Song Lyric of the Day:
I picked you out, I shook you up, and turned you around / Turned you into someone new / Now five years later on you’ve got the world at your feet / Success has been so easy for you / But don’t forget it’s me who put you where you are now / And I can put you back down too
The Human League / “Don’t You Want Me”
6:05PM.
I’ve been glued to the TV almost every night of the week lately. Here are a few of the reasons why.
Scrubs
As its recently-aired 100th episode demonstrated, Scrubs has not lost an ounce of the crazy, absurd uniqueness that makes this not only one of the funniest sitcoms on TV (one that actually makes you laugh), but oftentimes one of the most moving, as well. From an Indiana Jones-like adventure through a patient’s colon to the death of a beloved father, Scrubs runs the gamut from vivid daydreams to flights of fancy to major life events. Zach Braff continues to shine in a wonderful, ensemble cast as the show’s protagonist, JD. And the boy can direct, too. The 100th episode, “My Way Home,” had me laughing and crying, while reminding me of why I love this show.
Love Monkey
What more can I say that I didn’t say yesterday? I love this show. WATCH IT when CBS puts it back on the schedule. You’ll be glad that you did. And then you’ll want to hit your local record store.
Lost
TV’s most intriguing mystery-sci-fi-drama is in the midst of a terrific second year; no sophomore slump here. The writers are doing a great job of moving storylines forward while continuing to develop characters without jumping the gun or hitting any false notes. Which is no small feat considering our castaways are stranded on an island where not everything–or everyone–is as it seems.
24
If ever a show were going to give me an anxiety attack, 24 is it (followed closely by the soon to return Prison Break). Non-stop action, unpredicatable twists and turns, 24 is a virtual rollercoaster ride of a TV show. It’s always easy to root for Kiefer Sutherland‘s Jack Bauer, whether he is playing the good or bad guy in a given situation. Who will turn out to be a mole? Who can Bauer trust? Who will be the next to die? With 24, it’s always anyone’s guess.
The Office
Another pitch-perfect comedy. Steve Carell leads a diverse cast of characters in the mundane, predictable, unusual, and downright bizarre behavior found in a typical American workplace. Will Jim and Pam ever get together? Can Dwight be any more bizarre? Will Kelly ever shut up? Will Ryan survive his internship? Will Michael ever get a clue? At the rate he’s going, Carell’s Michael Scott could end up being president of the United States.
Arrested Development
My favorite sitcom in years (followed thisclosely by The Office). A family way beyond the dysfunctional pale, the Bluths have struggled with a jailed patriarch, a lush mother, a one-handed momma’s boy, and cousins in love, all while trying to keep the family business afloat. Ron Howard provides dead-on narration throughout the family’s travails, injecting just the right amount of sarcasm and skepticism into his voice. Jason Bateman leads a stellar cast as the family’s only sane member. I pray that Fox gives this outstanding, hilarious show the chance to shine on on another network. And did I mention Liza Minelli as the vertigo-afflicted Lucille 2?
These are but a few of the shows I’m currently addicted to/immersed in. And I haven’t yet touched on My Name is Earl, Without a Trace, Supernatural, and Veronica Mars. But don’t worry. I will.
