Thoughts on the Season

We're one week into the fall television season and here are my unsolicited opinions...

Monday
Gossip Girl: Rinse and repeat, and you have the third season of Gossip Girl. We've been here before. Blair's a bitch, Chuck is a scandal, and Serena doesn't know what she's doing. Gossip Girl is losing its trademark bite and I am quickly losing interest. The show needs to shake things up, and the characters need to show some growth or a breakup is imminent. Grade: C+

Heroes: I couldn't bring myself to do it. After two seasons of crap, I couldn't sit through another season hoping the show reclaimed its season one glory. Grade: Divorced

Tuesday
The Good Wife: Welcome to Judging Amy: Round Two. Four years after CBS unceremoniously canceled the drama about a single mom managing her law career and family, the network is back to try again. This time Juliana Margulies plays a lawyer (not a judge), once again, finding her way in the workforce. Margulies is made for the role, and the show couldn't ask for a better supporting cast including Christine Baranksi and Josh Charles. Throw in the political timeliness and this one is bound for ratings success (just like Judging Amy). Grade: B+

Wednesday
So You Think You Can Dance: Reality shows are hard to grade in the beginning. They usually don't hit their stride until midway through the season -- once the audience has a chance to become attached to the contestants. With that said, So You Think You Can Dance isn't suffering from summer fatigue. In its sixth season, the judges are still spot on and America doesn't appear to be running out of talented dancers. Grade: B+

Glee: The High School Musical references don't do this show justice. It's smart and funny with a cast that oozes musical, comedic, and dramatic talent -- everything that High School Musical wasn't. Plus, the most recent episode proved that the show can thrive without relying on the musical numbers. The only concern I have is the plot's light speed pacing (the same problem that creator Ryan Murphy's had with his last show, Nip Tuck). Even with those concerns, I'll definitely be long for the ride. Grade: A

Modern Family: This one has huge potential. After only one episode, it's the only show on television (besides Glee) that will make me laugh out loud. The cast is pitch perfect and the writing is witty and fun. Without spoiling anything, lets just say The Lion King scene will be with me forever. Hopefully the rest of the series can keep up with the stellar pilot. Grade: A

Thursday
Project Runway: Technically not a fall show, but six episodes into its sixth season, Project Runway has found its stride. The changes of shooting location (from New York to L.A.) and network (from Bravo to Lifetime) haven't hampered the show's quality. Plus, this season's cast seems more talented and memorable than recent casts. Though the season's highest point has to be the transformation of Heidi Klum from a pretty, former fashion model into a funny and reliable host. However, the show loses points for the plethora of guest judges. Where are Nina and Michael? Grade: A-

Survivor: Like So You Think You Can Dance, it's hard to grade reality shows after only a couple of episodes, but Survivor appears headed on the right track. Already, there are several memorable personalities (Shambo, Russell, and Yasmin), and after 19 seasons the show still isn't stale. The producers propensity to focus all the camera time on one tribe this season is a minor cause for concern. Grade: B+

FlashForward: High concept dramas are risky, and FlashForward is no exception. The show might play better as a miniseries, but only time will tell. The pilot had a few dead spots and all-too-convenient plot twists, but Joseph Fiennes and Sonya Walger are the fall's most promising new lead actors. Grade: B

Grey's Anatomy: Merridith Grey is consistently touted as one of the most annoying characters on television, but I love her anyway. Maybe it's because we have so much in common, but it's my love for the title character that allows me to forgive Grey's all it's mistakes -- like 2/3 of last season. This season started well, and regardless of the backstage drama, killing George off was a great move for the series. Grade: A-

Community: I am going to take flack for this one, but the pilot wasn't great. Not a single laugh out loud moment. Joel McHale is great in The Soup, but while the concept is original, Community tries far too hard to be funny. Grade: B-

Sunday
The Amazing Race: There's a reason Race has won the "Best Reality Show Competition" Emmy for seven years straight. The show has never had a bad episode, but the "twist" in the season premiere was rather lame. Otherwise, it appears to be another solid season ahead for the greatest race around the world. Grade: A-

Desperate Housewives: Housewives always starts with a bang and ends with a whimper, and this season seems no different. Marc Cherry cannot come up with a solid, season long mystery to save his life. That said, the show is still good for a laugh or two, and Eva Longoria Parker continues to be Housewives' unsung MVP. Grade: B+

Brothers & Sisters: Pros from the season premiere: lots of Nora/Holly fighting, no sign of Ryan, lots of Walker family interaction that wasn't around a dinner table, and the show's most boring character (Tommy) is gone for good. Cons from the season premiere: the disappearance of Sarah Walker, Rob Lowe's horrendous hair, and the car crash fake-out. All in all, my favorite family drama is off to a much better start this season than last. Grade: A-