Quick Notes: Carl Edwards, "24," "SVU," "Prison Break" & "Arrested Development"
If you’re a NASCAR fan--more specifically a Carl Edwards fan--be sure to check out Monday’s “24” as Edwards makes his dramatic acting debut as a Homeland Security agent. And unlike Senator John McCain and his blink-and-you-miss-it “24” cameo, Edwards actually gets to speak. Apparently, the “24” cast and crew were pretty impressed with his performance. You can catch some of the behind-the-scenes action during the “NASCAR on FOX” pre-race show Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Edwards is the driver of the #99 Office Depot Ford and for those of you who don’t watch NASCAR, he’s the guy who does back flips off his car after winning races. I’m a big fan of his, so I’m pretty excited (as if I need another reason to get excited about “24”). And by the way, if you’re wondering what this is all about, Ford is a big sponsor of “24.” That’s why all the good guys drive Expeditions…
Speaking of “24,” it looks like the FOX promo department wanted to eliminate any doubt about the fate of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland). Monday’s cliffhanger left us doubting (not really) whether Jack was dead or alive. Then, the previews didn’t show him at all. Now, the “24” promos (which I try really hard not to watch) are making it clear that Jack did not die in the explosion. I’m guessing that someone got nervous. Let’s face it. There is no “24” without Jack Bauer…
While we’re on the subject of promos, NBC is seriously hyping Tuesday’s episode of “Law & Order: SVU” as a “can’t-miss.” NBC is notorious for deceptive network promos; but there’s no deception here. If you are an “SVU” fan, you CANNOT miss Tuesday’s episode, which as far as I can tell, truly does change the show as we know it…
Another can’t-miss episode this week is Monday’s “Prison Break” which will take a page out of the “Lost” playbook and show us how the guys (and Dr. Sara) got into Fox River Penitentiary. I was so excited to see “Prison” teamed up with “24,” but the last two weeks I’ve been a little bored during the “Prison” hour. Maybe it’s just because “24” has been so exciting. FOX, however, has been pleased enough to bring back the show for next season, though there is some talk of changing the name of the show...
One show that apparently has ended for good is “Arrested Development.” Showtime was VERY interested in picking the show up, but creator Mitchell Hurowitz refused to sign on, citing creative fatigue. And “Arrested Development” without Hurowitz would be like “24” without Jack Bauer. The final nail in the coffin came this morning with the announcement that Jeffrey Tambor (who played George Bluth) has signed on to an NBC pilot. I LOVED this show and I was happy to see Showtime’s interest, but I really think the show couldn’t go any further after its outstanding finale. I applaud FOX for giving “Arrested” the three seasons that it did and hope that they don’t cancel the DVDs as well…
