More new show reviews: Veronica Mars, Desperate Housewives, Kevin Hill, The Mountain and Lost

October 6, 2004

I’m making a fearless prediction here: 2005 may be the best year in television we’ve had in years.

Based on the fall shows that have already debuted, it suddenly feels like the glory days of the '90s again. That was the decade that gave us Buffy, Felicity, Dawson, Seinfeld and Friends. Despite the fact that creative genius Joss Whedon won’t have a show on the air in 2005– I know, it hurts me, too – we may be OK. Here’s the proof.

Veronica Mars – Three stars. This show is getting plenty of critical acclaim, and rightly so. Veronica Mars – (how cool is that name?) – is a high school student by day and detective by night. She’s tough, quick-witted, and could teach courses in sarcasm. Of course, she has plenty of reasons to be sarcastic; She’s suddenly an outcast at school, where she once was popular. Her father was fired as the town sheriff. Her boyfriend dumped her. She was raped, and oh yeah, her best friend was murdered. (And you thought you had a tough time in high school.) Even with all those heavy storylines, Veronica Mars is funny. The writing is sharp and so is the sincere, humorous delivery, thanks to lead actress Kristen Bell. In Bell’s capable hands, Veronica has the intelligence, charm, and sparkle of those other take-no-prisoners teens Buffy Summers and Chloe Sullivan, but she has an originality all her own. Veronica is on the case to solve her best friend’s murder. Do yourself a favor and join her. Please? This is the kind of quality television we can’t afford to lose. Catch it Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on UPN.

Desperate Housewives – Two stars. Other critics have touted it as the season’s best new show. I don’t share that opinion. It wasn’t as good as I’d hoped or heard. It’s a mix of a black comedy, mystery, and drama with some soap opera elements. It’s odd I didn’t love this show. The story premise is interesting, and the cast is excellent, especially Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross, who seem made for their roles. But it’s a little creepy in the suburban cul-de-sac of desperate housewives. I liked it. I didn’t love it. Catch it Sundays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Kevin Hill – Three stars. Taye Diggs shines as a charming attorney who inherits his cousin’s baby. The cousin was electrocuted trying to splice and steal cable. (The TV gal in me loves that.) While the gimmicky drama of inheriting a child isn’t new – (We saw it already this season on Summerland.) – Diggs brings a fresh perspective. It’s fun watching him go through the challenges of Mr. Mom, while juggling his social life and promising career. If that’s not enough to entice you, maybe this will: Diggs has quite possibly the best smile on television. Catch it Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on UPN.

The Mountain - Two stars. Poor David, he inherited a ski resort at beautiful Boundary Mountain. Sure, the place is packing a wad of debt and a rival resort is closing in, but how is this a bad thing? Oh yeah. He can’t be bothered by the day-to-day business of running the playground for the rich because he wants to race his motorbike. Oliver Hudson is good. But something just didn’t click in this drama. The best part is the breathtaking scenery and the cool action shots of airborne skiers and motor cross racers. Now, if only the plot was as daring. Catch it Thursdays at 8 p.m. on The WB.

Lost – Four stars. Seriously, why can’t all TV be this good? For those of you who continue to ignore my advice and avoid this winner, there will be consequences. I’ll be talking to Santa about you and your obvious lack of sense. No, ABC isn’t paying me to peddle this show. (I wish.) It’s just so fantastic that I want you to experience how innovative and exciting the TV medium can be when it tries. If you missed Lost, you can still catch up. Tonight is only the third episode. And before the show airs, ABC gives a lengthy recap of what previously happened so you won’t be – (I can’t resist) – lost. Catch it Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Originally published 10/6/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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More new show reviews: Lost, Clubhouse, Dr. Vegas

September 29, 2004

I’ve really been working for you this week. It’s true. First, there was the tropical island with Matthew Fox, then, the Las Vegas casino with Rob Lowe, and finally, the baseball game with Dean Cain.

It’s exhausting. All in the name of work, of course, I had to check out the new shows Lost, Dr. Vegas, and Clubhouse. From gripping, to well, not so much. Here’s a rundown.

