Blogging the TV Season...so you don't have to!

"Reaper" 1x1

2007-10-01T23:34:00.000-05:00

REAPER 1x1 "Pilot"

Sam, I'm not a carjacker, I'm the Devil.

Please read nothing into the lateness of this review. I had to record the rebroadcast, and then I decided to hold this as a treat for finishing all the other posts.

I sort of cheated and watched a little bit of it earlier and I loved what I saw, had to force myself to wait. Just the thing with the dog and the car door won my heart. I already know that I love Bret Harrison (I miss you "The Loop"!) and Kevin Smith doing a TV pilot just makes it extra perfect.

I see a lot of people comparing this to "Chuck" and I suppose superficially you can make that case, but "Chuck" lacks the supernatural component to this show, and it seems a bit more whimsical. "Reaper" seems to be more fun.

This show is just so crammed full of wonderful touches, I'll have to wait to see the next one to get an idea of how much of it was Kevin Smith. I think my favorite was how the Devil congratulates Sam, then after Sam goes he greets a fellow shopper, a nice looking middle aged woman. She nods her head and keeps going and then the Devil looks forward with a grin then turns and walks after her.

The Devil of "Reaper" isn't evil, he's actually pretty good. He's more like a prison warden with extra powers. He admits that God is going to win, it's more like he just has his job to do, and he's going to damn well enjoy it with a smile on his face. He's also understanding of Sam and his situation, and in the end, working for the Devil is probably going to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

This is great Television.

*****

"Journeyman" 1x2

2007-10-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

JOURNEYMAN 1x2 "Friendly Skies"

I have a feeling we'll run into each other again.

This is fun, doing 70's airline trips. Smoking on planes! Spacy outfits! 70's pop music!

This episode seems more coherent somehow, the pilot was so jammed it just started to run together. This ep is just focusing on the story of this weeks "person in need" so it's more like the traditional "Quantum Leap" style hour.

Probably the most interesting part of this show is learning about the internal rules of the traveling. Thats the part I want to know more about as I watch. It's interesting to have the paralell mystery of the weekly person and the overall mystery of the traveling.

I have to say I'm liking the show more this time around. I guess it's not a shower, it's a grower.

***

"Chuck" 1x2

2007-10-01T22:31:00.000-05:00

CHUCK 1x2 "Chuck Versus The Helicopter"

So in this plan, I basically do nothing.

They're starting to lay more groundwork now, Chuck was apparantly kicked out of Stanford, rather than just being a burnout.

I think the interesting twist in this show is the infighting between the CIA and NSA people. I think they've done a really good job with creating the fake world of stores and stuff, all the little details - surf over to

http://www.nerdherdhelp.com/

And the impromptu battles are fun too. I think that's the general vibe of this show, fun. They don't get caught up in the weekly spy mystery, which is another big plus for them. Plus I have to say I didn't see the twist coming. I think if they can pull off this kind of a show regularly, it's going to be a winner.

****

"Rules Of Engagement" 2x2

2007-10-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT 2x2 "Audrey's Sister"

Pants are optional.
I opt to keep them on.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to stunt casting. Heather Locklear, appearing to take advantage of all the tabloid speculation over her and Spade's 'friendship'.

It's interesting that this show is sort of like "'Til Death" with one extra character. I also like the older couple better here, but not by as huge a margin.

I'm finding that Paddy Warburton is really growing on me. I think they should try to do something to make Spade look less haggard and creepy though. the bitty goatee is not working.

I wonder how far they can go on jokes about people not wearing pants.

***

"Two And A Half Men" 5x2

2007-10-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

TWO AND A HALF MEN 5x2 "Media Room Slash Dungeon"

Okay, but get a Town Car, I ain't goin' sober.

I'm thrilled to finally see my favorite lady Holland Taylor. I honestly could hate everything else as long as she was around. I also spotted the housekeeper with a box of my favorite Luzianne Tea!

Interesting part for Janeane Garofalo too.

I think I'd love to see a show based around the mother character.

****

"The Big Bang Theory" 1x2

2007-10-01T21:19:00.001-05:00

THE BIG BANG THEORY 1x2 "The Big Bran Hypothesis"

Ahh, gravity, thou art a heartless bitch.

As opposed to "Big Shots" I really like these characters. Coming out to search for intruders with your real working lightsaber. Perfect.

I think they're going to have Sheldon end up with the hot neighbor. The whole build of the night cleaning scene was great. This already feels more together than early first season of something.

I've often thought of employing a 'sarcasm' sign.

This show is just plain funny, and they're doing it from characters. This is a strong foundation.

****

"Heroes" 2x2

2007-10-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

HEROES 2x2 "Chapter Two: Lizards"

Welcome to Copy Kingdom, how can I help you?

Peter Petrelli stripped and wet, that's a nice way to get started. This show knows what we want. It's nice to see more of the story being laid out, the "seven missing paintings" should be pretty important, and we've the return of the Hatian.

I'm really loving the Hiro story, it's full of joy like a child's fairy tale. A good balance to some of the darker nature of this show.

I guess Tobolowski is taking on Eric Robert's role as the "company" man. Its hard to find him as threatening though. Who knows, it could work. It's an odd power the girl has, with the tar eyes and tears (thats what they look like and that's what I'm callin' em).

One of the things that really works for this show is being so far flung you can get good transitions between locales. From the Mexican border to a Copy Kingdom. Great.

Then the last 15 minutes really ramped up and started to lay out some really exciting stuff.

*****

"How I Met Your Mother" 3x2

2007-10-01T19:59:00.000-05:00

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER 3x2 "We're Not From Here"

Because I will do a lot to get laid - but I am NOT going to New Jersey.

I don't know what's so comforting about Bob Saget's voice. Maybe it's growing up with "Full House" and then learning that his stand-up was FILTHY. It's kind of like discovering that your parents are people. Pefect that he plays the voice of Dad then.

I like how they're using Enrique Iglasias, not just a one shot guest star but a real character. It's cute to see them give Robin the Bo Derek '10' look. Plus love the Michael Moore dig.

I have to call them on recycling a "Seinfeld" plot though. George pulled the 'pretending to be from out of town to score women' thing forever ago. They went a totally different way with it though, so it's ok. Now all I want is more scenes with old Lilly and Old Marshall! That was AWESOME!

****

"Moonlight" 1x1

2007-10-01T19:43:00.000-05:00

MOONLIGHT 1x1 "No Such Thing As Vampires"

Vampire solidarity, rah rah rah, all that.

Pilot burnout is upon me. I'd actually be curious to see how this was with the original cast. This is one of those shows that's going to take some time for it to figure itself out with all the upheaval behind the scenes. If it turns into a vampire procedural, then I'll probably be tuning out.

If they go another way with it, then I think this show could grow on me. There isn't much of a "Veronica" bump here, Logan wasn't close to my favorite, and he's just doing Logan-as-vampire really. Must say, pretty fantastic car chase scene at the end though.

And one other thought, I liked the little nod to "Hearst College" even though it's supposed to be near San Diego, not Los Angeles. I wondered what the connection was, but "Veronica Mars" and this show were both produced by Silver Pictures, so there you go. Probably how Dohring got cast as well.

***

"Desperate Housewives" 4x1

2007-10-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES 4x1 "Now You Know"

It's nice to finally put a face to the name.

After a resurgence last season, Cherry has kept up the goods this season so far. I've only watched since last year, so I've always liked it. Watching this with "Brothers & Sisters" is always a good combo, you get the wacky glee of this show, and the controlled wackiness of that one.

One of the new OLTL alums has appeared, Nathan Fillion playing a chipper gynocologist, and Dana Delaney as the new/old housewife. She's an old Wisteria Laner, who's moved back into her house after mysteriously and suddenly leaving years before. Gee I wonder if there's something there...

I'd say I'm enjoying all the stories happening, but not so much the Carlos/Gabi/Edie thing. But I am loving all the baby hijinx with Bree. watching her do wrestling moves on elderly ladies is priceless.

I hope we get to see the new gay couple soon. Really looking forward to that.

****

"Big Shots" 1x1

2007-10-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

BIG SHOTS 1x1 "Pilot"

This show isn't grabbing me right off. I didn't have a good feeling, even considering I like the leads. The idea of a boys version of "Sex & The City", which is what they were desperately selling it as, is several years late. I suppose it's not high praise that I waited 4 days to watch the first episode either.

I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I think this all seems old hat, no matter how much I like the cast. I'm sure part of it is pilot fatigue. When you're taking on so much fantastic newness, it can get to be too much, and the later shows premiere the more susceptible they are to the phenomenon.

As I consider the problem I think it comes down to the fact that I don't identify, emphathize, or care much at all about any of these characters. I just find myself more and more annoyed with this show as the hour progresses. I think I'll give it a few more honest college tries, but it's definitely on probation.

*

"The Simpsons" 19x2

2007-10-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

THE SIMPSONS 19x2 "The Homer Of Seville"

A lady motorcycle driver! What is this 'The Twilight Zone'!

What other show would have Opera Groupies. With thermal imaging opera glasses. It's funny that we can believe that Homer can have a freak accident and get a perfect opera voice - but I don't know that I can buy the hot crazy stalker lady. I suppose craziness could include finding Homer attractive.

And in the most bizarre twist yet - they show Homer actually working in the Nuclear Plant! Of all the times he wouldn't need to when he's making Opera Bucks.

Great little parodies of Phantom Of The Opera and Citizen Kane. I think in a few years you might be able to make an all Simpson's version of Citizen Kane from all the parodies over the years.

The final joke was great too. A bit of the 'Agony And The Ecstacy' for us.

***

"Brothers & Sisters" 2x1

2007-10-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

BROTHERS & SISTERS 2x1 "Home Front"

I'm almost ready to call off the slumpwatch on this one after just this show. It's almost a seamless transition from the end of last year. Time has passed, they didn't have an easy "Oh look Justin's home", though I'm not pleased with the promos for next week trying to make us believe that he's dead. We all know they're not killing him, so don't be assholes.

Some of the storys I'm a bit iffy on, like they couldn't think of something good (Tommy's wife being a bitch, for example) but overall I think it's a pretty good transition away from Berlanti's tenure (though I know he's still involved, his focus is DSM now).

It's a shame they had to write out Kevin's boyfriend, but of course he can always come back early if "Viva Laughlin" gets cancelled (when it get's cancelled...) So many people playing musical shows this year. It's so disconcerting.

This week also set us up well for the season, and more crazy family drama with the Walkers.

****

"Shark" 2x2

2007-10-01T01:07:00.000-05:00

SHARK 2x2

I accidentally deleted this from the DVR, then I realized that I don't care.

I might take this one up again but probably not.

AuRevoir and goodspeed to you.

"Saturday Night Live" 33x1

2007-09-30T23:50:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE 33x1 "Lebron James/Kanye West"

No, there's only one Lorne Michaels.

Don Pardo is like 107 now right? I love that this show has glitches from being live. The season premiere had no announcer til halfway through the credits. It was either an audio problem or Don Pardo had to take a leak and missed the beginning. I like the image of him sprinting down the halls to his mic so that's what I'm gonna believe happened.

With SNL, I think I'm just going to break it down by sketch as I watch.

Cold Open: This show captures what we like to think about Bill and Hillary so well. plus I love that HD allows us to see the grains of makeup on Amy Poehler's fake nose.

Monologue: I'm a bit perturbed that they wouldn't just have a slam dunk type person to do the season premiere. I'm not any sort of sports fan, so for me this is like "who??" But he seems really comfortable up there for a non actor athlete. I suspect there's some in joke with the family stuff, but I don't get it. Maybe I need to check out BET sometime.

Angry Dog Commercial: Classic. The good thing about coming back from the summer is they have 4 months worth of news to play with. What a great take on the Michael Vick thing.

Charity Auction (Penelope): I love Kristin Wiig, but this character of hers isn't a favorite. Her performance is good but the joke of it (she's always shyly and falsely 'topping' anything said by anyone) is very one note, and personally even the best performance can't sustain something like this. I'm surprised this sketch would be so far up front in the show.

High School Musical 3: Eh. This would probably be funnier if I saw HSM or liked basketball. I wonder how many basketball sketches they're gonna wedge in for the host. Best part was Maya Rudolph's take on Vanessa Hudgen's nauty pics. I'm so glad she decided to stay with the show. It looked like she was leaving just days ago.

SNL Digital Short: Love it. A musical love ode to the president of Iran. Instant classic. Armisen is so perfect. And that certain celebrity surprise cameo just made it that much perfecter.

TV PSA Shoot: I see they're making Mike Underballs and Jeff, the uncooperative crew man recurring characters now. The sketch last season with Julia Louis Dreyfuss was ok, but I'm surprised they'd repeat this bit. I did like when he threw the book though. It got better as it went.

