In Part 1 of TV Shows You Should Watch, I highlighted The Good Wife (CBS), The Closer (TNT), Sons of Anarchy (FX), Modern Family (ABC), Fringe (FOX), The Middle (ABC), The Walking Dead (AMC), and Leverage (TNT).
In Part 2, I added NCIS (CBS), Glee (FOX), Damages(DirecTV), Southland (TNT), In Plain Sight (USA), Army Wives (Lifetime), Human Target (FOX), and Criminal Minds (CBS).
Here are some more TV shows I recommend...
Rizzoli & Isles (TNT - Mon. 10-11)
Angie Harmon is tough-as-nails Boston Detective Jane Rizzoli, Sasha Alexander is the more reserved and "girlie" medical examiner Maura Isles. Complete opposites and good friends, they solve crimes together. Didn't think I'd like it, but I was hooked from the first episode. Excellent supporting cast. Debuted as one of the highest-rated ad-supported cable series ever, and its audience has held up well.
Flashpoint (CBS - Fri. 10-11)
This has become a summer staple for CBS over the past three years. Excellent ensemble cast led by Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, and Amy Jo Johnson. The show centers around an elite tactical unit that handles extreme situations (hostage taking, bomb threats, heavily armed criminals, etc.). The drama delves into various team member's personal crises, which they often have to put on the backburner in order to respond to the city's crisis of the moment and save lives - which they do just as much by psychological means as by action. But there is a lot of action.
Mad Men (AMC - Sun. 10-11)
It wasn't that long ago that people drank and smoked all the time, men treated women like sex objects, women were frustrated by the lack of professional opportunities, gays had to stay mostly in the closet, and business moved at a snail's pace (no conputers, cell phones, or even fax machines). Watching this past world (no matter how exaggerated) start to shift from 1950s to 1960s sensibilities is fascinating. At once epic, tragic, and hopeful. The entire cast shines, as if they were born to play these roles.
Men of a Certain Age (TNT - Mon. 10-11)
Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC - Tue. 10-11)With a cast led by Ray Romano, Andre Braugher, and Scott Bakula, expectations were high. I'd say they are living up to them. Combines drama and comedy very well. If you are a man of a certain age, or live with one (or even know one), you should check this one out. Also has one of the best opening theme songs in years.
This had the potential to be the next great cop show. Michael Imperioli finally found the post-Sopranos role that suited him. The ensemble cast is excellent. It was hurt by the confusing name, incompatible lead-in (Dancing With the Stars), and tough competition. And, of course, it was barely promoted (other than on ABC's own incompatible programming), so most of its potential audience never heard of it. If by some miracle ABC renews it for the fall, it's worth watching.
In Part 1 of TV Shows You Should Watch, I highlighted The Good Wife (CBS), The Closer (TNT), Sons of Anarchy (FX), Modern Family (ABC), Fringe (FOX), The Middle (ABC), The Walking Dead (AMC), and Leverage (TNT).
Here are some more... NCIS (CBS - Tue. 8-9)
Glee (FOX - Tue. 8-9)Leroy "Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), Abigail "Abby" Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), and Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard (David McCallum) form an ensemble team that shines week after week. The cast gels perfectly, and all are adept at going from drama to humor on a dime. Long ago surpassed all the CSI's as top-notch entertainment.
It's one of my 11-year old son's favorite shows, however, which makes me feel very uncomfortable (although I usually watch it with him and discuss some of what's going on in the show). The messages is sends to kids and teens are horrible - namely that bullying has no consequences and the authorities at school don't even try to address the topic, drugs, including steroids have no lasting negative impact, multiple sex partners in high school are commonplace, etc.
The central character is a selfish *itch, who had the previous Glee club teacher fired by falsely accusing him of molesting a male student. More recently, she sent a potential rival to a crack house, fooling her into thinking it was where an audition would be held. Of course she suffers no consequences from her actions.
