The last couple of weeks of General Hospital has brought some important storylines to a climax. What has surprised me are the people who seem to be coming clean about what they knew.
I found Franco's reveal delightful. Carly has used Michael as a reason for every selfish thing she has ever done. She reminds me of Maura West's character on ATWT also called Carly. She is supposed to be considered a good mother but I think she is far from it. Today she said, she 'just cared about her kids.' If that were the case, she wouldn't have covered up what Sonny did. She puts herself in jeopardy of going to jail and where does that leave Josslyn - who is already one step from juvie anyway.
Kiki confessed and with her, Morgan had no choice but to come clean to that they had known Sonny killed AJ for about a month. Finally, Rosalie admits why she was hanging around Michael so much. And Rosalie is the one Michael chooses to forgive. Is it because she didn't go as far as she was being blackmailed to do or was she just convenient? It was a cliche I could have done with out - getting drunk and sleeping with someone to ease the pain. A poor end to an otherwise well done story.
Franco really didn't commit a crime as far as I can tell unless it is a crime to tape someone without their knowledge and I guess that depends on the state. We are back to bad Franco and I enjoy him more this way. He's helping Nina for now.
Watching Michelle Stafford, Donna Mills, and Maura West has been the biggest treat of all. There scenes were amazing. GH has done some great casting.
Speaking of, I think the new Jason is a treat to watch as well. I'm suspecting we will have two new/old Quartermaines soon. I predict that Michael will take the Q name and Jason's memories will return of some of his early life. I don't see them fitting Jason into Sonny's world as Sonny has plenty of other problems right now.
Disappointed to learn than Felix is now dropped to recurring. I love his character and he deserves so much more than being Sabrina's sidekick. Mercifully Sabrina has been absent for days. She can return to Puerto Rico anytime she likes and I'll just forget she ever returned and tried to make Ava miscarry. Really, no one would really notice.
The Luke reveal seems to be stalled in a slow detour with Ned's father who I really care nothing about. Why do we keep revisiting these characters apparently long time viewers barely remember? I've heard nothing of when Anthony Geary will return. I hope he is alright. His 6 months should be up and putting him back on set. Perhaps there was a delay and this is part of that delay. Personally, I'd rather Tracy just think he has disappeared and get her pulled into another storyline until Luke can return.
While GH has such a wonderful cast, I do wish they would use just a tiny bit of money for the set. That hotel style room was supposed to be Monica's? It wasn't the least bit feminine or personal. The office sets are obviously from decades ago. A few upgrades should not be that expensive.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Kate and Debra deserve better
Kate Walsh and Debra Messing deserve better. Much better.
I lasted 20 minutes into Debra Messing's new show. Her husband or ex-husband, whatever, was on the Firm and also deserves better. The twins are just unwatchable as is everything about this. I really should have stopped after the first 5 minutes as the opening was just ridiculous.
I lasted through two episodes of Bad Judge though I tuned out for the last part of the 2nd episode. There again I should have shut it off after the opening sequence where the judge grabs and ax and takes out an obnoxious driver's front tire. Judges don't get away with that kind of thing. This show is just Bad.
I can't believe Debra Messings show has been picked up for the season. It shows how little NBC has going for it. I like Kate but I won't stick by her on this.
Is it a coincidence that both of these are on NBC? I think not.
I lasted 20 minutes into Debra Messing's new show. Her husband or ex-husband, whatever, was on the Firm and also deserves better. The twins are just unwatchable as is everything about this. I really should have stopped after the first 5 minutes as the opening was just ridiculous.
I lasted through two episodes of Bad Judge though I tuned out for the last part of the 2nd episode. There again I should have shut it off after the opening sequence where the judge grabs and ax and takes out an obnoxious driver's front tire. Judges don't get away with that kind of thing. This show is just Bad.
I can't believe Debra Messings show has been picked up for the season. It shows how little NBC has going for it. I like Kate but I won't stick by her on this.
Is it a coincidence that both of these are on NBC? I think not.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Four weeks in
Four episodes in on most shows, I'm impressed, puzzled, and cruising along.
As for new shows, Forever, How to Get Away with Murder, and A to Z stay on my playlist.
Madam Secretary goes - well goes to the back burner. I will watch it if I have nothing better to do, The problem with this show is the monotonous plots. Every week, she faces a crisis and every week she comes up with some last minute idea to resolve the issue. She is the superhero in a suit and high pointy shoes. There is an overarching story here but we know little about it. In the 4th episode, we finally find out that the previous Secretary of State has enemies but we know very little else about him.
