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The Best And Worst Of New Fall TV

Caroline Langella |
September 8, 2013 | 6:26 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Fall has finally begun, and since here in LA we don't have to think much about the change of weather, a new season means new TV shows to watch. So, to save you from sitting on the couch all day, here are the Best and Worst of new Fall TV:

5 SHOWS TO SEE:

1. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (FOX)

SNL's Andy Samberg plays a carefree, childish detective who has to change his ways a little when his police station gets a new captain (played by Andre Braugher) who does not tolerate any funny business. Together, the station works together to solve crimes and Andy is forced to "grow up." This show has the dynamic of most workplace comedies where the funny characters are more important to the viewers than the actual work (or crime fighting) that gets done. What will make this comedy succeed is its creators. It is written and produced by Dan Goor ("Parks and Recreation") and Michael Schur ("The Office," "Parks and Recreation") which not only explains the show's dynamic but also tells us that the people behind "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" know what they're doing. Also, having Andy Samberg in the cast shows the possibility of some "SNL" people making appearances (We already see Fred Armisen in the previews!) This show is definitely one to keep your eyes on.

2. "The Michael J. Fox Show" (NBC)

After 13 years Michael J. Fox, who has battled Parkinson's Disease since 1991, is finally back for his own show! Fox will play a version of himself as Mike Henry, a New York news anchor who quits after his Parkinson's diagnosis to spend more time with his family. Just as Fox is returning to TV, Mike Henry finally decides to go back to work, which is the plot of the show. So this is basically a show where Fox can make jokes about himself. Why watch it? This show may have some Parkinson's jokes here and there but the basis of Fox's humor is the dynamic of his family. Family is something that we all find funny and especially relatable. I see "The Michael J. Fox Show" as a comedy that families will want to watch together, almost like NBC's "Parenthood," but with a lot more laughing involved.

3. "The Blacklist" (NBC)

Red Reddington, one of FBI's most wanted mysteriously surrenders with the offer that he will help catch a terrorist who was long thought to be dead. However, he will only speak to a woman named Elizabeth, a rookie FBI agent who has no known connection to him at all. After a twisted series of events, we eventually learn that this terrorist is only one name on a "blacklist" that Red has created over the years and that with Elizabeth, he intends to catch them all. The Blacklist will be a fascinating show to watch because there are so many unknowns. Why did Red surrender? Why did he choose Elizabeth? Who should we trust? The "blacklist" of criminals also tells us that there will be something new and unpredictable  each episode. We will actually have to watch the show to uncover the bigger picture of the story.

4. "Hostages" (CBS)

The family of a doctor who will be performing surgery on the President is taken hostage by an FBI agent. The agent, played by Dylan McDermott, orders the doctor (played by Toni Collette) to kill the President in order to save her family. The doctor refuses to give up, foreshadowing a series long battle. What makes this "hostage" story into a lasting show is that there is more to the story than just a bunch of villains trying to murder the President. Even based on the previews, we already know that the FBI agent has a sick wife and a daughter, which makes us question his motives more than usual. "Hostages" seems like it will have great depth in its characters which will keep the viewers interested throughout the season.

5. "Masters of Sex" (Showtime)

Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan star as real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality. Based on actual events of the 1950s, this show is everything the Showtime audience is looking for; It's fresh, intriguing, and of course, racy. But as racy as it might be, the fact that the show will have to portray both the scientific and pleasure side of human sexuality is actually a very interesting concept. This drama is by far the most unique for this fall.


5 SHOWS TO IGNORE:

1. "Super Fun Night" (ABC)

Starring "Bridesmaids" and "Pitch Perfect's" Rebel Wilson, 3 girls decide to break out of their nerdy shells and have "super fun" every Friday night. As a Rebel fan myself, I wanted so badly to like this show. But, what is wrong is that it doesn't have the same Rebel Wilson that we've come to know and love. First of all, she plays an American. Part of Rebel's charm is her Aussie accent, because for us Americans, it sets her apart and makes her characters so much funnier (Come on, who doesn't love imitating Fat Amy?). Also, no offense to Rebel, but I don't think she is meant to be the star of a show. What makes her so great is that she always plays a supporting role and somehow manages to steal the spotlight with her humor. Will we really like a show that is all about her character? Honestly, I don't think so.

2. "Dads" (FOX)

Two adult sons have a hard time when their aging fathers unexpectedly move in with them. With executive producer Seth MacFarlane, you might expect this comedy to have some offensive jokes, but apparently "Dads" goes too far. Even before its premiere, the LA Times has reported controversy over the show's use of racial jokes. While crude humor is sometimes attractive in shows, Dads just seems like another Fox comedy that may be too offensive and unpopular to last in the lineup.


3. "Betrayal" (ABC)

Sara, an unhappily married photographer begins an affair with Jack, an unhappily married layer for a powerful family. A murder trial is involved and apparently that causes a lot of drama and awkwardness between the two. "Betrayal" is just another drama about an affair. No matter hard they try, the dull previews lack any intrigue that would make me consider watching it.


4. "MasterChef Junior"  (FOX)

Gordon Ramsay has to tone it down a bit because his new contestants are kids! While it might be cool to see children cook, I just can't help but laugh at the concept. The previews actually look like an "SNL" commercial. I feel like this is the type of show that people will watch for the mere entertainment of kids yelling in the kitchen instead of having actual interest in the competition.


5. "Lucky 7" (ABC)

Based on the British show "The Syndicate," 7 gas station employees from Queens win the lottery. Their lives are changed, but obviously problems form as well. There is nothing really new or interesting about the plot line that would make me want to watch another show about the lottery. I'll just leave it at that.

Reach Staff Reporter Caroline Langella here. Follow her on Twitter here.



 

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