Luckily, this week gives us a chance to catch our breath after last week, which was, quite frankly, a little bit bananas. All the new stuff has to start in the SAME WEEK? You can’t space it out a little? Make it last? Whatever, networks. Band-Aid rippers, clearly.
There are only a few new shows this week, but before I get to them, let me give you the quick skinny on what I’m giving a second chance and what I’ve already booted from my schedule.
Gets a Take-Two:
Hawaii Five-0 — First episode almost killed me with its cheese. That final scene where the camera slo-mo’d Grace Park smiling and twirling in her cute li’l outfit? Puke-aroo. But it wasn’t terrible and I like the actors (though, Alex O’Loughlin is not terribly impressive thus far — smack them acting chops into shape, Alex, I’ve seen you do a lot better than this). And, what’s more, I like the setting. It’s sunny and warm there. That’s not worth nothing when you’re heading towards winter in Seattle.
Detroit 1-8-7 — MAJOR issues with this one already, like, for example, the new homicide detective who pukes at his first dead body scene, despite the fact he’d clearly been a beat cop for years and surely had seen much worse than that. Really? Please to not believe your audience is so dumb thanks. Also, what gives with the fairly solid beginning and, as a friend called it, the “Jerry Bruckheimer” ending? Pick one, guys. Preferably this week.
The Whole Truth — It’s not great, but it didn’t suck, either. I watched the whole thing, unoriginal as it was. I like Maura Tierney and her new hairdo, and while Rob Morrow seemed a little unsure of how much to play up the New York/New Jersey thing, he might settle in, mellow out. It’s nice to see him be a bit of a goof for a change, at the very least. But it’s going to need better storylines if it’s going to hold my attention.
Outlaw — SURPRISE! I’ve seen the first two episodes of this one and I’m really enjoying it. Jimmy Smits is doing a good job in his role as an ex-Supreme Court justice who has returned to the lawyer side of the bench. And the Arizona cop vs. racially-profiled Hispanic case was timely without having the feeling of a “ripped from the headlines because we’re out of our own ideas already!” thing. I also thought the writing was pretty sharp — good banter. So far, best new legal show of the year, in my opinion — though admittedly, that is not saying much.
Dumped:
Blue Bloods — I watched the whole episode, and a mere three days later, I couldn’t tell you a damn thing about it. Not a good sign.
Lone Star — Still waiting on my DVR, which is also not a good sign. Can’t muster requisite enthusiasm for this one’s story.
The Event — Did not go there.
Chase — Bored in under 8 minutes.
The Defenders — Also bored in under 8 minutes, though I hear it got better after that so I might try again.
And now, coming up this week:
Tuesday, September 28
Returning:
The Good Wife – CBS, 9pm
Stargate Universe – SyFy, 9pm
New:
No Ordinary Family – ABC – 8pm — You know I love Michael Chiklis. The problem is, I’m burned out on superheroes after the whole Heroes debacle. What a disappointment. If it ends up being the hit show of the year, though, I’ll be in for a DVD catch-up this summer.
Wednesday, September 29
New:
Law & Order: Los Angeles – NBC – 10pm — I was going to be all, “No way in hell” when it came to this one. We need another Law & Order? No. No, sir, I’m pretty sure we don’t, in fact. But then I ran into three problems: Skeet Ulrich, Alfred Molina, and Terrence Howard. Well, hell, NBC, if you’re gonna go all Terrence HOWARD on me . . . Damn.
Friday, October 1
Returning: Human Target – Fox – 8pm
Sunday, October 3
Returning:
American Dad – Fox – 9:30pm
CSI:Miami – CBS, 10pm