I would say that during this time, most people pay attention to the new shows coming out, and while there is an excitement/build up for returning shows its almost never the same. Part of the reason for this is that networks know people are "coming back" to their favorite show, and now its time to build up the hype for all of these new shows, so commercials at movie theatres and at home are geared more for the new rather than the returning, but what returning shows left people with such massive cliff hangers or cast changes that people are even more pumped for them to come back after a summer drought?
Glee (FOX)
Glee sadly makes the list because of the passing of Cory Monteith, if you ever considered yourself a Gleek, you will probably tune into the tribute episode for the young man who played the love able Finn Hudson. It's honestly a shame that his character had that story line where he kissed Will, his mentor's fiance, but this episode will not allow a dry eye.
The Good Wife (CBS)
Alicia and Cary having their own firm versus Will and Diane? Does this mean the end for Alicia and Will? Josh Charles has only signed on for one more season. Peter is the governor, and more Carrie Preston, sign me up. all That sounds like Must-See Television.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
The mother of all reveals happened, we finally met the future Theodore Evelyn Mosby, and I am pumped. Barney and Robin are getting, still not as pumped about this, but I think this could be a great last season for a little show that became something bigger.
New Girl (FOX)
Nick and Jess are together, it will be exciting to see where the show takes this romance, and hopefully it will not implode the way some shows lose steam with their popular couples once they get together. Make them a Monica and Chandler, not a Ross and Rachel. Who will Schmidt pick?
NCIS (CBS)
I do not watch NCIS, but Cote de Pablo who plays Ziva is a fan favorite, and she has decided to leave the show, big mistake. While this does not affect me I know many fans who will be curious to see how the show handles the characters departure.
Revenge (ABC)
Emily reveals herself to Jack, Victoria's son shows up, Nolan is being held, their is a gunshot to open the show, and Charlotte gets even bitchier bangs than Melissa Fuermo from One Life to Live. This show ended with all cylinders fired up, but with a new show runner I am nervous.
Scandal (ABC)
There was a massive reveal at the end of last season when Olivia was blind sided reporters, and end up in a car with her father. Where will the excitement head next with Pope and Associates, Shonda Rhimes is always full of surprise?
Overall, and I have to say this begrudgingly because ABC axed Happy Endings, but they have the Fall 2013 line-up for so far. Most of their new programming looks promising, and will do well because of fan favorites. I still am baffled (pissed off) that ABC kept The Neighbors and let go of Happy Endings. With that said ABC has kept most of their shows on the same night, smart move. Moving shows around can be jarring. This network has done well with their shows where they are. While Sundays are difficult for Once and Revenge the shows have massive followings, so changing them to change them makes no sense.
One of the most interesting things about this line-up is the way Tuesday is brand new! ABC has started off wisely with Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which will probably be one of the highest rated shows of the season. Putting two comedies on after this, which may not get huge numbers was smart! Well played ABC.
The mid-season replacements are the returning comedy Suburgatory and the new comedy Mixology,The dramas are all and they are Killer Women, Mind Games, and Ressurection.
Listed below is the fall schedule, with the new shows in caps, the descriptions of the new shows are listed below the schedule.
MONDAY 8/7c Dancing With the Stars 10 pm Castle
TUESDAY 8 pm MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D 9 pm THE GOLDBERGS 9:30 pm TROPHY WIFE 10 pm LUCKY 7
WEDNESDAY 8 pm The Middle 8:30 pm BACK IN THE GAME 9 pm Modern Family 9:30 SUPER FUN NIGHT 10 pm Nashville
THURSDAY 8 pm ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND 9 pm Grey’s Anatomy 10 pm Scandal
FRIDAY 8 pm Last Man Standing 8:30 pm The Neighbors 9 pm Shark Tank 10 pm 20/20
SATURDAY 8 pm Saturday Night College Football
SUNDAY 7 America’s Funniest Home Videos 8 pm Once Upon a Time 9 pm Revenge 10 pm BETRAYAL
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Drama)
WHO | Clark Gregg (reprising his Avengers role), Ming-Na (ER), Elizabeth Henstridge (Hollyoaks), Iain De Caestecker (Coronation Street), Brett Dalton (Killing Lincoln), Chloe Bennet (Nashville)
WHAT | The adventures of the agents of a covert, quasi-military peace-keeping organization, S.H.I.E.L.D. (or the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), which was featured in last summer's Avengers movie.
The Goldbergs (Comedy)
EP | Adam Goldberg CAST | Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), George Segal (Don’t Shoot Me), Hayley Orrantia (The X Factor), Sean Giambrone and Troy Gentile (Good Luck Chuck) This ’80s-set series revolves around an overbearing, hyper-emotional shopaholic with no sense of boundaries and a big mouth. Nonetheless, she’s a very dedicated mom.
