I said I’d be writing weekly episode reviews. So far, that’s yet to happen. Which is my fault, but bear in mind that this site isn’t my full-time job. So rather than hastily write reviews of every episode of every show I’ve been watching, I’ll just do a show-by-show rundown:
House – House, as I’ve said before, is a good-to-average medical show with some of the most interesting characters on TV. The show is fairly predictable in terms of the medical content and the “patient of the week” storylines, but they’ve always been smart enough to prevent medicine from getting in the way. This season, I can barely recall any of the pantents (save the lovely Felicia Day), but I’ve been impressed with the way they’ve handled the growing tensions among House’s team. House hiring a Private Investigator to check up on Dr. Wilson and other members of his staff has made for some of the best scenes the show’s had in quite a while. And the subplot of Thirteen seeking anonymous lady-love was well-executed, despite Fox only highlighting the titillating aspects of it in ads for the episodes. All in all, I’d say it’s the strongest season the show’s had yet. B+
How I Met Your Mother – Understanding the behind-the-scenes goings-on of the show kind of made the “surprise” that Stella wasn’t the mother of Ted’s children less of a surprise. Obviously, Sarah Chalke can’t have a starring role in two series at once (even if Scrubs is only back for one more season), and other clues along the way did indicate that she was unlikely to be the mother. But with all that in mind, it’s been a good season so far. Not perfect, by any means, however. In addition to Stella being effectively written out, there was a very brief subplot of Robyn moving to Japan to be an international news anchor. It was over within two episodes. While I can respect the writers for not milking it, it still seemed like it would have been best left out altogether and just had Robyn quit her job at Metro News 1. But last night’s episode was about as good an episode as they’ve ever done, and there’s yet to be a real stinker of an episode, or a celebrity guest spot as questionable as Britney Spears’ two episodes as Abby from last season. But I’m still waiting for one as brilliant as “Okay Awesome”. B
The Office – I think it goes without saying that a show that focuses too much on a “will they or won’t they?” storyline is that when they eventually do (or don’t), it can take a lot of the best elements of the show out. While the first two seasons were very heavy on the Jim/Pam love story, and the storyline effectively climaxing in season 3, they were very smart about how they handled it in season 4 by emphasizing other storylines and characters. Season five takes it a step further by effectively denying Jim and Pam a “happily ever after” with Pam at art school in New York and Jim still in Scranton. But beyond that, they’ve also been a B or even C plot in most episodes. This season’s had some really great moments, like Michael and Darryl singing the blues, and Andy and Dwight’s continuing rivalry. There have been some missteps, like Pam and Jim’s brothers “pranking” him. It wasn’t funny, and it didn’t really add much, and lacked the edge of the other awkward moments on the show. But again, it’s been a strong season, despite it’s previous strongest element (Pam and Jim tension) being removed. A-
Dexter – Likewise with The Office, Dexter is trying to follow-up it’s best season without a key element present. Sgt. Doakes, Dexter’s foil, was killed towards the end of season 2. So where are the writers to go? A more internalized, slow-burn of a season. And it’s been fairly solid so far. Dexter and Rita are expecting, and Dexter has a new friend in Assistant DA Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits). Michael C. Hall has his hands full with both the prospect of impending fatherhood and friendship, and he handles it incredibly well. The tension has been slowly rising, and how the season ends is anyone’s guess. While they likely won’t match the thrilling finale episodes of season 2, it’s looking promising all the same. A
Scrubs – Still not back yet
Lost – Nothing until January. Sigh.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
ahhh, dexter is so good. i can’t wait for next weeks episode, its getting pretty crazy…. miguel prado is a great character to this season! i am also excited for the new season of fatherhood. snoop is hilarious, last season was crazy, i bet this season will be crazier! http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/snoopdogg/index.jsp