What would fix this show are flashbacks. Show us the relationship between the Secretary and the CIA agent who was killed. Why should we care about him or trust his theory? Show us the previous Secretary of State - how he handled his job, his relationship with the President and his staff.
This is exactly what Forever does and why the show has done well with viewers and with me. I agree with my husband. The lead actor is a ham, but I adore his assistant, enjoy his relationship with Abraham and find the flashbacks interesting and not overly done. Plus, and most importantly, he hasn't died and popped up in water since the second episode. They resisted the trick.
I know that A to Z on NBC was one I wasn't originally going to watch beyond the prereleased Pilot. I didn't like the supporting cast. They are growing on me. I don't yet like them but I find them funny. This show is saved by the details - lots of little details that tie into the plot each week. It's cute and sweet and most importantly funny.
How to Get Away with Murder is great fun to watch. I've read a lot of criticism and nitpicking on all the ways this show isn't 'realistic' apparently from people who were just dropped here from another planet and have never watched a television program before. Unrealistic situations, coincidences and sometimes downright magic are the glue that hold most plots together on just about any show. The super detectives on Law and Order: Criminal Intent just happened to be called to crime scenes with high powered victims or suspects even before anyone knew who the victim was! No baby on TV is ever born in a hospital or at least not one that has power or without some lifesaving procedure necessary. A drama is dramatic! And 'Murder' is doing a great job of dramatic. I still don't know which characters I like and which I don't and that is part of the fun of all this.
As for returning shows, Scandal is getting better and better. My only concern is this week's case once again involved the White House. It is at its best when there are cases that don't all revolve around the President. Of course in the coming week, all we will care about is getting Jake free. Fitz is so easily manipulated; if he were president, I'd definitely fear for our safety.
The writing on Nashville has improved a smidge. If only the writing for the characters was as good as the music. Although this year there hasn't been nearly as much music. I don't think there was anything last week. That gives us more time for storytelling but I am going to miss my music. I suppose there is a bit of a time crunch as I'm assuming Hayden Panetierre will be going on maternity leave before the end of the season so they have to move along through Juliette's story. I'm delighted that Avery (Jonathon Jackson) is getting so emotional material. This is where he shined on General Hospital.
Revenge seems very repetitive to me. I'm so tired of this show yet I can't stop watching the train wreck it became 2 years ago. Maybe they can just wrap it up early and be done with it. Will anyone still be left anyway?
In sad news, Kalinda will be gone from the Good Wife at the end of the season. The actress has a pilot she will star in.
I don't think having a pilot, that may or may not be picked up, is enough to announce this early that you are leaving. I think she is leaving because of how they have cast her character aside after that hideous storyline involving her husband. Kalinda was a major character early on. She was the mystery and a big part of the success of the show. Now she is almost an extra. Never is she the center of a story. I'm sad for the actress. She is very good at what she does and it is a waste of a great character as well.
They have so written her out they have to come up with unreasonable ways to give her screen time. In last week's episode, Eli was all worried about Kalenda and Peter's one night stand what 6 years ago or so? Who cares? Peter has certainly done far worse. What does that matter even if it came out? Normally everything on the Good Wife has a purpose but dredging this up only resulted in an awkward scene with Eli and Kalenda not even saying anything. Give her character a story!
The Big Bang Theory was as funny as ever last Monday night with the girls in Vegas and the guys trying to concentrate and avoid their many distractions. I look forward to the return of the Millers - another over the top show but one that is as a comedy should be - funny.
As for new shows, Forever, How to Get Away with Murder, and A to Z stay on my playlist.
Madam Secretary goes - well goes to the back burner. I will watch it if I have nothing better to do, The problem with this show is the monotonous plots. Every week, she faces a crisis and every week she comes up with some last minute idea to resolve the issue. She is the superhero in a suit and high pointy shoes. There is an overarching story here but we know little about it. In the 4th episode, we finally find out that the previous Secretary of State has enemies but we know very little else about him.
What would fix this show are flashbacks. Show us the relationship between the Secretary and the CIA agent who was killed. Why should we care about him or trust his theory? Show us the previous Secretary of State - how he handled his job, his relationship with the President and his staff.
This is exactly what Forever does and why the show has done well with viewers and with me. I agree with my husband. The lead actor is a ham, but I adore his assistant, enjoy his relationship with Abraham and find the flashbacks interesting and not overly done. Plus, and most importantly, he hasn't died and popped up in water since the second episode. They resisted the trick.
I know that A to Z on NBC was one I wasn't originally going to watch beyond the prereleased Pilot. I didn't like the supporting cast. They are growing on me. I don't yet like them but I find them funny. This show is saved by the details - lots of little details that tie into the plot each week. It's cute and sweet and most importantly funny.
