I was debating whether to watch this week's episode due to the anemic ratings (don't be surprised if it's canceled some time this month) and the fact that I don't particularly enjoy any part of the show other than Michael Giacchino's score.
"Devices" wasn't as annoying as last week's episode was, but that means it was also completely overstimulating. It's a "nice" show. Nothing goes wrong, the main characters, for the most part, are a friendly, good-looking bunch, but it's fairly boring.
We'll see how I feel next week, but for the time being, I'm dropping the show.
Score: 8.0/10
Showing posts with label Undercovers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Undercovers. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Review - Undercovers Season 1 Episode 2 Instructions
Despite the promotion, the J.J. Abrams name, and a competition-less timeslot, Undercovers premiered last week to a weak 2.2, especially since NBC put lots of money into the project. Although the ratings did rise ever so slightly through the hour, that's the one bright spot in a whole bunch of bad news.
In a day and age where shows often push the boundaries, stretching arcs for many episodes, Undercovers, by nature, is underwhelming. The pilot last week was faster paced and there were some personal stakes, which pushed the episode along fine. This week, however, there's no tension, no sense of urgency. Instead, the characters stand (or sit) around with their "cute" banter, do some computer work, kick some butts, and then return to the cute dialogue.
It looks like Samantha's ex, Nash, will be sticking around for a while. Oh great, more douchebaggy comments and faux marital problems.
Score: 7.9/10
In a day and age where shows often push the boundaries, stretching arcs for many episodes, Undercovers, by nature, is underwhelming. The pilot last week was faster paced and there were some personal stakes, which pushed the episode along fine. This week, however, there's no tension, no sense of urgency. Instead, the characters stand (or sit) around with their "cute" banter, do some computer work, kick some butts, and then return to the cute dialogue.
It looks like Samantha's ex, Nash, will be sticking around for a while. Oh great, more douchebaggy comments and faux marital problems.
Score: 7.9/10
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Review - Undercovers Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot
Undercovers seems like an upgraded version of any number of USA Network shows. It's breezy, has an upbeat tempo, and everything is simplistic, the main difference being the diversity of locations and length of action scenes. But it's hard not to feel disappointed, seeing as J.J. Abrams was heavily involved, co-writing and directing the episode. The pilot of Undercovers comes nowhere close to Lost and Alias, neither bringing the forward movement that forces viewers to come back the next week, nor creating characters who are remotely realistic. If the show were created by anyone other than Abrams or a select few, I probably wouldn't be complaining, but with Abrams, I expected more.
That said, Michael Giacchino's pulsing score and Lost-like low strings, in addition to the spunk from Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (say that 10 times fast!), made for an enjoyable hour of television which I don't regret watching. Undercovers certainly isn't appointment television, but since Wednesday is less crowded than other nights, I'll be back.
Score: 8.8/10
That said, Michael Giacchino's pulsing score and Lost-like low strings, in addition to the spunk from Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (say that 10 times fast!), made for an enjoyable hour of television which I don't regret watching. Undercovers certainly isn't appointment television, but since Wednesday is less crowded than other nights, I'll be back.
Score: 8.8/10
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Preview of Week 9/19/10 - 9/25/10
The week is finally here, unbounded number of shows descending upon us at once. Not sure whether to feel overwhelmed or jubilant, but they're here to stay.
Boardwalk Empire - HBO, Sunday, September 19, 9:00pm ET
This one is a no-brainer. Interesting concept, time period, Martin Scorsese, and Sopranos scribe Terence Winter.
Chuck - NBC, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Despite facing perhaps the toughest network competition the past few years, Chuck managed to survive by a hairbreadth. And because NBC refuses to put the show in a better spot, I'm inclined to think they'll let it linger there until the bitter end. On the bright side, there are at least 13 episodes left to discover what Chuck's mom has been up to and how everything ties together, and if the mythology falls apart, as it already is, I'm sure we'll laugh at all the gags anyway.
House - Fox, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Quick, run! A wild Huddy is on the loose!
How I Met Your Mother - CBS, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Ted, just find the Mother. Though the show title isn't relevant anymore, with the entire cast, there's still much to look forward to, just not anything involving Ted.
The Event - NBC, Monday, September 20, 9:00pm ET
Big mystery, big potential, and possibly NBC's saving grace. Or the next big flop.