Am I just being a stick in the mud? Maybe. I still love the show and enjoy watching it even in reruns. But I've started screening it before letting my son watch.
Southland (TNT - Tue. 10pm)
This is the first potentially great cop show since NYPD Blue went off the air. A day in the life of its diverse police ensemble can go from monotonously routine to chaotic and life-threatening in an instant. I hope it finds an audience and gets to further flesh out its characters - i want to get to know them better. Watch it after the kids are asleep.
Damages(DirecTV Ch. 101 - Wed, 10-11)
The intensity is not based on any hard action or mythology, but rather from the force of the actors and writing - not to mention the excellent, unorthodox casting (Ted Danson, Lily Tomlin, Martin Short, william Hurt). John Goodman is slated for season 4. Glenn Close is brilliant as cut-throat attorney, Patty Hewes, and Rose Byrne, as her legal assistant/enemy, Ellen Parsons, is an effective counterweight. Not for everyone. It takes a fair amount of concentration to keep on top of what's going on - especially with the flash-forwards it's been using for the past two seasons. As intelligent as it is intense. Never got the ratings needed to survive on FX, but DirecTV saved it. No kids please.
In Plain Sight (USA - Wed. 10pm)
One of the higher rated original cable series, largely overlooked by the press. Mixes drama and humor to great effect. Mary McCormack is yet another strong female lead on cable. I actually find the stuff with her sister and mom a bit annoying, but it does add dimension to her character - professionally (as a U.S. Marshall handling people in the Witness-Protection Program) tough and in control, personal life a mess. The plots are regularly unbelievable, but the cast seems to know that and there's a "what the heck is happening now?" demeanor they play up very effectively. The bottom line? It won't stay with you the way The Closer might, but it's quite entertaining.
Mark Valley portrays a cross between Jason Bourne and The Equalizer. Non-stop (and relatively bloodless) action violence that is fun to watch but you forget about almost immediately. The key is that it's a lot of fun to watch. I think it's OK for kids 10 and older, but you may think 12 or 13. They added in a female boss this season. This is the type of last gasp move networks often make right before a series is canceled. Fortunately, it hasn't hurt the show at all. But if more people don't start watching, it won't be back next season.
Army Wives (Lifetime - Sun. 10pm)
Sometimes sappy (it is Lifetime, after all), but a superb female-driven cast (Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh, Wendy Davis) focusing on the lives of those with a family member going back and forth to war. Good show for couples to watch together.
Criminal Minds (CBS - Wed. 9-10)
Focusing on the criminal mind, more than the crime itself, this is another in CBS's seemingly endless spin on the procedural police drama. I've come to like this show late in the game, as I saw the pilot, but none of the first few season episodes. I was actually doing a research project and had to watch several episodes on CBS, A&E, and ION, and got hooked. I've been watching it a few times a week on ION since, to catch up. It has a completely different feel from the more flippant NCIS's, or more action-oriented CSI's. And this one is definitely not for kids.
Few would call today the Golden Age of Television, but I think there are as many great TV series on now as ever. It's just that there are so many channel choices available these days, that everyone is not watching the same shows anymore (as they did in the heydays of All in The Family, Cosby, E.R., and even Seinfeld).
The advent of the high-profile original scripted cable drama, ushered in by The Shield in 2002, and becoming more mainstream with The Closer's debut in 2005 (which has been followed by a string of new cable dramas successes that have continued through this season), has resulted in splintering the audience. Many of these, which include such series as Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, do not appeal to as broad an audience as many broadcast network shows, but their viewers tend to be more fiercely loyal.
This is not to say that all the best series are on cable. Both broadcast and ad-supported cable networks have top notch offerings. These are some that are worth checking out - you should be able to determine based on my comments which ones might be best suited for your particular tastes.
The Good Wife (CBS Tue. 10-11)
Juliana Marguiles is superb as Alicia Florrick, the wronged wife and compassionate but don't f**k with me attorney. Not many actresses could pull off playing a character who is so vulnerable yet at the same time so seemingly cool and in control. Chris Noth is perfect as her imperfect, former D.A. husband who's trying to resurrect both his career and her trust.
