What’s your favourite
new TV show?
We’re two months into the new TV season and already new shows are beginning to bite the dust. I just found out Bad Judge–an admittedly mediocre show I still enjoyed because Kate Walsh is purdy–has been canceled, so that’s one series that won’t be appearing again on my PVR. Other shows that got kicked off my Series Record list (when I noticed that I had no desire to watch them as new episodes began to pile up) included Scorpion (I liked the concept, but found that I struggled to make it through the actual plots) and How to Get Away With Murder (I love the cast, but it failed to compel me further with the same ferocity as Scandal), but the ones I find myself clinging to include:
Gotham
Reaction is very mixed on this one. My TL, TV critics and “serious” comic book fans are very quick to point out that it has failed to be perfect from its very first second, but I’m pretty sure I would hate the show they all seem to have preferred it been–The Wire with Jim Gordon. There’s nothing wrong with The Wire. In fact, it’s probably the greatest show I’ve never seen a single episode of, but I personally like the goofy groove Gotham is setting for itself. It’s definitely still finding it’s way, but it’s on a path that I personally find very entertaining.
The Flash
I wasn’t sure what I would thing about the season’s second DC comic book series (of three–I have yet to check out Constantine, but I am the type of jerk who loudly defends the Keanu Reeves movie), especially since its from the same folks behind Arrow–a series I wanted to love, but gave up on midway through the first season (apparently right around where things finally got interesting). So, I’m happy to say that I kind of love it, cliches and cheesy dialogue included. As of this writing, it’s managed to serve the right balance of cornball, fan service, action, humour and foreshadowing. It could easily speed off track as quickly as its title character, but for now I’m happy to hang on and enjoy the ride.
Selfie
I was a big fan of creator Emily Kapneck’s previous show–the seriously under-appreciated Suburgatory–and I think her new effort has the same potential, along with a killer cast. I’m not a Whovian, so this is my first real exposure to star Karen Gillan (Nebula doesn’t really count) and I AM CHARMED AS CHARMED CAN BE. Also, it’s great to see John Cho in anything.
Marry Me
Someone made a show combining the powers behind my favourite parts of Party Down (one of my all-time favourite sitcoms) and Happy Endings (one of my all-time favourite sitcoms), so it’s probably not a surprise that I’m big on this one, even though my heart tells me it’s not long for this world, because nothing gold can stay.
So those are my four favourites. What has caught your eye? What new shows do you think (or at least hope) you might still be watching a couple years from now?
I’m really into Perry Mason. I think it’s gonna be big, especially because prosecutors and defense counsels always find brand-new evidence during the trial, which is unheard of in our courts. So discovery is a BS concept. What a wacky way to spin the judicial system!
I’m also LOVING Curb Your Enthusiasm, this fantastic comedy starring a little-known Larry David who wrote on the (unfortunately canceled) Seinfeld – a niche sitcom from the 90s.
I don’t live in the present.
Transparent has been my favorite so far of the fall. Great writing. Great acting. It’ll definitely earn some nominations, wouldn’t be surprised if a few wins as well.
I really wanna see it, but Canadians can’t access the current Amazon TV lineup. 🙁
Marry Me does look pretty good, though I haven’t seen an episode yet. I am afraid that I have to disagree with your thoughts on Gotham. I am a comic book fan, but I am not a purist. I have no problem with someone giving me THEIR version of an already existing character or world, so long as they stay true to the core of the story. My biggest problem with Gotham is that it insists on hitting you on the head with EVERY SINGLE reference they make to the Batman cannon. We do not need to see Edward Nigma… Read more »