Dollhouse

So i think joss Wheden has figured out a way to keep this show alive. In the first season it was all about the FBI trying to find the dollhouse and more importantly Caroline. By the end of the season the FBI agent, who lost his job searching for the dollhouse, actually finds the dollhouse. And in effort to save his life and the lives of the dolls he agrees to work for them. Yay, i know it sounds stupid. But all the worries about where the show might be heading now that the season one story line finished is over. The new plot is about a politician who oppposes the Rossum group (this is the group that secretly funds the dollhouse program) because of the animal and human testing. And in the latest episode (2 i think) someone gives him information about the rossum group and their human testing. Now my only worry is that this story line will be wrapped up by the end of the season. If that happens then the creators will constantly have to find new story lines, eventually the idea of a person being implanted will different personalities and memories will get boring. If that happens then we will just be watching little vignettes of a character that is unrelatable because the character can be everyone. But heres hoping that Mr. whedon knows what he is doing.

Grey's Anatomy

So for the last few seasons i have gradually become more and more disappointed with this show. And while it's still not up to par it's getting there. You can start to see glimpses of why you first started to watch the show. That being said, i'm so not happy with this merger idea. Not because i'm afraid we'll lose some of the characters (because let's face it, who cares?) but because it a stupid idea. I do know what they were going for, the real life job insecurity feel. Except they are doctors and doctors will never have problems getting a job, maybe not a great job or their dream job, but they will be employed. And nurses are in high demand, always. Okay, so maybe it's all about leaving your life behind, friends, home, city, etc.
So another point with the merger idea: It was all Richard Weber's idea in order to save his job. So when he was telling derek how horrible he feels letting people go, how can you believe that. This is a guy who wants to save his job, one that he can no longer do anymore. So has the chief been steadily getting on your nerves the last few seasons?

Mercy

So i finally got around to watching this show again and i have to say it's getting better. The themes are a little too repetitive and the acting is a little harsh but overall i think this show is going to be really good. It's clearly still in the beginning stages and it needs to decide if it's going to be a medical drama or simply a drama set in a hospital (think Grey's Anatomy). I have high hopes for this show and hope that it will survive sweeps. Does anybody else agree or disagree?

Desperate Housewives

This is one of those shows I watch primarily because I'm not the only one in control of what we watch in this house. I have to say. It's not very good. The premier showcased a new character, and also an old Soprano's actress, always an interesting find. That said, the actors (with the possible exception of Felicia Huffman) and the plots are silly. The one thing I can say definitively is that the writers/producers of the show at least know that it's an over dramatic, silly soap opera. Does anyone out there actually enjoy the show? How come?

House -

So in this episode we're stuck dealing with the hospital sans House. He's finally out of the mental hospital, but his therapist successfully convinces him that he needs to leave the hospital behind, because the stress may lead him to fall back onto his old drug habits. As you might expect, House's departure left a vacuum in the diagnostic department at the hospital, which was quickly filled by Foreman.

So what did I think about this episode. Well, it was not what I had expected. Dr. House seems to be opening up to his therapist fairly easily, something that I suppose is to be expected since he already had his "breakthrough" but I'm a bit skeptical about the different ways he explored to distract from his pain. I do appreciate that this "exploration" took only one episode, and he's clearly heading back to the hospital. I also must admit I enjoyed his forays into the kitchen, for what they were worth.

In general the show was a strong showcase for Dr. Foreman, but I'm eager to see House get back into the hospital doing what he does best. How will his emotional changes alter him as a doctor? We'll find out. What'd you think about this week's episode?

Grey's Anatomy

Oh Grey's Anatomy. How torn you make me. I'll be honest in saying that it's unlikely that I'll abandon the show no matter where it goes. Part of that is the fact that I'm not the only one making television watching decisions in this house, but the other part is that I can (apparently) subsist on brilliant moments far after they've stopped happening regularly. Such is the case in this episode.

