I have decided to cut back most of my TV watching this fall season. I just do not have enough time to keep up with the mediocrity that networks are pumping out these days. From Lost rip-offs to medical dramas there is so much garbage on right now, that it was incredibly easy to pare it down.
I started this process last year. This year I decided to go all out, and eliminate anything with more than a twenty episode season from my viewing schedule. I do have two hold-overs with long seasons, Glee and Supernatural, that I have already been watching so I will continue even though they are long seasons. I have concerns for Glee, since they are planning to do a 25 episode season. There is no way to keep up quality with that length of a season. I haven’t actually started Supernatural this season yet, and still have the finale from last season to watch, but I do plan on watching it eventually.
I did watch the first season of Fringe during the summer but, I really did not have the desire to watch another 23 episode season and commit to a long season this fall as well. Another show I picked up over the summer was Eureka, and it has been added to my TiVo season passes. I’m not sure when it comes back on, but I like that it is a lighter show and is only around 15 episodes on average. Also it is not overwrought with an intense overly complicated mystery that drowns out the characters and fun. Basically, I can accept a lighter show having a slightly longer season, 15 – 20 episodes, but serialized dramas with an intense mystery need to be shorter.
I am looking forward to The Walking Dead in a few weeks, I really hope it lives up to the expectations. The bar is going to be set very high for a show that is on the same network as Mad Men and Breaking Bad. AMC has definitely done it the correct way, by giving us shows that concentrate on characters and story, not an event or mystery. I tried watching the first episode of Rubicon but it was far too slow and uninteresting, so that may be the exception. Mad Men on the other hand, had its best season to date. The characters, except Betty, are compelling and complex, making the show a pleasure to watch.
The big four networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) have no concept of how to produce shows with great characters anymore. There is not one thing on those networks that spark my interest at all. There may be a show or two that I am missing but I doubt it. I’m not a huge fan of the network comedies either but they are not as bad as the horrible dramas they put out. I’m not sure if these networks will survive to the next generation. The only shows getting serious ratings are watched by older people. Shows like Two and a Half Men, The CSI‘s and the Law and Orders have ratings, but I’ve never met anyone under 50 who watches any of those shows. What are they going to do to appeal to an audience that wants quality and won’t tune in just because it’s on a major network?
I’m not going to rant about the networks any more, they are digging their own graves without any help. Let me just run off a few other shows I am watching or will be watching once they come back.
Terriers I believe it’s on FX and is a great and gritty detective show
American Pickers is on History Channel and a definite to check out if you like Antiques Roadshow or Pawn Stars
American Chopper the show is much better than it has been in the past two season, a guilty pleasure.
LA Ink 100% guilty pleasure, I’ll put it on in the background or buzz through it
Eureka this show is probably nearing the end of its run but I suggest picking it up from the beginning
Just finished watching the latest Mad Men and once again I enjoyed every second of the best show on TV. If Conrad Hilton was anything like he is portrayed I feel for anyone who worked for him. “I want the Moon”, come on Connie get over yourself. It will be interesting to see where Roger’s anger at being shoved aside will take us. I really felt for Sal who must have been stunned when the Lucky Strike guy wanted to get some of him. Of course it is the 1960′s so Don did what would be expected, although I had hoped for more from a guy who lives an unconventional life himself. For me Carla stole the show. Every expression and look conveyed so much, from catching Betty to listening to the wasps have a conversation about how unenlightened the south is, Carla stole the scene. Sal had his Jack Twist esque romp at the end and Don finally broke the teacher. Betty will never be able to satisfy Don’s needs, she is too straight and he needs a wild young piece to keep his attention. I cannot wait for the Roger v. Don showdown.
