Fall TV roundup
Been sick aplenty again so had lots of time to catch up on my tv. Plenty of new shows and some are becoming my staple (they still can't replace my baby, Hannibal, of course).
Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Full season pick-up
Forget Michael J Fox and Robin Williams. This is the best new comedy of the year. Terry Crews is my favorite. Andre Braugher deserves a big mention too. I never would have thought him in a comedy but it works. My only complain would be to cut down on Andy Samberg and more on the funnier supporting characters. But he's the lead and producer of the show so I don't see that happening.
What now: Made it on to my watchlist. Hope to hear renewal news soon.
Dracula - Too early to tell but I think it's safe
NBC was full-on promo-aggressive for this show. Didn't want to watch it at first. They promoted it as a love-story spanning through centuries or whatever. Alas, curiosity got the better of me. Not surprisingly, the pilot was disappointing. Mina was a Mary Sue. And oh, possible reincarnation of Dracula's wife. My biggest gripe was that Dracula was not a badass. From what I figure, he's an environmentalist capitalist who wants to bring down the Order of Some Dragon by putting the oil industry out of business. I think.I gave it a chance though because I really like the Renfeld character and Van Helsing. It got slightly better in ep 2. Mainly because they didn't focus as much on Dracula's love-life as I thought they would. I laughed at their sex scenes though. With so much cable tv and my recent ravaging of Mads Mikkelsen's filmography, I had forgotten what network TV sex scenes were like. Bless Jonathan Rhys Meyers' attempts at being a hot-blooded lover with his pants on. Anyways, I think last night's episode (ep3) sealed the deal for me. Dracula forgo Mina (who unfortunately became a bigger Mary Sue over just three episodes). Things really got heated up. People died. I'm surprised that NBC is allowing such gore. And people thought Hannibal was pushing boundaries? The opening scene for ep 3 was almost Spartacus-level of violence. And finally, I got to see hints of Dracula's badass-ery.
What now: I'm sticking around. It's only 10 episodes anyway. Looks like it may get its second season too. Second behind Grimm on Fridays I believe. Despite having only three episodes on air, it garnered Best New Show and Best Actor in New Show nominations for People's Choice. Tacky award but at least it means enough people are watching Dracula.
ETA: Oops, looks like the ratings took a dramatic tumble this week.
Elementary - Nothing official but I think it's safe
It started off really well. They introduced Lestrade and Mycroft. Being Elementary, they did their twists on the characters. Lestrade being an attention whore addict and Mycroft a successful restaurateur. I, however, was balking at[Spoilers for s2ep6]the thought of Mycroft and Joan having sex. So wrong. I don't know what they are planning to do with the rest of the season. Since Mycroft is opening restaurants in New York now, they are probably going to drag this out. I do not approve.
What now: Due to recent developments, I'm not sure if this show would be my staple. :/ Too bad, I really enjoyed season 1.
Grimm - Biggest show on Friday so it's sticking around.
I like that Juliette is back to being a supportive girlfriend. She must never have her own arc again.
What now: Watchlist.
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - Renewed
The pilot was clunky. Cringed at the younger actors and they tried pushing UST upon two of the weakest links. I gave it a few more eps and I'm kind of glad I did. As the season went on, they toned down the quirkiness of the baby agents. Episode 5 was where I think they finally found their footing. Last week's episode, ep6, actually had me tearing up. It was good. Not as good as a Whedon series should be; the series still has a lot to do. But I do think it's getting better.
What now: Warily optimistic. Will give it a few more episodes to see whether the last couple episodes were a fluke.
Person of Interest - They'd be crazy not to renew this one
Ooh boy. It's so, so, good! Shaw is part of the gang now. I enjoy her chemistry with Carter, Zoe and Root. And they are passing the Bechdel test. The Big Bads are getting bigger, actual threats to The Machine. Carter kicking ass despite her demotion. Finch versus Root.
What now: Definitely must-watch.
