"Lost" Season Two Collapses in UK

"Lost" debuted in the UK to a terrific 6 million viewers with season one. But now season two has begun with a much lower 3.9 million. (The US season two was higher than season one but soon faltered thanks to reruns and a meandering, confusing storyline.) Wait til they see how weak the show has become. Then the ratings will really drop.

Anthony Hopkins As Gandalf?

A lengthy chat with Ian McKellen in the Guardian -- he has "X-Men 3" and "The Da Vinci Code" coming out soon. McKellen poo-poos the Dan Brown book: "Actually, I don't think anybody will say of the film, as they might with 'Lord of the Rings,' "Oh seeing it will spoil my re-reading of it." I don't think many people will re-read The Da Vinci Code.'" Then he seems to say that Anthony Hopkins turned down the part of Gandalf. (And of course Sean Connery was offered it first.) The movie is unthinkable now without McKellen but oh how easily it could have turned out differently, with Hopkins as Gandalf and Stuart Townsend as Strider.

Gay Soap In Cuba Shows Progress (And Lack Of It)

Fans of Castro's Cuba like to forget how he has jailed gays over the years, treated AIDS victims like lepers and tortured and killed poets, among other niceties. But a new telenovela is creating a stir for depicting a bisexual man (they didn't even make him gay?) who is married but has an affair with a male friend. It's a big hit and the talk of the town. But most of the talk just shows how far Cuba has to go to enter the 20th Century (not to mention the 21st). The actor who played the role can't get other work because people asusme he's gay or just don't want to be associated with it in any way. Old men in a park insist they don't watch it because it's disgusting. And one woman finds it instructional. Instructional about the cruel prejudice towards gays? Not exactly.

"It is good for the people to be informed, so that youngsters are not tricked or trapped into that kind of thing, that homosexual thing," she says.

Cable's Top 10 Shows

"The Sopranos" seems to have leveled off and "Big Love" -- without nearly so much attention -- is doing "Deadwood" numbers. Interesting note: the top-rated "Law & Order" rerun is opposite "House." I wouldn't have expected that given their similar appeal.

1. The Sopranos (HBO)
2. WWE Raw (USA Mon.)
3. WWE Raw (USA Mon.)
4. Big Love (HBO)
5. Lakers/Suns (TNT Wed.)
6. Suns/Lakers (ESPN Fri.)
7. SpongeBob SquarePants (Nick Mon.)
8. Mulan II (Disney)
9. Law & Order: SVU (USA Tues)
10. SpongeBob (Nick Thur.)

Partytime in Mexico

Mexico is about to pass a law that makes almost every drug you can think of legal for personal use: Cocaine. Heroin. LSD. Marijuana. PCP. Opium. Synthetic opiates. Mescaline. Peyote. Psilocybin mushrooms. Amphetamines. Methamphetamines. Maybe they're trying to boost tourism? Or maybe Fox is trying to help Bush by getting his citizens stoned. Surely then they won't be bothered with crossing the border to try and get work.

TV Shows Come To The Web (Again)

Microsoft wisely partners with a major TV producer (the guy behind the US version of "The Office") to reenter the fray and produce original programming for the web. There are onlyu a limited pool of talented writers, so sometimes the flurry of sitcoms and dramas on cable TV just means diluted product all around. But just as cable provides freedoms the networks can't (resulting in everything from "Deadwood" to "South Park") online websites can free people from half hour formats to just produce programming of any length they want. People are already used to watching TV shows online, as well as highlights from "SNL" and the cable news programs. And now viewership is potentially much wider since broadband is more omnipresent. All Microsoft needs is one web hit to drive people to their website regularly and the shows will have proved worhtwhile

New Orleans Jazz Fest: Wish I Were There

More early reviews of the festival -- which I never attended despite going to college in Gainesville, Florida, which is relatively close. Sounds like a real blast, with Springsteen delivering a revamped "Johnny 99," "Open All Night" and "You Can Look, (But You Better Not Touch)" alongside the raucous folk tunes from his terrific new album. Dylan of course ignored the setting. But everyone else seemed to strive for a sense of occasion. Here's one of what must have been many highlights, per the Hollywood Reporter:

One of the most moving [moments]came from local legend Allen Toussaint, who, near the end of an elegant but cutting set with special guest Elvis Costello, began to recite the glories of New Orleans -- its music, neighborhoods, food, people -- as the crowd chanted "home, home, everybody come home."

