What I Am Watching

As Premiere Season comes to a close I decided it was time to go through my weekly line-up.

Monday- 8:00-8:30pm How I Met Your Mother CBS - Still far and away the best comedy on tv.
8:00-9:00pm Chuck NBC - As much as I have enjoyed the first few episodes, I think I am going to get tired of this. It may not make it beyond a season.
9:00-10:00pm Heroes NBC - I have picked this up this season after trying it out when it premiered last year and being bored by the slow movement of the plot. The pace is quicker now and I can't wait for Kristen Bell to finally appear.
9:30-10:00pm Samantha Who ABC- Premiere wasn't too bad.
10:00-11:00pm The Bachelor ABC
10:00-11:00pm Journeyman NBC- Yes, I am still trying to like this show.

Tuesday-
This is my let down day of the week. Since the CW cut Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars last year there is nothing great to fill the void, just some average (that may be pushing it) shows that are fairly forgettable. However, this last week I stumbled onto Carpoolers and I may have to change that statement (for at least half an hour) if the show continues to be as funny as last week's was.
8:30-9:00pm Carpoolers ABC
9:00 - 10:00pm House Fox

Wednesday
Wednesday fills the void left by Tuesday with two of the best new shows.
8:00-9:00pm Pushing Daisies ABC - Without a doubt the runaway winner of this year's premieres. If you haven't read my post on consistency yet, I hold by all statements made as I watched the second show. I was also thrilled to see the writers/ director are making full use of the talent they have in Kristin Chenowith. If Private Practice catches on to the talents of Audra McDonald this might just become "Broadway Wednesday".
9:00-10:00pm Private Practice ABC - I am still a bit disappointed in this show. I am hoping Dr. Pete's development pushes the show along. Addison is portrayed too often with juvenile inclinations towards social behavior and control of emotion. She is a beautiful, accomplished, intelligent woman who has to keep telling people this because her actions and words make her seem less than she is. Why can't she have those qualities and be portrayed as a strong woman?
9:00-10:00pm Gossip Girl CW - I have realized that part of the reason this show appeals to me is my favorite movie of all time is Pretty in Pink. This show is all about the haves and have nots of high school. What it is lacking is a good male cross-over character from haves to have-nots and the fact that Chuck Bass does not hold a finger to the James Spader Steff. I found myself fast forwarding past the "Party of Indulgence" this past week because I didn't want to watch Chuck buying women in the absence of being at all appealing to any unpaid member of the female population. The real find in this show is Penn Badgley who perfectly plays the have not Dan trying to impress a have girl without crossing into a world that he doesn't agree with.
9:00-10:00pm Bionic Woman NBC - OK, I cheated. I don't actually watch the NBC telecast of Bionic Woman. I hop over to SciFi and DVR it when it shows there so I can get all three shows in for this time slot. Since Bionic Woman is my least favorite of the three, this works out perfectly. The dialogue is sophomoric and even the fight scenes are getting to be so too. Yes, there needs to be a learning curve to Jaime's abilities, but she also has enough strength to be able to pummel whomever comes after her that doesn't have bionic abilities, right?!?
10:00 - 11:00pm Life NBC - A refreshing take on a man done wrong. I would tune in just to see the fruit of the week.
10:00-11:00pm Dirty Sexy Money ABC

Thursday
My must watch night of the week
8:00-9:00pm Ugly Betty ABC
8:00-9:00pm Survivor: China CBS
9:00-10:00pm Grey's Anatomy ABC
9:00-10:00pm CSI CBS
10:00-11:00pm Without a Trace CBS

Friday
9:00-10:00pm Women's Murder Club ABC Nowhere near as dark as the promos led me to believe. I enjoy seeing an empowering woman show.
10:00-11:00pm Men in Trees ABC

Saturday
Catch-up time. There is never anything good on Saturdays

Sunday
8:00-9:00pm Viva Laughlin CBS The premiere was interesting enough to give this one a shot for a few weeks. I hope that future shows will have the cast members singing the songs without the original vocals at the same time.
9:00-10:00pm Desperate Housewives ABC This show is finally making its way back.
9:00-10:00pm Cold Case CBS
10:00-11:00pm Brothers & Sisters ABC
10:00-11:00pm Shark CBS

The Importance of Consistency

It isn't enough to have a great idea or a new take on an old idea to make a good show. Coming up with a tone, establishing the tone, and following it through from casting to script to even wardrobe is essential. To demonstrate my point I have two new series that tried to take on an old idea with a new tone- one didn't have consistency and one did.

