TV 2001 – The Hits and Misses
Being the television condenser that I am I figured I’d give my picks for the new shows that will make it on TV and the ones that won’t.
Drama Hits
Dramas on TV are hard to keep audiences. They have to be prepared with interesting stories that continue week to week to keep their audiences tuning in. That is not an easy task to do.
HITS:
The Education of Max Bickford - CBS
Richard Dreyfuss, known for his several movie roles, heads the cast in this new series. He brings with him another popular actress, Marcia Gay Harden (from “Space Cowboys”).
My reason’s for it’s success:
It has a good theme; College teacher is widowed with 2 children, one is a trouble-making college student and the other a very bright 9 year old. He is in charge of his department at the college and was passed over from the position he wanted; it was given to a former student of his (Marcia Gay Harden). Oh yeah, he also just found out that his best friend recently had a sex change. It also has no real competition in it’s Sunday time slot.
Philly - ABC
NYPD Blue lost a few stars at the end of last season. Most importantly was Kim Delaney. She had a plan though. ABC’s new show starring Kim as a lawyer in Philadelphia, PA.
My Reason’s for it’s success:
Kim Delaney is sensational. The story is over the edge entertainment. She also brings along Thomas Everett Scott who is also a huge asset. Kim’s character is a recently divorced mother, defending the unworthy and fighting with her ex. It has also taken over NYPD Blue’s time slot on Tuesdays.
Alias - ABC
This is by far my favorite new drama. Jennifer Garner leads this cast as a double agent for the CIA.
My reason’s for it’s success:
It sounds cliché, I know, but it is so action-packed and exciting. It is also starring Michael Vartan. For anyone who has read my Up and Coming Stars article, you’ll know I picked him to become a stand out actor! Seems someone else thought so too!
DRAMA MISSES
Crossing Jordan - NBC
Jill Hennessey made the switch from being a lawyer on Law and Order to being a medical examiner on this new series.
My Reason’s for it’s failure:
Jill Hennessey is boring. Her voice is annoying and the scripts are nothing special. That’s that!
Pasadena - FOX
With an all-star cast, it should be a gold-mine!
My Reason’s for it’s failure:
A night time soap opera that seems too much like the cancelled show Titans. Also Friday night dramas do not seem to do particularly well.
Thieves - ABC
John Stamos leads this cast, one thief to another.
My Reason’s for it’s failure:
It doesn’t seem to me to there is any real chemistry with the lead actor and actress. Sliding down tall buildings at a single bound . . . Oh Give Me a Break!
Well, these are my choices for hit and miss dramas this fall TV season. What do you think?
Enjoy!
Watch for my next Hit/Miss article on TV Comedies!
©2001 KAC