September and October traditionally is the start of the new TV season in the good ol' U.S. of A, and 2010 is no different. Since many shows have finished their runs last season (24, Lost, FlashForward, Dollhouse) the American networks have produced a selection of new dramas and comedies that they hope will catch on and become the next best thing. No wanting to miss out on the next Lost or 24, I have tried a few of these new pilot episodes. As an indicator of success I've added a rating out of five next to each review. The higher the rating the greater chance I'll stick with the new series, with a '3' being a pass grade:-
1/ Undercovers - A new spy series written and directed by Alias/Lost creator JJ Abrams. Basically it's a spy version of Hart to Hart. The scale is huge and the stars are attractive (especially Gugu Mbatha-Raw, a graceful Brit beauty doing a flawless Yank accent)but it's as boring as hell. Charming, fluffy and forgettable, this is a new series with a very high pedigree but the least promise. 1/5
2/ Shit My Dad Says! - A new family sitcom starring the legend that is William Shatner. The Shat is on top grumpy, curmudgeonly form and the supporting cast have energy too. It's directed by the chap that oversaw most of the Friends episodes so it has a similar sitcom tone and sence of comic timing. Quite amusing too if I must say. 3/5
3/ Boardwalk Empire - A period gangster epic written by the guy who created The Sopranos (generally considered one of the best TV series ever made) and produced by Martin Scorsese (generally considered one of the best American directors ever). This is worthy, high calibre stuff with a big budget, mature tone, rich look and classy performances. It's all a touch flat for my tastes though . 2/5
4/ Nikita - A remake/sequel to the established story of La Femme Nikita. Sophisticated and Lethal Maggie Q is fine in the lead role with strong support from the feisty and cute Lyndsy Fonseca, frowning Shane West, sleazy Xander Berkeley, manipulative Melinda Clarke and the irritating Aaron Stanford. As a premise it's very generic, recalling Alias, but the characters have potential. 3.5/5
5/ Outsourced - A new sitcom based in an Indian call centre. Take an unfunny script and combine it with a group of actors that are either miscast or not trying and you have a series that should be avoided at all costs. It's a shame as it's very difficult to get Americans to watch series that don't take place in the homeland. 0/5
6/ No Ordinary Family - Basically The Incredibles in a live action, serialized TV drama. It's light and fluffy and made for all the family, and in that respect it's just dandy. Obviously Brad Bird's movie did it first and far better and it's a little too predictable for it's own good. But the whole cast, including Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz, are fun and likable. 2.5/5
7/ Hawaii Five O - A reimagining of the classic 70's show. Bullshit. Utter bullshit. The pilot is directed with brainless verve by Len Wiseman, written with brainless zeal by 24's Peter M Lenkov and developed with brainless enthusiasm by Transformer's Orci and Kurtzman. A shallow, flash and charmless action show. The team are a varied bunch; Alex O'Loughlin is a arsy lunk in the lead, Danial Dae Kim is dull, Grace Park is dull but very purty, while only Scott Caan, reprising his argumentative sidekick role from the Ocean's trilogy comes off with any credit at all. 1.5/5
8/ Modern Family - Now in it's second season this is a faux-documentary sitcom showing the lives of three interconnected families. Despite it winning the comedy series Emmy this year, it's not half as witty as it thinks it is. Similar in style to 30 Rock, but lacking that classic's irreverant, surreal charm. 1.5/5
9/ Eastbound and Down - Produced by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell and created by Observe and Report's Jody Hill, this stars Pineapple Express' Danny McBride, as a fallen sports hero forced to seek work as a P.E. teacher in his childhood town. The main character is a big headed, arrogant cock but McBride makes him the right side of likable (only just though.) And this being a cable show there's tons of swearing. Amusing. 3/5
10/ The Event - Either this years Lost or this years FlashForward. A worldwide set drama with an eclectic (but dull) ensemble that slowly unravels a science fiction/fantasy plot over the course of the series. Story wise this has got off to an intriguing start. But it will have to maintain the excitement regarding the mystery and make the characters more appealing if I'm to continue watching it. 3.5/5
Most of the returning shows from last season have got off to strong starts (Castle, Stargate Universe, The Cleveland Show, Fringe, 30 Rock) resolving their cliffhangers from last year. There's a few shows that will be returning in the new year like V and Spartacus while Caprica and Human Target will be commencing in the next few weeks.
However it AMC's adaptation of the comic book The Walking Dead that has the most potential. If you'd have said Frank Darabont were directing a TV show, I'd watch it. Yes, even if it were Glee. But he's written and directed this zombie series which debuts at Halloween. None of this years pilots has knocked my socks off but here's hoping that Darabont and his zombie horde deliver the goods.
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