On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was in the eighth grade at William Paca Middle School. I recall some of my teacher's names, which subjects they taught, and which period I took said subject in. For example, first period was Social Studies, Mr Skipp taught English second period, Mr. Governali taught Spanish, and Mr. Murray taught Science. What I don't remember is if it was the third or fourth period, what the subject was, and who was teaching the class, the moment I first heard.
Towards the end of the period, the instructor informed the class about the plane that flew into one of the Twin Towers. About the "fires" as he put it at the Pentagon in Washington, and the second plane that crashed into the other Tower in New York City admist the chaos. Clearly, it brought the rest of the school day to a crawl as information started to mount, even calling off all after-school activities, including the study period. I don't remember exactly when I heard about the towers falling, or even if I didn't learn about it until I got home.
What is clear is just how much of an impact that day had, and yet life still went on. Broadway shows went dark and the NFL actually cancelled their games in light of the tragedy. Still, school was on the next day, and we all worked at pressing forward despite the distress that we as a nation felt.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Grimm
GRIMM
When and Where:
NBC; Fridays 9/8c; Debuts Oct. 21
Who:
Sean Hayes and Jim Kouf are among Executive Producers
What:
A procedural drama twist on the stories of the Brothers Grimm, following a Portland, Oregon detective who learns that he is of a long line of people known as "Grimms", devoted to protect mankind from supernatural beings.
Why:
Hello, what's this? Two new fairy tale-inspired shows in the same year? Who would've thunk such a thing?
Of course, I initally saw this as "The new show following Chuck
", the long-running spy comedy that has already confirmed this next round of 13 episodes to definately be it's swan song. As such, both these shows will air on Friday nights. Granted, Fringe 
may be in enough good graces with FOX to maintain a healthy run on that night (as it did last season, and will continue to do so for at least another season), and CBS is traditionalist enough to keep plugging away here (with at least solid shows like Blue Bloods
to play to the right audiences). But for the most part and especially in recent years, Friday nights are almost always a fool's game for most shows. (On the other hand, we see that Saturdays are even worse, a practical black hole for most shows.)
As such, it's less surprising that this has been confirmed as Chuck's final bow, and Grimm seems to only exist to give it some company. They chose wisely among genre shows, not so much for combatibility but just because this new show looks pretty cool. Again, I bring up Pushing Daisies
with the concept of a procedural with fantasy elements interwoven into the premise serving as a major parallel. The look and feel of the show is suitably dark and gritty, working to give the title a very apt meaning.
As one brilliant internet-based cartoonist once put it, "You will only see 13 episodes of this." That may seem like a misnomer, and we may actually get less (hell, that was the case with Friday's own Outlaw last season). If anything, one should at least enjoy it while it lasts given that, you know, it doesn't seem likely to.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
NBC; Fridays 9/8c; Debuts Oct. 21
Who:
Sean Hayes and Jim Kouf are among Executive Producers
What:
A procedural drama twist on the stories of the Brothers Grimm, following a Portland, Oregon detective who learns that he is of a long line of people known as "Grimms", devoted to protect mankind from supernatural beings.
Why:
Hello, what's this? Two new fairy tale-inspired shows in the same year? Who would've thunk such a thing?
Of course, I initally saw this as "The new show following Chuck
", the long-running spy comedy that has already confirmed this next round of 13 episodes to definately be it's swan song. As such, both these shows will air on Friday nights. Granted, Fringe may be in enough good graces with FOX to maintain a healthy run on that night (as it did last season, and will continue to do so for at least another season), and CBS is traditionalist enough to keep plugging away here (with at least solid shows like Blue Bloods to play to the right audiences). But for the most part and especially in recent years, Friday nights are almost always a fool's game for most shows. (On the other hand, we see that Saturdays are even worse, a practical black hole for most shows.)As such, it's less surprising that this has been confirmed as Chuck's final bow, and Grimm seems to only exist to give it some company. They chose wisely among genre shows, not so much for combatibility but just because this new show looks pretty cool. Again, I bring up Pushing Daisies
with the concept of a procedural with fantasy elements interwoven into the premise serving as a major parallel. The look and feel of the show is suitably dark and gritty, working to give the title a very apt meaning.As one brilliant internet-based cartoonist once put it, "You will only see 13 episodes of this." That may seem like a misnomer, and we may actually get less (hell, that was the case with Friday's own Outlaw last season). If anything, one should at least enjoy it while it lasts given that, you know, it doesn't seem likely to.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Once Upon a Time
ONCE UPON A TIME
When and Where:
ABC; Sundays 8/7c; Debuts Oct. 23
Who:
Cast includes Jennifer Morrison and Ginnifer Goodwin
What:
A woman and her estranged son come across the town of Storybrook, Maine, and see a plethora of fairy tale stories come to life in it's citizens. In reality, these people are under a spell and completely lack any memory of their previous lives.
Why:
How fitting, the one I didn't get done on time is starting on a delay anyway. (As are the other two shows I had slated for Friday.)
I don't know what it is about ABC. That my earliest childhood memories involve TGIF and light-hearted sitcoms, or as I said last year, that their promos just come off as infectious and heavily engaging in how they play. Regardless, this one network draws my attention in ways vastly different from any other, and I can hardly tell if its for the best or the worst.
As far as this season is concerned, ABC has equal parts ambitiously-designed new dramas (with this show, and their own 60s period piece Pan Am, drawing plenty of parallels with The Playboy Club) and equal parts safe-in-design new dramas (I think that applies to the reasonably-hyped Revenge with Emily VanCamp, as it does the new Charlie's Angels). Compare with the similar setup last season with No Ordinary Family with My Generation and The Whole Truth and Detroit 1-8-7, all of which didn't live past the end of the season. The same goes for 2007, when Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money 
(further complemented by the ambitious spinoff, Private Practice
) really left an impression and managed to live one season past the Writers' Strike.