Moonlight- new take on an old idea, have a vampire run a p.i. business, or at least solve mysteries whether or not he is getting paid. The premise isn't all that different from Angel, however the cast doesn't have a hit like Buffy to spin from. The main difference in this new take is the tone is a bit film noir. The narration starts, and if it were shot in b/w it would have all the underpinnings of a Maltese Falcon television show. That's the first flaw, if it is film noir- or let's say tv noir not to discredit the great film noir genre, the tone set by the narration needs to carry through to each of the characters, the clothing, and especially the cinematography. Casting I can't complain about too much with the lead male and lead female- Alex O'Loughlin has a perfect tv noir narration voice and Sophia Miles could easily be cast into a tv noir based on her hair alone. However, the cinematography and script killed the tone. Why not at least shoot some of the scenes in b/w (besides flashbacks) and then transition into color to continue the tone, yet connect with a 21st century viewer? If a tv noir tone is what the aim is, then follow through to the hilt, otherwise ditch the tone and make another cliche vampire show. Lack of consistency will keep me from becoming a regular viewer.

Pushing Daisies- falls at the opposite end of the consistency spectrum. Another new take on an old story- a person can bring people back to life with an amazing gift. Where this show takes off from the old story is completely in the telling of the story. The show is like walking into a fairytale, possibly even a skewed Pleasantville. This show would not work if even one component was not inline with this surreal, off-kilter, fairytale tone. The setting, casting, script, wardrobe, narration, cinematography, every nuance of this show were perfectly aligned in the pilot episode. As long as the show is able to maintain this consistency this will definitely be a must-watch for me. In a time where many shows are trying to pull us into the real world through the horrific crimes and greed of humanity, Pushing Daisies seems to offer an entrance into a different time and place. The odd part is that horrific crimes and greed of humanity both played a role in the pilot. It just didn't seem as awful when it wasn't part of a real world and there was a delicious looking pie in the background.

New Shows- Part 1

I have been trying to get in as many pilot episodes as possible, at least those that actually peak my interest. Here are my initial thoughts:

Back to You- An aging group of actors in a totally not funny show. Jerk anchor returns to a small network news show to join a crew of people who didn't like him all that much to begin with. Then the big twist at the end, which doesn't end up being a comedy situation at all... actually turns this sitcom into a dramedy which is exactly what is not needed in a 30-minute slot. This is obviously supposed to appeal to an age demographic that I do not fit in. I wasn't expecting much and the show delivered even less.

Big Bang Theory- I wasn't even going to try this one out, but then I heard the theme song by Barenaked Ladies and decided it deserved at least one shot. One shot is all it will be getting. I am not sure what demographic this is supposed to appeal to since it seems that the "intellectual" jokes that they made mostly target an audience that would spend more time online gaming or solving theories than watching a sitcom. The only two females on the show were presented as rude and dumb yet hot, not how I want to encourage the networks to portray my gender by giving them my viewership.

Bionic Woman- For the stunts and premise alone, I am glad I watched the pilot episode of Bionic Woman. As for the acting, just because parts of you are computerized doesn't mean the acting needs to be. Michelle Ryan was so/so as the new bionic woman. Katee Sackhoff's acting, as the previous bionic woman, was a catastrophe. Overlooking the acting, I will give this one a shot . It is reminiscent of the best of Alias, which is definitely worth a try.

Cane- After watching the promos I really wasn't interested in this show. I decided to give Jimmy Smits a shot since he has a proven track record of fantastic shows. The show was overall better than the promo led me to believe. I am still not sure it is a keeper, but willing to hang in for a few episodes to see if it hooks.

