FALL TV Part 2: Where we left off and who I left off

Returning shows are always my most anticipated TV moments in the 3^rd week of September. Perhaps it is because these are the shows I invested in but more often than not they’ve left me with a pretty great cliffhanger from May. However, mainstays on my DVR have to earn their spot back just as much as a new show. They are particularly prone to the Rule #3. If a show piles up after the premiere it is to fall of the DVR priority before Halloween. Such was the fate of several sophomore shows last year. Here are the staples in my TV diet and I believe it covers some of the best TV has to offer.

The Good Wife (CBS Sundays 9PM) Despite an ill-conceived plot point around Kalinda last season The Good Wife continues to be one of the best shows on broadcast television. Their use of guest stars is unmatched and the regular cast have really leaned into the shades of grey around their characters adding fun nuance week over week. The decision to form a new practice with Alicia and Cary at the helm opens up an entirely new set of avenues for storytelling that I am eager to see this season. 

Once Upon a Time (ABC Sundays 8PM) This fantasy series lost its way with a very uneven and oft boring sophomore effort. Unlike some of its TV peers OUAT creators smartly used the final two episodes to set a course for a very intriguing third season. Taking past nemesis characters and sending them off to Neverland united with a singular purpose - to save Henry was a great reboot for the show. It wisely connects back to the core cast and like the Good Wife pivots viewers into a new arena of storytelling. For that move alone Once Upon a Time went from a fence show to earning back a slot on my DVR. 

Castle (ABC Mondays 10PM) This is my little show that could. A show I love for many reasons (as noted here) and one that navigated the Moonlighting curse with a deft hand. After five seasons Andrew Marlowe has never lost sight of the fact that the show is at its strongest when it puts its full ensemble to work. Expanding that group with guest arcs with Linda Edelstein leading the pack. It offers Nathan Fillion new foils to play off of leaves me hopeful for a fresh take on characters I adore. Yes the cliffhanger offered two pivotal plot points, but it’s a testament to the show is that I don't particularly care about what Beckett's answers are because I think the show is strong enough to navigate any decisions the writers have made. 

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC Thursdays 9PM) As we enter this series 10^th season it is clear I am in until the finish with Shondra Rhimes’ pioneer series. This show had a great resurgence two years ago by smartly maturing their core characters and layering in the expanded cast in an equally balanced way. It's not the show it was in season 2 but more importantly it isn't the show it was in season 4. Shondra Rhimes dedication to this cast is evident and I am most curious to see how they navigate Sandra Oh’s departure.

Homeland (SHO Sundays 9PM) Just because it's on cable doesn't mean it is immune to the sophomore slump. In my opinion Homeland suffered similar growing pains that include circular storytelling, misguided pacing and b plots that added little to what made Homeland riveting in season 1. Still the trinity of Mandy Patinkin, Claire Danes and Damian Lewis continued to deliver stellar work. In spite of the plot gaps the show offered moments that give me hope for a strong 3rd season including a finale that left Saul in charge of the CIA, Nicholas Brody in the wind, Carrie Mathison reeling and the viewer with absolutely no indication of where this series is headed. 

ON THE FENCE

These shows encompass series I am either mildly curious about, but that I don’t think will necessarily find an audience or are the shows I have watched in the past but fell so far into disarray that I lack confidence in their ability to rebound.

Revenge (ABC Sundays 9PM) Revenge fell off a cliff last year. It became unwatchable and all but obliterated the plot lines and relationships we most cared about as viewers. There is a new showrunner in place and promises of a return to what made the show fun to watch in the first place. I remain unconvinced that Revenge can dig itself out of the hole. More importantly my original concern with this show, that the premise is vulnerable to becoming redundant in it's need to entertain over a 22 episode season, quickly came to fruition last year. It will likely get a 3 episode look but I remain skeptical.

Hostages (CBS Mondays 10PM) Tony Collette and Dylan McDermott could make a great pairing on screen. My chief concern about this series is that it falls in the trap of so many before it and premise that has nowhere to go once it’s resolved. Like the Following last year, I just don’t know how you maintain suspense over 15 episodes without it becoming boring or pandering because of the need to fill for time. It only has a 15 episode slate scheduled, so it could sidestep that concern.

The Blacklist (NBC Mondays 10PM) I am not a fan of post Pretty in Pink James Spader, but this series has some of the best buzz going into the Fall. I am going to see if it takes and may still pick it up if it gains momentum. It falls on a packed TV night so something else would have to fall away for me to add it to my rotation.

GLEE (FOX Wednesdays, 9PM) It’s been two years since I watched Glee with any kind of regularity. But like many I loved the show when it first hit and Corey Monteith was a big part of that love. So with a heavy heart I will return to Glee for the tribute. I just am highly unlikely to remain after it.

Scandal (ABC Thursdays, 9PM) Damn you Lisa Kudrow and your dramatic multiple episode arch! I am in the absolute minority when it comes to this show. I think it is absurd and pious while taking itself WAY too seriously given its plot lines. However, I adore Kudrow and relish the idea of seeing her do something dramatic. So I am back for the moment, but not in DVR committed way.