With this fall’s returning lineup, who needs outside?
Drama
“Battlestar Galactica” (Sci Fi, Friday) – Forget the ridiculous name and the fact that it airs on the Sci Fi channel, because Ronald Moore’s ambitious re-imagining of the campy ’70s series is the most compelling show on.
Galactica’s production is flawless. And although the gritty adult drama takes place in space, it is grounded by stunning performances from James Edward Olmos and a fantastic supporting cast.
Launching just after the second season’s shocking finale, the third season promises to be darker and more accessible to casual viewers. Don’t miss the series Time magazine called “the best drama of 2005.”
“Veronica Mars” (The CW, Tuesday) – television’s wittiest teen detective has yet to solve the biggest mystery surrounding her riveting neo-noir drama: why no one is watching!
Despite widespread critical acclaim from everyone from Stephen King to “Clerks” director Kevin Smith, this ratings-deprived masterwork of serialized storytelling has yet to become a breakout hit, despite nurturing a loyal fanbase.
While the new CW network has only ordered 13 episodes for the show’s third season, fans are crossing their fingers with hope that the show will find its audience. Endearing, intelligent and always surprising, “Veronica Mars” is a show that should not be missed.
“Lost” (ABC, Wednesday) – While it is no longer the ratings juggernaught it once was, the most mystifying drama on television returns to answer some fundamental questions and pose several more.
While the second season explored many of the mysteries surrounding the hatch, season three will delve into who exactly the duplicitous “Henry Gale” and his island-bound Others are.
The third season will also introduce a slew of new characters and finally answer the question that has REALLY been on everyone’s mind since the show’s inception: who is Kate going to hook up with? (Here’s a hint: things are looking good for Sawyer/Kate fans.)
“House” (Fox, Tuesday) – Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie proves, once again, that cynicism truly is the best medicine.
As Dr. Gregory House M.D., Laurie injects the often stale and “prescribed” medical drama with a healthy dose of humor and humanity, making “House” one of the few medical dramas that can actually make the series’ medical aspect as interesting as its quirky titular character.
The show’s third season has already begun and it picked up right where the finale ended: with House deciding whether or not to take risky treatment that could put him into a coma in order to recover from a gunshot wound.
Comedy
“The Simpsons” (Fox, Sunday) – Beginning a monumental 18th season, television’s favorite animated family (sorry Stewie) is also approaching their 400th episode.
And with a feature film on track for July 2007 (just in time for the show’s 20th anniversary), it appears that there has never been a better time to be a “Simpsons” fan.
The upcoming season will feature Moe as a poet, give fan-favorite yokel Kletus the spotlight and feature a “Treehouse of Horror” episode with the voice talents of Richard Lewis, Fran Drescher and Dr. Phil.
“The Office” (NBC, Thursday) – Ironically enough, this zany, Steve Carrell-helmed British import sparked watercooler buzz in actual offices across the country as viewers eagerly awaited what would become of Jim’s hapless crush on engaged Dunder-Mifflin secretary, Pam.
Come Thursday, Sept. 21, fans will finally have their answer in the form of fallout from the kiss the two shared during the second season’s finale. Season three will also feature an episode written by the creator of the show’s British predecessor and introduce new cast members, including Carrell’s fellow “Daily Show” correspondent Ed Helms.
“South Park” (Comedy Central, Wednesday) – While the 10th season of Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s raucous animated satire has already featured the return of a chef brainwashed by child molesters, manatees responsible for the haphazard writing on “Family Guy,” Towliee as a controversial book author and Al Gore ranting about the supposed existence of a “Manbearpig,” much more is still to come!
Combining sardonic political, religious and pop culture commentary with crude potty humor has evolved into this show’s ingenious trademark, and this biting gem of the airwaves shows no signs of slowing down!
Mack Perry is a TV critic for the Utah Statesman and a master of all things pop culture. Comments can be send to mackp@cc.usu.edu.