What I’ve Been Watching: Edition II

“Jack, it’s been 7 long months since you last told us what you were watching on TV,” begins one of the countless similar notes crowding my in-box. “Please please please update us on your viewing habits.”

The public has spoken, and I will capitulate. The following shows were not on the previous list, unless otherwise indicated.

RECENT FAVORITES

The Killing (AMC) I initially resisted this because I generally don’t care for detective shows, and I was still feeling burned by AMC for canceling Rubicon and shoving The Walking Dead down my throat. But trusted associates sang the praises of this show, so I finally gave it a shot. Am very glad I did. The gloomy Seattle mood perfectly matches the depressing murder case. But it’s Mireille Enos as the lead detective that really raises The Killing to another level. She has one of the kindest faces on TV, but as an actress is capable of a wide range of subtle emotions. Her interplay with her partner, Holder, is usually a highlight of the show. I am still digesting the finale but will certainly tune in for a second season.

Eagleheart (Adult Swim) Chris Elliott returned to TV in this 15-minute bit of police-detective silliness. Some episodes were hilarious, others less so, but I was so happy to see Elliott once again having fun with Letterman-esque absurdity.

OTHER SHOWS I LIKE/LIKED

Treme (HBO, Sundays at 10) It took nearly to the end of the first season till I thought this show found its footing. Now in its second year, I’m waiting once again for the show to jell. When I’ve felt generous, I’ve thought, maybe after the extreme intensity of The Wire, David Simon wanted to tell a more relaxed story here, with a very different feel. When I’m feeling less generous, I think that perhaps Simon is no longer capable of the greatness of The Wire. (Even season 5 of that series didn’t match the quality of the first four.) Regardless, each episode has a handful of real good scenes, and “Bunk” from The Wire is always fun to watch. And I’m learning a lot about New Orleans, which I guess may have been the point.

Lights Out (FX) NPR’s TV critic said this was the best new drama of the year. I think he was a bit too kind. Still, the boxing-based show was certainly watchable. WIth a former Mad Men writer on board and a lot of prominent actors in small roles, I was hopeful for a really smart program. Instead, the pleasures came from more of a 24-style, soap-opera cheesiness. And the star of the show was quite believable as a down-on-his-luck boxer. Not sure what they would’ve done in a second season but, it’s moot, the show was cancelled.

Onion News Network (IFC) I didn’t stick with the Onion’s other show, SportsDome, but this was consistently amusing. As with any show of this style, each episode is hit-and-miss, but the percentage of funny was high enough to keep watching. Anchorwoman “Brooke Alvarez” does a terrific job, which helps hold things together.

Portlandia (IFC) Another hit-and-miss situation, sometimes seeming like Fred Armisen’s B-material, but it’s precisely that off-the-radar sense that allows for some offbeat, very funny bits. Nice assortment of guest stars, too.

Funny or Die Presents (HBO) How did you guess? Hit or miss sketch show. But when it works, very very funny.

Bob’s Burgers (FOX) Cute and sometimes very funny animated series. Jon Benjamin (Ben on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist; Archer) stars as Bob. Flight of the Conchords vets Kristen Schaal and Eugene Mirman are annoying as two of Bob’s kids. (Tone it down, funny people.) But John Roberts as Bob’s wife Linda is absolutely hilarious. He/she is the best thing in the show.

JURY STILL OUT

Jon Benjamin Has a Van (Comedy Central, Wednesdays at 10:30) Two episodes have aired. The first was very, very funny, and the second significantly less so. I’ll go out on a limb and predict this will be a hit-or-miss sketch show.

JURY CAME BACK IN

The Walking Dead (AMC) The subpar acting and generic writing and directing, combined with a—you’ll excuse me—lifeless plot left me cold. I won’t be tuning in for season two.

GAVE UP ON

Last time I listed three shows that I wasn’t sure why I watched. Soon after writing those words, I stopped watching Two and a Half Men. It was a particularly crude episode involving the mom that was the final straw for me. Was proud that I bailed well before the Charlie Sheen nonsense. Will I tune in for Ashton Kutcher’s debut? Probably, just out of curiosity.

As the season wore on, I also stopped watching Community. There were just too many shows on Thursday, and I wasn’t enjoying it enough to fit it in. Watch out, Big Bang Theory, you’re on similar shaky ground for next year for the same Thursday reason. Unless a post-Carell Office becomes unwatchable.

Which leaves Modern Family as the show that I don’t know why I watch. I increasingly think that maybe it’s a pretty good show that I’m just not the ideal audience for.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

The returns of Louie and Curb Your Enthusiasm. And there’s something with Elijah Wood and a talking dog, I guess I’ll give that a shot.