Initial Impressions - New Fall Dramas

I'm no expert, I just know what I like. Take it or leave it. 

"666 Park Avenue" - ABC is now full on in the supernatural genre. It's a little soapy. It's a little thriller. It's a little devil at the crossroads. The biggest draw for me was Terry O'Quinn. His guest spots on "Hawaii Five-0" haven't satisfied my withdrawal from "Lost" and John Locke. Glad to see him in a killer role he can sink his teeth into. In my opinion, O'Quinn always raises the bar. Hope everyone else can meet him there. That being said, still not sure about this one yet. Obviously I've got a crush on Terry and Dave Annable's not too shabby, but I haven't decided on the female lead yet. Not loving her. There's a fine line with shows like this. They can be either really engaging or over the top. Please refer to "Supernatural" as an example of the former. ABC - Sundays at 10/9c

"Elementary" - I almost didn't give it a try. Masterpiece's "Sherlock" is an all-time favorite. How could I possibly love anyone else as much as Benedict Cumberbatch in this legendary role (even though I heart Jonny Lee Miller)? And Watson as a woman? I consider myself a bit of a feminist, but when they cast Lucy Liu, I was a bit put off. Never been a huge fan. Guess what. It works. I actually enjoyed the first episode. Sherlock is a tattoo covered addict living off of Daddy's money and Watson is his sober companion. Decent way to update the story. I guess it's the character that's hooked me. It's definitely got potential and I think it'll fit in on The Eye. Are you Sherlocked?
CBS - Thursdays at 10/9c

"Last Resort" - Shawn Ryan has won my heart back. Haven't been a fan of his shows since "The Shield" but I have very high hopes for this one. Even though it's no where near the same genre, I had that Lost feeling. Maybe it was the tropical setting or maybe.... just maybe, ABC's got something golden here.  I love shows that really make you think about morality and ethics. Shows like this ask the questions that hopefully we'd never have to answer in our own lives, but it's eye opening to discuss (in a safe place, like crowded around the water cooler). In the opening ep, a submarine crew must decide whether or not to follow orders to fire a nuclear missile. Andre Braugher is perfectly cast as leader, giving a very powerful performance. Slightly reminiscent of President Palmer. Two thumbs way up.  ABC - Thursdays at 8/7c

"Revolution" - Survival stories make great drama. Whether there is a worldwide black out, a plague, or zombies, it's fascinating to watch what people will do to stay alive. I'm crossing my fingers on this one. I love nearly everything J.J. Abrams touches and Eric Kripke is the creator of "Supernatural" which if you couldn't tell, I'm a giant fan of. Unfortunately, recent Emmy winner Giancarlo Esposito is the only cast member I like....and he's the bad guy! I'll keep trying, but this one might have to up the ante to win me over.
NBC - Mondays at 10/9c

 "Vegas" - Michael Chiklis! Michael Chiklis! Michael Chiklis! Ok, I got that out of my system. Soooo Michael Chiklis is in this show. So is Dennis Quaid. Baby Vegas is the backdrop for this true story of lawman vs. mobster. I'm not sure yet. Obviously I want to like this show, but it's very CBS at least as of the first episode. Seems like my mom would like it, which means it's got a G rating compared to the television I usually watch. There's definitely potential. The early days of Sin City could provide some very seedy storylines if CBS is willing to go there. My general feeling is that they tend to hold back. To not offend their core demographic. I can imagine what HBO or even FX would do with this story. It's oooozing drama. I may not be your core demographic, CBS, but please offend me. CBS - Tuesdays at 10/9c

I'm a gritty drama fan. More "Sons of Anarchy" than "Law & Order". The majority of the television I watch is on cable and premium channels, but these could be some good network additions. What do you think? Early favorites?

Initial Impressions - New Fall Comedies

 I'm no expert, I just know what I like. Take it or leave it.

