Second impressions of the new shows

(Above: The gorgeous women keep throwing themselves at Chuck. And he keeps saying no! Click the pic for a two-minute recap of last week's ep.)

This was one of those fall premiere seasons when no new network show leaped off the screen. No “Lost.” No “24.” Not even a “Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer.” It happens. And when it happens, I've learned to hedge my bets.

  Since mid-July I've been telling you that while some TV pilots impressed me, I wanted to see the second episodes of these new fall shows before passing final judgment. I've now had that opportunity. The viewers have also had a chance to weigh in.

Based on what I've seen, my faith in series like “Chuck” and “Women's Murder Club” has so far been rewarded, as those shows enjoyed decent if not spectacular ratings. “Grey's Anatomy” spinoff “Private Practice” also didn't let me down, in the sense that I couldn't stand it (and still can't) but thought it would become a hit anyway.

  Alas, the second episodes of “Reaper” and “Pushing Daisies” were worse than their premieres -- and the viewers seemed to agree.

  I'll highlight these and other new shows in a moment. First, though, you may be noticing that the usual flurry of hiatus notices are missing this October. There are two types of hiatus, scheduled and unscheduled, kind of like voluntary and involuntary retirements. When you read that a show has been “put on hiatus,” that usually means it's unscheduled. Oh, it might eventually return, but make no mistake. A show put on hiatus has fallen from grace, and rarely earns back its DVR season pass.

  So far this season, however, no network show has suffered this fate, which is unusual. Robert Seidman, who crunches Nielsen ratings for the website TVByTheNumbers.com, thinks that only three shows -- Fox's “Nashville” and “K-Ville” and NBC's “Journeyman” -- are even in any danger.

  Seidman and other industry watchers believe even low-rated TV programs are safe for now. That's because the Oct. 31 deadline is approaching for TV writers and the big studios to complete the first new negotiated contract in 22 years. If talks between the two sides break down, Hollywood may be crippled by a writers' strike. Thus the networks need as many fresh episodes as they can get to serve as strike insurance. Which means that shows that normally would be thrown in the dead pool by now continue to sun themselves on the deck.

  On to the shows. Here are my second impressions. All times Central.

  “Reaper” (8 p.m. Tuesday, KCWE-29). My pick for the best new show of the fall season has turned out, instead, to be the biggest letdown. In the first episode, young Sam (Bret Harrison) learned he had become a kind of dog catcher for the Devil (Ray Wise). This was a hard pill to swallow, but Sam had come around by the end of the hour, because he realized tracking down bad guys who belonged in Hell made him feel better about living with his parents and working a dead-end job. And then in the second episode … he did it all over again, virtually scene by scene. Oh, well, it's not like anybody noticed: Fewer than 3 million saw either episode. Actually, that's not bad for the CW, which would shrivel up and blow away were it not for “America's Next Top Model” and WWE wrestling. Last week “Reaper” had climbed to 3.5 million viewers -- which is OK, but to put that in perspective, it would barely crack the list of top 40 cable shows.

  “Chuck” (7 p.m. Monday, KSHB). By contrast, the other promising pilot about an underachiever who works in a big retail store has improved every week. A lot of that is due to the seemingly endless personality of Zachary Levi. As the title character, he's an appealing mixture of geek and do-gooder, with just a touch of ladies' man. He also enjoys a superior supporting cast, including Joshua Gomez as his sidekick Morgan and Adam “Not a Brother” Baldwin as his trigger-happy NSA shadow. Ratings aren't great, but better than they are for “Journeyman,” the other show in NBC's Monday-night “Heroes” sandwich.

  “Private Practice” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, KMBC-9). Though I still don't understand why Kate Walsh left “Grey's Anatomy” for this mess, “Private Practice” is proof once again that brand extension works. With her cast of retreads (Taye Diggs, Amy Brenneman) slogging through some truly mediocre scripts -- I want to throw the writers' favorite word back at them: focus! -- this soap by the surf has become the top-rated new show this season. Seidman calls its ratings “Heroes-esque,” because they rival the numbers for last season's most popular new show. Why do I think there's a “Grey's” crossover episode in this show's future?

