Fresh Meat: Homeland

Although the new fall TV season has only just begun, it seems appropriate to declare Showtime's new series Homeland, airing Sundays at 10pm, the best new drama of the season. From producers of 24, Homeland stars Claire Daines as Carrie Anderson, a CIA officer who received a tip that a recently discovered American POW has been turned by Al-Qaeda. The catch of course is that the tip was unofficial at best and without substantial evidence to gain Agency support she conducts her own investigation. Her conviction concerns her mentor Saul (Mandy Patinkin) and the fact that she is secretly taking an anti-psychotic certainly doesn't seem to help her case. Carrie's guilt over past mistakes drives her to an intense obsession with proving the POW is a terrorist and preventing his suspected mission, no matter how mundane he initially seems.

However, Homeland also focuses on the perspective of Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers) as the Marine Sergeant in question, Nicholas Brody. Although he is understandably stoic and overwhelmed in the first episode, the psychological toll that years of torture has had slowly reveals itself, particularly in the second episode. With brief flashbacks, the show complements Brody's outward actions (as seen by the general public) and his private actions (as surveilled by Carrie) with insights into his inner-psyche. Lewis is in top form here, effectively portraying the fascinating and horrifying torment of a tortured (and possibly brainwashed) soldier as he struggles to regain his composure. And if that weren't enough, Brody's wife and kids must adjust to his return after eight long years of his absence.

In addition to its position as a conspiracy thriller and psychological drama, Homeland also offers a look into the workings of the CIA, both in the office and out in the field. While running her covert surveillance on Brody, Carrie must also handle her overseas assets, one of whom surfaces with fresh information on Carrie's long-term target, Abu Nazir, who may also be connected with Brody and responsible for his imprisonment. Carrie must work to secure the undercover asset's safety, while simultaneously encouraging her to continue to gather intelligence as the asset's situation grows increasingly precarious. This balance of office dealings and abroad action also presents a fresh and realistic take on the spy genre.

Bottom Line: Homeland is an intriguing and tense thriller with excellent acting and a rich, increasingly murky plot that will keep you glued to the screen.

Why Aren't You Watching: Parenthood

Returning for its third season on Tuesday night at 10pm, NBC's Parenthood is a refreshing take on the family drama, or more appropriately, dramedy. With a skilled combination of heart and humor, Parenthood stands out as one of the most enjoyable hours of television. Just as he did on Friday Night Lights, creator Jason Katims imbues Parenthood with a palpable authenticity as well. Additionally, the series' reliance on improv among its large and talented cast allows for character interactions that feel natural (full of inarticulates and the like) instead of coming across as written dialogue. 

Centering around the large and diverse Braverman family, Parenthood always manages to find enough time to develop engrossing stories for all of its many characters. As eldest son Adam, Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) is reliably at the top of his game in every episode, fully realizing the struggle of a father whose son has aspergers syndrome, with Max Burkholder also doing excellent work as the son. Additionally, Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls), as Adam's younger sister Sarah, displays expert light-heartedness as a career-less single mother taking her shortcomings with a smile and self-deprecating wisecrack. Even more of a standout is Mae Whitman (Arrested Development) as Sarah's teenage daughter Amber, impressively demonstrating range and depth well beyond her years. There are too many phenomenal actors in this show to go through each one, but another surprise has been Dax Shepherd, bringing real pathos to youngest son and man-child Crosby as he tries to grow up after meeting his five-year-old son.

Bottom Line: In addition to its gifted cast, Parenthood is worth watching for its engrossing authenticity and entertaining humor, rightfully rendering it one of the top shows on right now.

Fresh Meat: Friday Night Dinner

Every once in a while, a BBC show will make its way over the pond and become a hit in the States. A few happen to be written by Ricky Gervais such as The Office, Extras and The Ricky Gervais Show.
BBC America is taking a chance on the Goodmans, a Jewish family from England. The show revolves around this oddball family and their attempts at a Sabbath meal every friday night.

The kids are all grown up but still behave childish in every way, pouring salt into each others water while the other isn't looking, to stealing their mothers cellphone and prank texting another that they were a mistake. Tamsin Greig (Episodes) does a spot on portrayal of a Jewish mother who has just stopped caring. The father, played by Paul Ritter (Quantum of Solace) is not your ordinary Jewish father, or at least one expected to be written about for a television show, but that just adds another level of unpredictability. The father is losing his hearing and also sadly/hilarious depending on how you look at it, his sense of embarrassment. The opening scene for American viewers is the two sons watching their father, through the front window of the house, looking at his penis with a magnifying glass.

Every friday night they are bothered by their creepy neighbor who seemingly stands at the front door all night with his dog waiting for an invitation, never forgetting to mention how good the food smells.
For any of you who have been to a friday night meal, throw all your preconceived notions out the window. Don't worry though, this is not a slapstick humor show or overly raunchy for that matter. Its just some good old British humor.

