Tag: NBC

‘State of Affairs’: NBC’s answer to CBS’ ‘Madam Secretary,’ ABC’s ‘Scandal’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 4, 2014.

It’s about time powerful women were portrayed on TV.

But with CBS’ “Madam Secretary,” new this year; ABC’s “Scandal,” which is in its fourth season; and NBC’s “State of Affairs,” which premiered Nov. 17 and airs at 10 p.m. Mondays, it somehow has become one note.

All three of these shows have strong women  — all played by A-list actresses — in Washington, D.C., grappling with life, love and lofty politicians.

But in a time when we should be embracing strong lead roles for women, why are they all so similar?

“State of Affairs” didn’t help itself by premiering after every other fall show. You could say the drama of whether its star, Katherine Heigl, is rude on set has helped garner interest, but that’s another story.

“State of Affairs” feels like NBC’s desperate attempt to plug in to the market of women in politics. It makes sense given the success of “Scandal,” and the drama definitely has plotlines that toe the line of morality.

But with these three shows so similar in idea, it doesn’t make sense to have all three.

I will admit Heigl does good work and her show, of which she is also a producer, so far has been as terrifying as it is tear-inducing. Heigl plays Charleston Tucker, who briefs the president daily on the United States’ top threats. Oh, by the way — the president, played with just the right amount of heart and dignity by Alfre Woodard, is Charleston’s fiance’s mother. And another thing … Charleston’s fiance was killed by a terrorist.

But like “Madam Secretary,” it’s a show that uses current events for plotlines and has a woman trying to solve problems using skill and heart, despite what any man tells her.

Does a strong woman have to work in politics? No. There are strong, confident women in numerous occupations. Doctors, journalists, teachers, social workers, professors, chefs, hotel managers … just to name a few.

Does every confident, powerful man on TV work in politics? Far from it. So why is politics the only field powerful women can work in?

While I applaud seeing women in power on TV, let’s strive for variety. It’s time.

Fall TV 2015: ‘Life in Pieces,’ ‘Blindspot’ worth watching

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Sept. 25, 2015.

And fall TV is rocking and rolling.

So many shows are premiering, so if you can’t watch them all, here are my quick takes on new shows.

For the record, these are my thoughts after watching only the first episode.

‘BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS’

8 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

“How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris has hosted the Tonys, Emmys and Oscars. Now he takes on the variety show, though it plays out more like a staged game show.

The show has stunts, prizes, quizzes and pranks. Some bits were a bit boring, while others were fun.

Overall it feels a little promotional (Harris pranked another NBC show, “The Voice”) and overly filled with celebrities (Reese Witherspoon, Gloria Gaynor, Nicole Scherzinger and Matt Iseman (“American Ninja Warrior”) all made appearances.)

Grade: B

‘LIFE IN PIECES’

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

This family comedy, with many actors viewers may recognize, told its first story in four parts. Moments were cliche, exaggerated and hilarious. So far my favorite couple is the one who just had a baby.

I hope not every episode is told in four parts. The show could be overly cliche, but it also might have heartfelt moments to come.

Grade: B

‘MINORITY REPORT’

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

What if you could see a murder before it happened?

Based on a Steven Spielberg movie, this futuristic crime show tries to look at that question.

The technology they use is interesting, but the characters aren’t ones you necessarily want to root for.

Plus all the tension between the male and female characters made my eyes roll.

Grade: B-

‘BLINDSPOT’

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

Who is Jane Doe? How did she end up in a duffel bag in Times Square? What does her whole body tattoo mean?

Hopefully this drama will answer these questions by the end of the season. With all the high stakes in the premiere, I’m guessing it will. And it seems from the first episode that some people do know …

Doe (Jaimie Alexander) is a character I want to root for. Alexander balances the fear and strength she has to portray well.

Grade: A-

‘THE MUPPETS’

8 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

If you need a laugh, check out this show.

Under the premise of running a late-night talk show, with Miss Piggy as host, of course, this comedy will give you a feel of nostalgia in the best way.

It finds humor that works for adults, but not in a crude way. Plus, they poke fun at celebrities such as Tom Bergeron of “Dancing with the Stars.”

It’s tough to watch Kermit and Miss Piggy now that they’re broken up, but we’ll see how long that lasts.

