Speculating Television: Fall Premieres 2012
Ah, it's that time of year. The air is getting cooler, the days are gorgeous, and we're fast approaching the season when I can where cute jackets as an accessory. Yes, Fall is here, and with Fall brings the Fall season of television. As I promised, here is my television post, breaking down what SF/F/H shows I'm watching. For the sake of simplicity, I'm dividing this post into two categories: Returning Shows and New Shows.
Returning Shows
American Horror Story: Asylum (FX, premieres October 17th)
Last year's American Horror Story debut was the surprise hit for me. Yes, it could be a hot mess, but when it was good, is was on fire. I wrote extensively about the first season here ( LJ || WP), so I won't rehash that same excitement. Instead, I'll tell you why you should turn in despite not having seen season one.
American Horror Story is officially an anthology show.
Wait, what does that mean?
Well, for starters, the first season was a complete story. It had a beginning, a middle, and an end. This second season has absolutely nothing to do with the first season. Yes, some of the actors are coming back, but they're playing completely different roles. We're getting a new, separate story this year. That's why it's tagged "Asylum" instead of "Season Two."
Think of it as an acting troupe that puts on the same show during the year, and then the next year, that same troupe may add or lose performers, but it puts on a completely different show. That's what American Horror Story is doing, and it excites me to no end. I have no idea what to expect, but even if this "season" sucks, it won't have anything to do with the third season, which will likely be another completely different horror story.
So I'm thrilled. If it creeps me out half as well as the first season did, I think I'll be happy. Also: asylums and nuns. How can that not be scary?
Fringe, Season Five (Fox, premieres September 28th)
This year's premiere is both exciting and bittersweet. Exciting, because it squicked yet another renewal. This show is critically praised but ratings challenged, so it's always a joy and a relief when it gets renewed. But it's bittersweet, because this is the LAST SEASON of the show. Fox ordered 13 episodes to give Fringe's writers a chance to wrap up their story, and we'll get that ending in February next year. So it's ending. Sad, but super-exciting. I think I'm the only person on Earth who gets excited when there's a planned end-date for a series, because I can't wait to see what the ending has to say about the series as a whole. And I can't wait to get my hands on the complete series set on BluRay so I can watch it all over again.
But enough of that. Season five looks to be the most interesting and daring season to date, and that's something when you consider this is the show that introduced parallel worlds in its mythology and had its actors playing multiple versions of themselves. This is also the show that erased one notable character from a timeline completely and in essence, did a strange reboot that wasn't really a reboot. How do you top that?
Episode 4.19, "Letters of Transit," took its audience to the year 2036, a dystopian society ran by the Observers, who aren't quite what we thought they were all this time. Two Fringe agents are on the hunt for the legendary and original Fringe team (our beloved Olivia, Peter, Walter, and Astrid), because they believe the original team is still somehow alive and is the key to defeating the Observers and taking back our world. It was, in essence, a backdoor pilot for season five, which is supposed to hop, skip, and jump back into that future and continue that storyline, all the while showing the audience flashbacks so we learn how the Observers took over and why.
I can't wait. Everything about this show combines to excite my heart and mind, and if "Letters of Transit" is any indication, I'm going to be a gooey mass of joy by time this season is over. I can only hope that since the show is finally ending, others will get caught up and enjoy the ending with me. (And get it nominated for a HUGO).
Once Upon a Time, Season Two (ABC, premieres September 30th)
You already know that curiosity finally got the better of me and I marathoned this show over the summer. You can read my thoughts here: LJ || WP. So what else is there to say other than I'm totally stoked? I'm a fan on Facebook, and I've gobbled down every teaser, promo picture, and poster than I can find and it's still not enough. As the poster indicates, magic is coming, and I can't wait to see how this changes the dynamics between the characters of Storybrooke.
