REVENGE
A show based on The Count of Monte Cristo, count me in! My favorite book finds a home on ABC, but how do I feel after watching the first few episodes?
4/5 stars
I enjoy the intrigue, the acting is well-done and the reason for Emily seeking revenge is valid. However, I feel like everything is going a little too smoothly for her, as well as wondering how long this show can actually last. There was a nice wrench thrown into the works in this last episode, but even with that turn of events I don't know if this show will survive long.
A little info:
Emily Thorn (name changed from Amanda Clark) is seeking revenge for her father who was wrongly accused of terrorism by his closest friends and colleagues. As a result, little Amanda was sent to mental facilities and juvenile detention centers for most of her life. Now, she's a rich and angry and vengeful woman out to see the other wealthy Hamptonites pay for their crimes.
As someone who is a devoted lover of the real Count, I find Emily slightly lacking in cleverness. The Count spent decades planning his revenge; he was patient, calculating and devious. He also had a heart and rewarded those who believed in Edmond Dantes. I have yet to see Emily have compassion or be as deeply devious as the Count was.
RINGER
Sarah Michelle Gellar...Okay, I admit it, I liked Buffy. I thought she was funny and tough- a difficult combo to master. I was eager to tune in to this new strange drama on the CW. My rating?
3.8/5 stars
This one is a hesitant 3.8- almost 4, mostly because of the same question I had for Revenge. How long can this show last? Twin sisters, one presumed dead by the other and posing as her. I can't help but ask, when will her husband find out the woman who's hanging around is NOT his wife? And how long can they go without sleeping together? An odd question, but I think he might start to notice when her "pregnancy" doesn't start to show. Yes. A complicated show. The main reason I stick with it? Sarah Michelle Gellar is lovely. Great actor, dynamic and wonderful as both Bridget and Siobhan.
One other issue, I love the character of Bridget, but Siobhan is turning out to be a major jerk. I have no sympathies for her and wonder why she turned so evil? There are a ton of great characters to sink your teeth into and I hope they develop this show well.
TERRA NOVA
Dinosaurs, futuristic weaponry, Dystopic society, rebels....what's not to like, right? Steven Spielberg directs a masterpiece with top-notch actors and intriguing plot-lines. My rating?
4/5 stars
Why not 5? Almost, but this show is missing something crucial. Something that makes me watch other shows on my DVR first. Something I require every great show to have.
The quirky, funny, sarcastic, glib, interesting side-kick character.
Okay, the main thing that makes me tune back into a show are the characters. If they're interesting, fun, and different then I am in love. A list of the best (Joss Whedon was the master at this):
Xander- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Wash and Jayne- Firefly
Cordelia- Angel
Topher- Dollhouse
(non-Joss Whedon)
Lassiter- Psych
Hodgins- Bones
Dr. Reid- Criminal Minds
Morgan- Chuck
Miles- Fraiser
These are just a few. But generally, characters need to be INTERESTING. The characters on Terra Nova are normal. So painfully normal. No comic relief, no quirk, no nerd. Only normal (boring) characters. I need more, FOX!! (Truthfully, this could all be said about Revenge and Ringer as well. No quirky character.)
PERSON OF INTEREST
Let me just say two names: Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson. AH! Can we say, Dream Team? You thought I was in love with the Count of Monte Cristo? Well, folks, here he is in the flesh! The new CBS show is...
5/5 stars
Just watch it. Brilliant acting, clever writing and captivating characters. It has the potential to last a very, very long time because its concept doesn't hinder creativity but cultivates it. Jim Caviezel...where have you been all this time? Dark, dangerous, and yet oddly calming. His voice alone gives me the chills in so many ways. And Michael Emerson is brilliant...it's the only word worthy. Seriously, if you only watch one show, watch this.
SUBURGATORY
Fun name, silly premise and witty banter. ABC has a seemingly great show. My rating?
3.5/5 stars
Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying this show so far, but I need more- and soon. The first episode was not great, it was okay and was enough for me to keep recording it. Second episode was a little better, and the third a little better. The acting is good and the writing is pretty good. It's getting better, which is promising. The bond between the daughter and father is sweet and the suburbanites are hilarious! I hope it only gets better, like it has been. I have hopes! Especially since it is brimming with quirky characters.
Less In Depth Analysis:
PanAm -- 4/5 stars (Interesting and I see massive potential. However, it lacks a certain hook. I think the characters need a little work. Christina Ricci is fantastic and basically hold the show.)
The Secret Circle -- 4/5 stars (I must admit, I've been putting off watching it, but finally have. I like it quite a bit. I'm a sucker for a good supernatural show. It'll be around for a long time, I suspect.)
The New Girl -- 4/5 stars (Cute, funny, good acting but trying a little to hard at times.)
Up All Night -- 3.5/5 stars (Love Will Arnett and Christina Applegate, but it could be so much better. Something is missing, and I believe it is commitment and better writing.)
Free Agents -- 3.5/5 stars (CANCELLED- but it had serious potential.)
Whitney -- 2/5 stars (Such bad writing with good acting is just confusing and disappointing. It has funny moments, but mostly awkward and lame ones. Not worth the space on my DVR.)
Unforgettable -- 3/5 stars (It's okay...but forgettable. Ha...ha....feels like just another crime show without much setting it apart.)
2 Broke Girls -- 1/5 stars (No. Just no, no, no.)
How To Be A Gentleman -- 2.5/5 stars (The only redeeming quality? Rhys Darby from Flight of the Concords- he's the one with the funny accent.)
***
Alright, that's it for now. Any requests?
No comments:
Post a Comment