Chuck- The complete opposite of Journeyman in the fact that I immediately felt connected to the characters on this show. Great writing, well cast, a good mix of action and story. This is a must-see show. Thoroughly entertaining.

Dirty Sexy Money- Loved the premiere. I am amazed at the cast that was assembled for this show. Without this stellar cast though, the show would not hold its weight. Peter Krause on network tv again was enough cause for me to watch. This is definitely staying on by DVR schedule.

Gossip Girl- I was entertained by this show from beginning to end. I admit I get sucked into a good high school drama and that is what this is. I enjoy the continued narration throughout the show and am interested to see if that was more prevalent for the pilot than it will be for future episodes. With the loss of The OC and One Tree Hill on extended leave there is a empty niche that Gossip Girl will easily fill.

Journeyman- I really wanted to like this show. I sat through the hour hoping it would get better, and it sort of redeemed itself at the end, but not enough for this to become a top 10 or maybe even top 20 for me. The biggest problem was that I didn't particularly like ANY of the characters. I felt no attachment, sympathy, connection to anyone so I could care less whether the main character disappears for days, except that I have to watch more encounters with characters I have no investment in. I doubt this will end up on my watch list.

K-ville- I was going to watch this show. I set the DVR, it recorded, I scanned through it for about 10 seconds and realized I had ZERO interest in watching the show. It is cut.

Private Practice- While much improved from the intro. given through Grey's Anatomy last season, I am still sorely disappointed in Kate Walsh's performance. I have no interest in seeing her dance naked around her room. It was set up so poorly that I wanted her to get caught in an embarrassing situation so she could act her way out of it and she couldn't. Without the rest of the stellar cast holding up the show, I wouldn't be watching. Here's to hoping Shonda realizes the rest of the cast far excels Kate and focuses more stories on them.

The Reaper- This show is a paradox, both in premise and in whether I actually want to watch it again. Sam learns on his 21st birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was conceived. He decides to work for the devil as a spiritual bounty hunter collecting souls that have escaped from hell. This is seen as being for the greater good since these escaped souls take on their previous bad habits such as burning down firehouses. I wasn't quite sure if I enjoyed it. The characters were at times likable, but then would have some strange quirk that made you question why you thought you might like them in the first place. I am holding judgment (hee hee) for a few more episodes.

My Advice to Reality TV "Stars" Before The Taping

I am writing to all of you who have hopes to one day be on a reality tv show. After watching premieres for Survivor: China and The Bachelor this week I realized there are some simple rules that some people actually need outlined for them. So, here is my advice:

1) Just because alcohol is offered in mass quantities does not mean you need to drink it in mass quantities. That goes out to Melissa, cut night one of The Bachelor. When you drink so much that you can't speak coherently, you really need to cut yourself off. Were you there for the open bar or the guy?

2) Dress appropriately for the game. This goes out Jaime the bra-less contestant on Survivor:China, all the other contestants of Survivor:China who showed up in heels, dresses, fishnet tights etc... ready for a photo op. rather than a survival game. This also goes out once again to Melissa of The Bachelor. If your chicken cutlets (fake breasts) don't stay on/in, then there are proper ways (like in a bathroom) to take them out, and if you can't feel that you are missing one then you once again are too drunk to be in the game.

3) Watch the show ahead of time. If you are going on a reality tv show and claim you have never seen an episode then you are obviously not in it to win, so bow out gracefully before you go on. Again this can be targeted at the inappropriately dressed Survivor cast members who for some reason didn't realize in past seasons they didn't get to bring their bright pink could fit my 4-year old daughter in it with all of her princess attire suitcases with them. (Disclaimer- I have never actually attempted to put my daughter in a suitcase, if she has tried on her own that is completely without the help of her mother and/or father).

4) Do not attempt to "show-off" using tricks that are only seen in circus sideshows. This goes out to the human pretzel and the web-toed wonder from The Bachelor. My suggestion is that you try out your trick for random people in the middle of a supermarket. If they are impressed and ask further questions, you are probably safe, if they are speechless, shocked, horrified, run away screaming, instantly fall into hysterical laughter- cut it. It is better to not be memorable than to be memorable for the wrong reasons.

