Best of
Tv

2002

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Script Book "Once More With Feeling"


Joss Whedon - 2002
    A superbly enjoyable pastiche of old Hollywood musicals and Broadway shows, it finds an all-singing, all-dancing demon descending on Sunnydale intent on making the town's inhabitants free their innermost secrets through song. As a pivotal episode it proves a turning point for many of the characters, and as a unique piece of TV it's quite clearly unrivalled. There isn't a bad song among them and it's hard not to turn demon-green with envy that show creator Joss Whedon, who wrote and directed this episode, can be so sickeningly talented. It doesn't matter that some of the cast are less then blessed vocally, but stand-out performances from James Marsters (Spike) and Amber Benson (Tara) help carry along the weaker voices. This book is fan's dream with a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how the episode came about, the complete script, photographs and even the music sheets should you wish to try the songs from the comfort of your Steinway. This is a worthy and essential companion to perhaps Buffy's finest hour (and eight minutes) yet. --Jonathan Weir

The West Wing Script Book


Aaron Sorkin - 2002
    The show has won the Producers Guild Award, Directors Guild Award, Writers Guild Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe, Humanitas Prize and the Peabody.

Live from New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live


Tom Shales - 2002
    But Saturday Night Live, launched in 1975 and still thriving today, would change the face of television. It introduced brash new stars with names like Belushi, Radner, Chase, and Murray; trashed taboos that had inhibited TV for decades; and had such an impact on American life, laughter, and politics that even presidents of the United States had to take notice. Now, Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Shales and bestselling author James Andrew Miller bring together stars, writers, guest hosts, contributors, and craftsmen for the first-ever oral history of Saturday Night Live, from 1974, when it was just an idea, through 2002, when it has long since become an institution. In their own words, dozens of personalities recall the backstage stories, behind-the-scenes gossip, feuds, foibles, drugs, sex, struggles, and calamities, including personal details never before revealed. Shales and Miller have interviewed a galaxy of stars, including Mike Myers, Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase, Will Ferrell, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, Jon Lovitz, Jane Curtin, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Dana Carvey, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Garrett Morris, Molly Shannon, Damon Wayans, Chris Elliott, Julia Sweeney, Norm Macdonald, and Paul Simon-plus writers like Al Franken, Conan O'Brien, Larry David, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Robert Smigel, Don Novello, and others who got their big breaks as part of the SNL team. The Coneheads, the Blues Brothers, Buck-wheat, Wayne and Garth, Hans and Franz, the Cheerleaders, Todd DiLaMuca and Lisa Loopner, "Cheeseburger cheeseburger," Mango, the Church Lady, Ed Grimley-they're all here. And for every fabulous character on-screen there was an outrageous maverick, misfit, or rebel behind the scenes. Live from New York does what no other book about the show has ever done: It lets the people who were there tell the story in their own words, blunt and loving and uncensored.

These Our Actors


Ashley McConnell - 2002
    Willow decides to stick with the class on her own, however, and this once-shy wallflower is pleased to find herself way bitten with the acting bug.It's no surprise to Buffy and the Scoobs, then, when Willow decides to pitch in with the drama club's latest production. Of course, Sunnydale being Hellmouth Central, Willow soon discovers a link between drama and magick; in fact, many ancient Greek performances were actually invocations to the Gods. Spike, who in his pre-vamp days had been a great patron of the arts, confirms this fact. He "also" takes an unusual level of interest in Willow's extracurricular activities. When strange paranormal occurrences -- and the appearance of a ghost or two -- threaten Willow's safety, the witch starts to wonder if it isn't time to exit, stage left....

Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell


Amy Sohn - 2002
    Now Sex and the City, the first true comedy about sex and love from a female point of view (and the show that made cosmopolitans and designer shoes part of every single woman's night out), lives on in this luscious, uniquely entertaining, and one-of-a-kind book. Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell, the official companion book, celebrates the show with behind-the-scenes stories on all six seasons and original interview with each of the primary actors. Ever wonder which designer made that outrageous outfit of Carrie's? What real-life stories inspired those shocking episodes? How many dates the fabulous foursome have really been on? Packed with over 750 full-color photographs, this stunning volume will answer all these questions and more with information not available anywhere eels. Topped off with a introduction by Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell will excite anyone who has experienced even the slightest flirtation with the sexiest, funniest show on television.

