The new Fall 2007 TV shows
- From: Ablang <ron916@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:31:09 -0700
Fall TV preview: Fresh picks
A night-by-night look at the new primetime series
By Rick Kushman - Bee Tv Columnist
http://www.sacbee.com/127/story/378244.html
Here's our take on the 28 new network shows coming out this fall. The
ratings -- 1 to 4 stars -- are based on pilots, because what's a fall
TV season without time-honored snap judgments?
SUNDAYS
Viva Laughlin
When: 7 p.m. on Channel 13; premieres Oct. 21.
What: CBS calls it a "mystery drama with music." Eternal optimist
Ripley Holden (Lloyd Owen) wants to build a casino. His family wants
more attention. His nemesis (Hugh Jackman) wants him to fail. There's
also singing, dancing and a murder. That doesn't begin to describe it.
What's what: Mostly, it's a mess. There are moments of infectious
loopiness, but far too few, and there's too much dire soapiness
without enough camp, farce or dry irony to make this float. However,
points to CBS for taking a shot.
Rick says: 1 1/2 stars
CW Now
When: 7 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres next Sunday.
What: An entertainment magazine that the folks at the CW say will
cover everything that's "hip, hot and happening" for young adults,
although young adults don't actually talk like that.
What's what: Since it's all about what'll be hot and happening at the
moment, no advance episodes were ready for preview. But it's from the
producers of "Extra," which gives a hint of what it'll look like.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Online Nation
When: 7:30 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres next Sunday.
What: A half-hour showcase of viral videos and hot Web sites. They're
spreading online videos. How'd they think of that?
What's what: Sounds like YouTube, but with hosts.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Life Is Wild
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres Oct. 7.
What: A veterinarian (D.W. Moffett) drags his entire blended family
from New York to a South African game reserve, where they -- surprise
-- discover the wonders of nature, other cultures and each other.
What's what: Not nearly as cloying as all that. It has an old-school-
Disney innocence and more charm than you'd expect. Daughter Katie
(Leah Pipes) walks a nice line between ticked-off teen and amazed kid.
Rick says: 3 stars
MONDAYS
The Big Bang Theory
When: 7:30 p.m.on Channel 13; premieres Sept. 24.
What: Two geeky brainiacs get a beautiful neighbor who likes their
naiveté and earnestness; they like, uh, other things about her. They
teach her about physics; she teaches them about life.
What's what: This "Beauty and the Geek" replica sounds like it's from
every sitcom playbook everywhere, but it's less obvious than you'd
expect and a lot bigger-hearted. At moments, it's even funny.
Rick says: 2 1/2 stars
Chuck
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 3; premieres Sept. 24.
What: A geeky tech-support guy (Zachary Levi) spends his days working
for the Nerd Herd in a big-box store and wondering if he could hack it
as an assistant manager. Then, an e-mail turns his brain into a
computer-swift database of super-duper spy secrets. Now, he has to
save the world, and maybe get a date.
What's what: As endearing and witty as it is silly. That's silly in a
good way. It's not as smart or neatly structured as the CW's "Reaper"
-- which is loaded with similarities (see below) -- but "Chuck" is the
definition of the word romp, and it's got loads of potential.
Rick says: 3 1/2 stars
Aliens in America
When: 8:30 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres Oct. 1.
What: Parents of a shy teen know their kid is the school nerd. They
hope to make him more socially acceptable by trying to import a cool
exchange student. Instead, they get a Pakistani kid who's even a
bigger nerd. The guys bond.
What's what: Handled badly, which is to say like most sitcoms, this
would have been a train wreck. Instead, it turns out fairly charming
and fresh. Still, future episodes could easily veer away from charm
and toward train wreck if producers aren't careful.
Rick says: 3 stars
K-Ville
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 40; premieres Monday.
What: Atmospheric and moody cop show set in New Orleans two years
after Katrina. Anthony Anderson has a new partner, Cole Hauser, and
the two don't trust each other, or anyone, as they manage crime in a
city with years of rebuilding and huge disappointments still ahead.
What's what: This series needs to decide what it is. The look, the
feel and the ripples from Katrina are authentic, powerful and dark.
The crime show and mismatched buddy story are lightweight and obvious.
The actors and ambiance are too good to write off, but the show needs
some rebuilding, too.
Rick says: 2 1/2 stars
Samantha Who?
When: 9:30 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Oct. 15.
What: Samantha (Christina Applegate) wakes from a coma with no memory
of her life. She learns she was pretty much a shrew, and she wants to
start over, though the bad Samantha hasn't entirely disappeared.
What's what: It's all in the execution, the droll writing, Applegate's
deadpan delivery, and the casual wackiness of Jean Smart as Samantha's
out-of-touch mom. It all adds up to a happily promising comedy.
Rick says: 3 stars
Journeyman
When: 10 p.m. on Channel 3; premieres Sept. 24.
What: A journalist (Kevin McKidd) suddenly starts traveling back in
time, apparently to fix events surrounding his life. In his regular
time zone, people get ticked off when he keeps disappearing.
What's what: It's slickly produced, and McKidd is a strong presence,
but the tone is too serious and anxious. NBC calls it a romantic
mystery, and producers say the stories will be mostly self-contained,
but the running mystery surrounding the time leaps makes it feel like
another too-dark serial.
Rick says: 2 1/2 stars
TUESDAYS
Cavemen
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Oct. 2.
What: You've seen the insurance commercial. You know the joke. Cavemen
get treated as idiots. Producers say it's a comment on societal
stereotypes, discrimination and outsiders everywhere.
What's what: Are they serious? It's a one-note joke, good for a 30-
second TV spot. That concept is so simple, a caveman could figure it
out.
Rick says: 1 star
Carpoolers
When: 8:30 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Oct. 2.
What: Four very different guys share together time in their daily
commute.
What's what: Could be worse, which is not really a recommendation.
Mostly it's cliché, but the slapsticky scenes in the car have a
certain empty-headed charm.
Rick says: 2 stars
Reaper
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres Sept. 25.
What: Sam (Bret Harrison) is an earnest-if-nerdy guy working in a big-
box store and trying to get up the nerve to ask out a girl. His
parents never pushed him because, before he was born, they sort of
inadvertently sold his soul to the devil. Now, Satan (Ray Wise) has
claimed Sam, whose new job is to capture evil souls that have escaped
from hell.
What's what: The sleeper show of the season. This is "Freaks and
Geeks" meets "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." It's fresh, clever and full
of nice, sharp touches. The cast is delightful, Sam is an everyman to
root for, and the cheeky devil is ironically endowed. What's not to
love?
Rick says: 4 stars
Cane
When: 9 p.m. on CBS Channel 13; premieres Sept. 25.
What: For "Dallas" and "Dynasty," it was oil; for "Falcon Crest," it
was wine; and for the Canes of Florida, it's rum and sugar. (Get it?
The Canes? Sugar?) Other than an underlying Cuban American theme, this
is like all the other rich-family soaps.
What's what: Great cast -- it includes Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizondo,
Rita Moreno and Nestor Carbonell. Great setting -- a lush South
Florida plantation. Yet, it manages to be bland and feels like all
those worn-out prime-time soaps, right down to the hair-triggers and
sibling rivalries.
Rick says: 2 stars
WEDNESDAYS
Kid Nation
When: 7 p.m. on Channel 13; premieres Wednesday.
What: Forty kids, ages 8-15, have 40 days to rebuild a New Mexico
ghost town and build a society -- without adults -- in this reality
series that sounds like "Survivor" meets "The Lord of the Flies."
What's what: It's not exactly a ghost town, it's a ranch rebuilt for
movie filming. And the kids aren't exactly alone: The place was
crawling with adults and producers. CBS called it a camp, but critics
say maybe it violated child labor laws. Some kids loved the
experience, some didn't. Controversy is everywhere. CBS could not have
asked for more advance publicity. Now we'll have to see if it's at all
interesting.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Pushing Daisies
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Oct. 3.
What: In this brightly colored fairy tale about life, love and
connections, a man (Lee Pace) can bring the dead back to life if he
touches them, but he can only touch them once or it's permanent
curtains. He uses his gift to solve murders by asking the dead who
killed them. Then he revives his childhood sweetheart (Anna Friel) and
keeps her alive. Their relationship is sweetly odd.
What's what: Shot and produced with the feel of a modern fable and a
vivid sense of whimsy, this series is witty, constantly surprising and
totally adorable.
Rick says: 4 stars
Back to You
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 40; premieres Wednesday.
What: A blowhard anchorman (Kelsey Grammer) gets fired from a big-time
job and returns to his former, smaller station, where he's got some
complicated chemistry with the reigning anchorwoman (Patricia Heaton).
What's what: A throwback sitcom with a lot going for it, starting with
consummate pros Grammer and Heaton. If there's any downside, it might
be an odd fit for Fox.
Rick says: 3 stars
Private Practice
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Sept. 26.
What: This "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff sends Addison (Kate Walsh) to
Southern California because it's a long way from Seattle Grace
Hospital, has a sunnier look and offers a lot more excuses to put
people in beachwear.
What's what: Hard to tell. The pilot was just part of a "Grey's"
episode, already one character has been recast, and no full episode
was ready for preview. Producers say it will be lighter, funnier and
-- if it's possible -- more sexually giddy than the original.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Bionic Woman
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 3; premieres Sept. 26.
What: The Bionic Woman. They can rebuild her. They have the
technology. Except this time, Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan) is really
ticked off.
What's what: A darker reimagining of the show, which includes a
treacherous secret agency that wants to control Jamie and another
Bionic Woman (Katee Sackhoff) out there who's gone rogue. The pieces
are in place for a good show, but the tone and anger management need
some work.
Rick says: 2 1/2 stars
Kitchen Nightmares
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 40; premieres Wednesday.
What: Noted chef and screamer Gordon Ramsey tries to turn failing
restaurants into food hot spots, maybe even without assaulting anyone.
What's what: The show wasn't sent to TV critics, but it's Fox, it's
Gordon Ramsey and it's a reality show. You know where this is going.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Gossip Girl
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 31; premieres Wednesday.
What: Rich, self-involved, private-school teens strut and preen in New
York in a heartless soap aimed at young adults and based on a popular
book series. Every little doing is watched and blogged by a mysterious
Gossip Girl, which makes an argument that, yeah, there's too much
litter online.
What's what: It's mean, shallow, sexist and obsessed with money, looks
and social rank. Probably will be a hit.
Rick says: 1 1/2 stars
Dirty Sexy Money
When: 10 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Sept. 26.
What: A fabulously wealthy, fabulously jerky family (including Donald
Sutherland and Jill Clayburgh) sucks a good-guy lawyer (Peter Krause)
into their spoiled world of towering selfishness, petty squabbles and,
maybe, murder.
What's what: Some viewers will love it and some will hate it,
depending on whether this plays to them as a juicy soap, black comedy
or a story of nasty, soulless people who are all money and no moral
compass.
Rick says: 2 stars
Life
When: 10 p.m. on Channel 3; premieres Sept. 26.
What: A detective (Damien Lewis) returns to the force after serving
time for murders he didn't commit. He has been cleared, but his life
isn't the same. He's suffered a lot and learned a lot from being
"inside." He's turned very quirky, and a settlement has made him very
rich.
What's what: This show's probably going to get overlooked as just
another cop show, but the always-terrific Lewis adds layers to his
detective who's rediscovering his job and his life.
Rick says: 3 stars
THURSDAYS
Big Shots
When: 10 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Sept. 27.
What: Four successful guys (Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Joshua
Malina and Christopher Titus) have tons of chemistry among themselves
but struggle with the women in and out of their lives.
What's what: The writing tries for breezy but only gets too obvious
and bland, and the plot twists are shabby. You want to like this light
drama because of the guys, but you can't.
Rick says: 2 stars
FRIDAYS
The Next Great American Band
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 40; premieres Oct. 19.
What: The producers of "American Idol" are trying their same trick
with bands, all the way down to forcing the groups to perform within a
set genre each week. Can't wait to see the heavy metal rockers sing
the Bee Gees.
What's what: Fox is killing time until "Idol" returns in January.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Moonlight
When: 8 p.m. on Channel 13; premieres Sept. 28.
What: Mick St. James (Alex O'Loghlin) was bitten by his bride on his
wedding night 60 years ago and became a vampire. But, he's a good
vampire, and with that name, has no choice but to be a private eye. So
he helps people battle their own vampire problems, and, yes, it does
sound a lot like "Angel."
What's what: Could be cool and shadowy. Could be ironic and clever.
Could be dark and tortured. CBS is still reworking the pilot.
Rick says: Unavailable for review.
Women's Murder Club
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 10; premieres Oct. 12.
What: Four San Francisco women -- a homicide cop (Angie Harmon), a
prosecutor (Laura Harris), a coroner (Paula Newsome) and a reporter
(Aubrey Dollar) -- have formed a secret society of sorts, and they
help solve the city's toughest murders.
What's what: Based on the novels of James Patterson, it's a nice new
twist on the old crime procedural. The friendship among the women
feels genuine and not TV-lite or sappy.
Rick says: 3 stars
Nashville
When: 9 p.m. on Channel 40; premiered Friday .
What: Cameras follow a group of young people who are trying to make it
in Nashville and not too shameful to submit to reality-show cameras
and editing.
What's what: It's lightweight and overstaged but harmless enough.
There is, of course, too much romantic drama and not much real
substance, but who didn't expect that? The music's pretty good,
though.
Rick says: 2 stars
.
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