The Quantum Leap wannabe is Journeyman, although there’s also a healthy dose of Tru Calling in the mix. While it was an enjoyable pilot with Kevin McKidd making a likable lead, I might not have returned for a second episode as I could see a formula developing with McKidd trying to save someone in the past and his own marriage each week and that would get tired very quickly. Luckily the pilot episode turns that expectation on its head at the finale and I was left eager to see what happens next.
Some shows don’t just bring back memories of TV shows from the past but also have much in common with each other. A couple of years ago it was alien invasions (Invasion, Surface, Threshold ) and this year, as well as giving us a look into the lives of the idle rich, TV Land seems preoccupied with teenage geeks coerced into jobs they don’t want. Reaper may have a touch of Brimstone about it and Chuck may be a bit like Jake 2.0 but they have more in common with each other than those old shows. Chuck is forced to work for the government after he accidentally has the contents of a shared F.B.I./N.S.A. database downloaded into his brain. Sam, the central character in Reaper, finds himself working for the devil (Ray Wise in top form) after his parents sold his soul before he was born. I’m not going to make any analogies between the current US government and the devil, instead I’ll point out the both leads share a similar job and that their work environment looks likely to play a large part in both shows. I’ll be sticking with them for a while at least but Chuck won out in the battle of the pilots.
The one show that can’t fail to draw comparisons with the past is Bionic Woman. The central premise is the same; a horrific accident (car crash this time) leads to Jamie Sommers getting new legs, a new arm and other accessories. She’s also still not keen on working for the government and this time who can blame her? Instead of cuddly Oscar Goldman she’s stuck with Jonas Bledsoe, played with more than a hint of menace by Miguel Ferrer. Time will tell if this can escape the shadow of its predecessor but I wouldn’t bet against it, some of the behind the scenes guys pulled off a similar feat with Battlestar Galactica and Michelle Ryan’s come a long way from British TV soap Eastenders.
Article comments
1 - Rohan
Gah, someone called Heroes the best show on TV, are things really that bad?
If all you're counting is what's running right now, The Office beats Heroes in writing, acting and overall consistency. I know, I know, apples and oranges, but have you seen the premiere of Heroes? The writing has gotten even looser and more 'melo'. At least Nikki/Jessica didn't show up.
And make sure you don't put-off Pushing Daisies for later, it's a great piece of Television.
2 - Ray Ellis
I'd disagree with you on one point. "Big Bang Theory" is the worst pilot I've seen. I'd give it a three-episode run, tops. Still CBS sandwiched it between some other comedies, so it could have a slightly longer life. I wouldn't anticipate a box set, though.
3 - Ron
You are out of your mind on The Big Bang Theory :
Good Ratings For The Big Bang Theory In week 2 Again !!
The show finished # 2 in its time slot behind the mighty Dancing With the Stars, and it built on its How I Met Your Mother lead in by 13%. It also beat NBC's critically acclaimed Chuck by a whopping 14 %.
The Big Bang Theory is thriving !!
4 - Ray Ellis
We'll see. . .
5 - Ty
"While plenty of the new shows are interesting there doesn’t seem to be a surfeit of originality on display. In fact, almost all the newbies I’ve watched feel like throwbacks to the past, although one does have the excuse of being a remake."
And what is your take on "Aliens in America?" Critics are saying that the show is very un-CW like in that it is actually good and not campy.
6 - Chris Beaumont
Aliens in America was surprisingly decent. It still needs a couple of eps to get a grip of itself, but it could turn out well.
Big Bang Thory is medicore at best, and it slipped in its second week, as did Chuck which I like.
Cavemen and Carpoolers are likely early cuts. They are both awful.