SeanBlog

Winter TV Review: ALCATRAZ

2012-01-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

When I heard that this new FOX drama was basically a procedural with a twist, I was skeptical. But upon viewing this new JJ Abrams show set on an island - natch- I was hooked with its premise of 200 some-odd inmates who disappeared from Alcatraz prison back in 1963 and who are now resurfacing in the present day, unaged. Their is a mysterious mythology about why they are back, and who is behind them killing again. The second hour of the premiere reminded me a bit of the movie DIRTY HARRY - a fave. I was very entertained...so far, so good. And great to see Jorge Garcia back on TV. A

Winter TV Review: Lost Girl

2012-01-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but something is just 'off' with this new SyFy series, which i believe is actually a Canadian TV production that the cable net bought, though I'm not positive. Anyway, the premise is this: a woman in her late twenties is a succubus and she drains people of their essence through a kiss. There is a whole mythology about good and evil forces who want to use her for their respective needs. It's talkie and not very exciting. C-

Winter TV Review: Betty White's Off Their Rockers

2012-01-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Poor Betty White. I fear that after an amazing couple years where her star has shown brightly again, the razzle dazzle is over. At least it is with this stupid attempt at Candid Camera like entertainment. With OFF THEIR ROCKERS, senior citizens pull pranks on the youngins, and the results are less that stupid. In fact, these PRANK'D AARPers look so staged, its pretty obvious the show was just thrown together to capitalize on Betty's name. And Miss White doesnt even engage in any of the stunts. All she does is throw a few one-liners from her house. Those are the best parts. D-

Winter TV Review: Unsupervised

2012-01-26T12:07:00.001-08:00

FX has a hit with ARCHER. Not so much with UNSUPERVISED, which is a poor attempt to mix Beavis & Butthead type humor with South Park. Its about some randy teen boys and their less-than-funny hijinks. Very immature, and very stupid. I can't see this one lasting very long. At least I pray it doesnt. D

Winter TV Review: Project Runway All*Stars

2012-01-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

First the good news: All*Stars brings back 13 of your favorite former contestants from seasons past (including my personal fave, Season 1's Austin Scarlett), and boy is it great to see these contestants again. Now the bad news: No Heidi Klum, No Tim Gunn mentor, and no judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. Their replacements are very poor substitutes, but the formula is the same. And let's face it, you're watching All*Stars to see your former faves, so with that in mind, I give this show a B. But if I were to grade on the host, mentor and judges, I'd have to downgrade the show to a C-. But I'm feeling nice, so a B it is.

Winter TV Review: Touch

2012-01-26T11:57:00.001-08:00

Fox's new preview of it's March-release drama starring Kiefer Sutherland blew me away. It was such a moving piece of television, with a beginning, middle and end. The entire hour was satisfying, and such a surprise sleeper for me. The story is basically about a boy named Jake who has never spoken a word in his life, but through the use of numbers and observation of the world at large, is able to find a way to communicate to his dad, and others. But the show is more than that, crossing the world and weaving seemingly unrelated story arcs into a 'wow' finale. This show has an epic feel to it, more like a feature film, actually. I worry how its going to play out as a series, but taking the pilot and looking at it as a movie, i was wholly thrilled, and definitely looking to see where creator Tim Kring can take it, and in the process, take me. There's nothing like this on television. It was fantastic. A

Winter TV Review: Napoleon Dynamite

2012-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

It was fun to revisit the characters from the 2004 Jon Heder flick on this FOX animated spin-off, and the voices are the same from the movie. But I guess almost ten years later, I've moved on from these characters. It's cute, not offensive, but also sooooo 2004. C+

Winter TV Review: ReModeled

2012-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

Poor CW: they havent launched a successful reality show...ever. (Note: Americas Next Top Model was inherited from UPN when that net and the WB merged to create the CW). This 'reality' show is aimed at lovers of Gordon Ramsay's school of verbal abuse (not a fan here)... only this time the world is models and modeling agencies. It's a terrible excuse to think that audiences are turned on by screaming ego-maniacs. This show gets the first F of Winter/Spring.

Winter TV Review: The Fades

2012-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

This dreary BBCAmerica supernatural show tries hard to scare, but the actions of the characters don't make a lick of sense. In the first 2 minutes a girl is walking down a dark alley obviously in distress (looks as if she knows all about demons lurking about), yet when she sees a hooded figure wimpering, she throws all caution to the wind and appraoaches him with 'Hello, ...hello, are you okay?' Of course its a demon and she gets attacked and killed.) That kind of storytelling turns me off and takes me out of the drama, and so once again I tune out yet another BBC production that doesnt live up to the hype. C-

Winter TV Review: THE FINDER

2012-01-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

I've never watched an entire episode of BONES on Fox, but I have seen bits and pieces of certain episodes, and have enjoyed the tone of that series. That magic tone that has kept the BONES lights on for over 5 years is sorely missing in the first regular episode of THE FINDER, a show starring the likeable Geoff Shultz from HAPPY TOWN a few years back. In THE FINDER he is rather smug and annoying, a know-it-all who may have some serious mental issues. The supporting cast doesnt help, and the laid-back setting of the Florida Keys is a yawner. C-

Winter TV Review: ROB!

2012-01-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

I've often found former SNL funnyman Rob Schneider (Sensitive Naked Guy) to be fairly annoying in his feature film stints, but on the new CBS comedy ROB! he is actually genuinely funny as an OCD ordinary-guy who happens to wed a stunning Mexican woman - all to the dismay of her extended family. The pilot sets up this he vs. them sitcom, and a lot of the jokes are stereotypical, for sure. But watching Rob try to win them over wins the audience over in the process. B-

Winter TV Review: JANE BY DESIGN

2012-01-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

ABCFamily does it again: Another stinker in a long-line of dramas that pander to the teen set (Pretty Little Liars, Secret Life of American Teenager, Make it or Break it, Greek, Nine Lives of Chloe King, Lying Game, Switched at Birth...more?). JANE tries to be like a younger UGLY BETTY, making the canned ABC show starring America Ferrera look positively classic. D+

Winter TV Review: House of LIes

2012-01-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Unlikable characters in a dramedy about crisis managers for big businesses got off to a lackluster start, even though we saw Don Cheadle's bare booty in the first 30 seconds. It was nice seeing Veronica Mars' Kristen Bell again, but sadly this isnt the type of show I wanted to see her in. Also, the freeze frames where Cheadle's character steps out to address the audience wear tiresome after the first couple tricks. Very boring show, for sure. D+

Winter TV Review: THE FIRM

2012-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I remember seeing the Tom Cruise feature that this NBC reboot is based on, and I wasnt much excited about that film back in, what, 1993? So when I saw Josh Lucas take over the part, running with brief case in tow from some mystery men, I wasnt at all impressed. Then came the whole 'call the wife, report that it's happening again' blah blah crap, and I was further bored. But what really tuned me out was the shift to a typical law procedural, as if this format hasnt already been done to death. And so, THE FIRM, I give to you my final verdict: C- (and that's being generous!)