Trophy Wife (Comedy)
WHO | Malin Akerman (Suburgatory), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Marcia Gay Harden (Damages), Michaela Watkins (Saturday Night Live), Natalie Morales (90210), Ryan Scott Lee (Super 8), Albert Tsai (How I Met Your Mother), Gianna LePera (Modern Family)
WHAT | They say the third time's the charm and reformed party girl Kate (Akerman) is hoping that's true when she becomes Pete's (Whitford) third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar and a year later, Kate's got an insta-family complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives.
Lucky 7(Drama) EPs | David Zabel (ER), Jason Richman CAST | Isiah Whitlock, Jr (The Wire), Matt Long (Private Practice), Stephen Louis Grush (Detroit 1-8-7), Lorraine Bruce (Eden Lake), Anastasia Phillips (Stoked), Summer Bishil (Towelhead), Luis Antonio Ramos (The Ruins), Christine Evangelista (The Joneses) A show about seven employees of a service station in Queens whose lives are changed in many unexpected ways when they win a lottery jackpot.
Back in the Game (Comedy)
WHO | James Caan (Las Vegas), Ben Koldyke (How I Met Your Mother, Big Love), Maggie Lawson (Psych), Griffin Gluck (Private Practice), Lenora Crichlow (Being Human)
WHAT | When Terry Gannon (Lawson), a recently divorced, single mother, temporarily moves in with her estranged father (Caan), a beer-swilling former baseball player, she reluctantly starts coaching her son's Little League team and is drawn back into the world of sports she vowed to leave behind.
Super Fun Night (Comedy)
EPs | Rebel Wilson, Conan O’Brien, John Riggi CAST | Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect), Lauren Ash (Lost Girl), Liza Lapira (Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23), Kelen Coleman (The Newsroom) Three nerdy female friends embark on a quest to have super fun every Friday night in the single-cam project (which was originally developed as a multi-cam comedy last spring at CBS).
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (Drama)
WHO | Sophie Lowe, Peter Gadiot, Michael Socha (the UK's Being Human), Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks), the voice of John Lithgow (Third Rock from the Sun)
WHAT | In Victorian England, the young and beautiful Alice (Lowe) tells a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. An invisible cat, a hookah smoking caterpillar and playing cards that talk are just some of the fantastic things she's seen during this impossible adventure. Surely this troubled girl must be insane and her doctors aim to cure her with a treatment that will make her forget everything. Alice seems ready to put it all behind her, especially the painful memory of the genie she fell in love with and lost forever — the handsome and mysterious Cyrus (Gadiot). But deep down Alice knows this world is real and just in the nick of time, the sardonic Knave of Hearts (Socha) and the irrepressible White Rabbit (Lithgow) arrive to save her from a doomed fate. Together, the trio will take a tumble down the rabbit hole to this Wonderland where nothing is impossible.
Betrayal(Drama) EP | David Zabel (ER) CAST | Hannah Ware (Boss), Stuart Townsend (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) , James Cromwell (American Horror Story), Henry Thomas (E.T.), Chris Johnson (The Vampire Diaries), Wendy Moniz (Guiding Light), Elizabeth McLaughlin (The Clique), Braeden Lamasters (Men of a Certain Age) A beautiful but unhappily married female photographer begins a torrid affair with a lawyer for a powerful family. When he turns out to be defending a murder suspect who is being prosecuted by her husband, the relationship and the case begin a spiraling series of betrayals with cataclysmic results for everyone involved.
Revenge (2011-Present) Remember when Emily Thorne had a list and she crossed names out on the list? The show was about revenge, and the simplicity of her avenging her father's death, and then enter the initiative. This season has had a few episode which brought out some of those traditional things which made the first season great, but I hate to say I was right, but I was right. This simple show about revenge should have a short shelf life, but the creator is stretching out the concept too thin, and not focusing enough on the basics. I loved the simple red sharpie, and the way each episode Emily/Amanda got revenge on someone who contributed to the downfall of her father. Emily's mother being alive was wasted, and the shows fans can tell. Time to keep it simple folks, do not let this show go on too much longer.
American Idol (2002-Present) Whoever the judges are, and whatever beef they have with one another it's time to put this show out of its misery. The show is no longer relevant, and often feels like a bad karaoke contest. I am tired of shows like this focusing on the judges and host rather than the actual talent. This show not about Nicki vs. Mariah, but that's what is has turned into now. Get this show off the air and put it out of its misery!
Saturday Night Live (1975-Present)-Justin Timberlake can come back as host as many times as you want, but he is not going to save your show forever. This show has peaks and valleys, but the most recent years beyond some of the strong female talent have proven to be worse than the SNL of the 80s which is saying a lot! Host after host this season has been atrocious, and only Timberlake could back bring in the ratings and deliver. Yet it was the weakest of his five past performances because the writing is just plain terrible, and the talent on the show is so lackluster these people would be booed off stage at the Chuckle Hut. This show has jumped the shark many times, but these past few seasons prove more miserable than most.
Family Guy (1999-Present) MacFarlane is slowly becoming one of the most bankable funny men in media, but the television series which put him on the map has lost so much of his time an attention its starting to tarnish his brand a little. Is the quality of this show preventing him from getting more work, No! MacFarlane hosted the Oscars, had Ted, and is working on his first non animated sitcom; he is doing just fine. So who suffers, the original fans of Family Guy because the show is just not funny anymore, and the schtick of the obnoxious talking baby Stewie has worn off. Time to put this show to bed, and let America love different shows from this comic genius.