  “Bionic Woman” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, KSHB). This remake of the campy '70s show hasn't been the superhero NBC wanted it to be. That's because the network followed its expensive, eye-popping pilot with a horribly muddled second episode. By the third week “Bionic” had debugged itself (and added “Grey's” exile Isaiah Washington to the cast), and viewers seemed to be in a forgiving mood. It's still the third highest-rated new series this fall, even with a dropoff in audience and the fact that “Private Practice” and the always-popular “Criminal Minds” are its competition.

  “Pushing Daisies” (7 p.m. Wednesdays, KMBC-9). More like “pushing its luck.” I had hoped someone would tone down the annoying British announcer who dominated the first episode of this whimsical series about Ned (Lee Pace), the piemaker who can raise the dead. But no, the Brit was back with a vengeance in week two, and three. Even the dead lady on “Desperate Housewives” doesn't yak as much as this guy. You'd think some ABC executive would've piped up and said, “Gee, this is awfully self-indulgent.” Now it may be too late. “Pushing Daisies” lost a vertigo-inducing 3 million viewers in one week, and viewers don't just come back with the touch of a finger.

  “Kid Nation” (7 p.m. Wednesdays, KCTV-5). No wonder CBS let the hype for this show build to a fever pitch over the series. Turns out that a reality show featuring all youngsters “forming their own civilization” was just a cover for a “Survivor” spinoff for preteens. I still like it, but I don't exactly rush to my DVR to see what happened this week. Neither does anyone else -- its ratings are now below “Cavemen's,” and I'm not picking up a lot of chatter about a potential “Kid Nation 2.”

  “Women's Murder Club” (8 p.m. Fridays, KMBC-9). Despite the fact I was only one of the few TV critics in the country who liked it, viewers sought out the Angie Harmon crime drama that ABC hid on its Friday night schedule. Nearly 11 million tuned in for its debut (unfortunately, as I predicted, it took some of those viewers away from “Friday Night Lights” on NBC), and nearly 10 million came back last Friday for more. The first episode of "WMC" was different from the pilot sent to me in June, but I liked it anyway.

  “Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, KCWE-29). An awful show is getting awful ratings, even by the ocean-bottom measurements of the CW network. Only about half the people watching “America's Next Top Model” stick around to watch this demeaning teen soap opera about rich, narcissistic Manhattanites. Yet the CW ordered more scripts from its producers, enough to fill the rest of the season with new episodes. “Gossip Girl” is yet another reason for avoiding a writers' strike -- so we can send it to Hiatusville, where it belongs.

  “Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. Wednesdays, KMBC-9). As I had hoped, this sprawling ensemble comedy starring Peter Krause as lawyer for a family of rotten scoundrels makes progress each week. Still, ratings should be higher for a show with so much star power (like Donald Sutherland) that's airing at the peak hour of prime time.

  “Back To You” (7 p.m. Wednesdays, Fox 4). Fox wanted another comedy to package with “Til Death,” so it went out and found another unemployed “Everybody Loves Raymond” actor (Patty Heaton), paired her with a living, breathing television cliché (Frasier Crane, aka Kelsey Grammer), and put the two sitcoms side by side on the schedule. So far the strategy's working: There was no reason to watch “Til Death” and now there's no reason to watch “Back To You.” Viewers seem to agree, though ratings seem to be meeting Fox's modest expectations for the time period.

Comments

[Olivia]

I'm enjoying Private Practice & why wouldn't Kate Walsh leave Greys for it ? On Greys she had about one scene a week & was truly wasted. Here she headlines her own show. Plus there is no Private Practice character as annoying as Meredith & her whiny voiceovers !

[Sunny]

"Chuck" is evolving into possessing the earmarks of a potentially long-term great show. Cleverly written, great casting and now a smart intro. Love this new show.

You didn't mention "Moonlight", a completely different show from "Chuck", but entertaining nonetheless. It's been beating "Friday Night Lights" as well.

The casting in this little vampire show is very good, the story-line although misappropriately being compared to "Angel". The only thing in common with "Angel" is the fact it's about hot vampire stars. The the chemistry of the pair in the starring roles movie-caliber. These two work so well together. Alex O'loughlin is great eye-candy.