Fresh Meat: Franklin & Bash v. Suits

This summer saw the premiere of two lighthearted legal shows, TNT's Franklin & Bash at 9 on Wednesdays and USA's Suits at 10 on Thursdays. Despite their seemingly similar premises, the two are actually quite different in plot and case-of-the-week execution. While a show about lawyers and their cases is nothing new, each attempts to liven up the proceedings with a fresh take and style on this familiar genre.

Franklin & Bash is the more straightforward of the two. It follows bus-stop bench attorneys Jared Franklin (Breckin Meyer) and Peter Bash (Paul-Michael Gosselaar, forever Saved by the Bell's Zack) who abandon their strategy of running after car accident victims and defending hookers to join a large reputable firm run by the eccentric Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell, clearly enjoying himself). However, despite their new positions, the two remain in their trashy house where there's always a party going on, and even bring that atmosphere to the office. The main premise of Franklin & Bash really ends up being a demonstration of what would happen if two frat bros never really matured yet were still able to be successful attorneys in spite of their blatant unprofessionalism, because, with this being a legal procedural, they always win their case.

Although its premise may be a bit more outlandish, Suits is actually the more authentic program in its plot and execution. Unfulfilled prodigy Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is a college dropout who copes with his failed goals by smoking pot and getting paid to pass the LSATs and BAR exams for other people. However, while running from the cops, he ends up in an interview for an associates position at a prestigious corporate law firm that only hires from Harvard. Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), the senior partner conducting the interview, is so impressed by Mike's ability to absorb information (he happens to have a photographic-level memory) and his sheer "unlawyerness" that he offers him the job, despite the fact that he doesn't have a degree and the two will now have to keep that a secret from the rest of the firm. Here, the cases of the week (which include interesting insights into corporate legal matters) are framed by Mike's adjustment to this new lifestyle and his apprenticeship under Harvey.

While Franklin & Bash gets its humor from portraying decent lawyers who don't take their work seriously, Suits finds its humor in a non-lawyer who strives to keep up with seriousness of the law. However both shows maintain plenty of idiosyncrasies and quirks for their characters. In Franklin & Bash, their associate Pindar is an socially-inept and agoraphobic attorney, while Suits' Harvey is an arrogant prick who just so happens to be the best closer New York has ever seen. Additionally, although USA is typically better known for humorous dramas than TNT, Franklin & Bash plays more like a comedy than Suits, even though its cases and structure are a bit more traditional for a legal procedural. Where Franklin & Bash is fairly obvious in its humor and fun, Suits takes a more subtle approach with well-rounded characters who come across more natural in their sense of humor.

Bottom Line: Both shows have leading pairs with great chemistry and are solid lighthearted entertainment despite their unrealistic premises. However Suits' more original stories and more fully developed characters reveal greater authenticity that draws you in.

Why Aren't You Watching: Louie

Returning for its second season tonight at 10:30 on FX, Louie is a delightfully deadpan and hilariously bleak look at the life of a 40-year-old single comedian in New York City. As the creator, writer, director, and singular star, comedian Louis C.K. is able to assert complete creative control over the program, allowing a consistent style throughout and portraying a full comedic vision. Louie follows the title character through an exaggerated depiction of the man and his daily life. The formula partially consists of the original Seinfeld premise, regularly showing (mostly) live segments of C.K's stand-up. There are typically 2-3 sets of varying length in a single episode, with typically stand-alone story segments of Louie's life.

Although Louie is the only starring character in the show, there a few recurring characters as well. Actors portray Louie's brother and two young daughters, while his comedian friends appear as themselves. Additionally, another single parent recurs, as does Ricky Gervais in a couple episodes, playing an extremely unprofessional asshole of a doctor. While the stand-up segments are pretty straightforward and often a hilarious highlight, the individual story segments can be an ridiculously offbeat delight as well. One such story involves the visit of Louie's exaggeratedly selfish mother who decides, for no apparent reason other than a desire for attention, declares herself a lesbian. Another standout story involves his fantastical attraction to an African-American check-out lady, whom he essentially follows all the way home making humorously horrible and uncomfortable attempts at seduction, to the point where she confronts him on his fantasies. Although some of these little stories can be especially odd, just when you begin to question the direction they're heading, they catch you off guard with C.K.'s outrageously funny and surprisingly absurd humor.

Bottom Line: Louie is an original and diverse exploration of a comedian's occasionally bleak, but always hilarious observations and experiences of life.

Procedurals with Pedigree: In Plain Sight

Welcome to our first Procedurals with Pedigree column, where we'll focus on that classic television format that isn't always as exciting as its serialized counterpart, but can be just as entertaining and, in these cases, exceptionally crafted. Our first procedural with pedigree is USA's In Plain Sight, currently airing its 4th season Sundays at 10pm.