Community “Basic Lupine
Urology” How do you spoof Law and Order by paying homage to the show while
making fun of the procedural, ask Community, because they are the master. I may be a bit biased because to me this is
the funniest show on the air, but this show is of the hook. From a hilarious cross examination by Annie
to Abed and Troy switching from good to bad cop, there is no reason to stop
this show.
“Troy: How did we get the short straw?
Abed: It's not a short straw. It's a hot potato.
Troy: Yeah, well, it looks pretty cold to me.
Abed: Cold or dead?.
Troy: Survey says...
Abed: We can't both do the zinger.”
Game of Thrones “Black Water” One of the best directed episodes of the year,
and that I have ever seen in television history. The battle mixed with the genuine brilliant
story telling is so well done. Game of
Thrones had a solid season, but this episode catapulted the season into
greatness. How this episode was ignored
by the Emmy Awards in the directing category is beyond me. From the action to Peter Dinklage and Lena
Headey’s great on screen acting chemistry this was off the hook.
Mad Men-“The Other Woman”-
Mad Men had its weakest season (which is not saying much), but there were some episodes
that were out of this world amazing. “The
Other Woman” highlighted one of the most difficult stories as Joan gave up her
body to help land the Jaguar account, and become a partner. Joan steals the episodes and her scenes with
Pete, Roger, Don, and Lane are brilliant.
Peggy also completes her growth as she steps out of Don’s shadow on her
own.
Homeland- Q&A-Cat and
mouse finally catch up to one another.
Carrie is finally justified on her opinion when everyone at the CIA
finally finds out that Brody was a terrorist.
This episode takes place almost entirely in the interrogation room, and
its brilliance is sealed in the final moments when Carrie confronts Bordy. If you take out Brody’s daughter’s storyline,
this is one of the most perfect episodes.
Revenge “Reckoning” The best
season finale of last year! Revenge
knows how to ramp up the drama, while this year the show is a bit more like Alias (good and bad thing), the season
ender was one of the most exciting episodes of a television series. With twists and turns, cliffhangers about major
deaths, and Emily finally being challenged, there was a lot of good here.
Parks and Recreation “The Debate” -Leslie Knope versus. Bobby Newport
in a debate to hilariously end all debates.
This is not the end of her campaign, but one of the funniest moments where
these two go toe to toe on the stage. While
this remains the main story, the best side story involves Andy reenacting his favorite
films because their cable is out and they can’t watch the debate. This episode proves this ensemble fires on
all cylinders.
Worst Television Episodes
Grey’s Anatomy-“Flight”
Enough already Shonda! Stop needlessly
killing your characters in these awful tragic accidents. Losing both Lexie and Mark has proven to set
your show in a downward spiral (no pun intended). You continue to use major plot devices to
drive the story rather than let natural character development occur. Your fans are getting fatigue with this crazy
episodes.
How I Met Your Mother “The
Autumn of Breakups”-Wait didn’t Ted and Victoria break up in season one over
Robin, and wait didn’t Ted tell Robin he loved her last season, and things
ended incredibly bad for Ted? Don’t we
already know Robin ends up with Barney?
Why are writers wasting their time and their fans time with retread
story lines over and over and over again.
Pick the mother!!
Glee “Dynamic Duets”- Thwap!
Bam! Pow! Blaine and his super hero club
came off and cloying, and odd, rather than a cute way for him to get over
Kurt. Couldn’t they have just had him
going through a crisis rather than dress up in spandex in order to be tempted
back into the world of the Warblers. I
am tired of this shows absolutely poor character development, and storyline
progression. This episode proved this
show needed to pick a steadier direction rather than fracturing the direction
of the show to NY, Ohio and wherever else folks may be. This episode stands as something beyond camp,
but just an awful train wreck.
Revolution “Pilot” One of the worst pilots I have watched in years,
this show had no charismatic characters and never made me invested in the
mystery nor did I care about the journey.
Now I often give most pilots the benefit of the doubt because they are
establishing the story, and building at something bigger. This show looked like all of the most recent Lost wannabe shows like Alcatraz, the
re-make of V, etc. Stop trying too hard!
The Office “Here Comes Treble” This show has fallen so far from grace,
and even fans know this show is no longer relevant or even funny (most of the
time). This season’s Halloween episode
entitle “Here Comes Treble” is proof.
Trying to combine four or five entertaining stories can be provide even
a mess with longer dramatic episodes, so why add this element to a comedy. No storyline seemed to hit its groove.
As today is officially thanksgiving, here is the list of things in movies, music, and television that I am thankful for:
Movies
One of the best year's for action films (with brains and braun) The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, and Skyfall
-The summer started with a Hulk smash. When Joss Whedon, one of the ultimate comic book fan boys, was picked to direct The Avengers I was as giddy as a school girl. There is always a little fear that your dream film will not be made, but Joss did a fantastic job, and set the ball rolling.
