Padma

That website was pretty buggy on my computer at least. Also, I only saw a list of five -- Maddow #5 after Drudge, Hannity, Zuckerberg, and Fox And Friends. What kind of list is that? I'm thrilled Ari is doing so well., too They should really put him in Matthews' spot, especially going into a year when trials like Manafort's will be in the news. Ari is pleasant, even goofy, but can be tough and persistent, while polite (and not interrupting all the time like Matthews!). Actually, most of their additions this year (Wallace, Velshi/Rhle, Mitchell Reports, Todd, even Williams) have been excellent. I'm glad the ratings are validating it.

Note re: "A Christmas Carol". The Reginald Owen one is on tonight at 11 p.m. PST (may still be On Demand). And the George C. Scott one is on AMC at 7:30 PST

They were different and Chloe turned in some excellent performances. But she was really terrible on her solo Monday and it is the finals. "Does anybody really think [Brooke] would start producing power ballads?" Well, that's where I thought she was going post-show,. Then again, I didn't think of Chloe and Addison as "rock chicks" so what do I know? The season was fine, but it's the first time I can remember really not rooting much for anyone. (Guess it doesn't matter as the ones I -do- favor rarely make it to the final 3 anyway.) After Blake winning again, I'm going to agree with those who think it's time for him and Adam to take a season or two off. Maybe Kelly could represent country without being so good at the show that she helps reliably pull her people across. (Not that Chloe didn't deserve to win regardless of team, but I think Blake's style helps bring positive attention to his people. I don't think he would have been as successful with Addison or Brooke, but maybe with Noah. I was disappointed that Jennifer's refreshingly racially diverse team were all out before the finale, even though I don't care for her much as a coach. I wish I'd enjoyed the season as much as usual. Maybe a switch up of Adam and Blake with two new men would help. Of the past ones, I think Usher would be okay to bring back, but not Pharrell or CeeLo (much as I miss the latter's musical knowledge and creative performances. Probably four completely new judges would be best.

True, but that was different. I think that choice was for love. I can't imagine anyone better than Holden in "Bridge"; I just meant it was a great part that Grant passed on. As for "Sabrina" I couldn't agree more. I'm sure Billy Wilder wanted a greater contrast between David and Linus, but it was too much for me. I might have liked it--and believed there was a chance for happiness at the end, if Bogart had been asked to play it more like Rick or Sam Spade, who could seem kind of serious and overly focused, but also had some charisma and a little humor. Even if they'd reduced a lot of the latter two, Linus seemed like the direction was "stolid, all about money and boring". His attitude alone made him seem far too old for Sabrina. Grant would have had no problem playing the button-down businessman who finds love and it changes him. I would have enjoyed the movie that way instead of finding it largely unwatchable.

I don't think Miley should regret her choices. She was on the money with Brooke who was arguably a better singer )better voice and more consistent than Chloe who could be amazing and then...not). Miley really coached her, too, and Brooke really grew as a performer and blossomed with her coaching. She looked so joyful last night, so happy to be there. That's good coaching (looking at you, AI!) Meanwhile, Blake did what he does best--being supportive of what his people want to do and using his soft-salesmanship to get his singers support. Not that Ch loe is undeserving, although she really blew it last night, but I can't help wondering if Brooke was thin if it might have pulled enough additional votes in for her to win

Welcome! Another TWOP veteran here, although I never knew there was a TCM forum until PTV. (I wish it wasn't buried in a non-tv section, but that's another story...) Also another who enjoys "The Bishop's Wife". Gladys Cooper is always excellent and the way her backstory came out with Cary was nice. I also appreciated that this is the only Christmas movie I can think of (with a Bishop and angel no less) that actually includes a sympathetic atheist in Monte Woolley. I enjoyed Ben M's intro because I didn't know that Grant was cast as the bishop but made it clear he'd rather be Dudley. Watching it, it's obviously the much better role. I also didn't realize that as filming got underway, Grant was very concerned about the script, as was the director. Or that they brought in Wilder and Brackett for a major rewrite mid-filming. He had such good judgment in movies (well, except for turning down Bridge on the River Kwai.)

The way Addison sang it, she really made me like "Tennessee Rain". Quick question: I missed most of Red's song with guitar. To me, the acoustic accompaniment was way beyond his skill level (not hard but as I've said I question that he can do more than strum a couple of chords). All I saw of it was in closeup on his face. Did they ever show him actually playing? I'm willing to be wrong, but it bugs me. I know Blake said "...just you and your guitar on the stage", but seeing is believing. Did anyone see him actually playing (not just a half second as usual with his hands briefly on the strings, but playing.) Actually, I hope I'm wrong because it would be super irritating if the show's actively promoting the myth that he's playing what we hear if he isn't. Either way, he's better than when he started and wears better than I thought, but no way should he win.

