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Sunday 08 Dec 2024

Fall 2015 TV
Matt Seinberg

I love television. As a kid I probably watched too much of it than was good for me. I usually was in the basement playing with my HO slot cars and watching my favourite show or laying on the sofa with one of my pet hamsters.


I watch more television than an adult should.

As an adult, I continue to love television, and watch more than I probably should, though my tastes have changed. I particularly enjoy most shows about cars, such as "Overhaulin," "Counting Cars," "Fast and Loud" and "Fantomworks." I also enjoy sitcoms, along with police and medical dramas.

So let's get to this new all 2015 television season, shall we? I only review shows I've watched or attempted to watch, and all opinions are my own and no one else's. This year I'm going to review them on a 1-10 scale, where one is the lowest.

Sunday: One of the most talked about shows is "Quantico," on ABC. It stars former Miss World and Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra as Alex Parrish, an FBI trainee. It’s not what it seems to be, with her, and the others in her class. Each one has some sort of dark secret and one of them commits suicide in the first episode because of that. I think this show is going to be a winner. I'll give it an eight.

"Blood and Oil" is also on ABC right after "Quantico." It brings back Don Johnson (think Sonny Crockett and Nash Bridges) back to network television as oil baron in North Dakota. If you liked "Dallas" and "Dynasty," this show is for you. It has oil, roughnecks, pretty women and lots of intrigue. I'll give this an eight, as well.

Monday: "Blindspot" stars Jaimie Alexander as Jane Doe, a woman found in Times Square in an unmarked duffel bag, her body covered in fresh tattoos. These tattoos lead to FBI agent Kurt Weller, while the rest point to crimes that have not yet happened. I haven't watched it, yet, but have recorded the two episodes so far. I'll give it a grade next week, but it looks interesting.

"Life in Pieces" is a multi-generational family comedy based on the dysfunctional family of creator, Justin Adler. It stars James Brolin and Dianne Wiest, as John and Joan, the parents, and Colin Hanks, Zoe Lister-Jones, Thomas Sadoski, Betsy Brandt and Dan Bakkedahl as their kids and their siblings. I've watched two episodes and the show is okay. Right now, I'll give it a six.

I can't wait to see "Supergirl," starring Melissa Benoist; she’s formerly of “Glee” and portrays Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. This review will happen at the end of the month.


John Stamos as a grandfather?

Tuesday: "Grandfathered" is John Stamos as Jimmy Martino, a bachelor and high profile restaurateur, whose unrestrained lifestyle slows down by the sudden appearance of his son Gerald, (Josh Peck) and granddaughter, Edie. Somehow, this premise sounds familiar. It might last the season, but no renewal. I'll give this show a five.

"Limitless" is an adaptation of the 2011 movie, of the same name. Bradley Cooper is not only the executive producer, but he'll also be an occasional guest star, which he did in the first episode. The show stars Jake McDorman, as down on his luck musician, Brian Finch, and Jennifer Carpenter, as his FBI partner, Rebecca Harris. What happens when a poor schlump gets NZT, the wonder drug that suddenly makes you a genius? Watch this show and you'll find out. McDorman and Carpenter make a great team. I'll give this show an eight.

"The Muppets" returns to network television. The big news is that Kermit and Miss Piggy have broken up, yet, they're still working together on her late night talk show. The tension that ensues would make any frog run, and that's what I suggest. Run away, the show is awful. It gets a two and that's being generous only because Fozzie Bear is actually going out with a real, live girl.

"Scream Queens" sees the return of Jamie Lee Curtis to network television as Cathy Munsch, the dean of students at Wallace University. I haven't seen it, but my daughter Melissa has, and she's hooked. I guess you have to be a teenage girl to enjoy the masked killer preying on the Kappa Kappa Tau sorority. Melissa gives it a seven.

Wednesday: The medical drama lives on CBS, again. Can you say "Chicago Hope?" "Code Black" is a hospital term that says the number of incoming patients outstrips the hospitals ability to treat them all. A top Canadian actor, Marcia Gay Harden, stars as Dr. Leanne Rorish. The first episode was exciting, fast paced and rather bloody. If you liked "ER," you'll like this show as well. I'll give it an eight.

Thursday: NBC brought back their former hit, "Heroes," as "Heroes Reborn," with Jack Coleman reprising his role as Noah, along with Masi Oka, as Hiro, and Greg Grunberg, as Matt. Once again, they have to fight the establishment, which is trying to get rid of the Evolved Humans (EVO's). I wasted two hours on the pilot and it's two hours of my life I'll never get back. This show gets a one.

"The Player" on NBC stars Wesley Snipes, as Mr. Johnson, Charity Wakefield, as Cassandra, and Philip Winchester, as security expert or former Special Ops soldier Alex Kane. Each is one third of the House, financed by an uber rich cabal of evidently bored people with nothing better to do with their time or money. Mr. Johnson is the Pit Boss, Cassandra is the Dealer; Kane is the Player. If you enjoy non-stop action and intrigue, this is your show. I'll give it a nine.

Friday: "Dr. Ken" on ABC is just plain awful. If this lasts three episodes, I'll be surprised. Ken Jeong may be somewhat funny in "The Hangover" movies, but here it's just embarrassing. This show earns a big, fat zero.


Usually, the first episode grabs me or I don't watch the show.

I know what I like. If a show doesn't get my attention in the first episode, I'll give up on it. Last season "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" was a big hit for Fox and I admit to calling it wrong. Still, I didn't like it.

So watch the new season and judge for yourself.

Matt Seinberg lives on Long Island, a few minutes east of New York City. He looks at everything around him and notices much. Somewhat less cynical than dyed in the wool New Yorkers, Seinberg believes those who don't see what he does like reading about what he sees and what it means to him. Seinberg columns revel in the silly little things of life and laughter as well as much well-directed anger at inept, foolish public officials. Mostly, Seinberg writes for those who laugh easily at their own foibles as well as those of others.

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