The Summer of Spectacular New Series

It feels like more summer series premiered in 2011 than ever before. And boy did they deliver. As the summer comes to a close, I felt the need to reflect on my favorites and express my excitement for their imminent return. In no particular order (for the most part) here's what I've been watching for the past three months.

"SUITS" - If you follow me (@TVMaven) on Twitter, you already know how freaking cool I think this show is. I'm mean SERIOUSLY! Harvey Specter is the epitome of cool as is this show. The gorgeous shots of New York and the fantastic costuming only enhance the great story of a hot shot lawyer taking a genius (minus a law degree) under his wing. Gabriel Macht and Patrick Adams are superbly supported by Rick Hoffman and Gina Torres, two of my favorite character actors. I'm extremely excited for the season finally this Thursday night. If you missed season 1, better catch up before next summer when they return with 16 all new episodes (4 more!).

"AWKWARD" - For me, "Awkward" was the surprise of the summer. I never thought I'd be watching MTV again, but this little series about a girl (with my name) suffering through high school with a heroic sense of humor has me coming back week after week. Of course the writing is way more sophisticated than actual high schoolers, but not in that melodramatic "Dawson's Creek" kind of way....in an awesomely funny way. I'd never condone actual teenagers watching it. So if you're of age, check it out. We've still got a couple weeks left to go before school's out in Palos Verdes. They've already been picked up for Season 2, which we can expect in 2012. Go Jenna!

"WILFRED" - If "Awkward" was a surprise, "Wilfred" was a bombshell. After months of seeing promos, I became used to the idea of a man in a dog suit that everyone else saw as a dog, but I had no idea it would be so filthy. I'm pretty sure every episode was rated MA LS (mature audience, containing language and sex) some needed a V for violence and if there was a D for drugs, slap that onto every intro. This may turn some people off, but I thoroughly enjoyed being shocked week after week. Can't wait for more in Season 2 next summer.

"FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER" - There was no question I would love this British series being created by an "Inbetweeners" alum and starring Simon Bird, Tamsin Greig and Mark Heap. This dysfunctional, yet hilariously close family always seems to find trouble during their weekly dinners. Having this show air over the summer definitely took the sting off of the "Inbetweeners" ending, but now what will fill its void after next Saturday's finale? Counting down to series (season for you non BBC watchers) 2.

"SWITCHED AT BIRTH" - I love this show! So many questions. It really makes you think about what you would do in their situation(s). It's very complicated and there are always new things coming to light in addition to these two girls just trying to make their way through high school. After it's breakout success, ABC Family added twelve more eps (for a total of 22) to season 2 which will begin airing in January 2012. So it won't continue to be a summer series, but it definitely brightened this year up.

"FRANKLIN & BASH" - Who doesn't want to see Zack Morris all buff and in a suit? I sure do and that's just one reason why I heart this new lawyer-y comedy series from TNT. Breckin Meyer is definitely another. The chemistry between these two characters and the actors is hilariously entertaining to watch. Rounding out my top three reasons to watch F&B is Pindi, their agorophohic, Indian researcher that lives in the man cave along with the legal duo. This guy's got me in stitches every week, just wish there was more of him. Check out the first season so that you're good to go next summer as TNT has already renewed them for a second go around.

"FALLING SKIES" - No other show had me more excited week after week than TNT's newest sci-fi drama, which is why I couldn't just sit in front of the TV. I had to attend the Paley Center panel so that I could hear straight from the creators where the show was going. There is so much drama in the form of aliens headed our way next summer. If I recall correctly, TNT renewed the series after only two weeks (or so). Pretty frakkin' impressive for a sci-fi show. Leading the charge in season one was Noah Wylie, but who knows what season two will hold for him after boarding the uber scary alien spaceship. This show is about character and survival at the core. Even if you aren't a sci-fi geek, give it a try. The action and adventure is interwoven with scenes of heartfelt connection. Relatable to any audience. Watch it! Love it!


So, the bar has been set pretty high. My hope is that 2012 will not only deliver terrific second seasons of these shows, but a few more great series. Premieres aren't just for the fall anymore.

"Suits" Slides Into My Thursday Night Line Up

On Thursday night, USA premiered their latest two hot dudes in suits show, aptly titled “Suits”. Gabriel Macht is the slick, high powered attorney who specializes in closing the deal. When he’s promoted to senior partner by big boss lady Gina Torres, Macht’s Harvey Specter is tasked with finding himself an associate.

The law firm of Pearson Hardman only hires Harvard graduates, but apparently they tend to be the blandest, narcolepsy inducing people in the world. Harvey is impressed and inspired when he accidentally interviews Mike Ross while Ross is in the process of outrunning the cops with a briefcase full of Mary Jane.