Grade: A

‘SCREAM QUEENS’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

The latest Ryan Murphy/Brad Falchuk/Ian Brennan creation starts with a teen pregnancy gone wrong.

Which could be a turnoff, but these three know how to keep people captivated, even if this show has a campy feel.

It’s silly, overdramatized and uses a lot of pop culture and stereotypical sorority references. But that’s what makes it work.

Grade: A-

‘LIMITLESS’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS

Based on the Bradley Cooper movie, this drama stars Jake McDorman (“Greek,” “Manhattan Love Story”) in a modified version of Cooper’s role.

McDorman brings a boyish arrogance to all his roles, which makes him less enjoyable to watch.

Cooper makes a cameo in the pilot, which I’m guessing is to help connect the movie and show (I’ve never seen the 2011 movie.)

McDorman narrates a good portion of the episode, which felt heavy-handed. And the motivation of Brian Finch (McDorman) and FBI agent Rebecca (Jennifer Carpenter) of family seems hokey and unnecessary.

Grade: C+

I’ll continue these quick takes as I watch the shows, so keep an eye out this TV season.

What TV shows are you enjoying this season?

Fall TV 2016: ‘Timeless,’ ‘Frequency’ examine time, skip ‘American Housewife’

October means more fall TV shows.

Here are my thoughts on the latest new shows, based on only the pilot.

‘CONVICTION’

10 p.m. Mondays on ABC

If Shonda Rhimes had her hand in “Conviction,” it would probably air on Thursdays instead of Mondays.

This drama has scandal, backdoor deals, politics, investigations…all under the umbrella of a newly created Conviction Investigation Unit. The CIU investigates claims of innocence by convicted people, but it’s not as nice as it sounds.

Set in NYC, the head of the CIU, Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell, “Agent Carter“) is a former first daughter, and the district attorney hires her as a bargain after she’s arrested. And guess what? They have chemistry, because of course they do.

The show is a mix of politics and crime, but it doesn’t grab you. The end of the pilot highlighted many of the characters’ backstories, but I’m not sure the show will have time to uncover it all.

Grade: B

‘TIMELESS’

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

For a show that’s steeped in historical events, “Timeless” is quite a thrill ride.

A quickly put-together trio of a historian, soldier and coder travel back to time to find a rogue agent, though he might not be the bad guy.

This drama combines sci-fi and history and questions how much one event can change time. Hints of government overrule and security issues pepper the drama, which seems timely.

For those whom enjoy history, it gives a personal touch. I doubt the show will last more than a season, but the mystery will intrigue some.

Grade: B+

‘FREQUENCY’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on the CW

“Frequency” also deals with how changing events affects time, and it’s based on a movie with the same name.

It’s a cop drama, though instead of a father and son communicating 20 years apart through a radio, it’s a father and daughter.

The pilot focuses on saving the father’s life, which of course affects numerous other events in time.

It’s heavy-handed with its foreshadowing and a bit predictable, but since only part of the movie was covered in the pilot, it might deviate from the movie plot in time.

Grade: B-

‘NO TOMORROW’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on the CW

Apocalyptic TV meets romantic comedy.

A man (Joshua Sasse, “Galavant“) thinks the world is going to end, so he has a bucket list. He meets a girl who isn’t sure what she wants and has a health scare during the pilot.

He tries to control her and get her out of her shell, frustrating her, but eventually she stands up for herself.

It’s all a bit cliche, especially the cliffhanger ending, but it’s cute and fits in at the CW.

Grade: B

‘AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

If you’re not skinny, you must be real. Or at least that’s what this sitcom tries to proclaim.

Katie Otto (Katy Mixon, “Mike & Molly“) is the center of the the story, and she’s one of the fattest woman in Wesport, Conn. And yes that’s a huge part of the storyline.

She’s also the narrator, though half the narration was unnecessary and made the character unlikeable.

The sitcom could’ve been good, but it’s full of characters who are fake and superficial. The concerns about weight and family are real, but the show doesn’t come off that way.

Grade: B-

What shows are you enjoying this fall?

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?

Spring TV 2016: Try ‘Crowded,’ ‘Heartbeat,’ skip ‘The Real O’Neals’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 29, 2016.

