Cancellations/Renewals

It's that time of year again, when television networks begin to pick and choose as to which shows are drawing a large enough audience to keep and which ones are about to get axed.

I follow a great number of television programs, probably too many, but with the conclusion of this season many of the programs that I watch will be going the way of the dodo.

Already, ER and Scrubs are ending their runs at the conclusion of the season. ER has been on for a staggering 15 seasons - and although there has been rumors that another network may pick it up for a 16th season, I think it's pretty safe to say that this will be its last. Scrubs was rescued from a dismal farewell on NBC last year to give its parting shot on ABC for its eighth and final season. Another show that had rumors of being renewed if it developed more of a following on ABC - but I am guessing that with the departures of Zach Braff, Bill Lawrence and Judy Reyes that the show will end after the season. And Lost only has one more season remaining after this one.

A new show that I had gotten into was Life on Mars starring Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel and Michael Imperioli. It was an interesting show that was fixed in the year 1973, but ABC canceled the show this week. Luckily, we may be given a proper send off as the shows producers were given enough of a heads up.

The new Dollhouse and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles have been bordering on horrible ratings - and due to the cost of production could also hit the scrap heap.

It's not all bad news, however, as Survivor, The Big Bang Theory and Heroes have all been renewed - Survivor and The Big Bang Theory for two new seasons.

As of now that is all that I have found to be announced from the shows that I watch. I am excited for yet another Survivor and I am happy they are giving Heroes another chance - it seems to be picking up again in its third season, hopefully season four will be even better. I am very happy to see The Big Bang Theory return as it is one of only a few comedy shows that regularly have me laughing - and I am already losing one in Scrubs.

Quick Rant: Heroes

I know when seeing the headline you may think that I am mad at the television series Heroes when in fact I couldn't be happier.

This rant is tossed out to those who are constantly complaining about the television show - and actually I could open it up even more and say television shows in general.

I am an avid television watcher, I have stated that many times before. But I don't just watch the shows, I also take a look at recaps and read some of the comments that readers/watchers out there are constantly writing.

I write this blog more about Heroes, but like I said it can be for any other show as well.

I am a huge fan of the show Heroes and even I know that the show dipped a bit during it's sophomore season. Most shows that come out of the gates the way Heroes did usually do. That being said, however, the show was still watchable and I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

The series is now in its third season, and from the few episodes I have seen it appears to be way ahead of what was given to us in season two.

But, as I continue to peruse the comments and forums, Heroes is still getting slammed by some of these so called 'fans'. Is this show ever going to live up to its magical season one? I seriously doubt it. Why? Because it was original, it was new - and that newness has worn off.

But, the show is still a lot better than a lot of the other television shows that are being offered.

Why am I upset? Do I not think that people have the right to complain about a show they used to love? No, of course I believe they have the right. My issue is this: the constant threat to stop watching the show after not enjoying a particular episode. If you don't like the show, then you don't like the show - just leave and get it over with. Some of us - and it still seems to be a lot - actually enjoy the show and want to read conspiracies/clear thoughts about the show - not your crying.

My belief on movies are a little bit different. I feel you do have the right to complain about a terrible movie. Why? Because a movie is a one time thing. If you see it, you wasted your time and money if you don't like it. And perhaps someone out there may not want to do the same, and actually wants to view your opinion.

I am usually not one of those people, however. I have found that I actually enjoy a lot of the movies that critics despise - so I am not a fan of hating on a movie even before I see it.

But, when it comes to television, the show is on every week - so those who enjoy it are still coming back. If you didn't enjoy a movie, would you watch it over and over again? Then why continue to watch the show - just leave and let us that do enjoy it continue to in all of its aspects - including comments and forums.

Heroes

I was able to watch the season premiere of Heroes last night, and I was very impressed.

According to many, the show hit a lull last season - and I admit it was definitely not to the ability of season one, but the show was not terrible. It was also affected by the writer's strike and the season was cut short and finished during December.

Well, creator Tim Kring has had a long time to fine-tune his masterpiece, and I think it appears he is heading in the right direction.

Season 3 was entitled Villains which brings our favorite Heroes villain, Sylar to the forefront. It also allows for other villains to be introduced - which a few were in Monday's two-hour premiere. But, this also gives the creators a chance to convert some of our favorite heroes into villains - or perhaps conflicted as to which side they are on.

