Thursday, September 28, 2006

Nothing spiritual here...just tv


Okay so just for the fun of it, I thought I would throw my thoughts out here on all things new for the prime time this fall. I'll have to admit, the lineup seems to be pretty good and there are still some new shows to premier so I can't wait to see how the full season pans out. And the cool thing is, we now have a DVR so I can catch the shows that are on during youth or at the same time as another show I want to see...I love technology! So anyway, here goes nothing...

Survivor: Cook Islands- Everyone who knows me knows that Survivor has been my favorite show since it premiered in 2000. I have stuck with it through all 12 seasons, some of which were just "ok" and I have to admit, this year is shaking up to be a good one! I really liked the idea of a racial division among the tribes and those people who have nothing better than do but complain just need to shut up. IT IS NOT CREATING STEREOTYPES-no more than any other season...of course unfortunately this should cease to be an issue to night as Burnett throws in his next new "twist" and shuffles the tribes again. I say let it play out as it is until the normal merge time and lets see what happens. I think the season is going to be great though...my favorite is Cao Boi, but I doubt he'll make it to the end.

The Amazing Race 10- I love this show, but I'll be honest, it is getting a little tired. You can only go around the world and have so many challenges so many times, but I'll stick with it this time solely for the entertainment of the Coal Miner family from Kentucky...talk about sterotypes, there is your example. They are hysterical though...at least she is. Watch it and you'll see what I am talking about.

The Biggest Loser 3- I liked the idea of starting with 50 people from 50 states, but I am disappointed that they cut it down so quick. I know they sent those people home and they are still competing there, but only 2 will make it back to the ranch. what kind of message does that send to the other 34? I suppose they will all lose the weight, but it still doesn't seem right. I do like this show, I wish they spent a little more time on the people and less on the weigh in, but I think it is okay. This show is losing steam for me, but I will keep watching it because it continues to inspire me to keep fighting my own battle. The only issue I have with it is that obviously these people have an advantage that we don't. They are removed from their "worlds" for three months and excercise for 2 to 3 hours a day with a personal trainer, sure they are going to drop 15-20 lbs a week at first.

Well enough of reality tv though. I am beginning to get a little wary of it, and more keeps coming it seems...so lets look at the new dramas and comedies that I have liked so far.

Heroes- There were teasers all through the summer about this new show and I'll admit, the main reason I checked it out was because of those...however after watching the premier episode I am convinced that this is going to be one of the best shows of the season. Sure it plays on my being a fan of comics, but I think the story set up is really cool...people learning they have secret abilities. I look forward to watching this one pan out throughout the season.


Jericho-After two episodes, I am hooked on this show. I think it will rival Lost in its viewership this fall. The story begins with the return of a prodigal son to a small Kansas town followed by the appearance of a mushroom cloud in the distance. Was it an accident, an attack or what? Now throw the whole town into this with no way of finding out and see how the show develops. My only fear in this is how "close" it is to current events. I am pretty sure nothing like this will happen any time soon and it plays on people's fears, but the story is great. Where has the lost son been, who is the mysterous black man that knows so much? Was it just Denver and Atlanta? Watch and see what happens. I am hooked and will watch this all season.

Studio 60-I'm not a huge fan of Matthew Perry, but I do like Aaron Sorkin and the West Wing so I wanted to check this show out. I'll have to admit I was a little leary of this one at first, but have been hooked. If you ever wondered what it is like backstage at a late night show, check this out. The story revolves around two producers who are hired by the show that fired them 2 1/2 years ago after the current producer makes a live rant on the show and gets fired. You would be amazed though at how "true" some of the things were that were said in the speech. I thought it was great and have been watching ever since...can anyone say SNL? It sure reminds me of it just a little bit (circa when Collin Quinn got fired for using Weekend Update to tell Lorne Michaels what he really thought-insert your favorite "f-bomb" here live on tv). Definitely check this one out.

The Class-The only comedy to really catch my eyes this season (sure My Name is Earl and the office are still winners) is The Class on CBS Monday nights. The concept behind this one revolves around a guy who brings back together characters from his third grade class to celebrate the first time he met his girlfriend. I am a little disappointed in the promotion of some things I don't agree with, but the story catches me because we can all think of someone from our classes who is like the characters from the show. Definitely check it out.

So there is dose of what I have been hooked on so far. Some of the returners are going to be turning up the heat I am sure (Lost, ER-which started good this season, and more), and there are some premiering next week (Friday night lights), so I won't make my final decision until later. The only real disappointment for me was that they cancelled Invasion after one season. That show was really intriguing to me.

So what are your thoughts...are there others I need to see and am missing? Do you agree or disagree with me. Let me know.

4 comments:

Josh H said...

Matt -

Amen to Jericho and Studio 60. I loved both premieres... and since I just got back from vacation... I have both shows second episodes to look forward to.

I was especially impressed with Studio 60. I loved the characters and the writing of the show. Don't tell anyone else, but I even liked their slam on Pat Robertson.

Hehe.

Good review man. I'm also a huge The Office fan... but haven't seen either new show yet. We left right when all the new shows were starting back up.

Take care.

Josh

Robin said...

I'm super excited about the premiere of LOST tonight. I missed the entire first season, and so I've played catch-up over the last year. Now I'm addicted! (In the most spiritual sense of the word.)

I'm glad there's been a reshuffling of tribes in Survivor. It was interesting to see how different races dealt with being segregated. Some seemed not to notice, some saw it as an advantage, some were a little paranoid. I just can't believe you like Cao Boi. He drives me insane!

I agree with you 100% on Amazing Race.

Now, what about the Office and My Name is Earl? Are you a recorder so you can watch them and Survivor?

Matt said...

yup I watch them both! Although Megan is a fan of "ugly betty" so I have to kind of swap weeks with her

Robin said...

We've purchased two dvd recorders and have two vcrs to support our addictions. Ken works evenings, so he misses EVERYTHING prime time. Tonight will be a challenge: opening night for the Preds, Survivor, Earl, The Office, ER, Gray's Anatomy.