Sleepy Hollow - Renewed
Not surprised it's a huge hit. Time-travelling Ichabod Crane. George Washington Vampire Demon Hunter. Whacked, hilarious and just plain fun. It does not take itself seriously. The monsters are nicely done. In fact, some of them remind me of those from Pan's Labyrinth. The biggest draw though, is the chemistry between the Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie - it is off the charts. Bonus(?) draw - Orlando Jones. He's quite fandom-savvy. He admitted to taking lesssons from Mischa Collins though he's not as troll-y as the master. I'm not interested in the fandom though. It seems shipping-heavy. That never bodes well.
What now: Watchlist. I think it's my second favourite new show of the year - behind Hannibal, maybe tying with My Mad Fat Diary.
The Blacklist - Full season pickup
So much hype. The pilot had me o_O all the way. Why the need to rip off Silence of the Lambs, show? You already have James Spader. The leading lady was lacking. Everyone else was slow on the uptake. But I gave it another shot anyway. 5 more shots in fact. Their FBI got more and more incompetent. It's like watching The Following all over again. Plus the acting is sub-par. The only good ones are James Spader and Parminder Nagra. Coincidentally, their characters are the only ones who are competent at their jobs.
What now: Not watching it anymore. Will be on the lookout for spoilers in case something interesting happens, like the FBI one-upping Reddington for once.
The Tomorrow People - Don't know.
Loved the pilot. So much potential. Super-powered people against a sub-agency of the government. The special effects were fantastic despite being on a CW budget. Enjoyed ep 2 too. Then, unfortunately I came across the entire season trailer.[Spoiler (click to open)]A freaking love triangle. Ergh. Should have known better. After all it's CW and brought to you by the Vampire Diaries producers.
What now: Sadly, had to give it up. I know where this is going.
Whose Line is it Anyway? - Renewed
I had very much looked forward to watching it despite my apprehension (Improv-A-Ganza, featuring the same guys, was not as funny). Much to my delight, they could still bring it! I especially love the new games Sideways Scene and What's In My Bag? However, they could lose the celebrity guest-stars and go back to getting random audience participation. I especially miss them getting funny old ladies to do Sound Effects.
What now: Definitely making it in my watchlist. The 14-ep series was so popular that CW blessed it with 24 episodes next year.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Full season pick-up
Forget Michael J Fox and Robin Williams. This is the best new comedy of the year. Terry Crews is my favorite. Andre Braugher deserves a big mention too. I never would have thought him in a comedy but it works. My only complain would be to cut down on Andy Samberg and more on the funnier supporting characters. But he's the lead and producer of the show so I don't see that happening.
What now: Made it on to my watchlist. Hope to hear renewal news soon.
Dracula - Too early to tell but I think it's safe
NBC was full-on promo-aggressive for this show. Didn't want to watch it at first. They promoted it as a love-story spanning through centuries or whatever. Alas, curiosity got the better of me. Not surprisingly, the pilot was disappointing. Mina was a Mary Sue. And oh, possible reincarnation of Dracula's wife. My biggest gripe was that Dracula was not a badass. From what I figure, he's an environmentalist capitalist who wants to bring down the Order of Some Dragon by putting the oil industry out of business. I think.I gave it a chance though because I really like the Renfeld character and Van Helsing. It got slightly better in ep 2. Mainly because they didn't focus as much on Dracula's love-life as I thought they would. I laughed at their sex scenes though. With so much cable tv and my recent ravaging of Mads Mikkelsen's filmography, I had forgotten what network TV sex scenes were like. Bless Jonathan Rhys Meyers' attempts at being a hot-blooded lover with his pants on. Anyways, I think last night's episode (ep3) sealed the deal for me. Dracula forgo Mina (who unfortunately became a bigger Mary Sue over just three episodes). Things really got heated up. People died. I'm surprised that NBC is allowing such gore. And people thought Hannibal was pushing boundaries? The opening scene for ep 3 was almost Spartacus-level of violence. And finally, I got to see hints of Dracula's badass-ery.
What now: I'm sticking around. It's only 10 episodes anyway. Looks like it may get its second season too. Second behind Grimm on Fridays I believe. Despite having only three episodes on air, it garnered Best New Show and Best Actor in New Show nominations for People's Choice. Tacky award but at least it means enough people are watching Dracula.