Red -does- sound like a generic perfectly fine country singer now. He's improved a lot since the blinds. Should be enough to get better gigs at a better price now. It's a win (but not a "win" because...no). I don't have a favorite among the women. Each has done well enough throughout the season + tonight (where Chloe struggled more and Brooke shined more and Addison's been uneven, too) to deserve a win. I won't be disappointed with any outcome (other than Red. That would be hard to explain as anything other than "Blake's fans" + "song choices". Kelly Clarkson has often talked about how AI blew out her voice and others' every season, almost ruined hers permanently. I expect her to be protective of her team in that respect and more aware of the pitfalls than many other coaches (Xtina, Jennifer for two). If I had to choose, it would be Brooke, with added bonus of a win for Miley (and maybe they'll bring her back).

Your post about Sim's post-ghost transformation got me reflecting on it anew and I went to see it on TCM ON Demand. That's how I wound up seeing Owens (interesting per Mankiewicz was Barrymore's first choice since he couldn't do it). He was fine, and I like your restrained commentary on its flaws. ITA way too "Merry" in old Dickens England and much too much Fred, although it probably made it more watchable. I know it was made for theaters but seemed like a good staple for tv, being more generally cheery, but as you say,still good. I still teared up in parts, familiar as it is. It would be good to re-read the novella as I can't remember what's "movie invention" and "Dickens" anymore. re: Holiday Inn it's on TCM Jan 1 at 8:30 am. EST. Watching White Christmas the other day, I was trying to imagine Fred in the part. I know he turned it down after reading the script, but if he'd done it, I imagine a lot would have been rewritten anyway. Crosby was good clowning around in "Sisters" but I have trouble imagining Astaire in the Kaye part. It would have been interesting with Donald O'Connor, the producer's second choice. I know WC is the better film, better script, but I look forward to Holiday more because of the dancing and the Crosby-Astaire pairing.

Just caught one of my favorite Astaire films, "Three Little Words" (best Red Skelton one). How did I not know that every Thursday night this month Michael Feinstein hosts a movie musical night? Re: Christmas Carol. I had great hopes for Stewart, esp. since he's so fond of the story, but unfortunately, he just wasn't mean and bitter and gruff enough for me. Sim and Scott are both fantastic, with such different interpretations of the character but equally believable and affecting. (Clive Donner was the editor for Sim's film and then was the director for Scott's 30 years later.)

So, I've disliked Red as a country artist from the beginning--the fake-seeming, hokey personality, hyper-twangy singing and abysmal guitar playing where he should just forget it, really. But looking back on his month's performances, I have to give him credit for something. He has really improved in his performances (and dropping the corny on stage persona). He's not so annoyingly twangy when he sings and delivers competently on his songs. I'll be very disappointed (and shocked) if he actually wins, but I wonder if there's been some genuinely effective coaching, either from Blake or from The Voice staff, that has really benefitted him. I'm no fan, but he's really improved since the blind auditions and I usually feel the opposite is true for most contestants.

And...he's back with the fake guitar playing. And the show films the opening in darkness (which is clearly above his ability) and then cuts around his actual playing. Sorry, but it's so annoying when I think of all the genuine guitarists they have forced to "put down the guitar". I would have easily chosen Adam over him vocally, and he's able to play what's needed for his song. But I thought it would be Noah first.--inconsistent, but at least he takes risks Big surprise to me that Blake's entering the finals with .... Red.

I find it really, really hard to believe that Bourdain only learned about Batali's behavior a few weeks ago. From the events described--and owned up to--he's an "arrogant drunk who thinks he's God's gift to women" and doesn't hesitate to assault them. Bourdain's been with him many times, in and out of restaurants, on and off tv, with alcohol flowing. I just can't believe any of this is actually news to him. He should be as tough on Batali as he is on Weinstein., friend or not.