Personally, I believe the more riskier new shows this season have the potential to leave as much as a mark as the 2007 shows. Just hope they can take off well enough, though.
But for now, let's just talk about Once Upon a Time. This is actually one of two new fairy-tale based shows launching this season, the other one I will discuss later on today. Here, we've got a unique mystery premise that starts off with a major reveal and leaves us wondering how this came to be. From the previews, the look of the show really helps me recall Pushing Daisies, and that show's lush, stylistic CG and set design. The result is a full design and a really engrossing atmosphere that suits the fairy tale concept all too well.
Yes, I would say that this show has potential. It looks like it could really, really work.
Lynx:
Official ABC Page
No Facebook Page Yet
Trailer:
When and Where:
ABC; Sundays 8/7c; Debuts Oct. 23
Who:
Cast includes Jennifer Morrison and Ginnifer Goodwin
What:
A woman and her estranged son come across the town of Storybrook, Maine, and see a plethora of fairy tale stories come to life in it's citizens. In reality, these people are under a spell and completely lack any memory of their previous lives.
Why:
How fitting, the one I didn't get done on time is starting on a delay anyway. (As are the other two shows I had slated for Friday.)
I don't know what it is about ABC. That my earliest childhood memories involve TGIF and light-hearted sitcoms, or as I said last year, that their promos just come off as infectious and heavily engaging in how they play. Regardless, this one network draws my attention in ways vastly different from any other, and I can hardly tell if its for the best or the worst.
As far as this season is concerned, ABC has equal parts ambitiously-designed new dramas (with this show, and their own 60s period piece Pan Am, drawing plenty of parallels with The Playboy Club) and equal parts safe-in-design new dramas (I think that applies to the reasonably-hyped Revenge with Emily VanCamp, as it does the new Charlie's Angels). Compare with the similar setup last season with No Ordinary Family with My Generation and The Whole Truth and Detroit 1-8-7, all of which didn't live past the end of the season. The same goes for 2007, when Pushing Daisies
and Dirty Sexy Money (further complemented by the ambitious spinoff, Private Practice) really left an impression and managed to live one season past the Writers' Strike.Personally, I believe the more riskier new shows this season have the potential to leave as much as a mark as the 2007 shows. Just hope they can take off well enough, though.
But for now, let's just talk about Once Upon a Time. This is actually one of two new fairy-tale based shows launching this season, the other one I will discuss later on today. Here, we've got a unique mystery premise that starts off with a major reveal and leaves us wondering how this came to be. From the previews, the look of the show really helps me recall Pushing Daisies, and that show's lush, stylistic CG and set design. The result is a full design and a really engrossing atmosphere that suits the fairy tale concept all too well.
Yes, I would say that this show has potential. It looks like it could really, really work.
Lynx:
Official ABC Page
No Facebook Page Yet
Trailer:
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Allen Gregory
ALLEN GREGORY
When and Where:
FOX; Sundays 8:30/7:30c; Starts Oct. 30
Who:
Created by Jonah Hill
What:
Allen Gregory is perhaps the world's most pretentious 7-year-old boy. A child prodigy used to home-schooling, he must prepare for a clash with reality upon attending public school for the first time.
Why:
This is only one of two new animated sitcoms FOX is trying out this season, hoping to capitalize further on their immensely successful Animation Domination lineup. I grew up in the 1990's, surrounded by innovative (for the time anyway), creative and thoroughly entertaining cartoon shows for both adults and kids alike. It's unsurprising, then that I take quite a liking to the Sunday night FOX lineup, as much as the fact that The Simpsons, one of the shows I distinctively recall watching growing up is still on the air today.
One man who was clearly influenced and motivated by The Simpsons, actually admitting that he always wanted to write for it as a kid, is comedy superstar Jonah Hill. As an actor, Hill has worked with major bigwigs like Tom Shadyac
, Adam Sandler
, and most notably Judd Apatow
. With the film background he has, the star was able to parlay his success and develop a major animated TV series, a dream come true for him.
From what I've seen, Allen Gregory seems funny enough, reliant on a sense of wit that almost reminds me of Frasier from time to time. It seems awfully high-class for a FOX sitcom (and especially for a block dominated by Seth MacFarlane), but that's mostly derived from the protagonist. One bit that had he smiling was asking for his teachers first name and feeling exhausted when she questioned his approach. In addition, the flash animation maintains a solid pace and gives off a unique style that suits the choice of lead character well.
In addition to the debut of this show following the World Series, FOX also has Napoleon Dynamite, based on the independent film
of the same name slated for midseason. Also returning midseason is Bob's Burgers, a show from the Dr. Katz 
team that did solidly debuting in the middle of last season. And on top of that, the creators of Family Guy
are trying to revive The Flintstones for next season. In the midst of all of this animated work, all of it coming together to make FOX even more distinctive than it already is from the other broadcasters, Allen Gregory seems to work rather solidly as the new showcase for the Fall.
If anything, I think I may like it more than New Girl. (Although you are free to chalk that up to bias.)
Lynx:
Official FOX Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
FOX; Sundays 8:30/7:30c; Starts Oct. 30
Who:
Created by Jonah Hill
What:
Allen Gregory is perhaps the world's most pretentious 7-year-old boy. A child prodigy used to home-schooling, he must prepare for a clash with reality upon attending public school for the first time.