How to Get Away with Murder is great fun to watch. I've read a lot of criticism and nitpicking on all the ways this show isn't 'realistic' apparently from people who were just dropped here from another planet and have never watched a television program before. Unrealistic situations, coincidences and sometimes downright magic are the glue that hold most plots together on just about any show. The super detectives on Law and Order: Criminal Intent just happened to be called to crime scenes with high powered victims or suspects even before anyone knew who the victim was! No baby on TV is ever born in a hospital or at least not one that has power or without some lifesaving procedure necessary. A drama is dramatic! And 'Murder' is doing a great job of dramatic. I still don't know which characters I like and which I don't and that is part of the fun of all this.
As for returning shows, Scandal is getting better and better. My only concern is this week's case once again involved the White House. It is at its best when there are cases that don't all revolve around the President. Of course in the coming week, all we will care about is getting Jake free. Fitz is so easily manipulated; if he were president, I'd definitely fear for our safety.
The writing on Nashville has improved a smidge. If only the writing for the characters was as good as the music. Although this year there hasn't been nearly as much music. I don't think there was anything last week. That gives us more time for storytelling but I am going to miss my music. I suppose there is a bit of a time crunch as I'm assuming Hayden Panetierre will be going on maternity leave before the end of the season so they have to move along through Juliette's story. I'm delighted that Avery (Jonathon Jackson) is getting so emotional material. This is where he shined on General Hospital.
Revenge seems very repetitive to me. I'm so tired of this show yet I can't stop watching the train wreck it became 2 years ago. Maybe they can just wrap it up early and be done with it. Will anyone still be left anyway?
In sad news, Kalinda will be gone from the Good Wife at the end of the season. The actress has a pilot she will star in.
I don't think having a pilot, that may or may not be picked up, is enough to announce this early that you are leaving. I think she is leaving because of how they have cast her character aside after that hideous storyline involving her husband. Kalinda was a major character early on. She was the mystery and a big part of the success of the show. Now she is almost an extra. Never is she the center of a story. I'm sad for the actress. She is very good at what she does and it is a waste of a great character as well.
They have so written her out they have to come up with unreasonable ways to give her screen time. In last week's episode, Eli was all worried about Kalenda and Peter's one night stand what 6 years ago or so? Who cares? Peter has certainly done far worse. What does that matter even if it came out? Normally everything on the Good Wife has a purpose but dredging this up only resulted in an awkward scene with Eli and Kalenda not even saying anything. Give her character a story!
The Big Bang Theory was as funny as ever last Monday night with the girls in Vegas and the guys trying to concentrate and avoid their many distractions. I look forward to the return of the Millers - another over the top show but one that is as a comedy should be - funny.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
GH - Then and Now
I really missed the boat by not writing about General Hospital from the 50th anniversary through the 51st. The storylines were interesting, well written, and beautifully acted. I liked most of the returning characters and felt they were given just the right amount of material.
Lately though, I've not been enthused. The entire story around Crichton Clark clinic was ridiculous. I know that most of these people don't really die; there are ways to bring them back, but let's keep some sense of reality. And now, no one recognizes Jason. The old Jason's eyes would have been enough to draw in all the lovely women of Port Charles who were entranced with him and a few that weren't. What about his voice? Surely someone recognizes his voice? Plus there is enough of him visible, unbandaged so clearly not operated on that you should be able to tell who he is. Enough!
We have one story of mistaken identity that has already gone on too long. Now I know that Anthony Geary is on leave and I certainly don't want to rush his recovery. But we don't have to set up scenes that imply people are going to figure this out weeks before he is even due to be back on screen. If his leave is the full six months, I don't expect to see him until at least mid-November - a good month away.
Another story that was just awful as everything to do with Levi. Of course this spilled over to Crichton Clark. Everyone hated Levi. We didn't love to hate him; we just plain hated him in every way. And I gather that longtime viewers were scratching their heads and trying to jog their memories for Peter Harrow. New viewers are certainly forgetting already.
I said that I liked most of the returning characters. The exceptions are Scott and Lucy - most particularly Lucy. When she volunteered to go with Levi in place of the girls, I cheered "yes, yes, take her!" They could have all disappeared never to be seen again and I would have been quite happy. I don't think I've ever known a more annoying character than Lucy who was supposed to be liked. She is useless to the storylines.
Scott has his moments but mostly I could do without him as well. His only good scenes are with Franco.
