short takes

I have been watching a lot of TV lately and thought now was about the right time to chime in with my take on some of the things that have peaked my interest.

MODERN FAMILY

HYPE: BELIEVE IT

WHY:

If not just for seeing Ed O'Neil back on prime time TV in a FUNNY performance, watch the show cause for network TV, it pushes buttons. How many network shows have a guy family adopting a Korean baby than introducing said kid to her grandparents via the 'Circle of Life' song from THE LION KING? Exactly, NONE!

PILOT: A-

POTENTIAL: A-

FINAL THOUGHT: This is one to watch. With catchy phrases like WTF = 'Why the Face' and two gay guys doing a 'sports guy chest bump' to pump themselves up for their in-laws coming over, what's not to love?

FLASH FORWARD

HYPE: You better believe it!

WHY:

David S. Goyer has taken his cinematic style and transfered it over to the small screen in one of the best drama/thriller pilot's since LOST. Yeah, it's that good. Where will it go after the shocking TIMEQUAKE like experience in FLASH FORWARD? Who knows and who cares, I am totally along for the ride.

PILOT: A

POTENTIAL: A

FINAL THOUGHT: FLASH FORWARD is like when LOST hit the air, people thought there was no way the series creators could sustain a plot for more than a few seasons and I can see the comparisons, but come on people, we are talking about David S. Goyer here! He will totally make this show work!
EASTWICK

HYPE: Can the old John Updike novel and former movie with Jack translate to a small screen hit? If you like DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, all signs point to yes.

WHY:

Welcome to ABC's backlot, I mean Eastwick which looks like a small town near Vermont. Sex, magic and a whole bunch of gossip litter the town of Eastwick in a semi-entertaining way, but not entertaining enough to keep me watching in the weeks to come. This show is clearly aimed for a different demographic than myself, so I will get the updates from my Mom on why I should watch instead of spending my time watching just okay media.

PILOT: C+

POTENTIAL: C

FINAL THOUGHT: A DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES like show that Rebecca Romijn's always on display cleavage isn't even enough for me to tune in for the 2nd episode next week.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

HYPE: SEINFIELD!

WHY: SEINFIELD!

EPISODE 1: B just for introducing lines like 'empty gestures' and 'apricot' into the mainstream.

POTENTIAL: Get rid of the Blacks, family that is, and get to the SEINFIELD reunion and all will be fine.

FINAL THOUGHT: With the introduction of cancer into a character's life this season, I'll be tuned in to see how far Larry David crosses that fine fine line of wrong humor.

COMMUNITY

HYPE: Some of the ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT team makes a comeback!

WHY:

Joel McHale and Chevy Chase totally sell this show. There are a lot of TV/movie references in the pilot and second episode, but they are so sharp and witty it doesn't matter. This show has the potential to reach the zaniness of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT but in a more familiar scenario, like 30 ROCK.

PILOT: A-

POTENTIAL: A

FINAL THOUGHT: My favorite comedy on network TV of the new season (I don't count GLEE as a comedy, it's more of a musical dramedy). Regardless, you SHOULD be watching this show!