Spies, nerds, babies and fairy tales – What are you watching?
Fall means the weather gets colder, the leaves change color and a whole new crop of television shows start to pop up on your TiVo. Some of them are doomed to drift into the netherworld of failed pilots, others will turn into the smash-hit shows that will someday be sold in overpriced box sets. But until the critics have determined which ones are worth watching, here’s my lineup for the fall of 2011.
1. Chuck
NBC’s geek-spy thriller is back for its farewell season — and since “Chuck” is known for ending every season with a bang, I’m expecting great things from its swan song. For those of you who haven’t been following since season one, I recommend you go immediately to your nearest retailer to purchase every season, then proceed to watch them in one sitting. It’s that good. “Chuck” is the story of an endearing nerd who downloads government secrets into his brain and becomes a human computer, then falls for the gorgeous CIA agent sent to protect him. As sad as I am to see such a fantastic show end, I’m anticipating great things from the last season of “Chuck.”
2. Big Bang Theory
There is nothing I do not love about “Big Bang Theory,” and I’m thrilled to see a show this good picking up steam. The show follows four super-smart physicists and their blond bombshell neighbor. The dialogue is hilarious and smart, and the show has been consistent in its awesomeness since the pilot. It’s not just on my “to watch” list; it’s on my “drop everything and run to watch” list.
3. New Girl
Basically, I will watch anything with Zooey Deschanel — especially an entire show of her playing a dorky, unapologetic free spirit named Jess, who has just gone through a bad breakup and moves into an apartment full of single guys. The four of them bond to form a unique, dysfunctional family. Though the previews make it look more like a film than a TV show, and I’m skeptical that the premise can sustain a plot for much longer than a season, I’m excited. Even if the writing is mediocre, Zooey’s all around adorableness may just give this show the boost it needs to be a winner.
4. Up All Night
Christina Applegate, of many failed TV pilots, and Will Arnett, of even more, have teamed up to star in what may finally be a winner. “Up All Night” is an irreverent look at new parenthood for a formerly wild couple. From the look of the commercials, it has a low-key, deadpan quality to its humor. Because I love Will Arnett, from “Arrested Development,” and Christina Applegate, from everything, this one’s pretty high up on my list.
5. Terra Nova
Now that “Lost” is over, we all need a new, overly complicated, ambiguous drama to have us leaning toward the TV. Enter “Terra Nova,” Fox’s new drama about a family from the year 2149 who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth, where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to rebuild their dying earth. Considering how few shows there are on TV that include dinosaurs, this is one to watch simply for the unique factor. Plus if it’s going to be the next “Lost,” I don’t want to have to come in halfway.
6. Once Upon A Time
This is one of two fairytale-themed shows coming this fall. Because I love Jennifer Morrison, formerly Cameron on “House,” and because the previews are more appealing, this one is the one I will be watching. The show follows Emma Swan, a troubled woman who moves to a small town in Maine where fairytales are real. As averse as I now am to any character with the last name Swan (Thanks, “Twilight!”), this one looks pretty cool — crossing my fingers it’s awesome.
7. Pan Am
From the look of the posters, it’s easy to write “Pan Am” off as another version of “Mad Men.” But the series, detailing the pilots and flight attendants of the once most glamorous way to fly, looks like it has much more to offer than vintage eye candy. This show has a little intrigue, a little espionage, and — okay, a whole lot of vintage eye candy.
8. Modern Family
You’d be hard pressed to find a more hilarious show with as much heart as “Modern Family.” The show is back for its third season with a well deserved handful of Emmy’s in tow. There’s really not a whole lot of plot — just three families dealing with the challenges of home life, which rings true for every viewer. This is the show I watch when I just want to feel good. Every episode of “Modern Family” leaves me smiling. I’m excited for another season of happiness.
9. Smash
“Smash” looks like it’s NBC attempting to capitalize off “Glee” success — broadway stars, big musical numbers and dancing men. The show presents an idealized process of getting a Broadway musical — the musical in question is about Marilyn Monroe — up on the stage. While I definitely feel like it’s a little gimmicky, I will probably watch it — not because I feel like the world needs more “Glee” — mostly because I like Broadway.
10. Prime Suspects
I’m not into cop shows, but something about the previews for this one grabbed me. Maybe it’s Maria Bello. Maybe it’s her awesome fedora. And even if this is just another one of these rogue, play-by-my-own-rules cops shows, I will probably watch it. Hopefully it can find an angle that will set it apart.
— m.van911@aggiemail.usu.edu