“Make Me a Supermodel”
Thursday 10pm, Bravo
I was initially disappointed with Bravo’s latest reality talent competition. The fact that it’s being taped right now—so that America can vote on which pretty people stay or go—gives each episode a manic feel that I first found off-putting. But I’ve slowly gotten over it, and now I’m completely hooked. Pupils from Miss Tyra’s classroom should take note: “Supermodel” is much more realistic and features less drag-inspired photo shoots and even less drama (although the boys are surprisingly catty). I think that just about any of the remaining contestants could legitimately model, but this is definitely Perry’s game to lose, with Holly and Jacki as the most likely spoilers. I love him dearly, but I just don’t think adorable Ronnie has what it takes to go all the way, especially now that his runway walk is falling apart. Oh, the horror!
“Eightieth Annual Academy Awards Ceremony”
Sunday 8pm, CBS
Anybody else notice that the strike seemed to end at just the right time to guarantee a full-fledged Oscars? Funny how Hollywood gets its shit together when its biggest night of back-slaps and reach-arounds comes calling. Not that I’m complaining; after the disaster that was the Golden Globes, we need boozy, glitzy celebrities now more than ever. The always-welcome Jon Stewart hosts again, and he’s bringing his own writing staff with him, which should hopefully mitigate the omnipresent hackitude of one Bruce Vilanch. Expect it to be the year of the underappreciated veterans, as both Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild) and Julie Christie (Away From Her) are all but guaranteed trophies. And is it wrong that I can’t wait to see whether or not the grossly overlooked Amy Adams performs any of the nominated numbers from Enchanted? That movie was too cute, y’all.
A Raisin in the Sun
Monday 8pm, ABC
You really have to hand it to Puff Daddy (or P.Diddy, or Sean Combs, or Sean John, or whatever the hell he’s calling himself today). The guy has defied pretty much everyone’s expectations and has become a true multimedia force. Here he stars as Walter Lee Younger, Jr., along with Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, John Stamos and Mrs. Cosby herself, Phylicia Rashad (who has totally still got it), in this TV movie adaptation of the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s play. That’s a lot of adapting! Come Emmy time, don’t expect many of these actors’ dreams to go deferred…
