Television - The Clubhouse 1: "You haven't arrived until you've been booed"

Saturniia · 09-27-2004, 03:53 AM

The Clubhouse Thread 1: "You haven't arrived until you've been booed"
The Clubhouse Thread

Welcome to the Clubhouse thread! Here we discuss all things related to the show Clubhouse, on CBS. Please, if you watch the show and/or would like to talk about it, come here! The more the merrier.

Characters

Pete Young is played by Jeremy Sumpter
Lynne Young is played by Mare Winningham
Betsy Young is played by Kirsten Storms
Lou Russo is played by Christopher Lloyd
Mike Dougherty is played by Dan Byrd
Conrad Dean is played by Dean Cain
Carlos Tavares is played by John Ortiz
Jose Marquez is played by J.D. Pardo
Jesse is played by Leah Pipes
Brad Saminski is played by Kevin Schmidt

Premise of the Show from cbs.com

CLUBHOUSE is a drama about a 16-year-old boy who becomes a man in a world of overgrown boys when he takes a job as a batboy for a professional baseball team. For the first time, Pete Young (Jeremy Sumpter) takes a risk--perhaps the only risk of his young life--when he applies for and lands his dream job as a batboy for the New York Empires. The problem is his single mom, Lynne (Mare Winningham), has no idea what he's up to. Until now, he's been the golden boy while his rebellious older sister, Betsy (Kirsten Storms), has always been in the doghouse. On the job, Pete becomes a part of a new family that includes Conrad Dean (Dean Cain), the team's captain and star third baseman and one of the boy's all-time idols who takes on the role of an older brother. Also in the clubhouse is his boss, Lou Russo (Christopher Lloyd), a gruff but fair equipment manager who becomes a much-needed father figure, Carlos Tavares (John Ortiz), a rookie who believes that Pete is his good luck charm, and José Marquez (JD Pardo), the Empire's territorial head batboy. Pete is over the moon at being a member of his favorite team, but he must still balance life at home and life in the big leagues as he faces the moral dilemmas and curve balls that life throws his way.

The Clubhouse Fan List

1. Saturniia (thread starter)
2. gigglegal
3. Terpsichore
4. Subject
5. Jayta
6. ColorMist
7. i heart giles
8. The Fifth Element
9. BlueJeep
10. *antarian angel*

If you would like to be added, tell me!

Subject · 09-27-2004, 04:49 AM

I didn't see the special preview last night because I was watching Charmed. However, I do like Dean Cain and baseball. So I'll check it out this Tuesday.

Thanks for all of the information.

gigglegal · 09-27-2004, 05:36 PM

I totally loved it. it rocked. i'm gonna be such an addict of this show. i

Terpsichore · 09-28-2004, 02:50 AM

The only reason I checked it out was because of DAN!BYRD, who I adore. And he was great as hyperactive Mike (in the little amount of scenes he had).

But, I'm glad I did watch it because I really enjoyed it. It's perfect mix of drama, romance, and a boy's ideal dream that might not turn out as great as it seems. Jeremy Sumpter is a doll (his lisp is adorable) and a talented young actor. It's good to see Dean Cain, Kirsten Storms, and Christopher Lloyd again as well.

According to Zap2it, ratings for the premiere were ok overall with a 6.1/10 however it finished fifth in the 18-49 demographic which is not so good. Hopefully, the ratings will improve. That demographic is probably too busy watching One Tree Hill anyways. *lol*

Saturniia · 09-28-2004, 04:02 AM

Actually, the premiere was Sunday. Regular episodes start tonight (Tuesday). I really hope "our show" does well, especially since it seems to have some decent competition. Maybe what will help Clubhouse is that it's more of a family show, rather than a teens show, so a really mature nine-year-old could watch it with her parents or something.

Subject · 09-28-2004, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturniia
Actually, the premiere was Sunday. Regular episodes start tonight (Tuesday).

I hate it when they do that.

A "special preview" is really the first episode. It just makes me mad. I guess would be nice to see the two episodes so close together but still....

Anyways, I hope that the show does well. It seems to be driving on some strong family aspects. I agree that will help it out in the ratings department. Besides, it may bring a lot of baseball fans over into watching this show with their family's as well. Having both baseball fans and family watchers can't hurt anything.

Terpsichore · 09-28-2004, 05:35 AM

Ahh, thanks for the clarification. I assumed the sneak preview was just that and Tueday's episode was the 'official' premiere. And I agree, Subject, it annoys me when they do that. It seems to be a growing trend lately (re: Veronica Mars).

