2005-2006 TV Reviews
Now that the 2005-2006 TV season is wrapping up, I thought I'd take the time to review the shows that I watch. This is part one of a two-part series. Please note that those of you that have not seen the entirety of the seasons in question (I'm looking at you, Frenchy) ought to be aware that there are probaby spoilers involved.
The Amazing Race: Season Nine - ***½/****
They just keep on keepin’ on with the best reality show on television and this season was no slouch. Some exciting close finishes, the virtue of having the most annoying teams get the boot early, and some nifty new locations all made for a rather fun season. But, hey, anything’s better than that family garbage they tried last time.
Gilmore Girls: Season Six - **½/****
Season Six in Stars Hollow was a bit of a dud. From the arduous early period in which Lorelai and Rory weren’t speaking to the ridiculous subplot with Luke’s daughter, this season was full of awful ideas. The show’s charm is deeply rooted in the relationship between the titular characters, and though there was a narrative purpose to their separation, it made for horrible television. I still don’t like Logan; I doubt I ever will. Once the rough patch was put firmly in the rear-view mirror, the show picked up some, recapturing that classic Gilmore charm. Lane and Zack’s wedding was wonderful and the hand-held stylistic departure in “Friday Night’s All Right For Fighting” was pleasantly jarring. I also enjoyed the tragic arc of Lorelai and Luke’s relationship; their inability to effectively communicate was brilliantly written. The finale was pretty fantastic, with some interesting (though somewhat predictable) ramifications for the future of the show. All in all, the season was plagued by too many terrible ideas and too few good ones. Perhaps the rumored (?) departure of the Palladinos for the seventh season is a blessing in disguise.
Scrubs: Season Five - ***/****
In its fifth season, Scrubs continues to skillfully balance brilliant off-the-wall comedy and heartfelt dramatic touches. There was, however, nothing exceptional or special about most of this season. High points included Mandy Moore’s guest stint and the majestic performance by John C. McGinley in “My Lunch.” Dr. Cox’s breakdown was some of the show’s best writing and McGinley, who is underappreciated, did some amazing and powerful work. Overall, though, this season seemed kind of vanilla, lacking any sort of extraordinary touches. Perhaps I’m inadvertently taking the show for granted, as it is certainly the best comedic writing on television these days, now that Arrested Development is gone. The to-be-continued finale was intriguing (hopefully Elizabeth Banks will be a regular), but will we have to wait until January to see the sixth season? And where the hell’s Rowdy?
In Part Two, I'll be reviewing 24, Lost, and Veronica Mars.
The Amazing Race: Season Nine - ***½/****
They just keep on keepin’ on with the best reality show on television and this season was no slouch. Some exciting close finishes, the virtue of having the most annoying teams get the boot early, and some nifty new locations all made for a rather fun season. But, hey, anything’s better than that family garbage they tried last time.
Gilmore Girls: Season Six - **½/****
Season Six in Stars Hollow was a bit of a dud. From the arduous early period in which Lorelai and Rory weren’t speaking to the ridiculous subplot with Luke’s daughter, this season was full of awful ideas. The show’s charm is deeply rooted in the relationship between the titular characters, and though there was a narrative purpose to their separation, it made for horrible television. I still don’t like Logan; I doubt I ever will. Once the rough patch was put firmly in the rear-view mirror, the show picked up some, recapturing that classic Gilmore charm. Lane and Zack’s wedding was wonderful and the hand-held stylistic departure in “Friday Night’s All Right For Fighting” was pleasantly jarring. I also enjoyed the tragic arc of Lorelai and Luke’s relationship; their inability to effectively communicate was brilliantly written. The finale was pretty fantastic, with some interesting (though somewhat predictable) ramifications for the future of the show. All in all, the season was plagued by too many terrible ideas and too few good ones. Perhaps the rumored (?) departure of the Palladinos for the seventh season is a blessing in disguise.
Scrubs: Season Five - ***/****
In its fifth season, Scrubs continues to skillfully balance brilliant off-the-wall comedy and heartfelt dramatic touches. There was, however, nothing exceptional or special about most of this season. High points included Mandy Moore’s guest stint and the majestic performance by John C. McGinley in “My Lunch.” Dr. Cox’s breakdown was some of the show’s best writing and McGinley, who is underappreciated, did some amazing and powerful work. Overall, though, this season seemed kind of vanilla, lacking any sort of extraordinary touches. Perhaps I’m inadvertently taking the show for granted, as it is certainly the best comedic writing on television these days, now that Arrested Development is gone. The to-be-continued finale was intriguing (hopefully Elizabeth Banks will be a regular), but will we have to wait until January to see the sixth season? And where the hell’s Rowdy?
In Part Two, I'll be reviewing 24, Lost, and Veronica Mars.