Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Larry David's Ultimate Humiliation Clear History is a feature-length showcase for the comedian's masochism TV by DEAN ROBBINS All of us Curb Your Enthusiasm fans were suspicious when writerstar Larry David suspended the series to work on an HBO movie. But we needn't have worried. Clear History is like an extended episode of Curb, with even bigger and better humiliations for the Larry David stand-in (Saturday, 9 p.m.). Here David plays Nathan Flomm, a bearded, long-haired marketing executive who stupidly walks away from a billion-dollar electric-car idea after a petty fight with his partner, Will (Jon Hamm). Nathan becomes a national laughingstock, so he moves to Martha's Vineyard, changes his identity, shaves his hair and blends into working-class life with a group of new pals (Amy Ryan, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes, Danny McBride, Bill Hader). All is well until Will happens to move to the island with his perfect wife (Kate Hudson). Nathan plots his revenge, ignoring the advice of a friend to "let it go." Of course, a Larry David character can never let anything go. He's convinced he's in the right, thereby sealing his doom. David is our bard of minor irritations, dating back to his brilliant scripts for Seinfeld. Clear History is a showcase for his comic genius, including the usual insights into minutiae you've never thought about before. (And really, why aren't electrical outlets at eye level?) Then there's his ruthless determination to expose self-interested behavior in all its forms. David is incapable of allowing his autobiographical heroes satisfaction. I just hope he can allow himself a moment's satisfaction for his long-form achievement in Clear History. What Not to Wear Friday, 10 pm (TLC) What Not to Wear begins its 10th and final season of saving women from their own contemptible clothing choices. In the season premiere, fashion gurus Stacy and Clinton are meaner than ever, but it's not their fault — they're confronted with the toughest case in What Not to Wear history. "The perfect storm of fashion disaster," as they put it. Their subjects are three friends who represent each of the major style problems: too risqué, too frumpy, too kooky. "We won't let them walk all over us," insists trashy Riana, unaware that Stacy and Clinton could reduce the Queen of England to tears if they thought her crown wasn't form-flattering. Sure enough, by the end of the hour, Riana and friends are converted, fashion tragedy is averted and order is restored. This episode has a happy ending, yes, but what happens when What Not to Wear goes off the air? Will women revert to letting their bra straps show? And making bland color choices? And wearing tassles, for God's sake? I have to admit, I fear for our future. Strike Back Friday, 10 pm (Cinemax) When it comes to international terrorist dramas, I'll take Strike Back over Homeland. It's twice as exciting, with actors clearly out to have a good time. (Contrast to Homeland's perpetually pained Claire Danes.) The season premiere begins at maximum thrill level, as terrorists threaten a member of the British intelligence team in the Lebanese outback. I guess "maximum" is the wrong word, because the action only ratchets up from there. Bad-ass operatives Michael (Philip Winchester) and Damian ( Sullivan Stapleton) parachute into Colombia to neutralize the terrorist kingpin who's traveled from Lebanon to do business with a scary South American drug lord. Michael and Damian find time to rib each other in between grenade blasts, gun battles and rocket-launcher attacks. And don't think all the fun is reserved for these gorgeous, muscle-bound, toughas-nails guys. The episode gives equal time to gorgeous, muscle-bound, tough-asnails women, who (believe me) are not to be trifled with. One of them, an agent stationed in Colombia, notices Michael dive into the water during a climactic shootout. "What the hell is he doing?" she asks Damian. He replies, "Something brave or something stupid." Either way, I guarantee you will enjoy it. An Internet connection isn't just nice to have anymore. It's a necessity. Home Internet service is important for school, today's job market and to stay connected. Now it's affordable with CenturyLink Internet Basics. Qualifying low-income families living in a CenturyLink service area should call 1.800.257.3212 or visit www.centurylink.com/internetbasics to determine if they qualify and learn more about the CenturyLink Internet Basics discount program. An affordable computer and free basic internet training are also available. 20 UCW AUGUST 7-13, 2013 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM