Category Archives: Television

March 8, 2007 · 10:42 pm

The Pros and Cons of Survivor: Fiji – “Love Many, Trust Few, Do Harm to None”

Pro
Dreamz and Cassandra

Despite the clash at the beginning of the episode with Dreamz struggling with the coffee press (“They don’t have those on the streets?” was waiting on the tongues of his other tribemates, who I’ll get to in a second), these two held their heads fairly high in the wake of a clear divide within their tribe. It was nice to see Cassandra come back later with two strong challenge performances, and Dreamz showed some actually strategy within his testimonials. These two are, at the very least, aware of their position without being high and mighty about it.

Con
Lisi and Stacey

Girls, what was that? The idea of returning from the challenge refusing to even speak with these people shows an absolutely lack of class as Alex rightly pointed out. While everyone else seemed to be fairly normal about things, even if they refused to listen to Alex’s view, these two were outwardly ridiculous to a degree I did not expect…well, of Stacey, anyways, Lisi has been on the Con List since last week’s disgusting performance.

Pro
Yau Man and Earl

It was a smart move on their part to try to give Yau Man time to look for the Idol; it appears to have been a tiny bit of a failure, as far as we know, but the fact of the matter is that these two are in a good position if they can hold the Idol and stay alive to head into the merge with a good set of numbers. It was some intelligent play that gives them a heads up in a tribe that is otherwise falling apart.

Con
Survivor Producers

Sorry, folks, but you’re in a rough place with me right now. While I think that the episode itself was fine, I’m hoping you stop dangling the amenities out in front of the teams. It’s clear based on next week that you’re reorganizing things to make up for the clear physical divide (See: The Reward Challenge), but if you’re going to be giving them anything and everything it’ll limit its effect in the future.

Con
Rocky

Seriously? How did you not get the 9? Pathetic. And you’re annoying.

Lost – “Enter 77”

7 Things I Learned About Lost from “Enter 77”

1. Locke + Computer = Bad

So, first he stops inputting the numbers and they lose the hatch, and now this time he blows up the Flame Station? I have to wonder how he managed not to blow up that box company he was working at in his flashbacks the second he touched their computers.

2. Cure to PTSD? Cats

The whole idea of cats being used to treat emotional wounds is really quite fascinating, and probably quite logical, but it seems a bit off for some reason. The flashback on the whole was fairly topical, if perhaps a little bit isolated and redundant based on past stories, but it certainly gave showcase to some lovable felines.

3. Absense…actually finds fondness quite the same

It’s been a while since we’ve spent decent time with Sayid and Locke this season, so it was good to finally return to these two characters. Their characters remain as interesting as ever, although I worry about redundancy of back stories (Locke’s should be coming up soon, though).

4. Hurley likes Sports

It always seems to be Hurley who suggests taking some randomly found objects and turning them into a game to liven up everyone’s spirits, including the episodes. This week’s ping pong match was almost entirely off-screen (Makes you wonder what was cut), but it served the same purpose as his golf game and the like.

5. Roger and…that girl are still utterly useless

Come on, Lindelof and Cuse, I want to know why it was necessary to add these people to the cast, especially since Kiele Sanchez has signed onto ABC’s Footballer’s Wives pilot which at this point has too many stars not to get picked up. If you’re just going to kill her, we better have a damn good reason for her existence.

6. The Purge

I like this idea of the purge, this idea that the Dharma people tried to eliminate the hostiles. When did this happen? Who of our current characters were involved? What role did Rousseau play in it all? I actually quite like the confusion it adds to her character; if she’d never been in this part of the island, where exactly has she gone? Has she really avoided them all this time, it seems quite unlikely. Either way, it certain adds lots of questions for which better answers can be provided when Jack returns in the upcoming weeks.

7. CTV’s Previews Are…Not Too Bad

The preview for this week’s episode seemed to reveal a lot, but it all went down within the first few minutes. Similarly, the preview for next week showed mainly just two scenes, as opposed to real plot twists and turns within the story. I’d still rather not see them, but as I was too lazy to turn to channel I was pleasantly surprised to see something I don’t mind watching. Kudos.

Oh…and, since I forgot to clarify, the episode was really quite good, and I think it really got things back on track compared to a few weeks of awkward attempts to regain past footing. That’s that: If you want a full recap of the episode, continue on. Continue reading →

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Filed under Lost, Television

March 6, 2007 · 10:01 pm

American Idol – Recapping the Top 8 Guys

There’s only 8 guys left, which 6 go through to the finals? At this point there are only a few who stand out as egregiously horrifying, which is an improvement over the last few seasons. Also of note: Ryan promises a long-awaited announcement on Thursday’s show, which could be one of many things. If FOX was smart, they’d throw together an All-Star edition of the show for the Fall starting in August.

Anyways, onto the singers on this our last single-gendered week of competition.

Blake Lewis
Song: “All Mixed Up” – 311

This one took some google searching, and then some downloading, but this appears to be the song. It let’s Blake do some hip hoppin’, some beat boxin’, and no one can deny that it’s engaging. It’s not quite a song one can sing easily, or clearly, but it’s a performance more engaging than one could imagine. The judges seem pleased, although none of them knew the song.

Sanjaya Malakar
Song: “Waitin’ on the World to Change” – John Mayer

I don’t want to alarm you, but he honestly looks like a woman tonight. Between the hair (Which Simon calls a “Paula Hairstyle” so it isn’t just me) and the lipstick, and the John Mayer song, it’s not doing him any favours. As for the singing itself, his tone is as perfect as ever in the weaker parts of the song, but when he tries to bring in some energy…it’s terrible. It’s a screechy noise explosion that is honestly frightening, and the judges agree: not as bad as last week, but still most unfortunately bad.

Sundance Head
Song: “Jeremy” – Pearl Jam

While I spent quite some time trying to figure out what Pearl Jam song it was, I was a little shocked to realize that it was actually a song I knew (One of very few). The singing was admirable, if unmemorable, and the judges agree that his unique qualities came through. Simon feels it wasn’t quite charming enough, felt it was a bit too indulgent and bar-singer. Personally, I think it was unoffensive, and Sundance continues to rebound well from his disastrous first week. Continue reading →

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Filed under American Idol, Television

March 6, 2007 · 1:11 pm

The Superpower Bauer Hour Showdown: Week Seven

Well, here we are in what might well be our final episode of the Superpower Bauer Hour Showdown until late April. While I plan on continuing to analyze 24 as it continues for the next month, it will be kind of hard to compare it to an on hiatus Hereoes, no? I’ll figure things out as we go along as to how we’ll weather this break in new episodes. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we still have a final showdown which will determine the show that grabs the lead as they head down the home stretch.

Round One: Overall Quality
The big problem with 24 right now is that it seems to be back inside its cozy little bubble of international diplomacy and government organizations. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m as glad as anyone that we didn’t get any extraneous “Morris the Alcoholic” moments; however, it seems as if we’ve forgotten the civilian perspective on things. I almost miss Sandra Palmer, if only because we at least got to see how this affected someone not officially part of a government body.

This episode had some diplomatic tensions between Russia and the U.S., as well as some Jack Bauer moments in the consulate, but it just felt somehow small scale considering its subject matter. Lennox’s moral stand against the VP is admirable, and the framing of Al-Assad is a natural plot development, but yet everything at the White House seems stale (Here’s hoping that Karen’s return picks things up a little).

This episode certainly sent us into some better territory, however, by involving Subarov and the fact that it appears to open the door for the arrival of some other familiar faces next week. With things being so claustrophobic as of late, we need an expansion of the environment ASAP.

You all know how much I loved last week’s episode of Heroes, which is why it pains me to admit that it’s downgraded itself slightly once again. With the opposite problem of 24, Heroes needs to go into small-scale mode more often. This week’s episode contained the conclusion of advancement of pretty much every one of the show’s character arcs, and yet I felt as if nothing had been resolved. It ended on a huge cliffhanger, and yet I honestly felt no emotional connection to the proceedings.

Peter’s plight at the end of the episode was lifeless to me because Peter has been lifeless to me for weeks; he didn’t encounter Sylar for a reason, he just randomly walked into Mohinder’s apartment. He spent the episode invisible barely emerging from the woodwork to chat with his brother; this was not Peter’s episode. After last week belonged to Mr. Bennet, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to his character; and, to be honest, why should I care about Peter outside of the show’s desire for me to do so?

Peter has to earn that level of connection, in my view, and the writers haven’t given us a good reason to do so. Sure, he has his scar, and his future dealings with Hiro, but why couldn’t this have been a Peter episode? Honestly, if we had had more of his dealings with Claude, more time spent on his personal psyche, and a proper buildup, Peter’s confrontation with Sylar could have been a moment to remember. Instead, it was just a chunk of hair and droplets of blood on the ground.

The episode was fine, with none of the storylines standing out as particularly offensive, but nothing clicked for me. Malcolm McDowell’s arrival as the mysterious Linderman was well-handled, and the reveal of Grandma Petrelli was certainly interesting, but it just seemed like nothing got a chance to seem final, climactic. Say what you will about that island show, but it never tries to accomplish too much in a single episode; Heroes might attack the senses, but it sells the show’s characters short in the end.

Round Two: Ratings

Things aren’t too surprising on this front, the real drama will be how 24 performs in Heroes’ multiple-week absence.

From PIFeedback.com:

NBC’s dominance continued at 9 p.m., with bona fide hit Heroes at 14.90 million viewers and a 6.6/16 among adults 18-49.

24 (Fox)
Viewers: 13.01 million (#3), A18-49: 4.9/12 (#2)

Continued Heroes dominanace, although 24 continues to perform well.

Round Three: The Torturous Truth

So, considering that torture has become a bit of a sore point for 24’s producers in recent weeks, let’s take a look at each show’s depiction of torture. It’s Jack Bauer vs. Sylar in the ultimate battle of evil tactics.

Torturer: Jack Bauer (‘24’)

Torturee: Russian Consul

Weapon(s) of Choice: Gun, Fist, Cigar Cutter

Damage inflicted: Bloody/Broken Nose, severed finger above top knuckle.

It wasn’t one of Jack’s most memorable torture jobs, but he was a bit rushed for time; after all, he wasn’t exactly carrying around anything that could do real damage. The consul wasn’t the most ideal torture victim, as he was winces in pain more than someone with real conviction; the job was almost too easy, in a way.

However, that said, it was still an effective tactic, and he got the information out of him in a satisfactory manner despite the unfortunate blasting open of the door.

Torturer: Sylar (‘Heroes’)

Torturees: Mohinder and Peter

Weapon of Choice: Crazy Super Powers

Damage inflicted: Places captive on ceiling, multiple flesh wounds to first victim, large head wound/hair cut to second victim.

Sylar certainly inflicted more damage than Jack did, but he also has the distinct advantage of crazy powers. He was certainly effective, but let’s consider his subjects: Mohinder is pretty much inept at any task you place in front of him, and Peter was unprepared when he walked into the situation.

While he certainly got the better of the battle, his end purpose of eating Peter’s brain might be tough to accomplish with the healing and all, so his actual effectiveness is all dependent on what happens next.

So, who goes into the break with a 4-3 lead? Continue reading →

The Top 10 Episodes of February Sweeps 2007

It’s perhaps the most important non-premiere/finale month in the TV Calendar, the month where shows and networks are made and broken. Now, while I’m enough of a TV Geek to know when these periods are, Wikipedia has actually taught me a whole lot more on the subject. What is a Sweeps Period, you ask?

Link: Wikipedia – Nielsen Ratings System – Sweeps

“Much of the ratings system, however, still consists of the completion by viewers of ratings diaries, in which a viewer records his or her viewing habits, generally for a week, in exchange for being advanced a nominal fee. These diaries play an especially important role during the four sweeps periods conducted in February, May, July and November in an attempt to measure smaller local market audiences in markets that are not covered by People Meter samples already…”

“Television networks and other programmers make unusual efforts to attract additional viewers during these periods, including airing mostly first-run programming as opposed to repeats, airing more special broadcasts, and including special content in programming such as guest stars, controversial and unexpected plots or topics, extended episodes, finales, and increased competition in advertising.”

So, during these periods the Nielsen ratings system is gathering data on those areas that are not usually found within their polls of the nation. As a result, this is the time when advertisers are most interested in seeing what people in the entirety of the U.S. are watching, so networks have a vested financial interest: the more different populations watching, the more advertising dollars they may be able to charge in the upcoming season.

So, much like the article says, February is defined by event programming and new episodes of shows. There are guest stars, huge new plot arcs, explosions, premieres, and just about everything else you can imagine. And, it is now my job to go back through this month and television and find out which 10 episodes stood out above all others. It’s a tough task, but I believe I’m up to the challenge.

Honourable Mentions

There are the episodes that were considered for the list, but just didn’t make the cut. Still, they represent some quality television and should be commended. Also, since I limited the final list to one from each show, some of these could have ranked quite easily.

The Amazing Race – “Beauty is Sometimes Skin Deep”
Gilmore Girls – “I’m a Kayak, Hear Me Roar”
Grey’s Anatomy – “Wishin’ and Hopin’”
Heroes – “Unexpected”
Lost – “Flashes Before Your Eyes”
The Office – “Cocktails”
Ugly Betty – “I’m Coming Out”

The Top 10 Episodes

Of February Sweeps 2007

(Episodes must air between January 29^th and February 28^th)

10. Veronica Mars – “Papa’s Cabin”
Airdate: February 27^th, 2007

While not reaching the heights of its first season, the end of the 2^nd Season Three arc on “Veronica Mars” felt more satisfying than its first. Things came together in a logical way, the perpetrator (Tim Foyle) didn’t turn into a raving lunatic at the episode’s end, and there were some nice comedic moments along the way to keep things a little bit light. The show will never be as cohesive as it was in its first season, but this episode shows that they’re still capable of ending an arc in a satisfactory manner.

9. Gilmore Girls – “I’m a Kayak, Hear Me Roar”
Airdate: February 19^th, 2007

While certainly not the show’s best episode, and one that certainly won’t be remembered as a pivotal episode for the series, the fallout from Lorelai’s breakup with Christopher was incredibly well handled. Lorelai told Rory first, and then painstakingly told her mother while both were a little bit drunk. That level of mother-daughter bonding between Lorelai and Emily is rare for the series, and it was handled extremely well; when Lorelai woke up the next morning to find that her mother was now cold and angry about it all, it seemed even more natural. I’ve stopped thinking about the switch in producers for the show, and episodes like this are not changing that any time soon.

8. The O.C. – “The End’s Not Near, It’s Here”
Airdate: February 22^nd, 2007

Although my detailed thoughts about the episode can be found within Thursday Night TV Club, on a simple level it was a satisfactory finale to a show that, a year ago, I had written off. While it was certainly not the simplest finale, and it was plenty contrived, it did its job well enough to deserve a spot on this list. It was an hour of television that made you forget, for just a second, that you sat through two seasons of absolute shit to get to this point; I’d say that’s a successful finale. As it ended with a young Ryan look-alike sitting, clad in his grey hoodie, looking lost, it was fitting; Ryan has turned into Sandy, and the circle continues.

7. The Office – “Business School”
Airdate: February 15^th, 2007

While it may not be the show’s best episode of the season, and lacked the drama inherent within the next week’s “Cocktails,” I think that Joss Whedon defeated J.J. Abrams in the battle of the guest directors. From the hilarious “Jim the Vampire” storyline, to the handling of the bat by Dwight, to Michael’s candy bar lecture style, the episode delivered the comedy. However, it also dealt with the relationship between Ryan and Michael, an oft ignored one, and Pam’s art show provided some drama between her and Roy and a nice moment between her and Michael. It wasn’t a perfect episode, but it blended comedy and drama into a quality half hour of television.

6. Battlestar Galactica – “Dirty Hands”
Airdate: February 25^th, 2007

Stuck with three filler episodes during the February Sweeps period, Battlestar Galactica managed to make one of them work to great effect. Tyrol’s return to a position of labour boss, as the episode was advertised was predictable, but it was the context which provided a great deal of interest. The idea of Baltar smuggling a book out of his prison cell is another nod to historical events, and its effects on the core storyline were immediate; painting Adama and Roslin as the aristocracy ,and then having them be a little bit crazy, paints a picture that is a fascinating microcosm of true events and one that complicates the fleet’s dynamics. Battlestar may be at its most explosive when dealing with the Cylons, but it’s at its best when it delves into the political drama inherent in their situation.

