TV Review: Suits (2011), "Pilot"

Starring Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht

Run-time: 60 minutes

Genre: Dramedy

Station: USA

Synopsis: A young twenty-something boarder-line genius teams up with a lawyer to win cases. Only, this twenty-something hasn't gone to law school, but, instead, consumes knowledge like no one's business.

*minor spoilers ahead*

After watching the pilot, the first three words that come to mind are: Sly, Suave, and Stylish. I was hooked upon arrival.

Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, is a stoner who is looking for money as his Grandmother's bills become too much, and his small con game isn't supplying enough money. One thing leads to another and he winds up in the office of Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, during interviewing hours. Knowing that Mike hasn't attended any law school, Harvey gives him the benefit of the doubt after seeing how naturally intelligent he is.

The two main characters are fantastic to watch, and well acted. Patrick J. Adams is the best part of the show so far and is wonderful to watch. He is very believable and a great addition to the USA arsenal. Equally wonderful, but given less to do, Gabriel Macht matches him in every single way. I can't wait for his character to unravel more. Cliche, of coures, his character's stern ways and selfishness will soften as he sees the world from a new perspective. We'll see. 

Just as strong is supporting cast. Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle and Sarah Rafferty were all great to watch.

Gina Torres plays Jessica Pearson, the head-cheese in the firm that has to keep Harvey in check. She plays powerful and sexy, as well as her usual awesome self. 

Rick Hoffman, a wonderfully underrated actor, plays Louis Litt, one of Harvey's associates. This character will be a source of friction in the future. He certainly play bad, well. One of the two antagonists.

Meghan Markle  (who is also gorgeous) plays Rachel Zane, an intelligent  parallegal(?) who just doesn't test well. There is certainly some sexual tension between this character and Mike Ross. However, Mike seems to also have some sexual tension with his ex-best friends boyfriend. Possible plot point in future episodes? Probably.

Sarah Rafferty, playing Donna, was the funniest part of the show. Definitely worth giving a bigger part to.

It has a great full cast, and they all have great chemistry with one-another.

The show managed to balance the drama and comedy well. It made me laugh-out-loud while keeping me interested. Though, I could've felt more emotional investment, but I'll let it slide for now considering we needed to focus on the main character for the Pilot.

Though Harvey and the law fim provide the structure for the show, Mike and the clients provide the heart. I hope to see more of this in future episodes.

The writing could use a little work as it is sometimes cliche' (but what isn't?), and even childish at times. But who says these are necessarily bad qualities?

 You can tell that it is still finding its legs. But I'm not worried, I think it has great potential. So far, it is on par with the first season of White Collar (currently, one of the my favorite shows).

Now, of course, I can't tell you if any of the law was accurate (probably not), but that's why its called fiction, right? RIGHT?

Ruling: 3.5/5

One of the best new shows of the summer.

And to think, I was almost not going to watch it. It will probably end up growing to be one of my favorites.

What do you think?

Quick TV Review: Expedition Impossible (2011)

Hosted by Dave Salmoni

Run-time: 60 minutes

Genre: Reality Competition

Station: ABC

Synopsis: A reality competition of teams of 3, that race around through tough terrains, while solving problems. Eventually, only one team will cross the finish line and claim victory over everybody else.

It premiered tonight, June 24, and Expedition Impossible is, essentially, The Amazing Race with a few changes. Basically, instead of teams of 2, there are teams of 3. And the clues are a little harder to figure out.

First things first, the team names are atrocious. Why would anybody ever come up with the name "Grandpa's Warriors", seriously? They couldn't think of anything more creative? Guess not. But that doesn't effect the quality of the show; just makes me roll my eyes every time they are on screen.

Though I do like that the clues are harder to figure out and take some sense of intelligence, the over-all quality seems to be lacking and world interest.

None of the teams are instantly likable, but I'm sure they will grow over time. So far, I'm a fan of Fab 3.

The Host isn't very lively and kindof kills the mood of the show. I would've hired somebody else. And if this is given a second season (though doubtful), I would replace him.

Great concept, relatively poor execution.

Ruling: 2/5

Mark Burnett is a rich and powerful man.

What do you think of the show?

TV Review: Wilfred (2011), "Pilot"

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, and Fiona Gubbelmann

Run-time: 30 minutes

Genre: Dark Comedy

Station: FX

Synopsis: Out-of-work Ryan is befriended by his neighbor's dog, Wilfred. The twist? Wilfred is a dog to everybody except for Ryan who sees him as a man in a dog costume. Their friendship blooms with thier sort-of misguided misadventures. Based on a previously produced show in Australia.

*spoilers ahead*

Within the first couple of seconds, FX's newest comedy, Wilfred, made me die laughing. The episode started off with us seeing Elijah Wood's character, Ryan, saving his 3rd revised suicide letter, and mixing a suicide smoothy made of pills and other wonders. Much to my pleasure, Ryan was able to utter such brilliant lines like, "....I hope they find my body before the smell becomes a problem for you" before his suicide *doesn't* happen.

