, the team also behind the Ferrell-Wiig teaming in the recent Lifetime movie, A Deadly Adoption. But that effort, so straight-faced it was indistinguishable from any other cookie-cutter crazy-woman Lifetime melodrama, was not at all enjoyable, whether it was a spoof or an homage. A Deadly Adoption was bad bad. The Spoils Before Dying is good bad…

 
  
 
 

Comedy Central, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: Season 5 of this increasingly assured sketch series begins tonight, and Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key are as thoughtful, daring and funny as ever. The only difference, this season, is one of format: No more appearances before a live audience to introduce sketches. And that’s a good change, because these two, like the repertory company of SCTV, shine most when they disappear into their wildly diverse characters. And this season, we not only get Barack Obama’s “Anger Translator,” but one for Hillary Clinton as well.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

TCM’s two-day salute to Technicolor, on its 100th birthday, continues all day today and tonight – and to me, it’s crowned by a showing of this 1959 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, a masterpiece of images, plotting, pacing and acting. Cary Grant plays a Madison Avenue advertising executive forced to run for his life across the country, in the same general direction, after being mistaken for a secret agent and pursued by foreign spies. It’s fun to imagine Jon Hamm, as Don Draper, in a remake – but North by Northwest is one movie that never needs remade. It’s perfect as is. Eva Marie Saint, James Mason and Leo G. Carroll co-star.

 
  
 
 

Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: This new series is produced and put together so closely to its air date that no episode will be available for preview. So prejudging this new series is tricky. On the one hand, it’s a vehicle for Hannibal Buress, whose outspokenness about the allegations surrounding Bill Cosby put that long-simmering issue on boil – and whose Comedy Central appearance at the recent roast of Justin Bieber was hilarious (he told Bieber, to his face, “I hate your music more than Bill Cosby hates my comedy”). On the other hand, promos for Why?, showing Buress vamping in a fake audition to replace Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, weren’t inspired or amusing at all. But we’ll see which Buress we’ll get, beginning tonight. It’s worth a tune-in to find out.
 
  
 
 

Crackle, 11:30 p.m. ET

SEASON FINALE: Season 6 (hard to believe it’s been that long) of Jerry Seinfeld’s pitch-perfect web series concludes with a very special guest: Stephen Colbert, bearded and loose in the transition period between The Colbert Report and The Late Show. Seinfeld even lets Colbert drive, taking a turn behind the wheel of Seinfeld’s 1964 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster. Colbert hasn’t driven a manual transmission in quite a while, and it may be the only time you could accurately describe Colbert as shiftless… Or, at least, grinding it out.
 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
BSESH
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 121  | Go to page: 
2408 Comments
 
 
Arrange consultations or on-site inspections with a few HVAC companies to discuss your needs in detail and receive personalized recommendations. Use this opportunity to assess the professionalism, knowledge, and communication skills of each company's representatives.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can find reputable HVAC services in Hillsboro, OR, to meet your heating and cooling needs.
May 17, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Arrange a consultation with the pressure washing companies you are considering to discuss your needs and expectations in detail. This allows you to assess their professionalism, communication skills, and willingness to customize their services to meet your specific requirements.
May 16, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can find a reliable and reputable provider of personal security services in New York to ensure your safety and peace of mind. Prioritize experience, professionalism, and a track record of success when selecting a personal security provider for your specific needs.
May 15, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
?????
Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I have a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such information
May 14, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Exploring a collection of Asexual-themed merchandise is fantastic! It's essential to have representation and support for all identities. Whether it's T-shirts featuring empowering slogans or mugs with inclusive designs, having merchandise that celebrates asexual identity is meaningful for many individuals. Plus, the fact that these items are designed and printed in the USA with a satisfaction guarantee ensures both quality and reliability. It's wonderful to see such support and inclusivity in merchandise offerings. Do you have a favorite piece of asexual-themed merchandise you've encountered?
May 13, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
??????
It's always exciting to read articles from other writers and practice something from their web sites.
May 13, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Hyderabad Escorts
Greeting everyone! As a Hot Lady, I am SNETHI ROY pleased to offer you high-class Kolkata Call Girls and Hyderabad Escorts. Our agency is authentic and we provide the most desirable and alluring Hyderabad Escorts Service. Our services are available 24/7, 365 days a year with safety and security as our top priority. Our girls are accommodating, cooperative, and have a friendly nature. Come and experience the beauty of our Lucknow Call Girls.

https://www.speedyescortservice.in
https://www.hyderabadescortgirls.in
https://www.exclusiveescortsservice.com

https://www.speedyescortservice.in/hyderabad-escorts
https://www.speedyescortservice.in/hyderabad-call-girls
https://www.speedyescortservice.in/female-escorts-hyderabad
May 9, 2024   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Whoa Nellie!!!!