In fact, if I had any complaints, it's with the poster. Sure, I like Emma facing down the Purple Smoke Monster (it's really magic), wearing her trademark red leather jacket that I'd love to have and wielding her father's sword, but I wish it wasn't the traditional ass-shot, and I wish the purple magic looked more like, I dunno, smoke, rather than clouds someone Photoshopped into the poster and colored purple. But hey, it's that's the most of my complaints for season two, I'll be happy. :)
The Walking Dead, Season Three (amc, premieres October 14th)
I'm both excited and scared for this. Excited, because the season two finale kicked ass, took names, and gave me a surprise cameo that had me shouting at the television with total fannish joy. Scared, because the first half of season two was so damn slow in its pacing. I'm hoping and praying the writers have learned their lesson, and I think it's likely, because once Darabount was out of the picture, the show did pick up speed. And with all that's coming in season three (I've read the comics. I know what's coming), I can't imagine they can afford very many episodes that drag. There's too much going on, too much horror to get to the screen. This part of the comics remains, to date, the best part of the series and also the one full of the most horror. I can't wait to see how that translates to the screen and what choices the authors will make to keep comic book readers like me on their toes.
New Shows
Last Resort, Season One (ABC, premieres September 27th)
This is one that snuck up on me. I heard about the premise on podcasts, about a US sub that refuses to launch a nuclear bomb, flees the battle, and essentially sets up its own society on an island and declares itself a sovereign nation. Because, you know, it has a nuclear bomb. While I don't actually think this is SF/F in the traditional sense, there's a certain Lost vibe to the premise (yes, I know, it's THE ISLAND), and everyone's talking about it having the potential to be a surprise hit. Then my husband heard about it, loved the premise, and wants to watch. So yeah, we're giving this a shot. We'll see how it goes.
Revolution, Season One (NBC, premieres September 17th)
Ah, J.J. Abrams… I can't quit you. Not that I want to, either. Okay, fine, Alcatraz didn't work out, but that's okay. I love your ideas so much I'm willing to follow you anywhere, even to a post-apocalyptic future where there is no longer any electricity and the government has dissolved and the United States has become a tribal nation terrorized by militia. You even brought Elizabeth Mitchell in on the project, and I've adored her since Lost. However, reviews for the pilot has been so-so, which means I'm probably going to DVR the first few episodes and see how it progresses. Because it looks beautiful. But so did Terra Nova, and we all know how that turned out.
Hunted, Season One (Cinemax, premieres October 19th)
Okay, this is another that's not SF/F/H. But I discovered this after marathoning Alias this summer, which was a bit SF/F. You know what else Alias had? Melissa George. You know what Hunted has? MELISSA GEORGE!!! She's back on television, in a spy show no less, and trailers could not have me more excited for this show. Only problem: it's on Cinemax. Which we don't have. Which we could get for an extra $5.00 a month, which wouldn't be bad if we just kept the channel until the show was over. Because I really want to see Melissa George kicking ass as a spy again. But we'll see. As much as I want to watch this, it may not happen.
Continuum, Season One (SyFy, premieres WHEN?)
This Canadian show caught my radar when I read about it on tv.com. It's SF with time travel, and Rachel Nichols. Yes, the same Rachel Nichols that was in Conan the Barbarian and Star Trek. You know what else she was in? Alias! Like Melissa George, the idea of having Rachel Nichols on my television again on a weekly basis thrills me, so while I don't know when this show will start airing in the US, I will be there with bells on. Canadian viewers, can you tell me if I should tone down my excitement or not?
What Else?
I've only shared the SF/F/H shows on my radar (mostly), but there are a ton of returning shows I'll be tuning in for. Mostly comedies, at least until the new year, and we'll have more fun dramas to watch. On my watch-list are: Boardwalk Empire, New Girl, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Parks & Recreation, The Office (final season, yay!), Community, Saturday Night Live (off and on), and maybe I'll start giving this this little show a chance. Maybe. Since it's so popular with the Hugos and all. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? We're also finishing up some summer shows, Wildred and Hell on Wheels.