5. House – “One Day, One Room”
Airdate: January 30^th, 2007

An episode so divisive that I felt like blogging about it specifically, it very much redeemed House in my eyes after it had struggled to keep my attention. While I think that the episode featuring Cuddy’s blind date may have been more entertaining, I think that this story of a rape victim that relates to House was far more interesting. The philosophical discussions were not life-changing, but they were necessary to balance out the fairly boring medical cases which had come before it.

House is at its best when it balances these elements, and this episode was something that I needed in order to continue to enjoy the show. While I can understand that some people may disagree with this, and considered the episode too preachy and abstract, I also think that neither of those are overly negative attributes. After the absolutely dreadful Tritter arc, which took the show in circles for a good six episodes, it was good to return to something on a larger scale that could actually change the titular character in some fashion. Divisive or not, the episode was the perfect example of what House needs to do to stay relevant.

Continue reading →

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Filed under Battlestar Galactica, Gilmore Girls, Heroes, Lost, Television, The O.C., The Office, Veronica Mars

March 2, 2007 · 1:34 pm

The Pros and Cons of Survivor: Fiji – “Let’s Just Call Jeff on the Jeff Phone”

With Thursday Night TV Club taking a bit of a break this week, and an episode of Survivor that was rather broad in its effects, I figure there’s no better chance to discuss some more Pros and Cons about Survivor: Fiji.

Pro

Survivor Producers

I would like to thank the Survivor producers for finally throwing a wrench into the whole camp issue, much later than I expected them to. While I think you waited a bit too long, the idea of using the camp comforts in exchange for immunity is a decision that should have been much tougher for them to make (which I’ll get to in a second). While it’s still clearly ripping off themselves, considering the Apprentice’s use of the same basic concept, it’s coming across better because of the more physical nature of the game. Honestly, on the Apprentice it’s just silly; here, it seems natural because it’s actually changing the way people play the game and truly affecting them both mentally and physically.

Con

Moto

Moto gets put on the Con side for making the decision to keep their comfort in exchange for their immunity win. While I get that their decision was made for their future success, they should have realized that at this point their solidarity is more than just numbers. Now, whereas this wasn’t the case before, the alliance lines are clearly drawn within the tribe. While they might have lost their luxury, they would have at least stayed 7 strong without the need to draw the battle lines. Whereas it was once a silent five alliance, it is now clearly out into the open. While they might still have their comfort, their unity is shattered; that’s not a trade they should have made, and they’re going to suffer because of it.

Continue reading →

It’s All About the Benjamins: Clip Shows and TV’s Financial Realities

[Editor’s Note: Tonight on ABC (April 12th), Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy aired Clip Shows. I figure this is a good time to focus on this piece, which explains why a Clip Show is a television reality, and why we’re waiting until next week to see new episodes of ABC’s hit Thursday Dramas. While written about an episode of Scrubs, this applies to all shows. – Myles]

Now, everyone, last night was certainly a slower night than usual when it comes to Thursday Night TV Club, which is really quite sensible considering that it’s now no longer the coveted February Sweeps period; as a result, I’m going to put it on a one week hiatus, maybe more if nothing’s on next week as well. And yet, I have a lot to say about last night’s television, specifically the episode of Scrubs: “My Night to Remember.” This was actually quite a literal title, because the show took 22 minutes to remember some of its “best” moments of the past 2 and a half seasons. I was very much disappointed to learn it was a clip show, but I think this is a good opportunity to discuss something fairly important. Because, I want to call a special meeting right now about the reality of the clip show and the financial reality of network television.

