WARNING: The free form ramblings continue, be prepared for run-ons, incomplete thoughts, and atrocious punctuations. This is what happens to a mind on TV, it's not pretty, but kind of fun.
Sunday 8/28.
- Wanted. I started watching this, my attention started to wander. Later though, my attention came back as the hunt intensified. The search was for a child murderer, and one of the team was taking it rather personally leading to some rather intense moments, especially upon apprehending the suspect. Still, I didn't find the team to be all that compelling. **.5
- The 4400. The season finale continues to send this series in unexpected directions. The conflict is intensifying between NTAC and the 4400. Lily had gotten away with Isabel, but Isabel did not want to be there, using her power to compel her mother to return. Meanwhile Tom discovers project Firewall, where the government actively attempted to suppress the 4400's powers, thereby causing the current disease that is starting to claim lives. Kyle battles his demons, finally deciding to turn himself in for Collier's murder. Jeffrey Combs discovers a way to stop the side effects, using a syringe with a glowing liquid similar to one from his horror classic Re-Animator. Not sure where this is going, but I look forward to the trip. ***.5
- The Dead Zone. Right after I complain about the lack of mythology, they respond with the season finale, bringing Stillson back into the picture. A boating accident prompts Stillson to enlist the aid of his sworn enemy, Johnny. This may not have been exactly what I was hoping for, but it does show how the perceived Armageddon can be changed. The key is to put together all the pieces to gain a favorable outcome. Can Johnny find the right combination? ***
Monday 8/29.
- WWE: Raw. The show opened with Carlito interviewing HBK, they had some pretty good back and forth until Chris Masters appeared. That would lead to them setting up a tag match involving Carlito/Masters against HBK/Ric Flair. Shortly after that Flair was found beaten and bloodied in a heap, who did it? I have my guess, we shall see. The first hour main event was a street fight pitting Matt Hardy against Edge, this proved to be a pretty hardcore weapon filled fight. That resulted in Matt and Edge going off the stage into a cluster of rigged power lines, Wonder where this feud is going to go, but I liked this match. Next up Cena comes out and and calls out Kurt Angle, nice little verbal battle leading to a little brawl. Our main event was a two on one since Flair was taken out. HBK fought well against the two, but when things looked grim, Flair showed up all bandaged and raring to go. I wasn't enough. Chris Masters won the match with the masterlock. Decent overall show. ***
- The Closer. Another fine episode. This time Brenda has to deal with a death row inmate who was convicted of a crime that he did not commit, but he still was a murderer. Then there is the potential tampering of evidence by the arresting officer, and a doctor who may have made a hasty judgment call. Then there is the remarried widower who may have been involved in the murder. This is all spurred by the discovery of a woman who recently died, but was thought to have been murdered 3 years prior. I've said it before, but Kyra Sedgewick is wonderful on this show. ***.5
- Prison Break. The fall season started a bit early with this premiere. I gotta say, I like what I see. The concept borders on the ludicrous, the manipulations seem to be on the plot convenient side of the fence, yet I still found the show exciting and believable. Sometimes a show can take it;s concept the brink of believability, yet if the energy and belief is there it is easy to convince the audience to come along for the ride, and Prison Break does just that. Michael Schofield is dead set on breaking his brother out of prison where he is on death row for killing the President's brother, a crime he didn't commit. The first two episodes throw us headlong into Michael's quest, full of manipulation and luck, mixed with a brewing political intrigue going on outside of the prison walls. I look forward to where this may be taking me, it looks like a fun ride. ****
Tuesday 8/30.
- Rescue Me. Still one of the best shows going. The finale is fast approaching. Tommy has a talk with Sheila's son. A talk that starts as a way of deterring his chosen career path, but that doesn't go as planned as Tommy is proud of what he does. Tommy then takes a break from his wife's happy pills to show his hockey team he's still the man, putting one of the cops in the hospital. Plus Franco starts dating the friend of an adult film star. This show is simply fantastic, great characters, great writing, I'm looking forward to the finale. ****
Wednesday 8/31.
- Over There. Making a great one two punch with Rescue Me, Stephen Bochco's war drama continues it's run of compelling fiction. This time, the journalist who inadvertently painted Smoke as a criminal is held captive and is set to be killed. The team gets the mission to rescue him, while also dealing with the bounty on Smoke's head. Bo finally goes home after the loss of his leg, but not is all rosy on the home front, and Dim's wife is not dealing so well at home. I wasn't sure I was going to get behind this, but it has successfully drawn me in, with no signs of letting go. ****
Thursday 9/1.