Winter TV Review: Celebrity Wife-Swap

2012-01-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

I was never a fan of ABC's WIFE SWAP, but I did enjoy the recent celebrity edition that premiered to decent ratings. There's something about it that's addictive. To those who don't know the concept by now: two wives swap places and live a week in the life of the other's shoes, first going by the origin house rules, and then mid-way erecting their new rules. B-

Winter TV Review: MOBBED

2012-01-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Last spring, FOX aired a one-off special/pilot of HOwie Mandel's flash-mob series. This review is based on that pilot, for which I found the concept a fun spectacle, even though the editing of the show took away from the flash-mob feel that one gets from watching YouTube clips. Since then, Fox aired another episode over the holidays, and last week began airing MOBBED weekly. To me, the fun is gone, but from last season's pilot, I enjoyed the show enough to give it a B

Winter TV Review: ARE YOU THERE, CHELSEA?

2012-01-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Watching this comedy based on the book by Chelsea Handler (Are You There Vodka, Its Me Chelsea) is a mixed bag. I dont think Laura Prepon was right for the lead...its like watching Donna from THAT 70s SHOW. But when Chelsea Handler appears as her sister Sloane, she nails it, and makes the whole experience surreal. It was also great to see GLEE's Coach Bieste appear in the pilot playing a lesbo. 'Bout time! C+

Winter TV Review: Work It

2012-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

I know I wasnt supposed to laugh at this cross-dressing sitcom, but I did. It's not as gentle as BOSOM BUDDIES, nor do the two guys in this 2012 version particularly look like women (okay, Angel does). But just like BB, Work It works best when the two guys are in dresses and surrounded by the ladies they work with and for at a pharmaceuticals business. Ratings have sorta tanked, so if you like this escapist comedy, you better enjoy it while it lasts. ABC predicts COUGAR TOWN will take over its slot in the coming weeks. Oh, and for those who are upset over the content, trust me, I understand. But I'm gay, and I still found the humor in guys donning dresses. B-

Winter TV Review: Angry Boys

2012-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

There's no questioning the genius of creator and star Chris Lilley in his new HBO show ANGRY BOYS. He is very good at immersing himself into the characters...the prob with BOYS is that it isnt funny. But I don't want that to detract from Chris' moments of brilliance, especially when protraying Gran - the ballsy woman who whips the angry boys into shape. C-

Winter TV Round-Up 2012

2011-12-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

ALCATRAZ (FOX) A
TOUCH (FOX) A
PROJECT RUNWAY ALL*STARS (LIFETIME) B
MOBBED (FOX) B
WORK IT (ABC) B- CANCELLED!!!!
ROB! (CBS) B-
CELEBRITY WIFE SWAP (ABC) B-
ARE YOU THERE CHELSEA (NBC) C+
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (FOX) C+
I JUST WANT MY PANTS BACK (MTV) C+
ANGRY BOYS (HBO) C-
THE FINDER (FOX) C-
LOST GIRL (SYFY) C-
THE FIRM (NBC) C-
THE FADES (BBCAMERICA) C-
HOUSE OF LIES (SHOWTIME) D+
JANE BY DESIGN (ABCFAMILY) D+
UNSUPERVISED (FX) D
BETTY WHITE'S OFF THEIR ROCKERS (NBC) D-
LUCK (HBO) D
REMODELED (CW) F

Winter TV Review: I Just Want My Pants Back

2011-12-24T15:54:00.001-08:00

MTV also previewed an early-2012 show (this one was back in late August following Awkward's run. I JUST...is the story about a guy who hooks up with a girl and loses his pants in the morning when she wears them. And the bloke just wants those pants back, natch. Its a flimsy set-up, and only marginally entertaining. I have no clue where the show can go from here, and for that reason I am mildly curious to tune in again for episode 2. I just want him to get his pants back, of course. C+

WINTER TV REVIEW: Luck

2011-12-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

HBO bet big on sneak-previewing its new horse/race track drama LUCK starring Dustin Hoffman in early December ahead of its 2012 winter run, and I'm glad it did because this is one less show I have to DVR. Hard as I tried, I could only get through the first half before deleting the pilot episode. The pacing is slow, and for a racing drama, that's just good. The 'mane' thing to like about the show is some snazzy production values. Other than that, a D grade.

FALL TV REVIEW: IMPRACTICAL JOKERS

2011-12-22T07:35:00.001-08:00

TRU TV unfolds the latest idiotic show...this one has 4 guys who dare each other to do outrageous stunts, only in the pilot the stunts were pretty tame. I tuned out when the 'punishment' was having the loser pick up dog feces in a bark park. D+

FALL TV REVIEW: Who's Still Standing and You Deseve It

2011-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Two new game shows hit the airwaves this holiday season: ABC's YOU DESERVE IT for Thanksgiving and NBC's WHO'S STILL STANDING for Christmas. Both are pretty much standard nighttime game shows. With YOU DESERVE IT, the contestant is playing for someone in need, and it's pretty schmaltzy stuff. STILL STANDING is a little more fun, with contestants dropping through the floor when they guess wrong or are ousted. Both don't really offer up anything new to the format, and for that I give them both a D+

Fall TV Review: The Exes

2011-12-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

TVLand rolls out another original situation comedy, following the huge success of HOT IN CLEVELAND and lesser-successes RETIRED AT 35 and HAPPILY DIVORCED. THE EXES, starring TV-faves Kristen Johnson (3rd Rock From The Sun), Donald Faison (Scrubs and Clueless) and Wayne Knight (Seinfeld), THE EXES centers around divorce lawyer Kristen as she has funny escapades with her male clients. Two eps in and I'm enjoying it, though the show is a bit tame and predicable. But whereas RETIRED and HAPPILY left me a bit bored, THE EXES shows some spark in the vein of CLEVELAND. B

