What to Watch in 2009

After a long summer of reruns and crappy reality television ( that I don't watch, sorry to disappoint), we have finally arrived at the 2009 television season. Maybe its just me, or that this is the first year to be fully recovered from the writers strike, but there seems to be more new scripted shows this year than we have seen in the past few. Armed with my DVR and a sense of optimism, I am boldly going where many have gone before, and will share some thoughts on the new (and old) shows ive been enjoying (or trying to in some cases). This will contain spoilers, so if you havent watched any of the shows on this list, you may not want to read this.

Heroes

When this show came out, I didnt give it a second thought. After a few weeks, enough of my friends and family were talking about it I gave it a chance, but being a serial i was unable to slide in during the middle of the season. So I started watching from season 2 onward, and Ive been hooked ever since.

So far this season we've seen a couple new characters, some with abilities, some without. Im not sure what to make of the travelling carnival crew yet, but there seems like there could beng 2 or 3 story lines to come out of that bunch. The best thing for me by far has been the internal battle between Matt Parkman and Sylar, and Parkmans apparent descent to the darkside. Nothing makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside like a good guy going bad! The Claire at college plot does less than nothing for me, but I cannot help but watch anything that has Hayden Panetierre is in, and i am not afraid to admit it is because she is SO FREAKIN HOT!! Lastly, Hiro's malady. I like the character about half the time he is on screen. the other half i find him insufferable and pretentious. That being said I do not want to see him die, but I'm not sure what other options the producers have. Giving someone the ability to travel through space and time is all well and good from a writer's standpoint, as I'm sure they envisioned period piece episodes, and it allows them the ability to bring back any character at any time, but it does remove drama from the show, as anytime something goes back in time and prevent/correct whatever bad thing may have happened. The shows creators have dealt with this by taking away his powers, then restoring them in limited fashion, and at one point even stranded him in the past (dont get me started on Daphne and Ando supercharging to bring Hiro back, as the laws of physics were completely set aside for that event). However, I believe that Mr. Kring has painted himself into a corner with Hiro. We will see what the season has to offer going forward. BTW I love Peter's obsession with saving people to redeem his family, and think he should have his own show.

The Office

Loved the way last season ended with Pam and Jim's pregnancy. So far this season, its been much the same that we have all been used to seeing. The second episode provided us with some water cooler fodder however, with Jim becoming co-manager with Michael at Dunder-Mifflin Scranton, which sets up the inevitable showdown of (or so i believe) with Michael and Jim on one side, and Dwight and Toby (possibly Andy as well) on the other. My one request is more Stanley!! DID I STUTTER?! One of my favorite scenes was Stanley destroying Michaels car a the end of the season premiere.

Modern Family

This is a new show this year, that I was not to sure what to expect from. Filmed in a mockumentary style a la The Office, or Parks and Recreation, the show is set around the lives of 3 seemingly unconnected (in the pilot) suburban families and their day to day lives. Ed O'Neill (who looked so old I felt ancient watching him) does a good job as the aging patriarch of a truly modern family (he has a latin american trophy wife and stepson, an openly gay and married son who adopts a Korean baby, as well as his daughters All-American family). The wit is quick and the humor not too dry, and the diversity of the cast offers something for everyone. This was one of the first new shows to make me laugh out loud, and has a permanent slot in my DVR at least through the first season.

Glee

I debated including this show on the list as it is so hyped already. It is too good not talk about though. The music is great (even if the lip syncing in some of the more active numbers takes away from the overall presentation), the writing is sharp, and the cast is excellent, with Jane Lynch as the no holds barred coach of the cheerleading coach, and Broadway alum Lea Michelle as the perfectionist singer. My worry is the show could become a little gimmicky, potentially relying ont he music over clever writing. Definitely give it a shot and draw your own conclusions.

Parks and Recreation

This showwas given a six episode run as a mid season replacement last year, and got a tepid reaction from me. I love Amy Poehler, and Raschida Jones is a great foil to her, but I think the subject matter is somewhat limiting. I believe that if they had left or a little more open and called the show City Hall or something there would be more story options and variety on the show. If you havent watched this one yet, you should check this out if for no other reason than Aziz Ansari and his hilarious portrayal of Tom. Playing Amy Poehlers boss is Nick Offerman, who steals nearly every scene he is in.

Seinfeld, er, um Curb Your Enthusiasm

After nearly a decade of wondering if we were going to ever see a Seinfeld Reunion, the answer is yes, provided you have HBO. When last we saw our favorite antihero, Larry David had just gone through a divorce and was now seeing Loretta, a hurricane Katrina refugee that had been staying with him and his now ex wife Cheryl. This season has picked up essentially where we left off, and deals with Larry's over the top social interactions. The Seinfeld stroy arc starts this Sunday at nine, so get on your phone with your local cable provider and order the package! If you have never watched Curb before, do not worry, as there is not an a running story line form season to season (although a couple of seasons have a story arc that runs the length of the season, most notably the restaurant and the Producers), so just pick up a DVD, HULU, sit back and enjoy, what is for my oney one of the best guilty pleasure shows on.

Well, thats all I have time for now, but there are several other shows that have come out or are starting this week, so keep an eye out for part two of What Im Watching, coming soon!!