New Shows Midseason Wrap-up: The Funny (Outsourced, Better With You, Running Wilde)

Am a Fan of ...

Outsourced

Young ignorant manager goes to India to manage a call center (my first thought was "fail").  Surprise, surprise, I totally love it! Sure, Todd, the fish-out-of-water call center manager from Kansas (just like Dorothy ... coincidence? maybe) constantly makes me question how he got through college this day and age without knowing the existence of google (did this man do NO research before trekking halfway around the world!? Clearly so). Yes, there are some exaggerated stereotypes (having been to India, I can say with certainty that meat is not at all that hard to find). Still, almost all the characters are quite fleshed out with endearing characteristics and are hilarious in their own way that I find myself willing to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. It’s one of those shows that’s so random it’s addictive. The writing has also gotten better as the show progressed, incorporating some truly clever jokes and brilliant comic situations of late. Looking forward to this show’s return … and the brewing and ultimately inevitable Todd/Asha "office" romance (hoping for a slow-burn).

Better With You 

A fairly standard comedy about family and relationships. Centers on 3 couples: Mia and her somewhat-of-a-manchild fiancé (after a brief romance resulting in accidental(?) pregnancy), her control-freak sister Maddie and her sometimes-doormat long-term boyfriend (not married as a “life choice”), and their parents (enter upper east side old married couple). Clichés aside, it does provide a few laughs (again, what's 30mins? 20 on DRV), and I’m a fan of Joanna Garcia (look out for a “Reba” reunion when Reba McEntire guest stars).


Could Not Get Into ...

Running Wilde

As I had said, the premise is too wobbly - a tree hugger and an oil tycoon neither of whom is willing to give in on the issues that divide them - pretty fundamental differences to reconcile.  I gave it a chance for Will Arnett aka GOB and Keri Russell but gave up after a couple of episodes. Even the little girl annoyed me and seemed like a spoiled brat in the first ep (though that could be b/c she was being used as a plot device there; could have improved in later eps). Sadly, not even the reunion of GOB and Tobias could make this fly for me [but here is my shameless plug for Arrested Development for those who STILL have not seen it!].  Thankfully, I think this show has now been cancelled, freeing up its talents to be applied elsewhere. 

Mike and Molly

Loved Melissa McCarthy (Molly) on Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who, but not really feeling this one. It’s getting great ratings though, so it certainly doesn’t need any pimping from me.

The Hopeful (no pun intended)

Raising Hope

I’ve only seen a bit of one episode of this show (the one where the baby is locked in a room), but it was pretty hilarious.  I hear good things.  Might start following …

New Shows Roundup – The Canceled

In the fight to find a following this season, two shows have already lost the battle. Sadly, this proves what I already suspected - networks just do not have the patience to allow shows to grow their audiences this day and age, not when they can easily fill their timeslots with reality dribble for cheaper make and likely bigger ratings. Unlike movies that may not light up the box office on opening weekend but still prove to be successful through other means, some new shows will never have the chance to become the television equivalent of sleeper hits, cult classics or dvd sales superstars … not when they are cancelled after 2 measly episodes. The first casualties of this season? The critically acclaimed “Lone Star” and the nostalgia-driven “My Generation.”

Lone Star – I hate to say “I told you so”, but I so called this being a “surefire flop” (see my fall preview post). The only thing surprising about this cancellation is the fact it came so early. As much as I could not bring myself to be interested in a con-man cheating on two women and wanting to “have it all” (as the promos had tooted), I must say it was a decently made show that could have perhaps drawn a sizable male audience.

