So I watched stuff

[bop_radar]

I finally got some downtime this Sunday and caught up on all this new TV floating around...

Oh, Heroes! How I wish I wasn't still sucked in to you! But I am. Let me be quite clear. At this point in time I am watching for one character and one character only: Noah Bennett. Unfortunately for me, he kicked ass in the first episode of season 2 so I'm hooked right back in again...

For me, the problem with Heroes is that it lacks heart. It's all plot twists, scattered ensemble cast and shiny but shallow images. I don't wish to be a spoilsport for those of you still enjoying the show (I know many of you do!) so I will probably scale back my reviews this season. Though I must say after watching the first ep of season 2, I was twitching to get online snark about it. ;)

So, brief thoughts:
- clearly the creative team put their heads together over the hiatus and decided that not only did they need more characters, they needed more INCEST. Yuh. Sure, guys! So we get intensely melodramatic Hispanic brother and sister who are mistaken for a married couple Just what the show needed! *baffled*
- Keeping up the incest watch... is it normal for a father to walk you to school when you're in the eleventh grade or whatever Clare's in? Because I personally wouldn't have been caught dead near my father in public at that age! I love Noah, though, so I'll let that scene off the hook.
- But did anyone else find Claire creeping off to make secret phonecalls to her real biological father just a little creepy? Especially since he was acting like a scorned lover. And they were emo-ing over their shared loss, with papa downing drinks in a seedy bar and Claire sprawled suggestively on her bed. Ahem.
- Also creepy, for me, was Molly and Parkman shacking up together. Molly troubles me. They seem to be playing her as very adult and this gave the scene where Parkman confronted her about her paintings an inappropriately domestic feel to me. Also, they're straining to the limits of that little girl's acting repertoire.
- No clue what's going on with Nathan and his Twoface thing in the mirror. And the beard does nothing for me so unless he loses it soon, he's slipping in my affections. And as for Peter showing up in that container, I was just too tired to care.
- The Hiro plot was kind of adorable. Though I still wish his character had matured into something a little more weighty.
- Highlight of the episode was definitely Noah's throwdown with his boss. :D If he keeps that stuff up, I'll keep watching.

Pilot eppys...

Bionic Woman
Oh, Katee! Why must your show be so crap?! It took me all day to get through the pilot... it was painfully bad to begin with and I had to turn it off. But I tuned back in for the fight in the rain, and I gotta say that that totally hooked me in. The slash is out of control and Katee is mesmerising. I really hope Michelle's acting improves because I fear I'm going to end up watching it regardless. Sigh. It wasn't just Michelle that was bad though. I didn't think much of any of the cast apart from Katee, and the writing clunk clunk clunked. What a pity.

So I think I will watch it, but not as a high priority.

Journeyman
OMG, could it be any more boooooring? I love Kevin McKidd but I really don't think I can go there... during all the mental downtime I had during this show (because there was so little to engage with) I found myself very perplexed as to how a journalist had managed to afford that huge house and score those ridiculously snooty attractive women. Didn't like the wife. Livia seemed ok but no personality to speak of. Blah.

Reaper
I was seriously underwhelmed. I keep forgetting that I'm not actually a big fan of Kevin Smith. I always get caught up in everyone else's squee and then remember that I usually find his humour a bit on the flat side. I didn't mind the lead guy and the general premise, but the Devil was surprisingly dull, and I really really hated the sidekick friend. I know he was meant to be obnoxious but there was just no hook-in there at all for me. And I think his haircut was the straw that broke the camel's back for me... nul points!

Chuck
This is a completely ridiculous show. And for that reason, I kinda liked it. ;) There were aspects I didn't like (the sister), but a lot that I did (the absurdity, the lead chick, the lead guy, some of the humour). I think it had potential and I might watch another ep or two to see how it goes. There were a couple of little things that really made me laugh--like 'Captain Awesome', because I KNOW SOMEONE LIKE THAT! He's Canadian and I am not kidding: everything is 'awesome!' to him, in a booming Canadian voice. So, very silly show but entirely watchable.

