Showing posts with label ABC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABC. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Castle

Airing: Monday, 10pm, ABC

Castle is a show about a big-name mystery writer (Richard Castle) who, while suffering from writer’s block, uses his friendship with the mayor to tag along with the local police department on murder investigations. There is contempt expressed by the main detective he follows for several reasons: she was forced to allow his intrusions, he doesn’t follow any of her directions, and he usually winds up being instrumental in solving the cases.

Castle is now in its second season, with Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic continuing to give excellent performances every week. There is a great sexual chemistry between the two leads, and the tension between them is palpable. The supporting actors round out the cast well, and add to the humor aspect of the show.

I have been a fan of Nathan Fillion for years, back from the Two Guys and a Girl days (also starring another of my favorites, Ryan Reynolds). So I was automatically tuning in to see his new show. But I went in expecting it not to last long, considering many of his series failed early. I have been happily surprised that it has already lasted this long and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. He plays the part of an egocentric and famous writer to perfection, yet shows that his character is also intelligent not matter how silly he is being.

I have seen Ms. Katic in other vehicles, namely the first season of Heroes. Her character, Beckett, is the perfect antithesis to Castle and most other people around her. She is a strong enough woman to stand up to him, yet also listens to suggestions when it comes to her analyses.

The supporting characters add depth and interest to the show. I love seeing Castle at home with his mother and daughter, especially seeing him being a single parent of a teenage girl. The mother has some of the best lines in the show. The daughter has spot-on facial expressions and can put her dad in his place.

Even if you never watch another episode of this show, I highly recommend watching this season's Halloween episode. It was funny and unique, and also a huge blast from the past for Joss Whedon fans.

Obviously, I can go on and on about this show, but I'll stop here. Although there have been many cop shows before this, none have had the humor this one has. It is a dramedy, leaning more toward the comedy than true drama. Watch this, and see how great it is.

10 words or less: I need to get my hands on Castle's book...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Grey's Anatomy

Air Date: Thursday, 9pm, ABC

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, this show is about a group of surgeons at a Seattle hospital. It starts by focusing on a single group of interns under one resident and follows their them through their progression on their way to becoming great doctors. Of course, we see into their love lives, hospital politics, and their various trials and tribulations. Additionally, we get to see their interactions, both personally and professionally, with the attending surgeons and residents of the hospital.

This show is now in its 6th season. We have seen the main set of interns through cancer, death, loves and losses. We have seen doctors come and go, and now they are merging with the hospital across town. This is leading to major issues, complications, etc., and it's making for some very interesting story lines.

This show has gone through several ups and downs, but that's to be expected when a show has made over 100 episodes. I really like the current cast, and find the pairings wonderful. The cast was always nice to look at, but just about everyone they bring on is just better looking than the last. Shonda Rhimes develops some great characters, storylines, and dialog. This is still a must-see show for me. We'll see how long that lasts, but right now there is no end in sight.

10 words or less: Watched from the beginning, and just getting better.

Flash Forward

Air Date: Thursday, 8pm, ABC

This is a new show premiering in fall 2009. Everyone in the world blacks out for 137 seconds. Worldwide destruction occurs, and the government seeks the reason why. However, it wasn't just a standard black out experienced. People saw their futures, 6 months from that date. It is not known whether these visions will come true, but some wholeheartedly believe them, while others are more skeptical. The government continues tracking leads, particularly based on one of the agent's vision.

This is one of the new shows I have picked up this season. Of course, it comes on the most popular weeknight of TV for me, Thursday. And yet, I have gotten sucked in to the story. It reminds me, as it does others, of the first season of Lost. I like many of the actors involved in the show, but Joseph Feinnes' acting really annoys me. It annoys me in general, not just in this show.

Overall, I really like this show. It is definitely a series that won't make sense unless watched from the beginning. Otherwise, you will wind up very lost. Luckily, ABC has all of the episodes online so you can catch up if needed.

10 words or less: If you like Lost, check this out.

Monday, July 27, 2009

J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life

View Date: 7/17/09

This was a documentary special aired by ABC right after the latest Harry Potter movie was released. A film crew worked with Jo Rowling during the time she was finishing the final Harry Potter book. Interviews were also conducted during this time frame. They reviewed her childhood, her time living on welfare, and the process of writing her famous books. They also discussed the loss of her mother and other happenings that greatly influenced her writing.

The show was OK. Even with how big of a fan I am, I probably wouldn't watch this again. I have seem many better shows about the author, and many better interviews. It felt kind of choppy and haphazardly put together.

10 words or less: Watch the Biography Channel episode instead.