I have a feeling most women can stomach what the main character is doing, even if he is well-intentioned (very different from Big Love, where the sister-wives are well-aware of each other’s presence). Perhaps if the marketing for this show had recognized how badly this aspect of the show’s premise might come across to some people, it would not have focused any all of the promos on actually celebrating his being able to swindle two women.  Had the promos highlighted instead the intrigue in running the cons and the affairs but left the relationship aspect ambiguous, I’d wager more people would have tuned-in in the first instance, and the show may still have a decently sized audience left at this point. Still, probably not a good sign when the character I felt for the most in the opening episode was the old cowboy man the father-son team tried to con …

Alternatively, I think the show may have also had a better chance if it did not try so hard to make the main character so sympathetic (I must say I did feel for him when he helped out the kid at the gas station). I realized this when I read someone’s suggestion that Josh Holloway should have been the main character in this show. Not sure if it’s my love for Sawyer (even though I am still mad he indirectly killed Jin, Sun and Sayid), but when I tried imagining Holloway in the role, the show suddenly seemed a gazillion times more interesting. Somehow, a show about a con-man with a heart of gold is just not as appealing as if the con-man were slick and unapologetic, but grows to be more human as the series progresses (though always retaining some of the unconventional side). Perhaps Lone Star would have been better off starting a few years before the current setting – so we can see why/how the main character came love his women and would risk everything to have it all.

My Generation – The second cancellation of the season - a documentary-style drama that trails a group of high school friends' lives 10 years after their graduation.  I am actually quite upset about this one.  The couple of episodes so far are a bit scatterbrained with a few blah characters, but there were some interesting reveals and plot points that had potential for development.  Ah well, perhaps the past should be left in the past …

All in all, Texas has turned out to be the biggest loser this new season, with Lone Star (set in Houston and Midland, filmed in Dallas) and this show (set in Austin) going 1-2 for the earliest cancellations.  Having grown up in Texas, Sofa Spud wishes it better luck next season : )

New Shows Roundup – The Event

So far, a hijacked plane flown by Luke from Gilmore Girls a pilot whose daughters are held hostage disappears in midair just as it is about to hit its presumed target, the President of the United States, on the day he was to make an announcement about a group of mysterious detainees who had been held by the government for 66 years and are possibly “not of terrestrial origin.” Turns out the plane was zapped to the desert in Arizona by members of the detainees’ group that had escaped capture and infiltrated our society (undoubtedly raising the question of who among those we have seen are not what they seem). The boyfriend of one of the pilot’s daughters, who had lost said girlfriend while they were on a cruise, tried to stop the hijacking but ended up being framed for a murder back on the cruise and in FBI custody (presumably still looking for ways to find his gf).

This is now the series I most want to do well and stay on the air, because, despite somewhat shoddy execution so far, (1) I am really intrigued as to what is going on; (2) I have yet to check out Fringe so [until V returns] this is my only dose of network scifi; (3) even though it is a blatant gimmicky attempt to capitalize on the Lost formula (a move which I think may be backfire in light of the backlash towards the Lost finale), I still think Lost was one of the best shows on television (i.e. lackluster lack-of-answers ending did not take away from my enjoyment of the process), so if this show can be even half as good, I will stay on-board; (4) I was also a fan of 24 and the 4400, and am not seeing the similarities to those shows as a bad thing (yet); (5) some characters have the potential to develop into real bad-asses (here’s hoping!); and (6) on a purely shallow note, Agent Simon Lee (Ian Anthony Dale) is one hottt alien.

That said, the random time jumps and flashbacks are becoming annoying. This approach worked for Lost because the Lost flashbacks were usually coherent stories that revealed characters’ backstories and tied into their actions, motivations and/or dilemmas in their present lives. The transitions from island to flashback in Lost were so seamless and, more importantly, made sense and proved important by the end of the episode (Jack in Thailand episode notwithstanding – still bitter about wtf that episode was about). So far, the Event’s flashbacks have been scattered, borderline-arbitrary and sometimes repetitive. They feel like flashbacks for the sake of flashbacks. They were especially distracting in episode 2 (I am thinking of the swimming flashback between Jason Ritter’s character and his girlfriend – was that REALLY necessary?) I did enjoy the flashbacks to the detainees crashing in Alaska and Agent Simon Lee’s backstory though (because *shocking* they actually related to the scenes prior to the flashback!). I still have high hopes for this show though – Sophia (Laura Innes) and her possee of “aliens” and Toepick from the Cutting Edge D.B. Sweeney and his murderous group, including Vicky the ditzy partygirl turned kidnapping vixen, are the most interesting characters for me so far. Admittedly, the show needs to work on its characterizations in general - I am in fact straining to remember Jason Ritter's character's name right now, and he's being pitched as the main character ... Sean, that's it ...

