The Event: “A Matter of Life and Death”

A funny thing happened after Lost. Everybody assumed that 24, Lost and their descendants would open audiences up to long-form storytelling,in which patience was rewarded and plot seeds germinated into complex storylines. Instead, people fought back, fleeing in droves as each episode of the new generation of mytharc series only provided tiny morsels of information

I’m really enjoying The Event (indeed it’s the only new drama I’m watching), but it’s a pity that it’s being undermined somewhat by the need to attract new viewers. Ironically, Lost - which, after all, essentially gave us two-dozen stand-alone stories in its first season – was more watchable than this show, which has promised (and has delivered) answers from the outset. By moving the plot along, it’s harder for people to catch up, as evidenced by the “here’s what you missed on Glee!” style previouslies that opened this episode.

No Ordinary Family: “No Ordinary Ring”

Sometimes I feel really sorry for comic book lovers. Due to the relative niche of their interests, superhero/action series tend to fall in to two camps: the flabby formula dreck starring generic-looking thirtysomethings-posing-as-teens (Smallville), or those that genuinely try and incorporate a mythology and fantasy tropes, but as such are resigned to low-budget writing, directing and acting (Legend of the Seeker).

Every once in a while, though, a network decides to reward these patient fans with a show that has a network-sized budget: hire some real actors! use some special effects! Unfortunately, this particular network is clearly not the right place to achieve this. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with No Ordinary Family. Just… well, there isn’t anything.

Modern Family: “Earthquake”

Nathan Lane as Cam and Mitchell’s even more flamboyant, brunch-throwing, costume-wearing, neurotic friend? Really?

Glee: “Grilled Cheesus”

Man, this episode epitomised Glee – possibly very-good, possibly massively under-achieving.

Mad Men: “Chinese Wall”

There are only two episodes of Mad Men left this year. I say this not as a forlorn fanboy (well…), but as someone intrigued by the meaning of this season. Perhaps fittingly, given Don’s own life status, this has been a year of flux. For many – Joan, Roger, Harry – it has just confirmed the path they were on before. For those who have been forced to change – Pete, Peggy, Don – the year’s been a bewildering journey. Events slow down in “Chinese Wall” after the drama overload of last week, and yet strangely it seems as if a lot more happened.

Thoughts on “Boardwalk Empire”

I’ve been asked why I haven’t reviewed Boardwalk Empire, and… I really didn’t have an answer, so I thought I’d give it a go. But see, so far everything makes sense upfront. I can talk about the thematic significance of scenes or characters in Mad Men or Twin Peaks for hours on end, but this show is just doing what it does. And – ironically - Boardwalk Empire‘s perfect presentation means there’s little to write home about.

Steve Buscemi is Nucky Thompson, our hero; a 1920s profiteer during Prohibition. It’s great to see Buscemi in a lead role, and he’s clearly relishing the part. He’s surrounded by a talented group that includes Dabney Coleman, Dana Ivey, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kelly Macdonald as an abused recent-widow in Nucky’s care and (apparently) Michael Kenneth Williams, although he’s yet to make more then a cameo. In fact everyone in the cast is in fine form, except for Michael Pitt, who sometimes seems to be phoning it in as the war-ravaged young hood Jimmy Darmody.

Dallas: Season 5, Episodes 1 – 10

Well, the news has broken that Dallas‘ final season is to be released on DVD in January so in honour of that, I thought I’d step back and pick up where I left off, examining the first 10 episodes of Dallas‘ fifth season.

The Event: “To Keep Us Safe”

(Spoilers, natch)

And we’re off. I can’t help thinking that NBC should’ve aired these first two episodes as a double. This episode is infinitely better than the premiere, and gives us a lot of plot leads. Plus, it would’ve felt a lot less like NBC was covering up the actual nature of the plot.

Comedy Round-Up: “Community”, “30 Rock” and “Weeds”

So, some guy who may have been a fired Community extra (or the creator of My Generation) posted a comment on my review of the premiere claiming that my allegedly sycophantic review was doing a disservice to the objective analysis of comedy, and particularly a lacklustre one like this. (He put it far cruder, but I’m appealing to your undoubtedly delicate sensibilities).

Well, guy, I may have failed to mention that there were a few episodes last year that made me doubt this show. Not necessarily clunkers, but some early episodes were evidence of the show struggling to find its footing. I solemnly vow that when this happens again – as even the best of shows occasionally falter – I’ll cover it in stinging glory.

But, this week isn’t that week.

No Ordinary Family: “Pilot”

I wasn’t going to watch No Ordinary Family. The idea seemed a bit too network-perfect for me, and – even though I’m one of the few who defends Heroes season 2 (at least in concept) – we’ve been burned before. But a few people I know came out in favour of it, so I gave the show a chance. And you know what? I’m glad I did.