Archie Punjabi is a standout as her law firm's sexy, enigmatic, tough-as-nails private investigator, whose sexual orientation jumps back and forth from week-to-week. Christine Baransky and Josh Charles are excellent as the firm's partners (he has a history with Alicia). Alicia's kids also seem unusually realistic for a TV show.
The mix of workplace/courtroom intrigue, politics, and home life has so far been just right. A great show for couples to watch together after the kids go to bed. Has not had a weak episode since its debut. Deserves a top spot on your DVR.
Started out as the highest rated regular series in basic-cable history, and put TNT on the map as one of the premier places for high-quality drama. Excellent mix of drama and humor in each episode. In Deputy Chief of Police, Brenda Leigh Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick (and the writers) has created one of the greatest female characters in TV history. And while she deservedly receives much of the credit for the show's success, the great ensemble cast can't be overlooked - particularly the interplay between G.W. Bailey and Tony Denison. Have to wait for the summer for the final season. It will be missed. If you've never seen it, get the DVDs.
Sons of Anarchy (FX Tue. 10-11)
One of those rare shows that can suck you in and get you rooting for people who are essentially bad guys - because they are a family and are taking on even badder guys. Closest thing to The Sopranos we've seen on ad-supported television.
Katy Sagal's nuanced and extraordinary performance as Gemma Teller Morrow, remains one of the most egregious Emmy oversights ever. Ron Perlman is excellent as her husband Clay Morrow, the head of the outlaw motorcycle club, and Charlie Hunnam is great as her son Jax Teller, the center of the show - and its equally violent conscience.
I consider myself expert at figuring out what's about to happen, but Sons has consistently surprised me. The sex and violence quotient is high, often startlingly so. Not for the squeamish. But if you like dramas that push the boundaries of TV content, with hard-edged and complex characters that keep you on the edge of your seat, put the kids to bed and enjoy. Definitely worth a prominent spot on your DVR. If you haven't seen it yet, get the first three seasons on DVD.
Modern Family (ABC Wed. 9-9:30)
This was the first comedy in years that actually made me laugh when I screened it before its debut. It's been consistently hilarious since. Now, in the middle of its second season, it hasn't missed the mark once - extremely rare for a sitcom.
The show has something for everyone. Ed O'Neill is brilliant as Jay, the patriarch of three inter-related families. His wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and son Manny (Rico Rodriguez II) are also excelelnt. The central family is really homemaker mom Claire (Julie Bowen), Jay's daughter, and her husband, self-professed cool dad Phil (Ty Burrell). Claire's gay brother Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) round out this modern family.
This is truly a great ensemble comedy, and one of the very few that's perfect for the entire family (if they're all at least 10).
Fringe (FOX Fri. 9-10)
Often uneven, and the first season sometimes felt like a "what's the grossest way we can use a virus to kill people" movie of the week. But the series has hit its stride this season with its alternate universe storyline. Tension mounts by the minute, which goes way beyond just the sexual tension between its very appealing stars, Anna Torv (as Olivii Dunham) and Joshua Jackson (as Peter Bishop). John Noble (another Emmy snub) shines as the formerly institutionalized Fringe scientist, Walter Bishop (Peter's father) - at once noble, brilliant, tragic, charming, and creepy. Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, and Jasika Nicole round out the excellent cast. Not for everyone, but if you liked The X-Files it's worth a look.
This might be the most under-rated show on television. It hasn't received nearly the press of its Modern Family companion, nor achieved nearly the ratings of CBS's Monday comedies. But it is one of the best family comedies in years. The parents (Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn) are a delight, and their three kids, Axl, Sue, and Brick are priceless - and so much more realistic than you ever see in sitcoms. If you have kids you'll enjoy watching this with them.