-Up next was The Dark Knight Rises. While the film did not hit the same mark as The Dark Knight, the conclusion to the trilogy was brilliantly executed, and Nolan should be pleased as punch (although he will not get an Oscar nomination.
-Rian Johnson's Looper had one of the best original screenplays of the year. The trailer for this film made me nervous, but with good word of mouth I had to check out this film. To my surprise this was one of the best films I have seen this year.
Last but not least was the third installment in ever changing James bond franchise. While some will gripe that the film steers away from the traditional Bond mentality, I argue that film does the impossible, diverting from the traditional while maintaining and establishing the Bond lore.
Ben Affleck (director/actor/writer, extraordinaire) Argo
Is this the the same guy Family Guy made fun of about writing the Good Will Hunting screenplay? Argo was not only a smart film, but one of the most entertaining of the year. This was one perfect blend of thriller/humor/drama, something almost impossible to do, but this film achieves the goal.
The Year of the Men (isn't that every year?) Bradley Cooper, Daniel Day Lewis, John Hawkes, Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Denzel Washington
I am not going to highlight the brilliance about each of these performances, but these men have proven themselves this year, and are going to be part of the most competitive Best Actor line-up at the Oscars since I have been alive. Last year was seen as the year of the women, but this year the men have strong armed things, but with these performances, I will allow them their day!
Music
Before I write my list I have to state that I am disappointed in most of the music that was released within the 2012 calendar year, most of the albums I liked were released at the end of 2012, so this list is going to be rather short.
Frank Ocean-Channel Orange-He's been Thinking bout Me!
One of the most beautiful, and powerful albums to be released in 2012. While most of the news about this artist centered around his sexual orientation, the album and music within it transcend this story, and have proven to be one of the strongest albums of the year.
Television
Chevy Chase is Gone from Community, and October 19th aka January Return!
Today the story went on to state that Chase would not show up in most of the last episodes, and while I am sad the show is going off the air, I am done with this old man's crank attitude. With that said I am beyond excited the show's return date was set, but this also makes me sad because the show is closer to the end than the beginning.
Oliver Queen's Green Arrow
Stephen Tramell is not only one badass, but he is probably sexier than Tom Welling's Superman, inhabiting a Bruce Wayne like playboy role. The show is one of my favorite new series on the air.
Mindy Kailing belief is Rom Com's
Every week tuning in and watching Mindy Kailing on The Mindy Project helps me to believe that I am not a crazy single, but like her someone who believes in happy endings.
Boys II Menorah
Speaking of Happy Endings, can I hire Max and Brad to amp up my Bar Mitzvah, I can go back and be 16 again for this, correct?
ABC soaptastic line-up-Once Upon a Time, Revenge, and Scandal
I have been told I am missing out on Nashville, but for now I will stick with wonderfully magical fairytale world, the coniving world of Emily Thorn, and the wickedly clever/smart Olivia Pope.
HBO girl's Lena Dunham and Julia Louis Dreyfuss
How could you not be thankful for two of the funniest women on television. HBO has really only had Sex and the City with strong female comedic leads, but these two shows have proven they need to do more of that. These two women star in two of the best shows of the year, and they are great!
After my few days in Washington DC ended I went with my friend Steven to his current residence, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Steven works at James Madison University with Orientation and First Year Programs. While is town I was able to do one of my favorite things, explore a college campus. While there I was able to see a truly beautiful campus, that appears to maximize there rolling hills/mountains from the various vantage points of campus.
After exploring the few places I ran out of things to do (beyond hanging out with Steven). Harrisonburg is a small town that has absolutely no connection with popular culture (that I could find). While Steven was at, I decided to take advantage of this down time to sit down, relax, and watch television that I missed because of work, or my vacation interrupted the chance to watch the shows. For me spending time in this small quaint college town was the perfect chance for me to reboot, recuperate, spend time with my best friend, and not think about work.
Most of the television I was able to catch up on was the Sunday premiere night, and here are my thoughts:
After magic was unleashed on the town of Storybrooke, Once Upon a Time returned with a reckoning. This was a show that it took me a while to get into, but when I watched in on Netflix recently I got hooked. As the season came to a close I was slightly concerned as to how this show would continue the story. From the storming of the "castle" also known as Regina's house to the remnants of those characters who were left behind in the magical land.
The campaign is on, the firm is in financial trouble, and Kahlinda's husband is here! The Good Wife set a lot of stories in motion, there is a lot going on and the show focusing on some new issues and items. Aside from Zack's run in with the law, I am excited to see Peter run for another office, although it feels been there done that (a little). The firms financial woes was the most interesting thing to me bringing out two characters who have amazing chemistry, Josh Charles, and Christine Baranski. I am excited to see where Kahlinda's story is going to go, but this felt disjointed, I want them to make the connection sooner than later.