Gossip Girl
Now this, I did like! :D SO much fun! Gotta love watching attractive rich brats self-destruct. *beams* I know nothing about the books but this show looks like a lot of fun. It's OTT, sure, but actually quite well acted. It's well paced and edited and it seems to have a good range of characters to hook into. Ok, admittedly I'm a total sucker for this stuff. Perhaps because I spent my adolescence watching real bitchy rich kids get rewarded for their shallowness... I enjoy the TV fiction version where they suffer and struggle to overcome their vapidity a lot better. ;)

Definitely a keeper for me. I like Dan a lot--he's probably my favourite so far. His dad's a close second, and how weird is it for me that I'm feeling caught between generations on this show? The whole 'forgotten band of the nineties' thing made me feel very old. ;) Though I choose to believe that this will just double the fun for me on the show--I can ship the kids and the parents! :D

I thought both Blaire (Blare? Blair?) and Serena were very well cast--Serena actually succeeded in seeming 'nice' and B has got the queen bitch thing down pat. The rest of the boys didn't do much for me character-wise but nice eye candy. So far, I've got very few complaints and am looking forward to the next ep!

Pushing Daisies
This was the other real winner in my eyes. I found it completely disarmingly adorable. I love the surrealism and old-fashioned storytelling style. Though I do wonder how they will manage to sustain it. The central premise is fascinating and I found myself really hooked into the concept. Imagine you couldn't pat your own dog! :( The lead guy seems completely lovely--I think I've fallen for him already, which is probably a big part of why I like the show. I'm sad that the lead chick is such a skinny little thing (could she eat more?) but despite that she totally charmed me. I thought the chemistry between the two of them was great too and found it completely adorable when they smooshed monkeys and held their own hands. /smitten

Loved the pilot, thought it was very well written and put together. But I'm just slightly nervous to see how it will go on an ongoing basis. It felt like a great idea for a film, rather than a TV series. We'll see!

I watched House too and as usual have little to say about it. *g*

Comments

[yamakasi.livejournal.com]

*averts eyes*

you couldn't have waited a couple of days for heroes/house/bionic woman? XD; they start here this week, you know.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Haha! I know. Well, I didn't know about Bionic Woman... I think I'll try and catch that one on Aus tv. But I work long hours during the week and basically never watch TV in the evenings--they're spent cooking, walking the dog and tumbling into bed. Sundays were my best chance. Once I settle down and decide on show priorities though, I may tape from Aus tv and catch up on the weekends. House and Heroes will probably be watched that way given that I'm not passionately attached to either.

[duskwillow.livejournal.com]

I kind of agree that Heroes lack heart, but personally I like that. It's shiny and pretty, and fun. There are many characters I love, but I can survive when they are not in the episode because there are so many of them. Plus I can only have so many shows with heart, because then I fall too much and that can be too painful (f.e. SV).

I noticed the vibe between Hispanic brother and sister, but they were boring so I ignored it. I did like the new school kid.
I also thought that it was amusing how Claire called Nathan, and then both of them sighed how they miss Peter. *g* And Nathan in Peter's old jacket in that first scene...
Parkman and Mohinder both raising Molly? Mwa ha ha. Too much.
Especially as both Nathan and Parkman got divorced. All original het couples - dead. Slash - better than ever! \o/

I also enjoyed Chuck.
That dance scene - so hot!

Yay, another Pushing Daisies fan! Next to Life, that's my favourite pilot this year. :)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Plus I can only have so many shows with heart, because then I fall too much and that can be too painful (f.e. SV).
Awww! That actually makes sense. :) That level of emotional involvement/commitment can be tiring.

Parkman and Mohinder both raising Molly? Mwa ha ha. Too much.
Especially as both Nathan and Parkman got divorced. All original het couples - dead. Slash - better than ever! \o/
Yeah, right! It was too crazy. I think my mind just rebelled against that because Parkman/Mohinder is not a ship I can really get behind, surrogate child or no surrogate child. ;)

So Life was good? Hmm... might have to check that out too. I'm not big on cop shows, but I do like the lead guy (from Band of Brothers).

[tragicllyhip.livejournal.com]

WOah thats a lot of tv, lol. I saw most of the shows you mentioned, and I feel the same about Heroes as you do, it has no soul so I don't really care about most of the characters, Mr. Bennett is really good though, the only interesting character at this point. When Peter lost his memory, all I thought was 'great now he'll be even more freaking emo'. I'll watch because nothing else is on, but I doubt I'll be paying close attention.

I watched all the pilots on cable before they aired, and I half watched Journeyman and thought it was Ok, but then I realized there was no explanation given for why he could suddenly travel in time, and I'm certainly not watching it every week to find out. Why must every show have some freaking season long mystery now. Its a lame cop out.