Fall TV Review: I Hate My Teenage Daughter

2011-12-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

FOX kept this comedy on the back-burner for almost the entire fall, and by the look of the pilot, one can see why. It doesnt have the charm of NEW GIRL, nor is it particularly biting enough to make it cult-edgy. The two lead actresses are brilliant in their acting and comedic delivery, but the rest of this sitcome about two high-school-bullied girls who grow up to breed mean girls is just so-so entertainment. Not a total waste, just not particularly worth investing in, either. C

FALL TV TOP TEN

2011-12-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

1. ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC) This whimsical ABC drama was the sleeper hit of the fall, surprising critics and obliterating all predictions that the show would meet a quick death. Instead it became the hottest drama of the fall, and helped pump a little more juice into the pathetic season 8 of Desperate Housewives. I love the two worlds, and love the visuals. Havent had a show like this on the air since Pushing Daisies.

2. REVENGE (ABC) ABC also re-invented the nighttime sudser with this smart drama about a woman scorned, and the lengths she'd go to to exact revenge on those who'd done her daddy wrong. Each episode gets more and more delicious, and the cast is stunning to watch - especially the actor who plays the soon-to-get-shot Daniel Graystone.

3. ENLIGHTENED (HBO) I had no clue that this new HBO dramedy would be so damn great! It has an indie-movie feel to it, but the writing and acting are top-notch, and I swear I've shed a tear or have been moved with each and every episode. The highlight of the season so far is when the two leads take a canoe trip and having a bonding experience.

4. AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX) After the successes of vampires (True Blood) and zombies (Walking Dead) on cable, ghosts got their chance to scare up audiences in Ryan Murphy's new kinky thriller drama haunted house story. After a questionable start, the show has really found its groove and has totally drawn me in. Here's hoping new tenants move in next season, though. Oh, and Dylan McDermott's ass is HOT. I also kinda got turned on when the cheating half of the gay couple got his pants and underwear torn down his butt by Rubber Man.

5. NEW GIRL (FOX) Zooey Deschanel earns her paycheck every week as the adorable star of this new sitcom. The 3 male roomies are strictly background noise at this point. Hard to imagine the show would work without its female lead.

6. THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW) This Kevin Williamson teen show about intergenerational covens of witches started strong, but has weakened in recent weeks. Its becoming a bit too convoluted and needs to ease up on the angst a bit.

7. RINGER (CW) Soapy, but not nearly as fun as ABC's Revenge. Sarah Michelle Gellar is good as the twins Siobhan and Bridget. It's less-filling trash, but still kinda satisfying if you get into it. And I did.

8. GRIMM (NBC) Great pilot, but the acting and writing are juvenile. I still have faith that this show will find the right tone. Comedy is good, but lame procedural drama isn't.

9. UP ALL NIGHT (NBC) A tri-fecta of comedy experts (Married With Children's Christina Applegate, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, and SNL's Maya Rudolph) joined forces in this baby-rearing comedy that also incorporated a funny workplace com complete with America's Got Talent's Nick Cannon. The results were ALMOST-hilarious, just not laugh-out-loud. With some tweaking, this has the potential to become great, or is it a one-note comedy centering around that baby Ava? Less baby, more Maya!

10. THE EXES (TVLAND) Great cast, needs better writing. 'Nuff said.

RUNNER-UPS:

11. 2 BROKE GIRLS (CBS) It was hard for me to like this show at first, but it has slowly grown on me. The tragic part of the show is the lame supporting cast that backs up the diner where our waitresses work. I also think Kat Dennings is a bit too snarky. Oh, and whats up with that horse in their back yard? Winter is coming...

12. TERRA NOVA (FOX) This and CHARLIES ANGELS were two shows that I was most looking forward to. Sucks that TERRA NOVA became a schmaltzy Spielberg family drama. So much potential wasted...

13. THE X FACTOR (FOX) THis first year of the singing competition has some kinks to work out, such as ditching host Steve Jones, axing Nicole, and even possibly the annoying LA Reid. Keep Simon and Paula and bring in a current recording artist (THE VOICE masters this with Adam, CeeLo, Xtina and Blake) and a Nick Cannon-like host to keep things funny. Also, the first year had some less-than-inspiring finalists.

14. CHARLIE'S ANGELS (ABC) This one should have been a hit, if only the casting had been better. Oh, and why was it so serious? People expect escapism out of their ANGELS, not this current CSI-like procedural crap.

15. WHITNEY (NBC) Should have been funnier...

Fall TV Review: For Better or Worse

2011-12-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Tyler Perry's new, umm, comedy (?) on TBS fails spectacuraly both as a, well, comedy, and also as a drama. I'm not sure what tone the show was aiming for, and therefor found the opening 10 minutes to be a total trainwreck. But WOOF to the lead actor....I had to pause my DVR when he stepped out of the shower. F

FALL TV ROUND-UP 2011

2011-11-14T12:27:00.001-08:00

ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC) A+
TERRA NOVA (FOX) A
PAN AM (ABC) A
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (ABC) A
ENLIGHTENED (HBO) A-
AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX) A-
THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW) A-
GRIMM (NBC) A-
NEW GIRL (FOX) B+
HELL ON WHEELS (AMC) B+
SUBURGATORY (ABC) B+
REVENGE (ABC) B
RINGER (CW) B
THE EXES (TVLAND) B
RINGER (CW) B
PROJECT ACCESSORY (LIFETIME) B
WHITNEY (NBC) B
MAD FASION (BRAVO) B
2 BROKE GIRLS (CBS) B-
UP ALL NIGHT (NBC) B-
X FACTOR (FOX) B-
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN (CBS) B-
DAVE'S OLD PORN (SHOWTIME) B-
PUPPIES VS BABIES (ANIMAL) B-
PLAYBOY CLUB (NBC) C+
A GIFTED MAN (CBS) C+
I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (FOX) C
PRIME SUSPECT (NBC) C
PERSON OF INTEREST (CBS) C-
HOMELAND (SHOWTIME) C-
ROCK CENTER WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS (NBC) C-
FREE AGENTS (NBC) C-
BOSS (STARZ) C-
MAJORS & MINORS (HUB) C-
HART OF DIXIE (CW) D+
ALLEN GREGORY (FOX) D+
UNFORGETTABLE (CBS) D+
WHO'S STILL STANDING (NBC) D+
YOU DESERVE IT (ABC) D+
IMPRACTICAL JOKERS (TRU) D+
THE HEART, SHE HOLLER (CARTOON) D+
MILLION DOLLAR MIND GAME (ABC) D+
FASHION HUNTERS (BRAVO) D+
LAST MAN STANDING (ABC) D
BEDLAM (BBCAMERICA) D
DIRTY SOAP (E) D
GOOD VIBES (MTV) D-
MAN UP! (ABC) F
REED BETWEEN THE LINES (BET) F
FOR BETTER OR WORSE (TBS) F
H8R (CW) F