Lone Star - Fox, Monday, September 20, 9:00pm ET
I'd be hard to make a comparison to Dallas, especially with a Dallas remake already in production, but the premises seem awfully similar.
Mike & Molly - CBS, Monday, September 20, 9:30pm ET
Hmm... a show about fat people. Will it work?
Castle - ABC, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Beckett and Castle back to hunting criminals and dealing with their love lives.
Hawaii Five-0 - CBS, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Not only is the title widely recognized, there are also lots of big names and pretty faces tied to the show. Whether that translates into ratings success is another story.
Chase - NBC, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Kelli Giddish, the one semi-bright spot on Past Life, is back on television with Chase, a generic looking procedural about U.S. Marshals.
NCIS - CBS, Tuesday, September 21, 8:00pm ET
I'll be glad when this Mexican thing is over and we're back to normal proceedings. It's likely the status quo will be restored, even if Gibbs's dirty laundry is exposed. But, hey, that's how the show.
Glee - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 8:00pm ET
Glee is so unrealistic and absurd I view it as a pure comedy. And even then, it's not that funny.
Warehouse 13 - Syfy, Tuesday, September 21, 9:00pm ET
H.G. Wells showed her hand, and is finally making her move. With Pete and Myka down, Artie will have to step in and save the day.
Raising Hope - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 9:00pm ET
Fox's recent track record regarding comedies has been sad, but Raising Hope doesn't sound like the answer.
Running Wilde - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 9:30pm ET
From Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz comes Running Wilde, a show whose pedigree should be enough to have us at the front door at the very least.
Detroit 1-8-7 - ABC, Tuesday, September 21, 10:00pm ET
Nice to see Michael Imperioli on the right side of the law. It looks like Detroit 1-8-7 sets out to be the next NYPD Blue or Homicide, so it could be good.
Undercovers - NBC, Wednesday, September 22, 8:00pm ET
I doubt J.J. Abrams will succeed without heavy serialization or mystery, so I'm not expecting much from his latest work.
Better With You - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 8:30pm ET
Better With You sounds so boring and generic I'm don't even want to watch the pilot.
Modern Family - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 9:00pm ET
The large, lovable family is back.
The Whole Truth - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 10:00pm ET
Two legal dramas, one time slot. Which will prevail? Drama (The Whole Truth) or dramedy (The Defenders)?
The Defenders- CBS, Wednesday, September 22, 10:00pm ET
Look above.
The Big Bang Theory - CBS, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
With the move to Thursday, CBS hopes The Big Bang Theory with skyrocket into the pantheon of sitcom gods, and considering how high the ratings were last year, I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
Bones - Fox, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
Even thinking of Bones makes my brain hurt these days, but that's exactly the way Hart Hanson wants it, the blatant message that Booth and Bones are meant for each other with literally a thousand roadblocks in the way. Yes, it's repetitive. Yes, it's annoying. And yes, it's Bones.
Community - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
Going up against TBBT, the already ratings-challenged, Emmy-ignored comedy has a tough order. However, the sharp writing and hilarious characters may be able to stave off an inevitable death.
My Generation - ABC, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
A lot changes after high school, and My Generations will try to show exactly how a diverse group evolves over a 10 year period. Sounds slightly interesting, but execution is the most important factor.
$#*! My Dad Says - CBS, Thursday, September 23, 8:30pm ET
William Shatner saying random things. Pass.
Fringe - Fox, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
Olivia trapped in another dimension?!?! I still can't believe the writers went there, but they did, making the boldest late-season move of any TV show last season. Let's see if move pays off in the end.
The Office - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
Michael Scott's last season, and I honestly don't care.
Outsourced - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 9:30pm ET
Set in India, Outsourced will probably have a lot of foreigner jokes which could spell disaster. NBC slotted it after The Office, so the executives think it'll be okay.
Supernatural - CW, Friday, September 24, 9:00pm ET
After wrapping up an epic 5 season-long arc, Supernatural hopes to move on--but without maestro Eric Kripke in charge. Hopefully Sarah Gamble will continue the streak of brilliant television.
Blue Bloods - CBS, Friday, September 24, 10:00pm ET
I don't know why CBS tucked away Blue Bloods on Friday, but the cast and concept look mighty fine.
Boardwalk Empire - HBO, Sunday, September 19, 9:00pm ET
This one is a no-brainer. Interesting concept, time period, Martin Scorsese, and Sopranos scribe Terence Winter.