The Lyle Kane Show: Hmmm. this is weird. I think this is like where being stoned would help.

Kanye West Song 1: I don't watch the music. thats what fast-forward is for. I don't even care enough to find out what song it was.

Weekend Update: I have to admit this was the first time I've missed Finesse Mitchell. Keenan Thompson is great and all, but OJ is out of his range I'd say. Some very good stuff though. It's still great to see them try to recover when the jokes bomb, I think that's what I like best. Armisen's back as Ahmadinejad, he looks like Steve Martin playing Ruprecht when he had to pee at the table. great.

Solid Gold: C. Micah Kring - get it? This is almost like a sketch version of "Body Fuzion" from last season. This one was pretty cute though. Anyone dancing to "We Built This City" is going to be funny.

Saturday TV Funhouse: Been a while since we had an 'Ambiguously Gay Duo'. ROFL Minneapolis Bathroom Gay Sex Stings and the AGD! Brilliant!

106 & Park: Two BET sketches in one episode. They got good mileage out of that graphics bug eh. Nice that Kanye West can mock himself. It's really something how the show can read my mind sometimes. I thought to myself, this episode really could use a Lorne cameo to perk things up. Thank you Lorne Michaels. You're my favorite SNL character.

Kanye West Song 2: See above.

Great Moments In Guidance Counselling: This sketch was too good to ge stuck at the 5 to 1 slot. This should have been up front.

This episode wasn't that great overall, I think I didn't connect with a lot of it due to the need to build it around the host. Next week we got Seth Rogan, so that's a better chance to connect. But there were some really great moments. Even the worst SNL has something to love. And this wasn't the worst, just not close to the best.

***

"Kitchen Nightmares" 1x2

2007-09-29T20:31:00.000-05:00

KITCHEN NIGHTMARES 1x2 "Dillons"

I thought it was sort of fun that I recorded this on my kitchen DVR, the call came down because this show isn't in HD, but since I usually watch things in there while I'm cooking or eating, this isn't the show you want to be watching while conducting those activities.

That being said, I'm still loving this show. This week's restaurant featured a clueless owner and idot manager. The thing that creeped me out was that the walls had like hung sheets on them, which just did not look appetizing.

I very much fear that I'm going to run out of things to say about this show but I'll keep trying as long as I watch it...

***

"Ugly Betty" 2x1

2007-09-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

UGLY BETTY 2x1 "How Betty Got Her Grieve Back"

The hooker had her baby kidnapped and now she has tetanus? That's a pretty bad monday.

OMG What a great opening! The first successful show based on a telenovela does a parody of telenovelas. So that was a great start. But the sophomore slumpwatch isn't over yet...

My overall impression is that they're trying to do too much right now. Maybe they had everything pent up over the summer and things will calm a bit, but it seems that they're spreading themselves thin by telling too much story. I suppose it's like the snowball that rolls down the hill gathering speed and mass. It has to crash sometime.

I liked Illeana Douglas' bit, she's always good. I was also surprised they didn't kill off Kevin Allejandro, I guess he's going to do double duty here and on "Shark". at least they've let something lie by putting Rebecca Romjin in a coma.

I'm honestly interested in everything going on, but I just feel like things are thin, especially compared with the early shows last year before they'd built up so many complications. That's the one benefit for the daily soaps, they aren't obligated to deal with every storyline in each episode, where is the weekly nighttime series have never gone that route, that I know of. I think with this show it would actually be a good strategy, but I think it would also freak the viewers out.

I'll not soon give up on this show, but this is the first time I've ever been one of those people whining about how the first season was better. I guess I wouldn't really say anything that drastic yet, but it's just a feeling I have. Que sera sera.

****

"Las Vegas" 5x1&2

2007-09-29T18:02:00.000-05:00

LAS VEGAS 5x1&2 "A Hero Ain't Nothin' But A Sandwich" & "Shrink Rap"

I may have been tied up all summer!

One of the things I look for at the beginning of the new season is the revised credit sequences. This year "Las Vegas" ditched a couple more people in the name of budget (Nikki Cox) and desire to move on (James Caan). Josh Duhamel got moved up to the lead spot, which is nice, and Tom Selleck took the last spot.

They started things off in fourth wall style befitting the slight wackiness of this show, and thankfully addresses all the dangling threads from last season's over the top cliffhangers (Sam's locked in a trunk! Who Shot Mary's Dad! The Hotel blew up! Delinda's preggers! Jillian's leaving Ed! The Casino's getting robbed!) any one of which would have been enough, but the confluence left me dizzy.

I'm glad they got the Sam in a trunk thing over with very quickly (though the promos totally ruined the suprise of Burgi flying out of the plane) And I guess by quickly clearing the decks of a lot of this stuff it paves the way for the new season. It's definately good they were able to get the departing cast to come back for these shows to tie things up well (unlike the departure of Nessa between seasons 2&3). The only thing that causes concern is that such major things sort of got easily dealt with.

You have to love the campy Marlboro Man way they introduced Tom Selleck's character. He actually bought the hotel on horseback... It actually feel like something got lost, the way they sort of skipped over any further attempts by Sam to raise the money, and not having the deadline be clear as to when the taxes were due.

The way that Caan exited was really nice, totally in character and just plain classy. I hope he comes back for a visit sometime. And now they've just 'explained' the fourth wall by having Sam be talking to her shrink. Clever.

Another good sign was that part two was Directed by Timothy Busfield, who has become a very talented helmer working on Aaron Sorkin shows. Nice to see Geoffrey Owens (Elvin from "The Cosby Show") as a potential card counter, it's been a while since I saw him in anything.

I actually kind of dig the cliche they're doing with Selleck, like the way he eschews the title 'Mr.' "Just Cooper" he corrects the errant staff. Then he surprises again, showing up turned out in a fine suit. Then he begins his new ideas of Casino management. This guy is acting like the Willy Wonka of casinos. I must admit I'm titilated and dying to see what he'll do next...

Love seeing Polly the spa manager grab Cooper and drag him to the spa for a mani-pedi. It put me in mind of 'Mr. Baseball' to see her call him a 'big strong man'.

Reflecting back on these two episodes, it's almost more like the first one is the final episode of last season, and the second is more like the premiere. This is going to be a great season. Anything can happen...

****

"Private Practice" 1x1

2007-09-28T23:19:00.000-05:00

PRIVATE PRACTICE 1x1 "In Which We Meet Addison, A Nice Girl From Somewhere Else"

I want his sperm now!

I think that coming into this fresh and not from the same place as all the disappointed "Grey's" fans allows me to perhaps evaluate this show more objectively. I did finally get to watch the two backdoor pilot episodes (which I won't separately review, as they're technically part of last season) and I enjoyed watching them actually. I don't have the preconceptions about Addison that seem to have irritated people in what I've read.

I liked this more than I thought I would, and the scene with the OCD mother actually brought tears to my eyes (bonus star for that). I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. It actually feels a lot like a David E. Kelley show with the artful blend of the serious and the silly.

These shows are delecate, nearly every soapy sort of show lately seems to have a difficult time in the second or third year, they do something to piss off the loyal hordes and the backlash. I'm glad to see Marti Noxon back on a show, I always liked her work in the Whedonverse, and we'll see how she steers this ship while Shonda Rhimes focuses on the mothership.

**** (with crying bonus star)

"Smallville" 7x1

2007-09-28T09:42:00.000-05:00

SMALLVILLE 7x1 "Bizarro"

Man, how can a guy miss what's been right in front of him the whole time.

All I cared about for this episode was that Chloe wasn't dead. They could do whatever they wanted so long as they didn't bump off my Chloe. I had to not think about this show all summer in case it was true.

I was secretly hoping that Lana would really be dead, but they'd never kill her off. So she's decided to hide in China. With a blonde wig. 'Cause that's how you blend in in China.

It's always good when we get evil Clarks to play with, and after Chloe regenerated or whatever, then it was somooth sailing. I was surprised to see that Annette O'Toole is actually gone from the show now. I guess she's permanently moved to Washington, but it's odd that they wouldnt keep her on. I'm hoping for some guest spots - we all know how often congresspeople actually stay in DC right? Aaron Ashmore has also been bumped up to regular along with the girl playing Supergirl, err Kara.

The real fun of this season will be seeing Clark deal with another Kryptonian in more than just one episode, and they didn't really get into that at all in this episode, as is so typical of these first shows it's all about putting away the mess you made last finale so things can be all neat and tidy and ready for this year.

***

The Office 4.01 - Fun Run

2007-09-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

Wow. Just wow. So, I didn't really expect for The Office's fourth season opener to address almost all the points in my "What do I want from Season Four?" paragraph in my Office Commentary but that's just what they seemed to do. As requested, Jim and Pam are together (I realize it's just the first episode, but after a nice fake out where they're trying to hide their relationship, it was quite nice to find them dating, and happy.) Jan slides further and further from her put together role in seasons past as she snores, ass in the air on Michael's bed in the cold open and bitches Pam right the hell out because she saw Michael's penis (long story, I'll tell ya later.) Pam did continue to be more aggressive, taking charge of situations and looking overall more confident. Hair being down does wonders for this girl. Angela confirmed to Pam that she and Dwight are dating. Toby and Creed both had big moments in this ep with Michael trying to convince the staff that Toby is the devil and Creed revealing that he's in his eighties. Oh, and the documentary crew did something they haven't done since pointing out to Pam that Dwight and Angela were acting funny together, got involved in the plot of the episode and acknowledged that there IS in fact a documentary being shot at Dunder Mifflin.

So, that leaves two points. Ryan shaking things up at Dunder Mifflin (which spoilers suggest will happen next week) and Michael getting fired. Those are the ONLY two things I asked of Season Four that didn't happen in this hour long episode. Man oh man, does this show GET me or what?

So, as suspected, Jan is living with Michael, and, from the looks of it, sleeping all day. Michael catches us up a bit, reminding us of what happened last year on his drive to work, distracted enough to HIT MEREDITH WITH HIS CAR in the biggest jump scare moment I've ever seen on network television, complete with Meredith slamming into the windshield of Michael's Seabring. So, Michael goes into the office and announces himself a hero for getting injured Meredith to the hospital in record time. Then he reveals why he was able to do so and the office turns on him.

Both Pam and Jim separately address the events of the summer, both claiming they're not together. Kevin is on the case though, trying to slip them up. He stalks them to the point of hiding in his car to watch Pam leave the office. Even the documentary crew doesn't buy their story and they follow Pam who drives a few blocks away and picks up Jim, where they kiss. Later, the crew shows the tape to Jim and Pam who try to weasel their way out of this before Pam drops the big secret bomb, they're dating, and very happy together.

Angela's cat Sprinkles isn't doing well, and while she and the rest of the staff go to visit Meredith in the hospital, she sends Dwight to give Sprinkles her medication and treatments for her MANY ailments. When Dwight returns, he reveals that the cat is dead and in the freezer. And, as I suspected, this is due to Dwight putting her there to "take care of her." This rips their relationship apart (as you might imagine) and causes the shocking moment of revelation to Pam that her boyfriend is Dwight.

With the death of the cat, Meredith's misfortune, OH! And Pam clicking an email link to buy a celebrity sex tape causing her computer to melt down, Michael declares a state of emergency. The office is cursed. So he calls a meeting to determine the office religion, wondering if anyone has desecrated any Indian burial grounds recently and accuses Toby of being the devil.

Meanwhile, Michael finds that Meredith may have rabies from a bizarre streak of animal bites
starting with last year's bat attack in the Joss Whedon directed "Business School" leading Michael to presume that thanks to him, she wound up in the hospital, and will now get the help she deserves.

But that's not enough. So Michael organizes a Fun Run to benefit people with "incurable" rabies and manages to scrounge together $700 to donate (mostly from his and Jan's pockets). When all is said and done, however, only $300 and change get there because $200 was spent on the over sized check and the rest on hiring a stripper last seen in the bachelor party episode "Ben Franklin" last year.

Quite an episode. Overall, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, while feeling a bit long at times, it certainly delivered across the board, reminding us why we love these characters so much, and showing us what great television comedy looks like.

- Dave Grelck is a writer/filmmaker/photographer. His film White Out is being released this winter. His web television series Irving Renquist, Ghost Hunter goes live on Halloween!

"Cane" 1x1

2007-09-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

CANE 1x1 "Pilot"

The government is now ready to support the production of ethanol from sugar instead of corn, it's ten times more efficient.

How happy I would be if that were true, and this show gets a bonus star for that line. Corn ethanol is a sham. Something "The West Wing" went into in it's final era, which also starred Jimmy Smits. The wheel comes full circle...

