what's my demographic?
Here's the rambling (and very dashed-off) run-down of my interest in the 2002 Fall Television Season. Before I really get into things, I�ll mention that I plan to watch every episode of Gilmore Girls.
Monday, Sept 16
Dr. Phil (syndicated)- Well, this one's important for Chris Larry (I won't be watching unless I�m checking in to reaffirm my belief that Dr. Phil and Jeffrey Tambor are the same person).
7th Heaven (wb) - I don't think I�ll watch much, but I like knowing the show is still a ratings powerhouse for the WB. After seeing Beverley Mitchell on MTV�s Cribs I learned the wholesomeness of the show actually carries over into the lives of the cast members. That scared me and I quickly lost a lot of interest in 7th Heaven. Maybe I am interested in watching the rest of the season. Tonight's episode featured a chimpanzee!
Everwood (wb) - I'll give this one a shot, but I�m not expecting much...Treat Williams as a tv dad is just bizarre. But, hey, if Ken Tucker likes it...!
Tuesday, Sept 17
8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter (abc) - I�m a sucker for John Ritter. And if I actually end up taping this series premiere episode (because there�s no way I�ll watch during the actual broadcast) I�m 90% sure I�ll never watch another episode. But the curiosity factor is pretty high, especially since I�ll be watching so few new shows this fall.
That 70's Show (fox) - I like watching this when everything else I watch is in reruns. I never meant to get hooked, but if I�m able to watch, I will.
Grounded for Life (fox) - Chris Larry called this one pretty early on...I think it's worthwhile and I�m surprised more people aren�t talking about it. But who really talks about sitcoms these days?
Thursday, Sept 19
Do Over (wb) � Of the "thirtysomething guy goes back to relive high school tv shows," this is the first to actually air. From what I�ve read this is the one intended to be funny. Odds are pretty good I�ll be going out Thursday nights and not worrying about whether or not my vcr is actually working. Where�s Judd Apatow? I could go for some Undeclared or Freaks & Geeks right now.
Friday, Sept 20
Firefly (fox) - I�m giving it a shot because it's the new show from Joss Whedon, and I like the work he�s done in the past. Of course, I can�t remember the last time I committed to watching a show set in outer space! Other than the fans who want Farscape to remain on the air, is there anyone out there who watches sci-fi? Whedon better be at the top of his dialogue writing game for this show. The Fox advertisements haven�t given me much hope, though.
What I Like About You (wb) - Jennie Garth! Do I need to say anything more?
Tuesday, Sept 24
Buffy (upn) � By now an old standard that remains interesting. I look forward to following Xander and the gang as they reach their mid-20�s. Will someone please explain why Dawn is still around? Other than being �the key," what role does she play? I do hope it�s expanded this season.
Smallville (wb) � This show got much better at the end of last season. I thank my cousin, Steve, for convincing me to stick it out. The final episode of last season had a great cliffhanger and I look forward to the incremental story evolution.
Gilmore Girls (wb) - Everyone in the world is rooting for Jess and Rory to end up together and I�m no different. It�s time Rory gets a little less prissy and a lot more action. The doofus boyfriend was a nice touch but he gave her a car??!!??! As Vanilla Ice once said, "Lose the Zero and Get with the Hero!" I just wish I was inventive enough to come up with local �flavor� the town of Star�s Hollow will add this year - a troubadour? A grocery cart vendor? An angry woman who runs a music shop? What will Amy Sherman-Palladino think of next?
Friday, Sept 27
That Was Then (abc) - Of the "thirtysomething guy goes back to relive high school tv shows," this is the second to be foisted upon the viewing public. From what I�ve read this is the one intended to be serious and poignant. Odds are even better than pretty good I�ll be going out Friday nights and not worrying about whether or not my vcr is actually working. Again, where�s Judd Apatow? I could still go for some "Undeclared" or "Freaks & Geeks" right now.
Sunday, Sept 29
Alias (abc) - A great action show worth taping while you're watching The Sopranos. It�s one I always forget about. If any show demands a Tivo, this is the one. Word on the street is this series will have more accessible episodes this year. Whatever. It�s just fun to watch.
Wednesday, Oct 2
Dawson's Creek (wb) - It's a miracle this show is still on the air. I�m quite happy about that. I just wish I knew why the alt. weekly film reviewer was written out of the show! She was a great love interest for Dawson. Joshua Jackson has charisma. And my friends Eric & Amie insist Jen Lindley is the real key to the show. She�s in college and the depth of her character is
growing.
Sunday, Oct 6
Angel (wb) - I guess I�ll watch but I missed a lot of episodes last year.
Wednesday, Oct 9
Birds of Prey (wb) � It�s a dark superhero show. These never last. I say that knowing nothing about the show. I�ve seen a few ads and I hear it�s based on a comic book. I used to get my hopes up so high for these shows, and then The Flash was canceled.
Tuesday, Oct 29
24 (fox) - The show fell apart last season when it was actually picked up for the full season. Now that the producers are doing a second season, I hope they have their act together. I also hope Sean Weitner will be doing more recaps/reviews for Flak
magazine.
Sunday, Nov 3
Simpsons (fox) � It�s hard to stop a habit.
King of the Hill (fox)� Back on Sundays. I may tune in a bit more this fall than I did last. I hope for a few good episodes focusing on Bobby Hill.
Whew. Let me know if I missed anything that might be good.
Of course, I managed to watch the season premieres of The Sopranos and Curb Your Enthusiasm this past Sunday.
I really am excited for Fall TV. This is probably the most excited I�ve been in a decade. Something is wrong with me, I�m sure of it.