...For The Ride Home: Rita's new show debuts tonight, the top 10 love triangles and the Boston Celtics are funny

Landed a phone interview with the particular gentleman you see to the left. For those of you who do not know, this is Brandon Flowers, the lead singer of a band called The Killers. He recently put out a solo record and because one of the 52 jobs I have allows me to speak with big stars on occasion, I will be dialing his number within the next few weeks (something you may not know: These things takes for-ev-er to finally come to fruition). I bring this up why, you ask? Well, I need questions. Because I am certain whatever interaction we have, I will probably write about on this here blog, I figured it would be nice to extend the invitation to see if anyone out there has ever wanted to ask Mr. Flowers a question. And please, friends: No Killers questions. He's promoting his solo album. The band will be back in 2011. He's not going to want to talk about it. You know where to leave them, and as always, any words are incredibly appreciated. Anyways, welcome to Tuesday. I can't stop sleeping. It's odd, actually. I'm certain it has to do with the season and the rain, but it's still unsettling. Back to the gym next month and then that shall change. This week? Well, this week means more sleep and bad food than one could ever dream of. Oh, well, sleep, bad food, and blogging, of course. Here's hoping you have a wonderful rest of the day as you check out a couple links below, and until tomorrow, do not forgot to keep your bathrooms clean. Because when they get messy, boy do they get messy.

The Boston Celtics are becoming lovable. They really are. (The Big Lead)

Phil Collins has another No. 1 record. And on the day when the exclusive club his band was let in a mere year ago announces finalists for its next class (more on that tomorrow). (BBC)

Congratulations are in order to CBS for winning seven news Emmys. (Broadcasting & Cable)

David Simon, who used to work at the Baltimore Sun and, more importantly, created “The Wire,” wins “Genius” award. Yay! (Baltimore Sun)

Finally got around to catching up on this season’s first episode of “30 Rock” last night. Brilliant. In related news, Jenna touches on the live “30 Rock” that’s set to take place in a couple weeks. Should be interesting. (Popeater)

The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the best teams in baseball and nobody in Tampa cares. It’s sad. (ESPN)

The top 10 love triangles. When “Casablanca” is mentioned, I’m listening. (Time)

This show starts tonight. We root because Rita is in it. Can’t think it lasts more than four episodes. (New York Daily News)

...For The Ride Home: 'The Wire,' Tevez is about to call it quits and LFO lead singer dies

Saw this the other day. It was...fine. The movie itself was actually a bit funnier than I had anticipated. The story, though? Not so much. Charlie Day completely steals the movie, but that's expected. It felt as though it dragged a bit, too. And that's odd, considering it's a romantic comedy, for God's sake. In any case, welcome to Thursday and the middle of September. I'm going to cut this short because, well, I'm out of time. Work calls, friends. Work calls.

“The Wire” as American Noir. If there would have been a Ride yesterday, this would have been there. (Popmatters)

Tom Brady was in a car accident. This would be a good time to remind you that the NFL season kicks off tonight. (WEEI)

OK. If anybody shuts down “Fresh Air,” they need to resign as soon as possible, anyways. (Jackson Free Press)

LFO frontman dies. Sad. (MTV)

Justin Bieber takes up three percent of Twitter. Honestly? (The Telegraph)

Carlos Tevez is thinking about quitting international soccer. (Deadspin)

...For The Ride Home: New Pee-Wee Herman movie, Billy Corgan is maaaaaaad and yes, the concert business is dying

Gave this movie a shot last night. It's John Krasinski's directorial debut. Also, unbeknownst to me, it features two "Wire" alumni. It's bad. Really wanted to like it. It's an IFC movie, so it has all the indie credibility, and it has a boatload of recognizable figures. But it's simply too scatterbrained. The movie tries to be too smart - in a smuggier than smug way, mind you - and it becomes overbearing. And I like smug and smart. This just didn't work, though. And it's not really funny. This was supposed to be a funny movie. It's not funny. It was, however, the first time you don't see Jim Halpert while looking at Krasinski (even though you have to suffer through the first hour and ten minutes to get there). In any case, welcome to Thursday, the beginning of July and, well, the first day of the rest of your life. How do you do? Good? That's good. Does it seem a bit cooler outside than it's been, or is it just me? Come on, now. It's July. I want 1,000-degree weather, damnit. Had a fabulous dinner last night as I warmed up some spaghetti, turned on side A of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and sat at the dinner table with nothing else going on. It was peaceful. Honestly. It was. That said, before you try and emulate a nice dinner of your own tonight, take a quick look at the following links, leave some nice book suggestions for my partner who clearly isn't literate and try to take a walk. They are romantic.