- WWE: Smackdown. Heidenreich against Mercury starts the show. Hopefully, this will culminate next week with a title change. Benoit again demolishes Orlando Jordan, and I love it. We get the next appearance of Mr. Kennedy as he takes on Booker T, and wins thanks to Christian. Batista has a joke match with Simon Dean over his sports drink. Regal brought out his new tag partner Paul Burchill, who came off as pretty impressive. The main event was a better than expected match between Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio, NOTE: Next week Smackdown moves to Friday. **.5
- Starved. I like this, it is just bizarre and stocked with characters that aren't terribly likable. Sam finds a new girlfriend mistakenly by typing incorrectly in a chat room, and Adam has to pretend he's gay to avoid being suspended, which doesn't go all that well. ***
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The bar gets robbed, so the guys decide that it's time to get a gun. Now, these guys aren't the brightest bulbs in the box so you can guess how good that idea is. They end up shooting Charlie while stalking the burglar. Not the best show, but it is kind of growing on me like a fungus. ***
Friday 9/2.
- Nothing.
Saturday 9/3.
- The Snakehead Terror.
- Frankenfish.
- I'm just going to give a couple of quick thoughts on these as a pair, as they seem as if they should be connected. Neither one is very good. They both involve people putting chemicals or such in a lake and snakehead fish growing to large sizes with appetites for humans to match. I just don't feel all that inspired to write about this pair. Enter at your risk. I will say that Frankenfish did contain a very good kill when a fire sets of a shotgun and blows off half of China Chow's face! **
End. Transmission.
Continued on the next page
Page 1 — Page 2
Article comments
1 - Eric Berlin
Great job as always, Chris.
Was the Dead Zone the season finale? If so it ended on a weird note... seems like just as the myth aspect is coming back, they'll cut it 'till next year? Overall, I see this series losing steam -- hate to say that, though, as it was so great in its first two-ish seasons.
Agreed on Rescue Me: get on board, people!
Starved I like but I just decided to stop watching as the certain aspects makes me sick to my stomach (literally).
Chris -- maybe add the network / time on the shows so people can catch them if interested? Hate to tack more work on for you!
2 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Eric.
What USA and Sci-Fi and others do is run half the season in the summer, and then the second half starting in January. So this is actually just mid-season, but the play it asa finale.
Net/Time isn't a bad idea. I've been thinking of ways to possiblky improve on my grammatically incorrect ramblings. I am also thinking of doing a best/worst of the week, lkike I do on my monthly movie recaps.
3 - Matt Maltese
Another great column Chris.
I really enjoyed this season of The 4400. Kept me interested the entire season. Lots of twists at the end, most of which were good.
Good episode of Rescue Me this week. Miles better than the weak one last week.
4 - Eric Berlin
Chris -- Sometimes the only way to improve quality is to cut down on quantity!
5 - Chris Beaumont
Not sure I could do that...... :)
6 - Eric Berlin
Yep, I've been there, it ain't easy...
7 - Bob A. Booey
I wouldn't watch any of these shows :) You and I have WAY different taste in TV, bro. But it's all good.
That is all.
8 - Chris Beaumont
None of them, Bob?
Please share, what do you watch?
9 - Eric Berlin
Yes, I'd like to hear what's on Bob's current TV lineup.
10 - Bob A. Booey
I believe I have just been goaded into TV reviewing and unofficially blogging.
Good question, Chris. I have the TV viewing habits (and the concomitant maturity) of a 14 year old boy. I generally don't watch dramas on TV because they usually suck and are far inferior, in terms of the writing and directing talent, and safer than film dramas.
The only new show I've watched this summer is Rockstar: INXS, but apparently I'm the only one. I kind of watched a little "Beauty and the Geek" as well, but otherwise, the summer reality fare wasn't much fun for me. I also find the "Tommy Lee Goes to College" show mildly amusing as well. I must admit I miss the trashiest, stupidest summer reality show of all time, "Paradise Island."
It seems like you're a scifi guy? I liked an episode of Battlestar Galactica that I stumbled across, but I don't really know when or where I'd find occasion to watch it again.
