What I’m Watching: Scrubs

Scrubs: Season 9, Episodes 7 & 8 “Our White Coats” & “Our Couples” (C+)

This two-punch of episodes was much stronger than last week’s episode, and certainly more entertaining. The problem still lies with the inability to appropriately accommodate the remaining series regulars and to define them in a compelling way. The fact that Turk was on the phone with J.D. testing out jokes is somewhat funny, but it’s a smidge over the top. There doesn’t need to be a constant reminder that J.D. once worked at Sacred Heart. Additionally, Elliot is such a changed character from when she first worked on the show, and having her be the mentor who tries to doll Denise up doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The new characters, on the other hand, are doing better now than they were before, and that’s the brightest hope for the future of the show. Extrapolating some meaning from the previously purely physical relationship between Lucy and Cole is a nice move, and it’s good to see Cole given some more depth. The study group is a great way of incorporating “lost” newbie Maya, who’s been rather absent recently. The relationship and dynamic between Drew and Denise is shaping up to be rather entertaining, and that’s certainly a good thing. Pairing everyone off, even Maya and the final member of the study group, is a fun idea but it shouldn’t go as far as Turk and Dr. Cox. They’re not a couple, and if Turk is going to be associated romantically in a joking way with anyone, it shouldn’t be Dr. Cox. Their inane competitions are somewhat amusing but not really fitting for them. Drew’s secret is finally out there, and his acceptance of it should put that to bed and allow him to move on and have a far more exciting and fulfilling med school career from here on out.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 11 “Breach” (B+)

This episode showcases a number of strong aspects this show has to offer. The presence of Hetty, Hetty’s relationship with Callen, Callen’s Russian past, Sam’s time and secrets abroad, and a strong guest star are all used enormously well in this episode. Hetty’s discussion of finances with Callen, who simply places the blame on his alter ego, was a fun start to Hetty’s unusually visible involvement in this case. Callen also had a lot to do, name-dropping a Russian village that should certainly have tipped off the stripper he was interviewing that he was more than just a transportation executive. It was very informative and interesting to see a new layer of Sam, and how the loss of the boy he had saved and mentored bothered him so much. LL Cool J is an awesome action star, but he’s also surprisingly skilled at making the more dramatic moments work. The comedy in this episode worked well too, particularly the inability of the morgue technician to focus on anything other than asking if Nate was available. Sadly, I don’t think Callen and Sam are remotely interested enough in Nate’s love life to pass on the message and aid in the facilitation of some real relationship. The big villain in this episode didn’t seem at all Hispanic to me, but perhaps that’s because I know guest star Henri Lubatti well as, among other things, a French author on “The O.C.,” a hitman on “24,” and, most crucially for his prerequisite for this role, a terrorist on “Sleeper Cell.”

What I’m Watching: NCIS

NCIS: Season 7, Episode 11 “Ignition” (B+)

It’s fun to see the kids get to play with the adults for a change. Not one but two longstanding probies finally get the chance to take the lead on their own cases in this fun-spirited installment. Even if Jimmy is only performing an autopsy on an animal and McGee is robbed of the opportunity to visit a jetpack factory, it’s still good to give them some training and see how they operate under pressure of being in command. I’d say they both passed their tests. Jimmy’s need to tell a long story when he started the autopsy was very funny, and McGee held up very well when the attorney arrived and starting deconstructing the legality of everything he had done. Seeing the bickering couple have at each other throughout the episode was a definite plus, and the befuddled husband was a riot. The involvement of the attorney in the grander case was somewhat interesting, but the more compelling mystery to me is why Rena Sofer continues to get acting gigs (feel free to review my previous indictments of her talents). This episode is additionally atypical for two reasons: incorporating a previously seen villain (Robert Patrick in the episode “Outlaws and In-Laws” and ending on a cliffhanger where the next episode should continue the current story arc. Both those honors have been previously reserved for mega-villains like La Grenouille and Ari, and I can’t even seem to remember what Patrick’s part was, even though it was only a few weeks ago. Alas, we’ll see next week.