5) It is a competition. Whether you are there to find love, money, or possibly both, you need to come in with your A game. Know what you are going to say when you come out of the limo or get your first one-on-one time. Have a game strategy and an idea of who you want to present yourself as. I have to hand it to Leslie and Jean-Robert from the Survivor: China cast for this. Leslie immediately claimed she "wasn't religious", though she "has a relationship with Jesus Christ" when she walked out of the temple. The woman is a Christian Talk Show Host. Either it was brilliant strategy to try not to be pegged as the crazy religious one, or she just happened into it with a misstatement. Either way, she came out playing the game. She also made a fantastic connection with a strong player who didn't have the social skills to connect with others himself, nicely played. Jean-Robert instead of trying to fly under the radar immediately made use of his poker playing skills to target and call out his adversaries. He let him tribemate know day 1 that he was in this, aware and ready to play. Deanna on The Bachelor also did a great job with this coming out with something unique and well-prepared when she left the limo, an introduction in Greek that she then translated.

So there are a few hints to begin with. I am not saying you will win the game by following these hints, but hopefully you won't be eliminated Day 1 or embarrass yourself so much that you won't be able to face your family ever again. Remember all of these episodes eventually end up on DVD and they will come back to haunt you if you don't follow the rules.

What I am Watching

I love fall, it may surpass summer for me for one reason... premieres!!!! Here is my premiere list schedule. Yes, it is incomplete... that is completely purposeful. These are the shows I will be watching. I have 32 shows currently in my fall line-up, 18 are brand new shows which I expect at least 30% at least to be gone from my line-up due to network or my own personal trimming.

I have added a few notes in purple next to some of the shows that have already premiered and that I have read interesting reviews of (pro and con). These are all network shows- I still have my cable to add in. How am I going to manage it all? Once I have gotten through the premieres and cut some of these out I will post my daily watching/DVRing schedule. What shows are you most excited about?

September 19th
*New Show: GOSSIP GIRL (CW) Definitely a keeper after the premiere
*New Show: BACK TO YOU (Fox) Will probably be scratching this one after a disappointing premiere.

September 20th
Survivor:China (CBS) My husband thinks this is the best looking cast ever. I enjoyed the fact that one tribe actually started playing the game on day one.

September 23rd
Cold Case (CBS)
Shark (CBS)

September 24th
The Bachelor (ABC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
*New Show: CHUCK (NBC)
*New Show: JOURNEYMAN (NBC)

September 25th
House (FOX)
*New Show: CANE (CBS) Maybe... I was excited until I started seeing the previews.
*New Show: REAPER (CW) Another Maybe on this one. I am going to try it out and see how it goes.

September 26th
*New Show: BIONIC WOMAN (NBC) This may not fit in with all my other shows, but it is supposed to be one of the best new shows. I may have to cut something else from my line-up if it proves true.
*New Show: DIRTY SEXY MONEY (ABC)
*New Show: LIFE (NBC)
*New Show: PRIVATE PRACTICE (ABC) Why didn't they change the name?!?!?!

September 27th
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
CSI (CBS)
Without a Trace (CBS)
ER (NBC)
*New Show: BIG SHOTS (ABC) I am reading awful things about this one, so it may get cut early. Desperate Housewives for CEOs.

September 28th
*New Show: MOONLIGHT (CBS)

September 30th
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)

October 1st
*New Show: ALIENS IN AMERICA (CW)

October 3rd
*New Show: PUSHING DAISIES I am most excited about this show. The premise is original and the reviews have been great.

October 7th
*New Show: LIFE IS WILD (CW)

October 12th
Men In Trees (ABC)
*New Show: WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB (ABC)

October 15th
Samantha Who? (ABC)

October 18th
*New Show: VIVA LAUGHLIN (CBS) *Regular slot begins Oct. 21st I am reading bad things about this one which is disappointing. I am still going to try it out for myself based on cast alone... remember what happened with Brothers and Sisters last season.