Mike (Patrick J. Adams) is a slacker, but he’s got the information retention abilities of rain man. He may have gotten kicked out of the world of higher education, but he makes his bucks taking law school entrance exams….until he meets Harvey that is. I like that name….Harvey. You don’t hear it too often. But it does sound like trouble.

Also at Pearson Hardman are paralegal extraordinaire Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) and partner Louis Litt played by Rick Hoffman, that guy….you know, that guy….that plays a jackass in everything, but he’s really good at it.

I think this mentorship relationship could be interesting to watch. I like the style. If you watch “White Collar” then check this show out. It’s definitely in the same vein. Attractive men. Fashionable wardrobe. An element of sophistication. What more could you ask for in a summer series? (and I don’t mean that derogatorily). I'll definitely be giving this one a shot.

http://www.usanetwork.com/series/suits/

Thursdays at 10pm on USA

Stay Tuned....

TNT Tries It's Hand At Another Lawyer Show

There have probably been about a thousand lawyer shows, but here's another that's just worth trying. Last night was the premiere of "Franklin & Bash", TNT's latest series. Mark-Paul Gosselaar (yes, Zack Morris) and Breckin Meyer (the skateboarding stoner from Clueless) are best buds/law partners in this frat house meets courtroom comedy. I suppose you'd call it a comedy. It wasn't all that dramatic, so not a dramedy but it's not a full on sitcom kind of comedy. It's fun.

Gosselaar is Peter Bash, a young attorney that literally screwed himself out a great job when he slept with the boss' daughter. Despite his undeniable charisma and ability to charm a judge and jury, Bash was forced to practice law elsewhere....elsewhere being the house he shares with his best mate. Meyer is Jared Franklin, son of a successful attorney that rather take up for the little guy than be a puppet for the man. In addition to being upstanding (insert sarcasm font here) attorneys at law, Franklin & Bash really know how to throw a party.

In the pilot episode the pair meet Stanton Indorf played by Malcolm McDowell. I found it funny that there is a poster of "A Clockwork Orange" in the man cave. Anyway....Indorf brings on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to pump some life into his stuffy firm.

I like the rooting for the little guy element balanced with the dirty tricks that are played to win a case. When I say dirty, I mean wrong, but amusing and reeeaaally ballsy. Come on, they're ambulance chasers and proud of it. At their new firm, Franklin and Bash will be going head to head with the boss' nephew on a weekly basis. Apparently Reed Diamond does his best work playing lawyer and cop douche bags. Still glad to see him. Oh, I almost forgot. Jared and Peter couldn't move into these new cushy jobs without their paralegal and researcher who just happen to be an ex-con and an agoraphobe. LOVE Pindar. He could be my favorite character. Plus we share the same fear of birds. Dude knows what he's talking about. Click on the TV and hear Pindar's words of wisdom.

http://www.tnt.tv/series/franklinandbash/thecave

The pacing is good. The jokes are funny. The characters are surprising and likeable...even when you think "are you fricken' kidding me?" Definitely a good summer show. Plus they had those hilarious commercials. If you're looking for something to watch on Wednesday nights, check it out!

www.tnt.tv/series/franklinandbash

Wednesdays at 9pm on TNT

Stay Tuned...

"Fairly Legal" is Only Fairly Interesting

I checked out the first couple of episodes. So far....it's just ok. Sarah Shahi plays a legal mediator with a heart of gold, a sharp tongue and a phone that won't stop ringing. Her lawyer father has just kicked the bucket leaving his young blond wife to run the big, fancy law firm. Needless to say, Shahi's Kate Reed is less than thrilled to be working for the wicked witch of the west. Her brother, the scarecrow played by Ethan Embry is also an attorney, but taking some time off to be a stay at home dad. Kate's assistant Leo (the lion) consistently covers for Kate's repetitive lateness and general inability to be where she says she will. Michael Trucco may look familiar as Sam/Cylon of "Battlestar Galactica" but is now the Tin Man. He plays Kate's district attorney ex-husband with benefits. If you hadn't guessed, dear ol' dad is the wizard. It's on his boat, the Come A Broad that Kate is living.

Kate is good at what she does. In fact, she's the best (or so they keep telling us). She connects with her clients and goes above and beyond to fix them. She spends her own money, risks her career and even lands herself in jail. It's a little over idealistic and filled with too many attractive people. I live in the real world. Not all successful lawyers and professionals are stunningly beautiful. On the other hand, Kate's got spunk. I like a rebel in heels. It's possible that I might be able to put aside my disdain for the horrible opening titles and watch a few more episodes.