Back to the Hamptons with Revenge! Emily/Amanda is back for another summer in the Hamptons, and of course the shows first few minutes started with a cliffhanger death, making the audience believe Jack would die, although this is another bait and switch. I think Declan is the victim. We all knew Victoria was alive, and her return could have been handled a little better, but this is one terrific hour of pulp fun.
One of the best returns of the season belongs to Dexter. Deb knows Dexter's secret. This episode had me constantly on edge, watching as this new version of cat and mouse was set in motion. Dexter kept feeding her lies, and Deb finally started to see his darkness. After two awful seasons this show could finally get back to form. Most of the times the flashbacks are pandering, but even in this episode they connected things well. I am excited to see the direction of this season.
The only new show I started on Sunday was 666 Park Avenue, and it may not last long. While the show is frightening, creepy, and gave me a small nightmare, this show feels like a toned down American Horror Story. I often wonder how this show would sustain more than one or two seasons.
The winner of Outstanding Drama series at the Emmy Awards, Homeland, returned Sunday as well. This show brought Carrie back into the fold of the CIA, and continued Brody's confusing journey as an anti-hero. Homeland is a show that paces itself beautifully, and watching Danes and Lewis is like watching poetry, these two are beyond talented.
While these shows have no connection to my actual journey, Harrisonburg, Virginia provided me a great release from the everyday stress of work. I was able to not only catch up on television, but spend time with my best friend, what a great time.
Last year I highlighted the show returning that I am was anticipating, and the new shows I was excited about or had potential. Of the four new 2 were cancelled (Terra Nova, The Ringer), one is now more of a mini-series or hybrid (American Horror Story), and NBCs Up All Night, was not must see television except for Maya Rudolph.
What exciting things lie ahead for this fall television season?
Sunday:
Once Upon a Time-The curse is lifted, and magic has become unleashed on Storybrook. The trailer for the new season looks action packed/exciting. I am ready to see some of my favorite fairy tale characters return, and also watch some new ones grace the screen! (8 pm on ABC starts Sunday September 30th) The Good Wife-Carey is back at Lockheart/Gardener, Kahlinda's ex husband is in the picture, and Alicia and Peter have started to have a much more cordial relationship. All of this along with Lockheart/Gardener facing financial difficulty will bring viewers to edge of their seat as Peter seeks to be elected to the governorship. (9 pm on CBS starts on September 30th)
Dexter-Deb knows! There is no turning back, Dexter's dark secret has been discovered by his sister, where does the dark messenger go now? Can he outsmart her, so many burning questions (9 pm on Showtime starts on September 30th) Revenge-The haunting ending of season one still plays back in my mind. Did Victoria Grayson go down with the plane? Meeting Amanda's mother is going to be on intense roller coaster ride. Faux Amanda is really pregnant. Did Charlotte overdose? This soapy night time drama has a lot to live up to. (10 pm on ABC starts September 30th) Homeland-Watching the first two minutes proved why this is the most bankable program on Showtime. Carrie is doing well and out of the CIA, but how long can she really stay away? Brody is a congressman, and a potential VP candidate. How will this cat and mouse meet again? (10 pm on Showtime starts on September 30th) The Walking Dead-Last season ended with some shocking revelations, and some surprising zombie-fications. The second part of season 2 was much darker, and it looks like the show has only one direction to go, dark! (10 pm on AMC starts on October 14th)
Monday: How I Met Your Mother-Barney is going to marry Robin, but first we have to watch his relationship with Quinn fall apart. Lilly and Marshall are parents. The most important question is why have we not met the damn mother? Time for this show to make good on the title.(8 pm on CBS starts September 24th)
Partners (new show)- The other LGBT show from Ryan Murphy was a flop, let's see how this one from the creators of Will and Grace does. I am betting this one will do well in the ratings because of the CBS comedy strong hold, but will it be good? (8:30 pm on CBS starts September 24th)
Revolution (new show)-Another J.J. Abrams creation set in a world where technology has gone away. Will Gus Fring be enough to save this show? I feel like this show relies too much on a gimmick, and will not just let the plot unfold. (10 pm on NBC starts September 17th)
Tuesday:
Happy Endings-This show has been missing for way too long. It will be AMAHZING when it returns so I can watch Brad look for a job, while Jane takes on another. I love watching Penny's love life too; she tries so hard, and gets so many laughs. Dave and Alex are looking for an apartment together, will it last ?Love this great comedy. (9 pm on FOX starts October 23rd)
New Girl-The return of the quirk! Nick moved out to be with his girlfriend, and the gang has to try and cope with this. Schmidt is newly single ladies, so look out, and Jess is on the market, can't wait to watch her have a slew of awkward dates! (9 pm on FOX starts September 25th)
The Mindy Project (new show) Mindy Kailing is on funny lady, and of the new network comedies this show looks to have the most promise. I am excited to watch this hopeless romantic struggle to search for love! (9:30 pm on FOX starts September 25th)
Wednesday:
Arrow-The CW has done the super hero genre well on the small screen, and this show looks to prove to keep up the strong tradition, way to capitalize on a genre! (8 pm on the CW starts October 10th)
Modern Family-Gloria pregnant, sign me up! Having more adventures with the Dunphies and Pritchertts is always a good time. (9 pm on ABC starts September 26th)
Nashville-Nashville could be this years Revenge, the soapy night time drama that just gets it right, the cast is great, and I think this could be one fun show. (10 pm on the CW starts October 10th) American Horror Story-The show that added the chill that ran down your spine returns with some truly terrfying story from an insane asylum. Most of the cast is returning, but the story is new, this should be good! (10 pm on FX starts October 17th)
Thursday:
30 Rock-The last season will be upon us soon. Liz seems happy in her relationship, hopefully that will last. Jack's story ended weird last year, I hope they come up with some quality stuff for the gang at TGS to close things out well. (8 pm on NBC starts October 4th)
The Office-Another show in its last season, NBC is losing two major players at the end of this season. After Michael Scott left this show lost a lot of character. Greg Daniels has promised a lot for this final season, and I hope the ending pays off.
