TV shows that are devouring my time…
As a general rule, the TV in my apartment is usually on for background noise purposes only. The exceptions to this rule, up until this semester, were House and Adult Swim, the latter being a nightly ritual. However, with the beginning of Scrubs’s 8th season, the return of Grey’s Anatomy’s and House’s 5th seasons, and a few other shows getting quite a deal of praise, I got pulled in.
In actuality, I caught an episode of one show here, one show there, and got hooked. If you’re ever looking for something good on the idiot-box, here’s my thoughts on a few TV shows. Please note that there may be spoilers beyond this point, so read at your own risk, I suppose.
House: Overall, season five is proving to be one hell of a strong season for House. After the death of Amber in season four, I had some worries that it would be hard to follow something like that well for long. However, somewhat to my surprise, the writers managed to really pull through. In my opinion, season 5 has been one of the shows best so far. Same great humor, same exceptional cast, same great everything. Catch House on FOX, Monday nights at 8p.m. EST.
Scrubs: After catching one of the last episodes of season 7 on Comedy Central, the show drew me back in. Season 8 has started off strong enough, with big name guest star Courtney Cox-Arquette, and looks to promise even more enjoyable episodes as the season progresses and viewers get to see how things at Sacred Heart will change after Dr. Kelso’s retirement, what may happen (again?) between JD and Elliot and a host of other things. The humor’s great, too, because it’s a little more accessible than the stuff in House. Worth giving a shot, definitely. Scrubs is on ABC, Tuesdays, 9p.m. EST.
Grey’s Anatomy: Of my three favorite medical drama/comedy shows, this is the only one I can complain about to some degree. While I am a little lost (having missed a fair chunk of season four), I can’t complain too much. The same general formula seems to apply to what I consider to be my soap opera of choice. However, there are certain things that are just painful to watch. Yes, we know Katherine Heigl hates the show or whatever her beef with Grey’s is. Come on, though. Having Izzy not only see, talk to, and date her dead love interest, Denny Duquette, but getting more intimate with him as well? Will the season finale reveal that Izzy leaves the cast when Denny’s zombie arrives and devours her? Honestly, just kill her off and move on. Other than that, season five seems promising enough. Grey’s Anatomy is on every Thursday on ABC, 10p.m. EST.
Burn Notice: Damn you, USA, and your inconvenient time slot. At the time of writing this, USA has a day-long marathon of Burn Notice scheduled for, well, today, with a new episode at 10p.m.. As someone who only saw bits and pieces of season 2, and obsessively watched season 1, I can safely say that this show can do little, if nothing, wrong. The series’ pacing can get a little slow at times, but I’m having a hard time coming up with bad things to say about this show. Here’s just hoping it doesn’t try to last forever and outlast its watchability. As of now, this action-packed spy-infested show has a lot to offer. Burn Notice can be watched on USA; check out USA’s Web site for more information.
The Mentalist: In all fairness, I must admit that the only reason I caught even one episode of this show was because the Steelers game was on. That’s all it took to grab, and keep, my attention. One episode. This show has a very Sherlock Holmes-esque quality and the best way I can describe it, in terms of what shows it’s like, is if you were to take Psych and add the razor-sharp wit of Greg House to the main character. That description still fails to do this show justice. Patrick Jane, played by Simon Baker, is an immediately-likable character, whose quick-wits and clever remarks make it impossible for me the change the channel. Really, this show does deserve all of the praises that people have been throwing its way. Catch The Mentalist on CBS, Tuesdays at 9p.m. EST.
Lie to Me: Damn it, FOX. Stop making shows that I actually like for their content (as opposed to shows that I enjoy because I make fun of them; American Idol falls under that category). Lie to Me is, I suppose you could say, FOX’s answer to The Mentalist. Instead of being obscenely good at noticing details in everything, the main character, Dr. Cal Lightman, can detect when a person’s lying just by observing their actions while talking. Its premier episode, which aired just last night, was absolutely amazing. One of the better shows you can watch on FOX, Lie to Me is on Wednesdays, 9p.m. EST. You may be a little thick if you can’t figure out the channel.
And there you have it. Go forth, and rot your minds. If anyone has suggestions for me, based on these recommendations, and thinks they should be added to the bunch let me know by comment or e-mail.
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