My Own Worst Enemy

My Own Worst Enemy: How the DVR Doomed Its Chances

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:30:00 GMT

By now, we all know that My Own Worst Enemy—that arguably ridiculous but still riveting spy drama—is cancelled. We’ve seen the complaints, about networks not giving risky shows like it a chance, or methods to tabulate ratings not moving on with the times. (Or maybe you’ve made those complaints yourselves. I’ll admit I’ve always insisted the thing about DVR and online viewing.) But, alas, there’s not much we can do about it. Starting tonight, we’ll be watching the last five episodes of the series.

I’ve been looking at reaction online about the cancellation, and so far it’s been a blame game. Some blame the competition, with other networks getting much more viewers on the Monday night time slot Enemy was in. Some point at the show’s concept itself, although that’s a very arguable thing: while some think it’s pretty silly, others think it’s interesting and attention-grabbing. Some even point at the “Heroes curse”—the fate that shows positioned after the now-struggling series didn’t last a season. So, I wonder, what else is left to say?

What Went Wrong with 'My Own Worst Enemy'?

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Despite lots of investment, both in production (how else can you wheel in Christian Slater?) and promotion, My Own Worst Enemy has been ultimately cancelled. It's just an indicator of the hard times NBC has gotten itself into: this season is proving to be its biggest failure in a while, with new shows not getting the ratings it is expected to have, and old reliables not performing as well as they should be. Despite the cancellation, however, fans can still catch the last episodes on the network tonight, as nine episodes have been produced before the ax fell.

So what went wrong? There's been quite a lot of speculation about it, at least within the industry. Ratings, of course, are the most obvious culprit. Last week, the show fared third in its Monday night time slot, pulling in 4.25 million viewers—a poor performance compared to CSI: Miami's 13.67 million viewers and Boston Legal's 8.83 million viewers. Fans will contend, however, that My Own Worst Enemy should have been given a chance to, at least, finish out the entire season. Some will even contend—and I'm one of them, I'll admit—that not all people are watching television shows on television anymore. There's no way for us to know how many have actually watched the series, be it live on TV, on a delayed basis through a DVR, or online.

NBC Cancels 'My Own Worst Enemy' and 'Lipstick Jungle'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:01:21 GMT

I guess that the networks will cancel their shows. After a so far quiet killing season among the network ranks, NBC dropped the guillotine this evening on two of its shows. Lipstick Jungle and My Own Worst Enemy are no more. They have perished. Cancellations have been levied, and there will be no saving either show. Lipstick Jungle has filmed all 13 episodes of its initial half-season order, though it's unclear whether it, or My Own Worst Enemy (which is currently filming its ninth and final episode), will continue on the schedule for the time being or be immediately removed from the schedule. Nonetheless, it's a disappointing moment for NBC, which had high hopes for each show, only to see them fail miserably in the ratings.

My Own Worst Enemy: Perhaps All It Needs Is Some Love

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

My Own Worst Enemy finally returns from a one-week break, and in tonight's episode, “That Is Not My Son”, Edward (Christian Slater) tries to get Raymond (Mike O'Malley) out of harm's way, and Henry (Slater) finds himself in the middle of gunfire, and his safety compromised by a fellow operative (guest star Michelle Krusiec). The show's doing okay on its Monday night time slot, but admittedly the show's fortunes have been mixed throughout its first three weeks on air.

We've all seen what critics thought of the drama's first few episodes, with some laughing off its improbable premise and others appreciating the inner conflicts that are demonstrated in Slater's screen comeback vehicle. A fan base has been developing at a steady pace, and with the series progressing, it's hoped that the show makes it to at least the end of its initial run.

'My Own Worst Enemy' Is Slowly Picking Up

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:30:00 GMT

NBC’s My Own Worst Enemy started off sluggishly, gaining mixed reviews from several TV critics. Oddly enough, audiences decided to stick with it. In fact, even our BuddyTV readers believe that it should be given more than just a second chance. Most of our reader comments revolve around following the series and seeing what other tricks it may reveal in the coming episodes.

“’My Own Worst Enemy’ isn’t that bad. It isn’t that good right now either,” If Magazine said in their review. “But [last week’s episode, “Hello Henry”] was a definite improvement over the let’s throw every plotline we have for the season into one episode and see what sticks.”

My Own Worst Enemy: Is it Tough Enough to Stay?

