There should be an opening day for television. There should be some kind of hero’s parade/welcome/that scene in Gladiator when Commodus returns from Germania. Then, when a hush has fallen on Earth, a soulful choir should rise together in song. Just one soaring, lingering note.
TV came home last week. I cried a little. This is the first installment of TGTBTR.
The Good: “Fringe” and “Castle”
“Fringe” is a mind-bender, people. Season 3 opens with the show deeply entrenched in its highly original alternate universe premise. Think “Lost” plus “A Beautiful Mind” plus some kind of hallucinogen. “Fringe” is based on a hypothetical branch of science that shatters human boundaries and limitations. The products get down right chilling. Call this high-octane show sci-fi if you must, but that makes you a Judgey McJudgerson. If you need more than palpable intelligence and a series of ohmygodwhats?? to get your TV jollies, there are also some stellar performances from John Noble (mad scientist) and Anna Torv (two universe means two versions of her character, Torv is masterfully subtle). Thursdays 9/8c on FOX
“Castle” is a guaranteed good time (warranty blogged separately). It’s a show that harkens back to the good old days, when cops were funny and murder was sad, sure, but it didn’t have to ruin anybody’s ham and cheese. Maybe throw a pickle on that sandwich. You have an excellent duo in Detective Kate Beckett and Richard Castle. The latter is a bestselling mystery writer (the kind that writes 19 books a year and the paperbacks are by the candy at CVS), who lends his pithy and helpful insights to the NYPD. It’s crime fighting with vintage-style levity. Yes, of course there’s sexual tension. And one-liners. Mondays 10/9c on ABC
The Bad: “House” and “Bones”
“House” and “Bones” feel like two tired old ladies drinking sherry at brunch. Clocking in at season 7 and 6 respectively, the two shows have a similar problem: there are no more ways to kill people. “Bones” lost its socially awkward charm, and the writing has devolved into an after school special. Take some pride in what you do. “House” is clinging to life with deathly fingers. The show is starting to tread into “General Hospital” territory. Lisa Edelstein (Dr. Cuddy) had the unfortunate task of uttering the line: “You are the most incredible man I have ever known. Pause. You will always be the most incredible man I have ever known.” That’s—disgusting.
The Remote (refers to a new show or one that is in danger of being canceled): “Lone Star”
“Lone Star” is easily the best new kid on the block. (Though, to be fair, I have not yet been able to bring myself to watch the remake of “Hawaii Five-O.” But, I hear the theme song has remained intact.) “Lone Star” chronicles the psychological turmoil and dark gray moral area of a Texan con man. Robert/Bob Allen (James Wolk) has two wives—without a religious excuse—and he deals in nonexistent oil investments. It’s a refreshing venture for network TV. The show threw out the phrase “house of cards” and that is perhaps the most accurate description, kind of a Don Draper-lite. Wolk is convincing and winsome in the role, yet his plight, let’s call it, is never unbelievable. We feel just bad enough. Banging soundtrack too. Mondays 9/8c on FOX
lone star got cancelled. lie will will replace it from next week.
also i take offence to the notion that house is bad. 🙁
other than that i’m with you.