Bionic Woman was horrid, very horrid and that girl cannot act and yea, won't be watching.

Gossip Girl is so not my thing, so I haven't watched since watching the pilot, are they teens? why are they hanging in bars drinking? *is confused*...oh and for the lead actress, squinting does not equal serious. She squinted her way through that teen movie who's name I don't remember.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not watching any shows that aren't on HBO or Showtime or don't star Tom Welling:) Journeyman dude was much better in Rome.

[tragicllyhip.livejournal.com]

Oh and whats Pushing Daisies?

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Mr. Bennett is really good though, the only interesting character at this point
Yup, I almost wish he was in a better show! He really does fascinate me and the actor is charismatic. The rest of them... meh.

When Peter lost his memory, all I thought was 'great now he'll be even more freaking emo'.
Right! ;)

are they teens? why are they hanging in bars drinking? *is confused*
Hee! They are RICH teens. Therefore substance abuse comes early. ;)

I'm not watching any shows that aren't on HBO or Showtime or don't star Tom Welling:) Journeyman dude was much better in Rome.
Nice policy. And I agree: he was. I'm not a fan of his American accent.

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

Two episodes into Gossip Girl and I like it but I cannot stand the sanctimonious so called "poor" family!!! I foresee many fast forwarded scenes involving them. As far as I'm concerned the guys only exist to push the Blair/Serena stories forward - I guess they need someone to fight/bond over. Nowadays, I rarely get up on my slash high horse, but in this case I am all about the Blairena!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I cannot stand the sanctimonious so called "poor" family!!!
Hee! Yeah those inverted commas are more than appropriate there. ;) I didn't find the son that sanctimonious, which is probably why I liked him best. The little sis is just a wannabe and I don't care for her.

the guys only exist to push the Blair/Serena stories forward
Hee! I can see that. They definitely felt like supporting cast. ;)

[bradcpu.livejournal.com]

Also, they're straining to the limits of that little girl's acting repertoire.
That's being extremely kind.

Heroes is probably the biggest hit-and-miss show I've ever seen - some truly terrific plotlines or episodes, and lots and lots of awful ones. So I try to enjoy what I can and ignore or mock the rest.

I wish I had finished my vid before the S2 premiere, though.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heroes is probably the biggest hit-and-miss show I've ever seen
Ditto! I think that's why I was on such an emotional roller coaster in S1 with it. I watched week by week and at first it elated me and then the comedown was ouchy. I got all bitter like a scorned lover. ;)

I try to enjoy what I can and ignore or mock the rest.
This is my approach too. Though I've seriously toned down my mocking after I offended some folks about the S1 finale!

I wish I had finished my vid before the S2 premiere, though.
Aww! I can understand you feeling that way but I believe there is a big market for a Noah Bennett vid at ANY time. *patient* (I really need an icon of him)

[serenography.livejournal.com]

Thank you for expressing how I feel about Heroes so much better than I can. I'm still going to watch, but I just don't *care* as much as I probably should. And that little girl was just distractingly bad.

I had to turn off Bionic Woman. I wonder if a different lead actress would have made a difference there though. Same with Journeyman. I didn't care about the leads at all, so the shows are simply meh for me.

I watched Reaper for a second time last night because my husband wanted to see it. I still like it a lot, but again, I think the charisma of the leads either makes or breaks a show for me, both the lead and the guy playing the devil are great fun to watch. I tend to like that kind of humor too. I feel pretty much the same about Chuck. Both are comedies I'll watch this season.

I'm being dragged into Gossip Girl by my daughter. So, I'm really hoping to like it more if I have to spend an entire season pretending to bond with her over it.

I'm mad that missed Pushing Daisies. Too much TV! Did you watch the FNL preem yet? I can't wait for that show to start up again. And omg, don't tell me that House was great, it's my husband's favorite show and I accidentally turned off the recording after about 5 minutes. He was NOT amused.

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

You haven't missed Pushing Daisies. It premiers on Wednesday on ABC at 8:00. A lot of people have been downloading it all summer.

[random-serious.livejournal.com]

For me, the problem with Heroes is that it lacks heart. It's all plot twists, scattered ensemble cast and shiny but shallow images.