Fall TV Review: The Heart, She Holler

2011-11-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Cartoon Network has had some live-action hits (CHILDRENS HOSPITAL and NTSF: SD: SUV), but this knock-off on soap operas is offensive shit. Blech! D+

Fall TV Review: ROCK CENTER with BRIAN WILLIAMS

2011-11-14T12:22:00.001-08:00

Just another nighttime newsmag, this one featuring Briam Williams of the NBC Nightly News. He is a charmer, but I was bored nonetheless. Nothing special here as a whole. C-

Fall TV Review: Dave's Old Porn

2011-11-14T12:20:00.001-08:00

This new Showtime show is all about talking heads talking about, um, heads...and vajayjays. Its pretty hysterical stuff in the vain of MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000. Never has vintage porn ever been so fun to watch...and check out the hairy muffs and butt cracks from that 70's porno shows. B-

Fall TV Review: BOSS

2011-11-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Kelsey Grammer had a critical hit that bombed (Back To You) and a critical bomb that exploded (Hank) in the years since he made himself famous on FRASIER and CHEERS. Then he showed what an asshole he was by dumping his Real Housewife Camille for the world to see. Now all his drama goes to his advantage as he plays a corrupt politician who has been given a death sentence. I found BOSS to be boring, which is how I have found almost anything STARZ has put out, except for SPARTACUS (cumming Jan 27, 2012 and not soon enough) C-

Fall TV Review: Hell On Wheels

2011-11-14T12:10:00.001-08:00

I can't remember the last time I've seen a western work on TV, and AMC strikes gold once again with this tale starring Colm Meaney as an evil tycoon and Common as a slave. Spectacular cinematography make up for a few holes in the plot, but it's moving entertainment and I'm hooked. The characters have secrets, and that always makes for good appointment viewing. The show is about the building a railroad, and damn it it doesnt stay on track. B+

Fall TV Review: Project Accessory

2011-11-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

LIFETIME goes to the RUNWAY well and comes up with a knock-off of designers trying to woo and wow with their accessories on the runway. There's even a Heidi Klum clone in host Milly Simms. Still, they 'made it work'. B

Fall TV Review: Reed Between The Lines

2011-11-14T12:06:00.001-08:00

Malcolm Jamal-Warner tries for his own COSBY SHOW miracle, but where that classic sitcom had the genius Bill Cosby and great writers, this BET wannabe has neither. It was torture sitting through the pilot. F

Fall TV Review: Good Vibes

2011-11-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

If idiotic cartoons are your passion, then by all means check out MTV's slacker 'toon called GOOD VIBES. i found it a snooze fest. D-

Fall TV Review: GRIMM

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

The standard crime procedural gets an upgrade in NBC's GRIMM as it merges fairy tales with the bloodletting. THe opener was creepy and engaging enough to make me take note. I look forward to seeing what other grimm tales await. The lead is a hottie, and in the opener he trails a killer of little red riding hood. A-

Fall TV Review: Allen Gregory

2011-11-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

It seems like FOX just can't seem to greenlight and get on the air a worthy show to sit beside SIMPSONS and FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD. They tried last year with BOBS BURGERS, and that show sucked. Now this season it is the Jonah Hill-produced and title-voiced character ALLEN GREGORY that misses the mark. The pilot was mean-spirited, and I found it hard to root for the pompous little brat that is Allen G. D+

Fall TV Review: Puppies Vs Babies

2011-10-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

This new show on Animal Planet pits video clips of puppies vs clips of babies in 16-bracket game grid. Pretty predictable stuff, but also kinda fun to pass the hour. B-

Fall TV Review: Million Dollar Mind Game

2011-10-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Its easy to see why ABC is burning off this new game show on Sunday afternoons: The editing is frenetic, and the premise just isnt that engaging. The jist: A group of 6 friends(or coworkers, etc) have to answer guestions to get to the million dollars without getting 4 wrong ones during the game. Its pretty much a premise thats been done before, and much better. D+

Fall TV Review: Once Upon A Time

2011-10-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

ABC's new fantasy drama was easily the most satisfying new drama premiere of the fall, and had me clapping at the end (a rarity these days). I like the two worlds of the fairy tale lore and modern day intermingling, and the cast is top-notch. Jennifer MOrrison is fantasic as Emma - the woman who returns to Storybrooke Maine to discover her past. Well-cast and a visual delight. A+

Fall TV Review: Man Up!

2011-10-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Whoa! Just when I thought a comedy couldnt get worse than ABC's LAST MAN STANDING, along comes MAN UP - an even less funny sitcom than the Tim Allen tragedy. Also on ABC, Man Up doesnt do men any service - it presents us as total buffoons. After 15 minutes, I realized I hadnt chirped a single laugh. And that's just pathetic. F

Fall TV Review: Enlightened

2011-10-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

This new HBO dramedy surprised me. It plays like an indie movie, with little slices of Laura Dern's life. From the opening scene of her corporate meltdown (laughed my ass off with her screaming face in the elevator as she tries to tear the doors open)to the dramatic inspiring finale as she looks up and see a turtle floating in the water (Yep, i shed a tear). Its well-acted, and a refreshing break from the Showtime dramadies that rely too much on things like cancer (BIG C), addiction (NURSE JACKIE) and mental illness (UNITED STATES OF TARA). A-

Fall TV Review: Last Man Standing

2011-10-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Tim Allen's new comedy is so riduculously embarassing. My how far the once-mighty have fallen. His old-school comedy shtick doesnt work in 2011 the way it did when HOME IMPROVEMENT ruled the tube throughout the nineties. At least back then the writing was clever. Now Tim just comes across as a boor to his kids. Each set-up to his jokey wisdom is groan-inducing. There is not a bit of heart either to his curmudgeon-like character, and he is also woefully homophobic (a further step backward). I can't see this show surviving the season, not when ABC has such a rich Wednesday night with The Middle, Suburgatory, Modern Family and Happy Endings (With Cougar Town and Don't Trust the Bitch in Apt 23 on deck). D

