It’s getting to be the time of year the television industry refers to as mid-season. Some shows are reaching their final moments as networks make decisions to continue or cancel, some new shows are about to make their grand premiere, and favorites are coming back from winter breaks. I thought I’d take this chance to review my fall lineup picks and see how they’re faring in my household up to this point.
First, what was I looking forward to that didn’t quite live up?
Made In Jersey—As previously mentioned, this show was cancelled after only a couple of episodes, though it seems CBS is determined to use up whatever episodes were in the can, as they pop up in strange timeslots from time to time. It was okay, but nothing to write home about, and I wasn’t surprised to see it gone.
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Partners—I was glad for the opportunity to see David Krumholz on TV again, but this show was just too over the top to be funny. The characters were outlandish caricatures, and the writing wasn’t good enough to overcome that for me. And I’m apparently not the only one dissatisfied, as it was cancelled in November.
Revolution—The post-technology survivalist show looked like an interesting premise, but I was underwhelmed with the pilot episode. The final few moments had a slight twist I wasn’t expecting, and I thought I’d tune in again and give it another chance, but I was wrong. I haven’t seen it since. It doesn’t return until March, so I’m sort of glad I’m not waiting impatiently for the story to continue.
Vegas—Cops and robbers in olden days of Las Vegas. I can’t really say I don’t like it, because I haven’t actually watched it yet. All twelve episodes are still stored on my DVR, and I keep telling myself I’m going to give it a try, but . . .
That’s not a very good percentage I’ve got going on this year, as there were only seven new shows I was planning on adding to my viewing, and four of them are out of the running already. Of the other three, two are still hanging in, but a little weak.
Go On—Comedy with Matthew Perry. It’s not great, and I left it behind for a few weeks, but then I picked it up again. It does make me laugh, but its really good moments are buried pretty deep inside the crappy ones.
Chicago Fire—As you might imagine, the life and times of a group of firefighters in Chicago. It’s actually not too bad, but it just feels like it hasn’t quite jelled yet. Plus, it’s already starting to feel a bit like a soap opera sometimes, which I could live without. I’m going to keep watching for now, but it needs to kick it in to gear.
And the final new program of the year? As far as I’m concerned, it’s a winner.
Elementary—Modern day retelling of Sherlock Holmes, far better than I anticipated, even with a female Watson. And, if you can believe the advertising, it’s the “number one new show”, so that’s something.
Next week will bring the debut of a mid-season series premiere that I’m looking forward to: The Following. It stars Kevin Bacon, and he’s kind of cool, plus it looks intriguing and exciting, with just a touch of creepiness. I’m hoping not too creepy, because I don’t really go in for too much of that stuff. But it is about tracking down a serial killer who’s got some sort of cult following; seems the creep factor could be kind of high, but as long as it stays on about the level of Criminal Minds, I’ll be fine.
Most important of all, it is also just about time for my favorite USA Network shows to return. Suits will resume its season this Thursday, Necessary Roughness next Wednesday, and Psych late in February. But the best news of all is I only have to wait one more week for the return of my beloved White Collar! Yes, Peter and Neal will be back on the airwaves next Tuesday, and I can’t wait. Well, actually, I’ll have to wait just a little bit. Not only another week until airtime, but then a few hours afterward to watch the DVR showing, as my classes also resume next Tuesday. Is that some bad scheduling, or what?
So, as this week’s edition of Tube Day Tuesday wraps up, are there any returning shows you’re looking forward to?