Remember the shows are ranked using this highly scientific Tube Talk rating’s guide:
Four stars – Don’t leave home if this show is on and you don’t know how to set your VCR. It’s must see.
Three stars – It’s good, not great. Catch it if you can.
Two stars – If you’re home with nothing else to do, turn it on.
One star – It’s so bad, you’ll want to shut off the TV and write an angry letter to the network that aired it.

Lost - Four stars. If you watch only one new show this fall, make it this one. You won’t be disappointed. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen on TV. The premiere resembled a big-budget film, from the plane crash scenes to the action sequences. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire episode. If you missed part one of the debut, don’t despair. You can catch part two tonight. Here’s what you need to know. A plane crashed onto an allegedly deserted island in the South Pacific. Less than 50 people survived. Luckily, one of them is Fox’s character Jack, a physician. The man is good in a crisis. And he needs to be, considering the elements aren’t the only test for survival. A creature of some sort made a quick lunch of the pilot. And some of the passengers are not what they seem. Oh yeah, then there’s that dog that keeps eerily appearing. The characters made me feel what they were feeling: fear, dread, shock, courage, and despair. And it looks like there will be more flashbacks this week of the horrific plane crash. The show hasn’t helped assuage my fear of flying or big, scary monsters. But trust me, Lost is worth finding. Check it out Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Clubhouse - Three stars. How can you go wrong with Cain back in uniform as a pro baseball player who befriends one of the team’s batboys? The show is exactly what you’d think: sentimental. It is slow at times and lacks a lot of baseball action. But it has potential. The opening sequence tugged at the heartstrings, as the batboy landed his dream job and raced toward centerfield to the tune of Five for Fighting’s song 100 Years. One moral dilemma later and The Calling’s song Our Lives, and I admit I got a little choked up. I don’t think this show will score a homerun in the ratings, but I enjoyed Cain and the music. Catch it Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Dr. Vegas - Two stars. This show is trying to be Las Vegas. It fails miserably. Despite the great cast, cool music and camera shots that it imitated from the slick Las Vegas, Dr. Vegas falls flat. Lowe is always enjoyable, but even he couldn’t hold my interest. Can he please go back to the White House? The West Wing desperately needs him. My diagnosis for this one: only fans of Lowe will be tuning in on a weekly basis. Catch it Fridays at 10 p.m. on CBS.

Originally published 9/29/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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New fall shows to watch: Jack & Bobby, LAX, and Joey

September 15, 2004

I’m no Roger Ebert. However, when it comes to choosing fresh TV programs that entertain, I can hold my own.

As I dove into several shows that premiered this week, it occurred to me that I need a rating system to convey the best and worst to you, my loyal readers. So I’ve come up with a Tube Talk rating guide to steer you down the bumpy path known as fall TV season. That way, you’ll know a stinker such as Coupling before you invest 30 minutes of your life that you’ll never get back.

Thank me later.

Four stars: Do NOT miss this show. Use extreme measures if necessary, including hiding if visitors ring the doorbell, bribing a neighbor to record it for you if you haven’t mastered your VCR and screening phone calls. Or, just become completely irrational and don’t leave home when it’s on.

Three stars: It’s good, not great. Catch it if you can.

Two stars: If you’re home with nothing to do, turn it on.

One star: It’s so bad; you’ll want to shut off the TV and write an angry letter to the network that aired it.

I’ll use this rating guide the next few weeks, as new shows debut. So study it; there will be a pop quiz later.

Jack & Bobby - Four stars. Whatever you do, don’t miss this show. It’s that good. I’m talking hot Krispy-Kreme-doughnut good. I admit I almost didn’t tune in because the title implied a political story we all know too well. But this isn’t the Kennedy story. That became obvious in the first few minutes. This story of Jack and Bobby is told in compelling flashbacks with narration, flip-flopping between the future and present day. It’s The Wonder Years meets The West Wing. Newcomer Matt Long shines, as does Christine Lahti. This was the best new show I saw all week, on any network. If you missed its debut Sunday, don’t despair. I spoke with a WB representative Monday, and she told me The WB will air the first episode again Thursday at 9 p.m.