I thought there were a few excellent moments in this episode. Chandra Wilson, typically brilliant, was overall, somewhat less so. Most of her forced detachment, although it made sense, still felt false. There were a few moments where she seemed to be unleashed somewhat and was able to bring the traditional sense of Bailey to the show. I thought "Izzy" had some good moments as well. Overall however, the show seemed to be more focused on setting things up for the season, as opposed to really revealing very much. This is not necessarily meant to be a criticism (per se) but it is something that I'd like to see evolve relatively soon.

I'll leave it there for now, but I'd love to hear your comments. This season should be interesting, and I do miss T.R. Knight already. We'll see what happens. What do you want to happen next?

America's Next Top Model

So this episode seemed to be all about the bitch. Bitch Ashley and Bitch Lulu started off the show by making Bianca feel even worse about herself, then they criticize Mathematician Brittany's runway walk right before the challenge. Brittany ended up winning the runway challenge and got a photos hoot in Seventeen Magazine. Not once did they congratulate her. And then they criticized Nicole for having a heart to heart with Bianca. They said that Nicole was naive and Bianca was taking advantage of her. Nicole, as it turns out, is not naive and knew exactly what they were doing. And it doesn't stop there. Bitch Ashley and Bitch Lulu basically criticized everyone on the photo shoot saying they had the best pictures. In the end though karma caught up to them. Lulu was sent home. Apparently she did not rock the photo shoot. Well i hope this takes away Ashley's power and she learns to be nice. But more than likely she'll just suck someone else down into that black hole.

Mercy

This show is like the primetime ripoff of HBO's Nurse Jackie. I'm not going to say much more about that for those of you waiting to watch it when it comes onto DVD. However Mercy does have some unique differences that interest me. And also i really liked Nurse Jackie so this isn't such a bad thing.
Did anybody else think Michelle Trachtenberg's role reminded you a little too much like little Dawn Summers?
Anyway, I like this show, a little disappointed that it'd already been done but i'm going to try and get past that.

Community Episode 2

Alison's Take - What happened to all the funny?

Gavin's Take - This is a somewhat different format than we usually use for reviews/comments, but I felt that with Alison's somewhat abrupt (justified?) comments, it wasn't worth creating a whole new posting just for some additional notes. First let me say I definitely understand where you're coming from. The episode lacked some of the unique punch that a great comedy has, and was sorely lacking for major laugh out loud moments. That said, I didn't completely hate the episode. There was some character development, and while the Spanish teacher is, for the moment, just another caricature in the show, I have hopes that the other characters will develop into more rounded parts, which will allow him (and some other bit players) to serve as comedic backdrop. Where they belong.

The last thing I'll say is that while the development of characters took something of a step forward in this episode, albeit a relatively small one, it does remain a bit awkward and forced in the development. The writers need to find their voice if the show is going to take off. For the time being, it's safe based on its time slot, but that won't be true forever. Let's all hope they get it together. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Castle

So apparently saying "I'm Sorry" is the cure all for the tension between lead detective Beckett and mystery novelist Castle. That really annoyed me. But I probably hold grudges more that most. I still have it in for that girl in my 7th grade gym class who mocked my last name. But I digress. I suppose the show would be over without the apology. But did he really need to? Sure he violated her trust and snooped into her past. But he had good intentions, right? Or was he just trying to satisfy his own curiosity? Well regardless of whether or not he did wrong, is an apology enough? And does it even count when it's said with selfish intentions?

If anybody else is watching, I'd love your input.

Dancing with the Stars

We have some good dancers this season and some not so good dancers. We have clear fan favorites too. I'd look out for Mark Dacascos (Host of Iron Chef America) and his partner Lacey. Also snowboarder Louis Vito and Chelsea. We have Donny Osmond who can charm the audience and the judges, plus he's not bad. Also we have popper Aaron Carter who took home a first place finish in scores over the men. Ashley Hamilton, son of bronzed George Hamilton, was the first to be eliminated.