Drake Bell Speaks

Check out my NY Post interview with talented young actor Drake Bell of Nickelodeon's "Drake & Josh." I first interviewed Drake right before the Christmas holidays when he had a terrible car accident. Happily he's recovering and back to work. One tiny mistake creeped in during editing: the feature film Bell and his costar Josh Peck will star in is not based on the TV series. Also, if you're a fan the show just had its fourth season expanded from 13 to 20 episodes.

What Would Jesus Review?

In Australia, the Anglican Church is paying for a short trailer to run in movie theaters that will depict how Jesus might respond to the wacky theories in "The Da Vinci Code." It also sends people to a website where they can get the "facts." Uh, my guess is Jesus would probably say, "It's just a movie." They are giving "Da Vinci" much more credence than it would get if they just laughed it off. The book is a crazily over-the-top spy thriller combined with every imaginable conspiracy theory that has ever existed. Sure, some people might wonder "Is this true?" but most recognize it as just a silly bit of pulp fiction. Okay, I wrote this posting. NOW will Opus Dei stop haunting my every step?

"Footballers' Wives" Ends After Five Seasons

Fans of the campily over-the-top UK soap "Footballers' Wives" (which airs on BBC America) should brace themselves: the show is calling it a day after five seasons. Really, you can't top yourselves after having Joan Collins guest star, can you? Americans who only know the series from its US airings can at least look forward to more batches of original episodes. But soon they'll run out and you'll have to hiss at Tanya Turner in reruns.

UK Box Office Top Ten

Here are the top ten movies in the UK. In limited release, "The Squid and the Whale" happily continues to do well and the documentary "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" has the highest per screen average.

1. Ice Age II
2. 16 Blocks
3. Silent Hill
4. Scary Movie 4
5. American Dreamz
6. Slither
7. Inside Man
8. She's The Man
9. Take The Lead
10. Eight Below

"Commander In Chief" Removed From Office

ABC just yanked "Commander in Chief" from its schedule. The last few episodes will be burned off in the summer after the May sweeps is over. The show is basically over too. I can't ever recall a series starting so strong, growing in the ratings for weeks after its debut and then collapsing so spectacularly. Too bad the behind-the-scenes shenanigans were more compelling -- ultimately -- than the series.

Rockers Dominate Billboard Charts

Maybe Chris Daughtry is coming to "American Idol" at just the right time. After years of being dominated by hip-hop and pop and even a little country, the album charts are suddenly awash again in rock and roll. The top three CDs on Billboard are all debuts and they're all rockers. And the planets aren't just aligning for "Idol"s frontrunner: Andrea Bocelli's appearance on the show gave his album a giant boost as well, jumping from #25 to #10. Here's the list:

1. Godsmack -- IV
2. Taking Back Sunday -- Louder Now
3. Bruce Springsteen -- We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
4. Avant -- Director
5. Rihanna -- A Girl Like Me
6. Rascal Flatts -- Me and My Gang
7. Various -- High School Musical
8. Various -- Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 21
9. Goo Goo Dolls -- Let Love In
10. Andrea Bocelli -- Amore.