Thursdays at 10pm on USA

Stay Tuned....if you want

"Outlaw" Gets Caught

NBC has canceled the law drama starring Jimmy Smits as a former Supreme Court Justice that leaves the bench to practice again. Not all that surprising. I liked it enough to give it a shot, but it was given the timeslot of death. I don't know how a network can put a new show on at 10pm on Fridays and expect it to succeed. Especially a show like this. It's more for the older crowd. My mom and grandma would watch a show like this, but they are both sound asleep by 10pm. It was also up against Tom Selleck's new show "Blue Bloods", which I have to say, I like a lot better. I do hope that Jesse Bradford finds something new. He's so darn cute. Good in this, but better as a bastard (refer to I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell). All in all, no big loss. There are far too many lawyer shows on this season anyway.

Can “The Defenders” Make a Case?

Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi are Las Vegas lawyers Pete Kaczmarek and Nick Morelli. Seriously? Jim Belushi is a martini drinking, pinky ring wearing successful lawyer? Somehow I have trouble believing this. It’s a little reminiscent of “Las Vegas” with Pete driving down Las Vegas Blvd in a classic car. Anyone remember Danny McCoy? Yes, I am a Josh Duhamel fan. It was a good show!

It’s surprising to me every time I see Stephen Root play a role that is not full on comedic. Because he’s still good! And Jurnee Smollett… She’s all grown up! Not that little punk kid from “Full House” anymore. Smollett plays Lisa Taylor, a fresh attorney with a past. She put herself through law school by “dancing”.

The team is working on a murder case involving a young man, Dan Shephard that kills a neighbor who with his friends was beating the bejesus out of Shephard’s brother. Some dirty tricks are played, but technically legal and they get the guy off.

Outside of the courtroom, Morelli is having marital problems and Kaczmarek is a playboy. In the pilot alone he sleeps with a flight attendant and prosecutor played by super bitch Natalie Zea from “Dirty Money”. I love to hate her.

The effect they use on the opening credits is distracting and overall it’s pretty standard for a legal show, but not bad. It was more serious than the promos led me to believe, which is a good thing. I found the ad campaign hoooorrrible and because of it, I didn’t plan on giving the show a shot. Not in the mood for something over the top. Glad that I did. I probably won’t keep this program on my roster because it just didn’t grab me….and let’s face it, I don’t have much room in my television schedule for shows that I don’t absolutely love. I would recommend this show to my mother. A legal drama with some laughs thrown in. I’m expecting more laughs in coming episodes. Let me know if you pick this one up.

Wednesdays at 10pm on CBS

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_defenders/

Stay Tuned….(if you want)

"The Whole Truth" Is That's It's Not Very Good

This legal show attempts to stand out by depicting both the prosecution and defense. In the pilot episode, a young Latina student is murdered and her history teacher is on trial. Prosecutor Kathryn Peale (Maura Tierney sporting a super short haircut) has her staff terrified of her. Criminal defense attorney Jimmy Brogan (Rob Morrow) has an up and coming practice and a smug demeanor to go with it. Peale and Brogan were law schoolmates and are awkward friends. I bet they play up the sexual tension and eventually have them get it on.

We’re looking at a pretty standard legal show. Nothing about it grabbed me. I don’t love any of the actors, so for me, there’s not a reason to come back, but I wouldn’t leave the room if someone else wanted to watch it. Don’t expect big surprises.

Oh yeah….he did it.

Wednesdays at 10pm on ABC

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-whole-truth

Stay Tuned….(to something else)

Do You Want To Be An "Outlaw"?

Jimmy Smits is smug, smart ass gambling man Cyrus Garza. A Supreme Court Justice that leaves it all to practice again. Garza carries the baggage of his father, a judge that took a stand and was ashamed of his son's neutrality. It's been a year since Garza Sr. was killed in a car crash in which Cyrus was the only survivor.

“Dexter” director Marcos Siega reunites with Smiths and David Ramsey who plays Al Druzinsky, a member of Garza’s legal team. Jesse Bradford is all grown up, with a tie and everything. I don’t like it. He plays fellow lawyer and former clerk to Garza. Carly Pope is a P.I. that helps solve a death row murder case that is story for the pilot episode.

Being that my mother recommended this show, I figured it would be horrible. It’s actually not that bad. I didn’t say good, but not bad. It’s another law show with a showboating, soapboxing lawyer, but if you like Jimmy Smits, it’s worth a watch.

Fridays at 10pm on NBC (apparently this is when they figure the old people will watch)
http://www.nbc.com/outlaw/

Stay Tuned....