All in all, I have seen enough to make me continue to tune in, but I hope the non-linear storytelling won’t turn off others. Some networks have already proven this season they have no qualms about being trigger-happy with new shows.

Fall TV Lineup (2010), New Shows

In anticipation of the new fall season, comprehensive chart of the new network primetime schedule below ... which new shows will stay?  which will go?

New entries this season I may check out:

Better With You - cliche comedy about relationships but may give a few laughs (what's 30mins?)

Chase - on the fence about this one, but might check it out for Kelli Giddish (aka fake-Dixie from All My Children).

The Event - not sure if I have it in me to be so invested again in a Lost-like mysterious/"must pay close attention to know what's going on" series, but ... oh who am I kidding, these shows always draw me in like the sucker that I am, and I do oh-so-miss Lost.  I will still judge though (quit Flashforward after giving it a few episodes' worth of chances, even though really wanted to see a success there with Harold, Penny and Charlie all aboard).  Of all the new shows, I think this is the one I most hope will turn out to be amazing.  Will this show be on long enough for us to figure out what the event is?

Hawaii Five-O - admittedly, never saw the original, but being a loyal fan of both Lost and BSG, and by association Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park (more the former; Six is and always will be the best and my favorite cylon, followed by Xena D'Anna, Leoben and Anders), I am obligated to at least give this show a try.

Lone Star - honestly, the premise of a two-timing con-man who I don't particularly find all that attractive (not surprising, I knew I didn't have mainstream tastes when I failed to find the "dreamy" in "Dr. Mcdreamy" ...) figuring ways to get what he wants (because eventually as the hero he will) kind of sort of completely repulsive.  However, this show seems to be getting the most raves of the new season, and hence my interest has been officially piqued by what could be so great about a show that to me seems to be a surefire flop.

My Generation - a documentary-style drama that trails a group of high school friends' lives 10 years after their graduation, says the promo.  looks pretty interesting and exploits our sense of nostalgia, a combination that is working for me thus far.  plus, "we are not making a reality show" the show runners say, so anything to help preserve the dwindling number of original fiction on TV these days ...

Nikita - since this has already premiered, I can officially say I have been hooked into giving it at least a few more episodes.  Surprising, as I was not planning on watch this at all when I first heard of the remake/reboot, but then I realized Shane West was in this. As a huge fan of the Peta Wilson Nikita, I had my reservations about Maggie Q, who, as it turns out, may have only been crappy in all the Asian stuff I've seen her in over the years because of the language barriers.  Not to say she is Oscar or even Emmy-worthy, but the girl has proven she can be a total bad-ass (guess MI3 and Live Free Die Hard were not flukes as I had originally thought).  Bonus to see Lyndsy Fonseca in a tough chick (I'm hoping) role, a bit of a departure from Colleen on Y&R, Ted's daughter on HIMYM, Dylan on Desperate Housewives and some bratty girl on Big Love (now that I start tallying, girl's been in a lot of stuff, and I just got Kick Ass from Netflix - apparently she's in that too!).

No Ordinary Family - family survives a plane crash and develop superhuman pawahhs ... this reminds me of Heroes mixed with the Incredibles ... here's hoping it's closer to the Incredibles and Heroes season 1.  I can't resist a show about superpowers, so will definitely be giving this a shot.

Outsourced - young ignorant manager goes to India to manage a call center - this show has gotten a lot of hate, and having just seen the promo, I can't say I disagree.  I'm all for un-PC humor, if it's clever and not a total in-your-face overdone stereotype.  The only funny part that I saw was with the mute girl.  That being said, this may be a show to watch just to laugh at how ridiculous it is ... plus I love Indian food, and I did see some cafeteria/food related scenes I can slobber over ...