Surfing Through "Gilmore Girls"

Suddenly, just when the show had seemed to go off the rails completely, Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel deliver a decent episode. It began with a Friday dinner -- always a good sign. Sookie and her husband had a storyline -- even if it was a silly one about discovering a field of pot on their land, at least they had something to do. (Michelle's "comic" bit about exercising because he had accidentally been putting whole milk in his coffee was stupid -- turning a real character into a joke.) Rory was being overly protective of Logan but her use of Paris as a nursemaid was realistic. (Though it's been a shock in the last two weeks to be reminded Paris is pre-med.) However, the idea that Rory would call the Wall Street Journal demanding a correction for a reference to herself that was factually accurate was stupid. She's not a moron. And Luke's sister popped in, freaked out over her pregnancy and kicking out her husband because she's worried they can't hack it. For a change, her regular guy husband was played straightforwardly and his meeting with Luke was nicely believable. The biggest storyline was Lorelai avoiding Luke because she's supposed to feel like a loser since they aren't married yet. Her mother sprang an unexpected surprise -- she wasn't in Stars Hollow looking for a home to move to; she was there to buy a new home for Lorelia. She presented it in a very sweet, reasonable manner and their banter was essentially loving if filled with barbs they didn't really mean. Lorelai broke down and said the wedding wasn't going to happen -- seeming to acknowledge the problems she and Luke are having. The reasons for their problems are idiotic and I don't know whether they're trying to delay the inevitable (Lorelai and Luke getting married) or deciding she really should be with Christopher. Frankly, at this stage she might as well be with Christopher for all I care. No one seems paired up with the right person -- Rory was better with Jess than Logan and Lane was better with Adam Brody. While it wasn't great, at least the episode walked and talked like a duck.

Who Needs "American Idol?"

A new music star was born last night and it wasn't on "American Idol." It happened on "Nashville Star," the USA network's spin on "Idol" that has already delivered several best-selling country artists and just crowned its new winner: Chris Young. The big difference between the two shows is that "Nashville Star" has no age limit, the performers can play instruments and they're all expected to perform an original song or two. This season, they were heavy on talented male artists but the breakout star was Chris Young, a tall glass of water who is just 20 years old (I would have sworn he was 30). His main competition was Casey Rivers, who has a really good voice and is always nattily (and carefully) dressed with a casual necklace and designer jeans that show he has a real eye for clothing. (I'm just saying.) But Chris got better and better every week. And the night they performed their original songs, Young performed a stone cold classic called "Drinking Me Lonely" that sent chills down your spine. (The shot of his competitors as they listened was hilarious -- they looked like they'd just been run over by an 18 wheeler.) In last night's finale, he reprised that song again and his competitors sang along just like everyone else. I am much more excited about Young's debut album -- though I hope they don't rush it out, like they usually do, and give him a chance to contribute more than one or two originals. But whatever happens, he has the makings of a real superstar.

Overnight TV Ratings -- "Idol" The Real Dynasty

A "Dynasty" reunion special (on CBS instead of ABC) was a flop last night. The real dynasty is of course "American Idol," which scored 27.5 million viewers. The first of a "House" two-parter also did great with 22.8 mil. Don't tell me what happened; I haven't watched it yet. CBS did smart counterprogramming with the older skewing dramas "NCIS" and "The Unit." ABC and NBC delivered loads of unimpressive sitcoms, ranging from critical fave "Scrubs" to the last "Hope & Faith," "According To Jim," "Teachers," and the once-promising "Less Than Perfect." "Gilmore Girls" -- which was an unexpectedly decent episode -- remained true to form with 4.9 mil and just-renewed "Boston Legal" perked up for ABC at 10 p.m., where "Law & Order: SVU" scored 15.1 mil to "Legal's" 10.2 mil (a big jump on its lead-in). And the beloved "Veronica Mars" improved on its "Next Top Model" repeat lead-in, but seems hopelessly mired in cult-dom. If you're a ratings junkie like me, you can sign up for a daily email on the overnight ratings at Mediaweek.