Fall TV Review: American Horror Story

2011-10-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Thank GLEE creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Fulchuck for kicking off a spooky new show on FX that has ghosts, sex, men jerking off, rubber-suited mystery man fucking Connie Britton, a creepy house, weird twins, and sooooo much more. Plus an EXCELLENT Jessica Lange. This show proves that CABLE is the destination for edgy drama. A show like this would have been so watered down on broadcast. Only cable can do this adult spook show justice. Dylon McDermott and Connie Britton and Jessica Lange act their asses off, by the way. A-

FALL TV REVIEW: Mad Fashion

2011-10-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sure, its another reality show, but when the subject is PROJECT RUNWAY fan fave Chris March, the result is a hoot. I love his gang, and I love this show. A bit predictable, but Chris brings a flair to it that others have tried (and failed) Bravo, BRAVO! B

FALL TV REVIEW: Fashion Hunters

2011-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

SNOOOOOOZE. This one is about a group of people in NY who hunt for high-end clothes on a dime. About as interesting as watching a turtle cross the road. Sorry, Bravo. D+

Fall TV Review: Bedlam

2011-10-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Poor BBC, you just don't know how to make an interesting genre drama. I was BORED with BEDLAM, a ghost-in-a-hotel misfire. D

Fall TV Review: Dirty Soap

2011-10-10T08:33:00.001-07:00

E has just about scraped the bottom of the celebreality barrell with this misfire that follows the personal stories of soap actors. Now, normally in a show like this follows normal people, one can smell its all an act. But knowing that its bad-acting soap actors 'acting' bad for the cameras makes this a real pile of stink. D

Fall TV Review: Majors & Minors

2011-10-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's on The HUB, and its about young kids trying to make it in the music biz. There is no elimination, just lots of teaching the do's and dont's of the biz. Mindless. C-

Fall TV Review: Homeland

2011-10-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Showtime has a new drama on the air. Critics love it, but the pilot, to me, was ugly to watch. I realize the content is strong subject matter, but I just didnt feel like a happy camper watching this well-acted series about a possible rogue soldier returned after being a POW for over 7 years. Claire Danes is the (un)stable agent trying to convince Washington that he's now a secret spy/terrorist. If this is your type of show and subject matter, you'll probably like it. I prefer more escapist TV. C-

FALL TV ROUND-UP 2011

2011-10-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC) A+
TERRA NOVA (FOX) A
PAN AM (ABC) A
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (ABC) A
THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW) A-
AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX) A-
ENLIGHTENED (HBO) A-
GRIMM (NBC) A-
NEW GIRL (FOX) B+
HELL ON WHEELS (AMC) B+
SUBURGATORY (ABC) B+
REVENGE (ABC) B
WHITNEY (NBC) B
RINGER (CW) B
PROJECT ACCESSORY (LIFETIME) B
MAD FASION (BRAVO) B
UP ALL NIGHT (NBC) B-
X FACTOR (FOX) B-
2 BROKE GIRLS (CBS) B-
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN (CBS) B-
DAVE'S OLD PORN (SHOWTIME) B-
PUPPIES VS BABIES (ANIMAL) B-
PLAYBOY CLUB (NBC) C+
A GIFTED MAN (CBS) C+
PRIME SUSPECT (NBC) C
PERSON OF INTEREST (CBS) C-
HOMELAND (SHOWTIME) C-
ROCK CENTER WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS (NBC) C-
FREE AGENTS (NBC) C-
BOSS (STARZ) C-
MAJORS & MINORS (HUB) C-
HART OF DIXIE (CW) D+
ALLEN GREGORY (FOX) D+
UNFORGETTABLE (CBS) D+
THE HEART, SHE HOLLER (CARTOON) D+
MILLION DOLLAR MIND GAME (ABC) D+
FASHION HUNTERS (BRAVO) D+
LAST MAN STANDING (ABC) D
BEDLAM (BBCAMERICA) D
DIRTY SOAP (E) D
GOOD VIBES (MTV) D-
MAN UP! (ABC) F
REED BETWEEN THE LINES (BET) F
H8R (CW) F

Fall TV Review: RINGER

2011-10-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sarah Michelle Gellar does double-duty as twins Bridget (trashy) and Siobhan (Rich). Lots of twists and turns make this show a sudsy fun surprise. An unfortunate fake-CGI boat scene nearly drowns the show, but by episode 2 I was hooked on finding out more about this unraveling mystery. B

Fall TV Review: HART OF DIXIE

2011-10-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rachel Bilson is SOOOO unbelievable as a doctor, that I had to moan and groan just five minutes into this new drama. Then she is uprooted and sent to a hick-like small town full of quirky characters who embrace her and welcome her with open arms. Rachel, who wanted to practice in the big city, decides to stay in smallville instead. Whatever! D+

Fall TV Review: A Gifted Man

2011-10-10T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hmmm, a show about a guy who sees ghosts on Friday night on CBS? PERFECT! But wait, this medical show is about a jerky doctor who has to get redeemed first by seeing visions of his recently deceased ex-wife who 'teaches' him to be a better person, and thus a better doctor. Eh, not for me. With that said, awesome production values. C+

Fall TV Review: Person Of Interest

2011-10-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for this JJ ABRAMS show because it brought back to the small screen the excellent Michael Emerson (Ben Linus to you LOSTies). Michael is good here, as is James Cavaziel. But it being CBS means the show is going to explore crimes in typical procedual fashion. This one has the benefit of being a bit sci-fi in nature, or rather science fact depending on who you ask. In a jist, Emerson's character can predict crimes that are about to happen from a high-tech piece of software that he created. The pilot was slooooow to go, and so I tuned out. Maybe it got better? C-