[Dave]

I watched the 2nd episode of "Pushing Daisies" last night and found it horrid! The narrator (Jim Dale of Harry Potter audiobook fame) is not what ruins it for me, but rather the sing-songy rapid-fire dialogue. All style, no substance, and no humor. Off the DVR you go ... I cancel you before ABC gets a chance!

[Mark Jeffries]

I have to admire any show that lets Kristen Chenoweth sing "Hopelessly Devoted to You," so I'm still hanging with "Pushing Daisies." (And it has to be noted that Chenoweth has effectively modulated her perkiness on this show.) It's still fascinating enough for me--and Anna Friel is so captivating, too.

BTW, Dale does the voice-overs on the show's promos instead of ABC drama guy Andy Geller ("Now, an all-new 'Brothers and Sisters' on ABC!"), so that aspect of the show's not going to go away any time soon.

[Craig]

I pretty much agree with Aaron about Reaper. I was at your "Watch the Pilots" event & loved the Reaper pilot. I've watched the next 2 episodes after that & they were decent. I have last week's on the DVR. I'll probably watch a few more at least though.

I actually like Journeyman & I hope it doesn't get canceled. There's just something about time travel that is really cool to me!

Another show that I know Aaron wasn't fond of was Cane, but I have liked that too.

[Travis Fox]

Aaron, you ignorant sluuuuuuuuuug?! :P

I can't believe you don't like Pushing Daisies because of the narrator?! It's not out-of-place for the show, which is colorful, unique, and honestly my favorite new show of the season.

I usually hate narration, but it fits the feel of this show (which I think is like a fairy tale book come to life.) The love story, the quick-wit and delightful humor (Kick Pooh, kick!) and the "solving murders on a weekly basis...by talking to the dead themself" make this show stand out above the average television crud. More networks should take chances on interesting shows such as this!

And the arguement that "viewers have lost interest" is kind of misleading. I mean, your precious "Chuck" has been hovering around a 3.2 in the "money demo" of 18-49. Pushing Daisies hasn't even hit that low yet (although it's very close at a 3.6!)

But you're right on the money with Reaper. I really had high hopes for that show...

[Charles]

"So far ... only three shows -- Fox's “Nashville” and “K-Ville” and NBC's “Journeyman” -- are even in any danger."

Actually, Nashville has already been canceled.

While I agree with most of your assessments, I think that "Pushing Daisies" is marvelous, and don't mind the narrator...he goes with the storybook quality of it. And my family and I have been enjoying "Back to You", though I agree that "Til Death" is unwatchable.

[Dave]

If anything, the narration and film-like feel of "Pushing Daisies" make the show stand out from the usual TV fare. I enjoy it, and I hope this show makes it through the season, it could be very good.

[Bill G]

Aaron, I agree about "Reaper". Because of the hype I pushed myself to watch it, even though I'm nearing the edge of the 18-49 demo.

The first episode was fun, but the second and third were *identical*. I just don't see how it sustains itself.

[David]

I love "Chuck" and "Pushing Daisies" and have given up on the murky and depressing "Bionic Woman." (I still like "Reaper," but wish it would liven up a bit.)

I agree with the previous comment about Chenowith singing and thought that scene alone was one of the most original on TV this entire season. While the narration is a bit heavy, the dialogue is clever and the set design is fantastic.

People who aren't "into" this show are missing out on some great TV...

-David

[Mary]

I love the announcer on Pushing Daisies. It's one of my favorite parts of the show.

[Aaron]

A reader writes...

You might find the announcer on this show annoying, but I find him to be one of the best parts of this wonderful quirky series. His name is Jim Dale, and you might mention to your readers that he is the person who has "read" (actually, performed is a better word) all of the Harry Potter audio books. He has also won a Tony award for his performance in "Barnum", been nominated for other plays, nominated for an oscar, and has won Grammies for his Harry Potter performances. I have listened to every one of these books, 6 of them more than once, 5 of them several times and I enjoy listening to them mainly because of his not-at-all-annoying voice.

"Pushing Daisies" is the best new show of the season, and normally that would make me want it to be cancelled (since I have better things to do than watch TV), but I already love this show and promote it to all of my friends (or acquaintances). Of course, my second favorite is Journeyman, which seems like it's destined to be cancelled as well.