The series centers on US Marshall Mary Shannon (The West Wing's Mary McCormack), who serves in WITSEC (witness protection) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first thing that must be mentioned about this show is how surprisingly original it is in its case-of-the-week storytelling. Although there are some character-based serialized elements (more on that later), the show primarily focuses on a different witness each week that is under Mary or her partner's protection. Since the witnesses vary from former criminals to civilians and everything in between, there is a lot of range in their characters, as played by various guest stars.  One way the creators keep these stories fresh is that they often don't simply follow a new witness as they deal with adjusting to the program. Instead, they will often begin the episode with a flashback to the crime that was witnessed, then flash years later to the present. This allows them to tell original stories about these witnesses, not necessarily related to the crimes they witnessed. Although an episode will often center on Mary ensuring the safety of her witnesses when possible threats arise, these threats are impressively diverse as these one-note characters are typically well-written and fully rounded on their own.

Even though the creators do an excellent job with the weekly cases and characters, the show wouldn't be very engrossing if the main characters were not likable or identifiable. Here too the show excels with the excellent performances of Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon and Frederick Weller as her partner Marshall Mann (hilariously named Marshall by his parents in a failed attempt to prevent him from becoming a Marshall like the rest of his family). Mary is difficult to get along with to say the least. She has little patience for optimism, emotional issues, and people who beat around the bush. Although she's rough around the edges, Mary's bluntness and low tolerance for BS is understandable given her environment; namely a runaway fugitive father, an alcoholic mother, and a perpetually-in-trouble little sister. Although these characters have grown each season in semi-serialized plots, Mary is the one who has difficulty changing and not judging those around her. Contrastingly, Marshall is relatively easy-going and accepting, though he seems to be the only one who truly understands Mary and can stay on her good side. With his rationality and proclivity for minutia, and her stubbornness and unwonted principles, Marshall and Mary maintain a steady rapport of banter that reveals there very real friendship.

Another particularly great thing about this series is how it continually manages to grow and improve each season, largely thanks to the slight tweaks that come with new showrunners (season 4 sees another showrunner switch after the recent change up for season 3). These alterations aren't very noticeable as the core of the show remains the same, but they slowly become apparent as you realize how the characters and their environment have developed. While Mary and Marshall's growth is slight, the development of the supporting characters, like Mary's sister and mother, is more noticeable, though not at all forced. This steady  progression is another key draw of the show as it depicts a world of characters that slowly evolve, just as they should naturally.

Bottom Line: Though on the surface it may appear to be a cookie-cutter procedural, this show is worth checking out for its surprisingly original and engaging stories, as well as its appealing and fully formed characters that  will further your investment in the plot-lines.

Shrew's News: New Network Shows

This week the broadcast networks announced their fall schedules and which pilots they picked up to series (out of the many detailed in the previous Shew's News column). Here's a run down of the new shows with my take on them  and the trailers cut from their original pilots (titles are links). Overall looks to be a much better new crop of shows than last year's dull line up, though the best ones are being kept for mid-season. **Keep in mind these are only early impressions, as shows often change significantly after their pilots (which is all the trailers draw from), especially comedies which typically need to grow into themselves. Also schedules may change as we get closer to Fall**


Comedies

Bent (NBC) - Although romcom-type sitcoms have an iffy track record (Running Wilde) and are difficult to sustain, the cast (featuring Jeffrey Tambor as an out-of-work actor who plays the piano at Nordstrom) and characters have me optimistic about this one. >not on the Fall schedule, but will hopefully premiere mid-season.  


Up All Night (NBC) - With big name stars like Christina Applegate (Anchorman) and Maya Rudolph (SNL), along with the reliably funny Will Arnett, sets the bar high for this one. Plot of new parents trying to adapt is unexciting, but since one of the creators of Parks & Recreation is behind this its probably worth checking out. >premiering this Fall, Wednesdays at 8. 


Free Agents (NBC) - Based on a British series, follows two PR executives (Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn) who are on the rebound from relationships. Looks decent enough. >premiering this Fall, Wednesdays at 8:30.

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea (NBC) - Based the book thats based on her pre-fame life, this multi-camera sitcom stars Laura Prepon (That 70s Show) as a young Chelsea Handler (Handler herself plays her own pregnant sister). Probably depends on one's appreciation for Handler's brand of humor, though it also feels old-fashioned because of its format. >premiering mid-season.


Whitney (NBC) - Multi-camera comedy from comedian Whitney Cummings about  a couple who don't want to marry. The laugh-track makes it feel off (especially for its timeslot), kind of archaic, and emphasizes its unoriginal humor. >premiering this Fall, Thursdays at 9:30.


BFF (Best Friends Forever) (NBC) - No trailer available, though there are a few clips available at NBC's website. Doesn't really stand out too much. >not on the Fall schedule.

New Girl (FOX) - Formerly titled Chicks & Dicks, stars Zooey Deschanel as a girl who moves in with three guys ( Damon Wayans Jr., as Coach, will have to be recast since Happy Endings was renewed). Seems very promising, assuming you like Deschanel, and who doesn't?  >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 9:00.