Yes! Thank you! You just said what I've been trying to articulate about Heroes.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I've been working on that one all summer. ;)

[alissabobissa.livejournal.com]

clearly the creative team put their heads together over the hiatus and decided that not only did they need more characters, they needed more INCEST. Yuh. Sure, guys!
Hahahahahaa, I know, right? I'm just waiting for Nathan and Peter to make out when they find each other again.

Katee is mesmerising
YES! I'm so glad the first sequence was about her because i was hooked from there. I'm with you: I'll watch regardless just for Katee.

Reaper was okay and I hope Kevin McKidd's show becomes less confusing, but I think Chuck won me over (and I don't like the sister either).

YAY for TV premiere week and wrap up reviews! Thanks for sharing. :D

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I'm just waiting for Nathan and Peter to make out when they find each other again.
Ah yes, the good old 'separate them so their hearts can grow even fonder' technique!

I'm with you: I'll watch regardless just for Katee.
I actually spent most of the episode cursing her brilliance. Why, oh why must it be showcased in such a craptastic setting?! *weeps* I am helpless to her despite this.

I hope Kevin McKidd's show becomes less confusing
Meh. I doubt it. I've pretty much bailed on it already.

Chuck won me over (and I don't like the sister either
Oh good! I thought I was going to be alone in liking that show (and disliking the sis--how vapid was she?!).

[jude-judith82.livejournal.com]

But did anyone else find Claire creeping off to make secret phonecalls to her real biological father just a little creepy? Especially since he was acting like a scorned lover. And they were emo-ing over their shared loss, with papa downing drinks in a seedy bar and Claire sprawled suggestively on her bed. Ahem.

Thank god I wasn't the only one that felt that way. I was somewhat uncomfortable during that scene and then Peter Pan was watching her. Yeah I didn't see that coming *rolls eyes*


I haven't watched any of the other shows. I'm kind of cutting back on my television watching this year but after reading your reviews I may check Pushing Daisies out.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I was somewhat uncomfortable during that scene
Oh, good, it wasn't just me!

and then Peter Pan was watching her. Yeah I didn't see that coming *rolls eyes*
Right! Most obvious plot 'twist' ever!

Cutting back on shows is kind of a good idea. In a way I feel better after checking out the pilots and knowing I'm not missing much. I'll give Pushing Daisies a run though as it was just really original and gorgeous and I'd love to see where they take it.

[pep-singer.livejournal.com]

I *love* Gossip Girl. I'm like, obsessed. I'm reading the books for it (I'm on #4), and I just love them. It's a guilty pleasure. Also, it's the only teen show I've ever watched where everyone in the cast can act. That, in itself, is impressive.

And even though I do like Heroes, I agree that it lacks heart. I'm just not emotionally invested in the characters yet.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

it's the only teen show I've ever watched where everyone in the cast can act. That, in itself, is impressive
It is! And I agree. For a 'throwaway', popcorn teen show it was remarkably well acted. I have a bit of a soft spot for teen novels of that sort, though I haven't read this series.

[never-evil.livejournal.com]

Haha I guess we are the complete opposite on certain stuff...

Like Heroes: I really liked the Maya/Alejandro thing because mostly I love sibling relationships and I can't think of many brother-sister pairs on current shows. Usually its all about the Brothers these days...not that I am complaining about that XD

Hmmm I think Claire herself told HRG he should stop being so overprotective and let her come to school alone. From his POV though it seems to me understandable. The whole Bennet family should still be a bit jittery & paranoid after last season. As for HRG kicking ass - that he most certainly DID!

As for Nathan poor guy - I think it is very reprehensible though wholly sweet that he seems to have given up his whole life in a drunken stupor - wife, kids and all just because his brother is dead. He can't even seem to be a father figure to Caire at the moment. Man I don't know why I love him XD

LOL I actually loved Journeyman and am intrigued to see the direction it will take while Gossip Girl I have heard a lot about but think I am going to detest it. I didn't like OC much either - even if it was on occasion addicting.

I saw Chuck. The beginning Bryce sequence was superawesome, the rest was OK.

[never-evil.livejournal.com]

Wait *headesk* Lest you think I mean Maya/Alejandro in a slashy way -- that's not what I meant. I just meant I liked seeing the their dynamics. LOL you can never be too careful these days XD

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Now I see why you share my "oppressed by TV" feeling--I think you're actually watching more shows than I am!

