Reports are In
Now that the holidays upon us, schools are out, jackets are on and the loss of sunshine has arrived. Let us take the time to reminisce about what was naughty and what was nice this season.
Once Upon a Time, ABC
When I first heard about Once I thought it would be a ridiculous and the previews did not sell the show to me. Once is a show about fairy tale characters trapped in Storybroke, Maine because of a curse by the evil queen.
The Goods: If anyone would make this premise work it would be the writers from Lost. They have taken characters you know and love and given them a modern twist. Like Lost this show is cast perfectly. Seriously Prince Charming makes me sigh, Rumpelstiltskin is marvelously creepy and The Evil Queen is deliciously wicked. The chemistry between the actors is impeccable. The pairings of Snow White/ Prince Charming, Emma/Sheriff Graham really pull at your heartstrings. What I love is that none of the characters are flat, in a short time they have become quite dynamic. Once is able to transition from the real world to fairy tale land effortlessly. I find their trip down fairy-tale lane to be quite intriguing. The mid season finale was the best episode that has aired so far. Talking about leaving the viewers heartbroken but it is to be expected it was written by the writers from Lost. Since that is the case, I know not to get to attached to characters.
The Ugly: There are some episodes that do not live up to their full potential. General conses this is a fun show.
Grade: A-
Grimm, NBC
I will admit when I saw the ads for this show I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. A show about a cop founding out he is a Grimm and that fairy tale characters are real does seem a bit far fetched. Then I heard that it was produced by the producers of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Probably one of my favorite shows of all time, so I was willing to give it a chance.
The Goods: What I found out was that show has similar sense of humor that made Buffy spectacular. Eddie Monroe as the Wieder Blutbad sidekick to the Grimm is definitely the highlight for the show. I also believe that the lead character is likable which is always important for a show. There are characters on the show that motives continue to intrigue me for example the Captain Renard.
The Ugly: The special effects on this show are a bit horrendous. It just comes off a bit cheesy. There have been a few episodes that lacked the punch of the pilot but when the episodes are good they are good.
Grade: B
The Amazing Race, CBS
The Goods:Great challenges and beautiful landscapes are always a given in every season of TAR.
The Ugly: In comparison to previous cycles the contestants on season 19 were not as likable. Regardless I still thoroughly enjoyed this season.
Grade: B
The X Factor, Fox
The Goods: The first season of The X Factor(US) had a talented bunch of contestants on the show who gave some show stopping performances. Astro, Drew, Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene and Josh Krajick all will have promising careers. Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are always a reliable source of good entertainment.
The Ugly: When The X Factor was being promoted it was suppose to be a fresh alternative to American Idol. After watching the first season, American Idol is the stronger out of the two of singing competition. I never realized how essential it is to have a charismatic host and Steve Jones charisma does not translate onto the TV screen. Then the chemistry between the judges is also lacking. The "tension" between Simon and LA Reid seems staged and no matter how beautiful and talented Nicole Scherzinger is, she is just not a good judge. I cannot deal with her tears every five seconds. They have found some interesting contestants but they have not found any in the league of the British counterpart. One Direction and Cher Llyod are perfect examples of what is lacking in the American version.
Grade: C+
Dexter, Showtime
The Goods:You can always count on Michael C. Hall to be on his A game for his portrayal of Dexter Morgan. What I loved about this season is that we continue to see different sides of Dexter, which always makes things interesting. The introduction of Brother Sam was pivotal to the journey that Dexter takes this season. Episode 6 and 7 were two of the best episodes in Dexter history. Those episodes made me believe that this season of Dexter would be as great as Season 1 and 4. Unfortunately that high went downhill extremely fast. I do appreciate the last ten seconds of the season finale, what a cliff hanger. It will go down as one of the best season finales.
The Ugly: Unfortunately this season of Dexter is fairly predictable. Early on the season I guess the twist for the character of Geller. I also guessed what was going to happen in the last scene. Either I watch too much TV or the twist aren't good enough. In comparison to past villains of Dexter, The Doomsday Killer was not as exciting. I just did not see what he brought to Dexter. He did not keep him on his toes like Ice Truck Killer or Trinity. This season I felt that they were changing several characters for the worse. They were making characters that were flawed(Quinn and La Guerta) and making them completely unlikable. To the point you were irritated by them being on the screens. Seriously, Dexter writers "What the Fudge? " Regardless an off season in Dexter is still 100% better than a good season on other shows.