Over on the Women's side watch Natalie Coughlin (decorated Olympic swimmer) and singer Mya. But most surprisingly Kelly Osbourne shines in talent and personality, especially considering her father is Ozzy. We also have Melissa Joan Hart, best known as Sabrina the Teenage Witch. And Macy Gray was the first woman eliminated from the competition.

Heroes

I'm pleased with this new chapter, Redemption. So far it looks promising. Peter is desperate to make up for his crimes by saving people. HRG is trying to find his way with this new company, maybe it's time for him to help them instead of bagging and tagging. Clare is just starting college. What annoys me about the former cheerleader is that she just doesn't seem to learn. She's always making a mess for her fathers to clean up. Tracy is back with a vengeance but quickly allies herself with HRG. Nathan/Sylar is going through a crisis, perhaps that's because he isn't actually nathan. Sylar is haunting Matt Parkman, asking to be put back into his body. Hiro and Ando are trying to save the world, and Hiro finds himself on a path of redemption, to right all the wrongs he's done to people in the past. And more interestingly we have new villians, the carnies? But i'm curious, are they actually villians or all they just trying to redeem their life.
More to come throughout the season for sure.
On the negative side, i'm a little disappointed that we don't get to see the fallout from Dankos and Nathans initiative. How did they all go from being enemies of the state to living perfectly normal lives. Especially Matt Parkman who showed up at the white house last season with a bomb strapped to his chest, how is he now detective?

The Modern Family

So this show is hilarious. I'm not just saying that. I was actually laughing out loud. Modern family is just that, a take on the modern family. So we have Married with Children alum Ed O'Neill who plays a newly remarried man and father. His new wife happens to be at least 20 years younger. His two adult children Julie Bowen (Ed) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (best known as the guy with red hair).

Julie Bowen's family consists on the husband and father who wants to be best friends with his children and thinks he is super cool, the fifteen year old daughter who is snotty and thinks she should be allowed to have a tall dark handsome senior in her room with the door closed, a younger daughter (12ish) who so far has made no impression, and a young boy (probably ten). The family dynamic is crazy and chaotic. Punishment is not normal. The boy shoots his sister with a cap gun and as punishment he must be shot too. Well this turns out to be a problem, and not in the moral way. They just don't have the time, so after a discussion they schedule in the shooting.

And then the third family consists of the red head son and his overly dramatic partner. And amongst all the drama of adopting a baby and not telling his parents is plenty of laughter. If you don't laugh at this show then you are seriously lacking some humor. (Also a little side note, this show is done sort of in the same manor of The Office and Parks and Recreation, that faux interview style, or Mr./Mrs. Smith marriage counseling style.) So any thoughts on this must see show?

The Good Wife

So I wasn't sure I was going to watch this show, but in the end I'm fairly glad I did. It was an overall enjoyable addition to Tuesday night television, which is fairly empty for the time being. I'm not sure it'll bump serious television off my list, and it's not a huge priority at this early juncture, but for a pilot, it was quite good.

For those of you who aren't watching, the show (CBS, 10PM) features Julianna Margulies (formerly of ER) as Alicia Florrick, lawyer and wife of politician Peter Florrick, played by Chris Noth (formerly of Law & Order and Sex And The City). Peter Florrick has been thrown in jail as a result of a recent scandal, and Alicia, who has spent the last thirteen years as a homemaker, is forced back into her life as a defense attorney. As you might imagine, she has a few problems to deal with, including her lack of recent experience, the fact that she's starting at the bottom of the pile (as a junior associate) and the fact that everyone around her is judging her marriage.

For the time being it appears that Chris Noth's character is going to play a relatively minor role, although there's potential for that to change in the future. Overall, Julianna Margulies performs admirably in the role, and while she doesn't blow me away, it's possible that it's because she's had little to work with so far. It's not usually fair to judge a show based solely on the pilot, so you can be sure that I'll be watching next week to see if the show gets better, stagnates, or gets worse. Will you be watching?