"Animal Practice" - Wackiness ensues in a ridiculously huge animal hospital in New York City. Justin Kirk and Joanna Garcia Swisher lead the cast as exes who now have to work together. Their quirky co-workers (including a monkey) and rowdy patients keep things lively. I wasn't going to give this one a chance, but I got bored one day and said what the hell. The first two episodes weren't terrible. I can't say this will be a staple in my TV schedule, but I've always loved Joanna Garcia and let's face it, monkeys are funny. I'll give it a few more eps. If it falls into all the cliches as it easily could, I'll have to put it to sleep.  NBC - Wednesdays at 8/7c

"Ben and Kate" - Fox has been on a roll with comedies in the last couple of years. The latest addition to their Tuesday night line up follows Ben as he moves in with sister Kate to raise her five year old daughter Maddie, who incidentally steals the show. The pilot was funny and endearing, yet so-so. It has potential. That kid is spectacular and I really liked the supporting cast. This could be a great pairing for "Raising Hope".
FOX - Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c

"Go On" - Yet another sitcom attempt by Matthew Perry. I watched the double ep premiere and wasn't impressed. I planned on giving it one more try, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I don't care for Matthew Perry being the same character for the eighteenth time since "Friends". I wish he would try something else like "Studio 60 on the Sunset Stip". Something that isn't a straight up sitcom. He was really great in that. This just makes me sad.
NBC - Tuesdays at 9/8c

"Guys with Kids" - Three straight men and their babies. I know, by the posters, you thought this was another Hangover sequel, but it's half of NBC's attempt at representing the post-modern American family. I love all three of these guys and Vanessa Huxtable is back! Well, Tempestt Bledsoe is anyway as Anthony Anderson's working wife. I'm not sure about this one. I want to like it, but the laugh track/live studio audience makes it reeeeaaaallly hard. Why won't the networks let go of that format? Move on, we're passed it.
NBC - Wednesdays 8:30/7:30c

"The Mindy Project" - Totally stood up to my expectations! I've loved Mindy Kaling's work on "The Office" for years, not to mention her tweets. She's got a fresh voice reminiscent of "New Girl" creator Liz Meriwether but with her own spin on being a young professional trying to find her way. "New Girl" and "The Mindy Project" are two peas in an awesome pod that make me count down the days until Tuesday night. Check. It. Out. NOW.
FOX - Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c

"The Neighbors" - This sitcom about a family that moves into a gated community of aliens is too stupid to even try. If you watched even five minutes of it, I just lost respect for you.

If you haven't, I'm not going to tell you what time it's on. You've got better things to do.

"The New Normal" - The other half of NBC's post-modern American family experiment is the one that you probably heard about on the news before the pilot aired. David and Bryan are a successful (and attractive) gay couple living in Los Angeles that decide to they want a baby. Enter Goldie. A young woman who's trying to make a better life for her nine year old daughter after getting knocked up as a teenager. Ellen Barkin is Goldie's loud mouth, republican GRANDmother who whole-heartedly disapproves of what Goldie's chosen to do with her womb. Maybe middle America will ruin it, but I think this could be a hit. So far, I'm really enjoying it. Give it try.
NBC - Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c

"Partners" - This is CBS' so-called gamble comedy. Gay characters on CBS! Oh no! Doesn't seem all that risky to me, but props to The Eye for finally going there. It's based on the friendship and professional partnership of the "Will & Grace" creators. I like the premise. I love Michael Urie and David Krumholtz. I even like the opening titles. I can't stand Sophia Bush, the cardboard Brandon Routh or the laugh track. This one could be a struggle. I want to like it, but there is so much working against it for my taste. I'll give it a few weeks and see how it goes, but I can't promise I'll be all that tolerable. Die, laugh track, die!

I don't usually like to predict because I hate being wrong, but I'm going to go ahead and call it. "The Neighbors" will be cancelled before the fifth episode airs. I think I'm being quite generous without having seen it.

What do you guys think?

Random Musings of a TV Addict

The older I get, the more I procrastinate. I guess to get myself back in the swing of writing, I'm just going to put down some random thoughts about television in the new year.