Grade: B+
The Walking Dead, AMC
The Goods: The Walking Dead always does a good job at mixing thrills with drama. The character development this season continues to excel and dynamics in the group make some good TV. Alliances are being formed and broken simultaneously. You never know what you are going to get with these characters. They are so unpredictable and you can see how this new world is changing them, most for the worst. The writing is superb and the chemistry between the actors is excellent. The mid season finale was epic. Out of all the finales I enjoyed TWD finale the most. I did not see the ending coming and I loved being in suspense.
The Ugly: Having to wait until February for new episodes especially since according to the creaters this section is all about the action.
Grade: A
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
The Goods: Second season of Boardwalk Empire has put the first season to shame. Honestly it has put the majority of TV shows to shame. The entire cast continue to deliver. Hands down one of the best series on air right now.
The Ugly: I haven't finished the season yet.
Grade so far: A
Up All Night, NBC
Goods: Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett and Christina Appelgate are perfect together. The episode "Birth" was hysterical.
The Ugly:Though this show does have it moments, I still think that the leads deserve more than they are given. This show has potential to be one of the standouts on TV but it is not quite there yet. I really believe that with time, Up All Night will begin to excel. They have the goods, they just need to execute their ideas better.
Grade: B
Suburgatory, ABC
Goods: Jane Levy is amazing as Tessa. If Daria and Olive(Easy A) had a baby it would be Tessa. The chemistry between Jane Levy and Jeremey Sisto is adorable to watch. They are my favorite father daughter pairing on TV right now. There are a lot of great supporting characters that keep me laughing at loud. This show is smart, witty and refreshing.
The Ugly: The only downfall is that the characters are caricatures of people living in the suburbs. I guess it works since this show is a satire of life in the suburbs.
Grade: B+
Modern Family, ABC
Goods:You can always count on Modern Family to bring on the laughs. Ty Burrell , Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet continue to prove each episode why they were awarded Emmys. After this season I see Sophia Vergara finally winning an Emmy for her flawless performance of Gloria. The entire cast continue to be on their A game and deserve to pick up the SAG Award for Best Ensemble. What I love about this season is the interactions between characters who in previous seasons did not share too many scenes together. It creates funnier story-lines in my opinion. After the last new episode I think Mitchel &Alex and Gloria & Luke need to have more scenes together. I have to give made props to the writers for writing fantastic episodes. The whole third season so far has been fantastic.
The Ugly: None that I can think of.
Grade: A
Glee, Fox
Goods: Still is a fun show with a great group of kids.
The Ugly: Where to begin with Glee, maybe I should go back to my viewing history with the show. I was a passive fan for the first season of the show and began to watch the show regularly in the second season. Unfortunately I was always having a perplexed face after viewing Glee. The story-lines were too rushed and the show was all flair no substance. I blame cable TV for my high expectations on what qualifies as good TV. Supposedly this season is returning to the glory of the character driven first season. I still find that a lot of the characters are extremely flat and that the new story lines still don't have much weight to them. I give mad props to the creators for dealing with serious issues but Glee for me has jumped the shark.
Grade: C
New Girl, Fox
Goods: Zooey Deschanel is completely adorable as Jess. Max Greenfield and Jake M. Johnson characters of Schmidt and Nick really hold their own against the craziness that is Jess. New girl is an adorable show with some funny moments.
The Ugly: Though New Girl is a cute show it is not as nearly as funny as it should be. I think Lamorne Morris is the weakest link in the cast. He is funny but not hilarious as Damon Wayans Jr character Coach in the pilot. It is a shame Damon could not stay on longer because the show would have been hilarious with him around. Jess is a cute character but sometimes her awkwardness can be a bit overbearing.
Grade: B-
Homeland, Showtime
In comparison with most shows on air Homeland is the most daring and relevant show. The premise of a former prison of war believed to have turned is riveting and terrifying.
Goods: The first season of Homeland was a nonstop suspense ride. You do not know what was going to happen next or what to believe. Claire Danes is superb as Carrie Mathison. Most of the time you find yourself wondering what is wrong with this girl and the other times feeling heartbroken for her. Damien Lewis's Brody is probably the most intense characters I have witnessed. I look forward to what will be unveiled about him as the show progresses.
The Ugly: Halfway through the season there was a sugar high effect. There was a surge of excitement and then a complete downfall. Luckily towards the end the episodes bounced back.
