Fall TV 09: October Report Card
As we snuggle beneath the blankets of fall, I thought it was time to grade each new and returning series thus far (at least those I actually watch).
Alphabetically, of course:
The Amazing Race: B
Seriously bummed at last week's unfortunate elimination due to lost passports.
The Biggest Loser: B+
Pulls the heartstrings, completely inspiring. You can't help but root for these contestants, and have to like a reality show that changes and saves so many lives.
Bones: B
I am on the impatient bandwagon that wants Booth & Bones to just date already. It is detracting from the show at this point, and just about everyone wants to see them together.
Bored to Death: B-
This new HBO series has yet to capture my attention entirely, but I enjoy the cast and will continue watching.
Brothers & Sisters: B
They are handling Kitty's crisis with proper poignancy. Bonus points for not forcing more of Ryan or Tommy on us.
Community: B
I really like Joel McHale and Danny Pudi, but am not in love with the rest of the supporting cast...yet.
Cougar Town: B
A new and true guilty pleasure. I liked Courtney Cox in Dirt and even more in this role.
Curb Your Enthusiasm: B
I am rooting for him to reunite with Cheryl, and was very entertained by the Seinfeld reunion.
Desperate Housewives: C+
I tuned back in this season solely because of Drea de Matteo. But the new-family-with-mysterious-son storyline is beyond stale on Wisteria Lane.
Dexter: A
Unforseen character twists and surprising endings, plus an even more complicated family life has made Dexter even more compelling this season.
Dollhouse: B+
With the exception of the baby episode, I have loved the second season thus far.
FlashForward: A
My favorite new drama in five years. Here is my new FF theory site, if you're interested.
Fringe: A
Tied with House for the best first episode of the fall season. They have kicked it up a notch in all areas.
Glee: A
No other show makes me smile or actually reflect fondly upon the awkward years as much as this one.
The Good Wife: B+
A very pleasant surprise and my first ever CBS procedural.
Grey's Anatomy: B
It took six seasons, but I finally like Meredith Grey.
Heroes: C
I loved the first season, and have been quietly and patiently awaiting a return to form. As of this week, Heroes has been removed from my TiVO Season Pass list for good.
House: A-
Now THAT was a stellar season premiere. I have to say that I miss having Thirteen around.
Medium: A-
Given NBC's recent series of primetime errors in judgement, I am thrilled that CBS picked up this series.
Modern Family: A
So. Damn. Funny. Easily the best new comedy of the season.
The Office: B-
I loved the last 15 minutes of the Jim & Pam wedding episode. Other than that, I have not laughed out loud once yet this season.
Parks & Recreation: B
A huge improvement from its freshman effort. I now much prefer to watch Amy Poehler than Steve Carell.
Private Practice: B
Bring Naomi back to the right floor, and hire on Charlotte to work there as well. Let the entertaining relationship fireworks begin.
Survivor: Samoa: C+
Perhaps CBS should have reconsidered their over-promotion of Russel as the biggest villain ever. Compared to Richard Hatch, he is dull and rather gross.
I am excited for the return of 30 Rock, tomorrow night on NBC. And Nip/Tuck returns to FX this evening; it became a guilty pleasure long ago.
But the new show I am now anticipating the most is V, which debuts on Tuesday, November 3 (ABC). I've seen the pilot, and loved it. Stay tuned for a preview review soon.
Let me know what you think about Fall TV thus far; which shows are you enjoying the most and least?
What about The Middle? It's better than any of ABC's dumb new comedies. It's best new show! Since Pushing Daisies is gone it's bright spot in the week.
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Definitely check out The Middle!
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Have to say I love GLEE! It makes me want to sing and dance around the family room!! and I agree Heroes started out great and has gone downhill from there, very disappointing. Have you watched The Middle? I like that one too.
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Ooh, TV report card. Neat idea.
Here are my grades for the shows both of us watch...
Brothers & Sisters: B
I agree about Kitty's storyline. It's added a certain gravity to the show. It's not fun, but it is well played.
Cougar Town: B-
It's not quite as funny as I'd like. I think the show tries a little too hard to fill every moment with a joke, so inevitably, some things don't work. But, it has potential.
Dollhouse: C- (hmm, maybe even a D+)
This is the one where we disagree. I've never been crazy about this show, but I think it's actually getting worse. I'm hoping the addition of Summer Glau will help.
FlashForward: B+
I haven't really connected with any characters quite yet, but the mysterious storyline is intriguing enough for me to tune in for more.
Glee: B
It's a great concept, and I like some of the characters & some of the musical numbers. But, the show always feels in flux, rather than laying steady groundwork. It seems someone joins, quits, joins & quits, or quits & re-joins the glee club every week. They still haven't focused much on some of the minor characters like Tina or Artie, and I think they make Sue out to be *too* evil. My favorite character, Emma Pillsbury, wasn't in tonight's episode at all. The show has potential though.
House: A-
As much as House should always remain the wise-cracking know-it-all, I'm also enjoying the [slightly] kindler, gentler House. Maybe he was getting too twisted & obnoxious for anyone to realistically put up with him. I may be the only person in the galaxy who liked Taub & 13 more than Chase & Cameron, so hopefully he at least gets 13 back or gets a brand new team altogether.
Survivor - Samoa: C
Another bad season of casting morons, weirdos, lazy people, and people without a conscience. Where's our new Rupert? Where's our alliance of smart, skilled, relatively likable people like the top four from the multi-ethnic season (one of the best seasons, despite the controversial start)?
As for Fringe, it didn't grab me last year, so I stopped watching. I've tried a couple episodes this season, and it still doesn't. The alternate reality aspect & the casting of Leonard Nimoy are intriguing, but I may have to let this show slip by.
Heroes. I removed my season pass over the summer & haven't really missed it. I gave this week's episode a try, and it didn't grab me. So, I may be permanently done with this show too.
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I have to say, I disagree with you about Russell on Survivor. Every season, my wife and I divide the castaways into two teams and root for the people on our own team. I have to say, that first episode where Russell was sabotaging camp and being completely egotistic was great. It's just so much fun when one of my team members is causing so many problems.
Oh, and on House, Taub, a character I never cared about whatsoever, made his exit as show-changing as he did his entrance - barely noticeable and at the same time annoying as usual.
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