TV Sure Kicks Ass Now

I know this is primarily a cinema-oriented blog, but since television has become an extension of what we expect from film, I felt that it wouldn't be entirely inappropriate to talk a little bit about the ol' picture box. Plus, the Oscars aren't here just yet, so we've still got time. We should all feel quite privileged because as much fun as it is to whine about any and every topic imaginable (the economy, stupid people, politics, nickelback, local sports teams, traffic, summer blockbusters...ok maybe we do have a lot to justifiably complain about), we can still take solace in the fact that we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of television's Golden Age. Perhaps, it's debatable as to whether or not we're at its peak, but there's no doubt that the level and accessibility of great television is available to anyone that chooses to take advantage of such earthly pleasures. I'm sure there are plenty of nostalgia buffs who somehow, some way believe that TV was so much better when we could ride the wave of such classics as 21 Jump Street, Falcon Crest, Blossom, Alf, and other such wondrous artistic achievements, but those people would be wrong. Not in a "Oh well, it's just my opinion" kinda wrong, but as in "empirical/scientific data can support this" kinda wrong. However, the good news is that it's never too late for anyone. The advent of DVD collections is a gift for humanity entire! And since we're in the midst of the winter/spring TV season, I'd like to take a look at the shows that I'm currently watching and do a little run-down of each one:

Big Love - Very few shows produce at such a consistently high-quality clip as this one. And by very few, I mean the best of the best like Lost and Mad Men. While B.L. is not quite up to the level of those two shows, it's still better than most and features a narrative with good momentum as well as a fearlessness in asking tough questions about love, marriage, and overall morality. While Bill Paxton may be the "featured actor", it's the 3 women (Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny, and Ginnifer Goodwin) that elevate B.L. above most with not only their performances, but also the depth and complexity of their characters. So far, season 3 has been fantastic and maybe the strongest yet (it's definitely the strongest first 3 episodes they've had), but as with any long arc, we'll have to see how it develops.

Flight of the Conchords - It's no secret that I found the first season to be one of the funniest things to hit TV screens (along with The Office) since Chappelle Show. As a result, a let down was to be expected with their long-awaited second season, but even after viewing the first 3 episodes, I feel that the quality is on par with the first season, but that FotC is simply a show that suffers from a lot of hype. It's a low-key show with low-key humor that doesn't need huge comedic set pieces to elicit laughs so when a huge audience watches with baited breath expecting fireworks, it just won't work that way. All that being said, I've been quite pleased with the season so far and I'm confident that as it continues to hit its stride, it should only get better or at least maintain. It's also worth mentioning that FotC is a show that greatly benefits from multiple viewings (or at least the first season did), so that always must be taken into consideration.

United States of Tara - Only 4 episodes in on the latest from Juno scribe, Diablo Cody and superhero filmmaker, Steven Spielberg. So far, I'd give it a B-minus, but with promise. The first couple of episodes were very funny (as is the show in its entirety), but gimmicky in that you could tell they were designed to suck viewers in (which is fine by me). Since the show is not marketing itself as a straight up comedy, this won't suffice. Thus far, the dramatic elements have been handled unevenly. The ace in the hole for the show is that it has two remarkable talents in Toni Collette (duh) and Rosemary Dewitt at its disposal so in all likelihood, the success of the show will rely heavily on well the writers/directors/producers utilize these talents. Another bothersome element is the unbelievably understanding, flawless wisdom of the two parental figures that Cody has created (both in this and Juno). I have two awesome parents and even they acted like parents at some point during my youth. Diablo Cody would have you believe that parents are just bowling buddies you have to hang out with a lot...have you ever been a teenager?

LOST - I have an ongoing pseudo-joke that depending on which show is currently airing their new season, that particular show is my favorite on television, always alternating between this and Mad Men. So far so good for my boys Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. Excellent freaking momentum and of course, more twists and turns that make my soft head bleed with excitement and pathetic giddiness after every episode. What I love is that Lindelof and Cuse have said in interviews prior to this season that they have no desire whatsoever to make the show accessible to anyone who hasn't seen it (which for anyone that has watched it in its entirety, this has been a given since the beginning of season 2), which is just awesome for writers/producers of a major network tentpole hit to blatantly admit. It means that their only goal is to make the show everything it can be without worrying about all the poor dumbshits that never bothered to watch that "island show". Your life is empty, not mine. Have fun.

The Office - Still the best comedy on television. Up there with The Simpsons and Seinfeld in the annals of great comedy (of any medium). This season is no different. I still laugh my ass off every episode. The way they have managed to flesh out the supporting characters is probably what puts this show over the top. Everyone knows that Michael and Dwight are beyond awesome, but giving more screen time to characters like Creed, Kevin, Stanley, Andy, Oscar, and Angela on a consistent basis was a genius stroke not seen before in television comedies and now we're seeing other shows follow suit (30 Rock and Flight of the Conchords) that are reaping the benefits. Also, while I generally can't stand any form of sentimentality or drama in sitcoms (in fact, Seinfeld had a specific rule of never having characters hug or anyone learning any lessons...EVER), I will say that The Office handles it about as deftly as possible. It never gets cloying or maudlin, it's always earned and heartfelt...a feat that is much easier said than done.

- My latest project has been 30 Rock and I'm about 4 episodes away from being caught up, which explains its exclusion from this list.

- Also, No Reservations with my boy, Anthony Bourdain is not getting ignored, his excellence is just assumed. It's the perfect show for poor folks like me who can't travel or do anything culturally cool. Quick warning to those who haven't watched it: Don't watch it on an empty stomach, you'll end up trying to emulate the show by buying a bunch of crap at the grocery story to make one specific dish and then be left over with a bunch of shit that you'll never eat again. It's an expensive/gross lesson to learn.

- Patiently awaiting the return of Breaking Bad.

- Matthew Weiner is back on with Mad Men? Thank christ. If they would have let him go, they may as well have let Don Draper go and made it the Pete Campbell show. THEN watch those Emmys roll in, AMC!

- I'm excited to see how the audience for The Sons of Anarchy will grow this season as more people find out about this hidden gem. Catch the first season as soon as it comes out on DVD, you won't be disappointed. In the midst of a TV season involving Dexter, Mad Men, True Blood, and Entourage, ol' SamCrow managed to stand out as a show that I looked forward to watching as much as anything else week after week. FX rocks.

- Speaking of Dexter, pick up your fucking game. I wasn't disappointed by the latest season, in fact I may have been one of the few apologists on its behalf, but I still fear that it may be slipping into too much of a routine. While still fascinating, the end is never in doubt. Put a little Sopranos in your diet and inject some uncertainty into the proceedings. Make us squirm, make us uncomfortable. You have two more years guaranteed, don't wrap everything up into a nice neat little package every time.