Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Vincent D’Onofrio leaving Criminal Intent

After eight seasons, Vincent D’Onofrio will be leaving Law and Order: Criminal Intent at the beginning of season nine in a two-part episode. The Criminal Intent reins will then be past to Jeff Goldblum, who took over for Chris Noth this past season.

D’Onofrio explains his departure, “I have always been, and have always viewed myself, as a character actor, and the great opportunity that Dick [Wolf] presented to me to develop the Goren character on Criminal Intent was successful beyond my wildest expectations. After eight seasons, and with the addition of Jeff Goldblum, now is the perfect time for me to explore other acting opportunities and I leave the show knowing it is in great hands with Jeff.” (more information at Aussiello files, EW.com)

Premiering in 2001, D’Onofrio starred as lead detective Robert Goren with partner Alex Eames (Kathryn Erbe). In 2005, after D’Onofrio suffered from exhaustion on set, the series was split up, alternating episodes with new cast member Chris Noth.

D’Onofrio won’t be the only one to exit the series. Kathryn Erbe will also be leaving, along with Eric Bogosian, who portrays Captain Ross. Julianne Nicholson (Detective Wheeler) left late last season because of her impending motherhood. She will be replaced by Saffron Burrows.

I’ve been a Criminal Intent fan ever since I happened past the show, during one of my channel changing binges. I stayed, in large part, because of D’Onofrio and his portrayal of Bobby Goren. Goren is this big powerhouse of a man, who uses psychology to manipulate criminals into confessing. Vincent does it so well that you can’t peel your eyes away from the TV set. Ever since they decide to alternate episodes between Noth and D’Onofrio, and eventually Jeff Golblum, I always missed seeing Goren and Eames every week. Although Goldblum is great at what he does, Criminal Intent is Vincent D’Onofrio.

In a statement, D’Onofrio says, “For all my loyal CI fans, I wouldn’t be surprised if Goren pops up from time to time.” Isn’t that like taking candy away from a baby, giving it back, and then taking it away again? It’s just a little cruel, in my opinion. But, on the other hand, we would be given a little fix of D’Onofrio. Just enough to tide us fans over until his next project.

The new season will premiere next year in late spring.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Eastwick Review

Eastwick, ABC’s female-driven drama, premiered last night in the rough 10 o’clock spot. Based on John Updike’s book, Witches of Eastwick, this new series is about three women who are looking for something more in there lives. We open to the idyllic town of Eastwick, a state fair is playing out and Roxie (Rebecca Romjin), Kat(Jamie Ray Newman), and Joanna (Lindsay Price) happen upon three half dollar coins. Taking these coins to the town wishing well (what town doesn’t have this?) they make their respective wishes. Soon after they forge a fast friendship and discover magical talents they never knew they had. Because of these wishes, and before they come upon their talents, a mysterious man arrives in town and starts buying up the town and entering the lives of these three women.

Roxie: Labeled the “town slut,” Roxie does what and who she wants. She’s a wild child who has tried many careers and has finally landed on being a sculptress. A proprietor of her own art studio, she struggles to make ends meet, but doesn’t seem to believe that this will last for long. She has a daughter, Mia, who she treats more as a friend, telling her to rebel and teasing her when she gets her first hickey. This backfires, when Mia almost gets raped at the end of the show. Roxie’s love life is something of legend in the town of Eastwick. Her husband has died and everyone seems to believe that she killed him. For right now, she seems mildly content bedding a man half her age. Her wish: To meet someone who really gets her, who comes to town all mysterious and dangerous, buys all her artwork and makes passionate love to her on Egyptian cotton sheets. That’s a wish I can get behind. Her powers:premonition.

Kat: Kat is a wife and mother of five. She has been with her husband since she was eighteen (the first time she got pregnant) and lives a life that no one would envy. Her husband is the basic clichĂ© lazy good–for-nothing man who you really want to see get a good kick in the pants or maybe something much worse. I thought she was the only character that really showed any depth, someone I really wanted to root for. Her wish: for something to change. Her power: she has the power of Mother Nature. Examples, she literally makes the earth move and unwittingly makes a bolt of lightning strike her dead beat husband in the chest.