Fall TV Review: Unforgettable

2011-10-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Poppy Montgomery is one of my favorite actresses ( I thought she did a great portrayal of JK Rowlings in the recent Lifetime biopic). But with Unforgettable on CBS, she is stuck with a by-the-numbers procedural that the network consistently throws at viewers. There is nothing original here at all. SIDENOTE: dramas are tanking this season, while comedy is king. Could we finally have a reversal and start to see the once-mighty CBS start to tank, too, because of their over-reliance on crime shows. One can only hope. But back to Unforgettable: If you care to know, its about a woman who never forgets any little detail in her life. I guess only a few people in the world have this, including Marilu Henner. For me, the show should drop the first two letters and then there would be an accurate name for the series. D+

Fall TV Review: How To Be A Gentleman

2011-10-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

As I type this review, CBS has just officially cancelled this new comedy after it was moved from Thursday to Saturday after two low-rated airings after BIG BANG. The show WAS about a guy who rooms with a jerk (Kevin Dillon) as he writes a new column called 'How To Be A Gentleman'. The only thing really funny in the opener was Rhys Darby from FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS. I hope he finds something else soon. Dave Foley was funny, too...but they arent the leads, and so...RIP, Gentleman. B-

Fall TV Review: 2 BROKE GIRLS

2011-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

For a show that has received tons of hype and loads of ratings and critical glory, I am in the minority that hasnt particularly warmed to this new CBS laffer. I love Beth Behrs in the role of a formerly rich girl, but Kat Dennings is too annoying in the one-dimensional role of her roommate/co-worker. I also think the supporting cast at the restaurant is mis-fire, save for Garrett Morris. The ongoing subplot is that the girls are trying to raise 250,000 to start up a cupcake business. At the end of the first episode they have roughly 350 dollars. Cute gimmick. B-

Fall TV Review: REVENGE

2011-10-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Emily VanCamp shines in this soapy ABC sudser about a girl who returns to the Hamptons to exact revenge on the people who wronged her father and sent him to jail. Each episode ends with Emily's character drawing an X over that night's victim. I love me a nightime soap and I am fascinated to see how far this gimmik can work. So far, it's guilty fun on a night of ABC comedic fun. Dont take REVENGE too seriously and you'll love it, too. B

Fall TV Review: Suburgatory

2011-10-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Jane Levy and Jeremy Sisto are good as a daugher who has her father move her to the suburbs after he finds condoms in her drawer. Cheryl Hines steels the show as a nosy neighbor, and the cookie-cutter look of the show sets it apart. Still not totally sold on the show, but i likey so far. B+

Fall TV Review: NEW GIRL

2011-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true: Zooey Deschanel IS adorkable in the new FOX comedy NEW GIRL. I can't say the rest of the show is original (it reminds me of Happy Endings in many ways...or a new take on Threes Company with the sexes reversed and an extra guy thrown into the mix). Still, this is powerhouse vehicle for Zooey and she makes the most of it, engaging the viewer in her special take on a quirky girl in the city. B+

Fall TV Review: Prime Suspect

2011-10-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Oh, poor Maria Bello. How you annoy me so. And its not just that hat...its your whole take on the Jane Timoney character that Helen Mirren mastered for the BBC. Maria, your NBC show reeks of procedural excess that CBS does so often. I bid adieu, Miss Bello. C

Fall TV Review: Whitney

2011-10-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

This NBC laffer harkens back to the days of MAD ABOUT YOU and SEINFELD, and its not a total mess. In fact, I rather enjoy this kind of show...its much better controlled than the rash of romcoms that invaded last season (Perfect Couples, Friends With Benefits, Happy Endings, Mad Love, etc etc). By zeroing in on Whitney Cummings and her live-in BF, the show has a chance to provide some idiotic fun. I mean really, how many single-cams does the universe really need? A few classic multi-cams are good, too. Just ask CBS. B

Fall TV Review: THE PLAYBOY CLUB

2011-10-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

This NBC drama had the hype, but not the viewers...and became the first casualty of the season. The show was a bit bland for network TV and would have been a better fit on Showtime. Also, the storylines were rather weak and derivitave. Long-term it was hard to know where the show could go...would an ongoing series set in a Playboy Club be enough to sustain viewers? In the end, it just had the air of failure all around it. Bye, bunnies! C+

Fall TV Review: THE X FACTOR

2011-10-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

This FOX music reality show is known more for the reunion of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul than anything else, and the opener was rather lackluster as it meshed AMERICAS GOT TALENT with AMERICAN IDOL. Throw in some VOICE-like coach work in the coming weeks and the end result of X FACTOR is ...nothing original to report at all. Still, if you like the above shows that it resembles, you should find something to like about X. B-

Fall TV Review: Terra Nova

2011-10-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

This highly-anticipated FOX series was 85 million + 2 years in the making, and the result was worth the wait. From the dystopian future to the bare-bones dinosaur past comes a family adventure set in a strange old world. It has lots of promise, but may have been a bit too tame and too Spielbergian. Still, with all it's hype, it was going to be hard to impress everyone. I am on for the ride, and I hope FOX sticks with it because this is the kind of TV that is so out of the box different from what the other nets are tossing at us. A

Fall TV Review: Pan Am

2011-10-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

This nostalgic look at flight attendants during air travel's golden age is crisp, fun, well-written, and quite nostalgic. I also like how it doesnt revel in Mad Men-smoke fests. There is also an element of espionage and intrigue which has left me breathless for more. A

Fall TV Review: Charlie's Angels

2011-10-07T14:48:00.001-07:00

This updated version of the seminal 70's classic doesnt quite live up to the original, but it is an interesting take on three girls being hired by an unseen Charlie and a HOTTTT new Bosley. Minka Kelly is so-so, but the real star of this update is Rachel Taylor. I just wish the show had gotten more sampling because it is thisclose to being canceled. I just hope it survives to episode 4: "Angels in Chains" with Lois Lane Erica Durance. A

Fall TV Review: The Secret Circle

2011-09-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Of the five new shows that premiered the week before the official start of the new TV season, the CW's Secret Circle is by far the best of the bunch. Whereas RINGER looks like it could get real old real fast, THE SECRET CIRCLE seems to have a broader vision, and more to work with. In the pilot, Cassie (Brit Robertson of Life Unexpected) finds out she is a witch, and together with the other five she- and he-witches in her coven, their circle is now complete - and much more powerful. The pilot sets this up good, and with enough backstory hints that there is something much darker going on in town. I liked the relationship between Brit and Thomas Dekker - especially their woodland scene (but enough with the Twilight schtick). If I have one gripe its that the show neeeds to add a bit of comedy into the mix for this to really soar. A-