Monday's episodes were much more fast paced than last season, and it looks to be remaining that way according to Kring. There was a lot going on, but that is to be expected with so many different story lines flowing - all of which will undoubtedly be woven together at the conclusion.

In the episode, many of the original cast members returned: Hiro, Ando, Peter, Nathan, Matt, Mohinder, Claire, Noah, Sylar and Mrs. Petrelli. Last season's newcomers Elle and Maya also returned (and even a small glimpse of Adam Monroe). Missing, however, were Molly (although she was mentioned), Micah, The Haitian and Monica - although they might return in later episodes. Niki is also apparently gone, but has returned in the form of Tracy Strauss.

We were introduced to a few new characters in Monday's episodes, almost all of them being villains. There appears to be at least four on the loose after breaking out of The Companies holding cells. I didn't get all of the names, but from what I could tell one was a flame thrower (much like Pyro from X-Men), one was a Magnetic type villain, another named Jesse and finally one named Knox (but I am unsure of their powers as of now). Each one's was shown, but it escapes me - I remember Jesse being the worst of the bunch however.

Finally, another was introduced on Monday named Daphne Millbrook (above with Hiro), who is apparently the 'Catwoman to Hiro's Batman'. She has supersonic speed, which when stopped by Hiro she actually is walking at normal speed. Her character seems really intriguing and I felt the actress did a nice job - I was very interested. It's still up in the air if she is a villain or not, she appeared to be working for someone else, though.

All-in-all I was very happy with the first, I guess it was two, episodes of Heroes. I have been missing it all of these months since its hiatus. There are so many ways for the show to go this season, but so far things look very promising.

It Returns!

Fall Television

Each year when the Fall television schedule is finally announced I quickly go through the list of my returning to favorites to make sure there isn't too much of a drastic change in either time or airing date.

This happened a few years ago when Grey's Anatomy which started out on Sunday, was moved to Thursday nights at the same exact time as CSI. So, I was a bit peeved, but luckily my DVR (one of two in the home) records two shows at once, and I was out of my predicament.

So, with the release of the Fall television schedule, I make a list of shows on each channel. Then I start to plug them in to what shows my wife and I watch as to record on the DVR. Hopefully, if all works out, each of our favorite shows can fit into the schedule without any complications - and it worked out again this season (so far).

After the schedule is made there are also holes. These holes are where a show is not being recorded. So, it's here where we look at the newcomers - the new shows of the season. Unfortunately, if there is a new show we are interested in, but it doesn't fit, it sometimes goes unwatched. We have our favorites for a reason.

Last season, despite the writer's strike, we managed to pick up a handful of new shows that we watch regularly now. The all-too underrated comedy called The Big Bang Theory and the new Terminator series.

Despite not having the CW Network anymore, my wife has also grown pretty attached to Gossip Girl and I to Reaper. Our only way to watch these, however, is through the website - and it is usually a few days after they originally air.

And, thanks to the writer's strike I guess, we are also watching Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth. Shows that we started watching because there wasn't anything else on, and we became attached to them.

This season, the main show that sticks out to me is Fringe. It comes from the mind of J.J. Abrams, who also gave us the awesome show, Lost. Fringe also stars The Mighty Ducks and Dawson's Creek alum Joshua Jackson. So, I will checking that out as well.

Dollhouse from the mind of Joss Whedon (Firefly) has also struck my attention, but does not get going until the Spring schedule.

So, a few other shows that were not definite watches on our part have squeaked through for what I call a screening. If we like it after the first few episodes it can stick around - if not, it gets the axe. Life on Mars which appears to be a cop show about a man in modern day, who somehow gets knocked back into the '70s. He has all the knowledge of a modern day cop, solving crimes in the '70s.

My wife has also chosen The Ex List and Kath & Kim. The Ex List is a show about a woman who after going to a fortune teller learns she has already met her husband - so she starts going back through the men in her life to try and find him. Kath & Kim looks to be a comedy that stars Molly Shannon and the lovely Selma Blair.

I am looking forward to the upcoming season, especially the return of Heroes which is one of my top two favorite shows - it hasn't been on since last fall. Unfortunately, Lost, Reaper and Scrubs have all been saved until the spring.