LAX - Three stars. It didn’t exactly restore my faith in airport security, but it did entertain. Heather Locklear never disappoints. At times, she was channeling Amanda Woodward. Blair Underwood was fantastic, too. The show received some unflattering early reviews, but I disagree. Locklear and Underwood have romantic chemistry. They have that love-hate Moonlighting bickering down to an art. And my favorite Australian, Paul Leyden, as Tony, had more screen time than I hoped. The airport-based show is a little bit comedy, a little bit drama, and a whole lot of suspense. Between the drunken pilots, escaped dog, backed-up runways, unclaimed child, and a bomb, LAX was flying high on adrenaline.

Joey - Three stars. Joey is doing fine. Die-hard Friends viewers will still enjoy his endearing personality and viewpoints. If subsequent shows are as good as the pilot, I think viewers will embrace Joey. There were several laugh-out-loud moments on Thursday’s premiere, involving his lack of Shakespeare comprehension, David Cassidy, and Joey’s audition for a new job, which proved that following the light isn’t as easy as one would think.

Father of the Pride - Two stars. I’m a sucker for an animated series, especially one with animals. The show was funny at times and the animation was excellent. My biggest complaint was that I had trouble understanding Siegfried and Roy with the strong accents. There were several funny moments too crass to recount involving the lions and tigers. Overall, the show didn’t leave me roaring with laughter, but it was cute. It has potential. The previews for upcoming episodes look even better than the premiere, but I don’t think this one will be king of the jungle when it comes to ratings.

Originally published 9/15/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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Fall previews: Lost, Desperate Housewives, Clubhouse, LAX, Father of the Pride, The Mountain, Joey and Kevin Hill

August 18, 2004

There are a lot of reasons to love fall. Crisp autumn air. Colorful foliage. Finding out if Chloe is really dead on Smallville.

The debut of the fall TV season is just around the corner, and I’m more excited than Ross Geller in a roomful of dinosaur bones. Fall is the time of year when TV junkies return to their couches, renewed with optimism that this may be the year that brings the next Seinfeld or The West Wing.

It’s also the time of year when cliffhanger questions are resolved. And thank goodness. Frankly, I’ve been worried about my boy Danny on Las Vegas and whether he’ll make it home from his military tour. And then there’s poor Seth on The O.C., who set sail for Tahiti from Orange County with little more than a dingy and a bottle of water. And how is Joey doing without his Friends? Sure, not all storylines are resolved at the onset of the season. I’m certain JAG lawyers Mac and Harm won’t confess their undying love, even though they’ve teased viewers for years. But with fall comes hope eternal.

After seeing some promos of the network’s new drama and comedy shows, I can say that this year’s lineup isn’t all bad. Aside from the typical crop of reality shows, the fall TV season may have some potential.

From early buzz, my TV expertise, and what clips I’ve seen, here are my picks for some shows to check out this fall. Take it for what you will. They may all be gone by midseason.

Clubhouse - Someone in the world of TV executives must have got my bribe. Dean Cain is back in primetime. And he’s once again in uniform. This time, Cain has traded in his Lois and Clark Superman tights for a baseball uniform. Clubhouse is a drama about a 16-year-old boy who lands his dream job of being a batboy for a professional baseball team. The show also stars Christopher Lloyd of Back to the Future fame. If Dean and Lloyd aren’t enough reason to watch, this may sway you: Aaron Spelling and Mel Gibson - yes that Mel Gibson - are two of the executive producers. Clubhouse will preview Sunday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. on CBS. It premieres Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Lost - Another reason to tune back into primetime this season, Matthew Fox returns to the small screen in this adventure drama. Fox has left behind his Party of Five for a party of plane-wrecked strangers stranded on an island. The plane crash scene alone is reason enough to check out this one. Science fiction lovers may want to tune in, too. I have a feeling those mysterious creatures in the woods aren’t just birds. J.J. Abrams, of Felicity and Alias fame, is the creator behind Lost. It premieres Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Desperate Housewives - From the promos, this soapy drama looks like Sex and the City in the suburbs. Except, the story is told from a dead woman’s point of view. Unusual, yes. And for that reason, I’m willing to try it. The cast looks interesting, too. Teri Hatcher, from Lois and Clark, has finally found something to do instead of those Radio Shack commercials. Marcia Cross of Melrose Place and Eva Longoria of The Young and the Restless also star. Desperate Housewives premieres Sunday, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. on ABC.