Joanna: Joanna is a self-proclaimed pushover. She can’t summon the courage to pitch a huge story to her boss and says wildly inappropriate things to her office crush, Will (telling him about her vibrator was extremely hard to watch, but funny). Her wish: to be able to speak up and get what she wants. Her power: Hypnosis. She can look at a man (it only works on men) and make him do whatever she wants. Perfect for someone who can’t seem to get anything she wants.

This series is struggling to find a balance between light and dark. The light comedy part they have down, it’s the dark, evil part that’s a real problem. They have a ten o’clock spot, which means they can say and do things that series in the eight or nine o’clock series can’t. What I want to see is more depth in the characters and their backgrounds. The mysterious stranger, Daryl, is the one that is orchestrating these ladies interest in their new powers, but I can’t take him seriously with that voice of his. He sounds like the movie trailer guy, and somehow I can’t enjoy the evilness he’s supposed to be embodying with that voice.

The series premiere got a respectable 9.3 million viewers last night and was second in the coveted 18-49 demographic. I predict this number will go down next week. It’s just not that strong of a show.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Good Wife Review

The Good Wife is CBS’ new legal drama featuring Julianna Margulies as the wife of State Attorney, Peter Florrick (played by Chris Noth). Continuing the tradition of politicians being rather dodgy characters, he has his own political and sexual scandal, humiliating his wife and family and landing in prison. Thirteen years after leaving the courtroom and supporting her husband’s career, Alicia Florrick re-enters the workforce, starting as a junior associate at her longtime friend’s prominent Chicago law firm. She must fight to show she has what it takes to swim with the sharks and that she is more than just a politician’s jilted wife.

I’m not a big fan of the legal drama. The courtroom fodder and excessive use of legalese always reminded me of a classroom. I could hear the words coming out of the professor’s mouth-but it never interested me enough to absorb anything. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed every minute of this show. Julianna Marguiles portrayal of Alicia Floorick, was a big part of that love. Marguiles has a hard job to do, she has to play a humiliated woman, but not come across as a victim. She has to be likable to the audience, someone we want to root for and she does this in spades.

Okay enough of the Julianna love, there were other characters that rounded off this great new series. Christine Baranski portrays Diane Lockhart, a partner in the firm, who likes to think of herself as a fighter in the woman’s movement (“men can be lazy, woman can’t”). As Alicia starts breaking through her case, discovering new evidence (with a helpful hint from her prison-bound husband), Diane’s attitude quickly changes. I expect the claws will definitely come out as these two continue working together. Matt Czuchry, plays Cary Agos, another junior associate, who views the workplace as competition, especially since he and Alicia are vying for the same spot. I think a well placed kick in the pants is due for this ego-driven lawyer. Finally, it seems the designated sidekick role has gone to Archie Panjabi, who plays Kalinda, the firm’s in-house investigator. She’s a feisty one, and I’m hoping that isn’t all she is, because they can get quite boring after awhile. And on a personal note, I’d just like to express my glee at the fact that Grams from Dawson’s Creek, is playing Alicia’s over-bearing, critical mother-in-law. Maybe she’ll learn a little bit of humility like Grams did on the Creek.

All in all, I think audiences will love this drama. It’s not only a legal drama, but also part investigative procedural. Fans of Law and Order and The Practice will surely find a home here. The only problem I can see is it’s time slot, ten o’clock is rough for any show, especially a newbie. But, it did draw in 13.7 million viewers last night and it’s looking to be the best new show in that slot so far, so maybe there’s hope.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Emmy's: Actually Watchable?

Wow. The Emmy awards and amazing broadcasting don't usually occupy the same sentence, but Neil Patrick Harris managed to bring them together. From the opening musical number to the obligatory Paula Abdul and Kayne West jokes, Harris hosted a truly entertaining awards ceremony. Even Dr.Horrible made an appearance!

There were a few upsets, notably Toni Collette snatching the Lead Actress Emmy away from past winner Tina Fey. Neil Patrick Harris seemed a shoe-in for supporting actor in a comedy series, but that went to Jon Cryer (seriously?). But, my favorite winner of the night had to be Kristen Chenoweth. Nominated for playing Olive Snook in the late great Pushing Daisies, she could not have been a more gracious winner. She spoke of being unemployed now, and I just have to say- someone please scoop this funny lady up and give her a show (and watched her when she guest stars on Glee this season!).

