The previews to this show and writeup made it sound interesting. Sure enough, so far I think I'm hooked. It's like a TV version of "Falling Down" where a middle-aged guy has had it. Of course, the terminal illness helps too. But how cool, he's dying anyway, so he's going to try to make some money for his family before he's gone. It's fun to see this kind of "what if I was in that situation" kind of stuff play out.
I should also highlight jPod. The show is so dark, the characters all intertwined and unique, and you can tell it's well thought out. It's been a great companion for me at the gym when I am in mental anguish on the treadmill...
A new show called "Burn Notice" popped up so I gave it a shot. Two thumbs up. The way it is narrated and the storyline is great. Even threw in Bruce Campbell into the mix. I love that the ex-girlfriend is the crazy killer type too. This show better stick around. There aren't many shows with such good humor like that. Dexter (Showtime) is another one to keep. But instead of spies, replace it with bloody forensic cop stuff. Both are shot in Miami too. What a coincidence!
First post in this new category. So let's get talking!
Rescue Me (FX)
I was eagerly waiting for this show to start back up. Sadly though, it hasn't met up to its previous seasons' potential. There's almost too many character hassles, not enough of the "old boys" bullshitting around the table, catching tail, etc. Now we've got insurance scams and other dramas that in the past were solved with some old school crazy Denis Leary type shit. Each episode I'm waiting for more of the crazy stuff we've come to love in the past, but it seems like now the crazy scenes are few and far between. However when Colleen tells her dad to "eat shit and die" that did make me laugh.
Okay, I was a little harsh. In episode 403, 17-19 mins in, THAT is kind of the dialog we want to see again.
The Loop (FOX)
This show started out with a variety of unique characters, unique vocabulary and funny situations. I was sad to see the two main girls/roommates not come back this season. Not only were they great eye candy, but the ditzy blond (Lizzy) was a great random character on the cast. In place of them they have now added in a college friend of Sam's (Derek) who is hilarious and played up Darcy (his overachieving secretary) more. At least the boss (Russ) and his #2 (Meryl) are still there, and of course Sully, who is still as awesome as ever.
This season though I am not sure what I think. Taking out two of the main characters and now making each show even more chaotic than the last might wind up alienating enough people (I am already partially alienated myself) to end this show after this season. It already looks like FOX might be trying to dump it fast, airing multiple new shows back-to-back each week. They've got great character talents to tap, I think the writers just need to think back how they approached things in season one and get back to the show's roots. Oh yeah, bring back Lizzy and Piper!
Standoff (FOX)
I am in love with this show! The two main characters complement each other so well - giving each other ideas on the job but always maintaining the tension of lovers. It's also cool to see a "behind-the-scenes" of what Hollywood portrays as an FBI hostage negotiation unit. All the characters serve their own special roles, using technology and psychology (and sometimes guns, if necessary.) It seems like the show is well-directed and well-financed. Sadly though I think this show is doomed. After a hiatus it has come back with a few episodes to close out season one. I hope a season two will emerge and be just as good. Not to mention that Raquel Alessi is one of the hottest women on TV in my opinion... and she also happens to play the technical genius... even better.
The Showbiz Show with David Spade (Comedy Central)
What is there to say about this... other than it is awesome. It's great to see Spade act as an everyman and identify with the public, making fun of celebrities and not being politically correct at all. Calling his audience "motherfuckers" is nothing surprising. I enjoy when he goes on a rant and is able to relate it back to real men and women, like those in Iraq and Afghansitan. Celebrities get away with too much and there are too many shows highlighting stupid shit ("what did Tom Cruise eat last night?") so it is nice for one to be in a format to completely bash them.