Here's some crap I watch off the top of my head (not all quality). I'm leaving all ESPN and Comedy Central shows off, because those are my default channels when I want to veg out and nothing's on (typical 20something guy, I know). So I'll leave it to mostly network TV and HBO to be fair. I usually don't watch even the shows listed below, but I try to tape them or watch them when I can.
I go over what I'll watch on network TV below, but other than that, it's:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Da Ali G Show
Seinfeld/Simpsons reruns
Buffy/Angel reruns (geek much?)
Boring public television documentaries or political talk/news shows
Cooking shows (my girlfriend loves them and they're pleasantly relaxing, even though I can't cook AT ALL)
Here's what I'd watch based on the fall preview schedules this upcoming season:
NOTHING on ABC, except "Lost" at 9 pm Wednesday nights. "Desperate Housewives" is OK on Sunday at 9 pm, but I'm not really caught up in the hype. I might watch it if my girlfriend forces me to now and then, but I don't really get all the fuss. Eva Longoria's pretty hot to look at, though.
I can't stand "Grey's Anatomy" -- it tries way too hard to be cutesy and chick-friendly Gen X "ER," complete with the scruffy, handsome cad love interest. I hate it and I hope it fails, even though Sandra Oh's in it.
For CBS, "How I Met Your Mother" (Mondays, 8:30) looks promising and could be a ratings winner, but I probably won't watch it. Appealing cast, but it'll be "Friends"-lite relationship comedy. And I won't watch anything else on their entire network -- garbage. Everyone says "Amazing Race" is good and I find it mildly entertaining the two times I've watched any of it, but it's not worth the time.
On Fox, I will be watching Arrested Development (Mondays, 8 pm) religiously and so should all of you. Shame on all you lazy TV viewers who haven't made this a smash hit. "Bones" (Tues, 8 pm) has David Boreanaz in it, but the reviews have been horrible and so are the commercial previews. I won't watch it even though I really liked "Angel," which was a better show than "Buffy" for a good year or two of its run. "That 70s Show" (Wed, 8 pm) will probably remain its usual consistently slightly-above-mediocre teen comedy, but I won't watch it unless there's nothing else on. It'll probably be a better show without Ashton Kutcher's horrible line deliveries (everything's screamed like an imbecile) and without the going-nowhere Eric Forman character. Fez will undoubtedly be the new star of the show for most of the punch lines. I won't be home on Friday nights, but I'll tape Bernie Mac and Malcolm in the Middle (8 and 8:30 pm), because while both seem to be on their last legs, they're quality shows that deserve strong viewership.
I'll watch the whole Sunday animated lineup on Fox (Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy, American Dad), even though the quality of those shows has declined. I'll DEFINITELY skip the new Michael Rapaport sitcom "The War at Home" in the middle of that block (8:30 pm), as I'm sure many other viewers will, leading to perhaps Malcolm being moved back to Sundays.
For NBC Tuesday, I'll give "My Name is Earl" (9 pm) a chance since the commercials look quirky, but I'll know within the first five minutes if I love or hate it. I'm pretty sure I'll feel strongly one way or another. I'll give it a chance at the start, especially because it comes right before another must-watch, The Office (Tues, 9:30 pm). Joey's not a horrible show (Thurs, 8 pm), but I don't watch it and apparently, I'm not the only one. It'll be gone after next year and so will the idea of any other Friends spinoffs unless NBC gets REALLY desperate in the future (which continuing to be in 4th place will do to you).
On the WB, I'll watch "Smallville" on Thursdays at 8 pm, although the show has lost me a little bit. I'm not nearly as geeked on this show as I was when it first debuted a few years ago. However, if I like the new Chris Rock show, I'll watch that first and then tape Smallville. "Gilmore Girls" (Tues, 8 pm) is a very good show that all you broads should watch, but I can't say that I'm a fan, because it'd be, well, embarrassing. And because I'm not really a fan. I've watched some OK episodes, some annoying ones -- the rich cad journalist love interest who calls Rory "ace" is really one of the worst characters in recent memory and there's no chemistry in the love story between Lorelai and Luke. So the show doesn't seem to be going anywhere, yet it's got witty dialogue if you like that kinda thing. It doesn't really interest me, though, because I'm not a big fan of chick shows.