Why:
This is only one of two new animated sitcoms FOX is trying out this season, hoping to capitalize further on their immensely successful Animation Domination lineup. I grew up in the 1990's, surrounded by innovative (for the time anyway), creative and thoroughly entertaining cartoon shows for both adults and kids alike. It's unsurprising, then that I take quite a liking to the Sunday night FOX lineup, as much as the fact that The Simpsons, one of the shows I distinctively recall watching growing up is still on the air today.
One man who was clearly influenced and motivated by The Simpsons, actually admitting that he always wanted to write for it as a kid, is comedy superstar Jonah Hill. As an actor, Hill has worked with major bigwigs like Tom Shadyac
, Adam Sandler, and most notably Judd Apatow. With the film background he has, the star was able to parlay his success and develop a major animated TV series, a dream come true for him.From what I've seen, Allen Gregory seems funny enough, reliant on a sense of wit that almost reminds me of Frasier from time to time. It seems awfully high-class for a FOX sitcom (and especially for a block dominated by Seth MacFarlane), but that's mostly derived from the protagonist. One bit that had he smiling was asking for his teachers first name and feeling exhausted when she questioned his approach. In addition, the flash animation maintains a solid pace and gives off a unique style that suits the choice of lead character well.
In addition to the debut of this show following the World Series, FOX also has Napoleon Dynamite, based on the independent film
of the same name slated for midseason. Also returning midseason is Bob's Burgers, a show from the Dr. Katz team that did solidly debuting in the middle of last season. And on top of that, the creators of Family Guy are trying to revive The Flintstones for next season. In the midst of all of this animated work, all of it coming together to make FOX even more distinctive than it already is from the other broadcasters, Allen Gregory seems to work rather solidly as the new showcase for the Fall.If anything, I think I may like it more than New Girl. (Although you are free to chalk that up to bias.)
Lynx:
Official FOX Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Ringer
RINGER
When and Where:
The CW; Tuesdays 9/8c; Debuts Sep. 13
Who:
Sarah Michelle Gellar; Nestor Carbonell; Ioan Gruffudd
What:
Bridget (Gellar) witnesses a mob hit and flees to New York City. Whilst on the run, she encounters her long-lost twin, the affulent Siobhan. Not too long afterwards, Siobhan goes missing and Bridget decides to go about under her identity. Doing so, she discovers so many shocking details about her twin's life.
Why:
Well...
There once was a land known simply as "The WB". A wide variety of inhabitants, many of them adolescents gave the kingdom a strong, unique feel that helped it to stand out whilst it was dwarved by the neighboring kingdoms. There were plenty of Princesses who graced The WB with their presence, but nobody would forget Princess Sarah. She was also recognized as Buffy who fought valiantly against vampires and demons. And whilst pulling off these heorics, she remained clever and witty and looked stunning the whole time.
But alas, by 2002 there was a falling out. As a consequence the princess was taken away, permenantly separated from the people of The WB. Buffy would end up in another kingdom, a much smaller and more unstable land known as "UPN". She would carry on for two more years before leaving again. Still, Sarah left an indeliable impression on both kingdoms that would linger for long after she was gone.
Not too long afterwards, both UPN and The WB would fall. The people of both kingdoms would come together, mend old wounds and form a new kingdom that they would call "The CW". But some things would remain constant, that the people of both lands would retain from before. Among them, the hope that the lost Princess would one day return. That she would come to the land of CW and grace it the same way she did before.
Okay, I will admit that I'm also happy to see Gellar return to TV. And although I still don't care about the CW, this new show actually looks pretty good. It really stands out against the typical fare the network has to offer, with such a dark tone and intense revelations.
Unsurprisingly, it was originally pitched as CBS drama.
Lynx:
Official CW Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
The CW; Tuesdays 9/8c; Debuts Sep. 13
Who:
Sarah Michelle Gellar; Nestor Carbonell; Ioan Gruffudd
What:
Bridget (Gellar) witnesses a mob hit and flees to New York City. Whilst on the run, she encounters her long-lost twin, the affulent Siobhan. Not too long afterwards, Siobhan goes missing and Bridget decides to go about under her identity. Doing so, she discovers so many shocking details about her twin's life.
Why:
Well...
There once was a land known simply as "The WB". A wide variety of inhabitants, many of them adolescents gave the kingdom a strong, unique feel that helped it to stand out whilst it was dwarved by the neighboring kingdoms. There were plenty of Princesses who graced The WB with their presence, but nobody would forget Princess Sarah. She was also recognized as Buffy who fought valiantly against vampires and demons. And whilst pulling off these heorics, she remained clever and witty and looked stunning the whole time.
But alas, by 2002 there was a falling out. As a consequence the princess was taken away, permenantly separated from the people of The WB. Buffy would end up in another kingdom, a much smaller and more unstable land known as "UPN". She would carry on for two more years before leaving again. Still, Sarah left an indeliable impression on both kingdoms that would linger for long after she was gone.
Not too long afterwards, both UPN and The WB would fall. The people of both kingdoms would come together, mend old wounds and form a new kingdom that they would call "The CW". But some things would remain constant, that the people of both lands would retain from before. Among them, the hope that the lost Princess would one day return. That she would come to the land of CW and grace it the same way she did before.
Okay, I will admit that I'm also happy to see Gellar return to TV. And although I still don't care about the CW, this new show actually looks pretty good. It really stands out against the typical fare the network has to offer, with such a dark tone and intense revelations.
Unsurprisingly, it was originally pitched as CBS drama.