The Walking Dead (AMC Sun. 10-11)
Who would have thought a series based on a cult graphic novel about the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse would be so good? But it is. The story revolves around a small group of survivors who journey through a desolate United States, alternately hiding from and fighting the shuffling hordes of the walking dead, dubbed "walkers."
Leverage (TNT Sun. 9-10)
Timothy Hutton (Nathan, the planner and team leader), Gina Bellman (Sophie, the grifter), Aldis Hodge (Hardison, the computer whiz), Christian Kane (Eliot, the martial arts and weapons expert), and Beth Riesgraf (Parker, the thief, cat burglar, and safe cracker) gel perfectly as a team of former crooks who now run elaborate cons to take down the bad guys and pay back the victims. Nothing deep here, just an extemely entertaining hour.
There are several show we've been watching this summer that I will miss. Chief among them, The Closer, Leverage, Rizzoli & Isles, Burn Notice, Covert Affairs, Army Wives, Flashpoint, and Rookie Blue. And of course Mad Men always ends too soon.
As the new fall TV season approaches, there are also many broadcast series - both returning and new - as well a a few cable shows, that I'm looking forward to. Note how many of them air on Tuesday night. Here are my top shows:
Sons of Anarchy (FX Tue. 10-11)
One of those rare shows that can get you sucked in and rooting for people who are essentially bad guys - because they are taking on even badder guys. Closest thing to The Sopranos we've seen on ad-supported television. An intense, edge-of-your-seat drama. Katy Sagal's nuanced and extraordinary performance last season deserved an Emmy - no other supporting actor was even close. That she wasn't even nominated, was one of the most egregious Emmy oversights ever. FX didn't send me any of the new season shows, so I can't comment specifically on the new season episodes.
If you like edgy dramas that push the boundaries of TV content with hard-edged, complex characters (Sopranos, The Shield, Damages,etc.), put the kids to bed and watch this. If you've never seen it, get season 2 on DVD or online, and watch that first. (Returns 9/7.)
The Good Wife (CBS Tue. 10-11)
Julianna Marguiles is spot on as a wronged wife, and compassionate but "don't f**k with me" attorney. Not many actresses could pull off playing a character who is so vulnerable, but at the same time so seemingly cool and in control. She does it with an excellent ensemble cast. Chris Noth is perfect as her imperfect former DA husband, who's trying to resurrect his career and her trust. Archie Punjabi ia also a standout as the law firm's enigmatic investigator (her Emmy nod for best supporting actress was well-deserved). The mix of workplace/courtroom intrigue and home life has so far been just right.
A great show for couples to watch together (after the kids go to bed). (Returns 9/28.)
Modern Family (Tue. 9-9:30)
This was the first comedy in years that actually made me laugh when I screened the pilot before last season. It hasn't disappointed since, being consistently hilarious all season. Not one episode missed the mark - extremely rare for a sitcom, particularly one in its first season.
This is a truly great ensemble comedy, and one of the very few that's perfect for the entire family. (Returns 9/22.)
Glee (FOX Thu. 8-9)
When I first saw the pilot before last season, I predicted this would be a hit, and thought it was a great family show. It started to become progressively less family friendly with its ridiculous pregnancy and drug-related storylines, and subsequent obsession with sex. I hope FOX saw how ABC destroyed Ugly Betty, which also started out as a great family show.
That said, whether or not you still watch it with your kids, it remains consistently excellent. The talent of the cast can give you chills almost every week. A uniquely enjoyable show. You need not have seen last season to join in now. (Returns 9/21.)
The Middle (ABC Tue. 8-8:30)
This is perhaps the most under-rated series on television. It hasn't received nearly the press of its companion, Modern Family, nor the ratings of CBS's Monday comedies. But I maintain it is one of the best family comedies in years. The parents (Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn) are a delight, and their three kids are priceless (and so much more real than you usually see in sitcoms).
