Back in the day, when the day only housed three television
networks, a PBS station and a couple of UHF channels
– yeah, remember those? – watching TV seemed a little less
frantic.
Back in the day, when the day only housed three television networks, a PBS station and a couple of UHF channels – yeah, remember those? – watching TV seemed a little less frantic. The only time I ever came close to hearing the words “season finale” were when my relatives visiting from Europe awkwardly stumbled over their words in an attempt to ask me to pass the table salt.
Then came “Dallas” and “Dynasty,” and the seeds were planted for the post-modern “Melrose Place” serialized world in which we suddenly find ourselves living.
These days, a gaggle of television series tries to sport delicious story arcs that purposely come to a dramatically boil during May sweeps. In the premiere outing of this new weekly TV column, in which I’ll offer readers industry buzz and more, I’ve singled out some of the notable finales. Brace yourself: This week is particularly TIVO-hungry.
The Show: “Will & Grace,” NBC, 8pm today
The Lowdown: After eight seasons, the series nobody thought would have a (gay) leg to stand on in what was once totally straight television soil bows. Grace’s (Debra Messing) possible reunion with Leo (Harry Connick Jr.), ex-hubby and father of her unborn child, thwarts Will’s (Eric McCormack) hopes to raise the child with her.
Meanwhile, Will’s on-again, off-again love, Vince (Bobby Cannavale), hovers in the distance, and Jack and Karen (Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally) do what they do best: make trouble.
The Bottom Line: Although the Emmy-winning series became obsessed with having big-name guest stars in later years, its biting wit, fine direction and stellar cast worked comedic magic. It also managed to launch a counter-culture revolution, spawning all things “Queer as Folk,” “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and beyond. Best line (from Karen): “Ah, honey, I have a fake smile with your name written all over it.”
In reality, there was nothing fake about the genuine laughs this series gave us.
The Show: “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 9pm May 21
The Lowdown: Dubbed “Remember,” this two-hour soiree culls from “Lost” with a series of flashbacks that take viewers back to “moving-in day” on Wisteria Lane – Bree, Susan, Gabby and Lynette (Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman) connect thanks Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong). In present time, Bree – Cross at her best this season – receives another shocker: Susan heads to her new home in a trailer, Lynette uncovers Tom’s secret and the Solises head downhill.
The Bottom Line: The good news? The show’s vast improvement after a limp beginning last fall brought some viewers back who left the couch until “Grey’s Anatomy” came on. The question is, can the finale bring back the rest?
The Show: “24,” FOX, 9pm May 22
The Lowdown: “24” hit the ground running in January and didn’t let up. A resurrected Jack (Keifer Sutherland) nabbed terrorists unleashing chemical warfare, but then came a major plot swerve – bigger than the death of Hector – when viewers discovered that the President has been the villain all along. (Wonder where they got that idea?) The finale finds Jack thwarting an armed sub in the hands of a runaway terrorist. Best bets, other than Sutherland’s stellar acting: The sure-to-nab-an-Emmy-nom Jean Smart, playing the disheveled First Lady.
The Bottom Line: The best season yet. But Jack … wouldn’t it have been easier to just tape the recording incriminating the President?
The Show: “Alias,” ABC, 9pm May 22
The Lowdown: Vaughn (Michael Vartan) is alive, Irina’s (Lena Olin) is in cahoots with Sloan (Ron Rifkin) and Sydney (Jennifer Garner) tries to make sense of it all. The series finale finds lovebirds Syndey and Vaughn fighting to stop the shady Sloan – once and for all.
The Bottom Line: Balanced programming decisions have never been ABC’s strong point. (“What About Brian?” Please.) The net’s move to put “Alias” on hiatus last fall created a huge gap in a fast-paced series, which, like “24,” needs to be seen regularly so its intricate plotlines are not forgotten. Still, the series that put J.J. Abrams (“Lost”) on the map should deliver one action-packed send-off.
The Show: “Lost,” ABC, 9pm, May 24
The Lowdown: Ana-Lucia (Michelle Rodriguez) and Libby (Cynthia Watros) are dead, and suddenly Michael (Harold Perrineau) is the new villain. Or is he? The Islanders may also finally come head to head with the ominous “Others.” But where’s Walt?
The Bottom Line: One can imagine this smartly written, character-driven drama going on for years, so put it in park and get used how creator J.J. Abrams has an ability to keep us glued to the set – and happily scratching our heads.
Hanky Alert: “Oprah Winfrey’s Legend Ball” (ABC, 8pm May 22) finds La Winfrey honoring 25 legendary women, including Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, Coretta Scott King, Alice Walker and more.
Greg Archer is an entertainment writer based on the Central Coast. He writes about the TV, film and being human. E-mail him at ga*****@**********rs.com or visit www.greg-archer.com.