I actually agree with you about "Gossip Girls" being one of the best new pilots; I just need someone I can identify with if I'm going to put up with a show with that level of bitchiness, and I didn't see that in the 30 minutes of it I watched.

You finished Bionic Woman! Oh, Katee, Katee, the things we do for you. I am probably going to at least tape the next episode to see if it gets better, but if it fails to hook me I'm not sure even slashy girlfights in the rain will keep me there.

I'm looking forward to Pushing Daisies, but it hasn't aired here yet, so I skipped over that part of your review. I heard it was good, though.

And as for Heroes: a lot of people keep saying it lacks heart, you're not the only one, which makes me wonder if I'm just seeing things that aren't there? It's possible I do just like that show for the shiny, though, and for Noah, Claire, and Hiro.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I just need someone I can identify with if I'm going to put up with a show with that level of bitchiness, and I didn't see that in the 30 minutes of it I watched
Right! I can understand that. I think I'm lacking that too at the moment, but it still has the most potential. It always takes me a while to attach to characters (with the exceptions of Lois and Lee) so I'm patient. So far, Dan's my best chance.

if it fails to hook me I'm not sure even slashy girlfights in the rain will keep me there.
Oh, but they were SOOOOO slashy. And there was also a bar scene where Katee hit on Michelle. :D It was most amusing. Though if they don't keep up the slash constantly, my attention will def'ly wander.

It's possible I do just like that show for the shiny, though, and for Noah, Claire, and Hiro.
The characters are cool concepts, so I guess if you can project heart on to them, it works for you? I just don't see it innately on the show. Apart from for Noah. I've come to terms with the fact that my liking of Nathan is purely superficial--when he's not being hot, I'm bored. ;)

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

Oh, Boppy, I guess I differ with you about Heroes. I agree that this was a very bad episode, (I actually fell asleep during the last ten minutes and haven’t rewatched) but in general the show is starting to grow on me. I think it has a heart but it doesn’t always show it. There are too many characters. But I like Claire and Horned-Rims and Micah and Hiro. I wrote about it here (http://daybreak777.livejournal.com/21484.html) if you’re interested.

I just don’t really follow the Heroes plot. I guess I’m in the minority. BSG sets the bar so high (usually), but I don’t expect all shows to be that good. It’s like expecting everyone to be a genius. I just want to be entertained. A friend got me into Heroes but after the season finale, I grudgingly admit I’m hooked. I don’t rush home for it or set the VCR for it or even feel bad if I miss an episode. But every so often, it is really, really good. Like when Claire hugs her father really, really tight or when Ando tries to protect Hiro or when Micah looks at his mom and you know he’s the one taking care of her. Sigh. The show is so uneven though. There have been moments when I was just done with it and then these other moments happen and I'm pulled right back in.

Claire and Nathan have always had a weird vibe. I sometimes think Nathan has kind of subtle cesty vibe with all of his relatives, including his mother. It’s not bad, it’s just weird. He lacks . . . warmth? It's like he can't feel things in the right way. I know I'm not explaining this right. Hmm.

I also really liked BW. But mostly for Katee. I think the other actors have to grow a bit into their roles. I remember not everyone liked Katee in the BSG mini-series and look at her now. I’ll give them a little leeway.

Gossip Girl! Yay! I really will be surprised if this survives the season. I don’t like the girl who plays Serena in the pilot, but she seemed a bit better in the second ep. And I’ve read most of the books. It’s hard to make the transition from books to the screen so I’ll have to see. But it was definitely entertaining. The cute boys will keep me watching for a while too. I’ve said it before, I’m a little shallow. :-)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

It’s like expecting everyone to be a genius.
Yeah, I guess. I think Heroes, for me, suffers in comparison to Smallville, which is another comic-book, light entertainment show but which has buckets of heart.

Claire and Nathan have always had a weird vibe. I sometimes think Nathan has kind of subtle cesty vibe with all of his relatives, including his mother
*nods* He really does. I think he suffers a little bit from the 'has sexual charisma with everything, even inanimate objects' syndrome. ;)

. It’s hard to make the transition from books to the screen so I’ll have to see
Oh, yes, I can imagine. I think I'm lucky I haven't read the books.

The cute boys will keep me watching for a while too. I’ve said it before, I’m a little shallow. :-)
Oh me too! I have my thinky shows and then I have my silly shallow stuff and Gossip Girl looks like being GREAT for that!