Lynx:
Official CW Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- 2 Broke Girls
EDITOR'S NOTE -- I sincerely apologize for not putting up the first impression entry on ABC's Once Upon a Time as scheduled. I had a more busy day yesterday than usual, and I will be frank and admit that the surprisingly short trailers for ABC's show back in May didn't help matter much, either. Another time, I may cover that show, hopefully some time this week to keep the title of this whole week truthful. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
-----
2 BROKE GIRLS
When and Where:
CBS; Mondays 8:30/7:30c; Debuts Sep. 19 (Special time--9:30/8:30c)
Who:
Created by Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City) and commedienne Whitney Cummings; Stars Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist)
What:
Two waitresses, one a pauper of a city girl and the other a rich girl run afoul of the law, find themselves in the compromising situation of working with each other. They work together in the hopes of improving their respective lives.
Why:
Amongst TV critics such as Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker, this is one of the fall's most anticipated new comedies. As far as I'm concerned though, its not that great.
Don't get me wrong, the trailer is pretty funny. But it just seems a little too broad in humor approach and direction. If anything, I can honestly say that 2 Broke Girls fits in well with CBS' style of sitcom, the same network that tried the single-camera comedy on occassion, but didn't make it last. (The shows in question were called Welcome to the Captain and Worst Week
, the latter getting better reception.)
Still, I think I may regret writing it off completely, so I won't. The same could be said of trying to compare it to shorter-lived comedies I've really enjoyed like last season's Better With You, I'm With Her which ran when I was in high school, or CBS' own The Class
back in 2006. If you don't think too hard about it, the trailer itself is pretty funny. Further, there seems to be a real sense of chemistry between the two leads. On top of that, there are genuinely funny moments in that trailer below, particularly the fierce and well-deserved comeback to the finger-snapping jerk that it opens with.
One of those leads Kat Dennings, has a single distinction in common with Ellen Page
, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
, Portia Doubleday
, Alia Shawkat
and Mae Whitman. All of them have held the same dominant level of chemistry as the female half of a couple. (Although I have yet to watch Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
in it's entirety.) Unsurprisingly, she comes off as strong here, dealing with a different kind of other half.
And I earlier talked about Whitney Cummings, the newfound NBC leading lady who also shares the credit of concieving this show. That certainly comes in handy, given that the jokes on her own show come off as honestly and truly clunky and obvious. Worse yet, Whitney appears to be all other the place, and comes off as trite and tired. In the other hand, there's a much better sense of humor emanating from Cummings as a stand-up comic on this show. (Although I really haven't seen her stand-up, so I cannot judge directly.) It's truly ironic when she's funnier on the sitcom where she's behind the scenes than on her own starring vehicle.
2 Broke Girls doesn't look stupendous, but I can honestly say that I have faith in it, especially as a chaser to How I Met Your Mother. (Compare with Whitney following the revamped Office, and the potential for a double-shot of awkward.) If anything, it will hopefully prove to be a good time.
Lynx:
Official CBS Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
-----
2 BROKE GIRLS
When and Where:
CBS; Mondays 8:30/7:30c; Debuts Sep. 19 (Special time--9:30/8:30c)
Who:
Created by Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City) and commedienne Whitney Cummings; Stars Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist)
What:
Two waitresses, one a pauper of a city girl and the other a rich girl run afoul of the law, find themselves in the compromising situation of working with each other. They work together in the hopes of improving their respective lives.
Why:
Amongst TV critics such as Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker, this is one of the fall's most anticipated new comedies. As far as I'm concerned though, its not that great.
Don't get me wrong, the trailer is pretty funny. But it just seems a little too broad in humor approach and direction. If anything, I can honestly say that 2 Broke Girls fits in well with CBS' style of sitcom, the same network that tried the single-camera comedy on occassion, but didn't make it last. (The shows in question were called Welcome to the Captain and Worst Week
, the latter getting better reception.)Still, I think I may regret writing it off completely, so I won't. The same could be said of trying to compare it to shorter-lived comedies I've really enjoyed like last season's Better With You, I'm With Her which ran when I was in high school, or CBS' own The Class
back in 2006. If you don't think too hard about it, the trailer itself is pretty funny. Further, there seems to be a real sense of chemistry between the two leads. On top of that, there are genuinely funny moments in that trailer below, particularly the fierce and well-deserved comeback to the finger-snapping jerk that it opens with.One of those leads Kat Dennings, has a single distinction in common with Ellen Page
, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Portia Doubleday, Alia Shawkat and Mae Whitman. All of them have held the same dominant level of chemistry as the female half of a couple. (Although I have yet to watch Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist in it's entirety.) Unsurprisingly, she comes off as strong here, dealing with a different kind of other half.And I earlier talked about Whitney Cummings, the newfound NBC leading lady who also shares the credit of concieving this show. That certainly comes in handy, given that the jokes on her own show come off as honestly and truly clunky and obvious. Worse yet, Whitney appears to be all other the place, and comes off as trite and tired. In the other hand, there's a much better sense of humor emanating from Cummings as a stand-up comic on this show. (Although I really haven't seen her stand-up, so I cannot judge directly.) It's truly ironic when she's funnier on the sitcom where she's behind the scenes than on her own starring vehicle.
2 Broke Girls doesn't look stupendous, but I can honestly say that I have faith in it, especially as a chaser to How I Met Your Mother. (Compare with Whitney following the revamped Office, and the potential for a double-shot of awkward.) If anything, it will hopefully prove to be a good time.
Lynx:
Official CBS Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Suburgatory
SUBURGATORY
When and Where:
ABC; Wednesdays 8:30/7:30c; Debuts Sep. 28
Who:
Created by Emily Kapnek (As Told By Ginger, Parks & Recreation); Cast includes Jeremy Sisto (Six Feet Under), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
What:
A teenage girl is transplanted along with her single father from New York City to the middle of the 'burbs. Once there, she starts to question how perfect life there seems, acknowledging how creepily Stepford-esque all her new neighbors and classmates are.