House

This episode was... atypical. First of all, with the exception of one phone call to Dr. Wilson, none of the typical cast were in the show in anything other than flashbacks. We were introduced to a new crew of, crazy people. Of course that would make sense since House spent the entire episode in the mental hospital... Anyway, despite being somewhat unusual for House (no medical mystery, no easily formulaic show pattern), it was an excellent premier for a show that has become (remains?) one of the best shows on television. If nothing else, the show is a tour de force for Hugh Laurie and his portrayal of Dr. House.

A couple thoughts on the episode:

- I loved Lin-Manuel Miranda. For those who aren't aware, he's also the writer/star of the Tony Award Winning In The Heights, and has been the "it" guy on Broadway over the past two years or so. He was fantastic, and I'm somewhat disappointed that we won't be seeing him any more over the next episodes.
- I'm curious to see how much House "changes" after his mental hospital visit. There's no questions he'll have to change at least a bit, since it would be unrealistic for everything to go back precisely the same. I'm hoping the writers continue to give Hugh Laurie and House something to work with, and don't just imagine the entire mental breakdown didn't happen.
- Despite the impressive premier, I'm also looking forward to getting back into the medicine. I like the mysteries, and I do enjoy the cast. In short, I'm definitely looking forward to this season of House MD.

Community

I thought this show would be funny. And it is. It's laugh out loud funny. This show is about a successful lawyer whose law degree was not exactly from Columbia. Facing disbarment, Joel McHale's character, goes to community college and tries to con his way through that degree. He might be a slimy, fast talking liar but he is or was good at his job. In one scene his character creates strife amongst a variety of community college students, and in the next he relates them all to one another in a brilliant speech which proves that this show has excellent writers. Also it proves that this show will fit right in with The Office, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock.

However, this show is not without flaws. First, the characters are very stereotypical, which is probably the point. Not only is it obvious that they are stereotypes but the writers feel the need to tell you, as if you couldn't figure it out yourself. Also the end of the episode is predictable. Joel McHale's character tries to screw over the dean, screw over his Spanish study group, and in the end gets screwed over himself. And what happens next, his study group comes to the rescue.
Community is a good show. It has the potential to be a great show. And i am looking forward to see where it goes. Anyone else in for the ride? Thoughts? Criticisms?

Glee - In Review

So I was tempering my excitement for Glee when it came on this season. I thought it was an excellent idea. The time seemed right in popular culture, with American Idol, SYTYCD and other such shows becoming huge, and even movies like HSM bringing in absurd amounts of money. Add to all of that the fact that FOX apparently spent their entire marketing budget on spots for Glee. These damn kids were EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME.

So anyway, I know Kevin McHale (wheelchair kid) pretty well from an old job, so I was definitely rooting for him and the show, but overall I've been underwhelmed. The songs are... ok. The plot is weak and with few exceptions the characters are WAY cliche. Talk about stereotypes... I realize that to some extent that's the goal, a la Breakfast Club, to create identifiable characters that everyone can identify. Hey look, there's the football player, and the cheerleader. There's the dork, and the closeted gay guy. Oh and there's the soulful black chick. I get it, but c'mon. These characters could have SOME depth, couldn't they? I feel like these characters are about as complex as the characters in a play I wrote when I was in high school. And to dispel any notion of my talent as a playwright, it wasn't a good play.

Regarding the plot elements, I have some issues. Much like the characters, the plot is very cliche, and really doesn't seem to be trying to be anything different. Not to mention, of course kids in high school may talk about things like abstinence, sex, etc, but I can say definitely that they do NOT talk about them the same way these kids to. Even things as simple as the word choice that the kids use are phony and impossible to accept. Hell, I know graduate students (a lot of them) that don't use language like these underclassmen in high school. Please. It just rings false in most every way.

