It was the best of times, it was the worst of times (OK, not original but I always wanted to start out a post that way). A month into the season we’ve seen the best of times: shows already getting full season pickups (The Middle, Modern Family and Cougar Town among others) and the worst of times: a show cancelled after two episodes (The Beautiful Live) and a show cancelled even before it aired (Southland). I can’t help but mention that the two cancelled shows were not on my recommended list while the three renewed shows were :)
In general I’ve been happy with my picks. Of the returning shows Big Bang Theory is having a break out year – if you haven’t tried it yet, please do. Also off to particularly good starts among the returning shows are How I Met Your Mother, Castle and the Mentalist (but remember to take these for what they are, pure fun escapism - don’t look for realism in any of them).
Most of the rest of the returning shows on my list are still keepers. However there are two I’m having issues with: Dollhouse is an interesting experiment but after a season plus it still has issues. The plots and characters are inconsistent. The best episode of the series is the one never aired on TV (Epilogue that was shot in case the series was cancelled last year and is available only on the DVD). Given the plunging ratings, this experiment might be over soon. Heroes has been problematic since the second season – once again we were told this is the year it comes back but I’m not sure that’s true. On the plus side is Robert Knepper (T-bag from Prison Break): both a good actor and interesting character. I’m just not sure that he is enough to balance our some of the tired plot lines of the other characters.
Among the new shows, I am in love with Glee and Flash Forward – definitely keepers! Glee is just pure fun and Flash Forward has been more intriguing (and better acted) than expected. I’m still watching most of my other picks, but two have already been dropped: Accidentally on Purpose - I watched one episode and it was just horrible, according to the ratings and reviews most people seem to agree with me so it will probably not be on much longer. The other one I never even got started on, The Forgotten. I just couldn’t seem to find time to add another crime show to my list. Unwatched but still waiting for me on the DVR is The Good Wife: Getting good reviews (and a full season pick-up) I’m still intrigued, I just haven’t gotten around to watching yet but I will soon.
Vampire Diaries has been another pleasant surprise. I was on the fence before it started but am enjoying it. Not on a level with some of the others but it is fun (I get a particular kick out of the meta comments when cast characters talk about the Twilight series). Community and Hank have been disappointing but I’m sticking with them for now. Community because it has moments of amusement and Hank because I’ll let ABC decide for me (being the only one of the four new Wednesday night ABC comedies not to be renewed is a sign it may not be long for this world).
Let me know what you think of the TV season so far by posting a comment.
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3 comments:
Great overview, Mitch. Have you considered TV critic as a mid-life career choice? I'm very much out of the loop as far as network TV is concerned (OK, OK ... confession being good for the soul and all that ... I'm hooked on Survivor and the Amazing Race). But I do give other shows a look.
Let's start with Flash Forward. I really didn't know about it after the first two episodes. Told myself I'd give it four shows before deciding. I just don't find Ralph Fiennes convincing and therefore don't really care about his storyline. Given that his is the major one, I was having trouble. That is, until his daughter utters that great line at the end of episode 2. Now John Cho ... fortunately both he and his storyline work, which is keeping me engaged. The dropping crows at the end of episode 3 probably hooks me now for the season. I give it a strong "B" so far. By the way, I read the book this is based on. Except for the basic premise and the "you were murdered" storyline, the book and the TV show are two different animals. The book's quite good at considering the philosophical implications of knowing and possibly changing the future and so is a good companion to the show ... without any spoilers that I can see down the road. By the way, in terms of building suspense, I think Lost and this summer's Harper's Island had it way over Flash Forward (so far).
The Forgotten? The less said the better. What a waste of Christian Slater.
Heroes? I couldn't get through the first episode. It was unsettling to find that I could no longer stand being in the same room as characters I once loved. There was an article at latimes.com: 12 steps to a better Heroes. After reading it, I understood why I have turned against it:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-zap-heroes-guide-link,0,5554910.photogallery
You don't mention PBS, Mitch. I've been reveling in the Masterpiece Mystery series Inspector Lewis. Intelligent acting and great storylines. Puts most of the current TV crime shows to shame (The Closer being the exception).
By the way, saw a trailer for last night's episode of Castle. I might give it a look. Seems quirky in a fun sort of way.
Otherwise I look forward to my Netflix deliveries: Torchwood, Stargate Atlantis, Smallville and (soon to get underway) Babylon 5.
As always, great post! Your analysis is excellent. An exception -- the crude, contrived, and depressing Cougar Town. Not a good representation of women in their 40's (said a member of the demographic).
The Good Wife is worth a look. I watched it for the first time last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please keep the posts coming.
I like Deak's idea as TV critic as possible career move. I bet you could get a spot on Portland Public TV. XO, your favorite Baba
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