Grey's Anatomy-Did everyone whose left survive the plane crash? Eric Dane is leaving the show so odds are that Mark has been hit hard. Arizona's fate is still up in the air. What doctors will stay at Seattle Grace and how will they cope as attendings. (9 pm on ABC starts September 27th)
Glee-In true Ryan Murphy style the show has become fractured, and lost its purpose caring too much about actors and big names, like Kate Hudson, and Sarah Jessica Parker. This show is getting to the boot from my TiVo, but give it a try if you dare. (9 pm on ABC starts September 13th)
Parks and Recreation-A march onto DC, as Ben becomes a big time campaign major, Leslie steps up to city council and the parks department will need to take a new direction as Leslie leaves. I am proud of this show for evolving smartly. (9 pm on ABC starts September 20th)
Scandal-Who is Quinn? What deep secret is she hiding? The show left with some major cliffhangers, and spoilers surrounding Olivia Pope and crew. Shona knows how how to pulp up the drama. (10 pm on ABC starts September 27th)
Friday:
Community-Friday is usually a dead night, but now that it has Community, I actually will have a Friday night show. This will most likely be the last year for the Greendale 7, I hope the new show runner who has replaced Dan Harmon can fill his shoes. (8:30 pm on NBC starts October 19th)
Worst Reality Show FinaleThe Voice/American Idol (tie)-I only regularly watched The Voice, I never watched Idol, but all both shows have a hit a point where once the competition begins the excitement is lost. As The Voice was narrowed down to fewer and fewer contestants the I got more and more bored because the show seems to focus more on the judges bickering. Idol picked another white boy who plays a guitar? Will this show realize there is a problem? Jennifer Lopez is selfish and wants more money for doing nothing. The problem with these shows and the reason they are bad is that the judges/hosts takeover. Time to go away, or re-tool, in a major way.
Best Series Finale
Desperate Housewives- I am only going to count the second part of the two hour episode (couldn't they have just split them into two different weeks?) The show was fun, and ended perfectly, the same way it began, with friendship, poker, and mysteries of the suburbs. There were a lot of great scenes referencing the first season/episode, and the last scene with Susan driving past the dead residents of Wisteria Lane, was haunting yet touching.
Biggest Letdown How I Met Your Mother-I love this show, but I am tired of the run around. The show runners need to get their act together and just take a direct path to meeting the mother, which is the so called point of this show. I get that they like to focus on Barney, because he became so popular, but honestly the ending left me unsatisfied. Throughout the whole episode I became comfortable in the fact that Barney was going to pick Quinn even though I figured it would be Robin. I was happy Barney had moved on and of course the pull the old switcheroo. This show needs to move forward I feel like I have been stuck seeing the same thing. Best Musical Show Finale Smash-The show got back to the roots. The first few episodes of this show were good because they were about the production, the middle got bogged down in drama in everyone's personal, but the last few episodes did a boomerang to make the last episode the best of the season. Smash had energy, and made things come together for the test run in Boston.
Worst Season Finale (Comedy)
30 Rock-This show has lost its spunk. I am glad season seven is the last because this season has devolved into something I hoped it would not, something less funny. Jack's story with Avery was awful, the live episodes was solid enough, but could not save the season. I love you 30 Rock but this was your worst season, and the finale did not help. This was the worst for me because the show proved that even their writing could not save their bad story lines (I love you Tina). Worst Season Finale (Drama) Grey's Anatomy-The finale made me want to re-watch all of the seasons and catch up (but only because I missed Bailey and Christina). The death of Lexie Grey was so quick and sudden I barely had time to process. At the half way point I said "Was that real? Did that happen? Did she die that quick without any payoff?" While I applaud Rhimes for making her death more realistic, in a television drama you can take some liberties; she was a major character in the shows history and I feel like her death was handled poorly.
Best Season Finale (Comedy)
Parks and Recreation-The buildup for Leslie Knope's city council campaign was done incredibly well, and in the end she lost, but then won with a recount. The episode was the perfect combination of humor and touching moments. The characters have continued to develop and find their place, like Andy potentially being a cop. I think this show has great character, and ended perfectly.