TV networks premier shows year-round now — or so it seems.

While many shows premiered in January, another crop has premiered.

ABC’s Biblical drama “Of Kings and Prophets” has already been cancelled (it was hard to follow, but definitely had the drama), but here are my thoughts after watching the pilot of these other shows:

‘THE FAMILY’

9 p.m. Sundays on ABC

What’s true? Do you trust anyone?

These questions have been asked before on TV, but at this drama’s core is a family who reunite with their once-missing son…or whomever he is.

This show reminds me a bit of 2014’s “Gracepoint,” especially with its use of flashbacks.

Cliché elements pop in, but the show has the potential to reel viewers in with its mix of crime, family values and truth.

But I also can’t imagine the show lasting more than one season since the mystery will have to be solved by the end of this season.

Grade: B

‘THE REAL O’NEALS’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

Remember how shows are supposed to be better now about stereotypes? Well, this show isn’t one of them.

The comedy centers around an Irish Catholic family, whose “perfect image” falls apart in the pilot for myriad reasons (sons are gay and anorexic; divorce; daughter is a thief). The show tries to poke some fun at the stereotype, but it comes off mean.

Also, one of the sons narrates the show, which makes the show overwrought with voices.

Grade: C+

‘PARTY OVER HERE’

11 p.m. Saturdays on Fox

If you want to watch a sketch show that’s not “SNL,” then “Party Over Here” is for you.

Too bad The Lonely Island-produced show doesn’t have much party to it.

While I applaud Fox for bringing an all-female comedy troupe to TV — and the sketches poking fun at women’s roles were poignant, it wasn’t enjoyable to watch.

It felt a little slow, and it’s only half-hour. And when you sing the end credits to end your show (for about two minutes), do you have enough material to keep going?

Grade: C

‘CROWDED’

9:30 p.m. Sundays on NBC 

Cross-generational takes on a new meaning with this sitcom.

On this NBC show, the eldest generation is nosy and decides against moving to Florida, the youngest generation moves back in after jobs/relationships fall apart, and the parents are stuck.

This show has some laughs, more than some other comedies as of late, and it seems more relevant and real. It’s not kitschy, and moving back home happens so much more now that I’m glad it’s seeing some TV light.

Plus, it’s humorous to see parents deal with adult children … when all of them have some growing up to do.

Grade: A-

‘HEARTBEAT’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on NBC 

Another medical show hits the small screen. And one of the cast members was on another medical show in the 2014 season (Dave Annable, formerly of “The Red Band Society”).

I love seeing women at the forefront, and the NBC drama makes a point to mention how rare it is to see a woman that high up in the medical field. But other than that, this show is pretty run-of-the-mill.

It could have mass appeal with its mix of drama, romance, family and the law, but it all seems a bit too already-done-before.

Grade: B

‘THE CATCH’

10 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

Another show hits the TGIT lineup on ABC.

But for a show that’s called “The Catch” and is advertised as a drama with a cat-and-mouse game, I didn’t see a lot of that in the pilot.

The first hour of the show was boiled down into the previews, so it took a bit to get going. The preview for what’s to come made the show, starring Mireille Enos and Peter Krause, seem more thrilling than its premier episode.

Like “The Family,” I’m not sure it’ll last more than one season due to its plot, but it could be entertaining to watch the game play out.

Grade: B

Have you watched any of these shows? What do you think?

Fall TV 2016: Watch ‘This is Us,’ ‘Notorious,’ skip ‘Kevin Can Wait’

Fall TV is back in full force.

In case you’ve missed some of the new shows of 2016, here are some short reviews of shows that have premiered:

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

Kevin James returns to TV, but “The King of Queens” star’s new comedy isn’t worth your time.

James is a writer and a producer on the show, but the plot is run-of-the-mill.

James plays a police officer preparing for retirement, but his plans change when his daughter comes home with a nerdy fiance and the announcement that she’s going back to diner work to support her fiance’s app development.

It’s nothing we have seen before on other family comedies, and it’s not funny.

Grade: C+

‘THE GOOD PLACE’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Ted Danson (“Cheers,” “CSI”) and Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” “House of Lies”) unite for this original comedy.