Bite Me!: An Unofficial Guide to the World of Buffy the Vampire Slayer


Nikki Stafford - 2002
    The star of the show, Sarah Michelle Gellar is only 24, but she already has to her credit five films, two soap operas and a global hit-TV show. Buffy fans up and down the country thirst for details about Gellar's life, and this biography will undoubtedly quench that thirst. It's filled with dozens of exclusive photos and original information on every aspect of her career. BITE ME! spotlights Sarah's role in the show and features entertaining commentary on each episode, as well as background information about the stories in them.

Angel: the Casefiles, Volume 1


Nancy Holder - 2002
    It's a city like no other....People are drawn here. People, and other things. They come for all kinds of reasons. My reason? It started with a girl."-- Angel, "City of"For a hundred years, Angel offered an ugly death to everyone he met. And he did it with a song in his heart. A gypsy curse put a stop to his rampage, but his doomed love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer drove him from Sunnydale on his own quest for redemption.Fortunately, he's not alone. His support system includes Cordelia Chase, ex-May Queen (just until her inevitable stardom takes effect); Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, Rogue Demon Hunter; and Gunn (Charles Gunn, his name, not his street tag). Their rates are low, and their logo is indecipherable -- but they save people, and stuff.

The Sopranos Family Cookbook: As Compiled by Artie Bucco


Artie Bucco - 2002
    The "family" restaurant, redefined. Home to the finest in Napolitan' cuisine and Essex County's best kept secret. Now Artie Bucco, la cucina's master chef and your personal host, invites you to a special feast...with a little help from his friends. From arancini to zabaglione, from baccala to Quail Sinatra-style, Artie Bucco and his guests, the Sopranos and their associates, offer food lovers one hundred Avellinese-style recipes and valuable preparation tips. But that's not all! Artie also brings you a cornucopia of precious Sopranos artifacts that includes photos from the old country; the first Bucco's Vesuvio's menu from 1926; AJ's school essay on "Why I Like Food"; Bobby Bacala's style tips for big eaters, and much, much more. So share the big table with: Tony Soprano, waste management executive "Most people soak a bagful of discount briquettes with lighter fluid and cook a pork chop until it's shoe leather and think they're Wolfgang Puck." Enjoy his tender Grilled Sausages sizzling with fennel or cheese. Warning: Piercing the skin is a fire hazard. Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Tony's uncle "Mama always cooked. No one died of too much cholesterol or some such crap." Savor his Pasta Fazool, a toothsome marriage of cannellini beans and ditalini pasta, or Giambott', a grand-operatic vegetable medley. Carmela Soprano, Tony's wife "If someone were sick, my inclination would be to send over a pastina and ricotta. It's healing food." Try her Baked Ziti, sinfully enriched with three cheeses, and her earthy 'Shcarole with Garlic. Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri, associate of Tony Soprano "I have heard that Eskimos have fifty words for snow. We have five hundred words for food." Sink your teeth into his Eggs in Purgatory-eight eggs, bubbling tomato sauce, and an experience that's pure heaven. As Artie says, "Enjoy, with a thousand meals and a thousand laughs. Buon' appetito!"

Goodnight, John Boy: A Celebration of an American Family and the Values That Have Sustained Us Through Good Times and Bad


Earl Hamner Jr. - 2002
    Yet this television show was more than entertaining. Each episode combined wonderful stories and "teachable moments" in which adults and children alike learned the importance of honesty, hard work, respect, responsibility, self-sacrifice, and kindness. As is true in most families, the Waltons faced many challenges, occasionally stumbled along the way, but they struggled to live their lives within the framework of the values they believed and taught. "Goodnight, John-Boy" is a memory book of "The Waltons," the number-one television show of its time. Filled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and profiles of people who appeared on the show, it introduces readers to the Hamner family members who later became characters on "The Waltons," suggests events and locales that inspired many of the episodes, and traces Earl Hamner@s life as a writer from Virginia to New York to Hollywood. Included is a description of each episode plus reminiscence, comments, and personal feelings from numerous people connected with the series-writers, actors, directors, producers, family, and fans. Heavily illustrated with publicity shots and personal photographs taken by cast, crew, and others, "Goodnight John-Boy" will be a welcomed book by millions of loyal fans. When "The Waltons" first aired in 1972, it was at the bottom of the Nielson ratings-by December it led the list. That dramatic leap came about because fans told their friends about it and wrote the CBS network to praise the show and to plead that the show not becanceled. Thirty years later, "Goodnight, John-Boy" is sure to touch the hearts of the show@s fans again.

