It's one of those weekends with too much to do and too little time not that I'm complaining. There's no time and space to waste!
WATCH THIS
The Classics:
Turner Classic Movies pays well-deserved tribute to Joanne Woodward, the "steak" in Paul Newman's famous quote, "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?" See the impossibly good-looking couple together Sept. 12 in "The Long, Hot Summer" (1958) at 8 p.m. "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957) at 10 p.m. and if you only have time to watch one film from the Woodward marathon, watch this one. She is absolutely incredible in it and it's just an excellent film with a fascinating story, based on a real account of a Southern woman who began to show symptoms of multiple personalities. At the time, multiple personality disorder wasn't well-known and many famous actresses shied away from the role which surely made the win for Best Actress at the Academy Awards all the more sweet for Woodward. If you watch and love "The Three Faces of Eve," check out "Sybil," a 1976 made-for-TV film that starred Sally Field as a woman with multiple personalities and Woodward as her doctor. The Woodward TCM tribute also includes "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams" (1973) at midnight.; "Count Three and Pray" (1955) at 2 a.m.; and "Paris Blues" (1961), which includes more delicious Paul Newman, at 4 a.m.
What's new:
"The Vampire Diaries," Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., The CW
In a nutshell: "Twilight" plus "Dawson's Creek." Kevin Williamson, best known as the man responsible for providing Dawson Leery and Joey Potter with vocabularies that would leave the show's high school demographic digging into their dictionaries, is executive producer and writer. Mia from "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (Nina Dobrev) stars as Elena, who falls for the mysterious, pale and blood-thirsty young man who just happens to be the new kid at her high school.
The verdict: It looks a little cheesy but with "True Blood" ending the season on Sunday, I need more vampires to fill my DVR with. Let's hope Dobrev's transition from "Degrassi" to The CW goes more smoothly than that of fellow "Degrassi" alum Shenae Grimes, who now plays the most obnoxious character on the new "90210" (and that's saying a lot).
"The Jay Leno Show," Sept. 14 at 10 p.m. (weeknights), NBC
In a nutshell: After a few months off the air, Leno returns to entertain late-night audiences before the 11 p.m. news instead of after.
The verdict: Will it work or is one more talk show too many? I've missed Jay it remains to be seen whether others feel the same.
"The Beautiful Life," Sept. 16 at 9 p.m., The CW
In a nutshell: Ashton Kutcher produced this over-promoted show about high-fashion models and all of the backstage drama. Expect many cameos from supermodels and designers, and also, I read on The Daily Mail, an appearance from Kutcher's wife, Demi Moore. Mischa Barton tries to reclaim her career in television several years after her breakout role as Marissa Cooper in "The O.C.," portraying a drugged-out model a role that she is allegedly quite familiar with.
The verdict: Previews aren't really selling this show to me but it could prove to be a wonderfully guilty pleasure.
Back for more:
"Supernatural," season five, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m., The CW
"One Tree Hill, season seven (and probably it's last), Sept. 14 at 8 p.m., The CW. Now without Peyton and Lucas!
"Gossip Girl," season three, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m.
"Lincoln Heights," season four, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m., ABC Family
"The Biggest Loser," season eight, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m., NBC (two-hour long season premiere)
Finale:
"True Blood" ends its excellent second season on Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO after leaving us hanging for an excruciating two weeks. My guess is that something will finally happen between Sookie and Eric - tension has been building for several episodes, it seems inevitable. What I'm really hoping for is the end of Maryann and her crazy mystical creature storyline. Surely, an even more outrageous character would take her place next season but as long as Bon Temps is rid of Maryann and her mayhem, I'll be satisfied and Lafayette better make it out alive! Evan Rachel Wood's guest appearance as the vampire queen Sophie-Anne has also been delightful she'll be involved in the season finale and I hope there will be more of her in season three.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
If you're wondering why downtown Fredonia is in a state of chaos on Friday and Saturday, rest assured that it's just Red, White & Blues Friday at 5 p.m. and will last throughout Saturday.
41 West will have live music by Bogus on Temple Friday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Black Widow on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday night football starts at 7 p.m. and with a lot of luck, the Bills won't lose their first game of the season (it's my season-opening optimism talking here).
Walleye Willie's will have the Porcelain Bus Drivers Friday (no cover charge), with hot dogs, burgers and clams on the half shell served. The bar will start their Friday Happy Hour, which is 99-cent appetizers and vodka well drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. and Power Hour at 7 p.m.
The Local Music Showcase is Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. throughout downtown Jamestown. Ten bucks gets you an all-access wristband. All proceeds will benefit the Infinity Performing Arts Program. There's way too much music to list here, so visit www.crword.com/lms09.html to get the whole schedule.
Get learned. Hot Math Action is Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Labyrinth Press Co. in Jamestown, starting at 7 p.m., with a lecture by the incomparable Conor McGibboney on microorganisms and the meaning of life.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Maps & Atlases navigate their way into Buffalo this Saturday for a gig at the Mohawk Place. The Chicago-based band have created their own take on math rock. They are influenced by Hella and Don Caballero, but place much more emphasis on the pop element in their songs to complement the technical guitar playing. Princeton, Iceman Out and A Hotel Nourishing are also on the bill. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $12. The Mohawk Place is located at 47 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo.
April Diodato is an OBSERVER staff writer. Tell her what's happening at aprildiodato@gmail.com.