Why:
Wow. I must say this one looks like it could be really good.
Suburgatory joins the Wednesday night LaughOn lineup airing on ABC. (This block will also be joined in the fall by another comedy block on Tuesdays, but we're not talking about that.) Not only does it fit in so keenly with two of the three returning series making up the lineup in the fall, but also with the long history of family comedies airing on the network. It looks to offer a both quirky and sarcastic portrayal of teenage life, with the addition of apt portrayals of the parents roaming about the landscape with their own social goals in mind. And this can easily yield a very funny new show that young people can identify with.
In it's quirky dialogue and the tone that goes with it, Suburgatory almost reminds me of the 2007 movie Juno. If the trailer is any indication, this will be as funny and provide as equally strong a satirical look at adolescence and the complex relationships with the adults around them. And with an even more biting tone in regards to it's satire, this show can only evoke the most flattering comparison to the 2004 hit Mean Girls
.
Slated to air right between pre-established family-com hits The Middle
and Modern Family
, both of which paint truly relateable and funny images of ordinary family life, Suburgatory promises to fit right in and keep the good times rolling.
Lynx:
Official ABC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
ABC; Wednesdays 8:30/7:30c; Debuts Sep. 28
Who:
Created by Emily Kapnek (As Told By Ginger, Parks & Recreation); Cast includes Jeremy Sisto (Six Feet Under), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
What:
A teenage girl is transplanted along with her single father from New York City to the middle of the 'burbs. Once there, she starts to question how perfect life there seems, acknowledging how creepily Stepford-esque all her new neighbors and classmates are.
Why:
Wow. I must say this one looks like it could be really good.
Suburgatory joins the Wednesday night LaughOn lineup airing on ABC. (This block will also be joined in the fall by another comedy block on Tuesdays, but we're not talking about that.) Not only does it fit in so keenly with two of the three returning series making up the lineup in the fall, but also with the long history of family comedies airing on the network. It looks to offer a both quirky and sarcastic portrayal of teenage life, with the addition of apt portrayals of the parents roaming about the landscape with their own social goals in mind. And this can easily yield a very funny new show that young people can identify with.
In it's quirky dialogue and the tone that goes with it, Suburgatory almost reminds me of the 2007 movie Juno. If the trailer is any indication, this will be as funny and provide as equally strong a satirical look at adolescence and the complex relationships with the adults around them. And with an even more biting tone in regards to it's satire, this show can only evoke the most flattering comparison to the 2004 hit Mean Girls
.Slated to air right between pre-established family-com hits The Middle
and Modern Family, both of which paint truly relateable and funny images of ordinary family life, Suburgatory promises to fit right in and keep the good times rolling.Lynx:
Official ABC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- The Playboy Club
THE PLAYBOY CLUB
When and Where:
NBC; Mondays 10/9c; Debuts Sep. 19
Who:
Imagine Television; Amber Heard and Eddie Cibrian star; Features David Krumholtz
What:
Set in the 1960's, revolving around the employees, known as "Bunnies" of the first Playboy Club in Chicago.
Why:
Darling, NBC is fourth place in the ratings among networks. They need a show like this to generate controversy.
I am not even kidding. This show has already evoked the rage of the Parents Television Council before airing a single episode. In Salt Lake City, the local NBC affiliate KSL-TV declined to air the show, citing it was "completely inconsistent" with the more morally-driven image of the station. They even have a program talking about the issues related to sexually explicit material, to boot. Instead, the station that carries "MyNetworkTV", KMYU will air the show.
Any rational adult and even a few younger people should identify the name "Playboy" and the notorious connotation behind it. The promos I've seen show the "Bunnies" who work at the titular club hopping around like they literally were. That honestly makes me wonder just how much this show will dance with the standards and practices line when it does air. I've also encountered more than one situation where I garnered unwanted attention and some kidding around in response to promos I've looked up for this show.
As far as the content of the show itself, it looks to be trying for the same degree of scandal as AMC's Mad Men
, right down to the 60's period piece setting. Of course, I've never watched that show so I am not one to judge in that department. But this looks more risque, if I can say anything at all.
You know what's even crazier? I can actually say "I knew this actor since I was a kid" in regards to one of the performers. Of course that actor is David Krumholtz, the archelf in of all things, Disney's The Santa Clause
. Now, I've seen him in plenty of movies aimed at grown-ups before this, but that doesn't make this any less awkward.
And it's not even that big a role he's playing.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
NBC; Mondays 10/9c; Debuts Sep. 19
Who:
Imagine Television; Amber Heard and Eddie Cibrian star; Features David Krumholtz
What:
Set in the 1960's, revolving around the employees, known as "Bunnies" of the first Playboy Club in Chicago.
Why:
Darling, NBC is fourth place in the ratings among networks. They need a show like this to generate controversy.
I am not even kidding. This show has already evoked the rage of the Parents Television Council before airing a single episode. In Salt Lake City, the local NBC affiliate KSL-TV declined to air the show, citing it was "completely inconsistent" with the more morally-driven image of the station. They even have a program talking about the issues related to sexually explicit material, to boot. Instead, the station that carries "MyNetworkTV", KMYU will air the show.
Any rational adult and even a few younger people should identify the name "Playboy" and the notorious connotation behind it. The promos I've seen show the "Bunnies" who work at the titular club hopping around like they literally were. That honestly makes me wonder just how much this show will dance with the standards and practices line when it does air. I've also encountered more than one situation where I garnered unwanted attention and some kidding around in response to promos I've looked up for this show.