ETA: Oops, looks like the ratings took a dramatic tumble this week.
Elementary - Nothing official but I think it's safe
It started off really well. They introduced Lestrade and Mycroft. Being Elementary, they did their twists on the characters. Lestrade being an attention whore addict and Mycroft a successful restaurateur. I, however, was balking at[Spoilers for s2ep6]the thought of Mycroft and Joan having sex. So wrong. I don't know what they are planning to do with the rest of the season. Since Mycroft is opening restaurants in New York now, they are probably going to drag this out. I do not approve.
What now: Due to recent developments, I'm not sure if this show would be my staple. :/ Too bad, I really enjoyed season 1.
Grimm - Biggest show on Friday so it's sticking around.
I like that Juliette is back to being a supportive girlfriend. She must never have her own arc again.
What now: Watchlist.
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - Renewed
The pilot was clunky. Cringed at the younger actors and they tried pushing UST upon two of the weakest links. I gave it a few more eps and I'm kind of glad I did. As the season went on, they toned down the quirkiness of the baby agents. Episode 5 was where I think they finally found their footing. Last week's episode, ep6, actually had me tearing up. It was good. Not as good as a Whedon series should be; the series still has a lot to do. But I do think it's getting better.
What now: Warily optimistic. Will give it a few more episodes to see whether the last couple episodes were a fluke.
Person of Interest - They'd be crazy not to renew this one
Ooh boy. It's so, so, good! Shaw is part of the gang now. I enjoy her chemistry with Carter, Zoe and Root. And they are passing the Bechdel test. The Big Bads are getting bigger, actual threats to The Machine. Carter kicking ass despite her demotion. Finch versus Root.
What now: Definitely must-watch.
Sleepy Hollow - Renewed
Not surprised it's a huge hit. Time-travelling Ichabod Crane. George Washington Vampire Demon Hunter. Whacked, hilarious and just plain fun. It does not take itself seriously. The monsters are nicely done. In fact, some of them remind me of those from Pan's Labyrinth. The biggest draw though, is the chemistry between the Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie - it is off the charts. Bonus(?) draw - Orlando Jones. He's quite fandom-savvy. He admitted to taking lesssons from Mischa Collins though he's not as troll-y as the master. I'm not interested in the fandom though. It seems shipping-heavy. That never bodes well.
What now: Watchlist. I think it's my second favourite new show of the year - behind Hannibal, maybe tying with My Mad Fat Diary.
The Blacklist - Full season pickup
So much hype. The pilot had me o_O all the way. Why the need to rip off Silence of the Lambs, show? You already have James Spader. The leading lady was lacking. Everyone else was slow on the uptake. But I gave it another shot anyway. 5 more shots in fact. Their FBI got more and more incompetent. It's like watching The Following all over again. Plus the acting is sub-par. The only good ones are James Spader and Parminder Nagra. Coincidentally, their characters are the only ones who are competent at their jobs.
What now: Not watching it anymore. Will be on the lookout for spoilers in case something interesting happens, like the FBI one-upping Reddington for once.
The Tomorrow People - Don't know.
Loved the pilot. So much potential. Super-powered people against a sub-agency of the government. The special effects were fantastic despite being on a CW budget. Enjoyed ep 2 too. Then, unfortunately I came across the entire season trailer.[Spoiler (click to open)]A freaking love triangle. Ergh. Should have known better. After all it's CW and brought to you by the Vampire Diaries producers.
What now: Sadly, had to give it up. I know where this is going.
Whose Line is it Anyway? - Renewed
I had very much looked forward to watching it despite my apprehension (Improv-A-Ganza, featuring the same guys, was not as funny). Much to my delight, they could still bring it! I especially love the new games Sideways Scene and What's In My Bag? However, they could lose the celebrity guest-stars and go back to getting random audience participation. I especially miss them getting funny old ladies to do Sound Effects.
What now: Definitely making it in my watchlist. The 14-ep series was so popular that CW blessed it with 24 episodes next year.