regarding recording television

Upcoming Recordings 09/20 - 09/24

Let’s wrap this up quickly. Nothing too exciting or out of the norm coming up this week – just a few series premieres. Here are a few shows I’m excited about recording:

MONDAY (9/20)

SPACED (Trio, 10pm) – I mentioned this a few days ago. It’s a British comedy that the only British guy I know loves. He says he’s seen it a million times. If this show isn’t any good, I’m never going out drinking with him again. Two episodes air each night this week on Trio.

TUESDAY (9/21)

GILMORE GIRLS (WB, 8pm) – If you’re a fan of this show you don’t need to be reminded how good it can be. Sujan and I had a brief conversation Saturday night about how Rory better be a much more interesting character this year. If that doesn’t happen, I’m going to be yelling and screaming for cancellation.

WEDNESDAY (9/22)

SMALLVILLE (WB, 8pm) – Three years ago I raved that SMALLVILLE was the best show you’re not watching. I saw a brief teaser for this season and it looks like Clark Kent is about to start flying. So much for that “no tights, no flights” mantra I heard over and over again when this show was introduced.

LOST (ABC, 8pm) – LOST is the new show from J.J. Abrams, creator of ALIAS. What kind of programming decision is ABC making here? It seems to me that LOST is the kind of show that’s going to compete with SMALLVILLE for audience share. I’m expecting good, episodic storytelling mixed with a bit of the bizarre and slightly supernatural. I don’t have a program grid in front of me, but from the commercials I’ve seen, LOST does not look like an 8pm show. I can’t wait to watch and judge for myself, though.

VERONICA MARS (UPN, 9pm) – I read a brief headline earlier today saying that VERONICA MARS is good TV. I’m counting on it. I need a new show that’s interesting and smartly written. I didn’t actually read the review, though. I attempted to find it again but was unsuccessful. I’m a completely unreliable guide for the coming week of television. And I’m not ready to spoil things for myself. It’s about a kid who’s a detective, I think. Sort of an Encyclopedia Brown for the America’s Next Top Model set?

FRIDAY (9/24) – but I really should say THURSDAY at midnight

SOUNDSTAGE (WNET 13, 12am) – Tonight’s episode of SOUNDSTAGE (the well done PBS music program) features a performance by Russell Crowe’s band, 40 Odd Foot of Grunts. How in the world can you not record this? I have no interest in seeing Billy Bob Thornton’s Band, or Dogstar or any other celebrity band, but a band called 40 Odd Foot of Grunts is something that deserves ten minutes of my time. And Kris Kristofferson is also featured on this episode!