Stephen Colbert Vs Fox News

Americablog pointed out the silliness of The Drudge Report comparing the ratings of a comedy show to a cable news network. But since they brought it up.... The latest figures are in for the cable news channels and while you might take comfort in drops in viewership for Fox News, they're even steeper for CNN. According to Mediaweek, Fox News Channel is averaging 1.43 million in primetime. "The Colbert Report" is averaging 1.07 million, which isn't that far behind for a first year series. But wait! The Fox numbers are for primetime, while Colbert's ratings are for his 11:30 p.m. broadcast, which is late night. Mediaweek doesn't provide late night ratings for Fox, but their viewership average for the entire day is only 787,000 viewers. Certainly, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert outdraw the rerun of Bill O'Reilly. And Colbert outdraws the daily average of FNC overall. So Colbert beats Fox head-to-head AND beats Fox's all-day average. Comparing primetime to late night is silly -- more people are watching in primetime, so ratings should be higher. But Colbert beats Fox head-to-head and his ratings continue to grow while Fox's are declining.

Surfing Through "American Idol"

A goofy, dorky night on "Idol."

Elliott -- his first song was pretty good. It wasn't much more than an imitation of George Benson's "On Broadway," but it was a good imitation. His cover of "Home," (the Michael Buble song) was poor, though, weak and colorless. Just not a fan of his voice.
Paris -- smart of her to play young. But Paris brought no style to Prince's "Kiss." She did a little better with Mary J. Blige, but still...I think this was her last week.
Chris -- his first performance was far, far better than anyone else. His second was an uninspiring take of an uninspiring song and he did indeed sound like he was going to blow out his vocal cords in the middle of it. So much more of a pro than the others.
Katharine -- a dull, meandering take on a Phil Collins song followed by one of her most delightful performances (from on her knees) of some light ditty I'd never heard of. Just when I'd written her off again.
Taylor -- "Play That Funky Music" is such an obvious choice for Taylor, but he still did okay by it. If I saw him in a tiny bar, I'd think, 'This guy is fun.' But he doesn't seem to have the chops for anything more than a good covers band. His cover of the Beatles's "Something" was typical -- a few moments that capture the ear but as a whole just a guy working his way through a song, not a "performance" that really captures you.
Judges -- Simon accidentally said Katharine's first performance was "by far your best" when he meant to say "far from your best." But apparently Ryan and the others have stopped listening to him. When he tried to correct himself, Ryan acted like Simon had lost his mind.

Bye Paris. Join a jazz band, start studying the standards and see us in 10 years.

Off To Celebrate My Birthday and See "Stick It"

Because nothing says Happy Birthday like a bad teen sex comedy.

Harvard Cheater Gets "F" From Publisher

Sometimes justice is served. The Harvard cheater who plagiarized at least three different books by best-selling authors has been sent back to school. Her publisher announced they WOULDN'T be printing a revised version of her book (good idea, since a revised version would have been more like a short story), and they WON'T be publishing her second book. It's unclear whether they'll sue to get their $500,000 advance back. (Apparently, that just isn't done in the publishing world, even if you've been defrauded.) This should be the end of it...but it won't be. Sooner or later, someone will publish a teary article by the author about her travails -- either how she was railroaded by PC-attitudes towards plagiarism or simply because she traded in chick lit cliches OR a "genuine" confession about how she stumbled up against deadlines or lack of creativity and found herself guiltily doing what lots of students sometimes do: cheat. And then someone will give her a book deal for a memoir and she'll joke about how it isn't plagiarized because it's her life and then she'll go on Larry King. Ugh.

AMC Theaters Makes Headlines For Showing Movies

The AMC theater chain wants lots of attention for showing popular, successful films like "March of the Penguins." It's claiming to be doing something special by designating one theater in their urban markets as an AMC Select screen that will focus on indie films and documentaries. Where to begin? Most every theater chain -- at least in NYC -- is already doing this. And major urban centers -- the only places where AMC will do this -- are already well served by numerous indie chains like Angelika, Sunshine, Lincoln Plaza, the Quad etc. that are devoted solely to artier fare. If AMC had announced it was devoting at least one screen at every multiplex in the suburbs and rural outlets -- the very places that desperately NEED access to these films -- then they'd be doing something trailblazing.