The night's most coveted awards, Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Drama Series, went to 30 Rock and Mad Men respectively.

Congratulations to all the winners, and to all the non-winners, I'm sure it was an honor just to be nominated.

Listed below in bold are the winners of the drama and comedy categories.

Outstanding Comedy Series
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Concords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
30 Rock

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Jemaine Clement, Flight of the Concords
Tony Shaloub, Monk
Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory
Steve Carell, The Office
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds

Supporting Actor in Comedy Series
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met your Mother
Rainn Wilson, The Office
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Kristen Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds

Outstanding Best Drama

Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (begrudgingly I bold this, Hugh Laurie was robbed!)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hugh Laurie, House
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Simon Baker, The Mentalist

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
Glenn Close, Damages
Mariska Hargitay, SVU
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
William Hurt, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Cherry Jones, 24
Rose Byrne, Damages
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Hope Davis, In Treatment

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Bones in a Flash (advice: don't read this if you haven't seen last nights episode)

Last season’s cliffhanger of Booth not knowing who Bones was, had fans wondering what the next season would bring. What fans got was a thrilling episode that explored Booth trying to gain normalcy, the reciting of three little words Bones-Booth fans have been dying to here, and of course there was a case.

Case Recap Angela’s psychic (played by the incredible Cyndi Lauper) reveals that there are skeletons under a fountain. Angela works her computer regeneration magic on one of the skulls, and discovers that it looks exactly like her psychic. I cringed at this revelation, hoping against hope it wasn’t her twin. Hart Hansen (Bones creator) did not disappoint-it was in fact her sister. See, a while back they joined a cult called the Harbinger of a New Day, which was headed by a guy named Fargood. It was all about creating an underwater utopia for people who suffered from MCS, which basically means their allergic to the world. Sounds very promising.

Investigating a bit further, a physician who used to work for the cult is found. He of course paints himself as an innocent player in this game. When the squints (long lost term for Brennan’s team I just had to bring back) find out that the followers of this cult were being feed anti-freeze, which mimics MCS symptoms and insures Fargood keeps getting funds from his trusting followers. Bones goes to the physician’s workplace to tell him their findings. Booth, in the meantime, is visiting the psychic who leads Booth to believe Bones is in trouble (it’s all in the cards). Bones in fact is getting into a duel with the good doctor and his smaller than small scalpel. It’s amazing how threatening a tiny scalpel can be. Bones gets stab and Booth shoots, with scary accuracy, the bad guy.

Brennan and Booth bring in the leader, Fargood, for questioning and boy is this guy good. He’s the kind of smug criminal that makes you want to smack him a while. Or maybe upend the table, pull his chair to face you and…okay I’ve watch too many cop shows. Concluding the case, Fargood can’t be convicted on the murder charges, not enough evidence, but he is charged with a slew of federal crimes. So basically justice was served, kind of.

Booth and Bones Will these two kids ever get together? Not anytime soon it seems. Coming back from a coma, amnesia and an identity crisis, Booth is just trying to get things back to normal. From the start of the episode, we can see that he is just a bit different, notably his missing cocky belt buckle and multi-colored striped socks. He has simply forgotten this part of himself, but the one thing he has discovered is that he is in love with Bones. He tells Cam and even Sweets finds out, but they both warn him not to reveal it to Bones, if he is not truly sure this is the real him loving her. It might ruin her forever. Well, in spite of that he says the three words that fans have been waiting four seasons to hear, he tells Bones he loves her. Of course, it can’t be that easy. His doubts get the best of him and he says that he loves her professionally. Ugh. The only upside of this disappointment is when the psychic tells Booth it all works out eventually. Yeah! At least Hart is continuing with the lovely relationship that he has built in Bones and Booth.

All in all, this was a great premiere. Hart really knows what the heart of the show is-Bones and Booth. Their partnership, love, and care for each other. What makes them perfect is that their each others ying and yang. Bones is the rationally one who as a reverence for human life and Booth is all instinct and heart. This is why we watch. This is why we come back week after week.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Grievence of the Week: Excessive Commercial Breaks

In this economy, I understand the need for advertisement, especially for those shows that are expensive to make. But does there have to be so damn many of them? Seriously, I could get a snack and eat it, floss, brush my teeth, wash my face, and still the commercial would still be going. Commercials are now five to six minutes long, and that’s not counting the product placements we see during the actual show.