I agree about the family aspects which I hope will bring in ratings. Also, the cast is fairly well-known which may be a benefit as well.

Saturniia · 09-29-2004, 12:58 AM

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

Really, this week's story... wow. Have I mentioned how much I love the storytelling in this show? 'cause really, I do.

So, to get the ball rolling, what was everyone's favorite part of the episode?

Like I said above, mine was the storytelling. I liked how everything was so up in the air. For example, Pete didn't have to do another history paper, but he chose to. He also buried the possibly-corked bat (but then, the bat that Dean gave the groundskeeper's son could be the corked one, altered to make it easy for the boy to hold). Betsy learned a little something about adulthood, then went and lied to her mother's face.

What I really love is that so far, there's no bad guy. Occasionally, our young "hero" makes bad choices (buying a paper, making the switch). Our Equipment Manager "guide" prefers to cover his own hind parts. Even the mother's not totally clean, sacrificing her own happiness for her children instead of living out her own dreams. "I survived"... maybe I'm just a bit Betsy, but that doesn't sound to me like it's something to strive for.

I love how CT got over his jealousy and "huh?" and talked to the reporter from Sag Harbor. Sure, it's local, and therefore not all that important, but it's a foot in the door. Plus, with the internet these days, it's probably a lot more promotion than he initially thought.

So... anyone else?

Subject · 09-29-2004, 06:08 AM

I really enjoyed the episode tonight. However, it's late here and I'm wiped so, I'll post my full thoughts tomorrow.

Goodnight.

jayta · 09-29-2004, 10:56 AM

It was a decent start. I really have enjoyed most of the performances. I think that he's getting a heck of a lot of breaks, so he better shape up, but I think the show has been on par with the slew of interesting new shows.

I am surprised at how bratty KS's character is. She is playing it very well. Not that I like this side of her much, but I think it stretches her as an actress.

And I love Mare Winningham. I always have. She is a superb actress and a wonderful choice for a mother. However, I would really

if they cut her hair. The length of the hair makes her somewhat dumpy, which maybe what they're going for, but I would love it if they had it short, maybe a little above shoulder length? She looks great in shorter hair because it gives her shape around her face.

But enough of that. I don't know much about CL's character. As much as he's supposed to be this mentor and all, I don't know if I've found much of a draw in him. He's just there.

I have been enjoying DC's character, though it's the same old, same old for him. Nice guy, who will probably end up dating Lynne eventually. Too typical.

The big thing I didn't like was the predictable SP introduction of the 'IT' girl. Gah. When they (the tptb) do that at the beginning, set up a character to have this 'soulmate' person that they will pull apart/put together in angst I just run...I reject it. And as much as this Jesse looks like the girl next door, I just don't like her. She's the typical Mary Sue in this show.

I'd like for something original. An original look for an 'IT' girl.

I'm such a sucker for shipping couples on tv shows I watch that I have to do it...so forgive me if it's not what I should be concentrating on. I've liked the episodes so far where it doesn't revolve around 'a girl' - which are the episodes aired.

I'm also enjoying the helpful principal of the school. I'm glad they aren't portraying a woman of faith as some dictator from hell. That's always nice to see.

Anyways this is all....

Subject · 09-29-2004, 08:00 PM

First, here is some ratings info....

From Zap2it.com:

In its time period premiere, CBS' "Clubhouse" did a 7.1/11 at 9 p.m.

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturniia
For example, Pete didn't have to do another history paper, but he chose to. He also buried the possibly-corked bat (but then, the bat that Dean gave the groundskeeper's son could be the corked one, altered to make it easy for the boy to hold).

I was also proud of Pete for doing the right thing. In both accounts. Sure with the bat he was doing something that wasn't all that right. However he was looking out for someone that he cared for and respects. That can not be looked down upon in my eyes.

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturniia
Betsy learned a little something about adulthood, then went and lied to her mother's face.

At first I was hoping that she would really learn something. You expected her to party with the money though. Not one little converstaion is going to change her ways over night.

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturniia
Even the mother's not totally clean, sacrificing her own happiness for her children instead of living out her own dreams. "I survived"... maybe I'm just a bit Betsy, but that doesn't sound to me like it's something to strive for.

Well, I think it more about that she achieved her goal in life. To raise her kids, be a good mother. She was saying that it was more important to her then getting a huge career. Telling Besty to follow her own dreams whatever they may be. However she shouldn't just go through life trying to party.

