Where to go from here?

2009 is now upon us and so approaches both the return of some old favorites like 24 and Lost and the chance to see some new shows debut in the mid season.


Television, like so many media forms, is still learning how to best deal with the emerging power of the internet as it usurps older roles with its better availability, flexibility, and portability. Major networks are warming to the idea, making full episodes of popular series available to stream online, releasing 'webisodes' and other internet exclusive material. Hulu is filling a hole pretty nicely, legally, that was left behind by the powerful tv-links (I like to imagine that the aftermath of tv-links is what should have happened in the wake of Napster).

So with easier access to the back catalog of episodes than ever before, why are we seeing the decline of serial television? I mean, sure The Mentalist is an entertaining show, but not necessarily enough to warrant being the most watched program in America (a freshman series has not made that distinction since Desperate Housewives, 4 years ago). Break it down to the components, it's just another episodic crime drama (with a character that more or less was taken from USA's Psych, to boot). Whereas more 'cutting edge' shows like Fringe are premiering and struggling to stay afloat (don't think I didn't consider a pun there).

Could it be that so many of the more tech savvy have already abandoned broadcast viewing and instead simply search the internet for the next Dr. Horrible? Why are viewers drawn to more of the same self-contained hours of tv that they have watched in countless reincarnations?

There's a certain comfort in them. When shows like Lost and Heroes first emerged a few years ago, audiences were not used to getting drawn into a complete and complex world that took episodes to explore (or with shows like Grey's Anatomy, character relations). It was novel and exciting. But a few years later, we're still left with a bunch of questions and a multitude of poorly executed characters and gimmicks to keep building the suspense. A majority of people grew tired of waiting for answers. Episodic tv like The Mentalist (or Law and Order, CSI, Bones, etc) have the advantage of drawing the viewer in with a mystery (a murder, etc) but finding a conclusion by the hour's end, saving just enough time to give the characters a bit of background and development (usually). I know I like getting answers anyways.

Part of the problem was the Writer's Strike. It put a severe cramp in every show last season, many having a hard time to draw viewers back after the extended break. This is how, I believe, the American Gladiator reincarnation was able to survive. Despite the fact that it is horrible and does not capture the essence of the old series (which, admittedly, is due to the fact that it was a cheesy 80s/90s show, complete with goofy clothes, hair, and lighting).

Fringe was really a lost opportunity, some calling it the disappointment of the year. I watched the first 3 episodes before I gave up. And I don't usually stop watching bad series (I have seen all of Drive and Raines, if you can believe it). But even Joshua Jackson's charisma could not save what I found to be a sterile and emotionless Anna Torv, who I just could not connect with. John Noble serves as some humor I suppose but I felt made every scene just that much more awkward. Sorry, I don't know why I took the time out to bash Fringe...but looking back, I hate it. I think all the talk of 'The new X-Files' really just got my hopes up to have them fall to the ground.

The situation comedy though, seems to be regaining momentum, largely thanks (once again) to NBC's Thursday Night lineup (famous for powerhouse shows Friends and Seinfeld). My Name is Earl, The Office, and 30 Rock seem to be leading the way for a sit-com in single camera style without a laugh track. And it seems to be working. I am eager to see the 'Office spinoff' when it airs. Granted they are all way below in ratings when compared to shows like CSI but the critical reception has only been growing (of course, as Arrested Development is aware, the two don't go hand in hand). So maybe I'm just getting a little overzealous.

Anyways, shows making a debut: Dollhouse, Castle, Lie to Me, Trust Me, An Untitled Amy Poehler Project, and The Philanthropist amongst others.

Dollhouse, Joss Whedon's latest project seems intriguing and I am glad Eliza Dushku is taking the lead. But I suspect FOX, who has already given it a Friday Night airslot, will be quick with the axe unless it outperforms expectations. FOX does not have the record of being a nurturing network. I obviously have high hopes for it and will watch even if it's a big turd.

Same goes for Castle, Nathan Fillion's latest vehicle. I have not heard much of anything but I like Nathon Fillion gosh darn it. ABC has proven to be a little more lenient than FOX (RIP Drive), case in point Dirty Sexy Money, though finally canceled, had three seasons. And never heard anyone talk about it. Ever. I'm sad to see Pushing Daisies go as it is probably a show I would've picked up eventually but I guess too little too late.

Lie to Me seems like an obvious choice for a strong tv show, a formulaic police procederal, based around using the powers of observation to catch lies. Wow. Well, I guess what ain't broke don't fix, right? I'll probably check it out because I am sucker for these shows just like everyone else (case in point: The Mentalist).

The creative force behind the office, Greg Daniels, has been designing a new project, reminiscent of The Office, as a vehicle for Amy Poehler. Though there's a tight lip on details, I would not be surprised if it made a nice addition to Thursday Night's Comedy Done Right.

The Philanthropist seems to be off to a rocky start after NBC and Tom Fontana (Homicide, Oz) had a falling out. It's on my radar, but just barely. Without some good buzz, I doubt I'll bother.

And Trust Me, the only cable original program I am interested in (on TNT). It stars Tom Cavanagh and Eric McCormack as an ad agency team or something. I loved Ed (moreso than most people it seems) and find Tom Cavanagh charismatic so I'm willing to bite. The fact that Mad Men has been so genius may work for or against the show, I'll decide after it premieres.

The only other show I have even heard of is Finnegan, a detective drama starring Teri Polo. I have no idea when it's supposed to air but Teri Polo is amazing and I more than willing to watch this show. Even if it's a big turd.

As for returning stars 24 and Lost; well Lost and I have the love-hate relationship going strong and I hope rousing bar parties make the absurdity even better. And while I found 24 falling apart last season, the tv movie reminded me why I started watching in the first place: Jack Bauer blows a bunch of shit up and kills bad guys. So there's that.

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