I can't remember any other season where I didn't have a favorite going into the finals. I've kind of given up on Keisha who loses me whenever she stops singing with her beautiful voice and goes into the screeching thing. I'm glad she's doing what she wants, the way she wants to, but I don't see her breaking into country music with it and that style...it's already everywhere. Davon is the same way to me. I like his voice and about 40% of his performance. Then he goes into a style I just don't appreciate (I'm a big fan of lots of jazz/blues/soul singing but whatever the style these performers do is called, it's a turn off.) Adam C. For a lot of his performances, if I'd never heard the song before, I might like it. Like this one. But the Lonestar version is so delicate and beautiful so, again, he just seemed overdoing it. Then there's Red. To me, since I think he really doesn't "play" guitar, I was glad to finally see him without it. And I took Miley's comment about "you're so authentic which is why you don't have your guitar tonight" as probably echoing what people backstage have been saying for weeks. And then he confirmed it's purpose, "This song has so much emotion that you really don't need the guitar to hide behind." Yeah. It's not supposed to just be a prop. Good for him for going without it. That said, I think "semi-finals" is great for him and he really shouldn't advance ove r some of the others. My choices for finals: Chloe, Noah, Addison, Brooke. All deserving of getting that far--and would also give every coach someone. I assume Noah will win, but could be any of the others as well, depending on song selection..

I just heard Shi'Ann. OMG, that was so painful. I blame Jennifer. How did she not stop that? How did she not choose a song she could actually sing (not struggle with the notes, do unsuccessful runs, go flat, yikes. It was so bad.) But I blame Jennifer for having she do a song that was very much out of her ability for now. Devon could be better too with different song choices, but at least he was in the ballpark. Jennifer's coaching to excess reminds me a lot of Xtina. She's not doing them any favors.

I understood her to mean she isn't being asked to come back, period. Hopefully, someone will say that I got it wrong. Her comments are much better than Gwen's. Alicia's, Pharrell's, CeeLo's (except for him dropping some song history knowledge when you need it), etc. I like what Blake brings, but her coaching seems much better than his, to me. Likewise, Shakira was cute and fun and brought a nice energy but didn't add a whole lot music-wise. I didn't care for many of Christina's commets and, like JLo, she pushed "diva delivery" too hard with her team. I think Miley's been such a good coach and judge--and even find her wacky get-ups kind of fun. I hope I got it wrong and that she -will- be back.

Miley might have done better with some of those choices, but I disagree about Janice. It was glaringly obvious she probably wouldn't get very far due to age, race, looks, but Miley liked what she brought to the show musically (as do I) and kept her knowing she wasn't choosing her to get Miley a win. I respect that a lot. (In fact, I've always said that, were I a contestant--unlikely for someone who can't carry a tune--but does play guitar better than Red!--I'd choose Blake because he supports you to do what you want. But I think, with this group, I'd rather go with Miley. She's even more supportive/invested emotionally PLUS involved creatively and knows music outside of country. I don't see her playing favorites either, like some other coaches. I'm sorry she's leaving.).

I agree the right ones went home. And that Shi'Ann seems very sweet and has a lot of potential but just isn't quite there yet at her age. I hope she stays with it, dials back on the "tricks" and gets some good training. I had a feeling Adam L. was kind of throwing Adam C. under the bus last night, making a big deal about him choosing his own songs being best (when we know Adam normally is pretty controlling and very competitive. I didn't feel Adam C was all that laudatory last week--and their chemistry seems off. So I was glad to see that, choosing his own song per Adam L, he stayed out of the bottom this week. And, while I don't dislike Adam L, I really think he needs to take a break. . I can't imagine Red won't be going home next week. Or is that the big purge week? Seems awfully soon, but I lose track.

Thank you! It takes one second to mention the original artist on these songs and consistently they don't do it. (One thing I really miss about Cee-lo. Carson has the time and staff to fill in these important acknowledgments.) I see Chloe as the frontrunner.. Shi'Ann improved, but still should be one of the two leaving tonight. Ashland or Red should be the other one. And speaking of country.... Keisha still has a lovely voice, but the jig is up. I think Blake figured out that her "newfound love of country" happened right about the time she decided to try out for "The Voice". I don't think she knows much country music (much less "loves it") and consequently has no idea how to blend pop/soul into it. Which is super disappointing to me as I loved the idea and her audition. Oh well, Blake's doing what he does best, which is giving his singers support to do what they want. I find if I just listen to Red rather than watch (and, of course , that guitar), he's a pleasant enough country singer. And I agree with whoever it was who suggested last week that he record some of Blake's songs. I always thing Blake is better than a lot of his song choices (hokey, insipid lyrics) and should try things more like Willie-Wayon-Cash. But I think his songs are perfect for Red. On the other hand, maybe Red should change it up with some old, "outlaw" country for a week. Just because he's not winning anyway, try something different than God, love and family. They're all fine, in varying degrees, but there's no one I look forward to hearing each week and no one I want to see "What they'll do this time". Probably the style of music rather than the singers, though. I am kind of looking forward to seeing how Danielle has changed as a singer and what direction she's choosing now.