I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX) - Stars Jaime Pressly as one of two moms who are distressed by the fact that their daughters are mean girls, since they were tormented themselves in high school. Humorous despite its mean-spirit and laugh-track. >premiering this Fall, Wednesdays at 9:30.

Apartment 23 (ABC) - No longer titled Don't Trust the Bitch in ", this sitcom has a simple premise: naive country girl moves to city and her roommate is a immoral party girl who takes advantage of her. The real highlight here is the roommate's best friend, James van der Beek (playing himself). Trailer isn't much, but buzz on this is that its hilarious. >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 9:30 (along with the great Cougar Town at 9:00, once Dancing with the Stars finishes in November).


Last Man Standing (ABC) - The much touted return of Tim Allen to television. Basically another modernized family sitcom, with a laugh-track. Not really exciting, but it doesn't look horrible. >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 8:00.

Suburgatory (ABC) - Follows a sixteen-year-old city girl whose father uproots her to the suburbs. Surprisingly funny, playing kind of like Juno-meets-Desperate Housewives, snarky remarks about upper-middle-class suburbs abound. With Cheryl Hines from Curb Your Enthusiasm. >premiering this Fall, Wednesdays at 8:30.


Man Up! (ABC) - Essentially a male buddy comedy. Hard to tell much from ABC's short trailers, but doesn't seem like anything too special or horrendous. >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 8:30.


Work It (ABC) - This one is pretty horrible looking. Premise is two guys who dress up as girls to get jobs as pharmaceutical reps. It looks as bad as it sounds, laugh-track in tow. >not on the schedule (thankfully).

Two Broke Girls (CBS) - Despite the unoriginal idea of pairing a former rich girl with a multi-job working girl, this one could be fun, thanks largely to the casting of Kat Dennings as the second girl. > premiering this Fall, Mondays at 8:30.


How to be a Gentleman (CBS) - Again an unoriginal odd couple pairing of a moronic brute with a well-mannered writer, though it does seem to have more going on than that. >premiering this Fall, Thursdays at 8:30.


Dramas


Prime Suspect (NBC) - Based on an acclaimed British series, follows a tough detective, played by Maria Bello, who is surrounded by underestimating men. Trailer makes it seem dark and edgy, but also a little unengrossing.


Awake (NBC) - Follows a cop who, after a car accident, lives two alternate realties; one where his son died in the accident, and one where his wife did. When he goes to sleep in one reality, he wakes up in the other, so he doesn't know which one is real and which one is a dream. Although its very high concept, it also looks very interesting and shows a lot of promise. >premiering mid-season.


Smash (NBC) - Musical drama about the staging of a Broadway musical. Will probably be compared to Glee, but honestly it looks like the musical part is where the similarities end. This is definitely a big production that NBC is putting a lot into. >premiering in mid-season with a time-slot after The Voice of course.

The Playboy Club (NBC) - Taking a cue from Mad Men, this '60s set drama centers on the original Playboy Club in Chicago. The male lead doesn't seem too interesting, but the show could do well focusing on the lives of the girls. >premiering this Fall, Mondays at 10:00.


Grimm (NBC) - Supernatural procedural about a cop who can see the fairytale creatures that live among us. A little silly, but has some dark elements. Unsurprisingly comes from two of the creators of Buffy and Angel. >premiering this Fall, Fridays at 9:00.

Alcatraz (FOX) - From Lost creator J.J. Abrams and starring Jorge Garcia (Hurley) as an expert on the prison, cautiously hoping this could the worthy successor we've been waiting for. Follows an FBI agent investigating prisoners that disappeared and suddenly begin to reappear 30 years later. >premiering mid-season.


The Finder (FOX) - Based on The Locater books series, but positioned by Fox as a spin-off of Bones (the pilot consisted of introducing the character in an episode this past season), this procedural actually looks pretty fun, with Michael Clarke Duncan as the partner. >premiering mid-season.


Terra Nova (FOX) - Actually picked up last year, but its premiere was delayed to this Fall. Follows a family who live in a dystopian future where the air is poisonous. They move to a dinosaur-era colony that has been set up as an attempt to reboot humanity and fix the future. Given its enormous and expensive production, this ones either gonna be a great hit or a messy flop. >premiering this Fall, Mondays at 8:00.


Charlie's Angels (ABC) - Reboot of the '70s show and basically a light action-drama with hot women kicking ass. If that sounds appealing to you then thats pretty much all you need to know at this point. >premiering this Fall, Thursdays at 8:00.


Revenge (ABC) - Loosely based on the plot of the Count of Monte Cristo, follows a young woman who moves back the Hamptons years after the families there ruined her father. From the title you can probably gather she's not there to forgive and forget. Interesting premise, but looks kind of soapy in execution. >premiering this Fall, Wednesdays at 10:00.


Scandal (ABC) - Follows a crisis management PR team, starring Kerry Washington and Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond from Lost). Actually looks like it could be pretty interesting with different types of cases than the ones currently shown on tv and solid acting. >premiering mid-season.


