The Sophomore Class: Glee, Good Wife, Parenthood, Modern Family

A few quick thoughts on some shows returning for a second outing …

Glee:  picked up this show over the summer.  The second season is still fun and quirky, but is it just me, or is there a lot more (or more obvious) autotune this season than last?  Still, some highlights:  Charice (amazing, even more so judging from her acapella videos on Youtube so hoping for more in the future), Gwyneth Paltrow (fun character and surprisingly decent singer; loved her ep), Mike Chang and his abs amazing dance skillz, and last but not least, the Grill Cheesus.

The Good Wife:  the second season keeps the balance of drama and legal procedural and sees Alicia becoming even more independent through some solid stories (I especially liked the death row appeal one).  I also like the hints to Kalinda’s past (hope to see more there).  No ground-breaking television (season 1’s “Doubt” was probably the most standout of the series so far), but gripping entertainment nonetheless. 

Modern Family:  I still don’t think this is Arrested Development caliber, but it is very, very fresh and funny. The characters are eccentric but lovable, have great chemistry with one another and just are a perfect comedic fit.

Parenthood:  I like the Bravermans, so I like to be semi-up-to-date on what’s going on in fake-Berkeley, even though I may have the show playing in the background.  The dysfunction and sibling relationships are quite endearing and often amusing.  It’s just one of those shows that brings the warm and fuzzies.  Hope it doesn’t get cancelled!