Fall TV Review: H8R

2011-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

The new season hasnt even officially started yet, but there is already a show that will most likely get Worst Show of The Season honors, if not Worst Show of The Year. That H8R is even on the air on the CW is a mystery. It's a terrible show that presents a celebreality star with some person from the internet who h8tes that celeb...and by the end, said person hugs it out with the H8tee. Blech! F

Fall TV Review: Up All Night

2011-09-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

I really love Maya Rudolph, and its great to see her back on TV as Ava - an Oprah-esque talk show diva. But the true angle of this NBC comedy is about the struggles of leads CHristina Applegate and Will Arnett as they try to maintain a semblance of their lives pre-baby - only now they have to balance it out with raising this little bundle of joy, even though they arent quite sure how to make it work. It's a grown-up version of shows that have tackled this theme before, but with Lorne Michaels producing, it has a similarity in feel to his 30 Rock. I would like to see those two shows paired up once Free Agents gets canceled. B-

Fall TV Review: Free Agents

2011-09-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

This annoying comedy on NBC centers around Hank Azaria's character who cries and whines his way throughout the pilot, which takes place mostly at an ad agency full of requisite annoying office drones who all have the same personalities, more or less. This show is not warm and friendly, and therefore makes it very hard for the viewer to care what happens to anyone on a long-term basis. And trust me, Free Agents is the type of show that has short-term written all over it. Gone by Xmas. C-

Fall TV Round-up 2011

2011-09-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

TERRA NOVA (FOX) A
PAN AM (ABC) A
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (ABC) A
THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW) A-
NEW GIRL (FOX) B+
SUBURGATORY (ABC) B+
WHITNEY (NBC) B
RINGER (CW) B
UP ALL NIGHT (NBC) B-
X FACTOR (FOX) B-
PLAYBOY CLUB (NBC) C+
PRIME SUSPECT (NBC) C
FREE AGENTS (NBC) C-
H8R (CW) F

Fall TV Review: Anderson

2011-09-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

The syndicated ANDERSON kicks off my Fall TV reviews for the 2011-12 TV Season, and much like its host Anderson Cooper, the show is a class-act. The first episode centers on Amy Winehouse, who's subject matter is a bit heavy. Still, Anderson does the job, balancing a bit of humor in where he can. Future episodes look to be a bit more fun, like tomorrow's Best of Summer show..then ends on another tragedy this Friday with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills show. I like this balancing act of fun and serious...this is definitely a show to keep an eye on. A-

GENRE TV is Alive and Well This Fall

2011-09-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

There are a number of exciting shows coming out this fall (at least they sound exciting on paper).

NEW:TERRA NOVA (FOX): This ambitious show is the biggie of the bunch. I am really looking forward to seeing what Spielberg does with this dino-mite show.
GRIMM (NBC): One of two fairy-tale shows, this is the darker.
ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC) Great cast and visuals. Could be a real triumph to the eye.
SECRET CIRCLE (CW) Another teen supernatural show. Looks good.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX) Ryan Murphy brings it.

RETURNING:
FRINGE (FOX)
CHUCK (NBC)
SUPERNATURAL (CW)
VAMPIRE DIARIES (CW)
SANCTUARY (SYFY)
WALKING DEAD (AMC)

SUMMER 2011 TOP TEN

2011-09-08T06:55:00.001-07:00

There were a number of notable new shows that I enjoyed watching this summer. Some started out great, then fizzled (Alphas, Love in the Wild, Love Bites), while others started weak barely capturing my attention only to end strong (Teen Wolf, Falling Skies, Awkward). Here are my ten favorite shows of summer 2011.

1. GLEE PROJECT (OXYGEN)
2. FALLING SKIES (TNT)
3. TEEN WOLF (MTV)
4. PLATINUM HITS (BRAVO)
5. AWKWARD (MTV)
6. TORCHWOOD (STARZ)
7. COME FLY WITH ME (BBCAMERICA)
8. HAPPILY DIVORCED (TVLAND)
9. NTSF: SD: SUV (CARTOON)
10. ROSEANNE'S NUTS (LIFETIME)

SUMMER TV ROUND-UP 2011 FINAL

2011-09-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

TORCHWOOD (STARZ) A
THE GLEE PROJECT (OXYGEN) A-
ALPHAS (SYFY) A-
COME FLY WITH ME (BBCAMERICA) A-
LOVE IN THE WILD (NBC) A-
HAPPILY DIVORCED (TVLAND) B+
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS (NBC) B+
NTSF: SD: SUV (CARTOON) B
ROSEANNE'S NUTS (LIFETIME) B
LOVE BITES (NBC) B
TEEN WOLF (MTV) B-
PLATINUM HIT (Bravo) B-
EXPEDITION IMPOSSIBLE (ABC) B-
NY INK (TLC) B-
FALLING SKIES (TNT) C+
AWKWARD (MTV) C+
FRANKLIN & BASH (TNT) C+
101 WAYS TO LEAVE A GAME SHOW (ABC) C+
THE LYING GAME (ABC FAMILY) C+
SWITCHED AT BIRTH (ABC FAMILY) C
AGAINST THE WALL (LIFETIME) C
ROCCOS DINNER PARTY (BRAVO) C
STATE OF GEORGIA (ABCFAMILY) C-
NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING (ABC FAMILY) C-
NECESSARY ROUGHNESS (USA) C-
SUITS (USA) C-
FAMOUS FOOD (VH1) C-
DEATH VALLEY (MTV) D+
STRIKE BACK (CINEMAX) D+
SINGLE LADIES (VH1) D+
EXTREME MAKEOVER: WEIGHT LOSS (ABC) D+
COMMERCIAL KINGS (IFC) D+
IT'S WORTH WHAT? (NBC) D+
WILFRED (FX) D
KARAOKE BATTLE USA (ABC) D
JON BENJAMIN HAS A VAN (COMEDY) D
OUTCASTS (BBCAMERICA) D
KICKIN IT (DISNEY) D
LEGEND QUEST (SYFY) D
THE PROTECTOR (LIFETIME) D
YOUNG BROKE & BEAUTIFUL (IFC) D-
COMBAT HOSPITAL (ABC)D-
BURIED TREASURE (FOX) D-
IN THE FLOW WITH AFFION CROCKETT (FOX) F
TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN (ABC) F
RIDICULOUSNESS (MTV) F
SAME NAME (CBS) F
WORLD ACCORDING TO PARIS (OXYGEN) F
MILLION DOLLAR DECORATOR (BRAVO) F
FINDING BIGFOOT (ANIMAL PLANET) F