As far as the content of the show itself, it looks to be trying for the same degree of scandal as AMC's Mad Men
, right down to the 60's period piece setting. Of course, I've never watched that show so I am not one to judge in that department. But this looks more risque, if I can say anything at all.You know what's even crazier? I can actually say "I knew this actor since I was a kid" in regards to one of the performers. Of course that actor is David Krumholtz, the archelf in of all things, Disney's The Santa Clause
. Now, I've seen him in plenty of movies aimed at grown-ups before this, but that doesn't make this any less awkward.And it's not even that big a role he's playing.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
I Try To See Things "Whitney's Way", But Can't
For some reason, NBC seems to be putting the most of it's faith in this new sitcom, Whitney. I've seen promos for it back and forth on reruns of the Thursday night comedies, the same esteemed lineup it will be joining on September 22. There have been copious print ads and billboards sporting attempts at clever relationship banter. All of it written in simple, bold purple and grey lettering over white and the same stock images of star and comedienne Whitney Cummings and co-star Chris D'Elia.
Of course, there's already backlash against this show. There are plentiful mock-up ads parodying the afore-mentioned print campaign. Today's edition of The Morning After went over these spoofs, a lot of them in response to the watered-down version of the stand-up Cummings is known for. And below is a particularly biting fan-made video outright dissing the show. (And just a warning, this video does have some mature content.)
Now, this all comes off a case of complaining about shows you don't watch. It really doesn't seem fair. But, I also must admit that the above video was pretty funny.
Furthermore, a lot of this response isn't completely unwarranted.
This is a world where NBC, a free-to-air network can offer a truly unique sitcom like Community. That's a show that crams a zombie infestation Halloween episode and a stop-motion Christmas episode into the same season. It topped the first season's epic paintball episode with an even more epic paintball match that only ups the ante as a two-part finale. And they still have time to fit in truly relateable character bits, parody sitcom convention left and right (with faux clip show, no less), and make a bottle episode where the cast plays Dungeons and Dragons seem epic.
On the other hand, Whitney just seems quaint. And when I say "quaint", that's only the best scenario. I hesitate to even call it "conventional", since all the major network comedies save for CBS don't follow the four-cameras, a soundstage and a live audience model anymore. This just serves as a standard relationship comedy, coming on top of at least three more at midseason and one in the fall remaking a British series.
The standard-issue sitcom centered as a vehicle for a stand-up comic is more like something out of the 90's. Jerry Seinfeld hit it big with his own aggressively unconventional sitcom
, following up on Roseanne Barr
and leading into Tim Allen
, Drew Carey
and Ray Romano
having their own respective shows. But mind you, all of those comics had something to offer in their shows.
From the looks of things, Whitney just seems without any really strong material to spare. More than anything else, it will enter the new season with the same critical-panning weight as Hank did in 2009 or $h*! My Dad Says did last year. The latter lasted up until February and ended there, but the former was in worse state, premiering alongside superior shows like Modern Family, The Middle, and Cougar Town, ergo bombing hard.
I will also add this -- Later on this week, I will look at another comedy called 2 Broke Girls, premiering on CBS. Our emcee for this show, Whitney Cummings is actually one of the creators of that. I will go into more detail then, but I'll just say that while it's surprisingly broad in regards to tone and delivery, it looks 100 times funnier than Whitney.
I know it seems unusual considering what I said, but...Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Of course, there's already backlash against this show. There are plentiful mock-up ads parodying the afore-mentioned print campaign. Today's edition of The Morning After went over these spoofs, a lot of them in response to the watered-down version of the stand-up Cummings is known for. And below is a particularly biting fan-made video outright dissing the show. (And just a warning, this video does have some mature content.)
Now, this all comes off a case of complaining about shows you don't watch. It really doesn't seem fair. But, I also must admit that the above video was pretty funny.
Furthermore, a lot of this response isn't completely unwarranted.
This is a world where NBC, a free-to-air network can offer a truly unique sitcom like Community. That's a show that crams a zombie infestation Halloween episode and a stop-motion Christmas episode into the same season. It topped the first season's epic paintball episode with an even more epic paintball match that only ups the ante as a two-part finale. And they still have time to fit in truly relateable character bits, parody sitcom convention left and right (with faux clip show, no less), and make a bottle episode where the cast plays Dungeons and Dragons seem epic.
On the other hand, Whitney just seems quaint. And when I say "quaint", that's only the best scenario. I hesitate to even call it "conventional", since all the major network comedies save for CBS don't follow the four-cameras, a soundstage and a live audience model anymore. This just serves as a standard relationship comedy, coming on top of at least three more at midseason and one in the fall remaking a British series.
The standard-issue sitcom centered as a vehicle for a stand-up comic is more like something out of the 90's. Jerry Seinfeld hit it big with his own aggressively unconventional sitcom
, following up on Roseanne Barr and leading into Tim Allen, Drew Carey and Ray Romano having their own respective shows. But mind you, all of those comics had something to offer in their shows.From the looks of things, Whitney just seems without any really strong material to spare. More than anything else, it will enter the new season with the same critical-panning weight as Hank did in 2009 or $h*! My Dad Says did last year. The latter lasted up until February and ended there, but the former was in worse state, premiering alongside superior shows like Modern Family, The Middle, and Cougar Town, ergo bombing hard.
I will also add this -- Later on this week, I will look at another comedy called 2 Broke Girls, premiering on CBS. Our emcee for this show, Whitney Cummings is actually one of the creators of that. I will go into more detail then, but I'll just say that while it's surprisingly broad in regards to tone and delivery, it looks 100 times funnier than Whitney.
