Fall TV So Far: Thursdays & Fridays

Thursdays

Survivor: China
[s15 ep01]: "A Chicken's a Little Bit Smarter"
[s15 ep02]: "My Mom Is Going to Kill Me"
[s15 ep03]: "I Lost Two Hands and Possibly a Shoulder!"
[s15 ep04]: "Ride the Workhorse Till the Tail Falls Off"
[s15 ep05]: "Love Is In the Air"

We've been fortunate that the last couple seasons have been pretty good, but this season seems to be lacking interesting or likable players, and the gimmick of hiding immunity idols in plain sight at the tribes' respective camps doesn't seem to be panning out. Only Amanda and Erik are completely likable so far, although Frosti and Denise are okay in some ways too. The recent swap of two members per tribe might make things slightly more interesting, but I'm hoping there are more surprises to come.

Ugly Betty
[s2 ep01]: "How Betty Got Her Grieve Back"
[s2 ep02]: "Family/Affair"
[s2 ep03]: "Betty's Wait Problem"
[s2 ep04]: "Grin and Bear It"

When it comes to the possibility of sophomore slump, I fear for Ugly Betty the most. Its second season is by no means bad so far, but it's not that interesting or funny yet either. I think the newness has worn off, and the show may need to try harder to prove its potential longevity.

Grey's Anatomy
[s4 ep01]: "A Change Is Gonna Come"
[s4 ep02]: "Love/Addiction"
[s4 ep03]: "Let the Truth Sting"
[s4 ep04]: "The Heart of the Matter"

I already did not like Grey's Anatomy as much as the rest of the world, so the the fourth season will have to improve soon if I'm to keeping tuning in. The worst part of the show is the incomprehensible Izzie-George-Callie love triangle. It doesn't help that the character of Izzie is often given some of the corniest, most contrived dialogue. I'm also growing tired of Meredith and Derek's on-again-off-again relationship. It's been three years; they need to get married or move on to other people. Luckily, the medical stories have been somewhat interesting this season, redeeming each episode to a mediocre 3-star status.

Fridays

Women's Murder Club
[s1 ep01]: "Welcome to the Club"
[s1 ep02]: "Train in Vain"

It's hard to comment on this show. As much as I was looking forward to it, my interest waned both before the premiere and during each episode. The writing, casting, and acting are all very good, so my lack of interest is not necessarily the fault of the show. I'm typically not a huge fan of murder mystery procedurals, so this show may just not be my style. If it is your style, I would recommend the show as the dialogue is sharp, and the characters are likable.

Moonlight
[s1 ep01]: "No Such Thing as Vampires"
[s1 ep02]: "Out of the Past"
[s1 ep03]: "Dr. Feelgood"
[s1 ep04]: "Fever"

This is not as much of an Angel ripoff as some have accused. I like the show's unique take on the classic vampire mythology. I like that in this show vampires are weakened by sunlight but not burned or destroyed by it, and I like that wooden stakes paralyze vampires instead of killing them. The chemistry between vampire P.I. Mick St. John and reporter Beth Turner is pretty good. While there does seem to be a romantic tension between them, giving Beth a human boyfriend that she's loyal to is a natural way of dragging out the Mick/Beth scenario.

Men In Trees
[s2 ep01]: "A Tree Goes in Elmo"
[s2 ep02]: "Chemical Reactions"

So far, I have no concerns of sophomore slump for this show. They seem to be off to great start (although technically, five of the second season's 27 episodes were leftover from the un-aired portion of season one). I really like all of the quirky characters and the fun stories. In a way, this show is the new Gilmore Girls, at least it feels that way for me.

Stargate: Atlantis
[s4 ep01]: "Adrift (Part 2)"
[s4 ep02]: "Lifeline (Part 3)"
[s4 ep03]: "Reunion"
[s4 ep04]: "Doppleganger"

The intricate and action packed two-part season premiere was a great way to conclude the cliffhanging finale from season three. Unfortunately, the two follow-up episodes after that have only been mediocre. Since they went to the trouble of bringing over Amanda Tapping from Stargate SG-1, I'd like to see more of her character, Col. Samantha Carter, interacting with the Atlantis group and having more to do action-wise. I'd also like to see more rivalry between her and McKay. Also, since she's grown her hair longer since the SG-1 series finale, I'd like to see Carter with her hair down now and then. I think in the next episode or two we'll be meeting the Travelers, a new race in the Pegasus galaxy, and I'm not sure whether they'll be a new enemy or a new ally. I look forward to finding out.