Tag: Don Johnson

Winter TV 2021: February brings silly shows

I could say cold weather brings warm shows…but I wouldn’t say that’s accurate.

Here’s the latest quick takes of new broadcast TV shows.

equalizer

8 p.m. Sundays on CBS

Like most movies to TV, the pilot of this drama covers the plot of the entire movie, but it left the door open for how the show will grow into a slightly more interesting procedural.

There are some nice updates from the movie, mostly with technology and how it can be used for good or evil.

Queen Latifah brings warmth and character to the show. She’s the reason to watch.

Try it

Clarice

10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

Did we need a TV sequel of “Silence of the Lambs”? No. We did not. But here it is, as a procedural.

Also, if you know the premise, you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s a bit gross for a broadcast show.

Skip it

Young Rock

8 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

The first episode was called “Working the Gimmick”…and boy did they. At least they were upfront?

It’s such a silly premise, and the Rock’s story could’ve easily been a TV special or a movie, not a cheesy 80s-set episodic comedy.

As a note, Andre the Giant makes an appearance, and it’s unsettling to see another actor play him, even if they do a decent job to show his large size.

Skip it

Kenan

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

This comedy is basically “Full House” but with some “SNL” flair.

Kenan, a longtime SNL cast member, plays a single dad who hosts a talk show (which feels a lot like Weekend Update meets any daytime talk show from the 90s). There’s not much to it; it feels caricature instead of heartfelt.

How they got Don Johnson to star in this show as Kenan’s father-in-law is beyond my understanding.

Skip it

Superman & Lois

9 p.m. Tuesdays on the CW

Greg Berlanti can keep signing those CW paychecks.

This show mixes cheesy superhero theatrics and family/teen drama, which at times is also cheesy.

It’s nothing new, but it fits right in with CW.

Try it

Fall TV 2015: Watch Fox’s ‘Grandfathered,’ skip ABC’s ‘Dr. Ken,’ Fox’s ‘Rosewood’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Oct. 5, 2015.

Fall TV is back.

So many shows have premiered this season, so if you haven’t been able to watch them all, here are my quick takes.

‘HEROES REBORN’

8 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This revived TV show is more suited for viewers who watched “Heroes” originally.

The first hour moved so slowly and did not truly introduce the characters, making it difficult to invest in the story.

The good vs. bad vs. the unknown idea is there, but taking so long to introduce the characters made it less interesting.

Grade: B-

 

‘THE PLAYER’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

What would you gamble on? Money? Your life? Someone?

Set in Las Vegas, this action drama focuses on crime and the odds one man has to fix it.

The dealer/house metaphor played out a bit heavy-handed, but the action aspect works well, though the lead female character comes off a bit robotic … but maybe that’s because she might have something to hide.

Grade: B

 

‘ROSEWOOD’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

It’s not that this crime/medical procedural is bad. It’s just not that interesting.

The Miami setting makes the drama seem more fun and enticing, but overall, the Fox show is pretty run-of-the-mill. Yawn.

Grade: B-

 

‘BLOOD & OIL’

9 p.m. Sundays on ABC

Love. Family. Money. Survival.

This drama starring Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”) and Don Johnson asks, what would you do for money?

With this cast of characters, a lot, apparently. And the pilot ended on a huge cliffhanger.

Grade: B

 

‘QUANTICO’

10 p.m. Sundays on ABC

This isn’t a classic whodunit. With the premise of the FBI, it adds a level of intrigue.

Who can you trust? Based on the premiere, I’m guessing no one.

Who knows what will happen next on this show. It might be worth checking out.

Grade: B+

 

‘CODE BLACK’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

Like many medical dramas, this show focuses on the tragedies and miracles seen while working in a hospital.

This show, however, has higher stakes since it takes place not just in the hospital, but in the emergency room.

You want to root for the characters, led by Marcia Gay Harden, as they help save lives.

My only complaint with the show is that it feels like a dramatic version of “Scrubs.” It focuses on a class of residents who are learning as they go, very similarly to “Scrubs.”

Also, be forewarned: You will see a lot of blood and guts, so this show isn’t for the faint of heart.

Grade: B-

 

‘GRANDFATHERED’

8 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

John Stamos (“Full House”) and Josh Peck (“Drake & Josh”) … could this combo work?

Yes, actually, it can. Their banter made for a show that actually made me laugh. It’s not corny or overly stupid; the actors have good comedic timing.

You might recognize some other actors in a comedy, but the plot shows some promise for good character development of Stamos’ character, Jimmy.

Grade: B+

 

‘THE GRINDER’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

Starring Fred Savage and Rob Lowe, this comedy is, unfortunately, full of cliches.

It comes off juvenile and immature. And Lowe’s character isn’t likeable and doesn’t show signs of being redeemed.

It’s also unrealistic to the point of ridiculous. Like an actor could really practice law …

Grade: C+

 

‘DR. KEN’

8:30 p.m. Fridays on ABC

Ken Jeong of “Hangover” fame is the lead in this family sitcom. I’m not sure why.

He is a great physical comedian, but the family man role doesn’t suit him.

Also, this comedy sounds like it has a laugh track, which makes the show seem stale.

The ending was cute but overall the show was boring and not funny.

Grade: C-

 

What TV shows are you enjoying this season?