GET WITH THE PROGRAM
November 6, 2009 - 12:23pm
Mid-term report card: Eight new shows
Glee (Global)
It’s silly and sometimes the musical sequences are downright embarrassing to watch, but there’s no disputing that the peppy musical comedy is a standout in a sea of dreary procedural dramas. It doesn’t hurt that the talented cast is cute too (Puck, I’m talking about you). Glee makes Wednesday nights fun—and you can’t beat the soundtrack.
Comments: Cheerful and plays well with others.
Grade: B+
FlashForward (CTV)
You can’t always judge a series by its pilot. A mite slow out of the gate, the sci-fi drama has picked up speed over the past few weeks. The recent addition of Dominic Monaghan (Lost) to the ensemble as the creepy and mysterious Simon has definitely put a spring in the show’s step.
Comments: FF was slow to get started, but is improving nicely. If the pace stays lively I see a B+ in its future by spring term.
Grade: B
The Good Wife (Global)
I am genuinely disappointed by this series. The concept was promising: scorned political wife (Julianna Margulies) has to press re-start on her life. But for whatever reason the writers have opted to sidestep emotional complexity and go in for a simplistic legal drama, a kind of Matlock-in-heels.
Comments: Mediocre at best. Julianna Margulies deserves better.
Grade: C
Bored to Death (HBO)
I am an enthusiastic supporter of all things Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). But even Galifianakis can’t save this tedious, up-its-own-arse HBO series, starring a floppy-haired Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) as an amateur detective.
Comment: As indulgent and juvenile as a Brooklyn cuddle party, Bored is just plain unendurable.
Grade: D-
You give Bored to Death a D, and Melrose Place a C-?? And just like that all credibility goes out the window.
What do you mean? Fashforward is one of the better ones this year. At least the writers have an imagination instead of another crime drama or reality show. Right from the the beginning the show got your attention. But I guess if everything in the world coming to a standstill and the disasters that happened is a mite slow I haven't watched enought SC shows.
Bored To Death is one of the better shows this year. Jason Schwartzman has that really low-key vibe to his humour. Gotta disagree with you big time there. And I haven't been able to bring myself to watch any of the other shows except Glee which I'm on the fence.