As we established yesterday, I’m a TV guy. I watch a lot of shows. Sometimes, I get hooked on something and won’t let go. Ask my wife. Most recently, I’ve been watching tons of “King of Queens” reruns on TBS. I frequently go back to “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Anyway, the new TV season has started and I’m taking a look at some of the new fall shows. I’ll give you a brief personal synopsis of each, then rate the chance of me getting hooked. I covered Monday through Wednesday shows on yesterday’s blog, so today I’ll take care of Thursday through Sunday.
And away we go. That’s an old line from “The Honeymooners,” by the way.
Thursday
Person of Interest – Definitely my most-anticipated new fall show. The show was created by J.J. Abrams (“Lost”) and screenwriter
"Person of Interest" stars Jim Caviezel (left) and Michael Emerson. The show debuts Sept. 22 on CBS.
Jonah Nolan (“The Dark Knight.”) The show’s premise, based on futuristic technology that helps identify potential criminals, is fascinating. And I love the cast, led by Jim Caviezel and “Lost” alum Michael Emerson, who is great in everything he does. Chances of getting hooked: Already there without seeing an episode.
Charlie’s Angels – Listen, I’m into hot women who can also be tough as much as anyone. But this has such a been-there-done-that feel that I can’t imagine it working, even for a new generation. Everyone will look really good on screen, but my prediction is that you’ll be so caught up looking at the stars you won’t follow the story, lame as they’re almost guaranteed to be. Chances of getting hooked: 10 percent
Whitney – I’ve seen star Whitney Cummings on some “Comedy Central” specials and she’s not always made for TV. Here, though, she will basically play herself in a show based on her stand-up routine and her view of relationships. It’s in a great Thursday spot on NBC, but this doesn’t feel like a hit. Chances of getting hooked: 20 percent, only because it’s on a night with other great comedies on the network.
The Secret Circle – This CW show, about witches and good vs. evil, is directly aimed at teenagers. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a teenager. Chances of getting hooked: zilch.
Prime Suspect – I want this show to work. I really like Mario Bello and, of course, a show with the same name was a huge hit in Britain with Helen Mirren in the starring role. In this adaptation, Bello wears a hat and works as a New York homicide detective. Plus, her personal life is off the tracks. I think it will be OK, but won’t live up to its English counterpart. Chances of getting hooked: 40 percent.
How to be a Gentleman – Kevin Dillon honed his comedy chops on “Entourage,” so you can’t count this show out. Co-star David Hornsby has been on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Not a bad 1-2 punch. But what about some punch after the two stars? I’m not optimistic. Chances of getting hooked: 10 percent, tops.
Friday
A Gifted Man – In this show, a doctor (Patrick Wilson) has to deal with the ghost of his recently-deceased ex-wife. As downright scary as that sounds, word on the street is that this show goes much deeper. Ghosts have a great television history, starting with “Casper the Friendly Ghost.” Surely you remember “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.” And most recently, “Ghost Whisperer” was a big Friday night hit for CBS, which hopes it hits another home run here. Chances of getting hooked: I’ll give it a shot, maybe 50 percent?
Grimm – More ghosts! More ghosts! In this show, a Portland homicide detective has the ability to detect supernatural beings as they move among us disguised as humans. I have that ability, too, but you don’t see me trying to get my own TV show. Chances of getting hooked: Highly unlikely.
Sunday
Pan Am – I’m in. I love these period pieces and “Pan Am” is definitely trying to attract some of that “Mad Men,” crowd. This show is told through the eyes of four “Pan Am” stewardesses. Yes, I said “stewardesses.” Wanna make something of it? Because that’s what they were called in the day and nobody took offense. All four stewardesses happen to be gorgeous. This is a show about character development and I’ll be on board. Get it, on board? Chances of getting hooked: They had me at “Fasten your seat belts.”
Allen Gregory – This is an animated show from Jonah Hill about an obnoxious 7-year-old. My question: Aren’t there enough obnoxious 7-year-olds without adding one who is animated? This brat is being raised by gay men, so we have that. Chances of getting hooked: Jonah Hill is a funny guy, but I’m thinking it’s going to be difficult to get attached to a 7-year-old animated character.
Once Upon a Time – I tried to read what this show was about and then my head started to hurt and I decided it wasn’t worth my time and I wasn’t going to watch anyway. The show does have Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) and Jennifer Morrison (“House.”) It does have that. Chances of getting hooked: None.
Thanks for reading. My next blog will be all sports. Promise.