Best Season Finale (Drama and Of the Season)
Revenge-This is how you end a season!! This show slowed down a little in the middle and after the hiatus, but ran on full cylinders in the finale. Emily and Daniel are done, look for her former best friend Ashley to knock boots with Daniel next season! Emily kicked some ass with the WHM, and thankfully saved Nolan. Fake Amanda is pregnant with Jack's baby (I don't think its real or it's not Jack's baby). Then to top it all off Queen Grayson (Victoria) and her friend Lydia get on a plane, and the plane explodes, was Victoria on the plane? Charlotte sees the news takes too many pills and her father comes in to try and save her. Then to top it all off Nolan shows Em a video and says her mother is alive...boom ends. Jam packed action and suspense, way to go!
The mouse house ABC is the third network to announce their schedule, and they may have positioned all of their returning shows the smartest. The big news is the move of Revenge from Wednesday to the coveted Sunday at 9 pm slot that was held by Desperate Housewives for their entire series run. This is a major coup for this show and proves the network believes in the show a lot! The other move was for Happy Endings and Don't Trust the B___ in Apartment 23. As Penny Hartz would say they will form their own a-mah-zing comedy block on Tuesday after the Dancing with the Stars Results Show (smart move).
The new shows set to debut in the fall are listed below with details:
The Neighbors is from the mind of Dan Fogelman who wrote Cars, Bolt, Crazy Stupid Love, and Tangled. The premis centers on a family who gets a house in an exclusive neighborhood, but they soon realize their neighbors are aliens from the planet Zabvron. This is by far the stupidest pilot I have read about this fall, and doubt it will it will last. Starring Jamie Gertz (Still Standing), Simon Templemon (Just Shot Me).
Nashville comes from the writer, Callie Khouri. Khouri wrote Thelma and Louise, Something to Talk About, and Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. The show is a "soap" with a family who is heavily involved in country music scene of Nashville, TN. Starring Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Hayden Pennetierre (Heroes), and Jonathan Jackson (General Hospital).
The Last Resort centers around a futuristic world and country is fractured. The actual show focuses on a nuclear submarine who become fugitives when they refuse to shoot missiles. Starring Andre Braugher (Homocide) and Scott Speedman (Felicity).
Malibu Countrycomes from Kevin Abbott who produced hit shows like The Golden Girls, Roseanne, Two Guys and a Girl, and Reba. Abbott is teaming up with Reba again to make a show about a single mom trying to relaunch her singing career. Starring Reba McEntire (Reba), Lilly Tomlin (Murphy Brown), and Sara Rue (Less than Perfect).
666 Park Avenue comes from the adapted book series by Gabrielle Pierce. The story centers around a young couple who runs an old school NYC apartment building, and supernatural stuff begins to happen that threatens the tenants of the building. Starring David Annabelle (Brothers & Sisters), Terry O'Quinn (Lost), Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty).
The fall schedule is here and listed below:
Monday
8 pm Dancing with the Stars
10 pm Castle
Tuesday
8 pm Dancing with the Stars Results Show
9 pm Happy Endings
9:30 pm Don't Trust the B____ in Apt 23
10 pm Private Practice
Wednesday
8 pm The Middle
8:30 pm Suburgatory
9 pm Modern Family
9:30 pm The Neighbors
10 pm Nashville
Friday
8 pm Shark Tank
9 pm Primetime: What would you do?
10 pm 20/20
In November
8 pm Last Man Standing
8:30 pm Malibu Country
9 pm Shark Tank
10 pm Primetime: What would you do?
Saturday
Saturday Night College Football
Sunday
8 pm Once Upon a Time
9 pm Revenge
10 pm 666 Park Avenue
Spring will bring some new comedies and dramas to the network, and some old favorites will return. The Bachelor will fill the 8 pm Monday night time slot for Dancing with the Stars. In the new department two comedies will replace the results show on Tuesday, How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life at 8 pm and The Family Tools at 8:30 pm.
The other mid season shows (which do not have a time slot yet) are returning shows Body of Proof, and Wife Swap, and new shows Mistresses, Red Widow, and Zero Hour. While ABC did the most for their returning shows their new shows look very weak!
As another school year comes to an end, and I close the doors on another chapter of my life it makes me think about all of the wonderful times I had with the RAs I supervised, and the students who lived in the building I worked in. There were also some crazy moments, but I am excited for some relaxing summer moments where I do not have crazy students damaging my building. This is also the time of the year when many shows end their seasons or they end completely.
This time is traditionally referred to as May sweeps. During this time there are lots of shows that end big, with weddings, graduations, deaths, births, elections, or other momentous life events. The traditional television season has morphed with non basic cable networks, so they do not fit within this typical model, but here what is going on and what we may find out as the shows seasons/series come to an end.
April 29th
The Good Wife-The season has flown by with Alicia struggling with her relationship with Will, becoming friend with Kahlinda again, and trying to find a nice balance with her relationship with Peter. This season ender has two of the firms most diabolical enemies Patty Niholme (Martha Plimpton) and Lewis Canning (Michael J. Fox) attempting to bankrupt the firm. Peter is facing an uphill battle in the gubernatorial race potentially against Matthew Perry's character. Kahlinda has had to face a lot of challenges as well and tonight she will get a major surprise.