Kudos to ABC for renewing it. Now more viewers need to tune in. If you have kids, you'll enjoy watching this with them. (Returns 9/22.)
NCIS (CBS Tue. 8-9)
I was touting this great show when most of the press though it wasn't young or sexy enough to merit attention. It continues to be the best procedural drama on broadcast television. The tight ensemble plays off one another extremely well, and a scene can transition from action to humor in a heartbeat. Mark Harmon helps make the show special, and the surrounding cast holds up to his high standard.
The show hasn't lost a step. Episodes from the earliest seasons can currently be seen on ION. The first couple of seasons featured Sasha Alexander, who plays Maura Isles in TNT's excellent new drama, Rizzoli & Isles. (Returns 9/21.)
Fringe (FOX Thu. 9-10)
Often uneven, and occasionally feels like a "what's the grossest way we can use a virus to kill people" show of the week. But then it invariably draws me back in - maybe because there's always a sense that something big is about to happen. Tension mounts almost by the minute, which goes way beyond just the sexual tension between its very appealing leads, Anna Torv and Joshua Jackson. John Noble (another glaring Emmy snub) shines as the formerly institutionalized Fringe scientist, Walter Bishop - at once noble, tragic, charming, brilliant, and creepy.
It's not for the sqeamish (it's one of the few shows I still can't get my wife to watch), but it's a great show nonetheless. (Returns 9/23.)
Men of a Certain Age (TNT Mon. 10-11)
With Ray Romano, Andre Braugher, and Scott Bakula, how could this show not be great? Maybe it's because I'm a man of a certain age, but this dramedy about three men of the same certain age but at different life stages rings true to me. The ensemble supporting cast is excellent as well.The writing and acting place this several notches above the various clones that are and will be trying to duplicate its success.
If you're a man or a woman of a certain age or any age, this one is worth checking out. (Returns 11/29.)
Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC Tue. 10-11)
This has the potential to be the next great cop show. Michael Imperioli has finally found the post-Sopranos role that suits him. The ensemble cast is also excellent. It could be hurt by the confusing name, incompatible lead-in (Dancing With the Stars), and tough competition. But ABC should nourish this one. Unfortunately, the network has already tinkered with the superb pilot, removing the pseudo-documentary format (one of the things that contributed to its appeal).
It will be well worth your time to sample this one. (Premieres 9/21.)
Nikita (CW Thu. 9-10)
Maggie Q. is a sexy super spy seeking retribution against the secret government agency that trained her as an assassin and then betrayed her. The pilot was excellent (and fun). I'm in for the ride.
If you liked Alias or Dark Angel this one's for you. If you're too young to remember those, watch this - if you like it, get those series on DVD and compare. (Premieres 9/9.)
The Event (NBC Mon. 9-10)
NBC is positioning this as the next Lost or 24. In other words, as event television. The cast is excellent and the pilot is compelling. NBC has been very security conscious about not having anything from the pilot leak. This was the fourth time in the 30 years I've been analyzing TV programming that a network would not leave the pilot with anyone - we had to watch it in a group and the network kept the pilot. The first was ABC's NYPD Blue back in 1993. The next two were more recent, with FOX's Fringe and ABC's Flash Forward. As is usually the case with a show like this, you will probably like the pilot. But the ultimate success will lie in the subsequent execution of the next three or four episodes. Is this a good one-time movie, or will it make a good series?
The fact that it is in the same time period where NBC tried and failed to turn Heroes into the next big thing is a plus and a minus. That series started out getting tons of buzz and enough viewers to make it a success before it started fading. And not being up against FOX's 24 can only help (it should at least get some viewer sampling from 24 fans). This is definitely worth a look. (Premieres 9/20.)
Undercovers (NBC Wed. 8-9)
Husband and wife spies (Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha) are lured out of retirement by the CIA when a former colleague goes missing.
The leads are extremely appealing and sexy, the action promises to be high octane, and it looks like good, fun, mindless entertainment. (Premieres 9/22.)
