The Foley Files: March 5, 2010
Wow, just a few days to go before the big one, the live "Impact" that will be the talk of the wrestling world. I have mentioned several times (not just here, but in interviews ) that this Monday night scenario is probably the best thing that could happen to everyone - the wrestlers, Vince McMahon, Dixie Carter, and especially the fans. I know when I was with WWE, the competition brought out the best in Vince and everyone around him. Of course, it was a big deal to officially "win" the wrestling war, but from that official point forward,it was clear to me that something was missing from WWE. I saw segments air that never would have made it to TV during the competitive era, and saw way too many big shows thrown together with little apparent planning.
Now let me give WWE their due. They are putting together what looks to be a very compelling Wrestlemania, with a handful of really interesting matchups, and some great storytelling that appears to be maturing at just the right time. I know the name alone is enough to get many on board with Mania, but this time around, it looks like WWE is at the top of their game.
I wonder if it's a coincidence that this is happening just as TNA is about to take on the mighty "Raw" every Monday night. I doubt it. I see a direct correlation between the improvement in Mania's build, to the creative fire that can only be stoked by the winds of real competition. I believe that Vince McMahon and WWE are taking TNA very seriously, and the proof is in the pro-wrestling pudding.
Now it's up to us to up the ante; to take our show to that next level. I think we are well on our way, and I hear more and more people in everyday conversation talking about wrestling again. I really don't foresee many casualties in this upcoming little war - only beneficiaries.
I just received my copyedited manuscript of "Countdown to Lockdown" in the mail, full of all the little legal, printing and punctuation suggestions that make the editing process such a joy. But it's a relief to know that after this one last editing adventure, I will actually get to see the book in galley form - kind of like a book without a real cover, that you submit to friends, reviewers, movers and shakers. I'm not trying to get a dig in on people who don't write their own books, but there is just no way they can take the type of pride in their product without going through every step along the way. So, it looks like I will be crazy busy for the next week or so. But, last week, with some rare time to spare, I decided to tackle my son Dewey's accusation of not really caring about the Christmas gifts he'd given me, by watching 15 episodes of "24" in a two day time period. So, in honor of Jack Bauer, here is a look at my top ten favorite current and all-time favorite television shows.
But first, a quick plug for my comedy show in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight, March 5th at 7 pm. As I mentioned last week, I had an absolute blast in Baltimore, and hope to continue the good times in Manchester. I am also slated to be doing a show in Phoenix, the night before Wrestlemania, right after the Hall-of-Fame ceremony. So hopefully, people heading out to Phoenix for the weekend, looking for something a little different, can head over for some laughs. For more information, check out www.totalextremecomedy.com
Now, onto the television shows.
Mick's Favorite Current T.V. Shows
Curb Your Enthusiasm - I wince and laugh in equal measure while watching Larry David and crew, as they create elaborate, textured comedy operas from the stupidest ideas imaginable. A chocolate penis cake? In Larry's own words, (from a different episode) "mmm delicious!"
Daily Show - No one holds those lying, conniving politicians more accountable than the Daily Show host Jon Stewart and his fake news show sets the standard for real interviews.
30 Rock - Thank you Liz Lemon, for making an airplane unsafe to drink soda on when 30 Rock is on the air (or in the air).
Eastbound and Down - Danny McBride, Will Ferrell and crew seemed to have lifted a page or two from pro-wrestling's playbook, and I've often wondered if Kenny Powers, the mullet wearing, inappropriate language spewing, former pro-athlete turned teacher, was a distant relation to my own Coach Hanrahan from my novel "Tietam Brown". If so, you're welcome.
Californication - About the only show my wife and I actually agree on, although any similarity between David Duchovny and I ends with the writer thing.
24 - Jack Bauer sure does make torture look like the easiest, best and only option on this non-stop thrill ride. I'll usually take in an entire season on DVD in less than a week.
Spongebob Squarepants - For all the family bonding time it creates, and for all the jokes only an adult can get.
TNA Impact - The best is yet to come.
Entourage - Enough fun to make me kind of wish I'd blown all my money on freeloading friends.
Big Love - Poor Bill Paxton. Three mortgages to pay, three women to pacify.
Mick's Favorite All Time T.V. Shows
Happy Days - Sure I poke a little fun at the Fonz every now and then. But he's still the man! Heyy! He probably should have rethought that bench press scene, though. Whoaa!
The Incredible Hulk - Bill Bixby is essentially a better educated, better dressed Cain, finding that Good Samaritans take more than their fair share of ass kickings - before that incredible transformation occurs.
The X-Files - I sure do miss Dana Scully.
WWE Raw - Hey, this show was such a big part of my life.
The Sopranos - Don't stop believing, brother!
Kung Fu - How many different ways can a well meaning, soft spoken, Shaolin priest raise the ire of racist cowboys, before putting them away with slow-motion throws? David Carradine, as half-breed "Grasshopper" Kwai Chang Caine aims to find out.
Meet the Press - Tim Russert - Man I miss Tim Russert. He made lying conniving politicians seem somehow…fun. Now that he's gone, they're just lying, conniving politicians.
TNA Impact (The Don West years) Sometimes overbearing, but always passionate, Don will love this mention. Don, I have one word for you - "Sombertown".
Da Ali G Show - Long before "Borat", the movie, Borat, the character, along with Bruno, and the ultra cool title character had me holding my gut, trying not to laugh at the expense of others.
Hawaii Five-O - Lord or lord, where has Jack gone?