The best Franco scenes are of course with Nutty Nina. Michelle Stafford plays this character perfectly. Nina awoke from a coma after over 20 years. So she is in her early 40's physically with the maturity of a 19 or 20 year old. When she was going on and on about what she used to call an "App" was priceless. It was exactly the type of thing a young woman would brag about - irritating her mother - and also showing how she has missed 20 years of technology. I also got a kick out of Rosalie correcting her from saying she wanted to 'gaggle.' "You mean Google." "Oh, like that makes more sense," Nina replied. So perfect.
So we have some hits and misses. It is still fun to watch. I will tune in Monday to see who Tracy, Sam and Patrick meet in the cafe - not coffee shop for sure. I know it won't be Luke.
Lately though, I've not been enthused. The entire story around Crichton Clark clinic was ridiculous. I know that most of these people don't really die; there are ways to bring them back, but let's keep some sense of reality. And now, no one recognizes Jason. The old Jason's eyes would have been enough to draw in all the lovely women of Port Charles who were entranced with him and a few that weren't. What about his voice? Surely someone recognizes his voice? Plus there is enough of him visible, unbandaged so clearly not operated on that you should be able to tell who he is. Enough!
We have one story of mistaken identity that has already gone on too long. Now I know that Anthony Geary is on leave and I certainly don't want to rush his recovery. But we don't have to set up scenes that imply people are going to figure this out weeks before he is even due to be back on screen. If his leave is the full six months, I don't expect to see him until at least mid-November - a good month away.
Another story that was just awful as everything to do with Levi. Of course this spilled over to Crichton Clark. Everyone hated Levi. We didn't love to hate him; we just plain hated him in every way. And I gather that longtime viewers were scratching their heads and trying to jog their memories for Peter Harrow. New viewers are certainly forgetting already.
I said that I liked most of the returning characters. The exceptions are Scott and Lucy - most particularly Lucy. When she volunteered to go with Levi in place of the girls, I cheered "yes, yes, take her!" They could have all disappeared never to be seen again and I would have been quite happy. I don't think I've ever known a more annoying character than Lucy who was supposed to be liked. She is useless to the storylines.
Scott has his moments but mostly I could do without him as well. His only good scenes are with Franco.
The best Franco scenes are of course with Nutty Nina. Michelle Stafford plays this character perfectly. Nina awoke from a coma after over 20 years. So she is in her early 40's physically with the maturity of a 19 or 20 year old. When she was going on and on about what she used to call an "App" was priceless. It was exactly the type of thing a young woman would brag about - irritating her mother - and also showing how she has missed 20 years of technology. I also got a kick out of Rosalie correcting her from saying she wanted to 'gaggle.' "You mean Google." "Oh, like that makes more sense," Nina replied. So perfect.
So we have some hits and misses. It is still fun to watch. I will tune in Monday to see who Tracy, Sam and Patrick meet in the cafe - not coffee shop for sure. I know it won't be Luke.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Shifting the Schedule
Now that I've seen all the new and returning shows I'm interested in, something has to give. I prefer about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of TV per evening. These 3, even 4 hour marathons are way too much. So some shows can easily be watched later in the week or skipped altogether.
Usually I watch 60 Minutes depending on content I think it has been 20 years since I've had an 8 p.m. Sunday night show. With Madam Secretary at 8, Good Wife at 9 and Revenge at 10 that is 4 hours of TV! Way too much for my attention span and my back. So Madam Secretary can easily be watched at CBS.com later in the week, say Tuesday when there is nothing and has been nothing on from 8 to 10 for oh probably 20 years.
Revenge is a show I should have dropped in the 2nd season but like a train wreck - and it is one - I can't look away. My husband said all along in season 1 this should be a one season show. No I insisted. It was too good. I told many friends how good this show was. I hope none of them actually listened to me because season 2 was almost unwatchable - again, train wreck. Season 3 was a little better and even wrapped things up so that it really should not have come back. At this point I'll probably watch it through because I feel sure this is the last season, The star seems to want it that way. But I certainly don't have to stay up late on Sunday to watch it. The show has so dropped off everyone's radar that there aren't even spoilers to avoid if I delay a week or more.
Forever is still interesting. It is a decent procedural. While the overarching story is interesting it is obviously going to be very slow moving. I've seen this compared to Castle which I've never watched but I know enough about it to 2nd the comparisons. An easy one to put off a few days, maybe Friday nights which have absolutely nothing on I want to watch.
Eventually I'll have do so something about Elementary and Downton Abbey. Elementary is due to resume in late October on Thursdays at 10. I fear for them competing with How to Get Away with Murder. But then they used to be on opposite Scandal so I've always watched this one on a delay.