Body of Proof (ABC Fri. 910)
Blue Bloods (CBS Fri. 10-11)
Outlaw (NBC Fri. 10-11)
WIth Dana Delany (ABC), Tom Selleck (CBS), and Jimmy Smits (NBC) all starring in new shows, Friday night suddenly has a bunch of broadcast network series worth watching. All three of these look good.
In Body of Proof, Dana Delany plays a brilliant neurosurgeon whose career is cut short by a car accident. This being television, she becomes a medical examiner and helps the police solve crimes.
Blue Bloods stars Tom Selleck as a police captain who leads a family of three generations of New York City law enforcement (Donnie Wahlberg also stars).
Outlawsfeatures Jimmy Smits as a Supreme Court justice who abruptly quits and returns to private practice when he becomes disillusioned with the system. (Premiere 9/24.)
Hawaii Five-O (CBS Mon. 10-11)
Excellent cast, with Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarret), Scott Caan ("Danno"), Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, and Taryn Manning. Pilot was very good. You can do worse than spending an hour watching good looking cops do their thing in Hawaii. And that theme song...
This could be among the highest rated new shows. (Premieres 9/20.)
Human Target (FOX Fri. 8-9)
It's fun, it has lots of bloodless action, it's mindless entertainment, we can watch it with our 11-year old son (who loves it), and I apologize to no one for liking it.
Its move to Friday is a last chance to find an audience. (Returns 9/24.)
Hellcats (CW Wed. 9-10)
It has Ali Michalka and Ashley Tisdale, cheerleaders, and a surprisingly enjoyable pilot. Whether it can be maintained on a weekly basis without turning into a more typical young-adult soap opera remains to be seen, but it's worth giving a chance to.
It debuts a couple of weeks before most shows debut, so we'll know pretty quickly whether it will make it. (Premieres 9/8.)
Putting together a list of top TV shows is always subjective, and bound to cause disagreement by many readers. But that's fine. Debating omissions and persuading someone to watch something they haven't seen, is all part of the fun.
These are my top dozen favorites that will be airing this spring (along with a few honorable mentions).
As I made my selections, I started to realize that Tuesday and Wednesday have really become the Must See TV nights. Series on these two nights account for three-quarters of my list. FIve of my top 12 shows air on Tuesday (although I don't watch them all on Tuesday), and Four air on Wednesday.
The Good Wife (CBS - Tue. 10pm)
Julianna Margulies is spot on as a wronged wife, and compassionate, but don't f**k with me attorney. Not many actresses could pull off playing a character who is vulnerable, but at the same time is so cool and in control. It's a role that's difficult to pull off, but she does it with the help of a great ensemble cast. The mix of worklplace/courtroom intrigue with her home life is just right. Chris Noth is perfect as her husband and former DA trying to resurrect his career and her trust. This is that rare adult drama that comes out of nowhere and (I hope) sticks around for many years to come. A great show for couples to watch together (after the kids are in bed).
Modern Family (ABC - Wed. 9pm)
This was the first comedy in years that actually made me laugh when I screened it before the season began. It hasn't disappointed since. May not be everyone's cup of tea, and everything in it may not be appropriate for kids (you'll need to decide for yourself), but I think it's one of the great family comedies. It has been consistently hilarious all season, and not one episode has yet missed the mark - extremely rare, especially for a first-season show. A truly great ensemble comedy.
Lost (ABC - Tue. 9pm)
Returned for its final season with one of its best episodes, and hasn't let up since. After its first season I feared it might become another Twin Peaks, but the writers have continually turned in the right direction, expanding the mythology while keeping us interested in both the soryline and the characters. Not an easy feat considering how many cast members have joined and left the show. Whether moving back, forward, or "sideways" in time, the show remains consistently interesting. Seems heading toward a crackerjack ending to the series.