Then, the next moring, his neighbor, who happens to be played by the gorgeous Fiona Gubbelmann, brings her "dog", Wilfred, over, asking Ryan to watch him while her house is being fumigated. And from there, like the milk in the fridge, the show begins to sour.

Wilfred, played by Jason Gann, for me, is the worst part of the show and seemingly brings it down. Now, this may just be me because I hardly enjoy characters like him; however, you may end up loving him. I would've probably have casted somebody else. But Gann is Australian which automatically means he's awesome, so, maybe, he'll grow on me.

Meanwhile, Ryan is being hounded (ha) by his sister who has just gotten him a job in the hospital. However, because of Wilfred, Ryan seems as misguided as ever and throws it back in her face. This will probably be a re-occuring theme throughout the series.

The acting is, over-all, acceptable. Elijah Wood and Fiona Gubbelmann seem to be perfect for their roles, while, as I said, I would've casted somebody else as Wilfred.

The writing seems to be solid, except for the drug-use that they seem to be using as a crutch.

Ethan Suplee is in it, so there is a win. I've loved that man ever since I saw him in Boy Meets World, way back when! Though, he wasn't in the episode for very long, I forsee his character being in it more frequently as the show progresses. All signs point to antagonist.

Though we see the bromance between Wilfred and Ryan blossoming, the dog, of course, seems to have alterior motives. Most likely protection of his owner. We'll see. Should provide plenty of story-lines and friction for the future.

Ruling: 3/5

I will watch this show next week, and maybe the week after. Hopefully, it gets better as it goes because I know sometimes pilots are the worst of the series. As of right now, I would love this show without Gann, as much as it hurts me to say. I see this growing into something special.

1st Annual Critics' Choice TV Awards: Winners

Hosted by "So You Think You Can Dance"'s Cat Deeley

Last night, June 20th, there was a lot to watch and take notice between Critics's Choice, the finale of The Killing, and the premiere of Falling Skies. However, I managed to catch everything, thankfully.

Here are the Nominees and Winners for the 1st Annual Critics' Choice Awards ((E) represents what I would've chosen):

Best Talk Show:

Chelsea Lately

The Daily Show - *WINNER* (E)

   The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Oprah Winfrey Show

Best Reality Show Host:

Tom Bergeron - Dancing With The Stars

Cat Deeley - So You Think You Can Dance

Ty Pennington - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Mike Rowe - Dirty Jobs (Discovery) - *WINNER* (E)

Ryan Seacrest - American Idol

Best Reality Series - Competition:

The Amazing Race (E)

American Idol - *WINNER*

Dancing with the Stars

Project Runway

RuPaul's Drag Race

Top Chef

Best Reality Series:

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Hoarders - *WINNER* (Tie)

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - *WINNER* (Tie)

Sister Wives

Undercover Boss (E)

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:

Julie Bowen - Modern Family

Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock

Jane Lynch - Glee (E)

Busy Philipps - Cougar Town - *WINNER*

Eden Sher - The Middle

Sofia Vergara - Modern Family

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:

Ty Burrell - Modern Family

Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother - *WINNER*

Nick Offerman - Parks and Recreation

Ed O'Neill - Modern Family

Danny Pudi - Community (E)

Eric Stonestreet - Modern Family

Best Actress in a Comedy Series:

Courteney Cox - Cougar Town

Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie

Tina Fey - 30 Rock - *WINNER*

Patricia Heaton - The Middle

Martha Plimpton - Raising Hope (E)

Amy Poehler - Parks and Recreation

Best Actor in a Comedy Series:

Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock

Steve Carell - The Office

Louis CK - Louie

Charlie Day - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Joel McHale - Community (E)

Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory - *WINNER*

Best Comedy Series:

Archer

The Big Bang Theory

Community (E)

Glee

Louie

The Middle

Modern Family - *WINNER*

The Office

Parks and Recreation

30 Rock

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:

Michelle Forbes - The Killing (E)

Christina Hendricks - Mad Men - *WINNER* (Tie)

Margo Martindale - Justified - *WINNER* (Tie)

Kelly Macdonald - Boardwalk Empire

Archie Panjabi - The Good Wife

Chloe Sevigny - Big Love

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:

Alan Cumming - The Good Wife (E)

Walton Goggins - Justified

Shawn Hatosy - Southland

John Noble - Fringe - *WINNER*

Michael Pitt - Boardwalk Empire

John Slattery - Mad Men

Best Actress in a Drama Series:

Connie Britton - Friday Night Lights

Mireille Enos - The Killing (E)

Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife - *WINNER*

Elisabeth Moss - Mad Men

Katey Sagal - Sons of Anarchy

Anna Torv - Fringe

Best Actor in a Drama Series:

Steve Buscemi - Boardwalk Empire (E)

Kyle Chandler - Friday Night Lights

Michael C. Hall - Dexter

Jon Hamm - Mad Men - *WINNER*

William H. Macy - Shameless

Timothy Olyphant - Justified

Best Drama Series:

Boardwalk Empire

Dexter

Friday Night Lights

Fringe

Game of Thrones

The Good Wife

Justified

The Killing (E)

Mad Men - *WINNER*

The Walking Dead

Television Icon Award:

Danny DeVito

TV Review: The Killing (Season 1)



 

"Mrs. Larsen, do you have a daughter?" - Det. Linden

Starring: Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman, and Bill Campbell

Synopsis: The Killing is a TV show that recently aired on AMC, based on a Danish series entitled Forbrydelsen. The show follows the 13 days (1 episode for each day) after the murder of a young girl, named Rosie Larsen -- focuses on the police investigation, the family (and friends) of Rosie, and an on-going Mayoral race in Seattle -- and how these stories intertwine.