All of this is bad, but if the main premise was carried off effectively, all could be (would be?) forgiven. However, what's the biggest offense? The musical numbers. The very backbone of the show is music, with some dance, and in general they fail on every account. I thought it was a brilliant premise. People like music, people like pop music, people like dancing, and people like seeing kids their age putting on a show. I also realize that there is no way to realistically have the actors perform the songs live. The quality would be weak, and in general it would fail. However, there are a few things they need to get together in short order:

First, FIX THE LIP SYNCING. Damn, this seems like the most obvious thing they could accomplish. If they are going to lip sync, I'm fine with that. In fact, most professional pop singers lip sync most of their concerts, but they also practice the lip syncing, so it doesn't look fake. For a show based around music, one would think the cast might practice lip syncing. Either they are practicing, and are just terrible at it, or they are not practicing, in which case... it's embarrassing. It's not a hard fix, but it's an important one, and it needs to get better soon.

Second, stop over producing everything. Some of the songs I'm fine with. When the songs are really internal monologues, (Take a Bow in "Showmance" and Bust Your Windows in "Acafellas") I don't mind them sounding over produced. I can buy "that's how it sounds in their head." Fine. But the actual performances, like "Push It" or "Gold Digger" are obnoxiously overproduced. If you want to showcase talented performers, and the cast is filled with talented performers, LET THEM PERFORM. These songs are more overproduced than the original songs they are copying. If your "glee club" singing along with a single keyboardist sings "Gold Digger" and it sounds MORE produced than Kanye freaking West, you've got an issue. Step back, and don't force it down our throats. Good music + Good performers = Entertainment. No need to do anymore.

This show could be (will be?) huge for FOX. They got 7.3 million viewers for the premier this year, a solid second behind "America's Got Talent" (really? who watches that crap?). There's a lot of money to be made in iTunes sales, karaoke sales, soundtracks, and god only knows what else, but they need to get their show in order quick, or I'm over it. I doubt I'm the only one, do you have any thoughts? Am I crazy? Anything to add?

Week Overview

That's it for the week! Obviously we've got a good amount of television to cover, and we'll do our best to cover the shows we discussed here (as well as potentially some others as the mood strikes us) If you've got comments on what we should be watching, or opinions on the shows, feel free to chime in with the comments. The more conversation we've got going on, the more entertaining the site is for everyone. Thanks, and hopefully you'll enjoy television this season as much as we do!

Friday Night Preview

Southland (NBC) 9:00PM Premier 10/23
Gavin's Take - Honestly I'm not sure I'll even watch this season. Last season the show was overproduced and not terribly interesting. The best thing I can say about the show is that it clearly is trying. It may even be trying too hard, because for now I have no interest in any of the characters, any of the story lines, or frankly even the premise. Who needs another "gritty" cop show? This one is set in LA, and it's not quite as procedural as L&O and similar incarnations, but I'm going to need it to develop, and fast if it wants to keep me hooked. I will say the fact that it's on Friday makes it more likely I'll check it out at some point during the weekend.

Psych (USA) 10:00PM Now Playing
Gavin's Take - Maybe the best show not on a major network or premium cable. Psych is an absolute guilty pleasure, since nobody would ever argue that the show is worth much in the objective sense. Nonetheless, the characters amuse me, the meta-comedy (including poking fun at network knockoffs like The Mentalist) and the entertaining storylines make it a show I definitely enjoy. I wouldn't consider it to be must-see television, but it's definitely a good show and worth a look.

Dollhouse (FOX) 9:00PM Premier 9/25
Alison's Take - I started watching this on the off season because Joss Whedon knows how to make a show. This present day, yet futuristic, show invites us into a world where your mind can be erased and you can take on different personalities to serve the paying client. Now this show isn’t that great. And since the characters are always changing it’s hard to form an attachment. But surprisingly you can. Watch this show and you might be surprised by how entertaining it is. And maybe it’ll make you feel paranoid. Who’s to say this technology doesn’t exist right now?