The River (ABC) - From the creator of Paranormal Activity and using that same "found footage" filming style, this thriller follows a family searching for their missing patriarch on the Amazon River. Looks kind of creepy and tense, but also pretty good and original for network tv. >premiering mid-season.

Good Christian Belles (ABC) - Originally titled bitches instead of belles, this southern soap stars Leslie Bibb (Popular, Iron Man) as a former mean girl who returns to her hometown, where everyone else still acts how they did in their high school cliques. Clearly set to be a fresh Desperate Housewives with good buzz. >premiering mid-season.


Pan Am (ABC) - The other '60s set show likely inspired by Mad Men, this one centers around the stewardesses and pilots of America's first airline and stars Christina Ricci. A very elaborate period drama that could be decent, but its difficult to tell how it will play beyond the trailer. >premiering this Fall, Sundays at 10:00.


Once Upon a Time (ABC) - Another fairy-tale themed show, this one is about a town of characters (like Snow White) who, because of a witch's spell, are unaware of their true identities. Looks pretty ridiculous and melodramatic. >premiering this Fall, Sundays at 8:00.


Person of Interest (CBS) - Another from producer J.J. Abrams, this drama was created by Jonathon Nolan (co-writer of The Dark Knight) and stars Lost-alum Michael Emerson as a mysterious billionaire who works with a former CIA agent to prevent crimes from occurring. The pedigree behind this one is great and it looks like it'll be a thrilling twist on the crime procedural genre. >premiering this Fall, Thursdays at 9:00.

Unforgettable (CBS) - Police procedural about a detective who is gifted/cursed with remembering everything. Seems pretty routine, though the main character looks well rounded and acted. >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 10:00.

A Gifted Man (CBS) - Follows a doctor as he reconnects with his ex-wife... only to learn that she has died. Sounds a little silly, but if you're into this kind of thing, it actually looks fairly well made. >premiering this Fall, Fridays at 8:00.

Ringer (CW) - Originally set up at CBS, the network felt this thriller starring Sarah Michelle Gellar was a better fit here. SMG plays a girl on the run who slips into the identity of her secretly dead twin sister, only to discover that she was involved in some sketchy and dangerous dealings as well. The trailer doesn't show too much, but this could be some intriguing guilty pleasure fun. Also stars Nester Carbonell (Richard from Lost). >premiering this Fall, Tuesdays at 9:00.

Hart of Dixie (CW) - Stars Rachel Bilson as a Manhattan doctor forced to relocate to the south. Seems to employ some healthy southern stereotypes (like ABC's Belles) in an uninspiring way. Not my sort of thing, but to each his own. >premiering this Fall, Mondays at 9:00.

The Secret Circle (CW) - From the producer of Vampire Diaries and also based on a book series, this drama follows a group of witches. Again, from the premise you probably already know if your interested in this, though I will say that from what I've seen of the Vampire Diaries, it has snappy plot lines and smooth writing, so this could also be decent enough for what it is. >premiering this Fall, Thursdays at 9:00.

Fresh Meat: Workaholics

Now I know its stupid of me to say that there has never been a show that truly relates to the college
student. There is South Park and It's Always Sunny etc... However, there is a new show in town that beautifully represents the image of our budding youth from lazy college student, to now, lazy worker. For this generation of employees, there is a whole world outside of the work office that would scare the shit out of their bosses. Workaholics, delightfully melds those two worlds together. Three friends, (Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine) work as salesman selling random products to anybody who will stay on the phone long enough. They play pranks on each other at home, at the office and on their coworkers. In one episode, they take mushrooms and camp out in their office cause their house is being sprayed for bugs. They think that the IT guys are robbers and set up this obstacle course to catch them, using lasers like the movie Entrapment and broomsticks fashioned into spears like Braveheart.

Bottom Line: If you are in your early 20's and miss your college days, this show is your cure. It will have you singing Catherine Zeta Jones in no time!

Why Aren't You Watching: Cougar Town

Now I know what you're thinking, but before you laugh and decide to ignore this show because of its admittedly horrible title, try to keep an open mind and trust the creative talent here (who claim "titles are hard!" in one of the second season's many opening title cards mocking the show's name). Although the show did initially begin with the premise of a divorced 40-something who sleeps with 20-something guys, it was hastily abandoned about 8 or 10 episodes in, as the phenomenal cast of characters began to settle in. After being on an unfortunate hiatus since February to make room for the disappointing Mr. Sunshine and the surprisingly decent  Happy Endings (now airing at 10 after its premiere last Wednesday), Cougar Town is finally returning to ABC Wednesdays at 9:30 (with a special episode airing this Monday at 9:30 as well) with red wine and penny cans intact.

