BEST OF TV LIST 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO
"Reality"
Dirty Jobs-(Discovery) Mike Rowe (see pic) likes to get dirty. More importantly, I like to watch him get dirty. It's nice to see a show that celebrates the everyman as opposed to evil rich kids from the OC.
First 48-(A&E) Real cops, real cases and a definite pleasure for a crime tv junkie. I usually have a hard time watching when the families of the victims are notified and some shows end with cases being open, but it is interesting television.
Ghosthunters-(Sci-Fi Channel) As someone who read every book on the paranormal I could find in our small town library, I can't get enough of this show. I like the yin/yang relationship of the two founders/best friends Jason and Grant. Jason has a nice bit of snark to him and Grant is genuinely kind which makes the two of them together an ideal man. Some ep's there are no ghosts to be found, but the little conflicts between the crew members keep things interesting.
Amazing Race-(CBS) In my effort to dislike all things "reality competition" (ie. Survivor, American Idol, etc.), I didn't latch on to this show till last year. I missed some good stuff. The big draw for me is seeing all the cool places the show goes to during the course of the game. The competitors are usually interesting, plenty to both hate and love.
COMEDY:
The Office--Everyone is brilliant in this show. While not as dark as its British original, it still has plenty of moments of uncomfortable humor. The Pam and Jim saga is so well played by Jenna Fisher and John Krazinski (sp) that every glance or seemingly casual conversation is laced with meaning. Plus it's really frickin' funny. Steve Carrell rocks.
Ugly Betty and Studio 60--The two new shows that have kept me interested this season. Studio 60 may end up being too "insider" for its own good, but the mid-season ender that had Danny telling Jordan how he felt will probably lead to a stronger focus on the characters as opposed to slamming the inner workings of television. Hats off to the writers though. Not only do they have to write their own show, but they have to write the show within a show. I thought the parody of To Catch a Predator with that dude harassing Santa was fabulous. Betty has taken what could be stereotypical characters and given them some depth. I also love the relationship between Betty and Daniel (Eric Mabius who was great in Welcome To The Dollhouse and in my guilty fave, Resident Evil--woooo!!!).
Reno 911-Killer parody of all things law enforcement. I saw a trailer for the movie a couple of months ago and about laughed my ass off.
Psych-This was a summer show on USA network and it is hands down one of the smartest and funniest shows out there. Every freakin' episode was full of the funny (and you can't really say that about The Simpsons this year sadly...too busy on the movie I guess). The leads have perfect chemistry as life long best friends. It's about a guy who has always moved through life without purpose, but is still a good guy none the less. His father, a cop, taught him how to quickly assess people and places. This sort of hyper-awareness, through some smoke and mirrors on his part, has our hero opening his own PI business, the catch being he is claiming to be psychic. Really, he's just very, very, observant. Trust me, it's a great show. It's back on in Jan.
The Venture Brothers-(Cartoon Network) Sharp and witty with tons of pop culture references. This pseudo parody of Johnny Quest has done everything from sending up the Fantastic Four to The Manchurian Candidate. Each season the writing gets stronger and the characters get fuller and in some ways, more weird. Love this. Can't wait till it comes back with new ep's.
SCI-FI
Dr. Who-David Tennant has done a great job filling the shoes of last year's doctor, Christopher Eccelston (sp). Tennant's doctor is a bit more joyful and he's been fun to watch.
4400-(USA) Another summer show that stemmed from a mini-series, The 4400 has continued to evolve nicely. The "what's really going on here" arc has moved along with some good twists and turns. The two main characters, Tom and Diana, have a nice Mulder/Scully vibe going only its doubtful they will get together, which is probably a good thing.
Battlestar Galactica--THE BEST FREAKIN' SHOW OUT THERE
Yes, I said it. Best freakin' show. Yes, it beats out 24 (just barely though). It has everything--writing, acting, directing, special effects, set design. You name it and Galactica has probably kicked its ass twice already. Not so much a science fiction show as it is a war drama that takes place in space. The show has explored topics other programs won't even touch--suicide bombers, genocide, the war machine, religion, whether or not the ends justify the means...it's all in there. Plus, there's nudity and sex. WOO HOO! Watch this show. It moves to Sun. nites starting in late Jan.
Damn, I am long winded. If you made it all the way through, good job. If you skimmed, don't worry, there isn't going to be a quiz. But, I may mock you at some point.
Happy New Year!
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