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:00:00 GMT

We recently reported that the new NBC series, My Worst Enemy, received mixed reviews as it debuted earlier this month. The John Eisendrath-produced show which stars Christian Slater is set to air its third episode tonight and it has so far endured the airwaves with lukewarm ratings. In fact, TV Guide recently revealed the ratings for the Monday nights which kicked off this fall season.

First off, we have the 8pm timeslot, in which Dancing with the Stars grabbed 18.56 million total viewers over its 90-minute run, gaining around 900,000 week to week. Close behind DWTS is CBS’ Big Bang Theory, with an explosive yet stable 9.28 million and How I Met Your Mother, with 9.36 million. Chuck closed in with 6.7 million.

'My Own Worst Enemy' Star Talks About His Complicated Role

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:00:00 GMT

We recently reported that NBC’s freshman offering, My Own Worst Enemy, which stars Christian Slater as the leading character with split personality, has received mixed reviews from several television critics. Nonetheless, it seems that viewers are determined to give the new show another chance as it airs its second episode tonight at 10pm on NBC.

Titled “The Hummingbird,” Episode 1.02 follows Edward and Raymond as they are tasked to kidnap an engineer who keeps vital information about an upcoming terrorist attack.

My Own Worst Enemy: Freshman Show in Review

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

One of NBC’s newest offerings, My Own Worst Enemy starring Christian Slater, has been getting mixed reviews from all corners of the critics’ room. We at BuddyTV have our own opinions on the show; according to Don William’s review, the show is “a clever concept wrapped in shoddy packaging.”

Produced by John Eisendrath (Alias) and Jason Smilovic, the show follows a man with dual personalities, whose life turns into a complete chaos when his totally opposite sides start stepping on each other’s toes. Edward, the slick agent who can speak 13 languages, is now finding himself in bed with counterpart Henry’s wife. Henry, on the other hand, is a working class father and husband who lives a comfortable life in the suburbs.

'My Own Worst Enemy' Review: A Clever Concept Wrapped in Shoddy Packaging

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:38:16 GMT

My Own Worst Enemy has the sort of intriguing high-concept that immediately captures my interest. Edward is a Jason Bourne-style super-spy who can kill bad guys with ease, while Henry is a nice family man whose biggest worry is getting his kids to school on time. In a Jekyll and Hyde-inspired twist, Edward and Henry are two personalities occupying the same body, with both played by Christian Slater. The setup sounds like Alias crossed with BBC's Jekyll series, which should make for one fascinating television show.

Unfortunately, the pilot of My Own Worst Enemy, which airs tonight at 10pm on NBC, doesn't live up to the greatness of its concept. The first episode sells the silly premise well enough, but it lacks the depth to make viewers care about either of Christian Slater's two personalities.

Taking a Closer Look at 'My Own Worst Enemy'

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT

A few days ago on one of our Fall 2008 Previews, we gave you a peek into NBC’s newest sci-fi suspense offering, My Own Worst Enemy, which stars Christian Slater in a plot that delves into the life of two very different men. The twist? The two men own one body. Christian Slater plays Henry Spivey, a typical family man living a comfortable life in the suburbs. Unbeknownst to Henry, he has a dual personality, which forces him to share his body with alter ego Edward Albright, a skilled government agent who can speak several languages and literally kick a--! Complications arise, though, when their lives get tangled up in each other.

BuddyTV Fall 2008 Preview: My Own Worst Enemy

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:15 GMT

For exclusive on-set videos and hot features on the new TV season, check out BuddyTV's Fall 2008 Preview.

Network: NBC

Premiere: Thursday, October 13, 10pm

Cast: Christian Slater, Madchen Amick, Mike O'Malley, Saffron Burrows, Alfre Woodard

Premise: Christian Slater stars as Henry Spivey, a family man leading a typical and perhaps a bit boring middle class life. Christian Slater also stars as Edward Albright, a secret agent who speaks over a dozen languages, can run a four-minute mile and is a trained killer. My Own Worst Enemy will show what happens when a man's dual lives start leaking into each other.

Madchen Amick Joins the Cast of 'My Own Worst Enemy'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT

With nearly two months before NBC kicks off its much-awaited fall drama, My Own Worst Enemy, producers are determined to make all the necessary adjustments in order to fine-tune the series and live up to its hype. Among the latest modifications is the recasting of lead star Christian Slater's on-screen wife.