[frolicndetour.livejournal.com]

Heroes: That was her father? Oh.
Yeah, that was one of the things that scared me about TWoP thread; Everyone was all "incest, squeee! My ovaries just burst!!' Me: *twitch*. I didn't notice it between the other couples but then sometimes I need to be beaten over the head to get these things. Though the scene with Molly had me wondering why TV parents have to be either horrifically abusive or total wusses. If I had screamed at either of my parents like that I would have been a smear on the kitchen floor. Oh, well.

Oh, Katee! Why must your show be so crap?!
Heh. That was basically my review, only concise.;) Michelle Ryan is no master thesbian, that's for sure, but I'm honestly not sure how much to blame her and how much to blame the writing. Katee has the advantage in that her character's supposed to be insane, so she doesn't have to make sense, and she can totally commit to her horrific dialogue 'cause that's what a campy villain does. But how are you supposed to play it when the script calls for you to leave your boyfriend dying on the floor to chase after his would-be assassin, and then give her a ciggy break? Yikes. Apparently the woman who wrote this script has also perpetrated some other bad shows, and unfortunately her name is right under Eick's in the credits. Which is so sad because Katee really was mesmerizing, and I'm already halfway to shipping her and Jae Kim. I mean he shot her and I'm sure she'll beat the crap out of him at some point, and apparently that's my thing. ;)

So I think I will watch it, but not as a high priority.

Well at least then we can commiserate about Things We Must Do for Actors We Like. ;)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heroes: That was her father? Oh.
Hahahaha! Yes. Welcome to Heroes! Last season I ran a weekly 'incest watch'.

that was one of the things that scared me about TWoP thread; Everyone was all "incest, squeee! My ovaries just burst!!'\
Er, yeah. Heroes fandom is creepy. And you haven't seen them squeeing over brain-eating psychopaths yet... my f'list started to fill up with people who wanted to have Sylar's babies last season... *disturbed*

Though the scene with Molly had me wondering why TV parents have to be either horrifically abusive or total wusses. If I had screamed at either of my parents like that I would have been a smear on the kitchen floor. Oh, well.
I think she gets to be a brat because a) she has powers and b) she's just being fostered and Parkman is a big daft softie and c) her parents got eaten by Sylar.

how are you supposed to play it when the script calls for you to leave your boyfriend dying on the floor to chase after his would-be assassin, and then give her a ciggy break? Yikes.
I hear you. But then I watch Smallville where the actors are asked to do such nonsensical things all the time... and somehow they pull it off. At least more of the time than Michelle did. Though to be fair, it took most of the SV leads three seasons to find their groove. ;)

Apparently the woman who wrote this script has also perpetrated some other bad shows
Ha! I will put her on my 'avoid' list.

I mean he shot her and I'm sure she'll beat the crap out of him at some point, and apparently that's my thing. ;)
It has potential... especially with the whole 'tell me you love me' stuff. Though that was a little too heavy-handed for my taste. But Katee sold it anyway!

Well at least then we can commiserate about Things We Must Do for Actors We Like. ;)
Oh, for sure ... I'm already bracing for Jamie's b-grade horror flick. And don't get me started on the Smallville actors' side projects. *shudders*

[katiebugs18.livejournal.com]

YEAH! Return of the incest watch! Seriously, this is one of the only reasons I'm still watching this show. That and to see Noah kick his boss' ass some more because that totally rocked. And Nathan and Claire both pinning for Peter...ummm yeah. Oh and the brother and sister that are so not acting brother/sisterish...I think they're going to be fun for this particular installment.

It's really sad that this is the enjoyment I get out of this show: how inappropriate can the families be? Yeah.

I have absolutely no interest in Bionic Woman except I really want to see Katee so I'm hoping that somewhere along the line someone will just post a montage of her scenes on YouTube or something. Fingers crossed.

Pushing Daisies starts Thursday here in the US and I'm relatively excited. Glad to know you like it. :-)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

It's kinda sad, yeah. ;)

I'm hoping that somewhere along the line someone will just post a montage of her scenes on YouTube or something. Fingers crossed.
I think there's a high chance of that! What a good policy. :D

[kristiinthedark.livejournal.com]

Aw, hee, I did like Reaper. I LOVED Chuck, but I liked Reaper quite a bit, as well. And I finally saw an entire episode of Heroes when I watched the pilot. It was fairly enjoyable, and I can see myself getting hooked. Also watched Grey's Anatomy for the first time, as well as Ugly Betty. I have watched A LOT of tv lately. For me, anyway!

