We’re just beginning to enter that vast TV wasteland known as “holiday programming.” For some reason, the networks seem to believe that at this time of year, when the kids will soon be out of school and people will be taking vacation time, no one will be watching TV. It makes no sense to me! Nonetheless, one by one, all the regular shows will revert to reruns and the schedule will be padded with holiday specials and any old rejects that had been gathering dust in the bottom of some drawer.
So, I thought this would be a good time for me to compile a report card of sorts for some shows I’ve watched up till now. Some are old favorites and some are new this year.
House = A- Since House came out of the mental institution, I’ve been pleased to see his character evolve in a believable way. Those new oh-so-tiny touches of humanness have given him a vulnerability that’s touching. I gave this show a minus because we had to wait so long to get the team of Thirteen and Taub back.
Castle & The Mentalist = A I put these two shows together because they basically have the same concept. Both men act as consultants with a team of detectives, Castle as a mystery writer, Patrick Jane as a psychic/mentalist. In both shows the team is led by a woman and each team consists of enjoyable characters. The only difference is that Patrick’s family was murdered, thus creating his motivation, while Castle has a delightful mother and daughter. Both of these shows are so fun to watch – filled with excitement, sexual tension and enough witty banter to fill an hour. If you’re at a loss for something to watch in the next couple of weeks, try to catch a rerun of either of these shows. You won’t be disappointed.
The Good Wife = B+ When this show was announced, I couldn’t see how a show could center around a woman whose husband was a politician who went to prison for corruption after being caught in a sex scandal. Turns out, the show is really about his wife re-entering the workplace as an attorney. Back when Julianna Margulies was in the show E.R., I wasn’t particularly fond of her. But in this show, I find her fascinating. The plots of the stories are good, as are the other cast members. This is definitely worth a watch!
Fringe = A I wrote a post about this show when it started last year, and I’m happy to report it has maintained its suspense and wonderful “grossness!” Although Olivia and Peter are the main male and female leads, it is Walter, the mad scientist who, judging from what I’ve seen on the Internet, has won the public’s heart. Love this show!
FlashForward = A- This is a new show this year. It’s about how everyone in the world blacks out for 2 minutes, 17 seconds, and sees their life 6 months into the future. This show has been like a flower unfolding. It’s compelling because we continue to see what different people “saw” during their blackout. Some visions are wonderful while others are scary. I absolutely can’t wait for it to return in January!
Grey’s Anatomy = B+ This show is an oldie but goody, and kind of a secret indulgence of mine. It always makes me laugh and then cry at least once per episode. I marked it down because they didn’t kill off the abominable Izzy, played by the obnoxious Katherine Heigl when they had a chance. On the plus side, there are two couples, Christina and Owen and Mark and Lexi who have really given this show a boost. Even if you’ve never watched it, it’s worth giving a try.
Okay, well, I’ve given you some pretty good stuff to fill in your TV gaps during the holidays. As for me, I’ve still got a one of my reality shows left to take refuge in – Survivor. Do you have any really good programs I’ve missed? I’d love to hear about them!
Star, Simplified 