Glee (FOX - Tue. 9pm)
I was touting this show when most of the press did not think it was young or sexy enough to merit their attention. There's a reason this is the only show to withstand the American Idol onslaught each January. The ensemble cast gels perfectly, as it seamlessly moves from action to humor, often in the same scene. Doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it feel more real than other procedural dramas. Hasn't lost a step.
Southland (TNT - Tue. 10pm)
This is the first potentially great cop show since NYPD Blue went off the air. A day in the life of its diverse police ensemble can go from monotonously routine to chaotic and life-threatening in an instant. I hope it finds an audience and gets to further flesh out its characters - i want to get to know them better. Watch it after the kids are asleep.
The Middle (ABC - Wed. 8:30pm)
Most under-rated show on television. This one hasn't gotten nearly as much press as it's lead-out, Modern Family, nor nearly the ratings of CBS's Monday comedies, but I maintain it is the best family comedy on television. The parents (Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn) are a delight, and their three kids are priceless (and so much more real than you usually find in sitcoms). ABC, keep this on. Viewers out there, please start watching.
Fringe (FOX - Thu. 9pm)
Often uneven, and occasionally feels like it's becoming a sort of "what's the grossest way we can use a virus to kill people this week?" type of show. But then it draws me back in - maybe because it always seems like something big is about to happen. Tension mounts almost by the minute, which is way beyond just the sexual tension of the very appealing leads (Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson). John Noble's Walter Bishop is a unique character - at once noble, tragic, charming, creepy, and brilliant. I keep hoping the show does not ultimately disappoint, but I'm perfectly willing to take the ride and find out.
Damages (FX - Mon. 10pm)
The intensity is not based on any hard action or mythology, but rather from the force of the actors and writing - not to mention the excellent, unorthodox casting (Ted Danson last two seasons, Lily Tomlin, Martin Short this season). Glenn Close is brilliant cut-throat attorney, Patty Hewes. Not for everyone. It takes a fair amount of concentration to keep on top of what's going on - especially with the flash-forwards it's been using for the past two seasons. As intelligent as it is intense. No kids please.
In Plain Sight (USA - Wed. 10pm)
One of the higher rated original cable series, largely overlooked by the press. Mixes drama and humor to great effect. Mary McCormack is yet another strong female lead on cable. I actually find the stuff with her sister and mom a bit annoying, but it does add dimension to her character - professionally (as a U.S. Marshall handling people in the Witness-Protection Program) tough and in control, personal life a mess. The plots are regularly unbelievable, but the cast seems to know that and there's a "what the heck is happening now?" demeanor they play up very effectively. The bottom line? It won't stay with you the way The Closer might, but it's quite entertaining.
Mark Valley portrays a cross between Jason Bourne and The Equalizer. Non-stop (and relatively bloodless) action violence that is fun to watch but you forget about almost immediately. The key is that it's a lot of fun to watch. I think it's OK for kids 10 and older, but you may think 12 or 13.
Army Wives (Lifetime - Sun. 10pm)
Sometimes sappy (it is Lifetime, after all), but a superb female-driven cast focusing on the lives of those with a family member going back and forth to war. Good show for couples to watch together.
FOX's The SImpsons (Still among the best comedies of all time.)
AMC's Breaking Bad (I know it's a critical darling, but I can't watch it - I tried.)
NBC's Chuck (Fun to watch, but not sure I'd really miss it if it went away.)
NBC's 30 Rock (Alec Baldwin helps elevate this one from good to great.)
FOX's 24 (Still a great show. But if you haven't been watching it, you probably shouldn't try to catch up now. Good chance this season will be the last. Get a few seasons of DVDs.)
CW's Life Unexpected (The unexpected part is that it's enjoyable, particularly if you're female - tween to 40).
And, of course, I'm eagerly awaiting the return of The Closer, Mad Men, and Sons of Anarchy.I believe that we are currently in a new golden age of television. There is just so much crap on the air, that we tend to lose sight of how much good stuff there is. We simply no longer need to watch the lowest common denominator programming - there's something good on no matter what your particular taste.