*spoilers ahead*

The primary focus  is the that of the police investigation headed up by Det. Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and her new and inexperienced partner Det. Steven Holder (Joel Kinnaman). The two detectives follow and investigate their fair share of clues and suspects throughout the season, only to be decieved by a red-herring usually. This part of the series, was probably my favorite because Linden and Holder didn't follow the same terrible formula that you'll find on your typical police procedurals.

The family was, of course, the most emotional part of the show, often showing sadness, anger, and guilt of Rosie's death. Stan (Brent Sexton) and Mitch Larsen (Michelle Forbes), their sons, and Mitch's sister, Terry (Jaime Ann Allman) were definitely the heart of the show. You could just feel for them, and like the rest of the cast, they felt real.

The campaign was seemingly a side-story that occasionally added clues to the investigation (until we saw the end of season 1, but I won't ruin that for you). Headed by Mayor hopeful Darren Richmond (Bill Campbell), "the integrity candidate" with an extremely saddening past, and his too aids Gwen (Kristin Lehmen) and Jamie (Eric Ladin).

The entire series took twists and turns and had enormous amounts of possibilities and red herrings. But, of course, that's what I want out of a mystery show. The suspects went from Rosie's Ex, to Rosie's Ex's friend, to Rosie's teacher, to Darren Richmond himself, until we settled on a killer (but not really). We were kept guessing the entire time.

The show did move slow at some points, but it was usually able to hold my attention and keep me interested --there was plenty of suspense and some head-scratchers. Seemingly unconnected things were, of course, connected in some crazy way, but it kept the show fun and fresh.

Very intelligent.

It kinda felt like Mystic River, especially in the beginning.

The show was written exceedingly well, and, as previously stated, made the characters feel real. Some of the best on television in recent years. Not to mention, the characters were well acted....I see some Emmys (at least nominations) in the furture:

My 5 Favorite Performances:

Linden (Enos) was a divorced mother who was planning on marrying her current boyfriend and movie with him to another city, but couldn't because the investigation kept carrying over. She was strong and smart, and even vulnerable at times. A very subtle performance, yet powerful. I expect, at least, a nomination for and Emmy.

Holder (Kinnaman) was an ex-undercover cop who got too far in. Throughout the show, he was in revory from from his drug addictions. You could see his emotions all over the board. You can tell you was a street tough, and yet you could feel sorry for him. His back story is, arguably, the best of the bunch. I wish for an Emmy nomination, but I doubt it. Though, he did have to hide his Swedish accent (and he did great at it).

Michelle Forbes' Mitch Larsen was usually torn apart every episode at he death of her daughter. It is understandable. However, from reading other comments, some fans weren't feeling it very much. I enjoyed her performance, especially when paired with Brent Sexton. Emmy? Probably not, though I wouldn't be very surprised.

Brent Sexton (as Stan Larsen) easily was on a level all his own. That man better get a damned Emmy or I will cry for for him. Stan was the father of Rosie, and an ex-mob member. He was the backbone of the family and was in process of moving them forward, until this giant step back. His performance in the pilot alone, was worth everything. A conflicted character, he seems like the nicest man in the world, but then, his mob mentality sneaks up on him and tears him apart emotionally.

Brandon Jay McLaren's (one of the most underrated actors out there) Bennet Ahmed. He was a compllicated character. He was Rosie's teacher, and they connected on a whole different level -- kinda spiritual. He was also tied up in a whole different side-story that made him a red herring...that is...until Stan Larsen bashes his head in, thinking Ahmed was the murderer. But, don't worry, he is still alive and maybe he could make an appearance next season? I'll keep my fingers crossed. Emmy? Most likely not.

Other Stand-Outs: Bill Campbell,  Brendan Sexton III, and Eric Ladin.

Some of the stand-out episodes: "Pilot" (and "the Cage"), "Missing", and "Orpheus Decending"

-The Pilot for obvious reasons.

-"Missing", though hated by impatient fans, was one that showed Linden's true nature, and her vulnerable side. It was a great character episode. Further advanced her relationship with Holder and a phenomenal way.

-"Orpheus Decending", being the season finale, left us with a lot of questions that will make for a great Season 2. It didn't just have one cliff-hanger....it had several. Of course, fans aren't too happy, but I loved the way it turned out. 

If you are into Mystery, Police, Drama, or Cerebral TV shows, this one is for you.

Ruling: 4.5/5.

Watch it (online), so you can enjoy Season 2 with me.

Best new show of the year (thus far), Best show of the year (thus far), Best Characters (and Actors). One of my favorite shows in recent times. Should be nominated for Best Drama at every award show.

I can't wait to see what they end up doing with season.