Edition I caused a seismic shift in the Nielsen ratings. Edition II sparked a move away from online streaming back to traditional TV viewing. So brace yourself, friends, as it is time for Edition III.
The following shows were not on my previous lists, unless otherwise indicated.
RECENT FAVORITES
American Horror Story (FX, Wednesdays at 10) The commercials looked creepy but I was cautious: A horror tale from the makers of Glee?!? I decided to give it at least one shot. And, wow, that first hour! I sat there with my eyes wide open and I think my mouth was agape as well. One weird shock or surprise after another. Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t a particularly high-quality show. The writing is sub-par and the directing is often paint-by-the-numbers. But ooh man is it creepy! And the performances are a lot of fun. I find myself talking to the screen (“Don’t eat that! Don’t go in there!”) and very eager to see the next episode.
Beavis and Butt-Head (MTV, Thursdays at 10) So far, the new episodes don’t seem quite as brilliant as the show’s original run, but I am just so happy to have the guys back. And I’ve missed Mike Judge’s voices since King of the Hill went off the air. I start laughing as soon as I hear the “huhuhuhuhuhuh” during the opening credits.
Parks & Recreation (NBC, Thursdays at 8:30) Not a “recent” favorite; just wasn’t on the air during my previous round-ups. The show made marked improvements after a lackluster first season, and somehow keeps getting better. Adam Scott was a terrific comedic addition to the program. Pairing off Andy and April was a smart move—April’s schtick had been getting a bit tiresome. Ron Swanson is, hands down, one of the great characters on TV. (I just wish the writers could figure out something to do with Ann Perkins, or else get rid of her.) Don’t tell anyone, but some weeks I prefer this to The Office, which is surviving Carrell’s departure but perhaps isn’t quite the show it once was.
FAVORITES THAT AIRED BETWEEN EDITIONS
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) This has been one of my absolute favorite shows, and the recent season was a delight. One of the very best, I think. Setting episodes in New York seemed to revitalize Larry. Also, he seemed less concerned with an overall story arc and just seemed to be having fun. The Bill Buckner episode will go down as a classic.
Louie (FX) Louis CK comes across as a guy who is thrilled to have complete control of a television program, and he wants to try everything. So we get short silly skits, longer-form segments, crass comedy, genuine drama with heart-on-sleeve emotions, and Lord knows what else. At the heart of it all is sad-sack Louie, who is not at all afraid to show unflattering and often very, very dark aspects of his personality. Not every episode is a winner, but quite regularly this is brilliant.
DVR Theater (Adult Swim at 4 a.m.) Not a show but a time slot. I discovered it while on a ship in Alaska with limited TV channels. Due to the time difference, I was watching this at midnight. Apparently Adult Swim will use the slot to air strange and/or forgotten shows. I first caught the hilarious British show Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Next was a great British faux-educational programme, Look Around You. Another fun one was the animated U.S. series Stroker and Hoop. It has kept me checking the overnight listings and yes, setting the DVR.
JURY STILL OUT
Enlightened (HBO, Mondays at 9:30) I watched and enjoyed the first 10 minutes of the first episode. Then it got too hippy-dippy for me, and it turned it off. A friend convinced me to give it another shot and… I think I like it. Laura Dern is a solid lead, and the show just has a real pleasant feel to it. When it’s not getting too hippy-dippy. So, we’ll see.
Wilfred (FX) Elijah Wood and a talking dog. I was watching the pilot and thought, “Wow, great show! Can’t wait till next week.” And then I realized there were still 10 minutes left in the episode. That sort of summed up the first season for me. As it dragged on, I liked it less and less, especially Wilfred the dog’s mean-spiritedness. The show was just good enough to keep me watching, but I was kind of hoping it wouldn’t be renewed. Alas it was. And then, the unexpected happened: The final episode was fantastic. Bizarre and cool. So, I guess I’ll be back for season two….
JURY CAME BACK IN
Jon Benjamin Has a Van (Comedy Central) Just like Louie, this sketch show has fun with the form. You do not know what to expect from week to week. And it’s usually quite offbeat and very, very funny. I hope there’s a second season.
GAVE UP ON
As predicted, Big Bang Theory didn’t make the cut this season. Sorry, fellas. Maybe I’ll watch you on a plane sometime.
Yes, I’m still watching Modern Family, and still not sure why.
LOOKING FORWARD TO
The returns of 30 Rock (yay!!!) and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. And what’s that thing with Dustin Hoffman and horse-racing?
Jack Silbert, curator