Yesterday I watched “Do Not Disturb” and “Pretty Handsome”.

Do Not Disturb is another generic sitcom set in a fancy inn that plays on an “upstairs / downstairs” class dynamic. None of the characters are that likeable, and it all seemed pretty artificial and flat. Too bad Jason Bateman directed the pilot. It’ll probably get canceled post-haste.

Pretty Handsome is a new drama from the guy who created Nip/Tuck. It isn’t nearly as campy or lurid, but it is about an upper-class Connecticut gynecologist who starts to realize that he’s a woman trapped in a man’s body.

Interesting performances from Joseph Fiennes as the doctor and Carrie-Anne Moss as his wife. I wouldn’t have pegged her as maternal or the woman next door after her role in The Matrix, but she’s really great in the part. Of the three pre-airs I’ve watched, this one is by far the best.

I also downloaded the American version of “Life on Mars”, but I haven’t watched it yet. I know the Fringe pilot is out there as well, but I think I’m going to wait for that one to premiere. If the Dollhouse pilot showed up, I’d probably wait on that one as well.

Seriously, I think the writers spied on some ten year-olds playing one day and wrote down what they said.

Not exactly sure where to comment on general stuff, but I noticed you’re reading a lot of Le Carre. Have you read Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy? It’s the only one I’ve read by him, it’s amazing, and I understand that it’s critically accepted as one of his best.

I actually haven’t read any of his stuff yet, although I do have a copy of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I just bought a 3-in-1 collection of his first three books last week, so I added them as 3 separate books.

Love,
Dad