I like nookie nookie as much as the next guy, but this is a FAMILY FRIENDLY website!!! Please pack up your tent and park it somewhere else mi amigo!!!

I almost spit my coffee out when I saw this today! Cease and desist hombre!!!

Sincerely,

DAVE
May 10, 2024
 
 
 
The Jacket Seller
We understand the importance of excellence with regards to leather-based-based goods. That's why we deliver pleasant materials and collaborate with professional artisans to craft merchandise that stand the test of time. Each piece in our series exudes durability, functionality, and unheard of craftsmanship, guaranteeing your delight with every purchase. https://thejacketseller.us/
May 4, 2024   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
How in the cotton-picking h e double hockey sticks did you know that I was into leather!!?!?!? Let's put this on the DL.

Sincerely,

Dave
May 6, 2024
 
 
 
Rahulsharma234
Delve into the performance metrics and net asset value (NAV) of ITI Small Cap Fund, and engage in enriching discussions with fellow investors to exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences regarding HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, ITI Small Cap Fund, and other investment options.


https://www.mysiponline.com/mutual-fund/iti-small-cap-fund-regular-growth/mso6646
Apr 30, 2024   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Your posts give this old codger a GROWING and SWELLING feeling in my pants! hahahahaha.

your friend,

Dave
May 2, 2024
 
 
Delve into the performance metrics and net asset value (NAV) of ITI Small Cap Fund, and engage in enriching discussions with fellow investors to exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences regarding HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, ITI Small Cap Fund, and other investment options.
Apr 30, 2024
 
 
 
I really like the way that you have expressed yourself. There is a lot to be admired from this post. You might want to click on
Apr 30, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
And for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, our quick and easy recipes will come to the rescue. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time at all.
Apr 29, 2024   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey Recept - whip THIS up!!!

That's what SHE said!!!!!

ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!!
Apr 29, 2024
 
 
 
Dave Bianculli
What do y'all think about Jinx 2???? I think Bob killed them all!!!!
Apr 26, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Goldshell AL Box 360GH/s 180W for sale online
This unique topic procured via a person could be very efficient for accurate getting ready. The most interesting text in this exciting subject matter that may be determined at the net .. Howdy! I would need to supply a big thumbs up for your awesome information you could have right here approximately this post. I’ll be coming back for your blog web site for further quickly . A debt of gratitude is in order for compo
Apr 24, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
totobeatbet.com
TotoBeat's verification of muk-tu confirms the reliability and safety of officially recognized major
Apr 24, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
?????
Toto Site Recommendation Community Toto Bit
TotoBeat is doing its best to ensure that its members do not suffer from muk-tu site damage. https://www.totobeatbet.com
Apr 24, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
sportstotozone.com
Tudo está muito aberto com uma descrição bem clara dos problemas. Foi realmente informativo. O seu site é muito útil. Obrigado por partilhar!

https://www.sportstotozone.com/
Apr 23, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Overall, Belfast Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing and self-discovery, helping individuals tap into their body's innate ability to heal and find balance in their lives.
Apr 22, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I really enjoyed reading your articles. It looks like you've spent a lot of time and effort on your blog.
Apr 22, 2024   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
From your lips to my bosses ears Mr. Bull!!!!!! LMFAO!!!!!

Thank you. to be honest I don't spend a lot of time developing my TV reviews, the words just flow from my lips like water from a mountain spring!!
Apr 22, 2024
 
 
 
I really enjoyed reading your articles. It looks like you've spent a lot of time and effort on your blog.
Apr 22, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
https://oncabook.com/ Trying to say thank you won't simply be adequate, for the astonishing lucidity in your article. I will legitimately get your RSS to remain educated regarding any updates. Wonderful work and much accomplishment in your business endeavors
Apr 22, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 121  | Go to page: 
 
 

David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.