"House" is coming to an end after eight seasons. It's the only show that I can remember hitting it's prime in season 6. I'm a little behind due to Monday night traffic on my DVR, but I hear last week's ep was one of the series' best. As of right now, my opinion is that the season 6 premiere where House is in the mental hospital is the best episode of the entire series. How often can you say that? With the departure of key cast members, it feels right that it ends. Just hope they make it satisfying. 

Idris Elba wins the Golden Globe! These two seasons of "Luther" have been some of the best hours television ever. No, I'm not exaggerating. If you haven't seen Elba's performance, find a ruler or stick like object and smack your hand. You deserved that.

I wasn't sure about "New Girl"after watching the pilot, last fall. It was funny, but there was too much quirk. The writers have since toned it down and focused on the interaction of these four Los Angeles roommates. Result - once a week (when there aren't reruns) I nearly pee my pants and/or hyperventilate from laughing so hard. If you are 17ish - 35 I highly recommend it. It's a bit too hip and young for the old folks.

"Justified" is back. Once again, I hope this will be the year that Walton Goggins is recognized for his amazing talent. Figured it would be hard to top last year's banner season with Margo Martindale but season 3 is well on it's way. One thing I can count on besides great guest stars like Neil McDonough, Jere Burns, Todd Stashwick, and James Le Gros is that I will always be surprised.

"NCIS" just celebrated 200 episodes. Quite a feat. I've been asked by non watchers how the hell a run of the mill procedural has stayed on the air so long. My answer - the wonderfully dysfunctional family dynamic unlike any other on television. No one watches "NCIS" for the weekly case, it's the characters and their interaction. Oh, and Mark Harmon's hair.

"The Fades" airing on BBC America's Supernatural Saturdays is my new favorite other worldly series. They've got a new take on ghosts - body regeneration. With a complex mythology unlike any I've come across before "The Fades" has me hooked. Only problem is that there are only six eps in the first season and it's uncertain whether there will be a second. Think "Skins" meets "Supernatural".

MTV is back on my radar (for the first time since I was 14). I raved about "Awkward" last summer and now another dirty scripted comedy has caught my eye. Based on the novel of the same name "I Just Want My Pants Back" follows a group of twentysomethings in NYC being very naughty and looking for something more. I'm not sure raunchy is the best descriptor, but MTV sure doesn't pull any punches on this one. Only seen the first 2 eps, but I'll be back for more.

The other reason I haven't been blogging lately is because I joined Twitter a few months back. It's so much easier to tweet random thoughts than to wait until I've got enough to say to fill a blog post. If you're already on there, follow me @TVMaven and if you aren't but love television as much as I do, join. It's so great to follow my favorite show runners, actors and other bloggers. I find articles, interviews and a ton of other random links that I wouldn't have on my own. This is a great age for fans. Take advantage.

15 Gifts for Your Favorite TV Lover

So I might be a little late, but I've compiled a list of gifts that would make any TV lover jump for joy this holiday season (or for a birthday if you don't want to pay for express shipping...my bad). Also, I apologize in advance for the fact that the hyperlinks NEVER work on this site, but I've included the websites where you can find these items. Just search by item name.

1. "How I Met Your Mother" - Bro Code Audio Book $19.98
Who doesn't bust a gut listening to Neil Patrick Harris as womanizer Barney Stinson spout his ridiculous rules of life known as The Bro Code? Now, you can be educated while riding in the car cruising for chicks or running in the park trolling for hotties. Living by this code will change your life. Granted, you might end up sad and alone by next Christmas, but you'll be just as cool as Barney. *Suit required*
www.cbs.com


2. "NCIS" - Bert the Farting Hippo $45
As any "NCIS" fan knows, forensic wizard Abby Sciuto gets through those tough nights in the lab (including the ones where people are trying to kill her) by snuggling up with her trusty Sub Saharan sidekick Bert. This flatulent friend is not only cute but he has a lot to say. Just hug him and find out.
www.cbs.com



