Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Today's Must-Reads

I'm halfway through my first full week off in more than eight years, so what am I doing? Cruising the Web between loads of laundry. What a life, huh?

Eh, it's not as if I could have taken off to some tropical locale, or even Santa Fe. Besides the fact that I have a gaping black hole where my bank account should be, it's May sweeps time: Who the hell would leave a TV behind at a time like this?

Which brings me to today's first killer read: New Jersey Star-Ledger TV critic Alan Sepinwall's spot-on analysis of last night's 2nd season finale of "Veronica Mars," which is simply the best show on TV, bar none. Last night's episode solved several sprawling, season-long mysteries, resolved some nagging plot points and packed more emotional punch than most feature films -- all in a 60-minute episode.

Stay on Alan's site for his trenchant commentary on last night's "Gilmore Girls" season finale, in which the probable ruination of a once-great show is probably complete.

On a wholly different note, there's Tom Krattenmaker's insightful Salon article (well worth watching the ad) on the growing role of evangelical Christianity in pro sports. Here's a sample:
In the end, it's unfortunate that Christian evangelism, at least the superficial form practiced by many players and chaplains, has become so rampant in sports, says a former pro athlete now involved in a Christian sports ministry. "Players who believe God helps them win miss the point of the rich tradition of the Christian faith," says the ex-player, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal from his ministry. "I think the problem with sports ministry is the problem with the American church in general. We look for celebrities to promote a brand name. In my understanding of the gospels, this is the antithesis of the method Jesus used while on earth."
Stay at Salon for Stephanie Zacharek's worshipful recap of "Veronica Mars" (yeah, that again).

Then, take a look at this feature on Steve Carell, who wrote tomorrow night's "Office" season finale. That's one of, like, four sitcoms I even watch, though I wonder how I'll feel about finding laughs in a toxic workplace next season.

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