And speaking of Thursday, TGIT is a fine concept but 3 hours! Too long for me. Grey's is the casualty as my husband doesn't watch it. I only started watching this show a couple of years ago starting with season 1 on DVD. This is the first year I could watch it live and now it doesn't work for me. So this one is going to be delayed a day at least in viewing. I didn't think it got off to a great start last week. This week's episode was much better. I'm glad I didn't know in advance that it would be all Maggie. Her character surprised me in that I like her a lot. I like her to the point where I can see all the things I don't like about Meredith coming out. Very well done in getting her to interact with everyone, tying up one of Cristina's loose ends, and showing how she may be technically fantastic at her job she does indeed have her flaws.
I look forward to next week's Greys - just not on Thursday.
Usually I watch 60 Minutes depending on content I think it has been 20 years since I've had an 8 p.m. Sunday night show. With Madam Secretary at 8, Good Wife at 9 and Revenge at 10 that is 4 hours of TV! Way too much for my attention span and my back. So Madam Secretary can easily be watched at CBS.com later in the week, say Tuesday when there is nothing and has been nothing on from 8 to 10 for oh probably 20 years.
Revenge is a show I should have dropped in the 2nd season but like a train wreck - and it is one - I can't look away. My husband said all along in season 1 this should be a one season show. No I insisted. It was too good. I told many friends how good this show was. I hope none of them actually listened to me because season 2 was almost unwatchable - again, train wreck. Season 3 was a little better and even wrapped things up so that it really should not have come back. At this point I'll probably watch it through because I feel sure this is the last season, The star seems to want it that way. But I certainly don't have to stay up late on Sunday to watch it. The show has so dropped off everyone's radar that there aren't even spoilers to avoid if I delay a week or more.
Forever is still interesting. It is a decent procedural. While the overarching story is interesting it is obviously going to be very slow moving. I've seen this compared to Castle which I've never watched but I know enough about it to 2nd the comparisons. An easy one to put off a few days, maybe Friday nights which have absolutely nothing on I want to watch.
Eventually I'll have do so something about Elementary and Downton Abbey. Elementary is due to resume in late October on Thursdays at 10. I fear for them competing with How to Get Away with Murder. But then they used to be on opposite Scandal so I've always watched this one on a delay.
And speaking of Thursday, TGIT is a fine concept but 3 hours! Too long for me. Grey's is the casualty as my husband doesn't watch it. I only started watching this show a couple of years ago starting with season 1 on DVD. This is the first year I could watch it live and now it doesn't work for me. So this one is going to be delayed a day at least in viewing. I didn't think it got off to a great start last week. This week's episode was much better. I'm glad I didn't know in advance that it would be all Maggie. Her character surprised me in that I like her a lot. I like her to the point where I can see all the things I don't like about Meredith coming out. Very well done in getting her to interact with everyone, tying up one of Cristina's loose ends, and showing how she may be technically fantastic at her job she does indeed have her flaws.
I look forward to next week's Greys - just not on Thursday.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Returning Fall Shows - the first week
Several favorites returned this week. We had eagerly awaited the return of The Big Bang Theory and Scandal. Let's see how they all did.
The Good Wife
While it was difficult at times to watch, the storyline was the most surprising. Carey's arrest came out of nowhere. I'm always amazed how these people avoid spoilers. My prediction is that Carey will stay in lockup for a couple more episodes so Alicia and Diane can merge the firms leaving him even angrier when he is free that he wasn't in on the decisions. I think that when Will's murderer comes up for trial, Carey will want to represent him having experienced what it is like to be in jail and knowing how the kid could snap. Maybe Alicia will be State's Attorney by then and prosecute the case herself.
Big Bang Theory
Hilarious as always. A great double header. This show continues to do a 'bang up' job incorporating their growing cast and developing their characters.
The Middle
There is nothing really new here this year but it is still funny. Eden Sher is so unrewarded by the acting community for the fantastic performances she gives year after year. Maybe this year and Emmy or at the very least a nomination. If only all the nominations weren't gobbled up by...
Modern Family
While still funny, this show is getting to the most predictable and at times tedious of all. I hate to say that because it was so fantastic early on. The problem is that the same characters interact week after week and you can easily see how they are going to behave. Cameron goes overboard on the romance and Mitchell is embarrassed by it. How many times have we seen this? Bring on some new characters and shake things up!
Nashville
Ok, this was also predictable but I still enjoyed it. I knew Juliette would be pregnant. They set this up last season and Hayden Panitierre is pregnant IRL so they had to go there. I knew Rayna would not pick Deacon else the show would be over for her character. I knew Scarlett would return mainly because there were no spoilers than the actress was leaving. I still laughed at the road trip. I was still happy for Juliette who got the part in the movie. I even still wondered just for a minute if Rayna would choose Deacon. It is a good ensemble and the music is always great.