So that's my insane television viewing schedule. What are you watching? What are you looking forward to the most? What are you dropping and why? Remember, we all love our own fandoms, but if you hate something someone else loves, please don't crap all over it. Saying you don't like it is fine, but play nice. :) I'm all about playing nice!
Returning Shows
American Horror Story: Asylum (FX, premieres October 17th)
Last year's American Horror Story debut was the surprise hit for me. Yes, it could be a hot mess, but when it was good, is was on fire. I wrote extensively about the first season here ( LJ || WP), so I won't rehash that same excitement. Instead, I'll tell you why you should turn in despite not having seen season one.
American Horror Story is officially an anthology show.
Wait, what does that mean?
Well, for starters, the first season was a complete story. It had a beginning, a middle, and an end. This second season has absolutely nothing to do with the first season. Yes, some of the actors are coming back, but they're playing completely different roles. We're getting a new, separate story this year. That's why it's tagged "Asylum" instead of "Season Two."
Think of it as an acting troupe that puts on the same show during the year, and then the next year, that same troupe may add or lose performers, but it puts on a completely different show. That's what American Horror Story is doing, and it excites me to no end. I have no idea what to expect, but even if this "season" sucks, it won't have anything to do with the third season, which will likely be another completely different horror story.
So I'm thrilled. If it creeps me out half as well as the first season did, I think I'll be happy. Also: asylums and nuns. How can that not be scary?
Fringe, Season Five (Fox, premieres September 28th)
This year's premiere is both exciting and bittersweet. Exciting, because it squicked yet another renewal. This show is critically praised but ratings challenged, so it's always a joy and a relief when it gets renewed. But it's bittersweet, because this is the LAST SEASON of the show. Fox ordered 13 episodes to give Fringe's writers a chance to wrap up their story, and we'll get that ending in February next year. So it's ending. Sad, but super-exciting. I think I'm the only person on Earth who gets excited when there's a planned end-date for a series, because I can't wait to see what the ending has to say about the series as a whole. And I can't wait to get my hands on the complete series set on BluRay so I can watch it all over again.
But enough of that. Season five looks to be the most interesting and daring season to date, and that's something when you consider this is the show that introduced parallel worlds in its mythology and had its actors playing multiple versions of themselves. This is also the show that erased one notable character from a timeline completely and in essence, did a strange reboot that wasn't really a reboot. How do you top that?
Episode 4.19, "Letters of Transit," took its audience to the year 2036, a dystopian society ran by the Observers, who aren't quite what we thought they were all this time. Two Fringe agents are on the hunt for the legendary and original Fringe team (our beloved Olivia, Peter, Walter, and Astrid), because they believe the original team is still somehow alive and is the key to defeating the Observers and taking back our world. It was, in essence, a backdoor pilot for season five, which is supposed to hop, skip, and jump back into that future and continue that storyline, all the while showing the audience flashbacks so we learn how the Observers took over and why.
I can't wait. Everything about this show combines to excite my heart and mind, and if "Letters of Transit" is any indication, I'm going to be a gooey mass of joy by time this season is over. I can only hope that since the show is finally ending, others will get caught up and enjoy the ending with me. (And get it nominated for a HUGO).
Once Upon a Time, Season Two (ABC, premieres September 30th)
You already know that curiosity finally got the better of me and I marathoned this show over the summer. You can read my thoughts here: LJ || WP. So what else is there to say other than I'm totally stoked? I'm a fan on Facebook, and I've gobbled down every teaser, promo picture, and poster than I can find and it's still not enough. As the poster indicates, magic is coming, and I can't wait to see how this changes the dynamics between the characters of Storybrooke.