I sort of put this one off. After hearing everything about how dense and overstuffed the pilot is, I was wary. This was a real marginal pick for me to begin with so I didn't need much of an excuse to put it off. However I decided that as I try to get sleepy (I work overnights now) and there was nothing in the DVR but this and "Private Practice" (which is essentially a 3 hour commitment to view including the backdoor pilot), and so I threw it on.

One FANTASTIC surprise, the wonderful and underrated Ken Howard appears as the evil patriarch of the rival sugar family - I had no idea he was in this until I saw him. I was happy enough to see Polly Walker (another "Rome" veteran) as the daughter of this family, but seeing Ken perked me up to this show incredibly. I've had the opportunity of working with him in LA, and he's just great.

I don't think it's as hard to follow as some have made out, but, aside from the abovementioned guest actor, I don't feel any great connection to this one. it's still on the roster but more of a utility player, not a star.

*** (including sugar ethanol and Ken Howard subsidy)

"Life" 1x1

2007-09-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

LIFE 1x1 "Pilot"

Did you ask the dog?
No sir, we did not ask the dog.

This show was more appealing the more I learned about it. I like the fact that they're mixing in a little documentary style footage to cover backstory. It's very efficient. I also like how they started off the investigation with a severed finger, presumably the killer. This way we don't have all this meeting of 20 possible suspects - we can just look for the dude with a bloody stump on his hand. Now we can focus on the characters. Good cop show, good.

Amazingly enough, I got too caught up in this show to write about it. The story was elegantly crafted, plenty of fodder for the season has been established, and I'm waiting zen like to see how it will unfold.

****

"Dirty Sexy Money" 1x1

2007-09-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

DIRTY SEXY MONEY 1x1 "Pilot"

Please, God, tell me we'll never have to see these people again!

How wonderful to see one of my main Soap actors get a juicy one off role. Trevor St. John plays Peter Krause's father in the opening segment of the pilot. The resemblance is uncanny, and TSJ is a great actor. He's the second Todd but I like him best.

But here I am talking about that when after just a few brief minutes before the first commercial I'm already thinking this is THE new show of the year. It's got everything going for it, great cast, great people behind the scenes, great script, and ABC is behind the show.

Just watching the way everything was set up, I felt the sure hand of competent talented storytellers guiding me into this fun and exciting new world. I was worried when I heard that Berlanti was leaving "Brothers & Sisters" day to day to do this show, and we'll see if that show suffers too badly for it this Sunday, but my excitement over this show has just been growing with each minute of watching.

The scene where Sutherland is drawing Krause into the Devil's pact to work for The Family is wonderful. I also really like that they didn't make him all angsty about the job for the whole episode which is the obvious way to go.

There were a couple people I recognized but I needed IMDB to remind me from whence they came - Glenn Fitzgerald who plays the psychotic reverend son was the lead in 'Series 7' that neat indie movie from a few years ago, and the eldest sister's fiancee was one of the leads of "In Justice" a neat summer series from ABC a few seasons back. It's also fascinating to watch Billy Baldwin morphing into Alec.

I think at this point I need to make one thing perfectly clear ABC hasn't bribed me to shamelessly gush about this show. It's just how I feel. Ok - there is one bad thing, I really really hate the title. Henceforth it shall always be referred to as DSM

*****

"Gossip Girl" 1x2

2007-09-26T20:43:00.000-05:00

GOSSIP GIRL 1x2 "The Wild Brunch"

anytime, pal - that one black eye looks a little lonely

I started to watch "Private Practice" then I realized I want to watch those backdoor pilot shows first. Then that left this and "Cane" and I'm not super anxious to watch that, I would be watching "Reaper" but I'm catching that tomorrow on the repeat, due to the 90 minute Boston Legal there was a timeslot pileup last night... so here I am in front of "Gossip Girl"

The camera work and cutting is so hyper here it's messing with my DVR's encoding and macroblocking like crazy. That's not the best way to start an episode...

I've been amused reading how some people are shocked at the level of bedhopping and whatnot on display here. I guess it's been toned down from the books, but it doesn't seem like anything beyond what kids today do, if anything it's tamer. And thats just the way it is, sorry prudish values police types.

At some of my more recent jobs I've had occasion to work alongside younger folk, and so I feel my knowledge is fairly up to date, but watching this show is making me ever so conscious that I'm much closer to 30 than I am to 20...

But it's harmless enough fun I suppose. I wouldn't say I'm caught up in it at all but it's enjoyable enough to keep up with for now.

***

"'Til Death" 2x2

2007-09-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

'TIL DEATH 2x2 "Four Neighbors And A Funeral"

Ok, well, let's get going - that hoagie in your pants isn't getting any younger

Actively watching this show again after I ditched it last year is reminding me how much I like Brad and Joely and how irritating the younger couple are. I dream of an episode where the Woodcock's house burns down and Eddie and Joy sit down on lawn chairs with popcorn and enjoy the toasty flames.

Antisocial generally "bad" people are just so much more fun to watch in a sitcom than lame whiny "good" people. The only fun about this is when the "bad" people attempt to fight their nature and be gooder than the good people and make asses of themselves.

This show is like the bad marraige you're too lazy to leave. You know it could be better, but you're satisfied enough that you're probably not going anywhere.

***

"Back To You" 1x2

2007-09-26T19:38:00.000-05:00

BACK TO YOU 1x2 "Fish Story"

If I had my way, I would be having this conversation with a turkey baster.

I'm beginning to remember my thought that you can't really tell a show until the first actual episode. Pilots are about shooting your wad, getting the network to please please pick you up and the onerous task of introducing everything. The first real episode, the pressure is off, you don't have to cram in 18 minutes of backstory and you can just use everything you've set up to tell a good story.

Another thing I realized I like about this show. Most people would have had an obvious theme that sounded like overly majestic local tv news music. But they use a restrained and hip music that reminds me a bit of John Williams' score for 'Catch Me If You Can'. It gives me hope that they won't be going for the obvious route on things.

As for this episode particularly, I never knew there were so many ways you could do that to a goldfish! I like that theyre mixing silly jokes with their overall character stories. It's basically impossible to judge what a series is going to become from just 2 shows. Looking back at the end of the first season, and judging the growth curve tells up so much more (look at the growth of '30 Rock' over the season last year). I'm looking forward to watching this one grow. I'm also trying to take it on it's own merits and not make it the great white hope of sitcoms everywhere.

This show has tased my heart.

****

PULLED! "Nashville"

2007-09-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sound the first mourning trumpets of the 07-08 season - technically still in its first week. Say goodbye to Fox's "Nashville" - at least for now. Fox swears its coming back - but that's what they said about "Drive". Stay tuned...

"Boston Legal" 4x1

2007-09-25T21:04:00.000-05:00

BOSTON LEGAL 4x1 "Beauty And The Beast"

Change of plans, Jeffrey, take me to Jail. Here we go again...

I've so been looking forward to this - even seeing the new main titles with our new regulars brings a smile to my face! And for a show known, nay, prided for it's constant churning of cast, this new lineup is perhaps the most extensive changeover yet. But because of the way this show operates, something that would be seen as an indicator of major problems is business as usual at Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. Last season there was a fantastic referrence to this, when a few new people showed up in Episode 2, Denny said that it was impossible that they were new, or else they'd have been introduced in the season premiere. This show has destroyed the fourth wall to great effect.

We welcome the great John Larroquette to his second role in this universe (He was probably the greatest guest star ever on "The Practice" the evil genius murderer Joey Heric). He's going to be Denny's new foil in from the NY office. Jerry "Hands" Espenson has been promoted to regular in another wonderful move. This show has the pattern of bringing on interesting people and sort of trying them out, and then if it works they move up and if not they move out.

I'm sort of confused that they've demoted Constance Zimmer yet kept Gary Anthony Williams. The two of them seemed linked in story, so I'm curious to see where that's going. Clarence is certainly more of the traditional quirky David E. Kelley character though. It seems that his new 'girlfriend' is going to be "Hands". Buckle up for this coupling, this show surely knows how to do hetrosexual male couples right!

We have two new girls, Tara Summers and Saffron Burrows here to keep that area of things warm until a few more actresses are hired to replace them later this year or in the fifth season premiere (The only lady around here with staying power is the queen bee Candice Bergen, and that's fine with me)

The only demotion I'm sad about is Rene Auberjonois, but it's totally understandable since they hadn't given him a thing to do all last year. I read he'll recur when needed, and hopefully he'll have more to do now that they don't feel forced to wedge him in here and there. That's something I've dubbed "Lorne Syndrome". On "Angel" Lorne was a delightful guest star, appearing when required, and he did so well he was promoted to series regular. Unfortunately once he was there when not required for story he became a millstone, as they couldn't always find a good reason for him to be there, and eventually stopped trying. On the flip side, I hope Jerry Espenson doesn't become a 'Lorne'.

I read something in EW recently that was basically telling the Emmy people "how dare you give all this recognition to 'Boston Legal' when all these other shows I love got bupkis" and that pisses me off. Just because this show is clever and joyous and fun, it somehow isn't worthy of adulation. Its the same way I get defensive when people reflexively dig at soaps. This show is fantastic and it's closing in on stellar this year with the cast they've got, and all of Kelley's attention.

This last 90 minutes has just reminded me that this is one of the shows I'd never miss, and if it was gone I'd surely miss.

*****

"House" 4x1

2007-09-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

HOUSE 4x1 "Alone"

If you're broke, I can lend you a tiny bit of the money I owe you.

I remember thinking at the end of last year that they can't really be getting rid of EVERYONE. It was either the smartest or the dumbest thing you could do, and we've had to wait out the summer to find out which.

Theres a game that each loyal viewer plays with the beginning of every House episode - can we figure out where this weeks illness will come from before they show it? There's always a fakeout - 'look, she sneezed!' then the guy next to her passes out. 'haha' the show says to you - 'you thought it was the sneezer - DIDN'T YOU!'

This time it's fun to see House working without the team, having to improvise their usual functions. All long running formula shows like this need a little format bender now and then to cleanse the pallate.

One thing I must denounce in this episode is giving people the idea of using TiVos for retaliatory weapons. Take my money, take my children, but if you ever touch my TiVo, you will live to regret it, but not for long.

But I digress - this show is really hitting a classic stride. Last season really only went off the rails with the horrible David Morse arc (why is it that he irritates me so intensely?) If this episode is an indication of the level of the new season then I'll be guarding this season pass from any potential vandals with my last breath.

*****

Commentary: Why “The Office” is Better Than Sex

2007-09-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

(or a desperate attempt to use a ridiculous claim to get you to read my article)

Commentary on the story so far.

My first experience with The Office was a love affair with the original British series. (which I’ll not discuss here, as I’ve already waxed long about it HERE) Suffice to say, I loved it dearly. I’ve rewatched the series more times than I can count. So, I was excited to see what we’d do with it over here. Excited, but cautious. I’d been burned before. Most notably by Coupling, another Brit-com I adored that, despite the EXACT same scripts was no longer funny in America.

Through a bit of subterfuge and wink-wink spying, I procured NBC’s up-fronts pilot demo DVD and managed to get a copy of (then called) An American Office’s pilot. There it was, reproduced in full, almost line for line again, the British Office, with an American cast. It was funny. It was better than a lot of the previous fall’s line-up. It just wasn’t what I wanted. I guess I was looking for transcendence. Which is sorta unfair of me.

Season one was a mixed bag. Thankfully they departed from word-for-word reconstructions of the British series after the first episode. What really impressed me about season one was their willingness to REALY dig in with the cringe-inducing faux pas style of the Brits. This was most noticeable in the episode "Diversity Day" which contained an almost horrifying moment of Michael Scott spewing fake-Hindi at Kelly Kapoor until she slapped him. It was very rough around the edges and raw, and the cast hadn’t yet found their grooves, but it showed promise. When the last of Season One’s six episodes aired, I was quite sure we were never going to see it again. Out of nowhere, Apple came to the rescue. The iTunes TV download service debuted with The Office as one of its featured shows and somehow, it became a hit.

I speak about season one as a whole, because upon re-watching, it barely fits in with the seasons that have followed. It’s fun and amusing, but comes nowhere near the brilliance that came after. And what came after was a near miracle.

From the first episode from second season, “The Dundies,” it was very clear that this group of writer/performers had done their homework in the five months since Season One ended. The cast was largely the same, with a few new faces. Most of the work had been done in creating backstory for the secondary characters, making this group of office workers one of the most impressive ensembles in television history.

Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is amazing on this show, he’s stepped far from Ricky Gervais’ shoes and managed to imbue his variation on David Brent with the one thing Brent didn’t have, a lovablity. You hate Brent so often on the show, that when he fails, you’re glad he fails because he deserved it. Michael Scott is incompetent, he’s an ass, he has no social skills whatsoever and he makes you hate him much of the time. HOWEVER, Michael is believable as boss due mainly to Season Two’s “The Client” in which Michael and Jan take a perspective client to dinner at Chili’s (the new golf course according to Michael) and after a night of drinks, hot wing and awesome blossom (with extra awesome) Michael manages to close the deal that Jan’s watched move further and further away without even breaking a sweat. In Season Three’s second episode “The Convention” we see this again. Michael Scott is an exceptional salesman. And while he may be more concerned with doing things in his own unique way, he still manages to get a lot done. In “The Dundies,” what really did most to separate this show from its British counterpart was the moment where the other folks at the restaurant were making fun of Michael. We saw the mood change amongst the office workers who just recently had turned on Michael. A feeling of we can make fun of him, because we kinda sorta love him, but YOU sure can’t came out. And it was wonderful. It took everything to another level. As misguided and inappropriate as Michael Scott is, at the end of the day, he’s a LITTLE BIT likable, which, with an actor as gifted as Steve Carell, is all it takes. (And thank God Evan Almighty bombed, or we might have to worry about contract negotiations taking this show down before it should be)

Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) isn’t very much like his British counterpart Gareth Keenan, and at first it annoyed me. I felt that Season One Dwight was not nearly as organic and real despite his crazy idiosyncrasies as Gareth. Moving into Season Two, Dwight didn’t change, we did. We learned more and more about him, his ambition, his blind love for Michael and desire for approval and affection, but what did wonders for Dwight’s character was the love interest that came up very organically between him and Angela. To see this character in his private moments with Angela as well as his more public made him far more believable. Moving into Season Three, we got to see Dwight’s ambition push him to the limits, beyond his willingness to forever be Michael’s toady, first in “The Coup,” where Dwight makes a blind grab for power by meeting with Jan behind his back to discuss a power shift in the office. It all goes horribly for him, of course, with Michael finding out and torturing him for the rest of the day. But for that glimpse, we get to see what life with Dwight in charge might be like. In the Third Season’s final episode “The Job,” we again get a glimpse of the way Dwight may run the office, should he ever be put in charge, (could happen) when Michael prematurely names him his successor. Dwight’s Schrute Bucks plan is brilliant.

John Krasinski had big shoes to fill as Jim Halpert, taking over from my favorite character (and I’m sure I’m not alone) Tim Canturbury from across the pond. Martin Freeman’s Tim was an amazing amalgamation of Oliver Hardy and Groucho Marx. His quick (and understated) wit was matched only by his exasperated Hardy looks at the camera. Krasinski wisely took the same route as both Wilson and Carrell in not aping his brit counterpart. Beyond the camera gazes and the quick dialogue delivery, the characters are unique to themselves. Krasinski is lovable, and throughout the Pam struggle over the course of the first three seasons, we truly “get” him. He’s friendly, upbeat, and enthusiastic about nearly anything. In Season Two’s “Office Olympics” Pam talks about how amazing it is when Jim gets excited about something, because he runs further and longer than any of us would ever think to do. But most amazing about Krasinski’s performance is that he’s not afraid to be quiet and hurt and regretful. You can see it all in his face, the Pam thing breaks him up more than he’ll ever let on. What’s wonderful about the journey the character has taken is that we’ve gotten to see many different facets of Jim. How quickly he fits in with certain types of people after his move to Stamford, his easy going friendship and then relationship with Karen Filippelli. He’s the all American guy, who won’t judge you, won’t make fun of you (unless you deserve it, and you might) and would love nothing more than to just hang out, be your pal, and talk about how crazy your boss is.

I am in love with Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer). And it’s not really Jenna Fischer I’m in love with. I’ve seen her in other things, she’s cute, fun, etc. But Pam is the most lovable person on television. I didn’t think it would happen again after Dawn Tinsley on the other side of the pond. But Pam quickly became the perfect compliment to Krasinski’s Jim. It’s the relationship that had to work, their almost sorta love affair is the true heart of the series. But what’s great about Pam is she’s given so much material. In Season Two, their relationship was mostly just pining for each other as the wedding came closer. Both were in love, neither could do anything about it. Season Three gave Fischer something much meatier to work with. Starting out with Jim in Stamford and her recovering from the fallout that followed canceling her wedding with Roy. She’s given a reformed Roy (David Denman) who is striving to get back into her good graces, the on then off reuniting with him, but her crowning moment comes in “Beach Games” the penultimate episode of Season Three, where she lays it on the line to Jim, walks on fire, and decides that the office ain’t pushing her around no more.

The supporting cast could each have paragraphs written about them as well, but then this article would be LONG. It’s already long, just imagine it that much longer. Ryan Howard (BJ Novak) has gone from the temp hired in season one, begun his creepy and clingy relationship with Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling) to a sales staff member in season three. His field trainings with Dwight and Stanley (Leslie David Baker) were hilarious, as was Season Three’s “Business School” where Michael learned what Ryan really thought about the future of Dunder Mifflin. (It wasn’t good.) Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) has shown a power hunger that revealed itself during “The Coup” and has shown more and more intriguing character traits as she’s moved more into the foreground. Kevin Malone (Brian Baumgartner) dealt with the possibility of skin cancer in “Michael’s Birthday” and has a very intriguing relationship with his fiancée Stacy who seems to vanish for weeks at a time. Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton) is one of the most interesting characters who seems to shine more in deleted scenes than on the actual show. He used to play guitar in many bands in the sixties, has confirmed ridiculous drug use, a flexible sexuality, never owned a fridge until “Casino Night,” loves to steal, sprouts mung-beans and just throws an old shirt from his closet into a grocery bag for Secret Santa. My favorite supporting character is Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein) from HR. His brilliance is with the most understated delivery style I have ever seen and I would’ve loved to see his momentary attempt to romance Pam continue for a while.

Season Three introduced several characters as the office merged, but only two stuck around, Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) a controlling freak with an anger management problem and a desire to become second in command and Karen Filippelli (Rashida Jones) who, let’s be honest, really only exists to come between Pam and Jim, and we all saw who Jim chose at the end of Season Three. If we didn’t see, it was Pam. Thank God.

Before I close this character discussion that’s gone on FAR too long, I want to talk about Melora Hardin’s portrayal of Jan Levinson. Jan, based on Jennifer Taylor-Clark in the Brit-com is probably the most interesting character arch this show has yet seen. Starting with her divorce and her night with Michael in “The Client” in Season Two, Jan has begun a sharp decline in her life. Her attempts to stay away from Michael only make her want him more, her therapist has suggested she has a self destructive streak, her performance at Dunder Mifflin becomes spotty and I’m pretty sure her complete destruction in the final episode of Season Three could be seen from space. Absolutely spectacular.

So…that was LONG.

What do I want from Season Four? If I could ask the TV Gods to grant me one wish, it would be for Jim and Pam to actually have a relationship. History has shown us that the easy way for a TV series to deal with this desire is, after they get together, throw a wrench in and break them back up. Friends did it for ten years. I don’t want that for The Office, it’d be contrived. For a show that’s been so brave and unique and bold, letting them be together and happy would be very bold. I want to watch a slow descent for Jan (who I hear is living with Michael now.) I want to see Dwight and Angela’s relationship come out of the closet as it were. I want to see Pam continue to be more aggressive and tell people what she wants, as her wonderful season three arc went. I want to see Toby and Creed become more and more involved characters. I want to see Ryan shake things up at Dunder Mifflin. I want Michael to get fired, if only for a little bit, because of the wonder that was David Brent trying to cope with a life after Wernham Hogg in Slough. Mostly though, I’m very curious to hear about this documentary that’s been in the works for the past three years. Do the characters watch themselves on TV, is it affecting them at all? Is ANYBODY watching? Brent was a Z-List celebrity after his version of The Office. Mostly I just want this amazingly talented staff of writers and performers to continue churning out one of the best televisions comedies in history.

Yeah. I said it.

Hyperbole can kiss my ass.

I look forward to talking at you.

- Dave Grelck is a writer/filmmaker/photographer. His film White Out is being released this winter. His web television series Irving Renquist, Ghost Hunter goes live on Halloween!

"Journeyman" 1x1

2007-09-25T13:39:00.000-05:00

JOURNEYMAN 1x1 "Pilot"

There's a lot of time left on the clock.

I think the reason that I'm giving this one a go is due to the really solid work Kevin McKidd put in on "Rome". Other than that, it just seemed like a "Quantum Leap" retread without Al and Ziggy. The first thing I paid attention to, of course, was the accent. It's one of the weirdest I've yet heard. It sounds like when I do Australian. It's ok but horribly bad at certain moments. I don't know that I agree that we must enforce overseas actors into doing American accents. Maybe I'm just so used to his British voice from "Rome".

As I watch this I'm just sort of struck by how weird this is. I'm slightly comforted by seeing one other name I recognized, Director Alex Grave, veteran of many a "West Wing" I'm sure that by the end of the hour there will be some sort of explanation - there's a woman in the ads that seems to be explaining the rules to our hero, but so far nothing.

Something I should note is that, in general, both to keep fresh, and keep up with all the shows, I write these mostly while I'm watching them. It's working well so far, and I like that it's a live record of my thoughts as I watch these shows.

So this is nearly over and it's still weird. I really want to know the mechanics and rules of this show. This is turning into this year's "Vanished" I didn't especially like the show but curiosity was just enough to keep me tuned in.

**

"Heroes" 2x1

2007-09-25T12:43:00.001-05:00

HEROES 2x1 "Chapter One : Four Months Later..."

Are you the hero Kensei?

Let the sophomore slumpwatch begin... The pressure is on for Kring & co. to keep up the amazing level of storytelling in "Book Two". From what I understand they've had a plan of where to go for future seasons, so here's hoping they can defy expectations and equal or better the freshman season.

So let's spot the new faces - Stephen Tobolowski (from last season's "Big Day" and eternally remembered as Werner Brandes from 'Sneakers') as the man stalking Mohinder. There are a couple new folks on the run from murder charges in Honduras, complete with yellow subtitles that I'm sure we'll become better acquainted with, a new boy companion for Claire (her story seems to be an attempt to square one things with her, with the exception of not making her the queen bee at school.) And in casting that has both puzzled and excited me, David Anders (the tasty Mr. Sark of "Alias") as Samurai Warrior Takezo Kensei (he of Hiro's magical time control sword), as there aren't too many naturally blonde Japanese folk around.

So this is going well so far, things have picked up where they left off (quality wise, not time wise - I read they're going to go back to immediately after the end of last season in the near future) And I think it's a savvy move to jump forward. The pilot dropped us into the story and went from there, and that's what they're doing this year too.

All I have to wait for now is the first appearance of my Veronica...

****

"Chuck" 1x1

2007-09-25T11:50:00.000-05:00

CHUCK 1x1 "Pilot"

Don't puke on the C4

Monday has become the night of CBS and NBC for me. I've just gone through the CBS lineup (save CSI:Miami which I won't be watching. ever.) And so now it's time for the new NBC rundown.

Monday's 2/3 new this year, last year's megahit Heroes anchors the night and they're starting out with the first new show "Chuck". Yes it's true this show and "Gossip Girl" were created by the same person... Draw from this what you will.

Couple familliar faces, I'm always thrilled to see Ryan McPartlin in anything (I miss "Living With Fran") and the asian girl nerd that works with Chuck is Julia Ling, who I worked with on a short film in LA, and had a multi episode arc on "Studio 60" last year. And last but not least, Bryce the Rogue CIA agent and Chuck's college roommate was Matthew Bomer, former soap actor as well as lead contender to be the new Superman (of course another former soap opera actor got the part - Brandon Routh)

The thing I'm struck with watching this after "Big Bang Theory" is that Chuck is like the Hollywood version of a nerd - kinda nerdy but still really a cool leading man underneath (and not very far underneath) I suppose in a comedy it's better to have "realer" nerds, cause you know, they're funnier. Most people won't have to make this comparison since the two shows air at the same time...

Overall I'm intrigued with this show, I'll mainly be waiting to see if it stays interesting or just devolves into a weekly "use Chuck's secrets to stop the bomb" type of show. They've appropriated the "Alias" hidden secret agent thing, so that's a good place to start. The quirkiness really works well too, it's well integrated and not cutesy. Like I imagine "Pushing Daisies" will be.

***

"Rules Of Engagement" 2x1

2007-09-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT 2x1 "Flirting With Disaster"

Oh! Whoa! Cherry - clearly the sluttiest member of the pie family.

It's always weird when shows premiere midseason or in summer, they seem to always have an extra season under their belt. This one had a first season of six episodes, and so even though we're technically in season two, I feel like they're still in the first season figuring of things out.

I'm also trying not to hold a grudge against this show for murdering my favorite new comedy last year (The Class). And I'm also trying not to wonder where my "Christine" is...

But this is another one of those sitcoms that is ok to watch, so long as there's nothing better on. And there really isn't at this point. But at least Spade is still funny.

