Assessing Oprah's Farewell In 2011
[5 min 25 sec]
Television
ABC MedianetJames Franco Checks In To 'General Hospital'
()The star of Milk and Pineapple Express — and a little movie franchise called Spider-Man — will be spending some time in Port Charles over the next couple of months. His guest-starring stint may help "freshen the image of daytime," says the soap opera's executive producer.
Around the Nation
Activists Want Tougher Rules For Reality TV Kids()
November 13, 2009 Mental health experts, child advocates, at least one actors union and others are pushing for a federal law that would standardize work and pay and ensure that increasing numbers of young reality stars are protected.
With Its Limp Remake, AMC Breaks 'The Prisoner'()
November 13, 2009 AMC's newest miniseries is an ill-advised attempt at a reboot of the cult-hit '60s spy series: A man known as Six (Jim Caviezel) finds himself trapped in a strange desert village, dogged by a mysterious watcher (Ian McKellen's elusive Two). Critic David Bianculli says that despite McKellen's captivating performance, the remake has none of the curious genius of the original.
Michael Urie, Carving Out A Character On 'Ugly Betty'()
November 12, 2009 A campy, over-the-top comedy that revolves around life at a glossy fashion magazine, Ugly Betty has won a loyal fan base — in part due to its matter-of-fact portrayal of gay characters. One of them, Michael Urie's scheming Marc St. James, has lately been showing a more humane side: He's become a big-brother figure for a "mighty festive" teenager who's having trouble with bullies at school.
On Sesame Street, 'C' Is For Controversy()
November 12, 2009 The beloved television show has been educating children for 40 years — but not without plenty of grown-up controversy. From Cookie Monster's unbalanced diet, to Elmo's bad grammar, to Grover's civil disobedience, The Week magazine explains why some days aren't sunny days on Sesame Street.
