DOLLHOUSE (season 2): A+

Oh, Victor and Sierra, you will be missed. Photo Credit: Spoiler TV/ Fox.

Unlike most of the shows on this list, Dollhouse is one that I have written about, fairly frequently.  When I checked in on the show at midseason, there were only three episodes left.  This line from my January report haunts me: “I continue to adore Boyd …”  Sigh.  I was so young and innocent then … before Joss had ripped my heart out with the reveal that my beloved Boyd was the big bad.  In my recap for the game-changing episode “Getting Closer,” I quoted my sister Gianna, who after watching the episode stated: “I feel like I just found out that my best friend is Hitler.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself.  This show was a serious tragedy-fest, people.  Every heartbreak imaginable happened to our characters, it seemed, but I loved every minute.  I know it is not a popular opinion, but I stand by my A+ rating.  I found the entire series to be brilliant, and the latter half of the second season exceeded my wildest expectations.  Dollhouse has earned a cherished place on my dvd shelf for years to come, and it will be missed.  Read my thoughts on the finale here: “Epitaph 2: The Return.”

GLEE (season 1): B+

Glee slowly won my heart during the first half of the season, but when it came back from hiatus, it was a bit inconsistent.  Also, when it came back from break, it was up against Lost, so I couldn’t watch it live.  Duh.  Throughout the season, I was alternately in love and angered by the ridiculous plotlines.  Still, overall this is a feel-good show, and one that I look forward to.  I think Glee’s biggest strength is its heart.  No matter how silly it gets—and it gets pretty silly—ultimately, the show is about the underdog.  And who doesn’t relate to that?  Heartless soulless people, that’s who!

The highlight of the season for me was the Madonna episode.  As for why I was so excited for “The Power of Madonna,” you can read my post here: “Madonna: A Primer for GLEE Fans.” The episode suffered a bit from over-hype, but putting that aside, it was really pretty fabulous—light on story, but awesome music.  The rendition of “Like A Prayer,” was especially powerful, and I had that on repeat on my iPod for weeks.

The music on Glee is great, but I worry that oftentimes it shines at the expense of the story.  The show would do better to focus on writing, and crafting compelling stories and dialogue.  With such a large audience, some of the stuff they try to pull over on us is rather embarrassing.  You can do better, show.  I believe in you.

Another highlight for me was Sue Sylvester.  I am now a card-carrying member of the Jane-Lynch-is-awesome club (okay, there aren’t really cards).  I could watch her yell at everyone for hours.  Such fun.  If the rest of the show sucked (which it doesn’t, in general), I would totally watch just for her.  Also, her character showed some growth this season, with the introduction of her sister, really humanizing her.  And then, there was the major awwww-moment in the finale, when we learned that Sue voted for New Directions at Regionals.  So sweet.

Kurt would probably rank as my other favorite character.  He’s just good TV, and I love him lots.  He is vulnerable, sassy, and he makes me care.  Check, check, check.  And the scenes between him and his dad?  Gold.  Perfection.  Tear-inducing.

The weakest link for me is Matthew Morrison’s Will Schuester.  He just bugs.  Ever since the pilot, I just did not really like him—I commented in my first post on the show that it feels like I’m supposed to like him, but I really don’t.  To me, he’s one of those “fake nice guys” that I like to theorize about.  And then, there’s the hip hop.  Stay away from the hip hop, Mr. Schue.  Please.  We don’t deserve that kind of abuse.

Overall, I have to say that Glee is one of my favorite new shows, and it really has a lot of potential.  It has already been renewed for a second and third season, so let’s hope that it lives up to the hype.  No pressure.  Oops.

Even Chuck and Blair couldn't save the show for me. Tears. Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino / The CW.

GOSSIP GIRL (season 3): C-/ Incomplete

Goodbye, Gossip Girl.  I loved you once, but no longer.  As I noted in my midseason report, the show was disappointing this season; however, it only proceeded to get worse.  I can’t point to one particular moment or plot point, but gradually, throughout the season, I just came to dislike pretty much everyone on the show.  It no longer was a fun escape, but an exercise in raising my blood pressure—and not in a good way.  Even my favorites, Blair and Chuck, couldn’t save the show for me.  I had to stop watching.  From what I’ve heard about the latter half of the season (via Twitter), I was lucky to get out when I did.  Apparently, Chuck had sex with Jenny.  Ick!  Moving on to better television.

