premeire weak: day 1
Yes, I know I misspelled ‘week’. It’s meant to be a not-so-subtle commentary on this year’s entertainment gladiators (ie. shows) who are battling each other for my attention. Each year the network marches out a new batch of trying-to-be-hip programs that I view as a second job for a few weeks each year. Basically, I put my butt on the couch so you can save yourself the effort (such as it is). Here’s what I watched last night.
Survivor China: (original air date was Thursday Sept 20) The old warhorse of reality TV is back with a new location and not much else. The new location offers a nice new flavor, but like all reality shows it comes down to the people. This year’s contestants include two pre-packaged television personalities: a professional wrestler and a professional poker player. I am a little annoyed that the fame-making power of Survivor is being milked by people who are already famous. But who cares, their misery will still be my entertainment. Points for a fun cast of misfits and a new location, but if you’ve seen the show, you know what you’re getting. 7/11
Chuck: NBC’s bid for total domination of Monday night began here with the story of a low-ambition mildly-charming computer nerd who gets government secrets stuck in his head. The show feels like the scatterbrained lovechild of the Office and 24, combining crazy action (gun play, explosions, and free-walking) with pop culture humor about mundane jobs. The show’s premise stretches absurdity as much as The Biggest Loser stretches spandex and by the end viewers won’t have a clear idea of what the show will look like from week to week. However if you’re satisfied with more chuckles than laughs and an occasional movie-quality stunt, (plus hot girls in their underwear) then give it a whirl. For viewers who don’t have an empty spot in their viewing schedule, wait and see if this pony has more than one trick. 7/11
Heroes (season 2): The story of extremely good looking ordinary people with super powers begins here, four months after last season’s finale. Generally speaking, the episode was as good as most of last season and laid some foundation for where it will go next. But, if you didn’t like last season or felt that each episode accomplished less than most single issue comics, then you’re SOL. However, if you like the show, you won’t get any reasons to stop liking it. 8/11
Okay, that was Monday. Tuesday will be Journeyman (a hold-over from Monday) and Reaper, the Kevin Smith directed comedy about a kid who becomes Satan’s bounty hunter. Email me if you want me to watch something in particular as I’m willing to try anything once.
Laters.