LAX - Monday night’s favorite vixen is back. Heather Locklear returns to Mondays in this drama set in an international airport. Also starring is Blair Underwood of L.A. Law. The show looks fast-paced from the promos, with romantic entanglements and drama in abundance. Some critics who’ve already viewed tapes of the series don’t love it, but if Locklear is involved how bad can it be? Plus, I predict adorable Australian Paul Leyden will be the breakout star, if he has a big enough role. Leyden is familiar to daytime viewers from for his role on As The World Turns. I met him a few years ago, and he already had a fan following. LAX premieres Monday, Sept. 13 at 10 p.m. on NBC.

Father of the Pride - I love shows that are unusual. And from the previews I’ve seen, boy this one is. From the creator of Shrek, this animated comedy follows a pride of lions who work as performers in the famous Las Vegas Siegfried and Roy show. John Goodman and Carl Reiner provide two of the celebrity voices. Although the show is animated, it’s not for children. Adults only. It premieres Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Kevin Hill - Not since Ally McBeal, has Taye Diggs played an attorney. In this drama, Diggs is a legal eagle who inherits a baby girl. Diggs is so talented that whatever he’s in shouldn’t be missed. Kevin Hill premieres Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. on UPN.

Joey – Joey is moving on without his Friends. How can longtime Friends viewers not watch to see what happens when he makes the move to California? Joey premieres Thursday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

The Mountain – Set in a mountain resort, this drama involves a family struggling to run a failing business. The scenery looks gorgeous. And so does the cast. Oliver Hudson, of Dawson’s Creek and brother of Kate Hudson, stars. The Mountain premieres Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. on The WB.

Originally published 8/18/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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Nip/Tuck is cutting edge

June 23, 2004

Plastic surgery isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. Lucky for me, Nip/Tuck makes watching it almost painless.

Almost. Even I had to look away a few times last summer during several episodes or risk being scarred for life.

Thankfully, Nip/Tuck returned this week for a second glorious season. So, I can finally stop pestering my friends to watch repeats of season one. Honestly, I haven’t been this excited since the Fonz met Pinky Tuscadero.

Nip/Tuck is the tale of two Miami plastic surgeons, Christian Troy and Sean McNamara. The two are business partners, facing their own internal demons, while helping others externalize their self-loathing by going under the knife.

Troy is deplorable, arrogant, a narcissistic cad. He’s also more fun than free cable. He tried to seduce his partner’s wife, traded his girlfriend to a rival surgeon for a car, and got involved with a murdering drug dealer in a shady business deal. Oh, and he named his yacht The Boatox. This deeply flawed bad boy has few redeeming qualities. One of which is that the talented Julian McMahon plays him brilliantly. (TV addicts may recognize him from Charmed, Profiler and Another World.)

The second half of the surgical team is Dylan Walsh, who plays the troubled Dr. McNamara. He’s supposedly the stable one, the father, and the devoted husband. But by the end of the first season, he had an affair, a mid-life crisis and learned you don’t do business with bad guys. If you do, you may just end up in an alligator-infested swamp with hams tied to your body.

Nip/Tuck is outrageous. How else can you describe a show crazy enough to tackle the subject of hair transplants on a balding show dog named Sir Winston? The world of kennel clubs is a dog eat dog world, the dog owner bemoaned to the stunned plastic surgeons. Stunned viewers watched in horror, as little Winston didn’t survive the surgery and went to that great kennel club in the sky.

Nip/Tuck isn't for the squeamish. There’s nudity, crude language and sex. And that’s usually within the first few minutes. At times, it’s uncomfortable to watch. But it’s never boring or predictable, a refreshing change in today’s stilted TV lineup.

When Troy and McNamara consult with a patient and utter their trademark phrase, “Tell me what you don’t like about yourself,” don't be shocked by what you’ll hear. Nothing is off limits.

With so many superficial programs cluttering the tube, how surprising that a show centered on plastic surgery isn’t. This cutting-edge drama is mesmerizing and intense, unlike anything you've seen before. It’s the most thrilling, shocking hour of television you’ll find this summer.

Of course, don't take my word for it. Get a second opinion. Check it out yourselves Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.