Springsteen Blasts Bush's Incompetence Over Katrina

The New Orleans Jazz Festival is proving a raucous success. I frankly didn't think it would draw well (where would people stay?) but it's attracted perhaps the biggest crowds ever -- well into the hundreds of thousands. It's a much needed shot in the arm for the struggling local economy. At least they know tourists will return. One of the headliners, Bruce Springsteen, just released an album of songs written or popularized by the leftie Pete Seeger. The album's not in-your-face political (at all), but Springsteen didn't shy away from stating the obvious at the show. "I saw sights I never thought I'd see in an American city," he said. "The criminal ineptitude makes you furious." The key word there? "Criminal." The racetrack where the Festival is held was completely under water just eight months ago.

For more info on the fest, read the very entertaining postings from our friends at NYCDonline, who are there in person -- getting de-briefed at the airport, finding religion from al elderly gospel group, eating rabbit and sitting near a woman who is attending a jazz festival but says bluntly "I hate trumpets!" Lots of fun.

Woes Not Over For Harvard Plagiarist

Our little cheater at Harvard -- and no, I feel no obligation to be understanding to a 19 year old who took a $500,000 advance for two books and copied dozens of passages from other chick lit books -- is in more trouble. Now some passages she cribbed from another author have cropped up. This time she ripped off Sophie Kinsella, another very well-known YA author. [YA stands for Young Adult.]

In one scene in [Kinsella's] "Can You Keep a Secret," which was published by Dial Press, the main character, Emma, comes upon two friends "in a full-scale argument about animal rights," and one says, "The mink like being made into coats." In Viswanathan's book, Opal encounters two girls having "a full-fledged debate over animal rights." "The foxes want to be made into scarves," one of them says.

In one way, I find this the most damning example of all. Why? Because the Harvard cheater's version makes absolutely no sense. Foxes want to be made into scarves? She clearly copied the passage and tried to change the comparison to make it her own. But it makes absolutely no sense. Gosh it's hard to cheat.

Surfing Through New CDs

Caught up with a lot of music, thanks to driving to Pennsylvania and back. Here's a look at what I've been listening to:

Tom Russell -- Love & Fear *** 1/2
Classic singer-songwriter rock n roll from a veteran performer I'd never heard of. It reminds me a lot of John Hiatt's "Bring The Family" -- that sound of a grizzled artist hitting the sweet spot and delivering a warm, career-defining album after years in the trenches. "The Sound of One Heart Breaking," "The Pugilist at 59" and the giddy "Stealing Electricty " (the song he performed on Letterman that caught my ear) -- this is mature, adult, terrific music.

The Streets -- The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living ***
Albums about the miseries of being famous are generally tiresome and at first blush this is a let-down from his masterful second album. But still a unique, clever rapper.

Ann Nesby -- In The Spirit ** 1/2
She's the aunt of "American Idol" contestant Paris and the woman Randy Jackson raved about as being "one of the best singers in the known world." Her latest solo CD is filled with classic tunes ranging from gospel favorites to Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands." Unfortunately, the music and backing vocals aren't up to her standards -- they're at best serviceable. But her singing is terrific, up to the ferocious final note she delivers onn the closing song "There's Something About That Name." Maybe she shouldn't co-produce next time.

The Boy Least Likely To -- The Best Party Ever ** 1/2
Twee music from a British band who uses all sorts of odd kiddie instruments (toy pianos, a recorder, a cheap xylophone) that create a rather beguiling air. But most of the tunes aren't up to the standards of opener "Be Gentle With Me." Imagine Brian Wilson if he were young and not wacky and you get the idea here. Could improve on more listens.

Bruce Springsteen -- We Shall Overcome *** 1/2
Just gets better with repeated listens. My onnly problem is the downbeat, dutiful covers of "Eyes On The Prize" and "We Shall Overcome" that combine with the quiet "Shenandoah" to slow down the momentum of the CD just as it reaches the finale. Otherwise, terrific.