**

"Two And A Half Men" 5x1

2007-09-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

TWO AND A HALF MEN 5x1 "Large Birds, Spiders and Mom"

It's more... meatball-adjacent

Never saw this one before, and it was funny. I was a little disappointed that the lady I love wasn't in this episode (Holland Taylor), but this was like harmless mindless fun. I suppose there's more to it if you know the series, and I welcome enlightenment on this point.

It's like when I was at my folks' house for dinner with a friend from out of town, and "Raymond" was on. He basically said it was a dumb sitcom, and then I told him about all the complex family dynamics that were examined in the show, in addition to it being very funny. He liked the rest of the show better after that I think.

***

"The Big Bang Theory" 1x1

2007-09-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

THE BIG BANG THEORY 1x1 "Pilot"

Is This the High IQ Sperm Bank?
If you have to ask, maybe you shouldn't be here.

I think it's cute how they named the lead characters after legendary TV producer Sheldon Leonard (plus "Sheldon" and "Leonard" are good geek first names). And watching this I think it's benefitted from the concentration of three camera talent. This was pretty good for a pilot.

I think in any sort of storytelling good characters are important, and I haven't seen people like this around, though some of the things they talk about hit a bit close to home... But its the little touches like, one of the guys has a belt made out of an old NES controller, and I first thing - oooh that's cool! then I catch myself and remember that these are the geeky guys.

But eh I run a TV blog, I'm not gonna throw stones in this glass house.

***

Kid Nation: An Introduction

2007-09-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

This season's newest reality television offering "Kid Nation" certainly hasn't suffered from a lack of publicity. Indeed, it's been virtually impossible to look at the news without seeing a new angle on the show, and the media attention the program has been garnering hasn't been that positive. But is the criticism merited?

The concept is this: 40 kids, ranging in age from eight to fifteen, "rebuild a town" (a former ghost town called Bonanza City once used as a movie set for Western films as recently as the 1980s); of course, the show isn't a documentary series, so there is some degree of artificial structure imposed on the proceedings.

Truth be told, it's more like "Survivor for Kids." There's a Jeff Probst-lite host who pops in and provides instructions and commentary from time to time, introducing the various team-building games that also determine where each of the four color-coded teams (inexplicably referred to as "districts") will fall in the four-tiered caste system that the producers have arbitrarily imposed. Laborers, at the bottom of the food chain, get a generous salary of ten cents for washing dishes, doing laundry and cleaning outhouses; on the other hand, the "upper class" gets a dollar to do nothing (allegedly they can "pitch in as they see fit").

But what's money without something to spend it on? Again, inexplicably there are three fully-stocked shops in the middle of town--a candy store, a "dry goods" store (more like an Old West toy store than anything), and a "soda saloon," all to be run by the "merchant" class (one step below the "upper class"). The prices have been adjusted to fit the salaries, thankfully.

So what of the controversy, then? I can't help but wonder if most of it is nothing more than hot air. Considering that 40 kids were largely left unsupervised for the better part of two months, shouldn't we regard it as a miracle that none of them was seriously injured (one child was mildly burned by some hot grease; two others accidentally drank a tiny bit of bleach, but didn't even require any treatment)? I, personally, am quite impressed by the kids' resilience and determination--in fact, the kids are allowed to decide to go home every few days, and only one particularly homesick 8-year-old decided to exit during the first episode.

So what, then, do the parents think? Apparently they feel it was a worthwhile endeavor. On a recent interview on the CBS Early Show, a couple of the parents of two of the participants encouraged the wider viewing public to give the show a chance, and they both emphasized that all of the parents knew exactly what they were getting into, even meeting with the show's executive producer before production began. The parents even noted that they had a chance to let their own lawyers review the production contract; when Harry Shearer noted that the contract said that the parents wouldn't be able to sue CBS if their children died, they didn't even flinch, noting it's just "standard contract" boilerplate: "When Mark goes out skateboarding at the skate park, I have to sign a contract that says I won't sue them if he dies, too, so I'm not going to make light of the language in the contract, but it really is standard," she said.

So if the parents of the participants, who, from what I can tell, seem to be level-headed, caring individuals, were OK with this process, why in the world has the show garnered so much negative attention? It's hard to say, but the formula for the show seems to work, even just one episode in. We'll see where it goes in the coming weeks.

"How I Met Your Mother" 3x1

2007-09-24T20:16:00.000-05:00

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER 3x1 "Wait For It"

What do you mean 'win the breakup' old-timey inventor?

I spent some time this summer and I watched the first 2 seasons back to back, and realized how great this show is. Most producers would have never attempted this sort of idea, because how long can you go before you reveal the title character?

I've always been pissed off at the people that INSISTED that it was Robin - they debunked that in episode one (remember the closing line? "And that's how I met your Aunt Robin") but all the conspiracy theories just show how invested people have become in this neverending story.

For me the moment of total commitment came with "Slap Bet" last season. I must have watched that Robin Sparkles video a dozen times that night... A show where that can happen is my kind of show.

They started off the season this year by reminding us that, yes, they will be getting to the mother at some point before they go off the air, but stop bugging us already and just enjoy the ride.

****

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" 6x3

2007-09-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x3 "The Ida Funkhouser Roadside Memorial"

Okay, Little Orphan Funkhouser

Just from the title of this one I felt like I'd love this episode. The mere mention of Bob Einstein's imminent appearance makes me smile. I will go on a limb and say that Marty Funkhouser is the best invented character on this show. He's that friend that thinks he's really close to you but you sort of tolerate and use him. The sort of sick relationship you never see explored on TV, but is just right at home here.

The whole "shoe money" thing made me think of Aaron Sorkin's production company he used for "Studio 60" (which in turn came from a line from "Sports Night") See how my TV addled mind works? I must also say I barely recognized Ken Hudson Campbell, he looks a bit like Kubrick here. You may remember him from "Herman's Head" or as the guy that greets Bill Murray on the stairs in 'Groundhog Day'

I debated the quote for the top of this post, I suppose the traditional reviewer would have used "She abused the sampling privilege!" but that's about the plot, and I don't want to just talk what happened on the show. The other contender was "I don't particularly like children, but I like being called 'Daddy'" I had to go with the one I picked because I've thought about the fact that I'm going to be an orphan when my mom dies, but then I think it's silly to think of myself as an orphan at this point. The fact that something so odd that I've actually thought about appears nearly verbatim in this show, just proves to me why I love it so dearly.

This episode is yet another sublime example of the idiosyncracies of Larry David's mind making for classic TV. I have to start finding other things to write about or I'll end up just talking about his Prius. But who cares, I love this show.

And don't forget, we've learned a great truth here: even though nobody wants shoe money, you never know when it might come in handy.

*****

"The Simpsons" 19x1

2007-09-24T18:41:00.000-05:00

THE SIMPSONS 19x1 "He Loves To Fly, And He Doh's"

Homer! You smell like Chicago! Did you fly there in a Commercial Airline?
No Way! Commercial is for losers and terrorists!

Nineteen years and still going strong. I'm so sick of all the people that don't watch shows like this and SNL and bitch about how they're not good anymore. Sure things aren't the same, how could they be after 400 episodes? The Simpsons evolves in humor and style, and has reached a place where the foundation of characters and talent has produced a consistently high level of achievement, and I'm hoping that the success of the Movie will remind the naysayers that there's still plenty of life in this old girl.

The season premieres with an episode that immediately builds on the movie, with the opening credits. I would have thought they'd never top the "live action" version that was done for British TV then used on the Ricky Gervais penned episode, but this was stellar. It's also interesting to watch the style of it, as you can really see how they've started using computers to do a lot on the show (We can thank "Futurama" for a lot of that I think). You can really spot it when you compare these shots that are similar to the old traditionally animated versions you're used to seeing for those shots in the opening.

Simpsons episodes are done in advance as I'm sure most know, and usually the first chunk of episodes were actually produced in the previous season, which is why the plots of these shows won't directly refer to the Movie.

I think one of the best things about the current style of the show is seeing how the first few minutes set up a story, then the rest of it has absolutely nothing to do with that setup. You'd think a show like this would hold onto any plot they came up with and milk it for all it's worth, but they happily use up plots as if they have a neverending bag filled with them.

My biggest question about this episode was "is it going to grab people giving the show another chance?" And I think the answer is, yes.

****

"Real Time with Bill Maher" 5x19

2007-09-24T18:35:00.000-05:00

REAL TIME with BILL MAHER 5x19 "September 21, 2007"

This is one of those shows I always enjoy watching, but it's hard to really talk about without going into the funny jokes or recaping the show, which I don't plan to do much here, if you saw the show then you know already.

Reaction wise, the opening interview was unusally chilly, the author an expert on the middle east that got the audience into scattered applause and equally scattered boos.

I think this show is immensely important because of the issues that get raised, and discussed intelligently. It's better than the sunday morning shows in general, and at the worst at least you get some good jokes. Bill Maher is someone I admire, though I don't always agree with.

The world would be a better place if there could be more people that we could admire, even when we disagree with them.

****

"Brothers & Sisters" Special Episode

2007-09-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

BROTHERS & SISTERS 2xS "Family Album" (Special Episode)

This is the one I thought would be the most useless, for me personally, having been rapt at each episode of this series last year. I'd say this is a series that has great potential to become a long running classic of the genre, and I hope they can lick the sophomore slump.

This special left me hopeful because this time around along with the clips the interviews weren't with random people but the cast and creators, giving some good insights. I had no idea the guy that played Kevin was South African! I always knew he sounded a bit off. Rachael Griffiths has been mastering her American accent for years, but I knew about her being Australian. Now I know how people feel when I lay it on them that House is British...

So this was a good way to reacquaint oneself with the show and whet the appetite for the season to come. Well done.

***

"Shark" 2x1

2007-09-24T18:07:00.000-05:00

SHARK 2x1 "Gangster Movies"

This is probably my fenciest series, and could topple off at any moment. I love watching James Woods work, and I had to see how they'd resolve the thing with Jeri Ryan losing the DA race. So they've brought Kevin Pollack in to play a prick DA, and they're going to get her on the team. They fired the cute guy lawyer so thats a strike, and they've brought in the lately overexposed Kevin Allejandro to be a mini Shark protoge.

Yawn.

This series on life support with me

**

"Desperate Houswives" Special Episode

2007-09-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

DESPERATE HOUSWIVES 4xs "Secrets & Lies" (Special Episode)

Another ABC clipfest, this one I've enjoied watching because I'd probably seen less than half the clips. Somewhere between the Private Practice one where it was all new and the one I'll watch next, Brothers & Sisters where I've seen every episode.

I started out with Housewives last season, having missed the first 2 seasons. Considering the soap nature of this, it was a bit of a trick to get into, and seeing some of the backstory in this clip orgy has explained a few things.

It's laid out by houswife, with narration from the usual dead housewife, voiced by Brenda Strong (who's corporeal form you may recognize as Seinfeld's Braless Wonder Sue-Ellen Mischke).

Plus I'm glad to see yet another airing of Tina Fey's AmEx ad - it's a reason not to fast forward every commercial, and just as good as the Wes Anderson one from last year. And it makes me long for 30 Rock's premiere...

Oh yeah, Housewives. Really looking forward to this year - and this hour was a good way to get back into the mood. I've really been conscious of how tricky it is to get back into some of the stories after such a long layoff. I'm glad my daytime Soap doesn't take months off at a time (even though some cast members do from time to time *cough*plasticsurgery*cough*)

***

News & Comment - 9-20-07

2007-09-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

"Back To You" won its timeslot last night, so that's a good way to start off. "Kitchen Nightmares" also had a demo victory, so both look to stick around a bit so long as they can keep this up.

"Gossip Girl" did well in the targeted demos of women and teen girls, but did lose a good chunk of the "Next Top Model" lead in.

"Kid Nation" won in the demo, but was behind "Deal" on NBC, and was nearly a quarter million viewers behind the "Jericho" premiere last year.

And tomorrow we hope to have our first reporter's review, R. Eanes with "Kid Nation" so stay tuned... The big fun starts next week!

"Kitchen Nightmares" 1x1

2007-09-19T22:50:00.000-05:00

KITCHEN NIGHTMARES 1x1 "Peter's"

(bleep)

One fun thing I noted when looking up the episode titles is that this appears to be the eighth episode produced. It makes me wonder why they had to do at least 8 shows to get the one they wanted to premiere with.

Reality shows seem to be geared around creating villans and we had a hell of a good one in this episode. I had a whole lot of fun watching this actually, but I can see it coming down the pike that this is probably going to fall into a real predictable pattern.

There are a whole category of shows that I watch obsessively when they come on, but once I absorb the format fully, I'm done with them. This tends to happen mostly with Game Shows and Reality shows. And I think I'm destined to have a hot and heavy, yet ultimately short lived affair with this one too.