Kate Gosselin is going to record a holiday album. I’m not even going to make a snarky remark after that. (Popeater)

Billy Corgan walks off stage after hecklers shout at him during the first show of this latest club tour the Smashing Pumpkins are doing. Songs sacrificed? “Today” and “Freak.” (Spin)

Stephen A. Smith leaves The Philadelphia Inquirer. Again. This is the second time within the last two years. He says he’s got bigger and better things. Like what? “Quite Frankly 2” on Spike TV? (Philly.com)

First Larry King. Now Anderson Cooper? (The Wrap)

Police reopen the sexual assault case against Al Gore. It can’t have any weight, can it? (Wall Street Journal)

Judd Apatow will produce a new Pee-Wee Herman movie. Tentative title? “Knocked Up.” (Access Hollywood)

I’m going to keep linking these types of stories. It fascinates me how quickly the summer concert business crumbled. (Pollstar)

The top five goals of the World Cup so far. Headlined, of course, by Landon Donovan. (The Big Lead)

HBO is better than your favorite network

Spent some time with the latest season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” this weekend. You know – the season featuring the “Seinfeld” cast reuniting in a way that had every critic use words like “brilliant” and “well-done” to describe it. And they were right. Only around half way through it, and I can say that it’s a pretty smart way of going about it. Definitely worth checking out.

Anyways, it got me thinking about HBO. Just now finding “Dexter” and already being a hardcore fan of “Californication,” I can now confidently say that Showtime is on the network’s heels (especially considering the notion that arguably the best shows to ever grace the HBO screens are currently over and done with). While HBO may be on top for now, it’s certainly seeing some stiff competition from all ends when you include the excellent programming from networks like AMC or FX that take the HBO format and twist it enough to be acceptable on basic cable while not losing the edge and intelligence that shows from pay-for-service television have typically offered.

Seeing “Curb” made me ponder the best shows HBO have produced. Naturally, because we love you, the incredibly insightful reader, I thought I’d post what I consider to be the best three shows HBO has seen. Before doing that, though, it must be pointed out that I have never seen any more than a few minutes of “The Sopranos” and “True Blood,” both shows that have universally been praised by just about everyone who watches television. Other shows I’ve always meant to sit down with though never found the time: “In Treatment,” “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (hey, it’s got Jill Scott), and “Big Love.” So yes, consider the following and abridged (i.e. ignorant) version of the list, but a list nonetheless. And lists are always so much fun, aren’t they? So feel free to disagree, complain that I know nothing and be utterly dismissive of any opinion I decide to share. Besides, the appeal of lists lies only within the people who are willing to debate them. So without anymore ramblings…

3. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Could have easily been replaced with “Flight Of The Conchords,” but considering the latter had a mere two seasons, it just didn’t feel right. “Curb” is admittedly put over the edge because of this latest season, but that doesn’t mean seasons one through six weren’t any good. It’s like “Seinfeld” for grown-ups, really. The cursing helps and while I’ll be the first to admit the plot lines get a bit grating and predictable after a while, it’s still pretty neat to see the celebrities come on as themselves, willing to say and do just about anything. Plus, Larry David seems like a nice guy to root for. Especially when you happen to be as neurotic and petty as he portrays himself in the show. Come on, now. Tell me this isn’t great…



2. Entourage
Hey, it’s back in two weeks! Yes, yes, I know most anyone who has watched it has completely jumped the shark by now. But if you can accept the show for what it is – a sometimes-charming analysis on relationships – you can find the light appeal within each episode. Sure, Johnny Drama has become a bit of a caricature of himself, and Vinny Chase seems to be getting more and more like a pomp-filled, bubbling idiot, but if you can’t root for Eric and Sloan, then I don’t even know why you bother watching television all together. You can’t think this show will go much longer than the next couple seasons, but in it’s hay-day, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better dude-show that translated well to those who aren’t dudes. Besides, the first season’s finale really was greater-than-awesome television. Don’t remember? Check it out…



