The 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' come to blows
In some ways, life is good for the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" in
the season premiere (Monday, 8 p.m., Bravo). Teresa has gotten a great reception
for a cookbook, and her sister-in-law Melissa is looking forward to her son's
christening. "I can't wait to welcome my son into God's kingdom," she
says.
But dark clouds gather. Hotheaded Joe, who's Melissa's husband and Teresa's
brother, stews over perceived slights before the christening. He pounds on
the table, calls Teresa "garbage" and orders her to leave the event.
Then come the screaming, the pushing, the punching and the death threats,
as other partygoers jump into the fight. "You sons of bitches!" Joe
shouts in the center of a huge melee. "You want to #@!%& with me?"
Who knew "God's kingdom" required security?
'The Looney Tunes Show'
Tuesday, 7 pm (Cartoon Network)
The original "Looney Tunes" of the 1930s-50s represent a pinnacle
of American pop culture, despite the fact that the filmmakers were saddled
with crude technology, low budgets and hostile management. The Cartoon Network
revives the franchise, presenting Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd et al.
with the superior resources available to modern animators.
And guess what: It doesn't work.
So what's missing in the new "Looney Tunes?" Split-second timing.
Music, gag writing and voice work for the ages. Pacing that represents the
Platonic ideal of "madcap."
I suppose you could sum up all the missing stuff in one word: "genius." CV