The best storyline is Will's and little happened here but I'm sure more will be coming along on this. It is unprecedented for Country Music as far as I know and I tune in to see how they are going to deal with his sexuality.
Grey's Anatomy
Is there a technician's strike in Hollywood that I don't know about? Otherwise how do you explain the horrible - dial back to the 1970's - special effects??? Grey's is better than that.
I also thought that the fighting between Meredith and the sister she doesn't know she is related to was forced. I'd have like to see more on the fight over the board seat. Alex is my favorite character so I'm glad Meredith and he are developing an even closer friendship but he needs his own storylines and life apart from her. And Bailey hardly got a word in the entire show.
I was disppointed in that this is my first season watching them realtime. Watchable but they have done better.
Scandal
Fantastic premiere! It is like they hit the reset button and we saw all the players move back into position except Abby. No one was where I expected at the beginning except Liv being on an island. There was a little teaser about that. I like the development of Quinn from the little mouse into the one person who brought everyone back together for Harrison's funeral.
I also applaud Shonda Rhimes for taking care of business. She doesn't let her actors off with bad behavior. The NFL and the NBA could learn from her.
Mellie is such fun to watch. She is going through an awful time yet she makes it entertaining to watch and she is completely in control of her breakdown. She isn't going to jump off the Truman balcony but if she keeps hanging over the edge someone is bound to notice. I never noticed until this episode how much she and Abby sound alike. I think they need to be related.
Best of all we had a case of the week. Let's keep those coming. You can do that and still have the overarching story.
So a good start to the season. Tonight Revenge returns for hopefully the final season. And if CBS will get their act together we can get Mom, the Millers and Mike and Molly back. Oh and Elementary - that is sometime in late October I think. That is a show I like more and more.
The Good Wife
While it was difficult at times to watch, the storyline was the most surprising. Carey's arrest came out of nowhere. I'm always amazed how these people avoid spoilers. My prediction is that Carey will stay in lockup for a couple more episodes so Alicia and Diane can merge the firms leaving him even angrier when he is free that he wasn't in on the decisions. I think that when Will's murderer comes up for trial, Carey will want to represent him having experienced what it is like to be in jail and knowing how the kid could snap. Maybe Alicia will be State's Attorney by then and prosecute the case herself.
Big Bang Theory
Hilarious as always. A great double header. This show continues to do a 'bang up' job incorporating their growing cast and developing their characters.
The Middle
There is nothing really new here this year but it is still funny. Eden Sher is so unrewarded by the acting community for the fantastic performances she gives year after year. Maybe this year and Emmy or at the very least a nomination. If only all the nominations weren't gobbled up by...
Modern Family
While still funny, this show is getting to the most predictable and at times tedious of all. I hate to say that because it was so fantastic early on. The problem is that the same characters interact week after week and you can easily see how they are going to behave. Cameron goes overboard on the romance and Mitchell is embarrassed by it. How many times have we seen this? Bring on some new characters and shake things up!
Nashville
Ok, this was also predictable but I still enjoyed it. I knew Juliette would be pregnant. They set this up last season and Hayden Panitierre is pregnant IRL so they had to go there. I knew Rayna would not pick Deacon else the show would be over for her character. I knew Scarlett would return mainly because there were no spoilers than the actress was leaving. I still laughed at the road trip. I was still happy for Juliette who got the part in the movie. I even still wondered just for a minute if Rayna would choose Deacon. It is a good ensemble and the music is always great.
The best storyline is Will's and little happened here but I'm sure more will be coming along on this. It is unprecedented for Country Music as far as I know and I tune in to see how they are going to deal with his sexuality.
Grey's Anatomy
Is there a technician's strike in Hollywood that I don't know about? Otherwise how do you explain the horrible - dial back to the 1970's - special effects??? Grey's is better than that.
I also thought that the fighting between Meredith and the sister she doesn't know she is related to was forced. I'd have like to see more on the fight over the board seat. Alex is my favorite character so I'm glad Meredith and he are developing an even closer friendship but he needs his own storylines and life apart from her. And Bailey hardly got a word in the entire show.
I was disppointed in that this is my first season watching them realtime. Watchable but they have done better.
Scandal
Fantastic premiere! It is like they hit the reset button and we saw all the players move back into position except Abby. No one was where I expected at the beginning except Liv being on an island. There was a little teaser about that. I like the development of Quinn from the little mouse into the one person who brought everyone back together for Harrison's funeral.
