My thoughts on Fox's shows

[k8cre8]

Here're my thoughts on Fox's lovely package of pilots. While it may only be me, I was excited by the fact that some of these were unfinished, so, there were scenes still with file labels on them, missing FX shots and "filler" screens. It's sorta fun to peak into the production process. 

In summary, the comedies were terrible, and it makes me even more depressed that "Arrested Development" got cancelled. The shows I enjoyed most were House, Bones, and, I was surprised, Vanished. Behind the cut, there is a minor spoiler for House.  Most people seemed to be most curious about Bones, and I thought this episode was quite good (I will admit, I've not watched all of the 1st season).

 

Dramas:

Vanished

Of all the new Fox dramas, this was the one I was most surprised by. I’d not really planned to preview it, the promotions didn’t look appealing. I felt the cast was good, the story compelling, and the story potential to be far greater than I’d expected. In addition, the episode was well-paced, and cleanly produced. I will be following this one.

 

Justice

As a long-time fan of Victor Garber, and intrigued by the show’s premise (basically, we see a trial, a verdict is given, and, at the end, we find out what *actually* happened), I was looking forward to seeing this episode. I will say that the cast is good, and the premise still holds interest for me, but, the pacing of this episode was rushed, and I felt like it was racing to the conclusion without really “taking in the scenery” of the story. This could just be a result of the pilot trying to sell the series, so, I will be withholding final judgment on this, after another episode or two. Even having said that, I can see this becoming a show I don’t mind watching, but, am not particularly compelled to seek it out.

 

Standoff

This was the Fox show I was most anticipating, (with Gina Torres and Ron Livinston) and I liked it, but, didn’t love it. I like the cast, the dialog was good, the dynamics between the characters were good, and I like the premise, and the conclusion of the episode. I felt, however, that it some of the character conflict was predictable and unpleasantly stereotypical, as in the dynamic between the SWAT team and the negotiators. It’s been done, and if this will be a reoccurring conflict, I’m not excited about future episodes. Again, I will check it out again, and see how it builds on the pilot.

 

Comedies:

‘Til Death

This is the better of the two comedies, but, that’s about the nicest thing I can say about it. Sadly, it’s a case of damning with faint praise. The central idea has comedic potential, but, unfortunately, it got lost in translation. It’s a waste of Brad Garrett’s talents, and he’s the bright spot of this one. It’s a bad sign when all of the dramas are more witty than the comedies.

 

Happy Hour

This show is aggressively un-funny, and I’d go so far as to call it a disaster. Possibly, that bodes well for the show, as an appearance from FEMA currently invokes more laughs.  I disliked all of the characters. I couldn’t even muster a laugh at its misery. Every “joke” has a set-up that could be seen from Pluto; painful predictability is this show’s hallmark and, likely, its death knell.

 

Returning Series:

Bones

The sophomore-season of Bones is off to a great start. The new cast addition was well-done, and I’m looking forward to the new dynamics this will bring to the show.

 

House

Another worthy follow-up to the ending of last season, House is still looking like it is in good form. It’s interesting to see House without his “crutch,” exploring facets of his character that were previously masked by a steady stream of Vicodin.

 

Prison Break

I’ve been dubious about how Prison Break will sustain itself with the prisoners out of the prison, but, so far, so good. The surprises are still lurking, and one downright shock, but the character of William Fichtner is quite welcome.

 

Comments

Boo Hoo and Waah!

[(Anonymous)]

I'm not really anonymous, but I can't figure out how to comment as me. I know I don't comment very often, but I just had to when I read this blog. I don't get any of these shows here (unless I want to watch them in Italian......no). Wish I could see some of this stuff without buying or renting it on DVD. Talk to you soon, I hope. Katt

Re: Boo Hoo and Waah!

[k8cre8.livejournal.com]

Howdy, friend! In this system, it will only "sign" comments if the commenter is an lj-user, and logged into the system. Many is the time when I've gotten logged out of the system without realizing it, and, well, been "anonymous."

I always feel badly that you are TV deprived there. If it makes you feel any better, none of the above shows are actually "appointment" TV for me. (I'll even admit that I'd only read what happened in the finales of House and Bones, I didn't actually watch them. Prison Break was okay, but, never really hooked me.) Not a Buffy in the bunch. These are shows that I don't mind (and occasionally enjoy) watching, but, I honestly don't mind missing, and I don't DVR. If I see it, cool, if not, eh. Probably the one with the most potential to turn into a Buffy is Vanished, and, while I don't really think it will, it would be nice. I always root for exceptional television.

Thanks for the Reassurance

[(Anonymous)]

Well, that makes me feel better! I thought I was just having a 'blond moment' when I couldn't figure out how to post as myself! Oh, well. I'll just have to be a ghost, flitting anonymously through your blog. (If 2 people are anonymous, does that make them anonymice? Hmmmmmmm.)
I don't have any 'appointment' TV here. Probably a good thing, as I seldom have time to actually watch anything. My dad downloads 'House' and sends it to me, but I haven't gotten past season 1. I keep meaning to catch up, but never get around to it. Not a problem, better things to do, anyway. If anything does reach 'Buffy' status, let me know. I'll get it on DVD. I trust your judgement in these matters. After all, you turned me into a Browncoat, for which I am eternally grateful!
Take care, blog to you soon! Katt