3. "Dexter" - Ice Truck Killer Thumb Drive $39.95
Remember season one? You know, the one with the chopped up body parts. No not the current season, the other one. This Thumb drive will freak out your friends and co-workers and who doesn't want to do that?
www.sho.com




4. "Bored to Death" - Binoculars $14.99
If you know someone that wants to be a private dick or just has some stalkery tendencies that you'd like to foster, these are essential. Where would the fictional Jonathan Ames be if he didn't have his peeping tom glasses? Probably passed out from a whole lot of Mary Jane and Chardonnay.
www.hbo.com


5. "True Blood" Pint Set - $39.95
Who hasn't watched "True Blood" and though, "Damn, I'm thirsty"? Well now, whether you're drinking lager, cola or AB+, you've got the perfect vessel. Bottoms up!
www.hbo.com

6. "How To Make It In America" T-Shirt - $24.99
If you've lived in NYC, but don't any more, this show makes you so homesick that you want to wear the clothes the fictional fashion company produces. They are pretty cool, so it's not like you'd look like an idiot. Wish they had the Crisp hoodie, but this tee will do.
www.hbo.com

7. "Psych" Pineapple Cookie Jar - $39.99
What kind of cookies do you think Gus keeps in his cookie jar? My guess is thin mints...or pinwheels. No, you're right. Oreos it is. I think this is a pretty cute jar for those who know and a conversation starter when you have guests that have never heard of the show. Don't fill it up, but offer cookies, the jar takes care of the punch line for you.
www.nbc.com

8. "The Walking Dead" Daryl Dixon Action Figure - $16.99
Yes, that's right. You can now own a mini plastic, ripped Daryl Dixon. Figure comes complete with signature crossbow and string of squirrels. The only thing that would make it better would be a zombie ear necklace. If Daryl isn't your cup of tea (what's wrong with you?!), you can choose from most other members of our merry band of survivors. Ideally, get the entire cast and re-enact scenes from your favorite episodes. On that note, don't bother me in January. I'm busy.
www.amctv.com

9. "Awkward" Jenna Lives/In Tribute Tee - $25
If you watch the best show MTV has ever made, then you don't really need any explanation. If you don't watch, you should. And then you'll want a Jenna Lives t-shirt. Plus, it's got my name on it. Buy it. Wear it.
www.mtv.com

10. "Revenge" Infinity Box - $24.99
Ok, so I'm teetering on whether or not to drop this show. Regardless, this is a pretty box. You don't have to be hell bent on revenge for your father whose business associates framed him for a terrorist attack to have this box. Or you can. It's up to you. This is actually a really good gift because you can give it to someone that doesn't watch, but if you give it to a fan, they may feel the need to seek vengeance for something awful that's happened to you. Gift carefully.
www.cafepress.com/revengetvseries

11. "PanAm" Carry On Bag - $89
You too can be as fashionable as the worldly stewardesses of PanAm. Disclaimer: Carrying this bag does not mean that you will travel the world for free, get to meet the president, or be recruited to the CIA. It does however mean that you will look super cute and retro (in that stylish '60s way, not a dirty '70s way). Start packing...
www.luggagepros.com/pan-am-brands

12. "Bones" Booth's Cocky Belt Buckle - $29
What is the first thing you notice about Seeley Booth? No, not his dreamy eyes...or his sparkling smile...or his great head of hair. Look lower. It's his signature cocky belt buckle. If there's a man in your life that must conform for his career but really wants to rebel, this is a must have. Who knows, maybe you can find some matching socks.
www.beltbuckle.com

13. "Sons of Anarchy" What Would Gemma Do? Billfold Case - $24.95
I find myself asking that exact question more than you'd think. If you're a badass or a badass biker mama wannabe, this might just be the accessory for your spikey leather handbag. It's great for carrying business cards, cigarettes and razor blades. You just never know.
www.shop.fxnetworks.com

14. "Inbetweeners" Briefcase Wanker Laptop Skin - $24.50
Let's face it. We've all got a little briefcase wanker in us. Maybe you're more of Neil. Either way, if you love this raunchy British teen comedy as much I do, there's no better way to pay homage than with this skin. Or check out the Friends! (thumbs up) t-shirts and iPod skins.
www.shop.cafepress.com/inbetweeners

15. "Parks & Rec" Ron Swanson Cookie Gift Box - $30

This may be the most amazing edible gift I've ever seen. I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. Just order.
www.etsy.com







Feel free to add your suggestions.

