Diamonds in the Rough
Apparently, I've missed some very good TV.
With one exception, these series are not on the major networks - the networks are flooded with the latest "reality" trash in an effort to find that next show that can bring in the ratings equivalent to Survivor. I realize that my disgust of these shows is a definite aberration, and I fall into a small minority in this school of thought. I also tend to embrace shows that do not deal with reality at all (or at least deal with possible realities) a.k.a. Science Fiction. I have always gravitated to this genre in books and movies.
Because of my general distaste for the network shows, I have relegated myself to watching theatrical releases (I watch a LOT of movies) and HBO series and mini series like the Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Carnivale, Band of Brothers, Deadwood, and now Rome, with the occasional Fox series like 24 thrown in. What I am finding out is that in my complete prohibition of network TV, there were a few shows on the independent networks (and one that actually aired on a major network) that went under my radar that were really worth a look.
The first was Firefly, which I have commented on below. After discussing this series at lunch time and "water cooler" chats, It was suggested that I view three shows : the SciFi Channel's Battlestar Galactica, ABC's Lost and USA's The 4400. I quickly acquired each series and I am in the process of becoming current with each them.
I had heard that SciFi was remaking Galactica, but never gave it a second thought since I was not overly impressed with the campy original. Lets just say that only the basic plot line and character names are all that link the original to it's current incarnation. From the opening 15 minutes, it's apparent that this show would be quite special. This is a series that once I started watching, I found myself hooked like a junkie in an opium den. I watched the entire first two seasons in a week. Unlike it's predecessor, it takes a realistic view of what life, politics, and society would be likewhen what is left of an entire race of humans is reduced to life on the run in a fleet spaceships, while being ruthlessly pursued by a enemy that never sleeps. The decisions that have to be made are tough, dark and sometimes brutal, each balanced against what is the right thing to do for the good of what's left of the human race. I have to agree with the Boston Globe's "50 Best SciFi Shows of all Time", who rates it in second place. Bring on Season 3!
Next, at the prodding of a friend, I am watching The 4400. This series is really under the radar. It airs on USA, and the basic plot line revolves around 4400 abductees that appear in Seattle during the passing of a comet. It doesn't sound too intriguing, but it takes you on a topsy turvy thrill ride that starts down what appears to be a predictable path, only to blow away your latest theory over and over. Each episode centers around one of the 4400 abductees, while still following a main storyline. It's very well done, and although I would not put it in the league of Firefly or Galactica, it is definitely worth following to see where it ends up.
Lastly - I am saving Lost, mainly because it is currently airing and I am not very good at keeping up with shows that don't air on Sunday or Monday nights, so it's better for me to watch them at my leisure. This series seems to have a mixed bag of love / hate reviews from my friends, with most agreeing that the main storyline is well done, but with mixed reviews of the "flashbacks" that are seeded throughout the series. However, my son gives it high ratings and we usually agree on what's good entertainment. I guess I'll post a review in a week or two once I peruse this series.
I'll definitely be paying more attention to the network lineups, in hopes of finding a few more gems like these amongst the minefields of mindless reality shows that, at least from my perspective, plague them.
With one exception, these series are not on the major networks - the networks are flooded with the latest "reality" trash in an effort to find that next show that can bring in the ratings equivalent to Survivor. I realize that my disgust of these shows is a definite aberration, and I fall into a small minority in this school of thought. I also tend to embrace shows that do not deal with reality at all (or at least deal with possible realities) a.k.a. Science Fiction. I have always gravitated to this genre in books and movies.
Because of my general distaste for the network shows, I have relegated myself to watching theatrical releases (I watch a LOT of movies) and HBO series and mini series like the Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Carnivale, Band of Brothers, Deadwood, and now Rome, with the occasional Fox series like 24 thrown in. What I am finding out is that in my complete prohibition of network TV, there were a few shows on the independent networks (and one that actually aired on a major network) that went under my radar that were really worth a look.
The first was Firefly, which I have commented on below. After discussing this series at lunch time and "water cooler" chats, It was suggested that I view three shows : the SciFi Channel's Battlestar Galactica, ABC's Lost and USA's The 4400. I quickly acquired each series and I am in the process of becoming current with each them.
I had heard that SciFi was remaking Galactica, but never gave it a second thought since I was not overly impressed with the campy original. Lets just say that only the basic plot line and character names are all that link the original to it's current incarnation. From the opening 15 minutes, it's apparent that this show would be quite special. This is a series that once I started watching, I found myself hooked like a junkie in an opium den. I watched the entire first two seasons in a week. Unlike it's predecessor, it takes a realistic view of what life, politics, and society would be likewhen what is left of an entire race of humans is reduced to life on the run in a fleet spaceships, while being ruthlessly pursued by a enemy that never sleeps. The decisions that have to be made are tough, dark and sometimes brutal, each balanced against what is the right thing to do for the good of what's left of the human race. I have to agree with the Boston Globe's "50 Best SciFi Shows of all Time", who rates it in second place. Bring on Season 3!
Next, at the prodding of a friend, I am watching The 4400. This series is really under the radar. It airs on USA, and the basic plot line revolves around 4400 abductees that appear in Seattle during the passing of a comet. It doesn't sound too intriguing, but it takes you on a topsy turvy thrill ride that starts down what appears to be a predictable path, only to blow away your latest theory over and over. Each episode centers around one of the 4400 abductees, while still following a main storyline. It's very well done, and although I would not put it in the league of Firefly or Galactica, it is definitely worth following to see where it ends up.
Lastly - I am saving Lost, mainly because it is currently airing and I am not very good at keeping up with shows that don't air on Sunday or Monday nights, so it's better for me to watch them at my leisure. This series seems to have a mixed bag of love / hate reviews from my friends, with most agreeing that the main storyline is well done, but with mixed reviews of the "flashbacks" that are seeded throughout the series. However, my son gives it high ratings and we usually agree on what's good entertainment. I guess I'll post a review in a week or two once I peruse this series.I'll definitely be paying more attention to the network lineups, in hopes of finding a few more gems like these amongst the minefields of mindless reality shows that, at least from my perspective, plague them.
posted by Joel @ 11:10 PM
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