November 27th
*New Show: CASHMERE MAFIA (ABC) *Regular slot begins Dec. 4th

Only one more month

I have almost survived the dreary tv days of summer. I am now in full on premiere mode getting very excited for September. There were a few highlights this summer that I thought I should share.

Summer highlights-
So You Think You Can Dance returned and did not disappoint. Besides the flower dance by Mia Michaels I am not sure any one dance compared to the choreography aesthetically to last season- the park bench, umbrella dance, Tranji, Benji and his cousin (what was her name again?) doing any swing or Latin number together- there were just so many memorable dances last season. I don't think I am going to go into next summer remembering as many from this season, but it was still highly enjoyable. Sadly it seems that the poor Wall brothers (yeah I know they don't actually share the same last name) once again did not make it to the end.

Greek- Despite being on ABC family and truly not appropriate for a younger audience to watch, Greek turned out to be a refreshing new comedy spinning a smart comic twist on college life. Not only have I enjoyed the humor, but somehow it seems whenever I start watching my husband gets drawn into the room and sucked into the show as well. From my previous postings you will know how rare it is for my husband to watch any tv, so this is a real triumph. Are the story lines pretty cliche fraternity/sorority, sure, but that doesn't mean they can't be well written, which they are. Somehow the writers have found that thin line to walk and stayed on the right side without becoming goofy, sappy, or too Animal House. ABC aired a few of the episodes on Friday nights after they first aired on ABC Family. Here's to hoping ABC will pick this one up in place of one of the new shows which is bound to be weaker.

Top Chef- Yet another great season of Top Chef is underway with some fantastic chefs battling it out. There has been enough "throwing under the bus" action this season to bring a complete halt to the transit system. There are more challenging competitions and I think a lot of that is due to the addition of Season 1's Lee Anne to the production crew. This is definitely a do not miss for us, which Bravo makes very easy with multiple repeated shows throughout the week.

What have you enjoyed this summer?

The God Factor

I haven't blogged much this summer because honestly the networks haven't given me much to blog about, until I watched my DVRed episode of Big Brother 8 last night.

I have been gradually becoming enraged by the "God Factor" of game play in the Big Brother house. I should start off by saying I am a Christian, and one who believes that God plays a significant role in how my life plays out, ok yes, the biggest role (even though I fight it every once in a while). However, I do not expect that if I ever were to go on a television show that my faith in God, praying to God, etc.. would ever factor into the end result of the show. Would I let people know I was a Christian? Probably since it is a large part of who I am and who I identify myself as. Would I be willing to discuss my beliefs with others who wanted to have a discussion? Absolutely, especially if they approached me. Would I believe that my name being pulled from a bag in a veto competition was part of God's plan? Absolutely not, I mean is God really that bored that he has time to influence a veto compeition? Do I really think that God wants me to be on a game show that is completely motivated by greed? Yeah, I don't think so.

This season, beyond all others, the players (Amber, Jameka, and Kail specifically) have been playing the God card. Jameka took it to a whole new level in the last episode though insisting that her name being pulled to participate in the veto competition was based on what I am calling the "God Factor". Is a reality show a forum to share your faith? To me it is as good as any. I think Kaysar showed us on Big Brother 6 that a deep commitment to a faith portrayed well on camera can inform a nation viewing audience. However, there was a line that was crossed between Kaysar's "faithplay" and Jameka's, and that is the "God Factor". Kaysar made some moves in the house based on faith, whether religious or based on faith in human spirit, that led to his demise in the game, but also led to his being one of the most loved characters on Big Brother of all time. He never claimed though that God wanted things to go a certain way or had a hand in the way the game played out.

Let me pose this question to those who aren't sold- why would God want one Christian player to win over another? I am choosing "Christian" players only because there are three in the game right now all saying that God is influencing the results, giving them strength to get through situations, or somehow having a hand in how the game is played.

So Big Brother 8 fans, what do you think of the "God Factor" being used this season? When it comes to the final two, if one contestant was playing by God's strategy and the other of their own strategy, who should win?