There's GREAT, GREAT buzz about "Everybody Hates Chris" on UPN (Thursdays, 8 pm), which is Chris Rock's autobiographical comedy about growing up in the hood and in white schools as an adolescent. This is the show I'm most looking forward to -- if it's anything like Rock's comic sensibility, I'll be hooked. I don't think it can be a breakout hit on the UPN network and CBS is too conservative and too narrow-sighted to pick up a show that might appeal to someone other than the white Geritol market. "Veronica Mars" (Wednesdays, 9 pm) gets great critical raves and is pretty good from the couple of episodes I've seen -- think Buffy without the sex and kung fu. But I'm not sure I'll remember to tune in.
So here's the TV schedule if I actually sat down and committed to watching network TV, a promise I almost always break since I'm too ADD:
Sunday
I'm guaranteed to tape all these animated shows that I've grown up with:
7:00-7:30 PM FOX Animated Encores
7:30-8:00 PM FOX KING OF THE HILL
8:00-8:30 PM FOX THE SIMPSONS
[Note the hole here at 8:30 pm until they decide to replace the atrocious "War at Home"]
9:00-9:30 PM FOX FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM FOX AMERICAN DAD
9 pm ABC Desperate Housewives (maybe worth taping during dumb animation)
Monday
8 pm FOX Arrested Development (guaranteed a date with my eyes or VCR)
8:30 CBS How I Met Your Mother (probably not, but I'll give it ONE try)
Tuesday
8 pm NBC My Name is Earl (I'll give it a shot)
8 pm WB Gilmore Girls (if I'm really bored or feel in touch with my feminine side, but probably not)
8:30 pm NBC The Office (guaranteed a date with my eyes or VCR)
Wed
8 pm That 70s Show (if I'm really bored or lower my standards, but probably not)
9 pm ABC Lost (guaranteed a date with my eyes or VCR)
9 pm UPN Veronica Mars (maybe worth taping, but I'm afraid I'll probably miss it unless they change timeslots)
Thursday
8 pm WB Smallville (I'll probably tape it)
8 pm UPN Everybody Hates Chris (either my favorite new show or the biggest disappointment)
Friday
8 pm FOX Bernie Mac (a guaranteed date with my VCR)
8:30 pm FOX Malcom in the Middle (Ditto.)
I sort of smell mediocre ratings on "Apprentice: Martha Stewart" and no real break-out shows. The only potential ratings successes are "How I Met Your Mother," maybe a minor success for "Everybody Hates Chris," and possibly "Invasion," as well, although I think the presence of so many alien-themed shows will water down the concept and mean all but one sink and fail.
ABC will see most of their new comedies fail, as will most (probably all) of the new NBC dramas. NBC's taken a much more risk-averse programming approach, which isn't going to help the lack of creative spark that's sent them into the doldrums. ABC will coast on its hits from last season and CBS will have a steady, if unspectacular lineup of new shows that'll fit in well with their current ones. And Fox will continue to kick ass among younger viewers, especially when "American Idol" comes back, which I will of course watch religiously in the spring.
If there were a year Idol were to finally show some potential for slippage in the ratings, it'd be this one after a ho-hum crop of singers last year and Paula's wackiness. But that's a ratings juggernaut that doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
That is all.
11 - Eric Berlin
Wow, Bob, that's a lot more than I expected!
My Name Is Earl looks to be very promising. Saw the advance pilor over the weekend and will hope to have a review up in a day or two.
12 - Bob A. Booey
Berlin, how do you get advance pilots? Do you work in TV professionally?
As for late night TV, I watch Conan, Jimmy and occasionally Dave. I hate Jay. I wrote a long essay on Jay vs. Dave once about why I can't stand Jay.
That is all.
13 - Eric Berlin
No Bob, I am merely The Chosen One.
14 - Bob A. Booey
Oh and course I'll watch Scrubs religiously whenever it comes back in mid-season. It'll likely replace whichever between "My Name is Earl" or (God forbid) "The Office" struggles more in the surival of the fittest on Tuesday nights. Does anyone know the real story of why the show was pushed back to mid-season? I heard something about Zach Braff filming movies, but this can't be a good sign for the show. The impression I got was that the ratings had become mediocre enough for the show not to have to worry about cancellation, but starting at mid-season isn't a way to inspire viewer loyalty or build audience share.
That is all.