Welcome to the TV in 2012 roundtable. I’ve assembled nearly 20 of my fellow critics, scholars and friends to reflect and review the year in television. Between now and the end of the year, the group will discuss various topics covering the highs, the lows and everything in between. See previous entries of the roundtable here. … Continue reading TV in 2012 Roundtable: Worst and/or Most Disappointing Show
Tag: House
Goodbye, House: Ranking the seasons of House
With House airing its series finale this evening, I thought it was time to bust out a list or two. I love House and I love lists. It seems only fitting. First up, one of the lists I “do best”: ranking the seasons. Obviously, the finale could have some influence on the placement of season … Continue reading Goodbye, House: Ranking the seasons of House
Test Pilot: File #42, CSI:
Test Pilot #42: CSI: Debut date: October 6, 2000 Series legacy: One of the most popular, but not necessarily well-regarded series of the last decade-plus Hey there, party people. Welcome back to the internet’s most popular discussion of television pilots, Test Pilot. We’re still early into our contemporary police drama theme. Before you groan or … Continue reading Test Pilot: File #42, CSI:
Review: House, “Nobody’s Fault”
I’ve said this a few times this season, but House has few good ideas left. Don’t get me wrong, I still like the series quite a bit, and I think this season has been mostly solid because the writers finally realized that the few remaining strengths of House are twofold: Hugh Laurie and moderately amusing … Continue reading Review: House, “Nobody’s Fault”
TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: Nice Words about Series That Didn’t Make My Top 30 of the Year
It is that time again folks! The end of the year is upon us and that means it is time to look back on the highs, lows and WTFs in television from the past 12 months. There is a lot to reflect on in regard to television 2011. Charlie Sheen went crazy. Well, crazier. Comedy … Continue reading TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: Nice Words about Series That Didn’t Make My Top 30 of the Year
TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: The Top Episodes of 2011, 100-51
It is that time again folks! The end of the year is upon us and that means it is time to look back on the highs, lows and WTFs in television from the past 12 months. There is a lot to reflect on in regard to television 2011. Charlie Sheen went crazy. Well, crazier. Comedy … Continue reading TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: The Top Episodes of 2011, 100-51
TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: Top Networks of the Year
It is that time again folks! The end of the year is upon us and that means it is time to look back on the highs, lows and WTFs in television from the past 12 months. There is a lot to reflect on in regard to television 2011. Charlie Sheen went crazy. Well, crazier. Comedy … Continue reading TV Surveillance’s Best of 2011: Top Networks of the Year
TV Surveillance Podcast Episode 20 — Be More Like Lost, Walking Dead
In the new episode of the podcast, I'm joined by The A.V. Club's Zack Handlen for a discussion about the "mehs" of House season eight and the highs and lows of The Walking Dead season two. You can pre-order Zack's new book on Amazon and also don't forget to subscribe to the pod on iTunes.
TV Surveillance Podcast Episode 18, Parts 1 and 2 — Broadcast Network Analysis Extravaganza!
In this episode of the TV Surveillance Podcast, I'm joined by Wesley Ambrecht for an expansive, massive, two-part, four-hour podcast covering the successes, failures, schedules and developments of all five of the broadcast networks. Because this conversation went so long, we split it into two parts, both of which cross or come close to crossing … Continue reading TV Surveillance Podcast Episode 18, Parts 1 and 2 — Broadcast Network Analysis Extravaganza!
#TVFail Entry 14: CSI:, “19 Down”/”One to Go”
The accused: CSI:, “19 Down” and “One to Go” (Season 9, Episodes 9 and 10) The crime: Embodying the internal tension between character and procedural in contemporary network crime series Television’s failures are supposed to be obvious. From the overhyped non-starters that flop from the very beginning (hello, FlashForward, Lone Star) to the much-discussed clumsy … Continue reading #TVFail Entry 14: CSI:, “19 Down”/”One to Go”
Review: House, “Charity Case”
Even at its lowest point (which was definitely season five, by the way), House has never been a bad series. It has turned in some really tepid episodes – and even those are relatively rare – and for the last three seasons, the series has been generally coasting, but there’s still something about House … Continue reading Review: House, “Charity Case”
Season Premiere review — House, “Twenty Vicodin”
House is pretty much out of ideas at this point. The series spent the majority of last season focusing on the House-Cuddy relationship, a decision that made half the audience swoon and the other half vomit. I was somewhere in the middle on Huddy, but it always sort of felt like if the series was … Continue reading Season Premiere review — House, “Twenty Vicodin”
2011 Primetime Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series
The 2011 Primetime Emmys are so close! September 18th to be exact. Up until the ceremony airs on FOX, I’ll be working through most of the major categories and discussing who could win, who should win and of course, who will win. I’ll likely be tackling two categories in each post, just so you know. Happy … Continue reading 2011 Primetime Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series
Fall Television “Preview”: Four series with problems to solve
With September upon us, the fall television season is just around the corner. At random times over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some preview-like pieces about what is to come over the next few months. Just like last year, I haven’t seen any of the season’s new series – no pilots or anything. … Continue reading Fall Television “Preview”: Four series with problems to solve
Test Pilot: File #19, St. Elsewhere
Test Pilot #19: St. Elsewhere Debut date: October 26, 2982 Series' legacy: Another jewel in the MTM crown, one of -- if not the -- most-heralded medical drama of all-time Authorship is a really tricky thing and perhaps no more so than in the world of television. Numerous scholars have discussed the problems with analyzing television … Continue reading Test Pilot: File #19, St. Elsewhere