As for the rest of the new season, I watch Chuck, Reaper, Dirty Sexy Money, Big Bang Theory. Not sure if I want to watch D.S.M. much longer though. Love the star (especially when he was in Sports Night), but the premise is wearing thin. Tried and hated Big Shots, Carpoolers, Cavemen, and Private Practice (where are the young up-and-coming interns?). Ignored Bionic Woman and Moonlight (although my wife likes that).

Still stuck on Boston Legal, Heroes, Friday Night Lights, ER, Grey's Anatomy, CSI (the original), Survivor, Las Vegas, Monday night CBS comedies, and Thursday night NBC comedies (favorite: Scrubs). Waiting for the return of Lost and Medium.

Leslie Koorhan, Overland Park, 60 years young

[Aaron]

Another reader writes ...

I have seen several of the new shows and have been very favorably impressed with Chuck and Moonlight. I think the youth of Murder Club bothers me---actually the ages of the main characters may be more in tune with reality however I like the wisdom that comes with gray hair--perhaps I will adjust--(Time) Traveler has potential--I think I will have to see how the final storyline develops--right now I sometimes get irritated by the internal family strife conflicting with the main adventure. The fact the main characters son now knows something about his father's disappearances (or is forgiving of them). At this point I do not care for quite so much bumbling enthusiasm by some of the cast of Reaper. The premise of Pushing Up Daisy's is somewhat unique but does not do away with my own feeling of futility in the relationship--how can romance flower when there is no touching.

I am looking forward to the return of the Closer---great cast and great writing--hope they can keep it up for a few more seasons.

Larry Letzig

[Aaron]

"Nashville" was not officially cancelled until yesterday, after the story had gone to press, as we noted today on the Ticker.

I'm liking Gossip Girl -though I will never admit it outside my home...

[kate]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pushing Daisies! The only thing is that Kristen Chenowith being in this show finally puts to rest my hopes that West Wing would magically come back. It's like when a parent remarries....

My 8½-year-old likes the show, too. Mind you, I don't think that it is a show for your average third grader. But our family has dealt with a pretty difficult tragedy. So he has, through very good grieving, developed a more mature sense of what death is and is ready to laugh at it a little.

I hurry home from picking my daughter up from dance every Wednesday night to watch it, and then watch it again online the next day. The only show I might like more is Dirty, Sexy, Money. I watch Private Practice sometimes, when not putting kids to bed. Can take it or leave it.

[Aaron]

A reader writes ...
After reading your article "Second impressions of the new fall TV shows" I'm fast coming to the conclusion that my favorite show in a long time doesn't have a promising future. "Journeyman" reminds me alot of the days of "Quantum Leap." It's not making a splash in the Top 20 Neilsen. Does it have a future? Maybe on a different night or time slot?

Andrew J. Fry

[Travis Fox]

I read an interesting comment the other day about Journeyman (which I must admit, I've never seen) and Quantum Leap. The point was that Journeyman was missing the one basic element that kept Quantum Leap around for so long...the idea that his next leap could be back home. I guess Journeyman has the ability to come and go back to the current time, which doesn't sound as exciting.

I think Desmond does enough "time travel" for my needs on LOST.

[matt stechel]

wasn't till death one of your favorite sitcoms last season??? ..what's the difference in terms of the 2 seasons? I think its not bad...Brad Garrett is channeling Ralph Kramden in many many ways on the show.

[Jason]

Hey Aaron,
While I agree episode two of Reaper was weak, it has since gone back to the pilot's form imo. They're actually letting the female character have some lines which is helping and the Devil continues to steal every scene he's in. This show could probably do very well behind Smallville, but overrated Supernatural continues to hog the slot. Why the CW put this behind Beauty and the Geek is puzzling.

I'll cast my vote, along with the majority of Aaron's commentators, on the side of "Pushing Daisies". I think it's delightful, and it's the first new show that my wife and I have chosen to watch together. I'll agree that Episode 2 was heavy on the narration, but they have found a better balance since.

In a season when even the mildly interesting premises can be compared to other shows -- "Journeyman is Quantum Leap with a wife; Life is House with a badge" -- I am tickled to find a series that is completely original, with its own voice and unique style, not to mention 4 fantastic lead actors.

John H in Canada