Free from the groan-inducing initial premise, Cougar Town has quickly become one of the most hilarious and original comedies currently on television, now simply following the lives of this small Florida culdesac of wine-sipping friends. Of course the show's primary character is Courtney Cox's Jules Cobb, a real estate agent that has difficulty being mean and un-obsessive. Since raising him as a single mother, she harbors a particularly creepy fixation with her son Travis, played with appropriate awkwardness and smugness by Dan Byrd. And with Travis off to college (though of course he still finds time to hang out with his mom's friends...) Jules has been free to focus her attention on her neighbor and boyfriend Grayson (Josh Hopkins), commonly referred to on the show as Tiny Eyes.

That nickname is a perfect example of the light-hearted, but slightly acerbic way the characters in this show interact with one another.  Constantly drinking red wine (Jules often drinks out of Big Carl/Joe, a gigantic novelty wine glass), the group often invent and play ridiculous games such as Penny Can, a game Jules' hillbilly-esque  ex-husband Bobby (Brian Van Holt) coined while living on his parking-lot-docked boat along with his best friend and biggest fan Andy (a hilarious Ian Gomez) which involves, shockingly enough, throwing pennies into a can. The cast is rounded out by Jules' two best friends, Andy's delightfully mean-spirited wife Ellie (creator Bill Lawrence's actual wife, Christa Miller) and the youthfully trashy  Laurie (an outrageous Busy Phillips), who just happen to officially hate each other and deliver most of the show's nicknames and insults toward each other.

As you can see, this is the rare show where each character is equally worth mentioning, where they all pull together as an exceptionally entertaining and amusing ensemble. Since the characters are relied on for the show's comedy and personality instead of a wacky premise or situation, they are what make this such a great show. Though its lead-in Modern Family is just about setting the current standard for reliable sitcoms right now, Cougar Town comes off as edgier and more unique, taking risks with new character types and writing styles that more often than not hit their comedic marks.

Bottom Line: If you can get past the horrible title and just give this show a chance, you'll see that Cougar Town will quickly become a show you look forward to every week, as it keeps you laughing out loud with its original brand of comedy and vivacious characters.

Fresh Meat: The Killing

AMC continues its onslaught of great television with the premiere of its new drama series, The Killing (Sundays at 10:00). Unlike the prevalent crime procedurals found on CBS, The Killing revolves around the investigation of a single murder (though it is from the creator of Cold Case), with each episode consisting of one day. Similar to other AMC series like The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, The Killing is filmed with a classic style, helping to set the very realistic tone of a damp and dreary Seattle. Of course adding to the excellent production is the phenomenal acting, led by Mireille Enos (Big Love) as Detective Sarah Linden.


On her last day working the beat in Seattle before moving to California to marry and live with her fiancée, Linden is drawn into the search for a missing teenage girl. Instead of taking it easy and passing the case off, she is compelled to follow through on the investigation as its circumstances progress into even more nefarious territory. Her partner on the case is her intended replacement as homicide detective, former undercover officer Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman). Understandably, Holder's conduct and strategies vastly differ from Linden's due to his extended duty on the streets. Refreshingly, he almost comes off as how a two-bit criminal might serve as a detective, offering up insensitive wisecracks and even smoking weed with high schoolers to gain insight into their own "underground."


In addition to following the investigation surrounding the girl, The Killing also devotes equal time to the struggles of her family as they try to cope with their devastating loss. Michelle Forbes (True Blood) and Brent Sexton (Life) play her middle-class parents with such realism that you can't help but be drawn into their mourning and sorrow. Finally, the story also follows the campaign of a city councilman played by Billy Campbell whose connection to the murder seems to be merely circumstantial, though of course there is always some suspicion necessary when dealing with politics. As the show progresses (the first two episodes aired together April 3rd), the mystery develops further as more details are uncovered, revealing surprising connections and information about this young girl's life.


Bottom Line: The Killing is a well-crafted series that, despite its pacing, should hook you with its realistic depictions and increasingly captivating mystery.

Fresh Meat: Mr. Sunshine

Mr. Sunshine (ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30) got off to a rough start in its first season, as it temporarily holds the time-slot of the hilarious-despite-a-horrible-title-that-doesn't-accurately-reflect-it Cougar Town (which returns mid-April, so catch up!). Despite a strong premise (people running a multi-purpose sports arena) and a strong cast, the tone and humor of the show has been uneven. Generally, the comedy in the show's first five episodes following the pilot have been largely hit-or-miss, unfortunately with more miss. However, with last night's exceptional seventh episode, it seems like Mr. Sunshine may have finally found its groove.

The show stars Friends' Matthew Perry as Ben Donovan, the manager of the titular Sunshine Center. His primary plot line is his desire to grow from an unhappy narcissist to a more selfless person that can connect with others, following his 40th birthday in the pilot. Although his initial struggles could be difficult for some viewers to relate to (unless you can admit to being a little selfish yourself), his burgeoning relationship with the newly hired boss' son, the socially and professionally inept Roman (played with the right amount of restraint by Nate Torrence), helps draw you in as the two build a comedic rapport.

