The 2nd Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Now that we’re on the eve of the new TV season, I’ve had a chance to learn a bit more about the new shows premiering this fall. I haven’t watched any of them yet, but I’ve seen the commercials, read the previews, and have a generally better feel for what we’re about to receive. Maybe there’s a potential new book deal awaiting me in this new batch. Maybe there’s a show that will be the first cancelled right out of the gate. Who knows? Here are the ones I’ll be watching…
Wait. Before we get to that. I do have a question.
Moonlight, why do you tease me so? When I first heard of this new vampire detective show, it was called Twilight, and I thought, a vampire detective? Haven’t we seen that a few times before? And Twilight? Sorry, but there’s already a pretty popular vampire book series with the same title. Can we do some research here?
But then, David Greenwalt came on as Executive Producer. And I thought … hmmm … The man who (along with Joss Whedon) brought us Angel? Not only is he a spectacular writer, but he’d also be pretty good at making sure this show (now, thankfully, called Moonlight) would be noticeably different from at least one of the vampire detectives out there. Then they announced that Shannyn Sossamon was cast in the show. Loved her since A Knight’s Tale (What? It’s an acquired taste). And then Jason Dohring came onboard. Logan? From Veronica Mars? I am SO there.
THEN it was announced that David Greenwalt had left the project for health reasons. Personally, I prefer creative difference to health reasons, but we’ll send our most positive vibes out to Mr. Greenwalt and try to mask some of our disappointment. So where does that leave us with Moonlight? I know that I’ll be watching the premiere, but the jury’s still out.
Now, on to three of the shows I suspect that I’m going to love … Though I’m fully prepared to be disappointed…
Gossip Girl: The creator of The O.C. unleashes his take on the scandalously popular young adult book series. I do have concerns about Kristen Bell providing the voice of gossip girl herself—I LOVE La Bell more than any other TV actress out there, but I think her voice has a bit too much gravitas for gossip girl. Than again, if anyone can make it work, I know she’s the best bet.
Pushing Daisies: This was one of the shows I was most looking forward to when the announcements were made last May. Since then, I’ve had the chance to see the commercials running on ABC and I have to say, I still love it. It looks quirky, slightly bizarre, and totally unique. Add in the fact that the critics love it, and I give the show about four weeks before it’s cancelled due to lack of ratings. But I expect to enjoy every second before it’s gone. And then I can get the rest of the episodes on DVD.
Private Practice: I was wary after watching the backdoor pilot that was woven into the two-hour Grey’s Anatomy episode last season, but apparently so was the creative team behind the series. I hear some important tweaks have been made. Considering it still boasts one of the best casts on television (now minus one of my favorite actresses, but at least she was replaced by another wonderful actress), it’s still high on my must see list.
To find out what show I’m most looking forward to, check out my first posting on the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy blog (you have to scroll back to the September 9th post).
Other shows I’ll be testing include: Reaper, Samantha Who? Bionic Woman, Cane, K-Ville, Dirty Sexy Money and, controversy aside, I’m actually intrigued by Kid Nation. Of course, that’s not to say that I won’t be looking at some of the other new shows, too. I do have such trouble turning off my television. Especially when there’s actual work to be avoided.
Oh, one last thing. For the returning shows, I BEG all three people reading this blog to watch the second season of Friday Night Lights. I am not associated with the show in any way (though I’d love to write a book for them), but it is consistently one of the best written and best acted shows on television.