Hmmm. what else? Oh yeah, OMG BIONIC WOMAN. It could not have sucked more. Oh, Katee. *cries for you and us*

Hi, Boppy! YAY FOR TV!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heee! I'm glad I have a Chuck buddy. Seems like everyone else prefers Reaper...

I have secretly become addicted to Ugly Betty, little k! Eep!

And yeah Bionic Woman sucked. *weeps*

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

We watched the same stuff!

Heroes: You know, I don't actually disagree with the argument that the show lacks heart, but I've found that I don't really care that it does. Sometimes, I do want to watch something just to see how the plot twists and turns. And honestly, if I gave everything the level of emotional investment in the characters that I give to Smallville, I'd be one exhausted TV viewer. *g* So I guess Heroes is my guilty pleasure. I don't feel guilty for liking it because its quality is so poor, but rather I enjoy it like one enjoys guilty pleasures: I don't ask much of it beyond "keep me engaged for an hour or so," and it does that for me. And I do like several of the characters, so I'll keep watching even though it doesn't always move me emotionally.

Bionic Woman: I'm going to give it two more episodes before I decide whether to drop or keep it. I do think Michelle Ryan is somewhat miscast because she's not particularly believable right now as a badass, but I also think there's room for her to grow into the part in a way that suits the story. IOW, Jamie has to come to terms with what's happened to her, so Ryan's ... greeness as an actor works for where the character is in the story right now.

The other reason I'm willing to give BW a chance is because from what I understand, the creative team recognized there were "issues" and there's been some course correction going on behind the scenes. But my time these days is very limited, so if it doesn't get more engaging in the next two weeks, I'm giving it the cut direct.

Journeyman: I redid my pedicure while it was on, so yeah, I'm with you on "could that have been any more boring?" The answer is "only if it actually -- instead of just figuratively -- put me to sleep." And I wanted to like it, because I loved Kevin McKidd on Rome and I really enjoyed Moon Bloodgood on Daylight. But it was a snooze-fest of the highest order.

Reaper: I think it has room to grow. I found the cast to be very appealing, but the writing wasn't as charming/engaging as the actors were. I don't know how much involvement Kevin Smith will have with it on a day-to-day basis, so I can't say how much of the 'Kevin Smith'-ness of the pilot is a function of the fact that he also directed it. I know what you mean about KS, though -- I'm not quite on wavelength that's necessary to really appreciate the slacker-chic humor/dynamic (like, I don't think Clerks is nearly as funny as a lot of other people do) and I can see where, if his influence on a weekly basis is as strong as it was in the pilot, the show could grow very thin for me very quickly. But Ray Wise is really a keeper as Satan and for him alone, I'm willing to give it a few more weeks to really win me over.

Chuck: ITA that the ridiculousness of this one is part of its charm. I'm not sure that tone/dynamic can be sustained for 22 hours, which is why I'm not letting myself get overly attached to it, but as shiny, happy, silly spy-candy, it's working for me right now. And I do enjoy Adam Baldwin as Casey. Give me a Cranky Misanthrope who's nevertheless trying to do what he believes is the right thing for the right reasons, and I'll go there with you, at least for a while.

Gossip Girl: This one didn't work for me, largely because there wasn't a single character that I liked or identified with or admired. I have to have at least one character with whom I can do at least one of those things for a show to grab me enough to watch it on a regular basis. So far, GG doesn't have one. But I agree that it was well-acted and it is beautifully filmed.

Pushing Daisies: I have heard nothing but good things about this and it's definitely the premiere I've most been anticipating. I'm looking forward to checking it out tomorrow night.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

And honestly, if I gave everything the level of emotional investment in the characters that I give to Smallville, I'd be one exhausted TV viewer. *g*
I hear you! That's actually very true. And I think it's why I will keep watching Heroes anyway, but I probably won't meta it as much. Though who knows?

I'm going to give it two more episodes before I decide whether to drop or keep it.
Good idea, and I think I'll do the same. I didn't know about the course corrections behind the scenes--that makes me even more inclined to reserve judgment. I also think TV pilots have really improved in recent years but they used to be terribly clunky and I've seen more than one show recover from a clunky pilot!

And I wanted to like it, because I loved Kevin McKidd on Rome
Right! Me too! But no.