Originally published 6/23/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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North Shore - no day at the beach

June 16, 2004

I love the beach. The waves, the sunsets, it’s all good. Even the seagulls can’t ruin it for me. So, it’s with much sadness that I withhold my Tube Talk stamp of approval for FOX’s new show North Shore.

Not even the gorgeous Hawaiian beaches were enough to maintain my interest during the show’s debut Monday night. Believe me, I really wanted to like this new drama. It was one of the few new summer series I was actually anticipating.

TV Guide called it “Melrose Place with tan lines and room service.” I wish.

This was no Melrose Place. Oh sure, the cast is beautiful and there was the requisite make-out session in the pool. But the clever writing, the stinging one-liners, and the villain-we-love to-hate that defined Melrose, were noticeably absent on the North Shore.

How a show featuring the romantically linked staff of an exclusive Hawaiian resort could be boring is beyond me, but it is. Even the two main characters are flat and lack chemistry.

Former Baywatch beauty Brooke Burns plays Nicole Booth to Kristoffer Polaha’s Jason Matthews. The wealthy Booth and the working-guy Matthews used to be involved. When she takes a job at the resort where Matthews works, sparks were set to fly. Too bad, they didn’t.

The series just seemed too familiar. It’s a little bit Hotel, a lot of Las Vegas and a pinch of The O.C. But unlike those shows, its cast lacks the charm of a lead actor such as Vegas’ Josh Duhamel. And while it’s similar to Las Vegas, it doesn’t have the one ingredient that cements that show: The entire ensemble cast is interesting.

I’ve only seen one episode thus far, so perhaps North Shore will improve. But I was looking for some mindless summer fun, and The O.C. it ain’t. North Shore hasn’t found its direction.

If you want to give it a try, catch it Mondays at 8 p.m. But I predict the only waves this series will make are the ones captured on film in those beautiful beach scenes.

Originally published 6/16/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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Midseason replacements

March 17, 2004

For me, March Madness has nothing to do with basketball. It does, however, accurately describe the unmitigated anger I feel every spring toward TV executives.

This is the time of year when networks yank my favorite shows for several weeks and debut what they term “midseason replacements.” That’s usually code for programs they don’t think are good enough to make it during the regular season. Most of the time, they’re right. But every once in a while, you may find an oasis in the desert.

Last week, I tried out two midseason replacements. Here’s my assessment:

• The Help - How could I resist a show that features Tori Spelling, Antonio Sabato Jr., David Faustino, and Mindy Cohn, child star of The Facts of Life. I mean, “you take the good, you take the bad, you take ‘em both and there you have...” (Sorry. I’m a sucker for a good 80s-show theme song.) Anyway, The Help is about the hired help for a wealthy, obnoxious family. It tells the story of a maid, a nanny, a cook, a chauffeur, a personal trainer, and a dog walker, putting up with deplorable, spoiled rich kids and their parents.The idea is appealing and on the surface, funny. Unfortunately, the final product isn’t. The jokes are flat, forced and often crude, not to mention the annoying background laugh track. Believe me, that recording is the only laughter you’ll be hearing. Sabato Jr.’s character is a Joey Tribbiani-type, without the smart dialogue. Faustino plays a drunken, unshaven, grunting, male chauvinist. The characters are stereotypical and over the top, just like the plot. There’s not enough help in the world to save The Help. For those brave enough to see just how bad TV can be, catch it Fridays at 9:30 p.m. on The WB. But remember, I warned you.
  

• Wonderfalls - Think Ally McBeal meets Northern Exposure, and you’ll have an idea of just how wonderfully peculiar this show is. The story evolves around a young woman named Jaye Tyler. She’s an overeducated, cantankerous, condescending underachiever, who despite her philosophy degree from Brown, can’t even score the manager’s job at the Niagara Falls souvenir shop where she works. She lacks ambition and is an emotional mess. Yet, strangely enough, I like her. After choking on her lunch sandwich and tossing a coin into a fountain, suddenly, inanimate objects – a toy lion, a stuffed teddy bear, a monkey statue – start talking to her. They point her on do-gooder missions to help those around her. While she grapples with the possibility of insanity and seeks therapy, she hesitantly follows the instructions of the talking objects. We’ve seen the premise before. Both Joan of Arcadia and Early Edition have similar plots, minus the talking trinkets. But Jaye is testier, and funnier, than Joan and Gary Hobson.I wouldn’t say Wonderfalls is appointment TV, but if you’re home on a Friday night, check it out. Catch it Fridays on FOX at 9 p.m. To see the debut show, catch an encore viewing Thursday at 9 p.m.

