I watch too much tv. It's a bit of a crime really. But ever since i got my archos mp3/video player, i get to watch the american shows I downloaded from Limewire on the train on the way to work - usually months before they get shown on tv... And i do believe that some tv is a great visual form of literature with rewarding storylines and great character development. But heck, most of it is just plain enjoyable. So here are the shows I will be keeping an eye on this season...
THE RETURNING FAVES:
Grey's Anatomy, Season 3 - returns to ABC on 21st September
I didn't really pay much attention to Grey's Anatomy at first, but then i heard such good things about it that I thought i have to check it out. I was totally hooked - its kind of like a more grounded Ally McBeal. The storylines are witty, inventive, touching and heartbreaking all in the same go. The season finale cliffhanger was a corker and now we will wait to see the bound to be messy outcomes of Meredith and Derek's dirty prom night fling.
Lost, Season 3 - returns to ABC on 4th October
What is there to say about Lost - it is ultimately the most engrossing, frustrating, intriguing show on television. There is always the worry that the plot will become so convuluted and confusing that fans will desert the show in droves a la The X Files final few seasons. However, there was enough new stuff in the season finale to keep people hooked - the others, the return of desmond and a real time peak into the outside world... i for one am quite happy to enjoy the ride...
Desperate Housewives Season 3 - returns to ABC on 24th Sept
Desperate Housewives is definitely tv's guiltiest pleasure. Season twos mystery didn't work quite as well as the first year and now the challenge is to make this whipsmart show into a great nighttime soap. Certainly it has all the elements to do so - wonder whether they will write Marcia Cross's pregnancy into the show?? And could teri hatcher and the plumber just get it on already? Assuming he hasn't been killed by the new psycho dentist who is showing an interest in the brilliant Bree...
Veronica Mars Season 3 - returns to CW on 3 Oct
This is the perfect show for people who miss the near-perfect Buffy The Vampire Slayer - a cracking intelligent teen drama that is a great diversion for adults too. Reportedly Joss Whedon's favourite show, season 3 is rumoured to break up the mysteries into smaller story arcs. Last year was pretty intense and hard to follow, but that just makes the payoff more rewarding. I have faith in the writers of this show and can't wait to see what they come up with next... and as a twofer with Gilmore Girls it makes for the smartest night on television...
Prison Break, Season 2 - returned to Fox on 21st Aug
Since I gave up on 24, this has got to be the most ludicrous addictive twistworthy show on television with a great cast. Its a bit like a rollercoaster ride in the dark - you are never sure where the show is going to take you next. Sure some of it is preposterous, but its a hell of a lot of fun and sometimes that is all you need...
Honorourable mentions go to the seventh season of the always amazing Gilmore Girls and season six of the rejuvinated Smallville both on The CW this season...
THE COULD BE/USED TO BE GOOD SECTION:
The OC, Season 4 - returns to Fox on 2nd Nov
Hmmm, this show seems to have fallen so far from the giddy heights of season one that its hard to get excited about its return. To be honest the characters of Seth and Summer are really the only reason to tune in... season 3 saw too much mawkish drama, not enough fun and characters doing things that were - well, out of character. With only a 16 episode order, this once jewel in fox's crown now has a lot to prove...
What About Brian, Season 2 - returns to ABC on 9th Oct
I wrote before that this show is kind of like Felicity - the ten year reunion. Examining the lives and loves of a group of friends, the 5 episode first season actually was great, but you can't help but wonder if they have already used up every permutation of the relationships that they could. Having said that, the Noel-Ben-Felicity triangle was kept fresh for four years so if this show can pull that off, i am so in...
Supernatural, Season 2 - returns to CW on 28th Sept
There was something utterly humourless about Supernatural - it had everything else. Scary storylines, great looking leads, an ongoing plot for viewers to follow, yet it all seemed so routine and mundane. It desperately needs to gain that spark to make it a tv show worth returning to...
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY:
Everyone seems to be robbing the whole Lost/Veronica/Prison Break ongoing storylines this year and I have to say that most of the new offerings don't really excite me that much. However, there are a few that I will be checking out the first few episodes to see if they can hook me in...
Brothers and Sisters - debuts on ABC on 24th Sept
A family tragedy pulls a bunch of siblings closer together than they might want to be. Apparently multiple plot threads are thrown at the viewer in the first episode, but the cast is great - Sally Fields (we like her, we really like her) and Rachel Griffiths? How can i not watch?
Six Degrees - debuts on ABC on 21st Sept
Its JJ Abrams (lost, felicity, alias, what about brian) so i preprogrammed to at least give it a go - its about 6 strangers whose lives all interconnect in New York without them realising it. The premise is interesting but whether it can stretch to a series remains to be seen. of course I said that about Lost...
Ugly Betty - debuts on ABC on 28th Sept
A smart and ambitious but naive and plain-looking girl (America Ferrera) tries to make it in the glam world of a fashion magazine in this adaptation of the telenovela "Betty La Fea." As its paired with megahit Greys Anatomy, it could be a hit...
Heroes - debuts on NBC on 25th Sept
All around the world -- well, India, Japan and a bunch of places in the US -- ordinary (though generally attractive) people are discovering that they possess superpowers. They're impervious to pain. They can teleport. They can fly. What mysterious event is bringing out their powers? And what calamity are they being brought together to prevent? Its the superheroes of tomorrow - today! It seems very similar to 4400, which i love, so i shall be giving it a bash.
Tomorrow: who knows? Jesse M, sugababes, maybe some stuff on the scissor sisters album...
Oh.
Have you seen Project Runway yet, P? I'm slightly ashamed to say it's my latest guilty pleasure... I'd gladly trade it for getting to watch Totally Boyband, though :*-(
XO - they do eventually show up on UK tv at some point, but nowadays its really easy and probably highly illegal to get them via p2p file share networks. I shall watch episode 4 of prison break to and from work today. I miss your blog being updated :(
Talking of which, Paul have you heard Mel B's last album LA State of Mind. Its much better than I'd like to admit.
But ya, her LA STATE OF MIND album has some nice bits. Yes it sold about 300 records but its rather good irregardless!
I realise that I've managed to change the content of the thread. Sorry paul, :) back to american tv now!
YO! rob - i heard about the spanish version of DH. Looks like i will have to brush up on the lingo...
But like Gloria Gaynor I will survive.
You forgot 'The Nine'... great new USA show!