Photo Credit: ABCFamily.com

GREEK (season 3): B+/ A-

I love Greek.  I really do.  It is just such a fun surprise to find a show with its subject matter that is so smart and witty and pop-culture savvy.  If it wasn’t for that ridiculously inane plotline with the fire, the season would rank higher, but, seriously, the fire was handled badly.  Like soap opera bad.  Still, I have to say that Greek ended up being the show I most enjoyed on Mondays, and Monday boasted a lot of television this season.  It’s just really fun, and a great way to unwind from the day.  I love pretty much all of the characters, which is really rare, and I really feel invested in them.

Evan and Rebecca’s chemistry was a nice surprise, and I really find that pairing compelling.  Evan has always been my favorite boy on the show (I know, I know), and it’s nice to see him really growing up, and taking responsibility for his life.  Rebecca has also grown a lot, but she still retains that Rebecca charm (or, erm, lack of charm, which is what is so charming).  Don’t change too much, Rebecca, because I love you just the way you are.

Ashleigh is also a long-time fave, and the girl has had a hard year.  Her term as ZBZ president has gone anything but smoothly, though she did have Casey to help her out.  I kind of wish that Ash was given more of a chance to stand on her own two feet, without Casey dictating all of her behavior.  Sigh.  And then there was the whole Fisher debacle … twice.  She deserves better.  Still, I think she is growing up, and learning from her mistakes, and now with the connections made in Myrtle Beach, it looks like Ash has a bright future ahead of her.

And then there is Casey and Cappie.  The couple was reunited … only to be torn apart.  Sigh.  On the one hand, I understand Casey’s concerns, but on the other, I think she is over-thinking and over-dramatizing.  It seems like a pre-emptive breakup, which is really just a waste.  Why not enjoy the time they have together, right?  The problems between them just seemed so constructed—as in built up just so that there would be trouble in paradise.  Sigh.

ABC Family has renewed Greek for a fourth season, as reported by Michael Ausiello, but so far the order is only for 10 episodes.  Hopefully, that order will be extended.   Or, if the fourth season is the last, I hope that at least the show will be given fair warning to wrap things up.

Oh, Claire, not at the dinner table, please. Photo Credit: HeroSite.net/ NBC.

HEROES (season 4): Incomplete

The internet is a hostile place for a Heroes fan.  While a lot of the vitriol against the show has been earned—let’s face it—a lot has not, and it just seems like the Heroes-hate got a bit out of control.  After that disappointing third season, I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue watching the show, but I ended up starting season four … and enjoyed it.  It certainly wasn’t my favorite selection of the Fall season, but not unwatchable by any means.  Still, when it came back from hiatus, I was just watching so much other TV that I never quite got around to catching up.  It just didn’t hook me enough to feel that I had to keep up.  However, I think it is a show that I will eventually catch up with—on dvd or online.  I mean, I came along on the journey this far … why stop now?   Plus, I want to see what happens with Robert Knepper’s Samuel, and the rest of the circus folk.  And I never did get to witness Kate Vernon’s turn on the show, and I do adore her.  I will just have to catch up … eventually.  Since I haven’t finished the season, I can’t really judge it fairly, so no grade.  We shall see.

I know how you feel, Lily. As do all the fans. Photo Credit: CBS.com.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (season 5): B-

For any other season, I would give this show an A or an A-.  Alas, alack, sigh.  Shall we recount the crimes against awesome that have been committed this season?  A fat suit, uneven characterization of Robin, over-the-top Barney (a travesty), annoying Ted (par for the course), missed opportunities (Slapsgiving revisited should have been a triumph!), the smoking episode, Robin’s new mediocre love-interest, just to name a few.  And did I mention the fat suit?  To the show’s credit, there have been some great little moments throughout the year—including Lily’s Dark Willow glare—but ultimately, this season has been a disappointment.  Even Neil Patrick Harris singing in the 100^th episode couldn’t make up for all the show’s weaknesses.  I’m not ready to give up on it, but I am starting to think that How I Met Your Mother is outstaying its welcome.  It’s not even that the show is really that horrible right now, but more that it is so much lesser than it once was.  Just show us the mother and say adieu, please.  For the love of all things awesome!

Photo Credit: Michael Desmond/The CW.

