Editorial: Fall TV - The Season So Far
by Chris, Hollywood Nexus member

At the beginning of the season, I was going to title this piece “Ask Me If I Care.” After an entire summer of new series and less than exciting previews from some networks, it looked like it was going to be familiar faces, familiar places. I thought this season was going to be a bummer.

Some shows have mercifully been sent for revamping already. Don’t you think that when it’s announced that a show is going on hiatus or is being revamped, TV network types should be required to make air quotes with their fingers around those words and wrap up their announcements with the musical statement, “dun-dun-DUH!” Or is it just me?

However, what’s really improved my TV viewing mood is that there are some genuinely good shows to watch. My standouts:

HEROES – Heroes, Heroes, how I love you. Hasn’t everyone wanted to be a superhero at some point? Add in some unexpected plot twists and this show is something I don’t want to miss. I was particularly glad that the brothers’ powers were kept a secret and allowed to be a surprise for viewers. Why is the character who can bend time and space a break-out? Unlike the other heroes, who greet their powers with varying degrees of fear, confusion, and angst, Hiro totally embraces himself as someone who is different. “I’m a superhero and that’s cool” seems to be his credo. He is jubilant in his powers and our inner geek celebrates with him. Will his knowledge of the future temper his joy? Tune in to find out.

THE CLASS – I guess I was ready to enjoy a sitcom again. Unlike some folks, I like the occasional slide into slapstick. I mean, how often can you say – in a happy voice – “…and then he backed over her with the car!”

LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT – Mere words cannot describe how glad I am that my favorite show is back and with stronger episodes than ever. The shift in airing night is pleasantly positive and the new/replacing characters add to the show.

THE NINE – This season is unusual in that premieres are happening weeks apart from each other. I found this show benefited from that and was seen by me as a great show on it’s own instead of one in the crowd. Can you FEEL the DRAMA? Introducing the first episode of a show about bank robbery hostages while showing almost none of the robbery itself ratchets up the tension. Here’s hoping they can keep interest while revealing the robbery and the changes that take place to the characters.

SIGNE CHANEL – A limited-run series that just wrapped on Sundance Channel. Is it too early to ask for repeats? Smartly focusing on the behind-the-scenes of the Chanel couture collection, designer Karl Lagerfeld influences the action, but is not the action himself. The stars of the show are the artists who work to bring the designers vision to life.

Admittedly, I’m not in front of the TV every night, but if I can have satisfying shows like these, I don’t need to be.