****

"Private Practice" Special Episode

2007-09-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

GREY'S ANATOMY/PRIVATE PRACTICE 4xS "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (Special Episode)

ABC has been padding their schedule with recap episodes and specials lately, and for shows like this, and Lost, where you're going to be lost if you missed a few shows, I think they're generally a good idea.

This episode serves as an introduction/refresher to Addison, the character being spun off from "Grey's" into "Private Practice" a show that I've decided to watch, even though I've never seen "Grey's" (The slight 'Veronica Mars' connection put over the edge).

The hour is basically a clip show framed with interviews of TV reviewers. If I knew this stuff I'd never watch this, but I'm actually glad to see it. It's alleviated some of my concern of being lost watching the spin off. I also have the backdoor pilot from "Grey's" last year downloaded and ready to watch sometime before next week (You know the one that everyone was appaled by and that got recast) I'll have a review of that on one of our days with no shows to talk about.

For "Grey's" fans = *
For the curious = ***

"Gossip Girl" 1x1

2007-09-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

GOSSIP GIRL 1x1 "Pilot"

Even hearing Kristen Bell makes the loss of 'Veronica Mars' somehow more bearable. This show comes from the creator of "The O.C." And watching this reminds me why I wasn't ever too interested in that show. Which I can't even really figure out myself because I like soap operas. As the hour went along though, I found myself warming up to the show.

Fans of "Brothers & Sisters" will recognize Matthew Settle, the Tom Welling lookalike that was Callista Flockhart's fiancee in the original aborted storyline of her character on that show. Speaking of lookalikes, Chace Crawford looks an awful lot like Ian Somerhalder.

The big test for this show is to engage me before I get burnt out on all the new stuf and begin to hone down what I'm watching. One last thing in the show's favor are two OLTL alums in minor roles, Florencia Lozano (former Tea) plays one of the girl's moms, and Connor Paolo (former Travis) is the main characters little brother. And the last actress driving me nuts (thank you Wikipedia...) Emily Rutherford from the forgotten classic "Homefront" is the main character's mother.

***

"'Til Death" 2x1

2007-09-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

'TIL DEATH 2x1 "Performance Anxiety"

I stopped watching this one last year because it was in one of those time-slot pileups, and it wasn't a top favorite. And I suspect it never will be, It's fun to watch but nothing that really stays with you. It coasts a lot on the appeal of Fisher and Garrett, the young couple I've always sort of been annoyed by, and if this episode is an indication of a shift in focus away from them, then I'm all for that.

It's a good fit with 'Back To You' And I suspect I'll stay tuned in so long as there aren't 2 other things on I'd rather see more.

***

"Back To You" 1x1

2007-09-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

BACK TO YOU 1x1 "Pilot"

Last week I told a perfectly harmless PMS joke and she threw a bottle at me - who's point did she prove there!

It's always tricky when you approach something with big expectations. You probably know what I mean if you read my Commentary on the state of sitcoms. After actually seeing 'Back To You' now I can say that it's quite funny, quite well done, and quite traditional. However considering the dearth of traditional, it's quite comforting to see it here.

Pilots are always tricky too because you're trying to do so much in a limited time. I was glad to see that there was a major plot element that was kept completely out of the prerelease publicity and ads that will be a major component of the series. All you can really say about a show this early is if it looks like it has promise, and if it looks to improve.

When I think back to 30 Rock last year, and how I liked the early episodes but towards the end the show had reached a whole nother level, I think this show has the potential to show that kind of growth, and I think it will be fun to watch it while it does.

***

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" 6x1&2

2007-09-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x1 "Meet The Blacks"

Funkhouser! He knowingly served us penis!

After nearly a 2 year hiatus, Larry David is back in top form with the premiere of the sixth series of "Curb". I've been a fan of this ever since the original 1 hour special that spawned it, and I think for a student of television it's fascinating to see how this show grew from Seinfeld, and how it can help you realize how David and Seinfeld were such a perfect mix.

The beauty of this improv series is how tightly plotted it is, David breaks the script out just as he did in the Seinfeld days, and the major difference is just that the actors construct the dialogue based on the plot objectives of the scene at hand.

This episode features another plot concept worthy of George Costanza (who's character was based on David), the theory of appearing the day after a party you missed at the host's house, and pretending you had the wrong day. Out of such a simple conceit comes a puzzle plot constructed so perfectly that every seemingly innocuous event ends up coming into play by the end. Part of the fun with this series becomes trying to figure out how it's all going to merge into the perfect little ending.

I won't spoil any more of the plot, but I laughed out loud screaming several times during this - partly, I'm sure, at the joys of seeing these people again after such an absence, but it's a classic "Curb".

*****

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x2 "The Anonymous Donor"

I've had drinks before, but I didn't go into their guest room and masturbate.

The thing I'm really liking about this season so far is that by now "Curb" has built up a good bench of characters and catchphrases, Last episode bringing back Bob "SuperDave" Einstein as Mary Funkhouser, and this time we get to see Gina Gershon's Hassidic Dry Cleaner. Both episodes have also featured series stalwart guest Ted Danson. I also have to admit that I love seeing my car (Toyota Prius) driven in shows and movies.

You may have noticed that I didn't talk about the content of this episode so much, and that's because it's just a shade above ok, especially after watching it directly after "Meet The Blacks" it pales in comparison. This episode focuses on Anonymous philanthropy and Anonymous personal stains. As always Susie Essman's strident Susie Greene's berating of her husband Jeff and Larry is a highlight of this episode, as is the appearance of Senator Barbra Boxer (D-CA). Even though this wasn't the strongest Curb ever, you have to give them props for getting away with a KKK joke.

There's another eerily relevant 'ripped from the headlines' aspect to this one. You'll know what I mean if you've been following OJ Simpson's latest escapades. If you're wondering where you've seen 'Leon' before, and you watch SNL, he's a former writer, and he used to appear occasionally with fellow writer Paula Pell in monologue jokes as 'audience members'.

And on a personal note, I directed a short film when I lived in LA, and one of my actors was comic Cathy Ladman, she has an appearance in this episode as the woman on the street that congratuates Larry. "Curb" also shot a scene in season 4 at the same diner that I filmed Cathy's scene in, so I thought that was a nice coincidence.

I'm actually thinking about if there's anything they can't successfully make fun of on this show, they're so far over the line at this point that there are no limits, and that's one of the things I love best about watching it.

***

News & Comment 9-18-07

2007-09-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

It looks like some more early results are in. Fox has started its premieres a week early, and in a contrast to "Nashville" K-Ville has done better, with Fox's lineup coming second to CBS, but winning the more important 18-49 demo. Even better news for the fledgling cop drama is that it not only built on its "Prison Break" lead-in, but outperformed anything in its timeslot from last year. That's the way you want to start out a new series (especially on Fox, who likes to kill it's young at the slightest sign of weakness)

For "Star Trek" fans, Zoe Saldana, who you may remember from films "Guess Who" and "Center Stage" has been announced as the new Uhura in the J.J. Abrams franchise reboot. I don't plan to regularly comment on news from Film and other media, but when there's a decent TV link I'll mention things.

Stay tuned tonight for the first reviews of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

News & Comment - 9-17-07

2007-09-17T20:18:00.000-05:00

Not too much going on today - it's the calm before the storm.

The biggest news is a minor scheduling change, NBC has decided to flip "Singing Bee" and "Biggest Loser", now Tuesdays will start off with the former. I guess the numbers are so shockingly good they thought it would be a better lead in.

Our reviews and discussion of new shows will begin tomorrow, when I talk with you about the long overdue return of one of my favorite comedies "Curb Your Enthusiasm". I'll be going over the first 2 episodes of the 6th season, now airing on HBO on Sunday nights (and of course repeated dozens of times throughout the week) I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Larry David has come up with for us this time around.

After that Wednesday will launch our full on TV season coverage!

Site News: Meet Your Reporters

2007-09-16T14:07:00.000-05:00

As crazy obsessed with TV as I am, I can't (and won't in some cases) watch every show on TV.

Enter Your Reporters, they'll be discussing other shows, and offering second opinions on shows that I cover, but that they are passionate about. We're starting with four contributors, and this number will grow as we still have 40 shows out of the 85 Primetime Network shows uncovered. However, don't hold your breath for someone working on "Deal Or No Deal"

David B. Grelck

Dave will be writing about "The Office" and "CSI", as well as making whatever interesting comments he deems neccessary. Dave has written numerous produced screenplays and formerly wrote about "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" for another website.

R. Eanes

Mr. Eanes will be writing about "Kid Nation", and hopefully more if he can make the time. Mr. Eanes works in New York in media, and is completing a Masters degree. He has also hosted his own talk show.

X. Alexander

Mr. Alexander will be writing about "Nip/Tuck", as well as commenting on "Heroes" and "How I Met Your Mother" as his schedule allows. He has been writing about TV on his own blog for years, and will now be sharing his talents with us.

Jake Fox

Jake will be writing about "Friday Night Smackdown" for us, since he's a talented writer and I don't know anyone else that watches wrestling! Jake has a deep history of writing for websites about Wrestling and brings his vast knowledge of the subject and impassioned opinions to you.

Glenna Wilkinson

Glenna will be commenting on "Cavemen", "NCIS", "Cold Case", "Criminal Minds", "Grey's Anatomy", "Without A Trace", "Cold Case", and "Numb3rs". No coincidence, this is my mom. When I was talking to her about this site she gave such an impassioned and well reasoned defense of "Numb3rs" I realized that she could cover a few of the shows that I'd never watch. I have to thank her for letting me get addicted to TV at a young age and I know I get some of my writing talent from her. She'll just be checking in with a brief note on those shows each week.

We still have several shows uncovered, and we will continue to add new correspondents as we grow, and hopefully we will be able to cover most shows (I doubt we'll find anyone interested in covering "Deal Or No Deal" however, but who knows). If you think you have what it takes, leave us some comments so we can see how you write, and find a show that's not been claimed. If you're passionate, talented and able to come up with a weekly opinion, you're just the sort of person we're looking for.

Commentary: The Sitcom Is Dead?

2007-09-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

People are saying the sitcom is dead, you can read that opinion expressed in endless variation. Nearly all of the new ones tried out last year have failed, so maybe this antiquated format is simply on its way out? Many savvy people in the TV business would tell you this...

23 years ago.

In the fall of 1984, the previous season's biggest new comedy debut was "Webster". Old timers like "The Jeffersons" (11 seasons), "Facts Of Life" (6 seasons), "Alice" (9 seasons), "Benson" (6 seasons), and "Diff'rent Strokes" (7 seasons) were growing long in the tooth. A few young shows were doing ok, shows like "Kate & Allie", "Newhart", "Family Ties", and "Night Court". Even a late bloomer like "Cheers" was growing and going into its third season.

But nobody predicted "The Cosby Show"

By the end of the 84-85 season, It would end up as the #2 show of the year, and go on to take the top spot in it's second season. Everone reading this knows well how successful this show was. It is also credited with singlehandedly ending the talk about the "death of the sitcom". It brought about a sitcom renaissance that lasted for the next 15 years (or so).

So, take heart, sitcom fans - though skies are dark, the dawn may be approaching again. As we look around and see the wonderful new places that TV Comedy has taken us - places like "Desperate Housewives", "Arrested Development", "The Office", and "30 Rock" we still have a few pockets of mirth to enjoy. "Seinfeld", for one, blazed this trail by using the launching pad of three camera comedy format to show what you could do if you didn't treat it like a play on one or two sets the whole way through.

Three Camera is an art going back to the very beginning of TV - "I Love Lucy" and the genius of cameraman "Papa" Karl Freud and the business sense of Desi Arnaz who knew that if he filmed his show with three 35mm cameras, not only could they live and produce the show in LA rather than uprooting to NYC, but the shows would be preserved in their original quality, rather than the kinescopes of the day, which were 16mm films from TV monitors (used for most west coast broadcasting at the time - there were no workable video-tape systems yet). Until the 90s (with the rarest exceptions) there simply wasn't any other way to DO a sitcom. If you went to the network and said you wanted to shoot your new 30 minute laugh fest like a movie, they'd have looked at you like you were nuts.

From this simple idea sprang countless TV classics - "The Dick Van Dyke Show", "All In The Family", "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Roseanne", and many of the shows mentioned already. I could just make a very long list here, but I'd leave out something, and you get the idea.

I remember when the one camera movement began to take hold. Shows like "The Larry Sanders Show" which mixed elements of both formats showed what was possible when you removed the strict barriers of three camera. Others followed and we have seen some remarkable results, but the side effect of this is that Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to make a good three camera show. Or nearly ANY Three Camera show.

