It's a Jungle Out There

After 8 seasons, Monk finally came to an end on USA last night.


When I was a kid, I used to watch Wings, starring Tim Daly and Stephen Webber. And featuring an immigrant cab driver named Antonio Scarpacci, played by Tony Shalhoub.

When Monk first started airing, I pretty much ignored it (being in High School at the time, I didn't spend nearly as much time watching television), only watching the occasional daytime rerun when I was idly lying on the couch. It was not until the spring semester of my freshman year in college did I start watching it. College really brought the return of my heavy television watching from my childhood, and I spent days watching the old episodes at my computer while I ate lunch (quizno's honey mustard chicken) between classes.

What drew me to the show, in retrospect, is that Monk is a hopeless romantic. Here is a character that was so in love with his wife that her death that her loss completely destroyed him. I relate to him because he is so visibly broken (and we are all broken) and because I cannot help but feel that the complete and genuine love he holds is, in its way, inspiring.

There's a lot also going for this show, the humorous writing, the wonderful acting (Tony Shalhoub takes what could be an exaggerated physical sight gag and turns it into an understated charmingly irritating quirk), not to mention major character chemistry, the mere fact that I love police procedurals, etc. and it has received numerous awards and nominations because they put on an amazing show.

But really, simply, what drew me in was how hoplessly in love this broken police detective is. And I am glad, in the end, everything could come to a close. It's what he deserved.

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I've been relatively quiet up until now, but if Chuck doesn't get renewed I will be sorely disappointed. Quick witted writing and an all around adorable cast, with a blend of comedy and action. The fans know it's worth saving, so NBC needs to hang in there because if they could believe in their The Office to succeed, surely Chuck deserves the same chance. I already miss Damien Lewis and Life, I don't think I could lose another show of such quality.
Also ABC, gets mixed feelings for renewing Castle (yay) and Scrubs (seriously? know when to call it quits).
And I have to hand it to FOX for renewing Dollhouse, even though times have been tough for it (I say I dislike it yet I keep watching it).

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4 Years of College 4 Years of Television

I've said it before, television has had a profound impact on my life. And these college years have certainly not been different.


For some reason, every semester of my college experience seems clearly represented by one tv show tied closely to friends.
Freshman year, Fall 2005
Veronica Mars
It's all been said before, so I'll be brief. This show was instrumental in making friends who would, for better or for worse, change my life. I am in debt to Kristen Bell and Rob Thomas for this wonderful show.

Freshman year, Spring 2006
House
Much like what VM did for me in the Fall, House did for me in the Spring. Memories of 3N are forever filled with masses huddled around the glow of a computer screen. Remember hanging out with people like Dana, Alex, and Devon?

Sophomore year, Fall 2006
The Office
A Benihana Christmas debuted during my very first (and very favorite) secret santa party. Classic memory.

Sophomore year, Spring 2007
Heroes
I came back from winter break in love with superheroes all over again.

Summer 2007
Six Feet Under
I spent a lot of time alone in 3N that summer. I often spent entire days laying in bed watching this funeral home drama. It was a little depressing.

Junior year, Fall 2007
The West Wing
I may always be a sportsnight diehard, but this is when I started watching the greatest fictional president in the history of america. I am a little embarrassed to admit that Kyle and I watched episodes in our respective apartments at the same time, talking via AIM.

Junior year, Spring 2008
LOST
I started this blog, based on my love-hate relationship with lost this semester. I also made a lasagna and downed a bottle belvedere with friends while we tried to watch an episode once, to less than completely attentive results. Fun nonetheless

Senior year, Fall 2008
How I Met Your Mother
I guess this blends deeply into summer 2008 but I have fallen for this show, NPH's charisma (and illusions!), and the dream of having friends to always hang out in a bar with.

Senior year, Spring 2008
Battlestar Galactica
Kyle's favorite show has recently swept all of us up in it's dark storyline and engaging characters. And octogons. DVD is the greatest thing to happen to tv junkies like me since the vcr.

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Castle

If you're one of the zillions of people that have made shows like Bones or The Mentalist a success, watch Castle. You'll like it, it's just like getting another hour of your favorite that week. And how can you not like Nathan Fillion? While you're at it, check out Life, another show I'd like to see succeed to such proportions.

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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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if you like crime procedurals and/or mystery of the week shows, I recommend CBS's The Mentalist, Tuesdays at 9pm.

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We Spent Warm Summer Days Wishing They Would Never End

I must admit it has been hard finding the motivation to post here. It’s not for a lack of ideas but rather a lack of nurturing. My ideas wilt on the proverbial vine before coming to fruition. It’s been easier to let future Ryan deal with things.

Fleeting passion also seemed shared with my coauthors, though I have not explicitly talked to them about it. Perhaps naïve enthusiasm was just finally overwhelmed by the reality of the project(s).

It’s not to say that I will abandon this endeavor; yet, it’s not exactly true that I promise to work harder at it. Rather, I, at least, need to retool and reapproach what I want out of this exercise. And who knows what my partners will (or will not) do as the fall season approaches.

That said, let’s look at the new shows strolling out this fall. Or maybe not. The endless promotion of shows My Own Worst Enemy, Kath and Kim, Raising the Bar, or 90210 has gotten more than a little annoying. Perhaps I’ll give Fringe the benefit of a viewing simply because my roommate seems quite set on watching Joshua Jackson again (and JJ Abrams can make good television).

Of course, looking back on things, I don’t typically get swept up in shows when they premiere. And I cannot remember the last time I had expectations of premieres from prebuzz. Typically, I have waited a few weeks (perhaps as long as the midseason break) and then catch up and get caught up in some new series. This is how I started watching Heroes, Studio 60, Life, Reaper, 30 Rock and Chuck amongst others. Other times, I start watching shows at the great urging of friends, like with Veronica Mars, The Office, House, or Lost. Or I just finally get around to watching beloved series way after the fact, like The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Arrested Development, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

So perhaps come Thanksgiving I’ll be raving about the genius of Steven Bochco or the wonderful adaptation of an Australian favorite. Time will tell. Until then, I don’t have much to say.

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