Summer TV Review: Strike Back

2011-09-07T15:49:00.001-07:00

Cinemax, aka Skinemax, shows amble boobs and butts - both male and female in this bloody high-concept thriller. I was bored. D+

Summer TV Review: Buried Treasure

2011-09-07T15:48:00.004-07:00

What was FOX thinking? This reality show put me to sleep after 5 minutes. D-

Summer TV Review: Ridiculousness

2011-09-07T15:48:00.001-07:00

The title says it all about this MTV show that WANTS to be Tosh.0. Unfortunately, ROb Drydek is no Tosh. F

Summer TV Review: Against The Wall

2011-09-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

This Lifetime cop show is an inferior THE CHICAGO CODE, and if Code failed on FOX, then you know this one will, too. Nothing new at all with this piece of crap show. C

Summer TV Review: Death Valley

2011-09-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

This new MTV comedy (I say that loosely) tries to be like a funny COPS vs. THE WALKING DEAD with a funny bone mixed in the fray. It doesnt work...at all. Otherwise, MTV had a pretty good year with TEEN WOLF and AWKWARD (both already renewed for a second season). D+

Summer TV Review: Friends With Benefits

2011-09-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

NBC dropped the ball by airing PERFECT COUPLES last year instead of this likable comedy which is getting the summer burn-off and won't be back. It's about 6 friends (not that original, I know) who navigate through their lives hooking up with one another without strings. It's actually funny and deserved a shot during the regular season. B+

Summer TV Review: Karaoke Battle USA

2011-09-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

DOes anyone really care about finding the next karaoke star? Sorry, but this show tanks - especially in the shadow of the spectucular THE VOICE. D

Summer TV Review: The Lying Game

2011-09-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

This new ABCFamily show is full of cliches about a good twin and bad twin who switch places. Blech! C+

Summer TV Review: In The FLow With Affion Crockett

2011-09-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

This FOX sketch show WANTS to be like In Living Color but doesnt retain even an ounce of that ground-breaking show's genius. I didnt laugh once. F

Summer TV Review: Take The Money and Run

2011-09-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

ABC dropped the ball with this one. I saw it last month and should have written my review at the time because its already so forgettable. But what I do remember is a very bad interrogation scene where one of the guys who hid 1 million dollars caves under pressure because he's....scared? Um, its just a tv show. So fake. In fact, I grade it an F for Fake. F

SUMMER TV ROUND-UP

2011-07-31T09:30:00.001-07:00

Summer TV Review: Torchwood

2011-07-31T09:26:00.005-07:00

Captain Jack is back, only this time the Torchwood team has moved from the BBC over to this side of the pond, via Starz. Based on the pilot, the new Torchwood zipped along and was might intertaining as it introduced the season-long arc of what would happen if no one died, known as Miracle Day. Unfortunately, by episode 3, Torchwood was nearly unwatchable. But since I rate shows based on pilots only, I had to give Torchwood the A that the pilot deserved. A

Summer TV Review: Its Worth What?

2011-07-31T09:26:00.003-07:00

This new Cedric the Entertainer game show is grating on the nerves, especially when the last word of the show's title is drawn out as "Wuuuuut?" As for the format, its about as exciting as watching an hour's worth of Price is Right where the only game is price-guessing which item costs more. D+

Summer TV Review: Same Name

2011-07-31T09:26:00.001-07:00

This new CBS show is like Wife Swap, where a famous celeb, such as David Hasslehoff (um, i use the word 'famous' very loosely here) switches place with their same-name person. Soooo fake, and soooo not on my DVR any more. F

Summer TV Review: Legend Quest

2011-07-31T09:25:00.004-07:00

Much like "Ghost Hunters", this new SyFy 'reality' show wants to 'prove' that certain Legends really do exist...and much like "Ghost Hunters", the word FAKE comes to mind. D

Summer TV Review: NTSF: SD: SUV

2011-07-31T09:25:00.003-07:00

A spoof of CSI shows, much like Childrens Hospital was a spoof of ER and medical shows. This is fast-paced, and quite funny. Check it out on Cartoon Networks Adult Swim. B

Summer TV Review: Roseanne's Nuts

2011-07-31T09:25:00.001-07:00

This new Lifetime reality show reintroduces Roseanne Barr in reality format as she jokes around her Hawaiian macadamia nut farm, hence the 'nuts'. But its the Star-Spangled Banner episode that solidified this as an interesting show, to me. For once I understood the bum rap that Rosie got for mangling our country's theme song. B

Summer TV Review: Awkward

2011-07-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

MTV's latest scripted show is a high school comedy about a so-so popular girl who gets very noticed after a mishap gets mistaken has a suicide attempt. Lot of potential, and future episodes built on the original premise, but i found the pilot to be a bit bland. C+

Summer TV Review: Alphas

2011-07-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Though not as tonally fun as Eureka and Warehouse 13, the 90-minute pilot of ALPHAS on SyFy was a solid debut for a show about a group of people with heightened abilities, such as super strength and mind control. At times it reminded me of HEROES season 1, so I hope the show can continue its strong opening promise. A-

Summer TV Review: Famous Food

2011-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

VH1 has a new reality show that's a train wreck of 'celebs' who are train wrecks themselves. When the person I most want to win is former escort Ashley Dupree, that speaks volumes of the other 'famous' people, such as Bachelor #14 Jake, Real Housewife Danielle Staub, Big Pussy from the Sopranos, media whore Heidi Montag and the guys from Three 6 Mafia. Move on. C=

Summer TV Review: Necessary Roughness

2011-07-02T11:32:00.001-07:00

USA's latest summer series is a departure from crime and lawyer prodecurals. That's the good news. The bad news is that NECESSARY isnt compelling television. The show essentially drags, even though star Callie Thorne does a good job conveying her job as a therapist to a high-profile professional football player for the fictional New York Hawks. I admire that the show isnt your typical USA show, but I just wish it could have been entertaining. Future episodes will explore other clients, with the Hawks player the central ongoing client, keeping the football front and center throughout the show. From the pilot, this is a mixed blessing since its also such a snooze to watch, as well as the dance Callie plays with the coach of the team that she can no longer be intimate with so long as Mehcad is her client. C-