Even though it just ended last year, "Everybody Loves Raymond" is already a classic of the format. You could make a case that it singlehandedly has kept three camera on life support during the last few years. Going into this 2007/8 season, there are only around 8 Three Camera shows on all seven nights and five networks. 4 hours out of 94 hours of prime time programming.

The great white hope this year is "Back To You" which at first glance seems to be no "Cosby Show" but when you look under the hood and kick the tires, who knows? You have two leads who know how to do this kind of show - Kelsey Grammer spent something like 20 years between "Cheers" and "Frasier", and Patricia Heaton's 9 years on "Raymond" are nothing to sneeze at. You have behind the scenes Christopher Lloyd (not Doc Brown, the producer from "Frasier") and Steven Levitan, who created the underrated genius of "Just Shoot Me!" (we'll pretend "Stacked" didn't happen - though ironically that one did feature 'Doc Brown' Christopher Lloyd). Directing is James Burrows, his resume goes back to "MTM" and runs through "Cheers" and "Will & Grace" and pilots and episodes on dozens of others.

But then again, why is it on Fox? If anyone has a good explanation for that I'd love to hear it. There was a bidding war for this show between CBS, ABC, and Fox, and it seems Fox wanted it bad enough to win. The good news is that this should be a very good fit for 'Til Death (I must admit a much better fit than "Happy Hour" was)

I had one other encouraging thought about this situation. The dearth of Three Camera Shows allow a concentration of talent to come together and concoct one amazing show. When you have 40 sitcoms, everyone gets spread thin, but right now, when there aren't many games in town, you can build an all star team, both behind and in front of the camera. Of course, that doesn't guarantee a good show, but it surely doesn't hurt.

I have a feeling right now we're living in the 1983 world - the sitcom is still limping along, "Back To You" could easily be our "Webster" an enjoyable show, but not an all time classic. I'm definately looking forward to what next season, our 1984, might have in store - will our next "Cosby Show" emerge and remind us again of this wonderful thing we forgot we love?

News & Comment - 9-15-07

2007-09-15T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well the first new show of the season has premiered (Nashville, Fox) and finished fifth in the only numbers the networks care about (the 18-49 demo). Might we have another "Rich List" on our hands? Or might they give it as many as four airings, ala "Drive".

I think I'll begin a "Deathwatch" feature - and the inagural entrants are:

Nashville (Fox)
Jeez, even Jericho Reruns beat you, you're like the tiny nerdy kid in the playground with an inhaler (and let's say a southern accent). Knowing Fox's penchant for yanking things early, things aren't looking good for you. You totally blew the lead-in that your Southern compatriot Foxworthy gave you, and for this Southerner, that's a sin worse than voting for the Democrats...

The IT Crowd (NBC)
Even though this was announced for Midseason, it looks like this one might even be killed before it leaves the womb. The NBC management shakeup may have orphaned this one, as new head honcho Ben Silverman reportedly isn't a fan of this British import, and after NBC's experience with translating Coupling, I can't say I'm surprised. I think I must have been the only person that liked NBC's Coupling. I guess they just thought this one was more like "The Office". Bottom line, they've only ordered 6 scripts, none have gone into production, and they haven't recast the parts of the actors they fired. Fans - Enjoy your BBC DVDs...

The first shows of the season for me aren't showing up until Wednesday, so we'll keep up with the news until then.

Tomorrow I'll be introducing our inaugural correspondents formally, and as this site grows if I can find witty people to watch all the shows I disdain, we can offer a complete report on everything, for those of you that just can't get enough of "The Singing Bee"

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Sunday)

2007-09-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

Sunday

8/7

The Simpsons (Fox)
Season 19 looks to get going with a bang - It's my theory that the Movie will remind people that the show is actually still good, and they'll tune in again. If this pumps up the ratings some, there's no telling how long they can go. I certainly think with a show like this there's no reason to stop unless a major voice actor dies really. It's not like Bart's voice is gonna drop...

Viva Laughlin (CBS)
Remember Cop Rocks? Apparantly neither does CBS. I love to watch train wrecks.

No Thanks - Sunday Night Football (NBC) Yawn. Life Is Wild (CW) Seems a bit cutesy, maybe this should be on Animal Planet or something. I suppose something had to take 7th Heaven's place. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC) What does it say when the original show has been long cancelled and the successful show is left with this really awkward name. Ty Pennington doesn't even excite me anymore.

8:30/7:30

No Thanks - King Of The Hill (Fox) Just never really got into this one, it's ok to see in syndication, but never got into it. It's much better than Family Guy and American Dad at least.

9/8

Desperate Housewives (ABC)
This is one of the shows I got into last year, and I really enjoyed it. I missed the debacle that everyone was wailing about in season 2, but I've got the first 2 seasons and will probably watch them at some point in the not too distant future. I think they set up really nice for this year, and not only that but they're going to have two former OLTL actors on (Nathan Fillion and Tuc Watkins) I'm amazed it took them 4 years to realize they needed to have a gay guy as one of the housewives!

No Thanks - Cold Case (CBS) I recently saw a Mad TV parody of this, which I suspect was far more entertaining than the show itself. Family Guy (Fox) I know millions of you out there love this one stupid, I just never got it, and that's fine with me.

9:30/8:30

No Thanks - American Dad (Fox) Family Guy, the retread - no thanks.

10/9

Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
I really loved this show, and there's so much to talk about. A show that can make me tolerate Callista Flockhart is quite the show indeed (Much like "The Loop" redeemed Mimi Rogers) It's basically a good soapy sort of show, and so I look forward to see what they cook up for us this year.

Shark (CBS)
This is my most on the fence show. I slogged through it last year, mostly out of interest in the ongoing story, which is so minor, 95% of each episode is about the case. The only reason I'm sticking with it this season is to see what they do with Jeri Ryan's character after she loses the D.A. Election. I always liked what Woods was doing, but it's a crime show. We'll see what happens.

Overview
Sundays are always kinda weird nights, but I got in a good groove last season with Housewives and Brothers. I may end up with just those 2 and the simpsons pretty quick. There will be more to sample once NBC finishes Football and puts some real shows on in January.

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Saturday/Weekly)

2007-09-14T17:31:00.000-05:00

As I noted before, there are no shows on Saturday (well pretty much no shows)

So I'll take this weekly chance to outline other shows I watch and sample.

Merv Griffin's Crosswords (Syndicated)
This show is pretty cool, the last great gift the Merv gave us. Plus the host used to be on my soap opera! I love the idea that it's simple (Constestants solve one puzzle throughout the course of the show) and in the last 2 rounds, there are contestants there just to screw with the two main players and steal their place. One time a spoiler got on right at the end and managed to win everything after just getting one clue!

TMZ (Syndicated)
If you ever have any interest in celebrity goings on, but think that the celeb gossip shows are glorified press kits, check this show out. I like the way they do it like a press room, pitching stories to Harvey Levin, which he writes on this cool plexiglass board with a neon green pen. This is not Entertainment Tonight by any stretch. Remeber, these are the people that got the scoop on Kramer's rant in the Comedy Club.

The Situation Room (CNN)
I don't know why, but I just want to hang out in the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. I'm a big news junkie, and especially this summer I've been watching a lot of CNN, and this is always the show I like best. Unlike Lou Dobbs, who is rabidly opinionated and horrifically annoying and one note. Usually during "Lou Dobbs Tonight" I'll watch...

One Life To Live (ABC)
Been watching this show since I was about 5 years old, and next year will be its 40th Anniversary (They just celebrated their 10,000th episode) In case you haven't guessed, yes it is a soap opera, and I make no apologies. What it's really like is a novel that never ends, and it's fun to watch, and I've spent so much time with these characters they're like family. Also as someone that writes and constructs stories, you can learn a tremendous amount about construction from observing Soaps. So all you haters out there can suck it!

Modern Marvels (History)
This show used to be great, but at some point they ran out of buildings and stuff to make shows about and now it's just random documentaries (I mean they did one on Ice, Ice!) But I watch a lot of History Channel in general, probably less so now that Summer is over.

But as I wrote this - there's one show I forgot that will always have a home on Saturday...

Saturday Night Live (NBC)
33 Seasons and still going strong. Last year saw a focusing of the cast, and the new players really shone. The hosts were good, the satire was sharp and there were a lot of really classic moments. As of now we're still waiting to hear if Maya Rudolph is returning, but it appears that nobody else is being added. We'll keep up the news watch on this show. If they get one more sketch as good as Dick in a Box, it will be worth watching.

Overview
Aside from a few staples, the weekly Rundown of stuff will shift, I mean I won't be going on about Merv Griffin's Crosswords, but I'll point out stuff you should watch and why, and hopefully you all can point out stuff I should watch and why...

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Friday)

2007-09-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

Friday

8/7

Dead Timeslot!

No Thanks - Deal or No Deal (NBC) See Wednesday... Howie still looks creepy on Fridays The Next Great American Band (Fox) American Idol for bands... "Daddy, what are those 4 flaming horsemen in the sky?" Friday Night SmackDown (CW) They keep this freakshow and cancel Veronica Mars, taste is dead. Ghost Whisperer (CBS) So now its crime with ghosts, please someone get CBS to Crimeoholics Anonymous! Plus, I just have an irrational dislike of Jennifer "Love" Hewitt. Maybe the world would be a better place if we all had emotions for names. 20/20 (ABC) Don't get me started on the decline of ABC News since Roone Arledge died. I never missed this show when Hugh and Barbara were at that desk, and somehow it just doesn't seem the same anymore. Just makes me sad actually.

9/8

Women's Murder Club (ABC)
Ok, you can say it, I'm a giant hypocrite, but at least this procedural is on ABC and not the crimewhore CBS network. In the words of Coach Pamchenko "Is Try-out, TRY-OUT"

Moonlight (CBS)
Vampires! (and crime, it's CBS) This one I'm curious about. Any show that thinks they can replace Rade Sherbedgia with Jason Dohring for the same role deserves a look. Actually the ENTIRE cast, save the lead (more Aussie hotness) was replaced after the show was picked up.

No Thanks - Friday Night Lights (NBC) I know a lot of people loved this one, I watched it a couple times and found myself fast forwarding looking for locker room scenes. So it got the ax, *shrug*. Nashville (Fox) You know how two wrongs don't make a right? Reality TV plus Country Music don't make a right.

10/9

Las Vegas (NBC)
This show is just good corny fun. Plus Josh Duhamel! I'm curious to see how the cast (budget) changes affect things. Tom Selleck will be a great addition to this show. But I have to say that the cliffhanger really pissed me off last year. I swore I'd be VERY pissed off if they left Sam in that trunk over the summer, and then they did it. *shakes fist*

Men In Trees (ABC)
This really took me by surprise. I got to work with Anne Heche in LA and she seemed really normal and all, so thats mostly the reason I tried this one out last year, it's basically the second coming of Northen Exposure. It's a nice soap opera-y drama, and so ready to go for next year.

No Thanks - Numb3rs (CBS) I have a rule I can only watch one show with a "3" in its name, and 30 Rock wins. But seriously, this show has been ok the times I've seen it, and who ever thought David Krumholtz would look cute? My mom loves this one, Im sure she can keep me posted if it suddenly becomes amazing.

Overview
Fridays are the new Saturdays. It used to be the networks dumped shows on Saturdays. Now they don't even bother to put shows on at all Saturdays, just reruns and various ephemera (I'm going to dedicate the "Saturday" portion of this blog to non network and non primetime viewing) Now Friday is the dump. I wouldn't be surprised if they just run a test pattern in a few years.

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Thursday)

2007-09-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Thursday

8/7

Smallville (CW)
I got into watching this last year, then went out and got all the DVDs. All I can say is please bring the Green Arrow back and Don't kill Chloe. Other than that, this is becoming a real interesting time in the show, I've read they plan to do one more season after this perhaps, but if they go too much longer they're just gonna have to make him Superman already!

Ugly Betty (ABC)
Another show I gave a shot to and ended up loving. This is just a fun show period, and hope they can avoid the sophomore slump.

No Thanks - Survivor: China (CBS) Wake me up when they do Survivor: Compton. Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? (Fox) This was cute for a few shows, but kid choruses sound like nails on a chalkboard. Hey Foxworthy - If you find yourself hosting a cutesy gameshow after your comedy shows all fail, you might be a redneck comic grasping for a career... My Name Is Earl (NBC) This is one of those shows I really tried to get into, but I just can't watch dumb people for a whole half hour, it makes my head hurt.

8:30/7:30

30 Rock (NBC) - Download
See this is what makes me mad! I have to download my favorite sitcom because They swap The Office and 30 Rock! NBC - please just put the 2 I don't watch in the 7pm block! This show started off pretty funny last year and reached epic comedy by the end of the season (remember what I keep saying about giving shows time to figure themselves out!) Things looked iffy after Alec's little voicemail faux-pas, but it seems they reminded him he has a contract and is expected back at work. Tracy Morgan is always the weak link on this show, but even he gets some good stuff to do. I can't wait to see what Tina comes up with for us this year.