Roman's mother and the owner of the Sunshine Center is the contently narcissistic, insensitive, and pill-popping Crystal Cohen, played by a clearly-enjoying-herself Allison Janney (The West Wing). Constantly making absurd and offensive comments, Crystal's antics are increasingly ridiculous in the first few episodes, and while this can add to the humor, it also makes it difficult to appreciate her as a real person. However, her character does have a lot of potential and will likely continue to evolve and improve as she becomes a more fleshed-out character, as demonstrated in the most recent episodes.

The cast is rounded out by the delightful Andrea Anders (of the late Better Off Ted) as the Center's head of marketing and James Lesure (Las Vegas) as Alonzo, an extremely genuine and charitable former basketball player. As the show continues to develop, hopefully a fun supporting cast of the other various workers at the Sunshine Center (such as the mascot whom Ben is constantly trying to explain to that he doesn't belong in offices) will emerge, as on other more established comedies like Parks & Recreation and 30 Rock.

Bottom Line: If this show continues to improve and offer episodes like "Celebrity Tennis" that take advantage of the strong cast and premise, then perhaps it can eventually join the current crop of phenomenal sitcoms.

Shrew's News: Network Pilots

Welcome to our first Shrew's News column, where we'll post interesting production news for the various networks and shows. Today's Shrew's News will focus on some of the most interesting pilots currently being developed. In May (or later in some cases) the networks will decide which of these (and others) will be ordered to become series for the next television season. **{none of these concepts/pilots are guaranteed to become actual shows, a Shrew's News column will follow in May when the chosen pilots are announced}**

Emerson and Garcia

Alcatraz (FOX) - From J.J. Abrams, the producer of lost, a drama that follows the FBI's efforts to track down a group of guards and prisoners that mysteriously disappeared 30 years earlier and are now reappearing. With Jorge Garcia (Hurley on Lost) as an expert on conspiracies helping to understand the peculiar events.

Person of Interest (CBS) - Another drama from J.J. Abrams along with Batman screen-writer Jonathan Nolan (Chris' brother) that follows a reclusive billionaire (Lost's Michael Emerson) who hires a presumed-dead Ex-CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) to help prevent violent crimes in the city.

Don't Trust the Bitch in Apt. 23 (ABC) - Single-camera comedy about an earnest mid-western girl who moves to New York and lives with an immoral party girl (Krysten Ritter from She's Out of My League and Breaking Bad) who's best friend happens to be actor James Van Der Beek (starring as a version of himself).

Bent (NBC) - Single-camera comedy about a single mom (Amanda Peet) who tries to resist falling in love with the surfing contractor hired to renovate her kitchen (David Walton, Vance on Perfect Couples, if its cancelled that is, which is likely given the ratings). With Jeffrey Tambor (George Sr. on Arrested Development) as the contractor's former-actor father who now plays piano at Nordstrom and Margo Harshman (from Even Stevens!) as Peet's sister.

Deschanel

Chicks & Dicks (FOX) - Though its title is likely to change, this singe-camera comedy follows a girl who moves in with three of her male friends following a break up,. Sounds unexciting, except for the fact that it stars Zooey Deschanel in her first full-time TV gig, post 500 Days of Summer and guesting on Weeds.

17th Precinct (NBC) - Simple police procedural, though it takes place in a world where magic exists instead of science. With Jamie Bamber and James Callis (both from Battlestar Galactica) as detectives, and Tricia Helfer (also Battlestar, Burn Notice, and others) as a necromancer (as opposed to a medical coroner).

Ringer (CBS) - Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as a women on the run from the mob who hides out under her rich twin sister's identity, only to discover that there is a bounty on the sister's head as well. With Ioan Gruffud (from Fantastic Four) and Nester Carbonell (Richard on Lost).

Powers (FX) - Another police procedural, this one is based on a graphic novel and is set in a world with superheroes, following a former superhero turned cop.

Louis-Dreyfus

Veep (HBO) - Comedy following the first female vice president, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. With Reid Scott (Brandon on My Boys) and Tony Hale (Buster on Arrested Development).

REM (NBC) - Drama centered on a detective (Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter) who, after a car accident, lives two alternate realties; one where his son died in the accident, and one where his wife did. When he goes to sleep in one reality, he wakes up in the other, so he doesn't know which one is real and which one is a dream.

Locke and Key (FOX) - Drama following the Locke family, who move into a new house with multiple doors that open up various dimensions. Based on a graphic novel.

House of Lies (Showtime) - Dark Comedy starring Don Cheadle based on the book "House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Tell You the Time." Also starring Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Ben Schwartz (Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Recreation).

Palicki

Wonder Woman (NBC) - A reboot following the classic superhero, developed by David E. Kelley (creator of Harry's Law, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal) starring Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights) as the titular heroine. With Cary Elwes (Princess Bride) as an ally and Elizabeth Hurley as an enemy.


