08:30 The Big Bang Theory
09:00 90210
The Big Bang Theory. Episode 13. "The Bat Jar Conjecture" In much the same way that Rules Of Engagement relies too much on the idea that Jeff is a boor to drive too many of it's stories, this show is relying too much on the idea that Sheldon annoys the other characters. It's fine once in a while, but every week? Seriously?
Sara Gilbert gets all the laughs in this one (about a quiz). Except at the end, where Simon Helberg does a great slo-mo strip. Too funny.
90210. Episode 1. "We're Not in Kansas Anymore" Is it any good? Yes. Is it a worthy sequel? Yes. What's the best thing about it? Jessica Walter, without a doubt.
Those are the only important questions, really, when it comes to the new 90210. I sat down to this hoping that I would like it. And I did. Jeff Judah has been quoted as saying: "We're leaning more towards the old model of people who are friends but have different ways of looking at things." This is what I liked about the original show, and this is the vibe I got from this one-hour pilot. Yes, there was some character conflict but you can't get away from the fact that these are all likable people and they are - consequently - easy to hang out with. Easy to like.
Shenae Grimes and Tristan Wilds make likable leads. Grimes, in particular, was compelling as we watched her character's journey into her new life in Beverly Hills. Dustin Milligan and AnnaLynne McCord were probably the best cast members in the young cast. McCord was a lot of fun to watch as the "bad girl" of the piece and Milligan almost stole the pilot from Jessica Walter as the weight-of-the-world-on-my-shoulders bad boy (cheating on his girlfriend, and stealing the heart of our central character as well). Milligan made the character likable, and made me want to watch him again to see where it all goes.
So, I'm happy with the main four character. I have mixed feelings about their sidekicks. They didn't get a lot to do, so they - mostly - failed to impress. Jessica Stroup was the one I most wanted to see (because I liked her on Reaper) but her character was awful. And her story arc was awful, too. Roll your eyes only-on-TV crap. The only misfire in this rather good pilot.
The adult cast (and indeed the show) was dominated by a funny performance from Jessica Walter. But, across the board, this is a fantastic cast. Jennie Garth didn't get enough to do, and this needs to be addressed in future episodes. Majorly. Kelly needs to have a main storyline in this. Apart from her (and Walter) I was most impressed with Ryan Eggold who says and does everything with an agreeable smirk.
This was a really good pilot. I'm outside the target demo, but I don't care. If they can tell good stories and make me like the characters I'll watch every episode. I watched this with another guy in my age-bracket who wouldn't normally be interested in shows like this but he loved it too. We both laughed every time Jessica Walter did anything and we were both impressed with the way it all ended: Naomi finding out that her boyfriend had cheated but not making a scene, instead she sucked it up and pretended to enjoy her party. While all the regular character watched and felt bad for her. That, to me, is much more interesting that over-the-top histrionics and "tv behaviour". Fact is, when the pilot was over I liked Naomi a lot, for all her faults.
I liked the show, too.
Highlight? 90210 (nice show, nice people)
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Mon, Sep 8, 08 - Big Bang Theory, 90210