90210: C+

I think that this show has shown a lot of improvement since last season.  While it is not among my favorite shows by any means, I have no interest in giving up on it.  It is a definite guilty pleasure, and I have enjoyed most of the twists and turns this season.  Liam’s growth as a character has been a definite highlight, and I am really pulling for him.  I loved seeing Papa Kent as his step-dad, and look forward to more family moments.  I also really enjoyed Naomi, as usual, and her evil sis Jen was great entertainment as well.  The truth FINALLY coming out about Jen’s machinations was probably my favorite moment of the season so far.  Adrianna is one of my favorite characters, so her arc has been pretty disappointing for me.  I hope she has more to do in 2010.  I really miss the fabulous grandmother, and hope to see Jessica Walter return ASAP.  I’m pretty meh about Mr. Matthews, Dixon, the Wilson parents, Silver, and Navid.  I detest Annie and Teddy and the new thirty-year-old surfer chick.

Photo Credit: Fox.

BONES: B+

The season has been great so far, but I’m not in a rush to watch it on Thursday nights.  I usually save it for Hulu viewing on the weekend.  Booth has begun to get on my nerves since last season.  I was actually discussing that with my sister, and we agreed that he needs to calm down.  I felt that Brennan was underused last season, so I’m happy to see that being rectified somewhat.  In fact this season is a big improvement on last season, and has gone a long way toward making that awful season finale palatable, and even make good sense.  Brennan continues to be one of my favorite characters on television, but the rest of the show is not as compelling as it used to be.  The highlight of the season, for me, was the Christmas episode, “The Goop on the Girl,” which featured some Booth and Brennan hilarity, and the charming guest appearance of Zooey Deschanel

Photo credit: ABC.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS: B+

Oh, the drama!  Secrets, and lies, and pregnancy, and cancer—it never ends.  I have been rather annoyed with the recent melodrama on the show, which explains its lower grade.  Let’s hope that the New Year brings some improvements.  Still, I find it quite amusing, and continue to care about the Walkers and their struggles, so it must be doing something right.  Nora and Kevin Walker are my favorites.  Their expressions just kill me.  Also, Ryan needs to go.

CASTLE: B

Photo Credit: ABC.

I would watch Nathan Fillion read the phonebook.  I would also watch him in a crime-solving procedural … but not at 10pm on a Monday.  It’s just too much at the end of a long night of TV, so while I adore Fillion, I’m saving this one for DVD.  Plus, I find the show a little boring.  Sorry, don’t hate me.  Rick Castle is utterly charming, and I adore the moments with his family, but the rest of the show does not grab me.  I have fallen asleep watching it several times.  Of course, I did catch the epic Halloween episode.  Seriously, that Halloween episode was a love letter to Browncoats, and I loved it.  In fact, I should go watch it right now.

Photo Credit: Jill Greenberg/ Showtime.

DEXTER: B+

The last few episodes were hold-your-breath-edge-of-your-seat intense, and kept me glued.  The finale caused me to weep.  Trinity was the creepiest serial killer on the show to date, and caused me to shudder.  I liked that Angel finally found some happiness, and that it was with Lt. Laguerda.  However, the bulk of the season was rather slow and dull, and I pretty much forgot to watch it every week, unless someone on Twitter reminded me.  I may also harbor ill-feelings that Rita is gone from the show, and now Julie Benz will be on Desperate Housewives.  Even my beloved Darla will not make me go back to watching that drama.

DOLLHOUSE: A

Photo Credit: Spoiler TV/ Fox.

How do I love thee, Dollhouse?  Let me count the ways.  I must admit that I was critical of the first two episodes of the second season—particularly “Instinct” and Echo’s imprinted mammary glands—but after that the show really took off.  Of particular note is Amy Acker as Whiskey/ Dr. Saunders in the first episode.  She just blew me away in her scenes with Topher. I cannot wait for her return.  Additionally, Topher has really grown as a character—from someone I despised to someone for whom I have great affection and compassion.  He finally feels like a real human being, and has made surprisingly compassionate choices.  Olivia Williams continues to rock the role of Adelle beyond all comprehension.  Through all the twists and turns that her character has taken, I have always believed that she has more going on in that head of hers than she lets on.  I have never seen her as the villain in the story, and I am glad to be proven right.

