October is coming to a haunting end, paving the way for those
infamous Neilson Sweeps in November. Yes, it is that time already.
(And how is your Christmas shopping going?) Before we’re bombarded
with an onslaught of promos from the networks to get us to watch
their
”
best
”
shows of the year, note this week’s highlights, a few of them
full of some sweet little surprises.
October is coming to a haunting end, paving the way for those infamous Neilson Sweeps in November. Yes, it is that time already. (And how is your Christmas shopping going?) Before we’re bombarded with an onslaught of promos from the networks to get us to watch their “best” shows of the year, note this week’s highlights, a few of them full of some sweet little surprises.
Viva Las Vegas
There were few who thought the concept of NBC’s frothy, sexy hit Las Vegas stood a chance when it debuted four years ago, but here we are ready to – finally – embark on yet another season. Las Vegas was never a show that demanded viewers invest all that much into it. I haven’t found anybody who hasn’t watched it and not walked away feeling entertained on even the smallest level. Chalk that up to the show’s appealing cast, all of whom seem to get that, especially, in a series about the capitol of fun, it might be best to look and act as if you’re actually having some of that fun yourself.
The bottom line: Las Vegas doesn’t take itself all that seriously. It’s good entertainment, plain and simple. The show was a guilty pleasure when it ran on Mondays and it continues to remain so after being shuffled to Fridays (9pm). The season opener finds Delina (Molly Sims) still torn between Danny (an impressive Josh Duhamel) and her fiance Derek (Shawn Christian). There’s trouble elsewhere. Casino owner Ed (James Caan) is attacked by a gunman. And the roulette wheel keeps spinning …
Save This Show
Friday Night Lights (NBC) is one of the best of the season, yet even with all its critical acclaim, the engaging series that revolves around a small-town football team has struggled to find a solid audience. No doubt that’s the reason NBC is shifting it Monday at 10pm this week, a spot typically reserved for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Tune in and let me know what you think.
Don’t Save This Show
Standoff (FOX) is also in a new timeslot (8pm Tuesdays) after a brief hiatus. I see nothing inviting about watching a terrific talent like Ron Livingston in a show that simply isn’t worthy of his fine skills. It would be one thing if the show’s writers knew which direction they wanted to take the series about a pair of hostage negotiators, but the combination of awkward chemistry between Livingston and co-star Rosemarie Dewitt make it this one of the most painful-to-watch outings this season.
Still Undecided?
So, what do you think? Has Desperate Housewives (9pm Sunday, ABC) really improved since last season? Send me your comments. Look for your remarks in a future column.
The Chronicles of Couric
Ratings have nose-dived on The CBS Evening News after Katie Couric’s initial launch as its new anchor. Still, network execs stand firm, saying that it will stand behind the addition of Couric, noting that it takes a while for viewers tastes to change over time. That’s good news for Couric, who still seems to need time to morph into a solid evening anchor people can take seriously – and finally rid herself of that overly cheery early-morning demeanor.
Bet On Boston
It might be hard to want to warm up to a David E. Kelley series. The man is notorious for creating attention-grabbing new shows only to leave them gasping for creative air a few years later. (Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Ally McBeal anyone?) Still, after tuning into the third season of Boston Legal (10pm Tuesdays) this year, the spark that seemed to be fading midseason, last year, hasn’t just returned, it’s re-energized all parties involved – thanks in part to the addition of Constance Zimmer and Craig Bierko for the first six episodes. Tuesday’s jaunt continues the curious, yet captivating, maze Kelley et al have been taking their audience on with an ongoing murder trial, which has shades of the Petersen and O.J. Simpson debacles. The verdict thus far: Keep watching.
All Eyes on Alanis
Proving it can survive even its own fascination with itself after last year’s popular “carver” storyline, Nip/Tuck (10pm Tuesdays, F/X) has managed to deliver some of its finest story arcs this season. From the mysterious woman (Sanaa Lathan) who purchases the plastic surgery practice of McNamara/Troy to the revolving door of celebrity guest stars – Jacqueline Bisset, Larry Hagman, Rosie O’Donnell, Kathleen Turner, Richard Chamberlain and Brooke Shields in quite the head-turning role – creator Ryan Murphy works wonders balancing all the eye-popping, scene-stealing excess. Everything before Tuesday’s episode must have just been an appetizer. The night launches a three-episode arc featuring Alanis Morissette as the new lesbian girlfriend for anesthesiologist Liz Cruz (Roma Maffia). I doubt that will put anybody to sleep.
Greg Archer is an entertainment writer based on the Central Coast. He writes about television, film and being human. E-mail him at ga*****@**********rs.com or visit www.greg-archer.com.