Here are my favorite Comedies. It's interesting that the most viewed comedies currently on television are not all first-run (George Lopez - my 10-year-old son's favorite, and Everyone Loves Raymond are among the top in terms of time spent viewing). Since so many great former network comedies are still airing on cable and in syndication, if I didn't limit this list to first-run comedies, none would be likely to make my top five.
The Simpsons
30 Rock (NBC): As with many classic comedies, its the star's (in this case, Tina Fey) reaction to the antics of the ensemble cast that leads to most of the humor. But it's Alec Baldwin who elevates this show from good to great. Unlike Cheers, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond, however, each of which started out with low ratings before building a huge following, 30 Rock's audience remains relatively small.
The Middle (ABC): OK, let the arguing begin. This one hasn't gotten nearly as much press as Modern Family, nor nearly the ratings of CBS's Monday comedies, but I maintin it is the best family comedy on television.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS): I admit I only watch this sporadically, but I caught up on a number of episodes online as I was preparing to write this. All I can say is that it's funny.
I believe that we are currently in a new golden age of television. There is just so much crap on the air, that we tend to lose sight of how much good stuff there is. We simply no longer need to watch the lowest common denominator programming - there's something good on no matter what your particular taste.
Here are my favorite General Dramas. Unlike my previous drama categories - High-Intensity and Crime dramas - this group encompasses all other types of drama. It therefore has a much wider variety of program types than you might ordinarily see in a single category.
Mad Men (AMC): My wife and I did not watch the first two seasons, but had heard so many positive things from people we know. So we bought the first two seasons on DVD before season three began, and we quickly got hooked. It wasn't that long ago that people drank and smoked all the time, men treated women like sex objects, women were frustrated by the lack of professional opportunities, and business moved at a snail's pace (so executives had the time to drink all day). Watching this past world (no matter how exaggerated) start to shift from 1950s to 1960s sensibilities is fascinating. At once epic, tragic, and hopeful.
The Good Wife
Men of a Certain Age (TNT): Could well be considered a comedy, but "dramedies" are structured more like dramas, so I choose to place it here. With a cast led by Ray Romano, Andre Braugher, and Scott Bakula, expectations were high. I'd say they are living up to them. Combines drama and comedy very well. If you are a man of a certain age, or live with one (or even know one), you should check this out.
Glee (FOX): When I first saw the pilot, I predicted this would be a hit, and thought it was a great family show. Unfortunately, it started to move away from being family-friendly with that stupid pregnancy storyline. Hope FOX sees how ABC destroyed Ugly Betty, which also started as a great family show. That said, whether or not you still watch it with your kids, it remains consistently excellent and enjoyable to watch. The talent of this cast can give you chills almost every week. A truly unique show.
The following dramas are more or less tied for my fifth choice.
Leverage (TNT),
Human Target (FOX): Both are light-hearted actioners that are fun to watch but you forget about almost immediately. The key is that they are a lot of fun to watch.
Army Wives (Lifetime): Sometimes sappy (it is Lifetime, after all), but a superb female-driven cast focusing on the lives of those with a family member going back and forth to war.
I believe that we are currently in a new golden age of television. There is just so much crap on the air, that we tend to lose sight of how much good stuff there is. We simply no longer need to watch the lowest common denominator programming - there's something good on no matter what your particular taste.
Here are my favorite Crime Dramas, which exclude any of the shows, such as 24 or Fringe, which were included in my previous High-Intensity Drama category.
The Closer (TNT)
NCIS (CBS)
I was touting this show when most of the press didn't consider it young or sexy enough to merit their attention. The cast gels perfectly, and they move seamlessly from drama to humor - often in the same scene. Hasn't lost a step.
In Plain Sight (USA)
NCIS LA (CBS)
Not yet as polished or as comfortable as the original NCIS, but it has the potential to get there. Alrready better than any of the CSIs.