Grade: A
Once Upon a Time, ABC
When I first heard about Once I thought it would be a ridiculous and the previews did not sell the show to me. Once is a show about fairy tale characters trapped in Storybroke, Maine because of a curse by the evil queen.
The Goods: If anyone would make this premise work it would be the writers from Lost. They have taken characters you know and love and given them a modern twist. Like Lost this show is cast perfectly. Seriously Prince Charming makes me sigh, Rumpelstiltskin is marvelously creepy and The Evil Queen is deliciously wicked. The chemistry between the actors is impeccable. The pairings of Snow White/ Prince Charming, Emma/Sheriff Graham really pull at your heartstrings. What I love is that none of the characters are flat, in a short time they have become quite dynamic. Once is able to transition from the real world to fairy tale land effortlessly. I find their trip down fairy-tale lane to be quite intriguing. The mid season finale was the best episode that has aired so far. Talking about leaving the viewers heartbroken but it is to be expected it was written by the writers from Lost. Since that is the case, I know not to get to attached to characters.
The Ugly: There are some episodes that do not live up to their full potential. General conses this is a fun show.
Grade: A-
Grimm, NBC
I will admit when I saw the ads for this show I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. A show about a cop founding out he is a Grimm and that fairy tale characters are real does seem a bit far fetched. Then I heard that it was produced by the producers of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Probably one of my favorite shows of all time, so I was willing to give it a chance.
The Goods: What I found out was that show has similar sense of humor that made Buffy spectacular. Eddie Monroe as the Wieder Blutbad sidekick to the Grimm is definitely the highlight for the show. I also believe that the lead character is likable which is always important for a show. There are characters on the show that motives continue to intrigue me for example the Captain Renard.
The Ugly: The special effects on this show are a bit horrendous. It just comes off a bit cheesy. There have been a few episodes that lacked the punch of the pilot but when the episodes are good they are good.
Grade: B
The Amazing Race, CBS
The Goods:Great challenges and beautiful landscapes are always a given in every season of TAR.
The Ugly: In comparison to previous cycles the contestants on season 19 were not as likable. Regardless I still thoroughly enjoyed this season.
Grade: B
The X Factor, Fox
The Goods: The first season of The X Factor(US) had a talented bunch of contestants on the show who gave some show stopping performances. Astro, Drew, Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene and Josh Krajick all will have promising careers. Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are always a reliable source of good entertainment.
The Ugly: When The X Factor was being promoted it was suppose to be a fresh alternative to American Idol. After watching the first season, American Idol is the stronger out of the two of singing competition. I never realized how essential it is to have a charismatic host and Steve Jones charisma does not translate onto the TV screen. Then the chemistry between the judges is also lacking. The "tension" between Simon and LA Reid seems staged and no matter how beautiful and talented Nicole Scherzinger is, she is just not a good judge. I cannot deal with her tears every five seconds. They have found some interesting contestants but they have not found any in the league of the British counterpart. One Direction and Cher Llyod are perfect examples of what is lacking in the American version.
Grade: C+
Dexter, Showtime
The Goods:You can always count on Michael C. Hall to be on his A game for his portrayal of Dexter Morgan. What I loved about this season is that we continue to see different sides of Dexter, which always makes things interesting. The introduction of Brother Sam was pivotal to the journey that Dexter takes this season. Episode 6 and 7 were two of the best episodes in Dexter history. Those episodes made me believe that this season of Dexter would be as great as Season 1 and 4. Unfortunately that high went downhill extremely fast. I do appreciate the last ten seconds of the season finale, what a cliff hanger. It will go down as one of the best season finales.
The Ugly: Unfortunately this season of Dexter is fairly predictable. Early on the season I guess the twist for the character of Geller. I also guessed what was going to happen in the last scene. Either I watch too much TV or the twist aren't good enough. In comparison to past villains of Dexter, The Doomsday Killer was not as exciting. I just did not see what he brought to Dexter. He did not keep him on his toes like Ice Truck Killer or Trinity. This season I felt that they were changing several characters for the worse. They were making characters that were flawed(Quinn and La Guerta) and making them completely unlikable. To the point you were irritated by them being on the screens. Seriously, Dexter writers "What the Fudge? " Regardless an off season in Dexter is still 100% better than a good season on other shows.