1. The Wire
Remember this? Oh, those were the days, before we had any comments, followers or connection to the outside world. Part of the reason why I am so reluctant to finally sit with “The Sopranos” is because of my love for "The Wire" and everybody’s insistence that while both shows are great, “The Sopranos” is a bit better, though in the same vein. The storylines intersect like city roads impossible to navigate. It’s gritty. It’s obscene. It’s funny. And most importantly, it’s universally decided that it depicts inner-city life better than any other show in the history of TV. Plus, it kind of spawned “Treme,” which, had it been around for longer than one season, may have made its own way on this list itself. It’s the smartest show to ever make its way on to a television screen, and by my calculations, the second best show ever on any network. For those who agree, you may want to check out the below clip…

...For The Ride Home: Conan on TBS, Big Ben is a free man and R.I.P. Proof

In honor of Tina Fey on "Saturday Night Live," her movie finishing No. 1 at the box office over the weekend and her reportedly filming the season finale of "30 Rock" last week, we offer you the wonderful woman with ...her husband. Yep. That's him. Strange, isn't it? You'd think it's time for an upgrade but hey, her loyalty does not go unnoticed. At least by this particular blog. Wanted to offer up her "Weekend Update" appearance, but can't find the video anywhere. Know what else we can't find? "Treme." Anyone have any idea where we can find this online? Any links would be greatly appreciated. Showed up last night to see if anyone wanted to take up the offer on a conversation or two and thus, saw nothing. It was like being stood up on a date. A virtual date. Did anyone see it? Disappointing? Good? Better than expected? This is what the comments section is for, friends. In any case, onward and upward to week three.

Speaking of "Saturday Night Live," Mark Sanchez left the after-party with six women. To all the women in the hizzie: Is he really that dreamy? (TMZ)

Speaking of quarterbacks: Big Ben got off (hehe). "We are not condoning Mr. Roethlisberger's actions that night. But we do not prosecute morals. We prosecute crimes." (ESPN)

Roger Waters is bringing "The Wall" to the states. (Billboard)

For fans of "Entourage." (Funny Or Die)

This got brought up last week, but it's an awfully good question, and the more stories that are written about this topic, the more interesting it gets: Why isn't there another Bill Simmons? (National Sports Journalism Center)

Four years ago yesterday, Proof died. (XXL)

The Masters could have brought in TV's highest golf ratings ever? (USA Today)

Conan on TBS isn't going to work. Expect a post on that sometime in the near future. As for now, read about how it all came together. (New York Times)

...For The Ride Home: Treme and more Treme, Weekend Update's radical reunion and Tiger Woods (y'all)

Oh, how so sad it is to see Norah Jones week come to an end. Today, we offer up the absolute cutest song ever written. And that's no overstatement. No spoilers, but if you've never heard the song before, wait until something clicks inside your brain at the 1:30 mark. You'll smile for days. Anyways, we love you Ms. Jones (to make ourselves feel better, we sometimes pretend that people stumble across this particular blog. We know you're out there, Norah. It's all out of love). Moving forward, and something we have so absentmindedly forgot to mention. If you, the fantastically pretty reader, happen to come across any links you'd like to share with the world in this particular section, or, if you'd like to tell us that we are idiots in a more personal manner than the comments section, feel free to e-mail us at theunusualsuspectsblog@gmail.com. All links used will be given complete credit. And a Popsicle. That's it for this week, friends. Can you believe we have been running two weeks strong? Crazy, we know. Big weekend ahead. A premature birthday celebration of sorts, and more importantly, the premiere of "Treme" on HBO (and yes, there will be multiple links below concerning that alone). Can't recall being more excited for the premiere of a television show...ever. That said, probably won't be able to get to it until way after it airs. Those who feel the same passion and excitement for this lovely television show may use the comments section here as a thread for what your first impressions may be. And yes, we'll drop by to see if any of you actually do such a thing, participating in intelligent and substantial conversation ourselves. If none of such things happen, we will count on seeing you back and better than ever Monday with new posts and new conversations. As for now, don't forget that broadcast media needs to re-think some things (or thangs), and, well, take time to appreciate how great women can be. Because, they most certainly are. Until Monday, love you, miss you.