Eleanor (Bell) lands in “the good place,” and her neighborhood is the first Michael (Danson) has designed. The good place is supposed to be full of harmony, eternal happiness and frozen yogurt…until Eleanor shows up.

Turns out she shouldn’t be there; there’s been a mixup. She’s not good at all, and her soulmate (yes, everyone has one at the good place) is the only one who knows.

While Bell is a fantastic physical comedian, the bit about how she can’t swear got old pretty fast. But with all the punishments the neighborhood might endure and some other quirky characters, it’s worth watching.

Grade: B

‘BULL’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS

The facts are not enough in court cases. With social media, technology and a little psychology, many factors contribute to proving the truth.

That’s the idea behind this drama, based on the early career of Dr. Phill McGraw.

Bull, played by Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”), is a psychologist who is hired as a “jury consultant.” He helps win cases by setting up a mirror jury to see what others are thinking, as well as using social media and more to find other sides of the story.

The pilot wasn’t clear if the featured will continue throughout the series or if a new one comes each week.

It’s more than just another courtroom drama, but not much more.

Grade: B-

‘THIS IS US’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

According to Wikipedia, you share a birthday with 18 million people, even though it’s unlikely you’ll have a connection with them.

The pilot of this show follows four people who are all turning 36.

The show follows a struggling actor, a women desperately trying to lose weight, a corporate man who finds his birth father, and a man (Milo Ventimiglia, “Gilmore Girls“) whose wife is about to have triplets.

It seems like a lot at first. While I’m still not sure all the storylines will stay strong enough, by then end of the pilot it makes sense. (I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched it.)

But I’ll keep watching. It’s the first new show during which I laughed and cried.

Grade: A-

‘LETHAL WEAPON’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

Hey, look, another movie to TV show…

Murtaugh and Riggs are both coming back from something difficult, and they both were at the top of their game in the police force.

Riggs is a bit of an outlaw, and he’s OK with dying after his wife and unborn child die in a car accident. Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) is returning after surgery and wants to be there for his wife and kids. It’s a buddy comedy that resembles the movie in some ways.

The crime drama makes light of suicide in my opinion, but fans of the movie will most likely enjoy the show.

Grade: B

‘SPEECHLESS’

8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Now here’s a family comedy with heart.

Minnie Driver plays a semi-aggressive mom who always has a purpose: her family, specifically her son.

Her oldest son has cerebral palsy, though I only know that because the show’s description mentioned it. The pilot never explicitly states what he has, which I appreciate. To help give him a “voice,” she’s moved her family six times in two years.

The comedy talks about discrimination, human dignity and taking care of every family member in a progressive way that’ll still make you laugh.

Grade: A

‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

In case of any attack, one cabinet member is not present during the State of the Union. He’s deemed the “designated survivor.”

And in this ABC drama, that designated survivor (Kiefer Sutherland) becomes the president.

According to the Washington Post, the designated survivor is a real thing, which makes the show all the more interesting – and scary – to watch.

Viewers see Tom Kirkman, an academic who was about to be shuffled out of his Secretary of Housing and Development position (one White House staffer calls him a”glorified real estate agent”) into an ambassador role, assume one of the highest stakes jobs in the world.

Fortunately the previews gave away only the first 15 minutes, so there was still plenty of plot to watch unfold in the pilot.

A few other storylines peeked out in the pilot, but Sutherland is the key to the show.

Grade: B+

‘NOTORIOUS’

9 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

This is one of those who-do-you-trust shows. But in a setting of cable news, it works so well.

Julia (Piper Perabo) is a producer of the No. 1 cable news show, Louise Herrick Live, who’s not afraid to stand up for herself. Jake (Daniel Sunjata) is a high-powered attorney who sometimes lets emotions seep into his work. They use each other to manipulate the public and make people look sympathetic. And they never lie to each other…for now.

I’m guessing it’s inevitable that the pair will get involved with each other, but viewers will enjoy the wait. And it’s not like there aren’t other flirtations and relationships to see.

This drama is so fast-paced, it’s like watching the behind-the-scenes work of a news show. And you won’t want to stop watching.

Grade: A-

‘PITCH’

9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox

For a show that’s not about crime, there are some high stakes.

The drama follows Ginny Baker, the first woman in the majors. As the pressure mounts, she has to decide why she’s doing this.