Fighting the Forces: What's at Stake in Buffy the Vampire Slayer


Rhonda V. WilcoxMary Alice Money - 2002
    Bad television--predictable, commercial, exploitative--simply yields to the forces. Good television, like the character of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, fights them. Fighting the Forces explores the struggle to create meaning in an impressive example of popular culture, the television series phenomenon Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the essays collected here, contributors examine the series using a variety of techniques and viewpoints. They analyze the social and cultural issues implicit in the series and place it in its literary context, not only by examining its literary influences (from German liebestod to Huckleberry Finn) but also by exploring the series' purposeful literary allusions. Furthermore, the book explores the extratextual, such as fanfiction and online discussion groups. The book is additionally supplemented by an online journal Slayage (www.slayage.tv), created by the book editors in acknowledgement of the ongoing nature of television art. Rhonda V. Wilcox and David Lavery have written and edited several books and articles exploring the social, literary, and artistic merit of quality television. In addition to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, their work has covered a variety of programs including Twin Peaks, Northern Exposure, The X-Files, and The Sopranos.

Disney: The Ultimate Visual Guide


Russell K. Schroeder - 2002
    Disney: The Ultimate Guide includes a wealth of images -- from specially photographed memorabilia to familiar scenes from favorite Disney moments -- to create a visual experience of the number one name in family entertainment. Disney's most-loved films are the focus of this charming collectible, but all facets of Disney's universe are represented in this wonderful volume.

Farscape: The Illustrated Season 2 Companion


Paul Simpson - 2002
    Following the huge success of the first volume, Farscape: The Illustrated Season 2 Companion provides in-depth coverage of the show's amazing second season. With unprecedented access to the show's stars and production team (including Farscape creator Rockne S. O'Bannon), the book takes an exclusive, detailed look behind the scenes, and also includes an episode guide to the whole of season two, with a look ahead to season three... It's a book no Scaper can be without

Farscape: The Illustrated Season 3 Companion


Paul Simpson - 2002
    Farscape is simply the most highly acclaimed sci-fi show on TV. Following the massive success of volumes one and two, Farscape: The Illustrated Season 3 Companion continues Titan's bestselling series with in-depth coverage of the show's most exciting year so far. With unprecedented access to the show's stars and production team (including Farscape creator Rockne S. O'Bannon), the book takes an exclusive, detailed look behind the scenes, and also includes an episode guide to the whole of season three, with a look ahead to season four... It's a must for all Scapers Also includes an 8-page colour section

Stargate SG-1 The Illustrated Companion Seasons 3 and 4


Thomasina Gibson - 2002
    Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of an elite military team, tries to learn the secrets of the Stargate, a mysterious ancient portal that allows instantaneous travel to remote planets throughout the universe.

Film Posters of the 40s: The Essential Movies of the Decade


Tony Nourmand - 2002
    Just as the forties was the decade hailed nostalgically ever since as Hollywood's golden age, it also saw the emergence of a dark new undercurrent in pop culture - the sinister world of gumshoes, gangsters, double-crossing dames, and blind alleys that comprised film noir. Long before the era of the television trailer and satellite media junket, studios lured audiences to theaters with graphically bold poster art, gorgeously illustrated by classically trained artists adept at capturing the nuances of Veronica Lake's seductive glance, Humphrey Bogart's world-weary eyes, Bette Davis's icy stare, and hundreds of other stars at their best and most glamorous. All of the era's legendary stars are included in this volume: Lauren Bacall, Robert Mitchum, Barbara Stanwyck, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Marlene Dietrich, and more. "Film Posters of the 40s" brings to life in lavish full-color an era in film history that will never be forgotten.

