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.
Welcome to Addicted to Television, a blog to treat your condition. Here we will provide you with all the necessary info so you never have to leave the couch. We sift through the crap to find you the gold of past and present, while offering unique and occasionally insightful commentary. So please grab a beer and some snacks, sit back, and relax. Come join us and allow our opinions to become yours, while our collective asses sink further into the couch.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
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.
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.
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