Thursday Night Preview

Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 9:00PM Premier 9/24
Gavin's Take - Yes I still watch it. Has it gone downhill? Yes, although I will admit the dramatic reveal that George was the victim who ultimately was killed in the finale was a very enjoyable piece of television. I'm hoping that Grey's Anatomy will recapture some of the magic of the first two seasons, but I'm afraid they're going to have a very difficult time doing so. This is one of the shows I'm likely to have a decent amount to talk about, but hopefully it won't all be negative!
Alison's Take - This show is on my last nerve. I remember when this show first premiered, it was something new, refreshing, catchy and well written. What happened? The characters grew up and stopped being interns, that’s what. The writing staff took some huge cuts and brought in chimpanzees. Not only is the dialogue wavering but the undertones and themes of this show are as well. I think last season, the writers wanted to focus on the doctors and god complex. And instead of letting the show do the talking they had Derek say it three or four times. Ugh. I hope this show took this down time to review previous seasons and have decided to take a turn towards being a respectable show.

Private Practice (ABC) 10:00PM Premier 10/1
Gavin's Take - I watch this one too, although like Desperate Housewives, it's not entirely my choice. I find that I don't care about the characters. Any of them. I don't care if the business fails, I don't care if they have relationship trouble, I just don't care. What makes me sad is that I like Taye Diggs and Audra McDonald, and would love this show to be a success, I can't honestly root for it fully. That being said, obviously I've been outvoted by the public, because it's been quite a success, so good for them. And heck, I'll end up watching anyway.

Community (NBC) 8:00PM Premier 9/17
Gavin's Take - Who knows with these new shows. It looks amusing, but also looks like it could be very, very grating. Is this a new version of Kath & Kim? Hopefully not, but it's difficult to say from the trailers and "previews" they've leaked so far. If you recall, Kath & Kim also had some pretty funny moments, but they were few and far between and ultimately couldn't save the doomed show. Will Community suffer the same fate? My prediction is that we'll know within two episodes if it's going to be renewed for another season (or two).
Alison's Take - This looks hilarious. I’ve watched Joel McHale on E!’s The Soup for awhile now. Because of that I’m giving this show a chance.

Parks & Recreation (NBC) 8:30PM Premier 9/17
Gavin's Take - Parks & Recreation is a show that I have mixed feelings on. Will I watch it? Probably, it's sandwiched between other shows that I watch. It's one of the few comedies on television that I enjoy (although there are others debuting this season which MIGHT be of a high quality). It really seems like the kind of show that needs to find its voice. The deliberately kooky Leslie Knope is entertaining but somewhat one-note, and the surrounding characters have their moments. We'll see if the show grows into a show that can't be missed. I have my doubts, but for now I'll still follow.

The Office (NBC) 9:00PM Premier 9/17
Gavin's Take - Perhaps my favorite comedy on television right now. Other shows are close, and several shows make me laugh out loud, but really this is one of those rare shows that I can watch over and over again. I almost never delete Office episodes off my TiVo, because I love watching old episodes, especially when there's nothing else on. As other commentators have said, I love when the Office incorporates all the characters, but when they do it's one of the more purely entertaining things on television.

30 Rock (NBC) 9:30PM Premier 10/15
Gavin's Take - Yes! The only thing I'm disappointed about regarding this premier is that it doesn't happen until October! What the heck NBC, are you trying to drive me nuts? Seriously, I don't understand the goal in pushing the premier back, but I suppose as long as it comes back at all I'm a happy camper. The perfect end to a great Thursday night of television.
Alison's Take - What no Liz Lemon until October? I’m not sure I can handle that. Quick must go to Hulu and feed my addiction. Ah, that’s better.

Project Runway (Lifetime) 10:00PM Now Playing
Gavin's Take - I watch Project Runway, but probably won't have too much to say about it. The characters are (sometimes) entertaining, but by and large the editing drives me a little nuts. I enjoy some of the outfits that are created, but I'm almost always in disagreement with the judges. Clearly I know nothing about high fashion. Although I suppose that's something that was pretty well known in advance...

Other shows I may/may not watch:
Flash Forward (ABC) 8:00PM Premier 9/24
The Mentalist (CBS) 10:00PM Premier 9/24