My Own Worst Enemy, for those who are not familiar, is a series that explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself, a la Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde. The show centers on Henry Spivey (Christian Slater), a mild-mannered suburban dad, and his alter ego, Edward Albright, an operative who is trained to kill.

'Alias' Veteran to Work Behind the Scenes of 'My Own Worst Enemy'

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Veteran television producer and writer John Eisendrath, who was a huge force behind the ABC “spy-fi” series Alias has reportedly taken up the reins of NBC's new show My Own Worst Enemy from its creator Jason Smilovic, who will be stepping back from the day-to-day running of the show.

My Own Worst Enemy stars Christian Slater as a guy who leads a double life but doesn't know it. While Eisendrath will run the show, sources say that Smilovic will remain as executive producer and will work closely with Los Angeles-based producer. Smilovic will still be the “creative force” behind My Own Worst Enemy. Other than Alias, Eisendrath was also responsible for ESPN's Playmakers and even a consulting producer on K-Ville last season.

Saffron Burrows Talks About Role in 'My Own Worst Enemy'

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00:50 GMT

British actress Saffron Burrows is probably more known for her roles in several films, which include Frida, Troy and most recently The Bank Job. She, however, also appeared in the fourth season of the legal drama Boston Legal, although she's recently left it in order to film the upcoming NBC series My Own Worst Enemy.

The series, which stars Christian Slater, is set to premiere on October 13. The show revolves around a man who is unaware that he has two identities. One of those identities is Henry, a suburban family man; the other is Edward, a ruthless government operative. Saffron plays psychologist Norah Skinner, who treats both identities.

My Own Worst Enemy: Some Preliminary Notes

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Shooting for the pilot of My Own Worst Enemy just wrapped up Friday but there are already initial reviews on the first clips show, and they're mostly “intriguing.” There were explosions. There was high production value, and, of course, at the very center of it is an identity crisis and Christian Slater. Despite the publicity of NBC of its new show, some people are still have a hard time figuring out the premise of this show, partly because it really is quite complicated.

The folks behind My Own Worst Enemy fortunately obliged, via Entertainment Weekly.

Top 10 Quotes from the TCA Press Tour

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:56:53 GMT

Though I was only in Los Angeles for four days of panel sessions at the Television Critics Association press tour, it was enough to glimpse the utter insanity that is the event. Days are packed with session after session as more than 100 TV critics ask questions to the new stars and showrunners as well as network executives.

Some panels aren't quite as packed as others, which makes it easy to notice TV critic biases. Getting the press to ask questions to The Real Housewives of Atlanta was like pulling teeth. However, if you stick around long enough you're bound to get a few hilariously off-the-cuff quotes. Culled from four days and more than 30 panels, I present my 10 favorite quotes from my time at this year's press tour.

Live from the TCA Press Tour: New NBC Shows

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:22:56 GMT

On the final day of panels for the Television Critics Association press tour, NBC previewed some of its new shows coming this Fall. The network has the Jekyll and Hyde spy drama My Own Worst Enemy starring Christian Slater, the Australian-imported comedy Kath and Kim, and the revised Knight Rider.

The network's one other new scripted series, Crusoe, was not in attendance due to filming in South Africa, though a preview video for the show was quite inspiring, making it look a bit like a TV version of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Emmy Award-Winning Actress Joins Cast of 'My Own Worst Enemy'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:32:24 GMT

While My Own Worst Enemy main man Christian Slater is himself a bankable actor, NBC beefs up its new series by adding multiple Emmy winner Alfre Woodard in the cast of this highly anticipated psychological drama. By doing so, it is said that it adds prestige and credibility to the show.

Scheduled to air at 10pm Mondays, My Own Worst Enemy had set up pretty high expectations for itself, as a novel concept for a television show. Slater plays the role of a Henry Spivey, a man who suffers from a chronic and potentially dangerous case of dual personality: he is at once a regular suburban husband and a secret agent. The two men live vastly different lives and are never aware of each other causing complications when they become bitter enemies.

Fall Anticipation Rankings: #4 - My Own Worst Enemy

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:59:21 GMT

BuddyTV is looking at the 17 new shows the major networks will premiere this Fall to see which ones are worth getting excited about and which ones we have low expectations for.

Show Description: Two men, who live very different lives, are shocked to realize that they are actually the same person. A single dad and a deadly spy, the two were never aware of each other due to a very serious personality disorder. As they get to know each other, they cause problems for each other and ultimately, become bitter enemies.