I know it seems unusual considering what I said, but...Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Up All Night
UP ALL NIGHT
When and Where:
NBC; Wednesdays 8/7c; Sneak Preview Sep. 14 10/9c; Proper debut Sep. 21
Who:
Executive Producer is Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live); Stars Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph
What:
Applegate and Arnett play new parents attempting to balance their professional and personal lifestyles against the challenges of raising a child.
Why:
Truth be told, this is actually one show I really think I'm looking forward to.
While other networks have comedies equally as solid, I must say that NBC truthfully leads the pack amongst this genre. As I've said before, Thursday nights contain true-blood, top dog comedies such as Parks & Recreation
and The Office
, along with TV's single most creative, innovative and bold show, Community
. Other comedies on the network may have bombed over the past season (Oh hai, The Paul Reiser Show), but it doesn't tarnish the true alphas a single notch.
This fall, NBC will launch a second night of comedy on Wednesdays up against ABC's family comedies. This show, starring Will "Gob Bluth" Arnett and Christina "Kelly Bundy
" Applegate, will lead first and it easily looks like the strongest of the three sitcoms they're launching in the Fall. From just a bit of the trailer below, it promises to be incredibly relatable for newfound parents and their naturally occuring challenges whilst still maintaining a quick wit and a stream of funny material. So far, it easily passes the 30 Rock
test of comedy standards for NBC.
Add in supporting cast members such as Nick Cannon and Maya Rudolph, the latter who seems to be at her funniest since her SNL peak. The whole cast actually knows how to keep the humor up and generates a very funny state for the show to be in. From the looks of it, this could yet just be the funniest new show of the season.
It's also frankly the only appealing new comedy NBC seems to offer this season. That's not here, but it might be there.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
NBC; Wednesdays 8/7c; Sneak Preview Sep. 14 10/9c; Proper debut Sep. 21
Who:
Executive Producer is Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live); Stars Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph
What:
Applegate and Arnett play new parents attempting to balance their professional and personal lifestyles against the challenges of raising a child.
Why:
Truth be told, this is actually one show I really think I'm looking forward to.
While other networks have comedies equally as solid, I must say that NBC truthfully leads the pack amongst this genre. As I've said before, Thursday nights contain true-blood, top dog comedies such as Parks & Recreation
and The Office, along with TV's single most creative, innovative and bold show, Community. Other comedies on the network may have bombed over the past season (Oh hai, The Paul Reiser Show), but it doesn't tarnish the true alphas a single notch.This fall, NBC will launch a second night of comedy on Wednesdays up against ABC's family comedies. This show, starring Will "Gob Bluth
" Arnett and Christina "Kelly Bundy" Applegate, will lead first and it easily looks like the strongest of the three sitcoms they're launching in the Fall. From just a bit of the trailer below, it promises to be incredibly relatable for newfound parents and their naturally occuring challenges whilst still maintaining a quick wit and a stream of funny material. So far, it easily passes the 30 Rock test of comedy standards for NBC.Add in supporting cast members such as Nick Cannon and Maya Rudolph, the latter who seems to be at her funniest since her SNL peak. The whole cast actually knows how to keep the humor up and generates a very funny state for the show to be in. From the looks of it, this could yet just be the funniest new show of the season.
It's also frankly the only appealing new comedy NBC seems to offer this season. That's not here, but it might be there.
Lynx:
Official NBC Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Monday, September 5, 2011
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- Terra Nova
TERRA NOVA
When and Where:
FOX; Mondays 8/7c; Debuts Sep. 26 (Two-Hour Premiere)
Who:
DreamWorks Television, with Steven Spielberg as Executive Producer
What:
In the distant future of 2149, a select few are sent back to prehistoric times to start their lives anew living in a wilderness colony. They all attempt to survive against wild beasts, including dinosaurs.
Why:
So according to this show, we still have about 150 years left before our planet becomes uninhabitable, and that's with the influx of people trying to help it.
So, its basically not my problem.
On a more serious note, this is one of the Fall's most hotly anticipated new shows. The FOX network is successful enough to make a huge gamble with a series this high-profile, sporting special effects and a visual flavor more akin to a major blockbuster feature film. In fact, they had intended to launch it back in May with a sneak preview airing of the pilot, akin to how Glee premiered in 2009. That plan was scrapped, however because the special effects on the premiere couldn't be finished on time. In fact, the whole order of 13 episodes for the first season was made long before the upfronts.
Terra Nova is only the second science fiction series launched by DreamWorks TV this year. The first was TNT's Falling Skies. about a band of human rebels up against invading aliens, set in a post-apocalyptic setting akin to the cult CBS drama Jericho
. Now, this premise comes out at a time when it comes off fresh and new. The current TV audience knows nothing about the similar Mid-90's drama Earth 2, which only lasted for one season. I've also been informed on other attempts to try this premise out in the past, none of which saw much in the way of success.
But, will it work this time? Will it blend? With Spielberg backing it, the odds lean in it's favor.
Lynx:
Official Fox Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
FOX; Mondays 8/7c; Debuts Sep. 26 (Two-Hour Premiere)
Who:
DreamWorks Television, with Steven Spielberg as Executive Producer
What:
In the distant future of 2149, a select few are sent back to prehistoric times to start their lives anew living in a wilderness colony. They all attempt to survive against wild beasts, including dinosaurs.
Why:
So according to this show, we still have about 150 years left before our planet becomes uninhabitable, and that's with the influx of people trying to help it.
So, its basically not my problem.
