Tag: winter TV 2017

Winter TV 2017: Another spinoff, another movie reboot

Violence and behind-the-scenes crime-solving seems to be a trend this winter TV season.

Two of these three shows make you think about what strangers may know about you…and one has already seen better days.

Here are my reviews, based on the pilot only.

 

‘THE BLACKLIST: REDEMPTION’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This spinoff focuses on a set of characters whom all appeared on the original “Blacklist,” but it’s not necessary to know the original to understand this show.

It might help with backstories, but a new mystery fuels this drama.

The show is a little run-of-the-mill, with the usual elements of technology, crime, backstabbing…but there is a twist of family and betrayal that may hook some viewers.

Grade: B-

 

‘DOUBT’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

I thought this show somhow managed to make law interesting, but I may be alone in that sentiment.

Despite a cast of heavy-hitters( Judith Light, Katherine Heigl, Laverne Cox Elliott Gould and Dule Hill), the CBS show has already been pulled from the schedule.

Centered around the concept of “beyond reasonable doubt,” I appreciated the high stakes without being over the top.

The love story wasn’t necessary, but there were some interesting relationships.

Grade: B

 

‘TAKEN’

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

This NBC drama barely resembles the original 2008 movie with Liam Neeson.

Yes, the main character wants to protect his family, but (spoiler alert) his sister dies within the first five minutes, unlike in the movie when the lead saves his daughter.

I don’t think the show is as interesting as the movie; it doesn’t have the heart or pace.

Grade: B-

 

What’s your favorite new TV show?

Winter TV 2017: Try CW’s ‘Riverdale,’ skip Fox’s ‘The Mick’

It’s cold out, so it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of the TV.

Here are my reviews of the winter TV season, after watching only the pilot:

‘STAR’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

“Star” is another music-focused drama/soap opera from the creators of “Empire.”

Two sisters find each other and run away (and leave the foster care system) to meet their godmother in Atlanta. Oh, by the way, the running away includes a crime.

The two girls form a group with another (rich) girl who’s dad is a musician.

In the pilot alone there was violence, crime, back-door deals, fashion, church, drugs, cat fights…and a snazzy musical number.

Fans of “Empire” will appreciate this side product, but for many it’ll probably feel too much like a soap opera.

Grade: B

‘THE MICK’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

This comedy is a vehicle for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson.

She plays Mackenzie Murphy, a barely-getting-by woman who’s coerced into taking care of her sister’s three kids when the sister and her husband are taken away by the FBI after being accused of an unnamed white collar crime.

Mackenzie doesn’t care a lot, nor does she have a clue about taking care of children, but these three are a handful.

The Fox show is unfortunately full of stereotypes, and the pilot set up only exposition, so I don’t have interest in continuing.

Grade: C+

‘EMERALD CITY’

9 p.m. Fridays on NBC

Viewers, we’re not watching the Judy Garland version of “The Wizard of Oz” anymore.

This dramatic take on the classic tale is much darker. It leaves the musical numbers and adds violence and torture.

It feels more intimate in its storytelling, but the setting feels medieval or old world in style.

If you like darker dramas with some mystery, I’d check it out. But I’ll stick to the movie.

Grade: C+

‘RANSOM’

8 p.m. Saturdays on CBS

If you combine CBS shows “Bull” and “Pure Genius,” you’ll get its new show “Ransom.”

The show centers around a team that solves crises without police by using negotiation, psychology, police logic, technology and knowledge tactics.

There’s a small subplot about the newest member’s mother being involved with the leader of the group, , but other than that, it’s a technology and crime show.

It’s relatively run-of-the-mill, and a bit tense at times, but it piqued some of my interest.

Grade: B-

‘RIVERDALE’

9 p.m. Thursdays on CW

A teen drama mixed with a murder mystery…sounds a little cliche, right?

Maybe so, but this new CW show feels surprisingly fresh.

Yes, the classic plot points of a love triangle, cheerleader backstabbing and parties gone wrong are all in the pilot, but at least this drama feels more real and with the times (“Mad Men” is referenced; so is James Franco.)

Produced by Greg Berlanti (does the man behind all of CW’s superhero shows ever sleep?), this dark take on Archie has enough twists and high stakes to keep viewers interested.

Grade: B+

What new shows are looking forward to watching?