Chuck - NBC, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Despite facing perhaps the toughest network competition the past few years, Chuck managed to survive by a hairbreadth. And because NBC refuses to put the show in a better spot, I'm inclined to think they'll let it linger there until the bitter end. On the bright side, there are at least 13 episodes left to discover what Chuck's mom has been up to and how everything ties together, and if the mythology falls apart, as it already is, I'm sure we'll laugh at all the gags anyway.
House - Fox, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Quick, run! A wild Huddy is on the loose!
How I Met Your Mother - CBS, Monday, September 20, 8:00pm ET
Ted, just find the Mother. Though the show title isn't relevant anymore, with the entire cast, there's still much to look forward to, just not anything involving Ted.
The Event - NBC, Monday, September 20, 9:00pm ET
Big mystery, big potential, and possibly NBC's saving grace. Or the next big flop.
Lone Star - Fox, Monday, September 20, 9:00pm ET
I'd be hard to make a comparison to Dallas, especially with a Dallas remake already in production, but the premises seem awfully similar.
Mike & Molly - CBS, Monday, September 20, 9:30pm ET
Hmm... a show about fat people. Will it work?
Castle - ABC, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Beckett and Castle back to hunting criminals and dealing with their love lives.
Hawaii Five-0 - CBS, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Not only is the title widely recognized, there are also lots of big names and pretty faces tied to the show. Whether that translates into ratings success is another story.
Chase - NBC, Monday, September 20, 10:00pm ET
Kelli Giddish, the one semi-bright spot on Past Life, is back on television with Chase, a generic looking procedural about U.S. Marshals.
NCIS - CBS, Tuesday, September 21, 8:00pm ET
I'll be glad when this Mexican thing is over and we're back to normal proceedings. It's likely the status quo will be restored, even if Gibbs's dirty laundry is exposed. But, hey, that's how the show.
Glee - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 8:00pm ET
Glee is so unrealistic and absurd I view it as a pure comedy. And even then, it's not that funny.
Warehouse 13 - Syfy, Tuesday, September 21, 9:00pm ET
H.G. Wells showed her hand, and is finally making her move. With Pete and Myka down, Artie will have to step in and save the day.
Raising Hope - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 9:00pm ET
Fox's recent track record regarding comedies has been sad, but Raising Hope doesn't sound like the answer.
Running Wilde - Fox, Tuesday, September 21, 9:30pm ET
From Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz comes Running Wilde, a show whose pedigree should be enough to have us at the front door at the very least.
Detroit 1-8-7 - ABC, Tuesday, September 21, 10:00pm ET
Nice to see Michael Imperioli on the right side of the law. It looks like Detroit 1-8-7 sets out to be the next NYPD Blue or Homicide, so it could be good.
Undercovers - NBC, Wednesday, September 22, 8:00pm ET
I doubt J.J. Abrams will succeed without heavy serialization or mystery, so I'm not expecting much from his latest work.
Better With You - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 8:30pm ET
Better With You sounds so boring and generic I'm don't even want to watch the pilot.
Modern Family - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 9:00pm ET
The large, lovable family is back.
The Whole Truth - ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 10:00pm ET
Two legal dramas, one time slot. Which will prevail? Drama (The Whole Truth) or dramedy (The Defenders)?
The Defenders- CBS, Wednesday, September 22, 10:00pm ET
Look above.
The Big Bang Theory - CBS, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
With the move to Thursday, CBS hopes The Big Bang Theory with skyrocket into the pantheon of sitcom gods, and considering how high the ratings were last year, I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
Bones - Fox, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
Even thinking of Bones makes my brain hurt these days, but that's exactly the way Hart Hanson wants it, the blatant message that Booth and Bones are meant for each other with literally a thousand roadblocks in the way. Yes, it's repetitive. Yes, it's annoying. And yes, it's Bones.
Community - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 8:00pm ET
Going up against TBBT, the already ratings-challenged, Emmy-ignored comedy has a tough order. However, the sharp writing and hilarious characters may be able to stave off an inevitable death.
My Generation - ABC, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
A lot changes after high school, and My Generations will try to show exactly how a diverse group evolves over a 10 year period. Sounds slightly interesting, but execution is the most important factor.
$#*! My Dad Says - CBS, Thursday, September 23, 8:30pm ET
William Shatner saying random things. Pass.
