“The Nine”
ABC, channel 9 – Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
The problem with this new show is identity crisis. It’s not an intense thriller-type show. It’s not a relationship drama or a mystery show. It’s a cross between all of those subgenres, and that makes for one bad show. “The Nine” series premiere was a bank robbery in which nine strangers became hostages. The conflict is resolved not even 30 minutes into the first episode, so now what? It’s over – it can’t really go anywhere. Characters in “The Nine,” the gruff cop, the emotional girlfriend, or the distraught girl, all hit the wrong note. The show is all over the place and in the end isn’t worth your time.
“Jericho”
CBS, channel 8 – Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
This ‘what if’ story is interesting in theory. The premise of the show is that the U.S. has been hit by a wave of nuclear bombs. The story centers on the fictional city of Jericho, a small, Midwest town, and how citizens cope with the possibility of a foreign attack. What the show lacks in plausibility it makes up for in intrigue. While this show won’t be winning any Emmys, it does keep some viewers tuning in every week to unearth another layer of this mystery. Viewers need to suspend some common sense while watching end-of-the-world type shows, but “Jericho” may ask for a little too much imagination.
“Ugly Betty”
ABC, channel 9 – Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Most critics love this show – I don’t. It is an annoying reincarnation of “The Devil Wears Prada.” Another fish-out-of-water story about a fashionless, yet likable girl who gets an unlikely career assisting the editor of a fashion magazine – how original. Everything about the show bothers me, from Betty’s metrosexual little brother, to her overly slimy boss, to some weird, mysterious plan to destroy Betty. If this review isn’t making any sense it’s because this show doesn’t. Don’t go near it, even with a ten-foot poll.
“Friday Night Lights”
NBC, channel 3 – Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
If you’ve seen the movie or read the book – both with the same title – then this new TV drama shouldn’t shake the foundation too much. While the original story is compelling, it simply doesn’t hold up for another rehash of the same material. It’s cheesy and – due to broadcast standards – isn’t real. A football coach saying ‘darn’ somehow doesn’t capture the true emotion of the moment. “Friday Night Lights” is like a movie you’ve seen too many times: We get the picture, okay? Stop with these remakes.
“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”
NBC, channel 3 – Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
“Friends” star Matthew Perry leads in this new NBC drama. The show is based on a late-night variety show, “Studio 60.” Each episode takes viewers through the world of network television politics and the stress behind a TV production. While one might think “Studio 60” would get boring and repetitive after a few episodes, it captivates and entertains. The show has the right balance of humor and drama. It has genuinely good writing and acting, making it one of the best new shows this fall.