(like, I don't think Clerks is nearly as funny as a lot of other people do)
Me neither!

Ray Wise is really a keeper as Satan and for him alone, I'm willing to give it a few more weeks to really win me over.
That seems a key drawcard for many people, but he honestly didn't do much for me. *shrugs* One of those personal things--he just didn't click for me and without that extra hook I think I'll be drifting elsewhere.

I'm not letting myself get overly attached to it, but as shiny, happy, silly spy-candy, it's working for me right now.
Yeah, early days but it seems fun so I'll keep watching it while I'm still enjoying it.

So far, GG doesn't have one.
Honestly it doesn't really have one for me either and I think the only thing tugging me to this show is that I was conditioned at an early age to get hooked on bitchy elite school stories... I rather wish it wasn't so, but it's one of my things. /ashamed

I'm looking forward to checking it out tomorrow night.
Hope the hype doesn't spoil it for you. My reservations are to do with where they'll go from here but I loved the pilot and found the lead very endearing.

[bananainpyjamas.livejournal.com]

Random comment attack!

Did you ever finish/post that Lee vid you'd been talking about? I feel I may have completely missed it.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hee!

This Lee vid? (http://bop-radar.livejournal.com/124854.html) :)

Reposting 'cause something weird happened

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Not sure why the original post of this comment ended up as a reply to someone else's comment--that's vv strange.

I'm amused at the icon that was randomly selected by LJ hook, so I'm leaving it despite its seasonal inappropriateness.

I finally got to see Pushing Daisies, and I agree almost word for word with what you said about it.
I found it completely disarmingly adorable. I love the surrealism and old-fashioned storytelling style. Though I do wonder how they will manage to sustain it.

Yes, I loved it. I found it very Lemony Snicket-esque, for some reason, but I knew from the moment I saw the bright oversaturated colors and heard the narration I would love it, but like you I'm pretty curious about how they're going to sustain it. It does seem more like a movie concept than a series concept--unless it is going to just become an odd detective show? But that's not what was charming about the premiere.


The central premise is fascinating and I found myself really hooked into the concept. Imagine you couldn't pat your own dog! :(

Since I had been spoiled about the "second touch leads to death" thing just from the promos, I was thoroughly expecting him to accidentally kill his dog after resurrecting him. I'm pretty amused, actually, that the writers thought viewers could cope more with the trauma of him accidentally killing [or un-vivifying] his mom than his dog! I wonder if he can pet his dog if he's wearing gloves? I guess you wouldn't really want to try that experiment in case it didn't work.

The lead guy seems completely lovely--I think I've fallen for him already, which is probably a big part of why I like the show.
Oh me too! He's adorable! Apparently he was on Wonderfalls, too, which I watched about three eps of before it was cancelled, but I don't remember him from that at all. I completely love his obsession with pie, btw. I also really liked Chuck a lot. She's surprisingly calm about the whole "resurrected from the dead" thing, and her aunts are hilarious.

I really love this particular quirky style of show, and I love all the leads (except maybe Kristen Chenowith, but she's SUPPOSED to be annoying, so I guess she' s well cast), but I really can't imagine where they're going to go with this.

Re: Reposting 'cause something weird happened

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

unless it is going to just become an odd detective show? But that's not what was charming about the premiere.
Right! I'm not sure that's what I want... but fingers crossed the inventiveness of the pilot continues and they work out something enjoyable.

I wonder if he can pet his dog if he's wearing gloves? I guess you wouldn't really want to try that experiment in case it didn't work.
Right! You really wouldn't. I love how we got to see the accidental death caused by the dog (squirrel) and then the fly that ended up taking mum's life!

I completely love his obsession with pie, btw.
Same! I actually hope there is MORE pie in episodes to come! :D

She's surprisingly calm about the whole "resurrected from the dead" thing, and her aunts are hilarious.
Yes! They're so quirky. And Chuck seems a cut above the average heroine so far due to her odd calm-in-the-face-of-bizarities-and-death. I like!

except maybe Kristen Chenowith, but she's SUPPOSED to be annoying, so I guess she' s well cast
Yup. She could get seriously grating though.

I'm on tenterhooks for the second episode because I feel like that's where we'll really see where it's going. I hope so much that it manages to keep up the charm because the quirkiness played perfectly to me so far. So glad you liked it too! Fingers crossed!