While you may not know Kylie Bunbury, the actress who plays Ginny, yet, many of the supporting actors are recognizable. Ali Larter, Mark Consuelos, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and more all make appearances.

In a time when gender roles are a hot topic, this show seems prepared to tackle the issue head-on.

Grade: B

‘MACGYVER’

8 p.m. Fridays on CBS

Another reboot is on this fall, but this one is of the late 1980s TV series of the same name.

Lucas Till stars in the title role. He also narrates the show, which, along with the writing over the shots, gets heavy-headed.

It’s pretty cliche, and although the problems reflect current issues such as biological weapons, it doesn’t feel fresh at all.

Grade: C

‘THE EXORCIST’

9 p.m. Fridays on Fox

Are demons real? Are they imagined? How do you get rid of them? Those questions are the heart of this drama, based on the novel of the same name.

If you want a scare every week, watch this show.

The plot is slightly predictable, but it’s still a creepy story about demons in a house, in dreams and in the world.

Grade: C+

‘SON OF ZORN’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

This Fox comedy presents an interesting concept for television: real-life actors along with animation.

Zorn, a mighty leader in an animated world akin to a video game/90s TV show, goes to another world to visit his ex-wife (Cheryl Hines) and his son.

After doing his usual I’ll-stay-for-barely-a-week bit, he decides to stay to get to know his son. For an animated show, it seems to have some heart.

That’s not to say it’s not also a bit silly…I mean, Zorn never goes anywhere without his sword…but the first episode shows promise.

Grade: B

What new shows are you watching?

Winter TV 2016: Try NBC’s ‘Superstore,’ skip Fox’s ‘Bordertown’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 27, 2016.

It’s winter, also known as hibernation time, especially in the Midwest.

But this winter, it might be better to catch up on old series than watching the latest crop of TV shows.

Here is my roundup on some of TV’s winter 2016 shows:

 

‘COOPER BARRETT’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

Cooper Barrett is 26. And doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. But that’s normal, right?

As someone in their 20s, I’d say yes. But that doesn’t mean I found this comedy relatable.

I use comedy loosely, as I laughed out loud only once. At a pig.

The pilot seems far-fetched and boring, but maybe there’s hope for this comedy. Maybe.

Grade: B

‘TELENOVELA’

8:30 p.m. Mondays on NBC

I think my expectations are too high for this show.

It’s a mostly Latino cast, which broadcast networks haven’t seen in awhile. And it’s Eva Longoria’s return to acting on TV (she’s a producer on Lifetime’s “Devious Maids”).

But the premise, a group of people surviving life while working on a telenovela, seems cliche.

It’s funny and over-the-top, but it’s not the best comedy I’ve watched.

Grade: B+

 

‘SUPERSTORE’

Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC

This comedy focuses on employees of a superstore. You know, the one-stop shop.

The actors, led by America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“A to Z”) carry the show. For now.

But the writing isn’t strong. Episode 2 has a storyline that some might find offensive. It’s quirky but not in an exciting way.

I think this show has promise, but the plots may not keep viewers interested.

Grade: B

 

‘BORDERTOWN’

9:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

How can a hot topic become a farce? Put it in the hands of Seth MacFarlane.

The “Family Guy” creator is an executive producer on this Fox comedy, and its humor is in the same vein as his other shows.

Which is too bad. The show focuses on issues such as immigration and racism, but for many people, the stupidity of the jokes won’t allow this show to give an enlightening look to these issues.

Grade: C

 

‘ANGEL FROM HELL’

9:30 p.m. on Thursdays on CBS 

Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “Hollywood Game Night”) is back acting on TV. And she makes the show worth a tune-in.

Lynch plays Allison’s (Maggie Lawson) guardian angel. As silly as it may sound, it doesn’t come off cheesy.

I’m not sure there’s enough plot to carry this show past season 1, but the actors make the comedy endearing.

Grade: B+

 

‘SHADES OF BLUE’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Who can you trust? It seems like no one on this drama.

The show stars Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta as cops, but it’s a step above regular police/crime procedurals.

It’s a bit more complicated as characters attempt to do what’s right for them, the city, their families …

It could be hard to follow over time, but Lopez is compelling enough to keep watching.