Last year, two of Fox’s shows, Dollhouse and Fringe, were presented with limited commercial breaks. Both shows only had sixty to ninety-second breaks, which made the shows much easier to get into, especially for me, who changes the channel during breaks and then forgets what she was just watching!

Here’s another thing that “grinds my gears” (quote from Peter Griffin, thank you very much), the fact that advertisers and Nielsen ratings, more or less, decide the fate of a show. “Pushing Daisies” is a prime example of this. It was an expensive show to produce and because the archaic Nielsen ratings showed it wasn’t getting many viewers, it was canned. The Nielsen’s take a sample audience, compile electronically what they watch and have them write a diary of their television preferences. It seems archaic because, the TV media has expanded to the Internet and also DVR’s.

Television shows that are popular on DVR get no attention, because the consumer can just zap through the commercials without a second look. The truth is, if a viewer really wanted to see a commercial, they would stop and watch it. These numbers shouldn’t be ignored just because the advertiser’s dollars aren’t being well spent.

It’s frustrating to me, a scripted show lover, that the all mighty dollar is more important than keeping quality television on the air. So here’s my proposal: base your decision on canning a show on whether it’s good or not, stop with the incessant commercials, and do in-show advertising like they did back when commercials first began. More importantly, less commercials means viewers will be less tempted to reach for the remote and change to another station.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Grey's Preview

Just saw the first five minutes of Grey’s Anatomy’s season opener (courtesy of E!online) and I’m gripped. In the opening scene, we see George on the surgical table, unrecognizable, while Derek stands at his open skull, trying to save him. At the same time, we see Izzie fighting for her life and suddenly opening her eyes just as George flatlines. Callie starts hyperventilating, while she sees George’s life slip away, while Alex breathes a sigh of relief. It’s definitely a bittersweet moment, one that makes this episode so heartbreakingly hard to watch. In the next scene, we see the girl George saved run up to Mark and Lexi and ask who George is, that George is John Doe. Running to the OR, Lexi sees the patient and says, “That’s not George…he’s tall…that’s not George.” What?!

This is why I love Grey’s so much, their ability to grip you, even when you know he’s a goner. I will definitely be watching with a big box of Kleenex by my side.

Grey’s Anatomy premieres Thursday, September 24th at 9pm. It’s a two hour episode, so don’t forget to set your DVR’s!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Vampire Diaries Review (Spoilers!)

Watch out Twilight, there’s a new vampire series in town.

Vampire Diaries, based on L.J Smith’s young adult series, is set in Mystic Falls, a few months after, heroine, Elena’s parents die in a car crash that left her the sole survivor. Her younger brother is a drug dealer and her best friend is a maybe psychic, and then there’s an ex-boyfriend who still holds a flame for her. But, let’s face it, this isn’t really about her, it’s all about Stefan. Stefan is a vampire who comes back to Mystic Falls, where he was raised a century ago, to follow Elena whose doppelganger, Catherine, was a girl from Stefan’s past. We don’t really know much about Catherine, but one can assume she was a very important part of his past. His troubling past doesn’t stay far for long, as we come upon his brother, Damon early in the episode. They haven’t seen each other for fifteen years, and it seems no love is lost between these two. Maybe one of strongest characters in the show, Damon is wicked evil. Unlike Stefan, who has given up feasting off humans, Damon is still killing humans for his survival and pleasure. He comes to ruin his brother’s life, which why not, right? At a bonfire both Elena and Stefan are attending, Damon puts his plan to action almost killing Vicki (who happens to be Elena’s ex-boyfriend’s sister). The killer line from the whole episode is when she says, in a strained voice, “Vampire.”

What surprised me most about last night’s episode is that I didn’t care for it. I loved Dawson’s Creek, falling in love with Kevin Williamson’s quick wit and melodrama. But, there’s just something missing. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m no longer fourteen years old and going through my “teen angst” period. Or maybe it’s because the sappy emo music in the background is a little grating and the acting isn’t top notch. The story has its ups and downs, seemingly “borrowing” certain aspects of different vampire myths (Stefan has to be invited in (Buffy, anyone?), the ring he has to wear in order to not burst into flames in the sun (anyone remember Angel?). But, I think they will find their stride in the coming episodes, especially if they feature Damon more. I’m willing to give it another chance, if only because of my stubborn, don’t-want-to-be-wrong nature.