What I’m Watching: Heroes

Heroes: Season 4, Episodes 13 & 14 “Upon This Rock” & “Let It Bleed” (F)

It’s hard to determine where to begin with this unsalvageable show. I had read that the season (and possibly the series as well) would wrap after thirteen episodes and not return in the spring, making room for the far superior “Chuck” to premiere anew. For some reason, that’s not the case, since someone thinks that these heroes have more stories in them. The ratio of subtitled to non-subtitled dialogue is becoming dangerously high, and soon enough this show won’t be in English at all. Hiro’s comic book rambling was fun for the references (I identified Curt Conners way before Ando did), but otherwise it was deranged, tedious and stupid. Claire talking about how Doyle was unable to control his powers and shut her mouth was especially torturous since every word out of her mouth is positively the most annoying thing on a show full of impossibly annoying elements. Sylar also tried to make his grand speech and get swept away by the dirt stirred up by Samuel, and at least it’s nice to see someone take him down after he’s talking essentially about how great he is. Still, the show has far too many characters currently in play and it’s all just one big mess. It’s awfully fortunate that Noah was asked by Claire not to attend the post-funeral gathering for Nathan because otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to tase a villain, start sympathizing with him, and then let him go. The most regrettable aspect of these two dreadful hours is the show working against itself. Claire brews up a whole speech to Peter about why he shouldn’t be running around saving people, but isn’t that the entire point of a being a hero? Get a grip, heroes, and figure out your lives. Fertilizing soil can’t cut it forever.

What I’m Watching: Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives: Season 6, Episode 11 “If…” (C-)

Having a plane crash episode that conveniently kills off annoying characters is enough of a cop-out that it’s especially regrettable when it doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity. I’m convinced that it’s a terrible mistake to kill off Karl rather than Orson. It would be just like if Victor had been killed off instead of Carlos back when that devastating storm struck – what would the show be like now if that had happened? Unfortunately, this “what if” question begets a pointless episode which no one was clamoring for, allowing all of the characters to meditate on what their lives might have been like if certain events occurred but not progressing the story forward in any real way. This happened with the Beau Bridges episode last season, and it feels a whole lot like treading water and spinning in circles instead of moving forward. Angie’s made a bit of sense because it provided more background into the mysterious crime she had committed, and Mona dying sewed that thread closed nice and completely. Bree’s also made sense, while Lynette’s was depressing and only served to show how much she thinks of herself. Susan in a fat suit just wasn’t necessary, though it was at least a relief to see a last glimpse of Karl before he officially kicked the bucket. Gaby’s fantasy made no sense at all, and seeing her in white hair drinking from a goblet of wine was just dumb. Now the pieces have to be picked up, and Bree will have to suffer through more marriage troubles, while Lynette’s life should be considerably more back to normal. The show was in good shape, but now that everything has been ripped apart, I’m not so sure what’s next.

What I’m Watching: Scrubs

Scrubs: Season 9, Episode 6 “Our New Girl-Bro” (C)

In this special January 1st episode, J.D. is finally gone for good but hardly forgotten. The sudden presence of Elliot feels especially like a revolving door of original cast members who can scrub in only when their schedules allow it. Both Turk and Dr. Cox do seem rather bored as the only remaining series regulars from the old guard, and only two of the newbies are really being spotlighted. We haven’t even seen the Australian girl for a couple of weeks now, and #1 doesn’t have much to do other than play second fiddle to Dr. Cox’s maniacal devices. It was good to see Cole finally buckle down and try to take his job seriously, though the ranking of students gimmick seemed all too obviously false from its very inception. Turk moping around and asking J.D. what he was wearing was fairly stupid, and their boyish relationship has become increasingly tiring, even in just the last few episodes. The fact that he ultimately found Denise as his best bud was a nice ending, but the road there was hardly worth it. Dr. Kelso really has no business still being around, and he’s clearly only still there because Ken Jenkins happened to be free and able to star on the show. Elliot’s return is obnoxious mostly because she used to be just like Lucy, and having her hide all that and try to be mature makes the character much less interesting. The only truly positive moment of her interaction with Lucy was when she told her to make her seem less crazy, and Lucy revealed that she had run out of underwear and was wearing her bathing suit underneath. That’s totally something Elliot would have done.

