changes to my watchlist
Samantha Who? becomes appointment television. Until recently, my opinion has been that Samantha Who? functions primarily off of the charm of Christina Applegate. I’m only up to the third episode in the second season, but that third episode, “The Pill” was fantastic television. Finally the show included some real chemistry between Samantha and her supposed leading man, complete with a back story that made us care. If there are more episodes like this coming, I’ll stay tuned in
Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles gets dropped completely. I liked last year’s half-season. Summer Glau’s character was a fun exploration of non-humanity, therefore of course being an exploration of humanity. This year, however, we have robots and running from robots and not a lot of intrigue. Normally I’ll lower the bar to get my sci-fi fix, but this show can’t seem to hold my interest.
Fringe gets dropped completely. Speaking of sci-fi that isn’t working for me, I can’t find a foothold in Fringe. It ought to X-files told Alias-style, but those expectations are not met. Jennifer Garner was key to the success of Alias, and I don’t get that charisma from Anna Torv. While the world feels unique, the intrigue of each week’s government secret having a distinct bioterror feel, the tone is somehow not right. I’m guessing J.J. Abrams has his attention focused on Star Trek.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia moves from appointment TV to homework TV. I caught up with this show via hulu.com recently, and loved just about every minute of the first three seasons. Here was a fresh offering to comedy, featuring a group of players with fantastic chemistry and timing. Something is missing in season four, however. (The plotting and counter-plotting, I suspect.) I thought things hit bottom in episode 7, “Who Pooped the Bed?” I had hopes that the season finale would reinspire, especially since the “Night Man” song was getting turned into a musical, but in the end one of the better episodes of the season nonetheless fell flat.
So I just gained two hours of life back each week. Maybe that means I’ll blog more.
jane on