A new version of my thread from last year. Technically, many are not "new" shows, but quite a few had their first season cut short with the writer's strike last year, so they are grandfathered-in. Here's my take on the current Fall lineup that I've had a chance to see:
The Good -
Mad Men - I have to give Season #2 my nod for "this year's fav". It is so excellently stylized for the time. God, they make smoking so sexy! Apparently others agree with, since it recently won the Emmy. Hopefully they will expand their storyline beyond Don Draper's trysts long enough to develop more characters, as well have stories built around relevant events of the time.
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles - Best season opener episode, imo. More great action, a surprisingly heartwrenching scene with the rogue Cameron terminator (I love Summer Glau!), and an awesome song by Shirley Manson (who is also acting in the series this year!).
Chuck - Pretty much the same formula as last year, but just as enjoyable. Somehow it manages to skirt the fine line between drama & kitsch perfectly. I DVR it, and watch it every week. 'Nuff said.
Fringe - Now here's a decent example of the sci-fi, X-file-esque genre. Not great, occasionally annoying, but has some promise. Although I think "Threshold" was better, and look what happened to that series after only a few eps. I question this one's longevity.
Boston Legal - I actually thought this show was already cancelled, but apparently it is now in its final season. Writers seem to have pared-down the huge ensemble of characters, and focused on the magic pairing of William Shatner & James Spader. These guys are insane! When I grow up, I want to be able to speak in public like Alan Shore, and have enough money to act as crazy as Denny Crane (and get away with it). These guys are as good together as any classic show-biz duo. Honorable mention.
Eli Stone - Another one of my guilty pleasures. I can't put my finger on exactly why I like this show, but I do. Lots of good "energy" from this one. Sue me *shrug*.
Pushing Daisies - My fav show last year. I've DVRed the first few eps, but haven't watched what is going on these days at the Pie Hole yet (I want to give them my full attention). Hopefully the writers are keeping up their previous standard.
Life on Mars - I have no idea where this show is going (and I'm guessing the writers don't either), but I found the first two eps surprisingly good. Maybe I just like retro? Anyway, my disbelief is sufficiently suspended long enough to ensure I'll be watching to see what develops. Plus it has Harvey Keitel! My surprise like.
The Bad -
Heroes - Hate it! Hate it! Hate it! There, I said it. We are four shows into the third season, and we have barely moved past what we knew back at the first ep. I feel like I am watching "Lost". This show has been relegated to my "DVR it, and watch when/if there's nothing else I have to do" status. Sad. So sad.
Sanctuary - Bad, bad, bad, bad, BAD! I couldn't get past the first 30 minutes. When will the Sci-Fi channel learn how to create a decent show/movie???
Any thoughts?
The Good -
Mad Men - I have to give Season #2 my nod for "this year's fav". It is so excellently stylized for the time. God, they make smoking so sexy! Apparently others agree with, since it recently won the Emmy. Hopefully they will expand their storyline beyond Don Draper's trysts long enough to develop more characters, as well have stories built around relevant events of the time.
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles - Best season opener episode, imo. More great action, a surprisingly heartwrenching scene with the rogue Cameron terminator (I love Summer Glau!), and an awesome song by Shirley Manson (who is also acting in the series this year!).
Chuck - Pretty much the same formula as last year, but just as enjoyable. Somehow it manages to skirt the fine line between drama & kitsch perfectly. I DVR it, and watch it every week. 'Nuff said.
Fringe - Now here's a decent example of the sci-fi, X-file-esque genre. Not great, occasionally annoying, but has some promise. Although I think "Threshold" was better, and look what happened to that series after only a few eps. I question this one's longevity.
Boston Legal - I actually thought this show was already cancelled, but apparently it is now in its final season. Writers seem to have pared-down the huge ensemble of characters, and focused on the magic pairing of William Shatner & James Spader. These guys are insane! When I grow up, I want to be able to speak in public like Alan Shore, and have enough money to act as crazy as Denny Crane (and get away with it). These guys are as good together as any classic show-biz duo. Honorable mention.
Eli Stone - Another one of my guilty pleasures. I can't put my finger on exactly why I like this show, but I do. Lots of good "energy" from this one. Sue me *shrug*.
Pushing Daisies - My fav show last year. I've DVRed the first few eps, but haven't watched what is going on these days at the Pie Hole yet (I want to give them my full attention). Hopefully the writers are keeping up their previous standard.
Life on Mars - I have no idea where this show is going (and I'm guessing the writers don't either), but I found the first two eps surprisingly good. Maybe I just like retro? Anyway, my disbelief is sufficiently suspended long enough to ensure I'll be watching to see what develops. Plus it has Harvey Keitel! My surprise like.
The Bad -
Heroes - Hate it! Hate it! Hate it! There, I said it. We are four shows into the third season, and we have barely moved past what we knew back at the first ep. I feel like I am watching "Lost". This show has been relegated to my "DVR it, and watch when/if there's nothing else I have to do" status. Sad. So sad.
Sanctuary - Bad, bad, bad, bad, BAD! I couldn't get past the first 30 minutes. When will the Sci-Fi channel learn how to create a decent show/movie???
Any thoughts?