Apparently, though, nobody else shared my disappointment, because Vampire Diaries received the highest ratings of a new show on the CW network, with 4.84 million viewers. I can hear the fan girls organizing their clubs already.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Glee's here!

Words cannot express the joy I felt when the clock finally read nine o’clock. It was time for Glee! The most anticipated show, in my opinion, of the season had reached its premiere and I was reeling. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

From the teenage love triangle to the hilariously villainous, Sue Sylvester, the episode was packed full of comedy, drama, and even romance. It’s like watching a Broadway musical, and for someone who has never had the privilege to see one in person, it was wonderful.

Here are some of the many highlights from tonight’s episode:

Rachel and Finn finally share that kiss that was teased in the promos. But it seemed as though the kiss was a little, uh um, premature, as to where they are in their relationship.

Quinn, Finn’s girlfriend, upon seeing Rachel’s fascination with him, decides to join the club. Sue Sylvester, the powerful and conniving cheerleading coach, upon hearing this constructs a plan that will serve her goal of seeing the destruction of the glee club. Not surprisingly, Sue tells her (and two other cheerleaders) that they will be her spies. Although all Quinn is concerned with is keeping her boyfriend.

Will’s wife, Terri, goes to the “baby doctor” and discovers that she is not pregnant, only having a hysterical pregnancy. But, not willing to give up the idea of having that perfect family, she decides to not tell her husband, which I’m sure will have no backlash.

Will has to become a janitor in order to afford the grand foyer his “pregnant” wife so desperately wants. Emma, who has an unrequited love crush on Will, passes by the classroom he is cleaning and, in true obsessive compulsive fashion, helps him clean up. Which all leads to a moment in which it seems entirely possible that we will see these two end up together later in the series.

The cruelty a crush can bring is shown, as Ken, who is interested in Emma, but is met by her ridiculous excuses, sees how close she and Will are becoming. He insists on telling her that she will never find anyone who will treat her better than he, nobody single that is. Stricken by his hard truth, Emma relents and agrees to a date at Tulipooloza (I just had to add that, because I think Tulip Time should consider changing its name to this!)

And last, but not least, there was the singing. Nothing makes me happier than hearing a powerful voice, belt out with such a conviction, that goose bumps run ramped on my arms. Mercedes and Will give us a rendition of “Gold Digger” that rivals Kayne West (that I’m sure he would be less than pleased with hearing). “Push it” by Salt N’ Pepa, was also featured, which was so shocking, I couldn’t help but blush a bit at their sexually explicit dancing.

The ratings for last night’s episode were slightly down from the summer premiere (7.3 million compared to 9.6 million for the pilot), but compared to most new shows it did great. I’m confident that it will be able to hold its audience, if it continues with the entertaining storylines, offbeat humor, and fabulous music.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Guilty Pleasures

Drop Dead Diva

Guilty pleasures: you’re embarrassed by them, you admit to watching in a hushed voice, but something inside draws you to their surreal plotlines and hyperbolic emotions. Characters never live happily ever after, not really, but every episode, save for cliffhangers, has a conclusion, good or bad. It doesn’t sound real, I know, but that’s what happens when you step out of reality and into Seattle grace, Capeside, a ‘67 Chevy Impala, Stars Hollow, or even a plus-size lawyer’s body.

This brings us to the newest arrival in guilty pleasures, Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva. This newbie series features, Deb, a shallow, tanned and plucked, aspiring model, who dies in a car crash. Upon arrival to the Pearly Gates, (that looks more like an office building than Heaven’s welcome center) she’s greeted by Fred, who leads her to his steel-plated desk and begins typing in her fate. She is shocked when it declares her to be neither good nor bad. Thinking this to be a grave error, she notices a warning next to the all knowing computer: Do Not Push the Return Button. Well, who can resist that? Only something horrifying happens, she returns to earth, not in her svelte, twenty-four year old body, but in the body of do-gooder and plus-size lawyer, Jane. OMG! Guided by her guardian angel, Fred, she must lead Jane’s life and watch as her grieving fiancĂ©, Grayson (who, get this, is a lawyer, too) accepts a job where she works, but has no idea who she is.