I also applaud Shonda Rhimes for taking care of business. She doesn't let her actors off with bad behavior. The NFL and the NBA could learn from her.
Mellie is such fun to watch. She is going through an awful time yet she makes it entertaining to watch and she is completely in control of her breakdown. She isn't going to jump off the Truman balcony but if she keeps hanging over the edge someone is bound to notice. I never noticed until this episode how much she and Abby sound alike. I think they need to be related.
Best of all we had a case of the week. Let's keep those coming. You can do that and still have the overarching story.
So a good start to the season. Tonight Revenge returns for hopefully the final season. And if CBS will get their act together we can get Mom, the Millers and Mike and Molly back. Oh and Elementary - that is sometime in late October I think. That is a show I like more and more.
Friday, September 26, 2014
New Fall 2014 TV
With almost all my shows being renewed, I really don't need to pick up a lot for the fall of 2014. Still, I'm tempted to try a few new shows. Here is what I've tried and what I think of them so far:
Forever (ABC)
Since I rarely care for science fiction or the supernatural in any form with the occasional exception such as Early Edition, I had not planned to watch Forever at all. The built-in gimmick overrode the really hot guy. Then I heard last week that the pilot was on-line. So why not? Not much else to watch.
My husband and I watched it together and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I loved Elana De La Garza on Law and Order. Judd Hirsh plays the ah, well, I won't tell you since it would spoil the story. He is in the sidekick role and there is a real kick to his character's placement in Henry's (the lead's) life. The pace is just right and the characters are not just likeable, but people you want to get to know - something sorely missing from so many shows. The pilot did an excellent job it seemed of setting us up for the 2nd episode though they really seemed to skip all that when the 2nd episode rolled around. The overarching story is engaging and it is a good procedural. Some people hate procedurals but I miss them. Shows like Scandals started with a story of the week and then completely abandoned the concept so much you can't figure out how these people could possibly stay in business.
The only issue I have is Henry's gimmick of dying and then popping up in water naked. Doesn't sound like that would be a problem to watch but it is a gimmick and any gimmick overused will kill a show or at least my desire to watch it.
Blackish
Another show I had no plans to watch was Blackish. The previews just didn't make it seem funny. I was persuaded by the excellent reviews. Should have listened to my instincts. This show may have some important social commentary. I don't really know. What I know is it is a comedy and I only laughed - lightly - once. Why can't ABC find something to follow Modern Family and give Nashville a decent lead in?
A to Z
Another pilot I watched on-line. I like the main characters. Didn't like the supporting cast at all. Plus it is on NBC and I watch nothing else on NBC, a network that can actually manage to screw up a Michael J. Fox show, so why bother?
Selfie
After watching the on-line pilot, I thought I might tune into this. I enjoyed it more than expected. It is better than its previews. The problem with it is they told the entire story in the pilot. I'm not expecting this one to hang around too long.
Madam Secretary (CBS)
I love shows about the presidency. This one on Sundays prior to the Good Wife showed promise in the previews. My husband labeled in predictable after we watched the first episode. I agree though there were one or two unique takes. It is watchable and a good time slot as The Good Wife is often late so having something to watch earlier is nice. I'll just wait and see if the episodes get more engaging. I do like all of the cast except for the two silly young assistants.
Scorpion (CBS)
Another show I had no intention of watching based on the previews. My husband wanted to watch it and for some reason CBS has it slotted at 9:00 p.m. on Monday. That alone is enough to really irritate me. The Good Wife desperately needs to be rescued from its slot post football, 60 Minutes, Madam Secretary that can range anywhere from 9 p.m to a 10:30 start. Why not put it on Monday at 9 if you suddenly want to air a drama at 9 p.m. Or what about Elementary that has been put off until late October thanks once again to football? The most logical thing would have been to bring on some of the regular comedies - the good ones like The Millers and Mike and Molly (though this needs some fine tuning to get back to what it once was but that is another issue).
So Scorpion is taking up much needed airtime and for what? The most ridiculous story I've ever seen in something supposedly based on real life events. Tell me did an amateur driver really go 200 mph down a runway with someone popping out of their sunroof to plug a cable into a plane buzzing above. Just land the plane!!! I've read that 'the runway was too short.' Well geniuses, you are at LAX, find a longer runway! This program was completely absurd.
Now I know the only thing I've liked so far is a show about a guy who can't die. In that case though and in other science fiction, you know what you are getting going in. What I don't like about Scorpion is they want us to swallow this nonsense as possible even reasonable. No, I will not be watching this again.
How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
The one show I truly wanted to add to my viewing for the fall is the new Shonda Rhimes show following Scandal. Actually it was developed by someone else. It definitely did not disappoint!