Running Wilde - the premise is a bit too wobbly for my liking (a tree hugger and an oil tycoon neither of whom is willing to give in on the issues that divide them?) ... hoping Will Arnett aka GOB and Felicity Keri Russell can save this.

Undercovers - the leads are a couple of hot lethal spies ... and I pretty much worship JJ Abrams ... no brainer really ... wonder if the show will last long enough for the red matter to make an appearance ...

Daily Musings: Shows You Wish You Watched Before They Were Cancelled

Well, rather, shows I wish I watched before they were cancelled.  Sometimes, you just don't discover a gem until it's too late ...

#7  Jericho 

Get it!

Not ranked higher because I did start watching this before its end (in time in fact to participate in the campaign to save it from cancellation after the first season), but because I usually associate CBS with procedural dramas rather than chaos, heart and intrigue boiling over in a small town after a mass nuclear attack on America.  The mysteries definitely pull you in, but the show doesn't lose its human element.  Can't help but wonder whether this show would have found a more supportive audience on a different network.

#6  Dollhouse

Get it!

I really should learn my lesson and start watching shows when my friends tell me to, instead of waiting until it's cancelled to discover how great it was, as is the case with the this show, centered around an organization with the technology to wipe people of their memories and personality and replace them with new ones.  The organization operates doll-houses housing "dolls" who are injected with tailored personalities and skills that help them with various "missions" they are assigned.  Innovative and thought-provoking, I'm glad this show was a least given a brief second season to wrap up.

#5.  Jake 2.0

Nanobot enhanced human weapon ... well-executed even if not-super-original concept, great chemistry between the leads (including Christopher Gorham making the nerdy hero role his own) ... too bad it was on UPN (i.e. this is another show that didn't quite fit the network).  Props to Scifi/Syfy for bringing it to a more tailored audience.

#4  Veronica Mars

Get it!

Did see a few eps of this show in its last season, which is allegedly the worst - don't remember much other than a cool BSG reference ("Frak!") and a "Just Shoot Me" reunion.  Working my way through the first season as we speak and already kicking myself for not having checked it out earlier from the beginning.  Totally understand why all the fanboys went gaga over Kristen Bell aka the title character (and I thought she was awesome as Elle on "Heroes", VM is even better!).  Can't wait to figure out the whole Lilly Kane mystery next (bonus: Amanda Seyfried, who I not only still remember as the dumb "mean girl", but also as Joanie from "All My Children" [side note: whatever happend to her on that show? supposedly she was fired ... bummer as I thought Joanie/Reggie was heating up ... methinks she's thinking "who has the last laugh now?"]).

#3  Better Off Ted

Get it!

Not that I don't totally enjoy "Modern Family", but if I were to dub any show the "new Arrested Development", I would have gone with "Better Off Ted."  It even has an AD alum, Portia de Rossi, who is absolutely AMAZING as cold alpha-female boss Veronica (my favorite character by a landslide on a show where I find all the main characters to be endearing and hilarious).  A hodge podge of random yet "boy I would love to have one" inventions, quirky characters whose antics are always on full display, and Veridian Dynamics, the ruthless unPC corporation that brought them together.  The situations can sometimes be unbelievable (most of the time with Veridian Dynamics' logic and actions), but one will find a sense of familiarity in the hints of truth underlying the satirical exaggerations.  Definitely a series that picks up steam and gets more and more funny as it chugs along.  Wish shows like this can be given a chance over the reality infestation these days - this one really didn't have time to grow its audience.

#2  Firefly

Get it!

Reason for not watching this while it was on TV was simply because I was boycotting the network.  I was a huge fan of "Dark Angel", and despite getting the shaft (i.e. Friday time-slot) and an awesome 2nd season (now series) finale, it got cancelled by trigger-happy Fox and replaced with "Firefly".  Couldn't resist Serenity though, and, as it turned out, I was the one missing out -SUCH an amazing show, kind of channels Cowboy Bebop but in a good way.  This show had it all:  rich characters, comedy, drama, exotic visuals, great action and a ton of heart - died way too young ... and no, the movie just wasn't enough!  Ah ... hate Fox (how many good shows must you kill?).  