On a more serious note, this is one of the Fall's most hotly anticipated new shows. The FOX network is successful enough to make a huge gamble with a series this high-profile, sporting special effects and a visual flavor more akin to a major blockbuster feature film. In fact, they had intended to launch it back in May with a sneak preview airing of the pilot, akin to how Glee premiered in 2009. That plan was scrapped, however because the special effects on the premiere couldn't be finished on time. In fact, the whole order of 13 episodes for the first season was made long before the upfronts.
Terra Nova is only the second science fiction series launched by DreamWorks TV this year. The first was TNT's Falling Skies. about a band of human rebels up against invading aliens, set in a post-apocalyptic setting akin to the cult CBS drama Jericho
. Now, this premise comes out at a time when it comes off fresh and new. The current TV audience knows nothing about the similar Mid-90's drama Earth 2, which only lasted for one season. I've also been informed on other attempts to try this premise out in the past, none of which saw much in the way of success.But, will it work this time? Will it blend? With Spielberg backing it, the odds lean in it's favor.
Lynx:
Official Fox Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
Five Days, Ten New Shows -- New Girl
NEW GIRL
When and Where:
FOX; Tuesdays 9/8c; Debuts Sep. 20
Who:
Stars Zooey Deschanel; Co-stars Jake Johnson of No Strings Attached; Created by the writer of said film, Liz Meriwether
What:
Deschanel stars as Jess, who moves into an apartment with three guys following a messy breakup. In the time that follows, she proceeds to get her life on track and contemplate her next personal move.
Why:
Since both That 70's Show
and Malcolm in the Middle
ended in 2006, FOX has been relatively lax with new live-action comedies and seemed to have allowed their animated sitcoms to make up for it. In the mean time, the Sunday night block was able to represent the network's comedic offerings perfectly whilst the best they could offer in the live-action arena was the Brad Garrett dud, 'Til Death
which ran for four seasons, two of which went straight under the radar.
This past season, on the other hand at least yielded one very good comedy -- Raising Hope
. This new show will lead into Hope, representing a reasonable gamble considering how middling the numbers for the latter wound up in it's first season. (And yet, one must consider the lead-in of Glee
, which will at least help for the debut.) Unsurprisingly, New Girl comes off as FOX's most ambitious new live-action comedy.
Deschanel propels herself into TV (following into the same network employing her sister, Emily over on Bones
) as the quirky Jess. So far, she really seems to steal the show. One of this character's many attributes and ticks has her sing a theme song to herself, offering the lyrics "Who's that girl? It's Jess!" She even sings this when walking in on her boyfriend and discovering that's he's been cheating.
We don't see much of her male co-stars in the promos. Of course, this could be because one of them won't be on the show for long. Damon Wayans, Jr. had New Girl as a backup in case ABC didn't renew Happy Endings
, and that renewal happened after FOX picked up this show. Regardless, the trailer posted below has the inciting role for the males to play to propel Jess into seeking her rebound.
Overall, the buildup is sort of underwhelming but I think this has some potential. I still haven't seen No Strings Attached
, although as I write this it's lying around my house waiting to be viewed before it goes away, so I can't make comparisons there. Deschanel is a fine actress, and I enjoyed her presence in Elf 
and (500) Days of Summer
. It might be interesting to see how this develops over time, and I do feel inclined to tune in leading into Raising Hope.
Lynx:
Official Fox Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
When and Where:
FOX; Tuesdays 9/8c; Debuts Sep. 20
Who:
Stars Zooey Deschanel; Co-stars Jake Johnson of No Strings Attached; Created by the writer of said film, Liz Meriwether
What:
Deschanel stars as Jess, who moves into an apartment with three guys following a messy breakup. In the time that follows, she proceeds to get her life on track and contemplate her next personal move.
Why:
Since both That 70's Show
and Malcolm in the Middle ended in 2006, FOX has been relatively lax with new live-action comedies and seemed to have allowed their animated sitcoms to make up for it. In the mean time, the Sunday night block was able to represent the network's comedic offerings perfectly whilst the best they could offer in the live-action arena was the Brad Garrett dud, 'Til Death which ran for four seasons, two of which went straight under the radar.This past season, on the other hand at least yielded one very good comedy -- Raising Hope
. This new show will lead into Hope, representing a reasonable gamble considering how middling the numbers for the latter wound up in it's first season. (And yet, one must consider the lead-in of Glee, which will at least help for the debut.) Unsurprisingly, New Girl comes off as FOX's most ambitious new live-action comedy.Deschanel propels herself into TV (following into the same network employing her sister, Emily over on Bones
) as the quirky Jess. So far, she really seems to steal the show. One of this character's many attributes and ticks has her sing a theme song to herself, offering the lyrics "Who's that girl? It's Jess!" She even sings this when walking in on her boyfriend and discovering that's he's been cheating.We don't see much of her male co-stars in the promos. Of course, this could be because one of them won't be on the show for long. Damon Wayans, Jr. had New Girl as a backup in case ABC didn't renew Happy Endings
, and that renewal happened after FOX picked up this show. Regardless, the trailer posted below has the inciting role for the males to play to propel Jess into seeking her rebound.Overall, the buildup is sort of underwhelming but I think this has some potential. I still haven't seen No Strings Attached
, although as I write this it's lying around my house waiting to be viewed before it goes away, so I can't make comparisons there. Deschanel is a fine actress, and I enjoyed her presence in Elf and (500) Days of Summer. It might be interesting to see how this develops over time, and I do feel inclined to tune in leading into Raising Hope.Lynx:
Official Fox Network Page
Facebook Page
Trailer:
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