Ben Brugler: I’ve Ben Thinking...

I had all but given up hope on TV. You could count the shows I watched regularly on one hand. I was relying more on sports, HGTV and General Hospital than ever before.

 

Then, this season happened. I'm not sure yet, but I think TV is back. I don't know how you rank it so far, but here are a few of the shows that top my DVR list:

 

Community. Off to a slow start, it relied more on (my personal fave) Joel McHale than trusting the other characters. They are starting to gel now and the writers are doing a nice job of establishing the supporting cast. Throw in some 'hey, it's that guy' cameos and you have a solid show.

 

Parks and Recreation. After wrapping up the almost idiotic storylines from the first run last year and this summer, the show started over and has quickly become a nice anchor. The characters are nicely developed and don't rely to heavily on one in particular (although sometimes I want more 'Ron f-ing Swanson').

 

The Office. Took a dive after the wedding episode, which was one of the best I've ever seen. The co-manager storyline? Not so good as it takes away everything that made Jim (and coincidentally Pam) likable. In fact, of the two shows before it - Community and Parks - this is the weakest of the three right now. But, it's still The Office.

 

V. A pleasant surprise, this show wastes no time getting to the good stuff, jumping forward three weeks to the visitors being accepted into society. The only thing missing at this point is a government figurehead to give us some perspective on how the world's leaders are feeling about this 'invasion'.

 

Mad Men. Always good, it just got better. Getting back to what made the show such a hit to start with - agency life - this year was well done and focused on the primary characters rather than developing those on the fringe. The Kennedy assassination, Don being discovered and buy-out was possibly the best three episode story arc, culminating with the season finale which gave us the best husband/wife drama since Tony and Carmela Soprano had it out in the 'F me? F you!' scene.

 

Dexter. Ok, confession time. I was sooo late getting to this show. I've always wanted to watch it given how much I enjoyed Michael C. Hall's role in Six Feet Under. But my wife made me choose - Showtime and HBO or Netflix and Sirius. I chose the latter given I can get the DVDs on Netflix. At any rate, I just watched the first season of Dexter. Hooked. Big time. What a great, well-written show with maybe the best character south of Don Draper on TV today. The bad news? I have to avoid any write-up or mention of Dexter, just starting season four, like the plague. The good news? I have don't have to wait for 'new' episodes as I have two full seasons worth to catch-up on.

 

Modern Family. I save the best, for last. I could fill a blog with praise for this show - one of the most consistently funny shows I've seen since Everybody Loves Raymond. And, it has heart to boot, mostly through veteran actor (and NEO alum) Ed O Neil. The show has it all - great casting, great acting, great writing, great timing, great storylines and a little political incorrectness (which seems like a lot, these days). It's one part Family Ties, one part The Office, one part Everybody Loves Raymond, which adds up to my favorite show this season.

 

Throw in new seasons of South Park, Family Guy, Hoarders, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, Real Housewives of Orange County and old faithful, Survivor, in and you have a (finally) enjoyable fall TV season. Spring doesn't look too shabby either as two of my favorites, 24 and Breaking Bad return.

 

What's on your fall 'must watch' list?

 

11/18/2009 10:02:41 AM

Drew Westman Says:

Im glad they are starting to bring back the sitcom.Modern Family, slow at first but has really caught our attentionCougar Town is very funny.Big Bang : Sheldon Rocks I like more gritty TV, with the ending of The Shield i was left high and dry. The addition of Sons of Anarchy has writing remnants of The Shield's architectureGreat Drama on AMC filled with grit and character plotlines, is Breaking Bad with Bryan Cranston from Malcolm in the Middle. He was snubbed this year for awards but definitely deserved the nods.A favorite show got cancelled due to writers strike. The Riches, very clever writing and al around great show, hope the bring back or at least have closure.Favorite new Comedy; THE LEAGUE; Absolutely HilarousTosh.0 his delivery is great as he rips people a new one for their antics. -

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Patsie Dionise Says:

I agree on most counts here - especially wanting more Ron f-ing Swanson on Parks and Rec, and the overwhelmingly lame Jim and Pam this season. Maybe when you get married you lose your sense of humor? I sure hope that didn't happen to me.Also, just one show missing that's definitely my favorite sitcom: The Big Bang Theory. I cry with laughter every week. Nerds make the best comedians. -

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