So, yeah, I’ve been watching a lot of television lately. But, hey, it’s the Fall Season. Even so, I admit I haven’t watched every single new show out there, hence the name of this post. The fastest way for me to tell you what my TV watching looks like, so far this season, is to do this quick rundown (in alphabetical order, of course).
THE BLACKLIST: The biggest disappointment of the returning shows is The Blacklist. James Spader is the only element of the show worth saving. Everything else needs to be scrapped especially Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen and Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler. That’s not even mentioning the writers who chose to name one of the bad guys (who happens to be a girl), “Lord Baltimore.” Season’s 2 premiere episode looked like a bad music video, right down to Elizabeth shaking her head to music and laughter after getting a new haircut. Yes, the acting is mostly bad, but the editing is worse.
THE GOOD WIFE: The best show on network television by far. I have no words to describe the quality of this show. Season 6’s opening episode had me on the edge of my seat and it involved no shooting or car chases. Top writing, top acting. Simply the best.
GREY’S ANATOMY: I gotta give the Grey writers credit. I’m liking what I’m seeing so far, and considering that the show is in its 11th season, it’s no small feat. I’m warming up to Maggie, both the character and the actress who plays her. Let’s see where this goes.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER: So far so good. Fast-paced even if it can be a bit confusing. Viola Davis’ character is a kick-ass and a bit twisted. I’m also digging her hand-picked group of college students, especially Wes.
MADAM SECRETARY: I’m loving this show, possibly because Tea Leoni is hugely credible as Secretary of State, but also because the writing is smart. Madam Secretary hits all the right notes in portraying a successful, multi-dimensional woman. The supporting cast is also a joy to watch especially Zeljko Ivanek (Russell Jackson) and Bebe Neuwirth (Nadine Tolliver). Besides that, Morgan Freeman is one of the show’s executive producers and he can do no wrong.
NEW GIRL: Not watching this season. Once Nick and Jess broke up, I decided to stop watching. It’s not only that I really like them together, it’s that I just don’t buy how quickly they’ve accepted that their relationship is over. I remember my break-ups. It took me months to get over them, and I certainly wasn’t ok seeing my ex dating again so quickly.
PARENTHOOD: I’ve always loved family dramas, and Parenthood is one of the best ever created. The story lines are good (except for Sarah hooking up with Hank), and the performances are top notch. But I admit I’m watching this season with a heavy heart. First, because I know that it’s the show’s last. Then, because we’ve been warned that there will be a death. Because this show is full of surprises, I’m betting it will not be Zeek’s, who has a heart condition and has just had a successful open-heart surgery. I better stock up on tissue boxes.
PARKS & RECREATION: As far as I’m concerned Parks & Recreations ended in Season 6. Ann & Chris left for Michigan. Then, we were fast-forwarded to the future and saw Leslie as the successful head of the Midwest Regional office of the National Parks Service and the mother of triplets. Renewing the show for a 7th season might be one of those welcomes that are overstayed. So, no, I’m not watching.
REVENGE: Unbelievable. No, this is not the usual one-word title of a recent episode, and it’s not a compliment in any way. It’s a description of what the whole show has become. Well, I could think of worse words, but I’m beyond caring. Victoria walking out of a psychiatric hospital holding an umbrella, David Clarke alive and out of prison (without an explanation on how he escaped and where he’s been all these years), Margot’s terrible, horrible hair style, Jack becoming a cop, Charlotte turning psycho. The list is too long to post.
SCANDAL: Oh, please! How many times do I have to see Olivia and Jake having hot sex? They’re great in bed, and on the table, and against the wall, I get it. Now, as to the rest. Abbey as White House Press Secretary? Quinn is back and sane again (well, I’m thankful she stopped licking/being licked by Huck), Fitz still looks like he’s constipated, and they still can’t go a show without mentioning “gladiator.” Portia de Rossi looks like she needs to go back to acting school. The two best things going for the show are the camera clicks and Mellie’s UGG-wearing-fried chicken-eating breakdown. That should tell you something.
This is it for now. In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting more in-depth reviews for each show as the story lines develop. Happy (or not) watching.