Originally published 3/17/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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Shows you should be watching: Smallville, Scrubs, Las Vegas, The O.C.,The West Wing, One Tree Hill

February 25, 2004

As your local TV maven, I feel it’s my job to broaden your TV horizons.

You may be missing some of the finest shows the small screen has to offer. I’m talking about programs that aren’t always at the top of the ratings polls but have miraculously survived the network chopping blocks.

Here are my picks for the best shows you should be watching. Three are freshman dramas, with comic elements. The other three have been around longer. Check out these gems:

Las Vegas - The name says it all. This show is slick from start to finish. It has cool camera angles, a fun Elvis theme song and beautiful people who, surprisingly, can act. The show is centered on the inner-workings of the Montecito casino. You’ll be amazed at the surveillance gadgets used to watch gamblers. Plus, you’ll learn cool casino words like “pit boss” and “whale.” Former CIA agent Big Ed Deline, played by heavyweight actor James Caan, heads security. But the real stars of the show are the adorable Josh Duhamel and the city of Las Vegas. Don’t be surprised if you see some famous faces at the casino. Guest stars such as Alec Baldwin, Dennis Hopper and Brooks and Dunn have already made appearances. I’m betting this one makes it for several seasons. Catch it Mondays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

• The O.C. - It doesn't stand for outlandishly clever, but it should. Set in Orange County, the show centers on the ostentatiously wealthy Cohen family. Yes, we’ve seen the blueprint before: Rich, beautiful people in California befriending the brooding teen rebel from the wrong side of the tracks. But this isn’t 90210. It’s much smarter, with adult storylines just as gripping as the teen scene. The characters poke fun at themselves and each other. Actors Peter Gallagher and Tate Donovan make up a strong ensemble cast and cement this new show as one of the year’s best. The breakout star is Adam Brody, playing the sardonic teen Seth. He’s a Tom Hanks in the making. His witty, dry one-liners are guaranteed to make you laugh at least a few times during the hour. Catch it Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX.

Scrubs - If laughter is the best medicine, this quirky comedy is just what the doctor ordered. The show follows medical residents J.D., Elliot and Turk through the daily trials at a surreal hospital. And nothing is off limits. From J.D.’s funny fantasies to Elliot’s clumsiness, it’s easy to identify with these misfits. The show may seem strange to you at first; there are no background laugh tracks. But don’t worry. You won’t need them. You’ll be laughing out loud so hard; you’ll hardly notice they’re missing. And while this one might make you think twice before checking into a hospital, it’ll sure tickle your funny bone. Catch it Tuesdays during the 9 p.m. hour on NBC.

Smallville - Maybe it’s the X-ray vision, the good-vs.-evil plots or just the lure of a boy from another planet, but Smallville is still one of the best hours of TV to be found. Based on the Superman story, this show focuses on Clark Kent’s years growing up in Smallville. He’s just learning to use his super powers and still hasn’t discovered some of them. The show gets points for beautiful landscapes and good writing. How could you not laugh when an Air Force recruiter told Clark, “I see you in a suit and flying?” Don’t be surprised if you love Lex Luthor in this version, too. Just as Clark is being shaped for who he will become, so is Lex. Catch it Wednesdays at 8 p.m on The WB.

One Tree Hill - Think Dawson’s Creek without the creek. This one is soapy at times, but the adults keep it from being just another teen drama. And surprisingly enough, you might find yourself reliving some of your high school days through the eyes of these self-aware teens. Catch it Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on the WB.

West Wing - It may have jumped the shark when series creator Aaron Sorkin stepped down, but it’s still better than most of the shows on the tube. Stellar ensemble acting and interesting characters are the backbone of this one. I’m still watching to see what happens to President Bartlet and the gang, with the hope that Josh will eventually realize Donna is more than just an assistant. Catch it Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Originally published 2/25/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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