Happy Holidays!

Television + Me = True Love

Last night was a great night for television. Traditionally, Thursdays have been the must see night, but Sunday has kicked Thursday's ass in the last few years and especially this season.

What would we do without DVR, VOD and East Coast feeds (thank you Buddha for the East Coast feeds!). Last night, I was able to watch "Dexter", "Boardwalk Empire", "Homeland", and "The Walking Dead" all of which had some major moments, some of them squeal worthy. I've got it down to a science these days. DVR the EST showings of the premium cable series and watch back to back. By the time you're finished it's time for some AMC, sometimes TNT, occasionally FX (but that's usually on Tuesdays). Within 24 hours, you can watch four, five series all airing in the same time slot depending on your viewing device preference. Beats the hell out of the days when you just missed it altogether or had to fiddle with your VCR to tape one show at a time and you better be sure there's no overlap. Oh, what's a VCR you ask? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorder

So what's her point, you may be asking yourself? Well, there's some great television being made right now and you can watch (and therefore appreciate) a lot of it all at once thanks to technology. If you want it, the content is there and it's actually good, nay great/super/amazing/marvelous/enter your positive adjective here.

You might not share my fondness for zombies, affection for serial killers, "respect" yes in quotes, for gangsters or curiosity in terrorists, but there is well written drama on the air and yes, mostly on premium and cable networks willing to take chances. Best possible example I can give you from the last three months, FX's biker tragedy "Sons of Anarchy". I tread lightly as you know if you follow creator Kurt Sutter's Twitter feed that he's not a fan of TV bloggers. But he shouldn't have a problem with me as I don't have a single negative thing to say. "Sons" is so superbly written that I literally go into series withdrawal between seasons. I know. I have a problem. Unfortunately I don't know of any TV rehabs or if I'd even want to go. One of the things I was thankful for this past Thursday (and all year long) is that there are terrific stories being told and I get to watch them. This is what gets my juices flowing.

The morning after a phenomenal episode, I can't wait to talk about it and share that excitement with someone that will geek out as hard as I do. AMC understood this need and gave us "Talking Dead", a panel show to discuss each ep of their record setting hit series "The Walking Dead". Chris Hardwick is the cute, skinny, male version of me flipping out about any of my favorite shows. The difference, he's on TV and gets zombie ear necklaces from Greg Nicotero (JEALOUS!!!!). Ok...there's probably a few other differences too. If only I could have panel discussions every day with the creators/writers/stars/fans of shows I love. We could start out with once a week too, that's cool. I can make it work. Anywaaaaayyy....I suppose I should wrap this up. If you've ever spoken to me in person you know that I could go on for days but I'll leave you with this....

There is an abundance of Great (with a capital G) television out there right now and you can see it all if you want to. If you need suggestions on where to start, drop me an email and I'll give you a couple dozen recommendations or a refined list based on your taste. That's right, I'm a matchmaker too (but don't expect to see any reality shows on that list. They are my Kryptonite).

Happy viewing my friends

Do You Feel "Enlightened"?

Mike White and Laura Dern are co-creators of the latest HBO comedy "Enlightened". Dern plays an executive in the health and beauty industry who after having an affair with her boss, has a super embarrassing meltdown in the office. Broken Amy Jellicoe heads to Hawaii where she learns to meditate and swim with sea turtles. Cut to three months later and Amy is blackmailing her way back into her old company...with the best of intentions.