#1  Arrested Development

Get it!

I think this is a popular (if not the most popular) "wish I watched it and listened to the raves while it was on instead of catching 3 seasons on netflix only to realize the tragedy that it is no more because people like me did not watch (then of course buy the DVDs as an amazon deal of the day for 33 bucks)" show.  Not much to say except absolute BRILLIANCE!  As Liza Minnelli's character said on the show "I love the Bluths!" That is all.  P.S. fingers crossed for a movie, and, if you still haven't seen this - go watch and regret you hadn't sooner!

Movies Roundup

Recent Movies Viewed:

The Other Guys - one of the most random movies I've seen in a long time, as well evidenced from the getgo when the Rock and Samuel L drive a car through Trump Towers in pursuit of petty criminals and are rewarded, then voluntarily leap to their deaths in a misguided attempt to "aim for the bushes" (which were nowhere in sight).  But for a summer action comedy, the randomness totally worked, and I laughed (often in disbelief) most of the way through.  One of those movies you can't think too much about but can nevertheless be thoroughly entertained during the process.  Some really funny lines and situations (esp. loved the Madoff/SEC jokes, and also rushed to buy a bottle of premium glacier water upon leaving the theater).  Mark "the peacock" Wahlberg is definitely an added bonus.

Date Night - here, the combo of Tina Fey and Steve Carell (not to mention several other super-familiar faces) was to me a case of the parts being greater than the whole.  Nevertheless, found the movie pretty entertaining and had some big laughs (highlights: Tina taking a pic with Will.i.am; car/cab chase scene; pole dancing.  Again, Mark "shirtless" Walhberg adds value : )

The Baxter - a quirky "romantic comedy" about a nice guy who keeps losing his leading ladies to their real leading men which foregos both romance and comedy (though there are quite a few subtle lol moments) to shoot for thought-provoking a la classic Woody Allen.  Didn't find any of the characters to be very sympathetic (the "nice guy" bounces between Michelle Williams and Elizabeth Banks ... yeah, real tough life there ...) but will admit the movie was interesting enough to keep my attention.

Daily Musing: Fall Lineup - Where Is V?

Checked out the fall television lineup today ... quite a few new shows (will need to research and comment later) ... but did not see a slot for "V", one of the few new shows last season that caught my attention (mostly b/c I love spaceships and Juliet from Lost).  Word on the street is it will premiere in November instead, likely to replace a failed new show (as surely not all the fresh offerings will be ratings jackpots, and while ABC is not as trigger happy as FOX with giving shows the ax, it ain't a charity either).  All I know is there better be a season 2 as promised so I can continue to drool over Hobbs am not deprived of network sci fi.

Daily Musing: In Bruges

Just saw In Bruges (with Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes) on TV and had to comment, one of the most disturbing yet appropriately ironic movies ever.  First saw this on a plane ride and was pleasantly impressed / haunted for the latter half of the 16hr flight.  One of the few movies that, by the end, left me unsure whether to be amused or sad or satisfied or traumatized.  The best description I have for it - a beautiful disaster.  Set in what appears to be an idyllic medieval town, two hitmen take a vacation are in hiding, as one of them deals with the guilt of a mission gone awry.  The characters' psyches are fully explored, and hidden agendas are revealed, cumulating in a lot of blood and gore in the very cleverly and tightly written story.  Bonus points come in the form of (1) the deliciously villainous and comical Ralph Fiennes, who still managed to make me pity him by the end (though if the man can make me love him as Amon Goeth in Schindler's List, he can do anything), and (2) Ralph's fellow Harry Potter alum Clemence Poesy (aka Fleur), just because I love HP (actually, it just hit me that Brendan Gleeson is also affiliated with HP!).

In any case, highly recommend when in the mood for a dark comedy.  Along the same vein as Burn After Reading, but dare I say more enjoyable ...