In fact, if I had any complaints, it's with the poster. Sure, I like Emma facing down the Purple Smoke Monster (it's really magic), wearing her trademark red leather jacket that I'd love to have and wielding her father's sword, but I wish it wasn't the traditional ass-shot, and I wish the purple magic looked more like, I dunno, smoke, rather than clouds someone Photoshopped into the poster and colored purple. But hey, it's that's the most of my complaints for season two, I'll be happy. :)
The Walking Dead, Season Three (amc, premieres October 14th)
I'm both excited and scared for this. Excited, because the season two finale kicked ass, took names, and gave me a surprise cameo that had me shouting at the television with total fannish joy. Scared, because the first half of season two was so damn slow in its pacing. I'm hoping and praying the writers have learned their lesson, and I think it's likely, because once Darabount was out of the picture, the show did pick up speed. And with all that's coming in season three (I've read the comics. I know what's coming), I can't imagine they can afford very many episodes that drag. There's too much going on, too much horror to get to the screen. This part of the comics remains, to date, the best part of the series and also the one full of the most horror. I can't wait to see how that translates to the screen and what choices the authors will make to keep comic book readers like me on their toes.
New Shows
Last Resort, Season One (ABC, premieres September 27th)
This is one that snuck up on me. I heard about the premise on podcasts, about a US sub that refuses to launch a nuclear bomb, flees the battle, and essentially sets up its own society on an island and declares itself a sovereign nation. Because, you know, it has a nuclear bomb. While I don't actually think this is SF/F in the traditional sense, there's a certain Lost vibe to the premise (yes, I know, it's THE ISLAND), and everyone's talking about it having the potential to be a surprise hit. Then my husband heard about it, loved the premise, and wants to watch. So yeah, we're giving this a shot. We'll see how it goes.
Revolution, Season One (NBC, premieres September 17th)
Ah, J.J. Abrams… I can't quit you. Not that I want to, either. Okay, fine, Alcatraz didn't work out, but that's okay. I love your ideas so much I'm willing to follow you anywhere, even to a post-apocalyptic future where there is no longer any electricity and the government has dissolved and the United States has become a tribal nation terrorized by militia. You even brought Elizabeth Mitchell in on the project, and I've adored her since Lost. However, reviews for the pilot has been so-so, which means I'm probably going to DVR the first few episodes and see how it progresses. Because it looks beautiful. But so did Terra Nova, and we all know how that turned out.
Hunted, Season One (Cinemax, premieres October 19th)
Okay, this is another that's not SF/F/H. But I discovered this after marathoning Alias this summer, which was a bit SF/F. You know what else Alias had? Melissa George. You know what Hunted has? MELISSA GEORGE!!! She's back on television, in a spy show no less, and trailers could not have me more excited for this show. Only problem: it's on Cinemax. Which we don't have. Which we could get for an extra $5.00 a month, which wouldn't be bad if we just kept the channel until the show was over. Because I really want to see Melissa George kicking ass as a spy again. But we'll see. As much as I want to watch this, it may not happen.
Continuum, Season One (SyFy, premieres WHEN?)
This Canadian show caught my radar when I read about it on tv.com. It's SF with time travel, and Rachel Nichols. Yes, the same Rachel Nichols that was in Conan the Barbarian and Star Trek. You know what else she was in? Alias! Like Melissa George, the idea of having Rachel Nichols on my television again on a weekly basis thrills me, so while I don't know when this show will start airing in the US, I will be there with bells on. Canadian viewers, can you tell me if I should tone down my excitement or not?
What Else?
I've only shared the SF/F/H shows on my radar (mostly), but there are a ton of returning shows I'll be tuning in for. Mostly comedies, at least until the new year, and we'll have more fun dramas to watch. On my watch-list are: Boardwalk Empire, New Girl, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Parks & Recreation, The Office (final season, yay!), Community, Saturday Night Live (off and on), and maybe I'll start giving this this little show a chance. Maybe. Since it's so popular with the Hugos and all. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? We're also finishing up some summer shows, Wildred and Hell on Wheels.
So that's my insane television viewing schedule. What are you watching? What are you looking forward to the most? What are you dropping and why? Remember, we all love our own fandoms, but if you hate something someone else loves, please don't crap all over it. Saying you don't like it is fine, but play nice. :) I'm all about playing nice!