Thursday, October 11, 2012

What's Worth Watching?

It's been a few weeks since the new television season began, and it's time to take a look at what should be dropped and what must go on.

Revolution
Mondays at 10/9c on NBC
In a world where technology has mysteriously stopped working, one man rose up to take position as leader of the United States in a brutal, totalitarian manner.  The protagonists of the show try to fight him as well as revive the failed technology.  Revolution is the type of show I could get into, but unfortunately I couldn't.  The continued absence of technology doesn't make sense, nor does the one thing that could revive it.  In addition, the acting is very sub-par, especially from the lead Traci Spiridakos and the dialogue doesn't give her much to work with anyway.  I could deal with more Elizabeth Mitchell and Tim Guinee (unfortunately the latter won't be appearing more), and maybe, just maybe, I could enjoy the show.
Result: DROP IT


Partners
Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS
For real, this is on CBS.  Two best friends go into architectural business together, one is gay and one is straight.  Unfortunately, the jokes fall flat, are tiresome, and are trite.  No, wait, that reeks of CBS.  Everyone on the show is better than the show.  However, the show is getting better with each episode.
Result: Give it time, but likely DROP IT

Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c on Fox
I adore this show.  It fits in with all the losers and nerds of Tuesday night comedies on Fox.  It's an adorable show about a brother and sister and her child.
Result: KEEP IT

Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC
With a slightly broader appeal, Go On is highly similar to Community in the way a group of strangers come together to from a bond to help each other cope with the losses in their lives.  A friend had worried that it would look bad on his profession of psychiatry, but it sure doesn't.  It's a feel good comedy, despite it being about rising from struggles.  The first episode could've been sad and was actually very dark, but that's what happens when a premise is built off death.  And did I mention it has Laura Benanti, Matthew Perry, and every guest star on Happy Endings?  Case closed!
Result: KEEP IT

Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on Fox
Mindy Kaling's new show about her characters struggles in romantic (or lack thereof) adventures while being a strong female OB/GYN. This is a clear winner, tied with Go On, in the this year's batch of new comedies with "chick flick" references, as well as nerdy references!   Love it!
Result: KEEP IT

The New Normal
Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on NBC
I wanted to love this, as I love the cast, but like Ryan Murphy's other shows, he loves to sneak in political commentary in a not-so-sneaky way.  Unfortunately this presents itself like a CNN debate on gay marriage and gay parents every episode.  It's best to altogether avoid the politics, or have it show up every once in a while as a small event, not base an entire episode around the problem.  This should make me laugh, not make me angry.  If I wanted to get angry and sad, I'd read the news or watch a documentary.  I loved the first two episodes, but it quickly went downhill, especially after I realized it wasn't going to lighten up on the politics.
Result: DROP IT (Sorry Justin Bartha!)

Nashville
Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC
Country legend Rayna Jaymes (played by Connie Britton), who sounds a lot like Lorrie Morgan, is not selling as much as she used to in the world of teen queens and digital downloading, and the label wants to pair her on tour with teen sensation Juliette Barnes, (played by Hayden Penetierre), who sounds a lot like Taylor Swift, so she can be introduced to a new generation.  Even if you don't like country music, Nashville is a pure drama, entertaining and engaging as hell.  In just one episode, the show captured the characters and established internal and external conflicts for many of the characters.  Brilliant writing creates subtle nuances to hint to characters' pasts.  Wonderful cast, acting, and writing.
Result: KEEP IT


Arrow
Wednesdays at 8/7c on CW
A CW show, y'all.  But since their shows perform low, they can stand to air a superhero genre show, where others fail in the attempt to bring the visual and character rich world of the genre.  We don't get a movie on Oliver Queen's origins.  Instead, we get a quick recap and get right into the action and drama.  How fun for us!  Even if you don't like superhero movies or TV shows, this is pretty good, especially for the CW.  I don't know if I'll continue to watch, just because there's so much on TV that's AWESOME, but I want to continue it.
Result: KEEP IT

666 Park Avenue
Sundays at 10/9c on ABC
When Jane and Henry (such common names) move from Indiana (what a popular state in TV right now, huh?) to New York to live their dreams, they are essentially broke, but due to Jane's assertiveness and quick wit and impressive knowledge, they land jobs as in-house managers at The Drake Hotel.  A creepiness is invoked, as the mysterious happens all around in a building that lives, and it lives through the owner's willpower.  I'm curious to know where things will go, and how they will end up.  It's almost like 666 Park Avenue knows it might get canceled, though, at any time and is stepping up its game.  I say keep it, for now, at least.
Result: KEEP IT

In similar news...
  • I don't have much time for The Voice, since taking a new job and taking on a few new TV shows.
  • I dropped Glee.
  • I picked up Raising Hope.
  • I picked up NTSF:SD:SUV.

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