Grade: B+
The Walking Dead, AMC
The Goods: The Walking Dead always does a good job at mixing thrills with drama. The character development this season continues to excel and dynamics in the group make some good TV. Alliances are being formed and broken simultaneously. You never know what you are going to get with these characters. They are so unpredictable and you can see how this new world is changing them, most for the worst. The writing is superb and the chemistry between the actors is excellent. The mid season finale was epic. Out of all the finales I enjoyed TWD finale the most. I did not see the ending coming and I loved being in suspense.
The Ugly: Having to wait until February for new episodes especially since according to the creaters this section is all about the action.
Grade: A
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
The Goods: Second season of Boardwalk Empire has put the first season to shame. Honestly it has put the majority of TV shows to shame. The entire cast continue to deliver. Hands down one of the best series on air right now.
The Ugly: I haven't finished the season yet.
Grade so far: A
Up All Night, NBC
Goods: Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett and Christina Appelgate are perfect together. The episode "Birth" was hysterical.
The Ugly:Though this show does have it moments, I still think that the leads deserve more than they are given. This show has potential to be one of the standouts on TV but it is not quite there yet. I really believe that with time, Up All Night will begin to excel. They have the goods, they just need to execute their ideas better.
Grade: B
Suburgatory, ABC
Goods: Jane Levy is amazing as Tessa. If Daria and Olive(Easy A) had a baby it would be Tessa. The chemistry between Jane Levy and Jeremey Sisto is adorable to watch. They are my favorite father daughter pairing on TV right now. There are a lot of great supporting characters that keep me laughing at loud. This show is smart, witty and refreshing.
The Ugly: The only downfall is that the characters are caricatures of people living in the suburbs. I guess it works since this show is a satire of life in the suburbs.
Grade: B+
Modern Family, ABC
Goods:You can always count on Modern Family to bring on the laughs. Ty Burrell , Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet continue to prove each episode why they were awarded Emmys. After this season I see Sophia Vergara finally winning an Emmy for her flawless performance of Gloria. The entire cast continue to be on their A game and deserve to pick up the SAG Award for Best Ensemble. What I love about this season is the interactions between characters who in previous seasons did not share too many scenes together. It creates funnier story-lines in my opinion. After the last new episode I think Mitchel &Alex and Gloria & Luke need to have more scenes together. I have to give made props to the writers for writing fantastic episodes. The whole third season so far has been fantastic.
The Ugly: None that I can think of.
Grade: A
Glee, Fox
Goods: Still is a fun show with a great group of kids.
The Ugly: Where to begin with Glee, maybe I should go back to my viewing history with the show. I was a passive fan for the first season of the show and began to watch the show regularly in the second season. Unfortunately I was always having a perplexed face after viewing Glee. The story-lines were too rushed and the show was all flair no substance. I blame cable TV for my high expectations on what qualifies as good TV. Supposedly this season is returning to the glory of the character driven first season. I still find that a lot of the characters are extremely flat and that the new story lines still don't have much weight to them. I give mad props to the creators for dealing with serious issues but Glee for me has jumped the shark.
Grade: C
New Girl, Fox
Goods: Zooey Deschanel is completely adorable as Jess. Max Greenfield and Jake M. Johnson characters of Schmidt and Nick really hold their own against the craziness that is Jess. New girl is an adorable show with some funny moments.
The Ugly: Though New Girl is a cute show it is not as nearly as funny as it should be. I think Lamorne Morris is the weakest link in the cast. He is funny but not hilarious as Damon Wayans Jr character Coach in the pilot. It is a shame Damon could not stay on longer because the show would have been hilarious with him around. Jess is a cute character but sometimes her awkwardness can be a bit overbearing.
Grade: B-
Homeland, Showtime
In comparison with most shows on air Homeland is the most daring and relevant show. The premise of a former prison of war believed to have turned is riveting and terrifying.
Goods: The first season of Homeland was a nonstop suspense ride. You do not know what was going to happen next or what to believe. Claire Danes is superb as Carrie Mathison. Most of the time you find yourself wondering what is wrong with this girl and the other times feeling heartbroken for her. Damien Lewis's Brody is probably the most intense characters I have witnessed. I look forward to what will be unveiled about him as the show progresses.
The Ugly: Halfway through the season there was a sugar high effect. There was a surge of excitement and then a complete downfall. Luckily towards the end the episodes bounced back.
Grade: A
Comments