Charlie's Angels (ABC) - Another reboot based on the '70s classic starring Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) as one of the girls and Robert Wagner as the voice of Charlie.


Eden (USA) - Follows a young man who's con artist cousin (Enver Gjokaj, incredible on the uneven Dollhouse) helps him land a job as the concierge at an elite New York hotel.


Family Album (FOX) - Mike O'Malley (Kurt's dad on Glee) stars in the single-camera comedy as a father obsessed with taking his family on the perfect vacation. With Rachael Harris (Hangover) as his wife and Rob Huebel (I Love You Man) as the Uncle.


Missing (ABC) - Drama with a plot similar to the movie Taken, except with Ashley Judd (instead of Liam Neeson) looking for her son (instead of daughter) who went missing in Europe.

Corddry

Little in Common (FOX) - Single-camera comedy from Rob Thomas (creator of Party Down and Veronica Mars) that follows three diverging families who have kids in the same little league. With Gabrielle Union and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, Children's Hospital).


Pan Am (ABC) - '60s set drama following the stewardesses and pilots of the first commercial airline, starring Christina Ricci.


Playboy (NBC) - Drama set at the Chicago Playboy club in the '60s. With Amber Heard (Pineapple Express), Naturi Naughton (Notorious), and David Krumholtz (Numb3rs).  


Two Broke Girls (CBS) - Multi-camera comedy following two waitresses with big aspirations, starring Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, 40-Year-Old Virgin) as one of the girls.


Three Inches (SyFy) - Dramedy following a covert team with super-abilities that aren't so super, such as the lead character's ability to move objects with his mind... a distance of three inches.

The Real Poe

Poe (ABC) - Fictionalized procedural that follows a young Edgar Allan Poe as he solves crimes in 1840s Boston, starring a not-at-all-Poe-looking Chris Egan as the title character.


Exit Strategy (FOX) - Drama following a CIA extraction team that is called in to handle missions gone wrong, starring Ethan Hawke.

Are You There Vodka? (NBC) - Multi-camera comedy based on Chelsea Handler's book of the same name about her pre-fame life working at a sports bar. Starring Laura Prepon (Donna on That '70s Show) as Chelsea with Natalie Morales (Lucy on Parks and Recreation, Lauren on White Collar) and Chelsea Handler as her own pregnant sister.

Alabama (FX) - Comedy set a thousand years in the future and following the crew of the USS Alabama, a peacekeeping spaceship, as they enforce treaties between planets. From the creators and stars of Reno 911!.

Hallelujah (ABC) - Drama about a small town being torn apart by forces of good and evil, featuring a musical element present in a Greek chorus. Starring Terry O'Quinn (Locke on Lost) as the town's kingpin and Donal Logue (Terriers, Grounded for Life) as a local who welcomes a mysterious stranger into his home.

Driver

Hail Mary (CBS) - Drama starring Minnie Driver (The Riches, Good Will Hunting) as a suburban single mom in Atlanta who becomes a private investigator after her son's death, teaming up with his small-time criminal best friend, played by Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder).

Weekends at the Bellevue (FOX) - Drama following the weekend staff at the famed psychiatric facility. Starring Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as the head doctor with Amber Stevens (Ashleigh on Greek) as part of the staff.

Brave New World (NBC) - Single-camera comedy following the workers at a colonial-reenactment theme village starring Ed Begley Jr. (Sitwell on Arrested Development, various guest spots) as their boss.

More as the Story Develops (HBO) - From Aaron Sorkin (creator of The West Wing and writer of The Social Network), a drama set behind the scenes of a cable news show starring Jeff Daniels as the host.

Damage Control (ABC) - Drama following Kerry Washington (Boston Legal, Ray) as a professional public relations "fixer" and her staff handling crisis management. With Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond on Lost)..

Messing

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX) - multi-camera comedy starring Jaime Pressly (Joy on My Name is Earl) as one of two mothers who are appalled to learn their daughters are have become the same mean girls they hated when they were kids.

Smash (NBC) - Musical centered around the production of a Broadway musical, starring Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), and Katherine McPhee (American Idol).

The River (ABC) - Drama from director of Paranormal Activity that uses a similar "found footage" technique to tell the story of a famed TV host/adventurer who is missing and presumed dead in the Amazon and his former crew who search for him.

Vince Uncensored (CBS) - Multi-camera comedy produced by Conan O'Brien about a man (Michael Chiklis, The Shield, the probably-going-to-be-cancelled No Ordinary Family) who, following a near death experience, decides to take a more honest approach to his life. With Elizabeth Perkins (Celia on Weeds) as his wife.

Alpha Mom (NBC) - Sitcom starring Christina Applegate as a working mom and Will Arnett as her stay-at-home husband. Maya Rudolph (SNL) also stars as her best friend.

Also up for contention are two different pilots involving fairy tales on NBC and ABC, a ridiculous number of family sitcoms, including one on ABC starring Tim Allen and another on CBS with Rob Schneider, and other less interesting concepts. Check back for casting updates!