Fringe - Fox, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
Olivia trapped in another dimension?!?! I still can't believe the writers went there, but they did, making the boldest late-season move of any TV show last season. Let's see if move pays off in the end.
The Office - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 9:00pm ET
Michael Scott's last season, and I honestly don't care.
Outsourced - NBC, Thursday, September 23, 9:30pm ET
Set in India, Outsourced will probably have a lot of foreigner jokes which could spell disaster. NBC slotted it after The Office, so the executives think it'll be okay.
Supernatural - CW, Friday, September 24, 9:00pm ET
After wrapping up an epic 5 season-long arc, Supernatural hopes to move on--but without maestro Eric Kripke in charge. Hopefully Sarah Gamble will continue the streak of brilliant television.
Blue Bloods - CBS, Friday, September 24, 10:00pm ET
I don't know why CBS tucked away Blue Bloods on Friday, but the cast and concept look mighty fine.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Most anticipated shows of 2010
Here's the shows I'm looking forward to the most. There's way more shows that I like watching, but "most" has to the whittled down to an acceptable number. I know the networks at going to unveil a bunch more shows at the upfronts, so I'll make a list for those shows later.
Returning Shows:
24: I can't get enough of the show. I know there's going to be moles, deception, a conspiracy, some stupid actions, but the action and pace never ceases to bore me. Couple that with Kiefer Sutherland's unnerving acting abilities and I'm hooked.
Chuck: Comedy, action, and drama all mixed into one glorious hour of television. Please watch.
Lost: I have no clue how I forgot Lost , but I realized I had left it off the list. The final season of one of the wildest shows created is surely something I look forward to.
Damages: In my opinion, Damages has the best overall cast with incredible acting by Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. And then there's the magnificent way of storytelling over a season. Viewers for the show have been dropping like flies, so please watch it also.
Mad Men: After the huge developments in the season finale, how could you not look forward to the new season?
Breaking Bad: Walt made huge changes during season 2 becoming a ruthless drug lord, losing his wife in the process. Season 3 can go in so many directions, I can't help but look forward to it.
New Shows:
Caprica: As a BSG fan, I'm obligated to like the show, but I wasn't too excited by the pilot which was released on DVD waaaay too long ago. Nonetheless, it's bound to be good sci-fi with such talented people behind it.
Human Target: The trailers makes it look like an action-fest like Trauma, but if it's better than the horrible Knight Rider remake, I'll give it a shot. The cast of the show is top notch, and for that
Undercovers: I always give J.J. Abrams a chance even though I think he's a hack. For all his numerous shortfalls as a producer, he has created good shows with excellent episodes, so I'm looking forward to whatever craziness he'll come up with next.
Honorable Mentions: Burn Notice, True Blood
Returning Shows:
24: I can't get enough of the show. I know there's going to be moles, deception, a conspiracy, some stupid actions, but the action and pace never ceases to bore me. Couple that with Kiefer Sutherland's unnerving acting abilities and I'm hooked.
Chuck: Comedy, action, and drama all mixed into one glorious hour of television. Please watch.
Lost: I have no clue how I forgot Lost , but I realized I had left it off the list. The final season of one of the wildest shows created is surely something I look forward to.
Damages: In my opinion, Damages has the best overall cast with incredible acting by Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. And then there's the magnificent way of storytelling over a season. Viewers for the show have been dropping like flies, so please watch it also.
Mad Men: After the huge developments in the season finale, how could you not look forward to the new season?
Breaking Bad: Walt made huge changes during season 2 becoming a ruthless drug lord, losing his wife in the process. Season 3 can go in so many directions, I can't help but look forward to it.
New Shows:
Caprica: As a BSG fan, I'm obligated to like the show, but I wasn't too excited by the pilot which was released on DVD waaaay too long ago. Nonetheless, it's bound to be good sci-fi with such talented people behind it.
Human Target: The trailers makes it look like an action-fest like Trauma, but if it's better than the horrible Knight Rider remake, I'll give it a shot. The cast of the show is top notch, and for that
Undercovers: I always give J.J. Abrams a chance even though I think he's a hack. For all his numerous shortfalls as a producer, he has created good shows with excellent episodes, so I'm looking forward to whatever craziness he'll come up with next.
Honorable Mentions: Burn Notice, True Blood
