Written by HIH Houseguest, Caleb Bacon.

WordSpy.com defines “appointment television” as “television programming for which one sets aside time to watch, either live or on videotape.”

I blame HBO.

One day, our nation’s elites (they say: “cinemaphiles”) had their own Must See TV. NBC’s Thursday Night lineup became simply pedestrian compared to Sunday Nights on HBO where shows like The Sopranos and Six Feet Under looked, sounded, and watched like film.

Weekly appointments were made by the affluent and hundred-aires alike to gather around the ole’ idiot box. I was one of them. Then came the blow-up of TiVo, DVR, Hulu, and even (gasp!) Torrents. Appointment television became less of… well, an appointment.

Then came the second season of Party Down.

Party Down was a show whose first season had been chicken soup in DVD-form on an overcast Los Angeles day where I was under the weather. Sunset Boulevard billboards suggested the second season’s premier was shortly after. I knew I wasn’t waiting a year for DVD set and I certainly wasn’t in the 0.003% of Americans with Starz (even if I do have it, it’s probably impossibly buried somewhere between 584 and 1,483b.)

I downloaded that second season premier on the very night of its release, thanks to a Starz partnership with Netflix, whose instant watch option did the trick and quick.

(While Netflix Watch technically streams content, “appointment stream” sounds a little too pervy, even for me.)

My appointment book featured a thirty-minute block on Friday nights spent with a group of showbiz up-and-comers and near-misses who paid rent via civilian employment as event caterers. Ten Fridays were spent appointment downloading.

I loved those five total hours with Henry Pollard (Adam Scott, Step Brothers’ wonderfully douchetastic Derek) Ron Donald (The State’s Ken Marino,) Kyle (Ryan Hansen,) Roman (Freak and Geek Martin Starr,) Henry’s love interest Casey (Lizzy Caplan, recently topless on True Blood,) and newcomer Lydia (Megan Mullally.)

As a writer in Hollywood, I typically loathe the dramaticization of youngsters trying to make it in Tinseltown. (I also hate people who say “Tinseltown.”) It’s a lazy premise that bores me and exposes a lack of creative imagination. Party Down was nothing like that — it was smart, had heart, great writing, great characters, and a strong assault of weekly guests.

Unfortunately, Starz recently announced that weren’t picking up (read: canceling.)

the low-rated yet critically acclaimed Party Down for a third season.

Looks like I have to cancel an appointment.

Caleb Bacon is a staff writer for LAist, and eventual screenwriter who co-hosts the weekly men’s interest comedy podcast, The Gentlemen’s Club. He lives in Los Angeles and writes his bios in the third person (but not Tweets.)

http://calebbacon.com

http://www.gentlemensclubpodcast.com/

http://twitter.com/thecalebbacon

I’m having a difficult time waiting for the next episode of Mercy on NBC. I’ve never been a soap opera fan and shows about doctors, hospitals, and medicine in general usually freak me out but for Mercy I make an exception. Mercy isn’t a soap opera but it has enough drama to keep me wanting more. The show is witty, funny and I’m attached to the characters, especially Dr. Sands. One word…hmm…dreamy.

Here’s actor James Tupper talking about his role:

Jamie Lee Kirchner, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Taylor Schilling play the nurses on the frontline of Mercy. Watch as they talk about their characters:

I love the diverse cast of actors involved, like independent film actor James LeGros. Remember James Van Der Beek from Dawson’s Creek?  He plays an arrogant yet mysterious doctor with a mission of his own. I’m almost positive I heard James Van Der Beek on a commercial for DROID the other day.

The series always has interesting guest stars. Mary Stuart Masterson showed up as Veronica’s therapist in the last episode. Anne Meara & Jerry Stiller, yes that’s Ben Stiller’s parents were on an episode that I definitely needed tissue for and Jason Ritter, yes that’s John Ritter’s son did a great job playing an aspiring singer with lung problems.

Mercy is a smart dramedy that keeps me coming back for more. One minute I’m laughing the next I’m going for some Kleenex. Okay so I’m a softy when it comes to heartfelt emotional stories. Check it out this Wednesday on NBC at 8/7c and let me know what you think.

You can also watch episodes online by visiting http://www.nbc.com/mercy

Thanks to actor Maxie Santillan Jr. I was fortunate enough to attend the screening of Invisible, a short film by Lincoln & Chrystina Myers. You might remember my interview with Maxie last year. If not, take a look by clicking here to find out more about this versatile character actor.

Maxie Santillan joins actors Alexis Corey and Christopher Amitrano in this short film and upcoming television series Invisible. Directed by Lincoln Myers and produced by Chrystina Myers this is a series I can’t wait to watch every week. Turn your volume up and take a look at the trailer.

Lincoln Myers has worked on many shows for television including 90210, Phil of the Future, Charmed and movies like Blade and Liar Liar. I could see his passion for screenwriting and directing not only from watching Invisible but also witnessing his interaction with the invited viewers, cast and crew.

Key roles are played by Alexis Corey and Christopher Amitrano. Christopher plays the role well of a disturbed individual that’s doing what he thinks is right while we, the viewers, sit back and shudder at what’s wrong. His hostage, played by Alexis Corey does a great job being the strong woman in a terrifying and confusing situation.

You might recognize Christopher from his roles in ER, 24 and NYPD Blue. Maxie Santillan adds a bit of comic relief along with another layer to the plot. I’m always fascinated by shows with layers and even within this short film I can see how the series could have many possibilities.

Invisible is a suspenseful and thrilling piece that brings out questions about our own perception of reality and what’s going on around us. I’m reminded of the Moody Blues ballad:

“Red is gray and yellow white
But we decide what is right
And which is an illusion!”

Keep a look out for Invisible and visit the Facebook Fan page to keep up with the conspiracy.

“First, learn the truth. Later, you will begin to understand.”—Invisible Facebook Fan Page