What I’m Watching: Better Off Ted

Better Off Ted: Season 2, Episode 5 “The Great Repression” (B+)

This special January 1st installment was a nice bonus episode. Another hair-brained scheme from Veronica to circumvent legal and institutional practices by classifying sexual harassment as a disease made for a hilarious chain of events. The absurd behavior that came about as a result was quite amusing, especially how Veronica and Ted actually liked it. There were some fun quotes, including “I don’t know what that means but it’s flipping my switches” from Veronica and “that’s the sound of me deflecting your whiny bitching.” Linda’s speech about her being a sexual harassment defender was pretty hilarious as well. It was great to the long-absent Merrin Dungey, formerly Francie on “Alias,” as the woman who filed the complaints against Linda and Ted. She played Naomi in the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off episode, but the role was recast by the time “Private Practice” became its own show. This is a fitting role for her, and it’s fun to see her react to both Linda and Ted, and also entertaining how they both accidentally let out the words “don’t fight it” while talking to her. The supporting plotline with Phil and Lem trying to save their beloved robot was nice as a counterpoint to all the craziness upstairs. The best line of all was Phil’s declaration that the basement was “like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre if they massacred the chainsaws.” The fury of the janitor trying to claim his territory was enjoyable as well.

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #1

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#1: Virtuality
This two-hour sci-fi pilot was the single most creative and exciting television presentation of the year. Sadly, it didn’t get picked up by FOX and now has only those glorious first two hours to showcase its potential. The cast, particularly Clea DuVall and Kerry Bishé, now the best part of a refurbished “Scrubs,” was excellent, and the show was incredibly fascinating. Too bad it was so short-lived.

Review

Thanks for following the Top Ten New Shows of 2009 series! Let’s hope for an equally thrilling 2010!

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #2

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#2: Parks and Recreation
SNL scene-stealer Amy Poehler took charge as a naïve but courageous Parks Department employee in what many dismissed as a carbon copy of “The Office.” Poehler and her stellar supporting cast defied expectations and created a wholly separate show worthy of its placement in NBC’s Thursday night lineup. The six-episode first season was good, but the show’s second season has been consistently better and, more importantly, funnier.

Best Episode: “The Stakeout”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #3

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#3: Modern Family
This fall’s funniest new comedy has terrific writing and a brilliant ensemble, particularly the hilarious Ty Burrell and Sofia Vergara. Each family unit is just as funny as the next, and the episodes in which all three families interact are the best. The “Office”-style interviews with the camera are a terrific bonus. The most exciting part is that the show hasn’t aired a remotely disappointing installment yet.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #4

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#4: Hung
The first two episodes of HBO’s summer series were iffy, but after that, this show was one of the most entertaining dramatic comedies of the summer. The humor is sharp and subtle, and the performances from “ho” Patrick Jane and “pimp” Jane Adams are spectacular. This show only produced ten episodes, so there should be even more to look forward to in season two this coming year.

Best Episode: “Strange Friends or The Truth Is, You’re Sexy”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #5

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#5: Royal Pains
This show fit in perfectly with the cannon of USA programming and helped speed the summer along with its medical mysteries and extravagant Hampton inhabitants. It was a fantastic companion for “Burn Notice,” and proved to be just as fun. Mark Feuerstein finally found a role that works for him, and the bickering between Paulo Costanzo and Reshma Shetty was a major reason to watch each week.

Best Episode: “TB or Not TB”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #6

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#6: Bored to Death
After a shaky start, this slow-moving series about a struggling author who tries his hand at being a private detective took off. Each member of the trio made up of Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson is zanier than the next, and it’s their craziness that makes this show work. Since only eight episodes have aired, this show should have even more to offer next year.

Best Episode: “The Case of the Missing Screenplay”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #7

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.w

#7: NCIS: Los Angeles
This loose spin-off from an above-average procedural didn’t quite follow the original’s premise, and kicked things up a notch instead. The team still investigates navy-related crimes, but they do so at a far more action-packed pace. LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell are a spectacular duo to headline all the action, and Linda Hunt is hilarious as the occasionally grumpy and always immutable leader of the team.

Best Episode: “Pushback”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #8

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#8: Better Off Ted
This quirky show was unexpectedly full of chuckles, and populated with entertaining, lively characters. The likeable enough Ted isn’t the heart of the show; it’s the company Veridian Dynamics and its employees who endure so much. The real star is Portia de Rossi, who manages her underlings like cattle and couldn’t be bothered to crack a smile. Watching this show, it’s a bit harder to suppress amusement.

Best Episode: “Jabberwocky”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews