The 2004-2005 Television Season Recap
by Phil
L.
16 April 2005
Sunday
Arrested Development
Without a doubt the funniest comedy on TV today. The writing is incredibly sharp, witty, and subtle. The cast is perfect and plays off each other beautifully. What was the surprise winner as Best Comedy last year should be the front-runner and runaway winner this year.
Desperate Housewives
Along with Lost, the best new show of the year. A fine example of how an ensemble cast should be put together, where the whole is significantly greater than the parts that created it. Add to that an engaging story line, which mixes comedy and intrigue (an unlikely pair), and you have a top-notch show. Definitely deserving of the monster ratings it received. Update: The show has started to drag, with some story lines seemingly dropped altogether (see Lynette’s cheating husband) and other’s drawn out for no obvious purpose (the Terry Hatcher/Mike feud). The show needs to finish up strong to validate its status.
Crossing Jordan
My darling wife Angie got me into this show and I’m sure glad she did. This show is like a combination of the 1st half hour of Law & Order and CSI—and how could you go wrong when you combine these two? Answer: you can’t. The show doesn't take itself too seriously (see David Carusoe on CSI:Miami) and has a good blend of comedy and drama. Not to mention that it is set in Boston, which makes this former(?) Masshole proud. I’m also not afraid to say that Hennessy is hot, O'Connell is dreamy, and I enjoy them in their roles.
Deadwood
This drama came out firing on all cylinders for this, it’s second season. If you can get past the abrasive language, which can at times be too abrasive for little effect, then you can enjoy this well written/acted rough drama, set in a tough time. I find myself sometimes with the feeling of being part of that era when watching the show – it’s represented that well – which is something to be said, and to their credit.
Monday
Everybody Loves Raymond
Alas, it is heart wrenching to know that this show will not be back next year. But like Seinfeld before it, it went out as a top show that consistently delivered laughs. As I said last year, it was dysfunctional-family-situational-comedy at its finest. End of story (indeed)!
Two and a Half Men
My surprise of the season, due to the fact that I thought this show would be a one-season-wonder, but instead had a season better than the last. Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer really make an impressive comedy duo, and play off each other quite well. In addition, the show boasts the best child actor on TV today, to create an impressive triumvirate. We’ve seen more of the lesser cast members as well, which has only added to the laughs.
Las Vegas
This show, like the one before it, is having a better sophomore season. The inclusion of "Mike" as a now prominent character playing off of Josh Duhamel was an insightful move, and adds a "buddy" element that was lacking in the first year. As always, the women are top-notch, sometimes giving you the feeling that you’ve left your couch and jumped into a sea of breasts.
CSI: Miami
There’s no need to review this show, it’s a CSI – you know what it is and you know what you’re getting. I will say, however, that I saw Emily Procter on an old Friends episode last night, and it is very clear that she had some major work done.
Medium
While I think the show has the potential to be quite good – solid cast, interesting topic, it still comes off as somewhat flat. The endings thus far have been predictable (pun intended), bland, and seem almost to be an afterthought when considering the writing for the first 40 mins of the show. The young daughter as "medium" adds tremendous upside, if they do it right. Update: The show has finished up strong and gotten better as the weeks have gone by. Patricia Arquette (sp?) is doing a fine acting job, and perhaps is the top newcomer of the season.
Tuesday
Scrubs
I’ve always thought this show was hysterical, and now it appears the producers’ guild thinks so too. Like Arrested Development, another show with a great cast that really plays to the quirky writing, and where the comedy can be quick and subtle, forcing you to pay attention. Why it’s taken this long for the show to get any recognition is beyond me.
Amazing Race
I watched last season’s finale while visiting my parents, and that was all it took to get me hooked on this show. A second Tivo unit didn’t hurt either. The show is exciting, the places they go are interesting and the things they have to do are varied and engaging. The best part, of course, is watching the people argue with each other, and the comedy and drama that ensues.
24
Another great season thus far as long as you don’t take it too seriously. I still find it one of the most suspenseful shows on TV, where they’ve shown that anything can happen or anyone can die at any minute…something you cant say about most shows out there.
Wednesday
Lost
Like everybody else, I liked the premise of the show but was sure it would suck. And like everybody else once the 1st episode began I was totally hooked. Action, Drama, Suspense, and a Hobbit – it’s got it all! I love shows where you’re not sure what actually is happening and have no clue what will happen. Everything is new and exciting. Well written, acted and directed. A slam-dunk.
West Wing
Last year I wrote that I wasn’t quite sure why I still watched this show. This year I never did.
Project Runway
Reality TV where clothing designers compete each week. I enjoy seeing the designs they come up with, often on a limited budget and/or with strange materials. I also enjoy watching the designers interact, as there is loads of unintentional comedy (to use a Simmons reference). There’s also a sub-plot with hot models competing for a spread in Elle. A great show that’s already got me thinking about the next round.
CSI: NY
Not nearly as good as the original or Miami version. Succeeding on its name alone at this point.
Thursday
Joey
The show isn’t great, but it doesn’t suck either, which in my mind is one hell-of-an achievement, all things considered. A few reasons to watch this show: 1) Drea De Matteo, post boob job and always dressed like a slut. Always good for 10 minutes of eye candy; 2) The woman who plays Bobbie, Joey’s agent, is laugh-out-loud funny. Too bad she’s not in the show more often; 3) there’s nothing else on.
Committed
The jury is still out on this show, which at times is laugh out loud funny, and at others is just plain stupid. I wondered why they killed Devan off Crossing Jordan and it appears it was so she could star in this show. She went from portraying a doctor and medical examiner to a kookie dumb blond--though a kookie dumb blond with her own show. Tom Poston is underutilized thus far, and I don’t quite find the "clown in my closet" idea amusing.
Friday
Joan of Arcadia
Still a good show, but in somewhat of a sophomore slump. The writing and acting are still good, but the show seems to be stuck in a rut. They’re dragging out story lines, because there aren’t many places this show can go. The show ended last year on a real interesting story line with Joan questioning God, God’s existence, herself, etc. then basically said she went to the nut house for a summer, and was back to her normal self as God’s messenger 3 episodes in. What a wasted opportunity to really explore these issues, and create some captivating TV while you’re doing it. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this show.
My Guilty Pleasures, Part Deux
American Chopper
I don’t ride motorcycles, nor do I pretend to know anything about them, but they sure are cool. This show combines cool bikes with the wacky people that make them. I always find myself watching this show when I’m in Dayton, Ohio for work, though I’m not sure what that means.
Myth Busters
Again, a show I always find myself watching when I’m in Dayton, Ohio for work. These two guys basically try to debunk all the urban legends out there, and more often than not end up blowing something up, which is always fun to watch.
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