Like Mother, Like Daughter


Catherine Clark - 2002
    My mom and I are never going to have a "normal" mother-daughter relationship because my mom isn't just my mother, she's my best friend. She would do anything for me, including asking her parents for the tuition money to send me to Chilton, this prestigious prep school that just accepted me. That was probably one of the toughest things she's ever done, although agreeing to weekly dinners in exchange for the loan probably runs a close second. My mom's just miserable at the mere thought of this. But the way I look at it? -- I'd just say life is going to get a lot more interesting.

Saints and Avengers: British Adventure Series of the 1960s


James Chapman - 2002
    Saints and Avengers explores and celebrates this unique television genre for the first time. James Chapman uses case studies to look at the thrillers’ representations of national identity, and the world of the '60's and '70's. Chapman also asserts that this particular type of thriller was a historically and culturally defined generic type, with enduring appeal, as the current vogue for remaking them as big budget films attests.

G-Force Animated


Jason Hofius - 2002
    by Jason Hofius & George Khoury Granted full access to the archives of Sandy Frank Productions, this trade paperback covers the history of the show, from the original Tatsunoko production in 1972 to the current day rediscovery of this legendary and influential anime! Explore the real adventures and stories of Mark, Jason, Princess, Keyop, and Tiny.

Christopher Lowell's If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It! Dream Decor on a Budget


Christopher Lowell - 2002
    Lowell encourages readers to identify and then follow their dreams, overcome their anxieties, and fulfill their creative potential without breaking the bank. 325 color photos & illustrations.

Alias Declassified: The Official Companion Guide


Mark Cotta Vaz - 2002
    Abrahams.

Saving the World Before Bedtime (The Powerpuff Girls)


Tracey West - 2002
    It's an episode in Townsville history so shameful that the town has pretended it never happened... until now.When Professor Utonium first creates Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, they don't realize the extent of their powers. The Girls accidentally end up destroying everything in sight. Now all of Townsville hates them. Their only "friend" is a mysterious figure named Jojo. And he's got a plan make everything hunky-dory again...

Richard Matheson's The Twilight Zone Scripts (Volume 2)


Richard Matheson - 2002
    Many of these episodes became the series' most acclaimed and most frequently aired. Published here for the first time are eight original scripts. Each is preceded by an introduction and commentary that lends insight into Matheson's creative process, how he felt about the adaptation of his scripts, and his relationship with Rod Serling. Information about the fate of two "lost" scripts and suggestions for further reading and viewing are also included. Volume Two includes the final six complete Twilight Zone scripts Matheson wrote for the show.

The Battlebots: Official Guide to Battlebots


Dan Danko - 2002
    Fans can easily reference their favorite BattleBot, see its picture, and read a list of interesting facts and information.Over 50 of the most well-known and most winning BattleBots are featured. Facts listed include weapon power, drive power, special features, and more.

Act Like Somebody: Special Moments of Parenting from The Andy Griffith Show


Jim Clark - 2002
    Floyd: "ThatOpie is a fine boy."Goober: "Yeah,nice relationship between Andy and Opie."Floyd: "Yeah,father and son."Act Like Somebody is a gift book containing meaningful quotations andcarefully chosen pictures from The Andy Griffith Show that celebrate parenting.Andy Taylor's homespun wisdom, patience, love, and care are all shown inquotations and pictures from the time Opie was barely entering school whenThe Andy Griffith Show began, to the time when he was an early teenager in the show'slast season eight years later.Also included are other Mayberry families such as the Darlings and Spraguesas well as parenting observations by Barney Fife and Malcolm Merriweather.Act Like Somebody can be given to a mother or father in appreciationof their love and wisdom.

Gundam Tech Manual


Yoshiyuki Tomino - 2002
    Encyclopedic in scope, the Gundam Technical Manuals offers an in-depth look at the entire Gundam universe! Divided into five volumes, the series covers: Histories of the Federation; Principality of Zeon, and the One Year War, plus alternate timelines of G Gundam and Gundam Wing; biographies of all key players in each series, and all-new paintings of Gundam units in action!