9/8

Dead Timeslot!

No Thanks - Don't Forget The Lyrics! (Fox) Once again, thank you Fox for taking another network's crappy show idea and making your own lame rip off of it. And while we're here, is it the Fox rule of the evening that every show name must end in punctuation? Grey's Anatomy (ABC) I have nothing against this show, but I tend to shy from medical shows (House fills that quota) and I also have an adverse reaction to things that become wildly popular without my participation. The Office (NBC) I like this show OK, but I have a very low threshold for cringey-style comedy. John Krasinski is good eye candy though. I might dip into this occasionaly, but fear not Office fans, my good friend Dave is going to be here for you with a weekly report, who knows maybe he can talk me into liking this one, as I do have room in this timeslot! CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS) Eek! The Mothership! Even though I know a great guy that works as a writer on this show, and a friend of mine did a guest star last season, I still have no interest in these shows. The one that Tarantino directed was ok, but just reinforced that I'd go numb watching this sort of thing every week. Supernatural (CW) Somehow this one slipped by, which is surprising, considering the Eye Candy factor. It's almost... supernatural...

9:30/8:30

Scrubs (NBC)
Almost ditched this one last year, I find myself half entertained and half annoyed with this one lately, and Zach Braff is not as clever as he thinks he is anymore. I am curious to see what they'll do with the situation they created last year. It's interesting that due to the syndication contracts this season would have been made even if NBC cancelled the show. The word was that ABC would pick it up, and I wouldn't be surprised if thats one of the reasons NBC didn't let it go. Plus they probably don't want to have a 3 comedy thursday, supersizing only goes so far, but considering that the last 2 years they held Scrubs for midseason and are just now putting it on in fall again, you know it's not their favorite. Guess I have to agree with them.

10/9

Big Shots (ABC)
I'm real conflicted about this show, I should love it considering the cast and premise, but I find myself oddly unenthusiastic about it. I think it might be the fact that all of the leads, save Titus are from shows that I loved as Dramas, and this is being billed as sort of a comedy with some drama thrown in (ala Housewives) so I don't see McDermott, Vartan and Malina in comedy so much.

No Thanks - ER (NBC) I thought about getting into this, then I decided the 14th season is a bit late to join the party. This is one that someday, if the DVD sets are cheap, I might go nuts and just watch the whole thing in some marathon orgy. Without A Trace (CBS) If I have to write about one more CBS Crime Procedural....

Overview
Maybe it's an indication of how far my taste is out of the mainstream, but the fact that I have a dead timeslot on the biggest network night, disturbs me somehow. But then, this is also one of my big pileups, with 3 shows on concurrently. Last year I think I had a couple slots with 4 shows I really wanted to keep up with, this year I just have this one place with 3 shows I love against each other. If only I could get them to flip 30 Rock and The Office, all would be well.

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Wednesday)

2007-09-14T13:29:00.000-05:00

Wednesday

8/7

Back To You (Fox)
Patty Heaton and Kelsey Grammer - now that's an interesting combo, throw in Fred Willard, and I'm in. I just hope Fox shows this more respect than "Happy Hour" - oh wait it's got stars in it so it won't get cancelled! (Glares at "'Til Death")

Pushing Daisies (ABC)
My friend Steve is doing some office work on this show, and he was sad to hear of Barry Sonnenfeld's canning from this show. Personally after watching the first few episodes of "Notes From The Underbelly" I can't say I'm in mourning. I'm giving this one a shot because the premise is interesting. It's like something from a premium cable show...

No Thanks - America's Next Top Model (CW) You put a nail or two in the "Veronica Mars" coffin - no forgiveness. Deal Or No Deal (NBC) This show was fun until I figured out the offers and probability, then it got boring. Plus Bald Howie is sorta creepy. Kid Nation (CBS) I can't decide which mean thing to say (1) They almost cancelled Jericho for THIS! (2) While I enjoy seeing children injured, I just think an hour a week would get old. Looks like our first correspondent, Ryan is going to watch it for me and supply you all with a weekly report so I can keep my hands clean.

8:30/7:30

'Til Death (Fox)
Now that this show doesnt conflict with things I want to watch more, It gets a spot. I caught a few repeats and I liked it. I just wish they'd kept "Happy Hour" But I'll try to stop whining about last year's wounded dead...

9/8

Gossip Girl (CW)
Kristin Bell's voice-over is enough to win this show a spot. There's some eye candy too, and I love soap-opera stuff.

Private Practice (ABC)
I missed the boat on Gray's, but since Piz (from V-Mars, yep, I'm obsessed) is on this one I'll give it a shot, maybe Tim Daly can break his curse of killing every new show he's done since Wings...

Bionic Woman (NBC) - Download (or Saturday Reruns)
Not particularly looking forward to this one, but it looks interesting enough for a try-out.

Kitchen Nightmare (Fox) - Download
This is the only Reality offering that looks mildly interesting. Could be a good fill in for a show that gets cancelled or the boot.

No Thanks - Criminal Minds (CBS) How do you feel to be the only show in this timeslot that I have no interest in?

10/9

Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
Worst title of the year, but LOVE the cast and the premise looks to be great fun - A new "Dynasty" for our time. To avoid continual cringing, this show will henceforth be referred to as "DSM".

Life (NBC)
Giving this one a limited "Raines" style try-out... Crime shows don't get a long leash around here.

No Thanks - CSI:NY (CBS) You just can't do anything right, can you CBS. I miss last year when "Jericho" was on Wednesdays...

Overview
I'm really only excited about DSM and Back To You. The rest of it is mostly getting by on being non-offensive or mildly interesting. Prepare for casualties...

The 2007/2008 Rundown (Tuesday)

2007-09-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

Tuesday

8/7

Dead Timeslot!

No Thanks - Beauty and the Geek (CW) Ashton = watch. Ashton, off camera = not watch. The Biggest Loser (NBC) I think if I watched this I'd just want to go work out, and then I wouldn't have time for all this TV, the sacrifices I make for you people... Bones (Fox) I gave this one a couple watches when it came on, but meh. Not even Boreanaz could hold my interest in a procedural. Cavemen (ABC) Cavemen, Really? When they give that gekko a show I give up. NCIS (CBS) The crimesolver show epedemic has really ruined primetime TV. My parents like these shows. Yawn. Bellisario created a gem Quantum Leap, and then this?

8:30/7:30

Carpoolers (ABC)
Jerry O'Connell = watch. Plus one of the creators is from Kids In The Hall. But he's also the one that directed the Mary Katharine Gallagher movie, so it's kind of a wash.

9/8

House (Fox)
Bitchy, sarcastic, mean lead character = watch. Plus I love pointing out to people how Hugh Laurie is British. Has nobody seen Blackadder? (plus I have a thing for cute blonde Aussies, so that explains Jesse Spencer and my bf) Als0 - I don't know how the hell they're going to get out of the hole they dug at the end of last season!

Reaper (CW)
Why did they have to cancel "The Loop"! I've been following Bret Harrison from the end of season 6 of "That 70's Show" to "The Loop" and now this thing. Kevin Smith directed the pilot too, but I've always maintained that he's a genius writer, but not the greatest director... I guess if they can put Phillip Baker Hall in this somehow down the road, then all will be right.

No Thanks - Dancing With The Stars Results (ABC) I'm gonna run out of clever mean things to say with all these shows... The Unit (CBS) CBS, The Crime Broadcasting Service.

9:30/8:30

No Thanks - The Signing Bee (NBC) Maybe If I had hot pokers in my eyes and I needed something to distract me from the pain.

10/9

Boston Legal (ABC)
Denny Crane! I love David Kelley, and he's taken his best show (The Practice) and added in just enough Ally McBeal to make a really fun show that still makes relevant points. I still really consider this the 12th season of "The Practice" rather than the new show it is. It's also really interesting how this show churns through characters, for most shows it would be a problem, but it seems to be a strength for this show - rather than sticking by characters that don't work or have no story and letting them drag things down, this show just cheerfully boots them off into another branch of the firm (or just stops mentioning them) And the addition of Larroquette (Oh how I suffered through "Happy Family" for you) and briging up Hands Espenson to full castmember, this could be the best year ever! Can you tell I like Boston Legal?

Cane (CBS)
I'm indifferent to Jimmy Smits (he earned some points on West Wing) but this show has enough EYE (CBS, get it?) candy to get a few looks.

No Thanks - Law & Order: SVU (NBC) Next thing you know, Dick Wolf will be clipping coupons to save money at craft service so he can show NBC that he's so budget conscious and they really ought to give these shows a 34th season...

Overview
The 7pm hour a total bust, how disappointing. The networks have the annoying talent of having whole chunks with nothing to watch then clumping 4 good shows together. I think if they just tried to counterprogram a bit more they wouldnt strangle good shows and maybe even build followings that would pay off down the road. So many shows don't find their footing in the first season and I wonder how many classic shows that we might have had never got a chance to grow and prosper. "Everybody Loves Raymond" for one would hardly get such a chance today, to say nothing of the patience of the 70s... Well at least I have House and Boston Legal to keep me warm.

Welcome to your 2007/2008 Network TV Season! (Monday Rundown)

2007-09-14T12:09:00.000-05:00

I really should have done this last year, the shows were better...

But in any case, here it is, the start of another year of shows. I'm going to plan to watch a great deal of them, and then write my thoughts on here. I'm just going to watch the shows I feel like and not everything. If I get a huge amount of requests I might consider adding a show here and there.

My DVR allows me to record 2 shows at a time, and there are a few places where the schedule screws me over, so a third or fourth show will get downloaded.

Throughout the year as schedules change and shows get cancelled and added to the airwaves (or should it be cablewaves...) this blog will adapt and change. I'll also be following news and discussing things that affect the network schedule.

Feel free to comment and suggest things, I'm doing this for me but I think there are plenty of people like me that will be interested in reading this.

So without further ado let me begin to introduce and discuss...

THE 2007/2008 US NETWORK TV PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

I'll discuss one day each post to kill time til the shows begin...

Monday

8/7

Chuck (NBC)
This one looks interesting, Geek Squad Spies... we'll see.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Considering how rare sitcoms have become, especially 3 camera shows, glad to see this one back (I want my Christine though!)

No Thanks - Dancing With The Stars (ABC) I just can't think of any scenario where I would enjoy this show. Everybody Hates Chris (CW) I tried to get into this last year, but I just stopped caring. Prison Break (Fox) Usually cute guys get a show a pass, but it always seemed like a one season premise, and from what I hear they haven't done so well extending it.

8:30/7:30

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
I like Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuocco, and I like sitcoms, and I'm already watching HIMYM...

Aliens In America (CW) - Download
This looks interesting, and if Bang gets cancelled it could earn a spot (Unless Christine replaces Bang...)

9/8

Heroes (NBC)
This is a show I gave a try to, but ended up really liking. I hope they don't screw up year two like so many good shows... They can start by revealing that not so many people died - but big ups for getting Kristin Bell (I still miss my Veronica)

No Thanks - Girlfriends (CW) Yeah, I've seen bits of this with no sound in syndication at my old job. that was enough. K-Ville (Fox) Haven't we all had enough of New Orleans? And Anthony Anderson? Two And A Half Men (CBS) I love Holland Taylor, met her once, but this show just never held any appeal for me, I don't know why, I even liked Lorre's last show (Dharma & Greg) but I think this is one of those where I missed the juggernaut so lost all interest.

9:30/8:30

Samantha Who? (ABC)
Always liked Christina Applegate (Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead is underrated) and the premise of this has potential to be a classic. And I like sitcoms.

Rules Of Engagement (CBS) - Download
I like Spade and Warburton, and it's nice to see Megyn Pryce show up again after Al Franken's "Lateline" nearly 10 years ago. And Oliver Hudson is nice eye-candy, but I have to hold the success of this show for killing off my beloved show of last year "The Class" which was 10x better than anything this show ever did. But I like sitcoms.

No Thanks - The Game (CW) If this was directed by David Fincher, maybe...

10/9

Journeyman (NBC)
Kevin McKidd was really great in Rome, and this is one of those shows that should be great or really annoying... Time will tell.

No Thanks - The Bachelor (ABC) This is a show not even top quality eye candy can make interesting. CSI:Miami (CBS) I don't like these shows to begin with, but when you put David Caruso in, it's enough to make baby Jesus cry.

Overview
So it looks like NBC has gotten me, along with most of the CBS sitcoms. I wonder how Samantha will do on ABC sandwitched between two reality shows, considering the success of Dancing, probably pretty well. If it has a big drop off though It'll probably be gone faster than Big Day...

Stay Tuned for Tuesday's Rundown soon...