Sierra and Victor’s love continues to be très adorable, and I am dreading the moment when they break things off (alluded to in “Epitaph One”).  The back-stories for both were a long time coming, but well-worth the wait, and “Belonging” and “Stop Loss” are among my favorite episodes of the series.  Enver Gjokaj wows me in every episode, but I was mouth-agape when I saw him playing Topher in “The Public Eye” and “The Left Hand.”  Bravo!  I continue to adore Boyd, and I’ve gradually stopped disliking Paul. Echo has also really grown as a character, and finally seems to justify all the time spent on her.  Echo is a hard core bad ass guys, for real.  Oh, I could go on forever about this show, but I need to move on.

Photo Credit: ABC/ SciFi Wire

EASTWICK: C

I was really excited for this show about three witches when I first heard about it.  Alas, it did not meet my expectations.  It’s not a bad show, but it just wasn’t compelling enough to keep me interested.  I watched the first few episodes, and I quite enjoyed the Joanna character, played by gorgeous and talented Lindsay Price.  Jaime Ray Newman’s Kat was also charming, but I could not stand Rebecca Romijn’s Roxie, or the mysterious Darryl Van Horne. It was a little too Desperate Housewives-y for me, and the plot dragged, in my opinion.  For the fans of the show, I’m sorry that it was canceled, but I won’t miss it.

Photo Credit: Fox.

GLEE: A-

I was not sold on Glee right away, but it has slowly won my heart.  It made Wednesday a night of TV to look forward to, and always left me feeling good.  It is not a perfect show, but it has a lot of heart, and the songs make me happy.  I hope that it continues for a long time, despite the fact that I feel compelled to buy every song on iTunes—I need to stop doing that, but the music is addictive.  The highlight for me is Jane Lynch, whom I consider the awesomest of awesome.  I could listen to her yell at people all episode.  I also really loved the Puck/ Rachel storyline; sadly, it does not seem that they are meant to be, but that episode which featured them together was my favorite.

Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino / The CW.

GOSSIP GIRL: B-

This used to be the show I looked forward to most each week—it was such fun!  Sadly, this season has been a major disappointment.  I feel like I’m watching it lately because I’m committed to it, rather than enjoying it.  Blair Waldorf is one of my favorite television characters of all time, but she has not had much to do this season.  The college transition has been a bit awkward, but I hope that the show can get beyond it.  Of particular note is the fact that Chuck has become the moral compass on the show—we are clearly in crazy land.  While Chuck continues to amuse, Nate and Dan continue to bore.  I find Vanessa a snooze as well, which is the saddest thing since I adored her character in the books.  If she shaved her head, wore combat boots, and was snarky rather than whiny, I would like her so much more.  Oh well.  As for Serena, I’m just hoping to see her written off the show.  Maybe she can go to Europe to be with her dad or something.  I will continue watching it, but I really hope for some awesome soon.

GREEK: A-

This show ranks among the surprisingly good.  I never would have thought that a show about sororities and fraternities would be so sweet and entertaining, but it really is.  Every regular character on the show is compelling and likable, which is very rare.  For the record, I love both Cappie and Evan.  I even loved Frannie, and miss her.  I think Ashleigh is the character I most relate to, and I adore her style.  I hope that she gets more to do beyond Casey soon.  I also enjoy the pop culture references, which were really on a roll this season–from Alias, to Batman, to Twilight, to Terminator.  I love it.  I’m definitely looking forward to watching what happens next.

Part II is forthcoming, featuring reviews of Heroes through V.  I welcome your comments below.

Thomas Calabro as ex-Senator Logan. Photo credit: Retna (Jaimie Trueblood / ABC)