An overarching mystery - really two of them - that is promised to be solved by the end of the short season, a case of the week, a very complex female lead, and loads of mystery ensure that this drama will be around for the season. We were talking about it first thing this morning with theories on who did what. That is the sign of a good show for sure.
I haven't decided if I like these characters yet but I'm definitely interested. There are plenty of layers to reveal.
So I have one definite watch in How to Get Away with Murder and two maybes in Forever and Madam Secretary.
Forever (ABC)
Since I rarely care for science fiction or the supernatural in any form with the occasional exception such as Early Edition, I had not planned to watch Forever at all. The built-in gimmick overrode the really hot guy. Then I heard last week that the pilot was on-line. So why not? Not much else to watch.
My husband and I watched it together and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I loved Elana De La Garza on Law and Order. Judd Hirsh plays the ah, well, I won't tell you since it would spoil the story. He is in the sidekick role and there is a real kick to his character's placement in Henry's (the lead's) life. The pace is just right and the characters are not just likeable, but people you want to get to know - something sorely missing from so many shows. The pilot did an excellent job it seemed of setting us up for the 2nd episode though they really seemed to skip all that when the 2nd episode rolled around. The overarching story is engaging and it is a good procedural. Some people hate procedurals but I miss them. Shows like Scandals started with a story of the week and then completely abandoned the concept so much you can't figure out how these people could possibly stay in business.
The only issue I have is Henry's gimmick of dying and then popping up in water naked. Doesn't sound like that would be a problem to watch but it is a gimmick and any gimmick overused will kill a show or at least my desire to watch it.
Blackish
Another show I had no plans to watch was Blackish. The previews just didn't make it seem funny. I was persuaded by the excellent reviews. Should have listened to my instincts. This show may have some important social commentary. I don't really know. What I know is it is a comedy and I only laughed - lightly - once. Why can't ABC find something to follow Modern Family and give Nashville a decent lead in?
A to Z
Another pilot I watched on-line. I like the main characters. Didn't like the supporting cast at all. Plus it is on NBC and I watch nothing else on NBC, a network that can actually manage to screw up a Michael J. Fox show, so why bother?
Selfie
After watching the on-line pilot, I thought I might tune into this. I enjoyed it more than expected. It is better than its previews. The problem with it is they told the entire story in the pilot. I'm not expecting this one to hang around too long.
Madam Secretary (CBS)
I love shows about the presidency. This one on Sundays prior to the Good Wife showed promise in the previews. My husband labeled in predictable after we watched the first episode. I agree though there were one or two unique takes. It is watchable and a good time slot as The Good Wife is often late so having something to watch earlier is nice. I'll just wait and see if the episodes get more engaging. I do like all of the cast except for the two silly young assistants.
Scorpion (CBS)
Another show I had no intention of watching based on the previews. My husband wanted to watch it and for some reason CBS has it slotted at 9:00 p.m. on Monday. That alone is enough to really irritate me. The Good Wife desperately needs to be rescued from its slot post football, 60 Minutes, Madam Secretary that can range anywhere from 9 p.m to a 10:30 start. Why not put it on Monday at 9 if you suddenly want to air a drama at 9 p.m. Or what about Elementary that has been put off until late October thanks once again to football? The most logical thing would have been to bring on some of the regular comedies - the good ones like The Millers and Mike and Molly (though this needs some fine tuning to get back to what it once was but that is another issue).
So Scorpion is taking up much needed airtime and for what? The most ridiculous story I've ever seen in something supposedly based on real life events. Tell me did an amateur driver really go 200 mph down a runway with someone popping out of their sunroof to plug a cable into a plane buzzing above. Just land the plane!!! I've read that 'the runway was too short.' Well geniuses, you are at LAX, find a longer runway! This program was completely absurd.
Now I know the only thing I've liked so far is a show about a guy who can't die. In that case though and in other science fiction, you know what you are getting going in. What I don't like about Scorpion is they want us to swallow this nonsense as possible even reasonable. No, I will not be watching this again.
How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
The one show I truly wanted to add to my viewing for the fall is the new Shonda Rhimes show following Scandal. Actually it was developed by someone else. It definitely did not disappoint!
An overarching mystery - really two of them - that is promised to be solved by the end of the short season, a case of the week, a very complex female lead, and loads of mystery ensure that this drama will be around for the season. We were talking about it first thing this morning with theories on who did what. That is the sign of a good show for sure.
I haven't decided if I like these characters yet but I'm definitely interested. There are plenty of layers to reveal.
So I have one definite watch in How to Get Away with Murder and two maybes in Forever and Madam Secretary.
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