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturniia
I love how CT got over his jealousy and "huh?" and talked to the reporter from Sag Harbor.

He was glad to take the light that was offered to him. That is respectable. It was also nice to see that he was taken in by Dean. I didn't know if he was going to take the chance like that. However he stood by the moment. Trying to be part of the team and willing to take guidence.

Quote:

But enough of that. I don't know much about CL's character. As much as he's supposed to be this mentor and all, I don't know if I've found much of a draw in him. He's just there.

We don't really know that much about him. However, I love CL so I know that this character is going to be enjoyable for me.

Quote:

And as much as this Jesse looks like the girl next door, I just don't like her. She's the typical Mary Sue in this show.

I think that I missed that character because I have no idea who you are talking about.

Quote:

I'm also enjoying the helpful principal of the school. I'm glad they aren't portraying a woman of faith as some dictator from hell. That's always nice to see.

I agree. At first I was expecting the typical mean principal type that you just want to hate. However, she comes off as a regular principal. Not to overbearing but still a figure of authority.

Two weeks for a new episode I guess. I'm sure that it will be a good one though. I love both the relationships and the feel of the game that you get from this show.

Terpsichore · 09-29-2004, 09:12 PM

In general - great episode, all around. Must go do hw and will be back to comment. LOL

Quote:

Originally posted by Subject
From Zap2it.com:

In its time period premiere, CBS' "Clubhouse" did a 7.1/11 at 9 p.m.

Yay!

jayta · 09-30-2004, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Subject
We don't really know that much about him. However, I love CL so I know that this character is going to be enjoyable for me.

I think that I missed that character because I have no idea who you are talking about.

I agree. At first I was expecting the typical mean principal type that you just want to hate. However, she comes off as a regular principal. Not to overbearing but still a figure of authority.

Two weeks for a new episode I guess. I'm sure that it will be a good one though. I love both the relationships and the feel of the game that you get from this show.

After watching Roswell Subject, you don't know what a 'Mary Sue' is?

A 'mary sue' is that nice girl who the guys like and the whole world centers around her for almost any boy...

I mean I've only seen her a bit, but I can just tell...even if they are going to try to make her a 'tomboyish' girl...at least that's the opinion I got.

And CL...well, I think he's a good actor, and he's always managed to make his characters interesting, I think that because he's not going to be the 'wacky' guy (which most of his well known standout characters were), since this is more dramatic than a comedy, that i think it will hinder some of hif best attributes. But we'll see.

Subject · 09-30-2004, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jayta
After watching Roswell Subject, you don't know what a 'Mary Sue' is? A 'mary sue' is that nice girl who the guys like and the whole world centers around her for almost any boy...

I never heard that term used before. I get your point though.

I think thats also how most people feel about Lana on Smallville. I still like Lana though.

I just missed the girl you refering to as a "Mary Sue" in the show. Unless you meant Betsy.

Quote:

Originally posted by jayta
And CL...well, I think he's a good actor, and he's always managed to make his characters interesting, I think that because he's not going to be the 'wacky' guy (which most of his well known standout characters were), since this is more dramatic than a comedy, that i think it will hinder some of hif best attributes. But we'll see.

Yeah he does tend to do those wacky characters. However when I see him on this show I am reminded of his character in Angels in the Outfield. Sitll wacky character but had some more depth in my eyes.

Saturniia · 09-30-2004, 09:39 PM

Betsy is Pete's sister, Subject. We're talking about the girl from the first episode, the one you missed on Sunday.

IMO, CL is still kinda wacky, what with "Buffalo Girls won't you come out tonight", but it's more muted than it was in his other characters.

Oh, and a Mary-Sue is actually a sort of character in fanfiction. She's the "perfect" character, who is someone's daughter, niece, sibling, or best friend to begin with, who then ingratiates herself to the entire universe, and the characters love her and the readers hate her because she's flawless. The male version is a Gary-Stu. Often, a Mary-Sue is used as a form of trumped-up self insertion, where the writer places her ideal self (or her male counterpart) in her favorite fandom.
By calling the canon character a Mary-Sue, we're saying she seems too good to be true, so far. Personally, I don't agree that she's Mary-Sue material. Sure, "I don't understand baseball, but I understand passion" is a bit hokey, but we don't know much about the character yet. I'm willing to give her until the end of the season to grow on me.