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Whew. Strange as it sounds, TV took a back seat the last few days. Was gone all weekend at a wedding (which you can read about here and here, if you're so inclined), then out a couple days on business. But I mowed thru all the shows and caught up on Mile-a-Minute Comments: 60 words or so per show...
Midterm Midtacular: Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert fuse their shows into a live two-headed monster that’s the only news worth watching. The more mature Daily Show has reached a level of consistent greatness, and the still-fledgling Colbert Report is revolutionary and razor-sharp. This live show was both a little loose and slightly staged, but again, truly – the only news worth watching.
Veronica Mars: Infidelity alert! Wallace takes the heat for cheating on his test. Veronica’s accused of cheating on a paper. Logan might be cheating on Veronica. Keith cheats death and becomes the “mister” (mister-ess?) of a cheating wife. Bellhop cheats his hotel by stealing a trunkload of product. And The CW might cheat us with only 13 episodes of this terrific show.
Friday Night Lights: Heartrendingly wonderful. Every single story works. Even potentially problematic plots like the paralyzed quarterback. Drawn out hospital scenes can go sappy and treacly real easy, but the Street/Lyla/Riggins love triangle is brutal and truthful. And the deepening dynamic between Coach and Tami Taylor is one of the more realistic relationships on TV. If you’re not watching, start now.
Studio 60: Wow, did I think this one was going wrong, as it seemed we were going to be asked to care whether the head of the network was going to be able to keep his financial investments in Macau. But no, we’re being asked to care because John Goodman is guest-starring, playing… John Goodman, kind of surly and a judge. Hmm...
Heroes: Not a banner installment, but still better than most of the network schedule. One of Heroes’ great strengths is big-time stuff happening in each episode; this one felt like it was treading water a tad. Nathan’s wheelchair-bound wife is an appealing new wrinkle, and Claire’s secret slightly exposed was good, but looks like next week should be a big hitter.
Prison Break: Oh, right. The impenetrable conspiracy concerning Michael & Lincoln’s father. Reared its ugly head tonight to remind viewers that… it makes no sense. I realize the show needs the scheme that put the boys behind bars, but it’s about as clear as the later “mythology episodes” of X-Files. And the Michael/Mahone showdown saved by a propane pipe? A bit much.
Battlestar Galactica: Doctor Baltar discovers a virus that could wipe out the entire Cylon threat. With safer shows, I’d say there’s no chance mankind would use it. On Galactica, tho? Dunno. It’s what makes this show special – characters grapple with difficult decisions, and actually make difficult choices. Add a tease about the identities of the “final five” Cylons? Whee! Stay tuned.
Midterm Midtacular: Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert fuse their shows into a live two-headed monster that’s the only news worth watching. The more mature Daily Show has reached a level of consistent greatness, and the still-fledgling Colbert Report is revolutionary and razor-sharp. This live show was both a little loose and slightly staged, but again, truly – the only news worth watching.
Veronica Mars: Infidelity alert! Wallace takes the heat for cheating on his test. Veronica’s accused of cheating on a paper. Logan might be cheating on Veronica. Keith cheats death and becomes the “mister” (mister-ess?) of a cheating wife. Bellhop cheats his hotel by stealing a trunkload of product. And The CW might cheat us with only 13 episodes of this terrific show.
Friday Night Lights: Heartrendingly wonderful. Every single story works. Even potentially problematic plots like the paralyzed quarterback. Drawn out hospital scenes can go sappy and treacly real easy, but the Street/Lyla/Riggins love triangle is brutal and truthful. And the deepening dynamic between Coach and Tami Taylor is one of the more realistic relationships on TV. If you’re not watching, start now.
Studio 60: Wow, did I think this one was going wrong, as it seemed we were going to be asked to care whether the head of the network was going to be able to keep his financial investments in Macau. But no, we’re being asked to care because John Goodman is guest-starring, playing… John Goodman, kind of surly and a judge. Hmm...
Heroes: Not a banner installment, but still better than most of the network schedule. One of Heroes’ great strengths is big-time stuff happening in each episode; this one felt like it was treading water a tad. Nathan’s wheelchair-bound wife is an appealing new wrinkle, and Claire’s secret slightly exposed was good, but looks like next week should be a big hitter.
Prison Break: Oh, right. The impenetrable conspiracy concerning Michael & Lincoln’s father. Reared its ugly head tonight to remind viewers that… it makes no sense. I realize the show needs the scheme that put the boys behind bars, but it’s about as clear as the later “mythology episodes” of X-Files. And the Michael/Mahone showdown saved by a propane pipe? A bit much.
Battlestar Galactica: Doctor Baltar discovers a virus that could wipe out the entire Cylon threat. With safer shows, I’d say there’s no chance mankind would use it. On Galactica, tho? Dunno. It’s what makes this show special – characters grapple with difficult decisions, and actually make difficult choices. Add a tease about the identities of the “final five” Cylons? Whee! Stay tuned.
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