Gary Glitter Vs Michael Jackson: Who's Nuttier?

Musician Gary Glitter -- famous for his sports arena staple "Rock & Roll Part 2" -- is vying with Michael Jackson for the title of "Pop Star Who Digs Their Grave Deeper Whenever They Try To Defend Themselves." Glitter spent time in jail in the UK for downloading kiddie porn and then fled what he believed were the more welcoming arms of Asia, where the sex tourism industry is sadly active. But now even Vietnam has convicted him of molesting two little girls aged 11 and 12. He's been sentenced to three years in jail and is out on appeal. Among his quotes: "I'm not a paedophile -- I came to Cambodia because I read a book about the Mekong." Is he SURE he's never slept with an underage girl? "It was only recently that I found out that underage is 18 in the country, OK, but I don't believe that I slept with anyone under 18." And like Michael Jackson he admits he's shared a bed with little girls but knew "the line to cross." I think he was trying to say he knew the line NOT to cross, but we get the point.

New Survey: Americans Want Moral Majority To Stay Away From Their TV

A tiny, tiny percentage of TV viewers organized by the far right manage to put the fear of God into the major networks -- the most ludicrous recent example occuring when Fox blurred out the butt of an animated baby on a rerun of "Family Guy." Now an Arbitron survey states the obvious: most people think cable channels like MTV and Comedy Central should be able to show "whatever programming they please." Premium pay channels like HBO should be even freer. (Though what could be freer than "whatever programming they please" I'm not quite certain.) It's pretty straightforward: cable provides a wealth of family programming that's available 24 hours a day via Nickeloeon, PBS, Discovery and countless other channels. It also provides free and easy tools that let parents block out any channels they don't want their kid accessing, like MTV or ABC Family (so they can block "The 700 Club"). The free market works great; government should butt out.

Springsteen Debuts At #3 In UK

Bruce Springsteen's joyuous new album debuts at #3 in the UK. It's kept out of the top spot by Gnarls Barkley -- a Danger Mouse collaboration with the number one single "Crazy." That CD comes out today here in the US. Also on the singles chart, Jack White's new band The Raconteurs debuts at #4 with their debut single "Steady As She Goes," Nina Simone has a classic track reworked by Groovefinder hitting #30 and the very first "Pop Idol" winner, Will Young is still going strong with his new song debuting at #11.

Happy Birthday To Me

Yes, it's my birthday. I hope to see any New York-based Popsurfers at the parade this afternoon up Fifth Avenue, followed by the keys-to-the-city ceremony. I moan every year but honestly it's a lot of fun.

Popsurfing With Pop

Spending the day in Pennsylvania with my father -- a little tennis, a little lunch, a lot of arguing about politics (think "All in the Family" with me as Meathead). Back with a vengeance on Tuesday.

Weekend Box Office -- Smooth Landing For "United 93"

"M:I:3" is just around the corner to launch the summer movie season. But one week before the hoopla begins, moviegoers prove it's never too soon for a well-made, well-reviewed film -- even one about a national tragedy. "United 93" opened at #2. But it's never too late for Robin Williams to apologize for "RV," which opened at a weak number one and should fade fast. And shame on me for not catching the teen gymanstics comedy "Stick It." That movie was made for me.

1. RV -- $16.4 million
2. United 93 -- $11.6 million
3. Stick It -- $11.3 million
4. Silent Hill -- $9.3 mil ($34.2 million total)
5. Scary Movie 4 -- $7.8 ($78.2 million)
6. The Sentinel -- $7.6 mil ($25.5 million)
7. Ice Age: The Meltdown -- $7.1 ($177.7 million)
8. Akeelah and the Bee -- $6.3 million
9. The Wild -- $4.7 mil ($28.4 million)
10. The Benchwarmers -- $4.4 mil ($52.8 million)