I'm not a big Red fan (to say the least), but I have to agree with you. He sings older country, which I enjoy, and he's been sounding decent on it so I don't mind him staying for a couple more weeks. Also, as someone who keeps pointing out his minimal guitar skills--a big 'thanks!" to Red. he took his hands completely off the guitar and the nice acoustic accompaniment continued, unaffected, without him. I wouldn't care that much except for all the really good guitarists who haven't been allowed to play, while for Red, it's really just so fake. . I get the comfort-thing, but it's still annoying. One of the women should win, but it will probably be Noah. They're pushing the heartthrob thing pretty hard.

Let's see.. early eliminated... African Americans/minorities or older or, as today, older African American. Where was the suspense? You could make book on it. Miley continues to surprise me at how beautiful and apparently sweet and caring she is with her team. She's one of the best coaches, imo. I'm sorry she's leaving. (I was glad jh did the duet, for something different, but I wonder if the words were tripping her up. She seemed to be having some trouble off the chorus and I was surprised she had no solo). I'm afraid Noah is going to win, American idol heartthrob style.. They're driving that so forcefully that I'm guessing the producers are hoping for a Jennifer win. I think Miley will try to help Janice, so she may have some new opportunities ahead. Blake's new song is better than "Honeybee" (or whatever it was). That's the best I can say. It was very reminiscent of another fast paced, "You do the 9blank0 and I do that..." song, but I can't remember which one. Divvying up naming the dog and the baby was original, though.

I don't think "Jenniferizing" ever means "simple". or "restrained".

Are there any stats of early departures by race or older age? Jon's elimination reminded me that often seems to be a pattern, but I may be wrong. I can't help wondering if Adam C. wouldn't have been so low if Adam hadn't dwelled so long on his mistakes. But, overall, lives got off to a good start.

Why would Miley choose a done-to-death song like Delta Dawn and then let her take away any delicacy from it? I kept wondering if she were asked what it was about, if she would know. Very disappointed about Keisha and "Midnight Train". It could have been adapted for country--she should have immersed herself in country ballads so she could hear it differently. Even a song like "Country Roads" would have helped, I think. Instead it was exactly as Star Aristille said, "the vocal was still R&B and the arrangement was country." Blake gave her a country arrangement for it, but in her head she was still hearing R&B. He should have bailed on the idea and just given her a straight up country song. I hope Chloe didn't peak with "Landslide". "Thank you" was meh to me. . I think Adam's ego got in the way with Adam C. tonight. He probably wanted musicians in the audience to know that he caught the mistakes. He should have barely mentioned it as certainly few in the audience would notice (as is usually the case with performances everywhere). The way he went on left a negative impression that probably wouldn't have been there otherwise. I'm not blown away by Noah, but I see what people like. He has looks and a star quality and can deliver a performance. I was impressed that he seized the opportunity to try to brand himself as multi-talented, playing guitar and writing and recording his own arrangement. (I didn't like it, but who cares? He showed himself as a performer and is making people realize he's versatile and more than a pretty face.). He actually does nothing for me, but I could see him wining with his combo. Red or Shi-Ann should leave first.

I meant they're not strong in the movies. If there are examples to the contrary showing a different trend, I'd love to see them. Because I agree with you--income inequality has grown significantly in my lifetime. But so has the "big investment/return" in making a movie and I don't know if studios think the idea of class differences has much commercial appeal. I don't see tons of movies but a lot seem to skew more toward embracing a fantasy of wealth and power. About all I can think of is "Beatriz at Dinner" but that's not a romance nor does it have a happy ending like rich/poor films of the 30s, 40s, 50s. I wouldn't be surprised if, in spite of the relevance IRL, those kinds of films just don't get made anymore. Also, unrelated to the above, it's been interesting the TCM "films before they were musicals". I don't now why I was surprised that so many plot points/scenes in Gigi were so much like the L&L film. Not as much as "Pygmalion", was like "My Fair Lady" but I guess--..why wouldn't it be? I missed the music (would have been fun all in French), but the only real problem for me was that Frank Villard's Gaston is paunchy and middle aged,--not at all like Louis Jordan. .