Luke Wilson is Levi, Amy's drug addicted ex-husband. It seems that despite the divorce, Amy and Levi still have some sort of relationship...but she draws the line at snorting blow on the coffee table. This should be good. Her slightly cold and distant mom is played by Dern's real life mother, Diane Ladd. Imagine the possible drama on that set. Amy is staying at her mom's while she gets herself back on her feet. I love everything about the house from the rainbow painting in the living room to the plastic plants and fake grass.

So, Amy is back at work. Will her co-workers be able to tolerate the new her? It will be fun tuning in to see. I really enjoyed it. A breakdown is almost always amusing and Amy's was particularly so. If you don't believe me, just look at the billboards and bus banners documenting the worst day of her life (or just scroll up). The premiere was well written by and directed by Mike White. The score, written by veteran composer Mark Mothersbaugh was terrific. Light, yet soulful. Plus, they use the Regina Spektor song Human of the Year. Very nice. The best part about it is that Amy is relatable. She's real. There have been days where I've felt like I was on the edge. The same edge that Amy jumped/fell from. Wonder if I would have come back as the picture of tranquility. Probably not.

Check out "Enlightened", Mondays at 9:30 on HBO, right after "Bored to Death".

See the Original After the Failed Remake- Free Agents

On Saturday night, BBC America premiered the original "Free Agents" on which the recently cancelled American version was based. The pilot was nearly the exact same script swapping out the overly British-y words and phrases for ones Americans who don't watch BBC can understand. The original is far more dirty than the remake (and the remake was pretty filthy for NBC standards). I thought the Americanized series was ok, it had potential. Now that I've seen the original, I've realized that it's somewhat better. The only problem is that there are so many words (curse and those I don't consider to be) bleeped out. At times, it's distracting as the characters tend to spew foul comment after foul comment.

Freshly divorced and chronic crier Alex is played by Stephen Mangan who most recently was seen as in Showtime's "Episodes". Ironic that in "Episodes" he was British television writer adapting his show for an American audience only to have it suck? That's funny because as mentioned above, the American version of "Free Agents" was cancelled after only 3 eps aired.

His coworker and "bed buddy" (this is a clean blog, people) is Helen, fellow talent agent at CMA. Irish actress Sharon Horgan is a grieving fiancee attempting to drink her way through the pain of her young betrothed's death.

Anthony Head (Giles to you "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans) is Alex and Helen's sexually charged boss Stephen. Frankly it's a miracle that he hasn't been sued for harassment with his behavior, but makes for funny television. Head even reprised his role in the American production. Hope he didn't sign a lease.

The opening titles are cute and the main characters have good (not great) chemistry. Unfortunately, the supporting characters are not as humorous as their American counterparts. If you like the NBC show, give this one a try. It's not a huge commitment since the U.K. original only lasts one season which is six episodes (average length of a British season or series as they call it). So, I'll keep watching as it's a total 3 hours out of my life and there are a few laughs, but the first two episodes didn't blow me away. Not sure if the more recent go of it affected my judgement though.

Saturdays at 11pm on BBC America. Part of the Ministry of Laughs.

My TV Family

Who hasn't watched a show or a movie, fallen in love with a character and though "I wish she was my big sister" or "if only he was my dad"? Well I've created version one of my television family. If I could cherry pick each member from one of my favorite shows, here's who I'd be related to.....(warning: this is subject to change)

Dad - This was the hardest choice for me, so it's the only category with a tie. I can't decide between Ned Stark from "Game of Thrones" and Leroy Jethro Gibbs from "NCIS". Not sure why I picked two dudes with funky hair. If you don't like the tie, think of Ned as being my dad and Gibbs as my step dad. I have a feeling that both of them would scare the hell out of any dates daring enough to pick me up at home (weapons aside).

Both have that protector quality that all little girls need and want. Ned encourages his children in their interests however gender inappropriate they may be (for the time period) and doesn't abandon his bastards. He's a good guy like that. Gibbs may not always say what he's feeling, but his actions speak louder than words. Just ask Abby Sciuto.

