Dish Of Salt: Thursday TV Round Up (January 28, 2010)

The President gave his State Of The Union Address last night which meant lots of repeats but “American Idol” was fresh and new. Neil Patrick Harris nailed it as guest judge while Joe Jonas disappointed. There was also a new episode of “Nip/Tuck” on last night with quite the interesting guest star. Plus, an Oscar winner shares his love for my favorite show.

Tom Hanks Shares His “Glee”
Last weekend at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, all the stars of “Glee” were glowing over the fact that Julia Roberts was a huge fan of the show.

Check out the interviews HERE.

Well, it turns out they have another A-list fan in Tom Hanks. Kevin McHale revealed to me that the superstar actor had approached the cast at the Golden Globes and told them that the show was a staple in his household and that they could film in his home anytime. Would a guy of Tom’s celebrity really invite an entire production to his house?

Apparently, he would. I had our producer ask Tom last night at the 13th Annual Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund about his love for “Glee.” “If they need essentially a dirty house with too much dog hair in all the rooms, they can give me a call,” Tom joked to our producer about inviting the show to film in his house. “I don’t charge much but it’s a tasty little piece of pocket change. If they can get the permits for the trucks… and the trailers for all the big stars,” he continued. So what is it about the show to which hanks has taken? “It’s a phenomenon,” he explains. “They break a bunch of rules and at the same time you know you’re going to get how many songs in the course of ‘Glee’? They sing a lot. They won me over. What can I say, I’m a fan.”

“The Bachelor’s” Ella Speaks
Knoxville, Tennessee realtor/hair stylist Ella Noland got the boot from “The Bachelor’s” Jake Pavelka this week while on a two-on-one date with Katherine. Though Jake seemed smitten with the single mom on their one-on-one date to Sea World last week, Ella failed to keep his interest. In a conference call with reporters this morning, she believed having her son show up on their date sealed her fate.

“I think bringing my son out on our first one-on-one date was great… for me to see him with my son.. but it was also kind of a double edge sword because we didn’t get to build a romantic connection,” she explained. Of course, being on national television did have its advantages even if she didn’t get the guy. Ella says her son Ethan thinks she is the coolest mom in the world because kids at his school got to see him on TV. Ahhhh, kids. They appreciate the little things in life.

Surviving “Survivor”
It’s hard to believe but CBS’s “Survivor,” which kicked off the reality show phenomenon in 2000, is now celebrating 10 years on the air. In a new special airing Thursday, February 4, called “Surviving Survivor,” ten of the show’s most memorable contestants will share their memories of trying to outwit, outplay and outlast their competitors. Host Jeff Probst, season one winner Richard Hatch and contestants from the upcoming 20th season, “Heroes vs. Villains,” will be among those spilling the beans on what really happened on the show. The special will also feature updates from former cast members including Ethan Zohn (who is currently battling cancer) and “The View’s” Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who went on to become the show’s most successful ex-player. I spoke with many of the former cast members at the 10th Anniversary Party a few weeks ago.
Check out the video HERE

Melanie Griffith’s “Nip/Tuck”
I have to say it was pretty good casting to have Melanie Griffith, never one to turn down a plastic surgery, play Kimber’s mom on “Nip/Tuck” last night. Kimber is apparently sleeping with the fishes after committing suicide by jumping off a boat in last week’s episode. Kimber’s mom came to pay her last respects and, Christian being Christian, of course had to sleep with Kimber’s estranged mama. He is seriously one messed-up dude. Kimber taking her own life (after Christian dumped her yet again) finally ends the toxic chapter that was their on-again/off-again relationship. Just five episodes of the series remain with the series finale scheduled for March 3.

Thumbs Up To Neil Patrick Harris On “American Idol”
Bravo to NPH for a fantastic job on “American Idol” last night. For once, a guest judge actually commanded the room (unlike Joe Jonas who barely uttered a word) and stood up to Simon Cowell. Not only did Neil make relevant and appropriate comments to the contestants but he also proved he can be just as nasty (in a good way) as Simon. Perhaps when Simon leaves after this season, NPH could fill the void?

Sadly, I can’t remember a single contestant from last night. I think this is going to be the toughest season for contestants who make the Top 24 to get votes based on airtime. We have seen a ton of auditioners’ stories over the last three weeks, but I have a feeling we have only seen maybe five or six people who actually make the Top 24. In the end, maybe that will be more fair to the contestants. In the past, by the time we get to the Top 24 live shows, only four or five contestants have not been featured. Perhaps, for once, we will be able to base our votes on their singing abilities, and not their stories, coming out of the gate.