30 Rock – Green week: intrusive, hilarious
Shows must hate being on NBC. It’s not enough that nobody actually watches the shows on NBC, but then the bigwigs force their programs into these silly theme weeks. A month ago, all their shows were about volunteering, and this week they featured stories about going green. Certainly these are altruistic causes, and they don’t bother me as much as they surely bother others, but I mostly feel bad for the writers who have to work these stories into their shows.
FlashForward – Bryce became a whole lot more interesting
Through the first eight episodes of FlashForward I found Bryce to be a pretty annoying character. Without knowing his motivation for wanting to commit suicide before the blackout, I had assumed (like many of you, I’m sure), that he was just a stressed-out doctor who couldn’t take the pressure. Because of that, I think I’ve dismissed him and his story line to date.
Based on the previews for this episode, it was obvious that Bryce was going to be the main focus of the show this week. I was expecting a terrible installment, and perhaps those lowered expectations helped me enjoy the episode, but I thought this week was a pleasant surprise.
Diary of a Carnivale virgin – Who’s creepier: Brother Justin or hillbillies?
(Season 2, Episodes 2-3)
Season two continues to march on, and Carnivale continues to be interesting and compelling. The relationship drama that had me a little bored toward the end of season one seems to have cooled off, but the character development remains, which is nice.
I’m really enjoying the play between Brother Justin and Tommy Dolan. Dolan is an interesting character. It’s clear that he knows that Justin is somewhat dangerous and that he probably shouldn’t be getting involved with him. At the same time, however, the overly ambitious reporter just can’t help himself. As I watch this show and Heroes, I’m amazed at how different Robert Knepper looks and sounds in the two roles.
V – There’s more to the rebellion than we know
Last week, in my review of V, I complained a bit about the story line involving Ryan and the undercover rebellious V. This episode went quite a long way to solving that issue. With new mysteries and a little more details about the rebellion (though I would like some more), I have to admit that I’m starting to get more interested in V.
I can’t, however, say the same thing about the plot involving Tyler and Lisa. So… I just won’t even mention it any further.
Heroes – Mohinder!!!
Well, it’s been a long time coming, but Mohinder finally returned to the action on Heroes this week. I have to say that it was slightly anticlimactic, but we did end up learning a lot more about Samuel, his powers, and his motivations through Dr. Suresh’s reappearance. This season is finally starting to take shape. The November sweeps are working their magic and the steam engine of a plot is finally starting to get rolling.
Jerry and Donna are the best things to happen to Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation has never been (and probably will never be) the best, or most talked about, show on NBC. That being said, I’ve watched every episode, and for the most part have enjoyed them. One thing is for certain: it’s a heck of a lot better than Kath and Kim was, regardless of what the ratings say. It is definitely finding its stride in its second season, showing a lot of improvement over its freshman outing.
One (well, two I guess) of the things that has really helped this season shine: Jerry and Donna.
FlashForward – Lots of pieces, but nothing is fitting together
FlashForward is beginning to feel like one of those impossible jigsaw puzzles where the picture is printed on both sides and all the pieces fit with each other. You know the ones that you open once, spend fifteen minutes fiddling with, and then chuck across the room? My point (and I do have one) is that there are a whole lot of pieces out on “the table” right now, and I’m not sure how any of them are going to come together to create a meaningful image.
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