• “Spitter’s Study Zone” is my new favorite thing! So sweet. Also, Cappie is reading My sister’s Keeper? Priceless.
• ZBZ Father-Daughter Weekend was both entertaining and a bit frightening. Loved meeting all the dads–especially Tom Amandes (Doc Abbot from Everwood) as Jordan’s dad. Also, that man can jump-rope. Who knew?
• As for the Rebecca-Fisher debacle, I enjoyed how it played out.  Glad that they didn’t drag out a Casey-Ash fight for multiple episodes.  Ashleigh continues to be the most awesome character on the show.  Also, I actually felt sorry for poor Rebecca.  She actually looked sincerely guilty for the first time.  I loved that Rebecca forthrightly tells Casey that she sold her out in order take some of the heat off herself.  Ah, Rebecca, that’s why I love you.
• The dads trying to be hip was just too hilarious. “OMD.”  Hee.  Casey: “It’s like they’ve all been reading Tiger Beat.”
• I really enjoy Thomas Calabro (remembered fondly as Michael Mancini on Melrose Place) as Rebecca’s senator daddy.  Also, loved that he calls her Becky.  “I had a best friend once. Then I lured him into a Ponzi scheme that destroyed his life. Then I slept with his wife.”  Ha!
• It was just difficult to watch Rusty being so nervous around Jordan’s dad, and making so many mistakes.  Then the tackle at the end just about did me in. Sigh.
• Gross dad who said “Anyone else turned on right now?” during girl-fight skeeved me out big time.  He said none of them were his daughters.  Then why was he there? Ick.  But the dads trying to blame the girls’ problems on P.M.S. was almost worse.
• Ashleigh dumped Fisher: “It’s over…. How can I trust you again? I can’t.”  But will it last?  Poor Ash crying in bed. “I guess I’m not cool enough to stay with my boyfriend after he cheats on me.” Ouch.
• I didn’t really care about Dale and Cappie’s storyline with Catholic girl Mary Elise.  Oh well.
• All in all, this season is amazing so far, and we’re only two episodes in.  I’ve become hooked all over again.

If you’ve seen the episode, keep on reading for my thoughts on the premiere:

• I was already long over Max, and don’t miss him one bit. That may make me a bad person, but no worse than Casey, who also does not seem to miss him one bit.  At least Rusty misses him.
• The break-up song, sung by the ZBZ sisters to Casey was hilarious! I wonder if sororities really do such a thing?
• Casey stealing the keys from the security guard was awesome. Who knew she had such skills?
• Rebecca Logan and Evan Chambers are my new favorite couple, who aren’t really a couple.  I loved when Rebecca had the flowers delivered to herself, with the blatant E.C.- signed card, and the girls couldn’t figure out who had sent them.  “E.C.?  Edward Cullen?”  Hee.  Ashley was hilarious: “You don’t have to worry about Casey and the girl code. I can think of a million other reasons you’d want to keep this a secret.” Ashley continued the hilarity throughout the episode, making pointed comments.  After Becs lied to Ash about Ethan secretly being in love with her this whole time, Ash’s reaction was priceless: “It makes more sense than dating Franny.” Ha!  Also: “I keep replaying your conversations with what I know now. It’s like watching The Sixth Sense for the 2nd time.”
• Poor Dale broke his purity pledge.  Ah, well.  And then the marriage proposal? So sad.
• Cappie was especially awesome in this episode, saving the day, etc.  I kept writing “Cappie is so wonderful” in my notes, and I’m not always a Cappie lover.
• I loved all the spy costumes, especially Rebecca as Sidney Bristow—wearing my favorite Alias wig!!!  Also, Evan’s dead-pan delivery: “I’m Jason Bourne.”  Hee.  But Calvin as the Terminator, using an Austrian accent may have topped them all.
• We had to wait until the very end of the episode for the night before flashback. We learned that Evan swayed Cappie in not going after Casey.  Evan: “I’m tired just listening to it.”  True, but oh, how my love for Evan is being tested to the max right now.  Evan: “You know how it felt to lose her once. Do you really want to go through that again?”  Oh, what will Cappie do?
• The Rebecca and Fisher reveal at the end was pretty heart-breaking.  Poor Ash.

Fall 2009 Premiere Dates (click here to open PDF file)

*Glee is listed 3 times because this show’s schedule is confusing.  The actual pilot was aired back in May, but many people (including me) may not have caught it.  Fox is re-airing the pilot twice in one week, and I provided both dates for increased flexibility.  Then, on 9/09, Fox airs the first of the previously unaired episodes. Weird. They must really want this one to succeed.

Weekly TV Schedule (click here to open PDF file)

*While I watch cable shows such as Mad Men, Greek, and Dexter, I have chosen not to include them in the schedule above.  Also, there is a slew of shows, such as Chuck, Lost, 24, and Caprica, that will not be premiering until 2010, so I have left them out as well.  I will post premiere dates for mid-season shows at a later date.

If your TV taste varies (gasp),  TV Guide has compiled a great Fall TV Guide, including ALL the premiere dates, and a day-to-day calendar, so you can see what’s up against what and plan accordingly: Fall TV schedule for start of 2009-2010 season | TVGuide.com.

TV Guide Magazine also has a printable weekly schedule that is more inclusive (i.e. it includes all that nonsense I don’t watch), which can be found here.

Also, the TV Addict has a printable season premiere calendar that covers everything, which you can find here.