Couch confessions
By Casey Gillis on Nov. 08, 2007
I have a confession to make.
I haven’t been watching “Journeyman,” “Chuck” or “Life” — three shows I initially raved about as the new television season began.
It’s not a reflection of any of these series’ quality. It’s just that there are only so many hours in the day, and some shows just get lost in the shuffle.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, it’s time to move on to a round up of this season’s new offerings. (I’m only including the shows I’ve seen, so that leaves out “Cavemen,” “Carpoolers,” “Big Shots,” “Back To You,” “Cane” and “Kid Nation.”)
Best new show: “Pushing Daisies.” Whimsical. Magical. Charming. That’s the only way to describe this show, which has completely stolen my heart.
I love lead actor Lee Pace, who brings the perfect amount of charm, sarcasm and wit to his role as Ned, the man who can bring the dead back to life. I love Anna Friel, as the inquisitive and caring Chuck, and Chi McBride as private investigator Emerson Cod, whose comic timing and general grumpiness is perfect. Then there’s Kristin Chenoweth, who brings surprising depth to Olive, a role that could be one-note and annoying, and the fabulous duo of Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene as Chuck’s kooky aunts. I know I’m gushing, but this show just brings it out in me.
The narration, the bright colors and overall retro vibe of “Pushing Daisies” make it an ideal fairy tale world that’s fun to escape to every Wednesday night. (It airs at 8 p.m. on ABC).
Worst new show: Viva Laughlin. The show — a strange musical drama produced by Hugh Jackman — was cancelled after only two airings. ‘Nuff said. CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” is a close second.
Newest TV boyfriend: I might be robbing the cradle, but it’s gotta be Dan Humphrey, the ultimate sensitive outcast on “Gossip Girl.”
He’s cute when he’s fretting over his budding relationship with rich girl Serena. He’s funny when mocking his rich and snobby classmates. And he’s strong when defending the honor of little sister Jenny, who has a penchant for getting into trouble. Seriously, how could Serena resist this guy?
(“Gossip Girl” airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on The CW).
Best new “will they or won’t they” couple: Dan and Serena on “Gossip Girl,” and Samantha and Todd on “Samantha Who?”
Sure, it appears that Dan and Serena are well on their way to couplehood lately. But this is a teen soap, where misunderstandings abound and drama is never in short supply, so that could change at any moment. Regardless, these two have me glued to the television. They’ve got a great rapport and chemistry to boot — did you see their first kiss?! Plus, they have that whole rich girl/boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks thing going for them.
As for Samantha and Todd, they’re adorable as they dance around their feelings for each other. I’m looking forward to when they both finally give in and get back together. (“Samantha Who?” airs at 9:30 p.m. Mondays on ABC).
Best new full-fledged couple: Chuck and Ned on “Pushing Daisies.” Their portrayers, Anna Friel and Lee Pace, have excellent chemistry, despite the fact that their characters aren’t allowed to touch each other. Ned, a lonely pie maker until Chuck came back into his life, has the ability to bring dead things back to life. But he can’t touch them a second time, or they’ll be dead again forever.
When he heard that childhood sweetheart Chuck was dead, Ned rushed home and revived her. Since then, the two have since embarked on a charming romance.
Best sidekick: Sock on “Reaper.”
Besides Ray Wise’s gleeful Devil, Tyler Labine’s Sock is the best part about this CW show. He never flinched when pal Sam revealed his new status as the Devil’s bounty hunter. He just wanted to get in on the action, and he’s been a loyal sidekick ever since, battling fiery demons, risking his life and wearing some ridiculous get-ups in the name of bounty hunting.
(“Reaper” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on The CW).
Funniest new character: Andrea on “Samantha Who?”
Jennifer Esposito is hilarious as Samantha’s boozy, rhymes-with-witchy best friend. She’s my favorite part about the show right now.
Best guilty pleasure: “Women’s Murder Club.”
On paper, this ABC show, based on a series of James Patterson novels, sounds cheesy and contrived. But somehow, some way, it’s good. Addicting even.
Angie Harmon makes a welcome return to television as Detective Lindsay Boxer, who solves crimes along with pals Jill, a district attorney; Claire, the coroner; and Cindy, a local reporter. Adding a little sexual tension is Rob Estes as Lindsay’s ex-husband and new boss, Tom.
(“Women’s Murder Club” airs at 9 p.m. Fridays on ABC).
Actor who made me forget his former character: There have been a lot of welcome returns to television this year.
“Gilmore Girls’” Luke Danes is now an entrepreneurial Midwestern dad on “Aliens in America,” and Sookie is Sam’s needy friend Dena on “Samantha Who?”
Logan Echolls, a “Veronica Mars” favorite, is a bloodsucking vampire on “Moonlight.”
Ray’s wife and Frasier are co-anchors of a TV news show on “Back To You.”
Out of everyone, it’s Scott Patterson, as dad Gary Tolchuck on “Aliens in America,” who has done the best job of embodying his new character. Watching him onscreen, I often forget that he was lovable, grumpy diner owner Luke Danes on “Gilmore Girls” for seven seasons.
(“Aliens in America” airs at 8:30 p.m. Mondays on the CW).
Biggest Disappointment: Fox’s “K-Ville.”
I so wanted to like this show, mostly because of my affection for Cole Hauser, who plays Trevor Cobb. And he’s done a good job with what he’s been given. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been much. The storylines are tired, and co-star Anthony Anderson — who did fine work guest starring on “The Shield” last year — chews up scenery and overacts like it’s nobody’s business.
(“K-Ville” airs at 9 p.m. Mondays on Fox).
Most annoying character: I hate to say it, but Justin Tolchuck on “Aliens in America.”
The CW show is great, but it’s starting to feel like writers are resorting to the same storyline over and over again: foreign exchange student Raja does something uncool that embarrasses Justin. Just gets mad and either (a) mistreats him or (b) gets back at him in some misguided way.
Two weeks ago, Justin got mad because Raja wouldn’t sell the cool kids beer at a local convenience store. This week, he was furious when Raja had a better idea for the junior class homecoming float. It all makes Justin look like a whiny, spoiled brat.
So what do you think, fellow TV watchers? Comment below on your likes and dislikes of this new TV season, or shoot me an e-mail at .
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