What was on TV? Thurs Nov 18, 2004

Rumors were swirling about voting machines in Florida. But it was 2004, not 2000. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Let's see what was on TV.

8:00 The OC on Fox

2x03 "New Kids on the Block"

Tonight's episode introduces a new love interest for Ryan and what we think is a new love interest for Seth (the show has something different in mind).

But the most important character introduced in this episode is The Bait Shop, the cool outdoor music club. The OC's soundtrack is a cornerstone of its legacy, and it was huge at the time. The show released two entire soundtrack albums during its first season. The show had the power to make obscure bands cult favorites and to make cult favorites rockstars. The Bait Shop lets the show take its relationship to music to the next level. It's a testament to the show's power that they managed to book some major bands in this entirely fictional venue. Other shows have great soundtracks, and sometimes other shows feature cameos by famous musicians. But no show did it like The OC.

This episode was written by co-showrunner Stephanie Savage.

This episode was directed by Lev L. Spiro. He has directed episodes of Everybody Hates Chris, Weeds, and Arrested Development.

9:00 Everwood (recorded)

3x07 "Best Laid Plans" (record Peep Show on BBC America)

Another excellent episode! We get some really great comic moments, like Hannah admitting that she totally wants her first kiss to be with Bright the lunkhead. We get to see Dr. Abbott watching Terms of Endearment and eating boxed mac 'n cheese (he's just like me, truly!). And the scene where he tries to tell Amy to wait only to convince her that it's actually time to have sex? Priceless.

But then we get moments like Amy and Ephram reflected in that shop window, Hannah telling Bright off (and getting through to him!), Dr. Brown looking at Dr. Abbott and Rose like he's John Wayne in The Searchers. But the scene between Hannah and Nina is the best one. Nina looking at this girl who had the courage to do what she couldn't and telling her that she's too young to understand it, but she's brave and amazing, that hit me right where it hurts. I love this show.

This episode was written by Sherri Cooper-Landsman. She developed the CW Beauty and the Beast show and has written for Brothers and Sisters and Ride.

This episode was directed by Jason Moore. In addition to his television work, he directed the films Sisters and Shotgun Wedding was an executive producer on both Pitch Perfect sequels.

10:00 ER on NBC

11x07 "White Guy, Dark Hair"

I did not like this episode of ER. Lots of drama and unprofessional behavior. At least Linda Caredllini got some good material, she's been underused this season.

You see a lot of "before they were famous" actors when you watch this much 20-year-old tv. This episode features an especially unsettling "before they were famous" appearance when Randall Park shows up two thirds of the way through as an intellectually disabled man. It's always uncomfortable watching people fake a disability, the effect is worse when you know they're faking because you remember seeing them on Fresh Off the Boat and in Ant-Man. I can't blame him for taking the part; opportunities for Asian actors were scant in this era. Park was doing regular theater and comedy at this point, but he didn't even have a real agent, and often relied on network-sponsored diversity showcases to book roles, all while working on theater and indie film projects with his friends. I imagine there were years when the residuals from this very episode helped pay his bills. He finally gained mainstream attention on Veep in 2012. The industry's failure to find use for such a funny and versatile performer is ridiculous but not surprising.

This episode was written by Lydia Woodward. She worked on ER for a combined eight seasons. She also wrote for St. Elsewhere and China Beach.

This episode was directed by Nelson McCormick. His extensive television directing resume includes episodes of Southland, The Good Wife, and Lovecraft Country.

Late Night

Paul Reubens was making the rounds to promote the Pee-Wee's Playhouse box set. Tonight, he appeared on Conan and told a very charming story about the DMV. Next time I go there, I'm going to think "Pee-Herman did this. I can too."

The Pee-Wee's playhouse vibes continued when The Flaming Lips performed their song from the Spongebob movie. They really committed with the costumes and production design: lead singer Michael Coyne performed the whole song inside a giant bubble!

What Else Was On

• CBS's blockbuster CSI aired its 100th episode. This one had a trans victim. Great.
• Also on CBS, Tony Goldwyn reprised dual role as identical twins on Without a Trace. One of them is evil, but which one??
• Tonight's special sweeps guest star: Victor Garber on Will and Grace.

TiVo Status

1 episode of Everwood, the three hour Masterpiece Theater miniseries The Lost Prince, and The Office Christmas Special from across the pond (I’ll watch that one closer to the holidays, after I’ve rewatched the series), the two hour first part of Henry VIII, and the four hour miniseries Category 6: Day of Destruction, one episode of Frontline (1 hour), and one episode of Peep Show. 13.5 hours, 14.5 hours of space left.