Sounds deliciously tantalizing, right?

No show can be a success without a great supporting cast. This show starts with archetypal characters, but turns them into these three- dimensional personalities that are irresistible. The cast starts with Kim, an attorney at the law firm and the quintessential office bitch. But within that, we see a wounded woman, who has all her defenses up. The creators really are able to construct a character that audiences love to hate. Fred, who gets banished to earth for Deb’s rebellion, is at Jane’s side as her guardian angel. Inexplicably, he disappears because he develops a crush (and eventual more) with Jane’s best friend, Stacy. Stacy is an aspiring model, who is more gifted in the looks department, than anything else. But she acts as the comedy relief, and does so without being annoying, which is very hard to do. Teri is Jane’s sarcastic assistant and Parker is Jane’s boss, the typical, but hilarious, how- can- we -make –more- money boss. And then there’s Grayson, the love of Deb’s life, a man she was about to marry. The love interest of the show, Jane soon finds, to her horror that his glances go to Kim, rather than her.

Catch up on all new episodes Sunday nights and 9pm on Lifetime. Bonus-don’t worry about being cancelled; it just got picked up for a second season!

Friday, September 4, 2009

The best and worst of the '09 Fall season


Best Shows
Glee- one of the most anticipated dramas of the season is finally here! A high school drama about a Spanish teacher, who wants to create a glee club kids can get excited about. Look for great musical numbers and off-beat humor. Also look for the hilarious Jane Lynch, as an evil, imposing cheerleading coach. Premieres Wednesday, Sept.9 @ 9pm on Fox.
Lie to me/Dollhouse- Not technically a new show, but last years midseason shows deserve a second chance. Lie to Me stars Tim Roth, a human lie detector. A must see for House fans. Dollhouse comes from the genius that is Joss Whedon and stars Eliza Dushku. Dollhouse is about a Center that provides human dolls that can be anything they’re programmed to be, from secret agents to love companions. Both on Fox, Lie to Me premieres Monday, Sept.28@9pm, Dollhouse Friday Sept.25 @ 9pm.
Flash Forward- ABC’s blockbuster-type show, where everyone across the world blacks out and sees six months into their future. Starring Joseph Fiennes, ABC must really love this show since it found a home in Ugly Betty’s vacated time slot, right before Grey’s Anatomy. Debuts Thursday, Sept.24 @8pm on ABC.
Eastwick- this show is on the list if only because it’s filming on the sacred ground that is Stars Hollow. Based on Updike’s book, the show stars Rebecca Romaijn, Lindsey Price and Jamie Ray Newman, as three different women who discover magical talents, friendship and along the way unexpected danger. And of course there will be loads of sexual tension. Debuts Wednesday, Sept.23@10pm on ABC.
Modern Family- Follows three families who are dealing with daily struggles and what being a modern parent is. One of the new fall comedies that actually looks funny and different. Premieres Wednesday, Sept.23@9pm on ABC.




Not worth your time

Jay Leno- If I could put him in all five spots, I would. Why NBC is giving up the 10 pm primetime spot to Leno, is beyond comprehension. At this point it seems they’re just throwing things against the wall to see what sticks.
Accidently on Purpose- I love Jenna Elfman, so it dismays me to say, that this comedy looks anything but hilarious. A hapless comedy about a thirty-something woman who tries out cougardom with a barely legal, but hot, guy that ends up in a one-night stand that produces a baby (have you heard this before?)
Trauma- Replacing ER with a drama about paramedics, what a stretch. Plus the slow moving promos, meant to show action, rather make the viewer wonder why a Baywatch babe isn’t running along side these heroes. Paramedics deserve better than this.
Three Rivers- Alex O’Loughlin, notwithstanding, this drama about organ donors, the recipients, and the doctors who save their lives, seems to be lacking something. The problem is, the hospital seems so sterile and cold, it’s hard not to give this show a chilly reception. My advice: watch the show, mute it, and just bask in the dreaminess of Alex O’Loughlin.
Happy Town- premiering midseason, this show has all the appeal of a lifetime movie. A small town is disrupted by a murder that reminds the denizens of a psychotic man, who seven years ago snatched up seven people. Everyone becomes a suspect, paranoia ensues. Yeah. Sounds more like a summer mini-series, than an actually series.