Mom - Camille from "Parenthood". She seems to have it all together in the mom department. As matriarch of the Braverman clan, Camille knows when to back off and let her kids and grand kids make their own mistakes and when to intervene. She's always got a shoulder for you to cry on and a hot cup of tea waiting. Don't get me wrong, she's not perfect. There was the whole affair thing, but that's what makes her real. (I'm not crazy, I know she's not an actual person)

Big Brother - Seeley Booth from "Bones". I've always wanted a big brother. One that is dependable, protective and always has my back. Can't get much better than Booth in that area. Just imagine a teenage Seeley taking up for his little sister. For some reason, the visual in my head is of him wearing a letterman jacket. Not surprising that he followed in Dad's footsteps working for the government and going off to war (see how that works for either dad?!).

Big Sister - Lily from "How I Met Your Mother". We'd be close in age, but she's a little older, giving me lots of advice. In this parallel universe, I'm also small enough that we could share clothes and shoes. Hanging out with her and her husband Marshall is super fun. Can't wait for my little niece or nephew to arrive.

Husband - Jim from "The Office". We'd been friends for ages, but it was only a couple of years ago that he told me how he felt. I felt the same way! It wasn't long before we were planning a wedding and now we've got a beautiful baby.

Daughter - Hope from "Raising Hope". Seriously the cutest baby on television....and so well behaved. Always smiling and looking just over my shoulder, that is when she's not playing with the dog. She loves to woof at them.

Now that you all think I'm officially crazy, what would my TV family and I watch if we all sat down in front of the TV together? Any suggestions?

Who would your TV family be?

P.S. I'm in the process of picking out my extended family in my head and I see Supernatural's Bobby Singer as a grumpy uncle. Don't you think he'd make a good addition?

Five Reasons I like "Terra Nova" (So far...)

Finally got a chance to catch up with the pilot of "Terra Nova". Monday nights are gonna be packed this fall, however you should check out this new series. If you haven't seen it, Earth is dying. Scientists find a fracture in time and a new settlement is created 85 million years in the past. Sounds stupid, but I really enjoyed it, much to my surprise. Here's why...

1. Gorgeously shot in Australia, this series is stunning to the eye. No expense was spared in the multi multi muliti million dollar pilot (they're saying upwards of $20 mil). Risky, but if the story grabs us, it could my visual substitute for "Lost".

2. The men. Love Jason O'Mara. He doesn't have the best luck with new shows ("Men in Trees" and the Americanized "Life on Mars"), but he's so damn likeable. Stephen Lang is much like his character in Avatar, but that's what he does best. This time around he's on the good side as Commander Taylor. New crush, Dean Geyer who upon research found out that he was an Australian Idol. That's right. Still cute. I'm not however a big fan of the son, Josh. Guess the juvenile, spiteful behavior of a typical teenage boy isn't appealing to me.

3. Christine Adams. As Mira, Adams is leader of the Sixes which is a renegade group surviving outside the settlement. In the one major scene she had, she was powerful and engaging. I get the feeling being anything else is out of the question for Christine. I remember her most as the cold sister-wife of Joel McHale's character in a single episode of "Pushing Daisies". That's how memorable she was. Being a badass leader will be a home run for her.

4. The action/suspense. I'm not a fan of horror, but everyone likes a little suspense. They did a pretty good job or keeping me on the edge of my seat. I'll even go so far as to say, they could save some bucks and show the dinos even less. What you can't see, scares you more. All in all the pacing was good. Hope they can keep it up in 42 minute episodes.

5. The mystery. There is strange gold writing or equations on the walls near some waterfalls. Commander Taylor and the Sixes know it's there and they want to keep it secret. Does this mean other humans have been there? From another time? What does it mean???!!!! Can't wait to find out....as long as it doesn't take six seasons or the show gets cancelled before all is revealed.

You can watch the first episode at www.fox.com or even OnDemand. Finally! Fox is OnDemand (for me at least). Episode two will air Monday at 8pm, just before the premiere of "House", which is also going to be A...wait for it.....MAZING!

Did you watch? What did you think?