Grade: A- 

 

‘SECOND CHANCE’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

What if you had a second chance? Jeff Pritchard gets one, but it comes with strings.

The disgraced sheriff is brought back to life by scientists to help save a life, and to test something.

The plot of this Fox drama plays out in a heavy-handed matter, over stressing the ideas of life vs. death and what you would do for your family.

Grade: C+ 

 

‘DC’s LEGENDS OF TOMORROW’

8 p.m. Thursdays on The CW

Another superhero show! Yeah?!?

Building off of “Arrow” and “The Flash,” this sci-fi/comic book show follows such a similar plot structure to “The Flash” that it’s boring.

Yes, there’s plenty of action, and I didn’t feel lost watching it without having seen all of the previously mentioned shows, but it seems rather predictable. And frankly, it’s a pain to keep up with that many TV shows to get the full effect.

Grade: B-

Event series now part of TV culture

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on April 15, 2015.

Blink and you’ll miss them.

“Gracepoint.” “The Slap.” And, to an extent, “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (the ABC show might return for a second season, though it’s up in the air).

What is with all these “event series”? Which, by the way, is basically a fancy term for “miniseries.”

TV networks are airing seven- to 10-episode series, with events concluding by the last episode.

Why now? I can think of two reasons: “American Horror Story” and “True Detective.”

These shows have captivated audiences, and even though they air for multiple seasons, they are a different show each time, with new cast members and premises.

Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (of “Glee” fame) have churned out four seasons of “American Horror Story,” each in a different location but always with lots of thrills. Season 5, surrounding a hotel, has nabbed Lady Gaga as a star.

“True Detective” brought Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey to the small screen, alongside Woody Harrelson. Audiences were drawn to the mystery, and both actors received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for their work. Season 2 will star Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams.

With these shows drawing in viewers and big-name stars, it’s no wonder other networks are following suit.

Most movie actors have little desire to commit to a TV show since it could last many years. But an event series is a short-term commitment, leaving actors free to pursue other projects.

Uma Thurman was on NBC’s “The Slap.” Anna Gunn was on “Gracepoint.” But now they can dive in to other roles.

A 10-episode show is a short-term commitment for a viewer, too. I watched all eight episodes of “The Slap” over the course of a few days.

With Netflix and Hulu feeding the binge-watching phenomenon, networks have to adapt, hence the event series.

Not every show will work as an event series, but the concept is here to stay.

‘Hollywood Game Night’: The show you should be watching

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 9, 2014.

I was bored one night, so I went to Hulu and found “Hollywood Game Night.”

I had heard about the show on Facebook, but I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into.

After one episode, I was hooked.

It’s a kooky show. It’s a game show. It’s a celebrity-filled show. But most of all, it’s super fun to watch.

The premise of the show is this: Jane Lynch (“Glee“) plays host and emcee. There are two teams made up of three celebrities and one civilian on each side. Each segment focuses on a game.

The civilian on the winning team then picks a celebrity to play in the bonus round, “celebrity name game.” If the civilian gets 10 names correct, they win $25,000. If they get less than 10 correct, they win $1,000 for each correct answer. And, to top it off, the celebrity whom the civilian picks wins $10,000 or $1,000 for each correct answer, which then is donated to the charity of his or her choice.

Some games are simple, some are challenging, some are … odd.

In the game Timeline, for example, one celebrity, with the help of his or her team, has to arrange six pictures in chronological order. This game usually involves lots of yelling as the group shouts out suggestions for what pictures to swap.

An odd game is Celebrity Fusion in which two players from each team is shown a picture of two celebrities with their features fused together. The two celebrities in the picture share a common name. For example, Steven Tyler Perry could be a correct answer. Because traits of both celebrities are fused together, the picture looks … well, odd.

Each episode is titled based on the theme or a celebrity on the episode. For example, the season 2 episode “How I Met Your Buzzer” featured Cobie Smulders, who played Robin on “How I Met Your Mother.”

The fun is not only in the games but in the celebrities’ antics. Many episodes feature at least two people who are co-stars, dating, married or friends, so trash talking or crying foul happens almost every episode.

I think it’s worth a watch, but let me know what you think.

“Hollywood Game Night“ airs Thursdays on NBC, and you can watch full episodes online.