May 6th
GCB-This shows pilot made it seem as though this show had no potential but with the show hitting its rhythm I am happy to say I am hope that this show returns next season. As the season has progressed Amanda has moved forward to try and create a good relationship with mean girls Carleen and Cricket.
May 8th
The Voice-Does the winner even matter? This show loses so much steam after the chairs stop turning around. The show is different from American Idol, but at this point I have lost so much interest and honestly do not care who wins. I do enjoy watching the judges. I guess I like Jamar Brooks.
May 10th
Parks and Recreation-Will Leslie Knope win the election? That's the big question on everyone's mind. This show is pitch perfect and has done something The Office could not do keep the the quality, because they do not try too hard.
May 13th
Desperate Housewives-This is end! Last summer, I stated that this show should end, and ABC and Marc Cherry listened. This show ran it's course, and I gave up a couple of seasons ago. I will tune in to see how the 4 ladies will end their time on Wisteria Lane.
May 14th
How I Met Your Mother-Who is Barney going to marry? We better find out who the bride is in the season finale. It will be fun to watch Lilly give birth too.
May 15th
Grey's Anatomy-I gave up on this show the same time I gave up on on Desperate Housewives, but this is going to be an interesting finale. There are a lot of contracts up on Grey's, a lot of doctor's will have offers to leave Seattle Grace, and someone is going to fail their boards. Mix this up with another crazy ending like the gunman in the hospital, and you have one crazy cliffhanger ending on your hands.
May 21st
House-After many years on the air this show is coming to an end. How will it end? The last episode is called Everyone Dies, this cryptic title has a dark an ominous tone for the series ending episode.
May 22nd
Glee-The kids from McKinley High are graduating. Where will they all go, and what will their futures bring? Who will be back next season, and who is gone for good? I think this will bring the show to an important cross roads that will make or break it for me next year.
May 23rd
Modern Family-Will Mitch and Cam adopt their second child, will Haley go to college? No cliffhangers on this show, just good ole fashioned fun comedy.
Revenge-Amanda knows who killed her dad, and it's on! The Grayson's are in even bigger trouble with her.
Revenge-After watching the first nine minutes of the first episode in 2012 I hope the show continues on it brilliant soapy path it started with in the fall.
Community-I just hope NBC realizes what it has with this show, cancels Whitney, and brings this show back, and stops this quick hiatus.
30 Rock- I hope that Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin realize that while I love this show it may be time to pull the plug after at least year 7. I do not see the show going much further, I think they should end after this year, but I do not think that will happen. Who knows maybe season 6 will bring back the glory days of this show.
Mad Men-After almost two years of being off the air, I am excited to have this show back in my living room. I want more Don Draper in my living room. This great show has taken too long to come back, thanks a lot for drawing out the contracts AMC.
Movies
Meryl Streep-Simply put, I have not seen Meryl in her new film, but I want to see her win her third Academy Award this year she deserves to have a third Oscar on her mantle.
The Amazing Spiderman, The Avengers, and The Dark Knight Rises-These three comic book films look promising. Spiderman needed a reboot after the mess of Spiderman 3, and I think Andrew Garfield will be a better Peter Parker, although this looks to be taking the franchise into a darker place. The build up to The Avengers has all the chess pieces in place, we have seen every film so character development does matter as much. I think the story and action look awesome! The Dark Knight was/is the best comic book film of all time so it will be tough for the final installment to live up to its predecessor, but I think Nolan is up to the task, I hope all three of these films knock it out the park.
The Post Oscar drought -From February to the end of April the movies fall apart for me every year. The only two films I want to see are The Hunger Games and potentially 21 Jump Street. I hope there are some diamonds in the rough that emerge out of nowhere. There better be or I will be in trouble.
Magic Mike- A movie about male strippers that includes Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Bomer, and Joe Mangamiello better have some full frontal-that's all I am saying.
Movie musicals-Rock of Ages and Les Miserables will most likely both be released in 2012. They both better be good. Rock looks fun, and Les Mis has so much potential.
Music
U2-I have heard this may be their last major CD release for a VERY long time, in fact they are potentially talking about doing each of their projects. If this is true I am hoping that this CD surpasses their last album, and makes me forget about Bono and the Edge writing Spiderman the musical.
The Stage
More original shows not based on films, television shows, etc.. I want more shows like Next to Normal. Plain and simple broadway needs to find a balance, and stop creating haphazard shows that they think will make money.
I would say that during this time, most people pay attention to the new shows coming out, and while there is an excitement/build up for returning shows its almost never the same. Part of the reason for this is that networks know people are "coming back" to their favorite show, and now its time to build up the hype for all of these new shows, so commercials at movie theatres and at home are geared more for the new rather than the returning, but what returning shows left people with such massive cliff hangers or cast changes that people are even more pumped for them to come back after a summer drought?