Long, extensive read on Tiger. It's pretty good, too. Insightful, if nothing else. Nearly through with his second round, you would be an idiot to bet against him winning this weekend. (Golf.com)

The "Flight Of The Conchords" crew is coming back to the states! Over-looked and under-appreciated show. Should have went way longer than two seasons. (Pollstar)

Speaking of television shows, the dude from "Burn Notice" edged out Charlie in the finals today. That's upsetting. To make him feel better, be sure to watch your favorite "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" episode this weekend. (Chicago Now)

"Treme" time. First, an extensive interview with the creators literally hours before a writer died on the set last week (NPR). And then yet another journalist who believes the show will live up to the hype (Los Angeles Times).

There have already been terrorist threats against the World Cup. (Fox Sports)

How it works: If you comment on our blog, we will link your blog. (Julielynn)

Anybody want to take out ads in the Wall Street Journal or New York Post? Rupert Murdoch offers up to an 83 percent discount. (The Guardian)

Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne? (TMZ)

An announcement concerning Big Ben is set for Monday (ESPN). If you don't remember, there may be some racial implications as a result of the conclusion. Never like to see that.

Super cool to see all these guys last night on the same stage. Is Amy Poehler pregnant again? Has to be. She's huge. (Late Night With Jimmy Fallon)

...For The Ride Home: The XX performs, ESPN is going to take over the world and Rob Thomas is funny

Ricky Gervais will be on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" tonight. Why the photo of Jennifer Gardner? "The Invention Of Lying" wanders in and out of brilliance and the way those two appear in the movie is fabulous. OK, ok. Not good enough? Watched "Extract" for the first time last night. Way better than the "this looks like it will be worse than bad" tag it asked for. Who steals the movie? Ben Affleck. Who's married to Ben Affleck? Yep. You got it. Full circle, friends. Full circle.

Remember "Treme?" David Mills, a writer for the show who also wrote for "The Wire," "E.R." and "NYPD Blue" suddenly died yesterday. Sad. (HBO)

Any "True Blood" fans out there? Anna Paquin is bi-sexual. (EW)

The XX, one of the few hip indie bands these days that the critics are actually right about, did a five-song set for Spin. (Spin)

$10 million to keep quiet? Honestly? (TMZ)

Speaking of Tiger, it was only a matter of time until Whitlock got a hold of that Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley ridiculousness. (Fox Sports)

Reason No. 502 to not dislike Rob Thomas, haters. (Twitter)

In-depth, terrific read on ESPN's expansion into big cities. Honestly, if there's one sports-related piece you read all week, make it this one. (GQ)

Jay-Z will be on "Detox?" Wait. This means "Detox" will actually be released? (All Hip-Hop)

The Wire: Livin' a 'Treme' second life?

So, this show is set to debut in April. Why does that matter? Well, that’s because David Simon is the individual spearheading it. Why should that matter? Well, that’s because the last show David Simon spearheaded was, by some accounts, the best television show to ever grace the small screen. Come on, now. College courses have been developed and taught around the very premise of The Wire. Be fair, Sopranos fans. Before you go and renew your treasurer’s card for the Paulie Gualtieri fan club, consider how less of a shot Simon’s creation was given (time slot, amount of seasons, etc.) and consider the amount of acclaim his show received. There aren’t many Wikipedia entries that have six citations by the sentence “The Wire has been described by critics as the greatest television series ever made.”



Excited? Of course. Reluctant? That’s got a Sarah Palin “You Betcha” written all over it. Reason one: John Goodman plays a prominent role in the trailer. Reason two: Simon just can’t get enough of Lester Freamon and Bunk Moreland and now, for a reason not even Officer McNulty could figure out, the creator wants to turn both into credible musicians in New Orleans (let’s be honest. To look and these dudes and not think they are working for the good guys is like looking at James Gandolfini and thinking Where The Wild Things Are instead of Tony Soprano). Oh, and did we mention John Goodman plays a prominent role in the trailer?  

Cool: Kermit Ruffins is set to play himself in the series. Who’s that? This may help. A mainstay in the New Orleans music scene for decades is only going to give more credibility to the show. That said, the one thing Simon may never need help with is gaining points on the credibility meter after creating the most raw, in-your-face television show of the 2000s, if not ever. 

Be careful, former newspaper man. We know you know that genius only comes once in a blue moon, let alone for five seasons. Capturing that again may be harder than it was trying to convince us McNulty was actually a good guy deep beneath the cheating heart and alcoholic exterior. Tread carefully along those New Orleans rivers.

- The Unusual