Now that we are a couple of weeks into the Fall TV season I feel the need to share a few thoughts on the season so far. But, first I really need to thank the makers of the Scientific Atlantic 8300 HD because mine has been working overdrive. Before adding the digital video recorder to my cable plan a couple of years ago I hardly watched any television at all. Mainly because the only show I could remember to watch was Smallville and even when I knew others were on it was hard for me to put aside other things to just sit down and watch TV all night. Since DVR however, I have become a full on junkie, to express this point I offer this example. Last week I spent 5 days in Louisiana and returned to a DVR full of shows to watch, since I have been working from home I was able to catch up on everything I had missed by Wednesday morning, by Wednesday night my DVR had 8 new recordings, in one day. So what exactly have I been watching this season? Here is the breakdown:
Sunday night:
Family Guy – Still funny, it’s not spectacular but enjoyable for it’s off the wall humor and seeming lack of direction.
Monday night:
Heroes – Through three episodes the show is teetering right around average. I forgave that in the opening episode as they have a lot of storylines to set up but I think this show would really benefit from having a story arc that comes to conclusion in about 6 or 8 episodes. Keeping up interest for a 24 part arc is very hard without the momentum from a good side story to push you along. So far its all build up and little action, I have faith though that it will get better. I also happen to hate the new characters of Alejandro and Maya, their powers suck and their little adventure to become illegals bores me to tears.
Chuck – So far I really like it. Even gift shop girl who plays Chuck’s sister is entertaining though I have hated her in most of her other appearances.
Tuesday night:
Bones – I never got into the CSI thing but I am guessing that this is kinda similar in that they are all medical mysteries. The storylines themselves though are not as big a draw as the characters and the actors that are playing them. Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz are great as the leads and the supporting cast all fits very well.
House – By now who doesn’t recognize House as one of the best shows on television. Count me as one of the people who really likes where they have gone with the search for a new team and finding a way, if not completely realistic, to keep the old cast still on the show. I wonder where Forman lands?
Wednesday night:
Pushing Daisies – Of all the new shows this is my favorite. Both of the episodes have been great. Visually it looks fantastic, sort of like the movie Big Fish in that in looks like a larger than life world. And the stories are great; right down to the voice over that kind of makes me feel as if we are watching a Dr. Seuss story.
Gossip Girl – I could go either way on this show. On one hand I can not relate to a single character, on the other I really need a fix for trashy television and Josh Schwartz does it well. So what if it is based on books for teenage girls, I can still find something to enjoy, right? Well, I have watched three episodes so far and the first two were pretty subpar, but the third one actually had me quite entertained. I still have to watch last nights but I could see myself either becoming hooked or just giving up before they hit the halfway mark.
Bionic Woman – Fading fast on my radar, the pilot was so-so and the second episode was a mash up that seemed disjointed. I hope last nights was better or this is getting dropped from the DVR before the 4th episode.
Thursday night:
Smallville – I have watched every episode, own the first 5 seasons on DVD and can hardly believe I am now watching the 7th. I like where they are going this season and you can totally see the show coming to a close as Clark Kent gets ever closer to being Superman.
The Office – I was so reluctant to watch this until I rented the DVDs over the summer. Now I love the show. I do not like the hour long episodes however. Still, I think we are in store for a good season and even though many people did not like Michael driving into a lake I found it funny.
Grey’s Anatomy – I think this show is going downhill. The spinoff siphoned away a good character and left a void that the new characters are not filling. Through two episodes I am the least excited about this show of all the returning shows. Shame really because that second season was great and it has not lived up to the hype since.
Friday night:
Friday Night Lights – My favorite new show from last season also came back with a great first episode. It could be my love of football or small town America but this show is great. I might even buy a “What Would Riggins Do?” Tshirt.
Moonlight – I have a soft spot for Vampires and even though this show is clearly a rehash of so many shows that have come before it. Whether you are thinking Angel or just about any other PI plus reporter solves crimes show you would be right. Still, its Friday night and you cant expect too much.
Las Vegas – Possibly the most ridiculous show on television and that includes those mentioned above. Repeating that point, the most ridiculous show I watch is about a Las Vegas casino and the people who work there, not the one about the Mutants, or the guy who had government secrets downloaded to his brain, not the guy who can bring people back to life by touching them or the girl with weird robotic parts. Nope, it is even more ridiculous than the show about the Alien who gets powers from the yellow sun and the Vampire PI. Still, the show is entertaining and the cast is hot. Again, it’s Friday night TV.
So there it is, my rundown. Where I realize I watch a ton of television and feel bad about it for a few seconds before coming to terms and realizing there are worse things I could be spending my time doing. And thanks to my DVR I get to watch it all on my own schedule without having to give up other more healthy pursuits like working out or spending with actual real live people.