Link – Wikipedia: “Clip Show”

Shows go clip shows for only one reason, and it wasn’t the tongue-in-cheek reason found within the episode itself; rather than being a lack of creativity, it is purely for budget reasons that such episodes are constructed. It’s really quite pragmatic, as with the number of episodes these shows have in a season some will no doubt be more complicated and, therefore, more expensive than others. Continue reading →

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Filed under Battlestar Galactica, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Scrubs, Television, Ugly Betty

March 1, 2007 · 1:53 am

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? On Youtube, of course!

Thanks to some good friends over at GAF, I was sent back down memory lane late this evening when I stumbled upon a thread which made my nostalgia meter go through the roof. For, you see, it appears that full episodes of “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” have made their way onto YouTube. Considering that I just posted about The Weekenders being found on the service, my respect for YouTube is at an all time high right now. Also, as if the universe is out to prove me wrong, this show is actually quite good at balancing pure cheese and educational value. I think my life would have been more valuable if I had known Kiev was the capital of the Ukraine before the age of 10.

There was just something about the character of Carmen Sandiego that I found intriguing. I played the computer games, I rocked out to the theme song, and I watched intently as young children fought crime and saved the day before heading out onto a giant map of the United States (or another continent) with giant siren poles and usually failed miserably. I always thought I would do much better, but it’s not like I knew all of the US States well enough to be able to do it; I don’t know how I thought I’d know where Kansas was better than an American grade schooler. I didn’t even LIKE geography. But, alas, I was sucked in anyways.

So, without further ado, here is a low quality but nonetheless entertaining episode of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I never quite got hooked on geography because of it, but that theme song sure is catchy.

Part One: The girl in the middle isn’t too bright in the beginning, but she picks it up later.

Part Two: They CLEARLY said it was a Sea, guy on the right side. Come on! Also, it’s amazing that I remember the “How much you gonna risk” song better than most of the rest of the show.

Part Three: This part of the game is really my favourite, although it takes absolutely no skill and is all entirely luck based until they hit the map. I won’t ruin it for you, but how well did YOU know Africa when you were 10-12?

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February 28, 2007 · 11:37 pm

Lost – “Tricia Tanaka is Dead”

Hurley’s back stories have always been related to his curse, his involvement with the numbers, and the effect on his personal life. The problem, however, is that every episode feels somewhat the same because of this, and unless they bring a lot to the table in terms of the numbers they don’t seem important enough in the big scheme of things.

This week’s episode was structured much like the others, as his past experience gives Hurley some much-needed motivation on the island. This is quite similar to Hurley’s spreading of the food within the hatch at a point in the 2^nd season, and it just felt a bit too samey on the whole. I guess that there’s only so many inanimate objects they can randomly find on the island before I feel that things are a bit too contrived.

That being said, it was certainly entertaining, and it did a good job of balancing Hurley’s story with that of Sawyer and Kate. A lot was done in terms of character with Jin/Sun, Charlie/Desmond, and the two main plotlines. The ending of the episode even provided us with some good plot advancement, as well as a chance for Locke and Sayid to finally say something important for the first time since Eko was killed.

Speaking of the end of the episode, I’ve been saying this for weeks: Alex is absolutely Rousseau’s daughter, but I really don’t know how Ben fits into the whole situation. Was it just an adoption of convenience, or is there more to the story than we’re aware of? Rousseau was the one to find and capture Ben in the jungle, so he can’t be Alex’s real father…but yet something still tells me there’s more to see here. This would certainly throw Ben’s situation into the forefront, and it makes me want to see Ben’s back story that much more…which I guess is a victory for the show’s storytelling.

It’s not a bad episode, actually quite good in terms of character moments and writing. There was some funny moments with Sawyer and Jin, and it worked well. I guess that, after so many episodes with The Others, it was weird to get a “normal” episode of Lost. Part of me missed Ben and Juliet, and felt that we’d seen all of this before. This may put me into the minority, but don’t get me wrong: it was a good hour of television.

Check after the jump for a recap of the whole episode, in case you missed anything. Continue reading →

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February 28, 2007 · 1:33 pm

Smarter Kids TV for Smarter Kids: Disney’s ‘The Weekenders’

Now, while a majority of my blog posts tend to be grounded fairly in the present, I want the opportunity to today go out on a bit of a retrospective. You see, while I’m now “grown up,” I have a certain affinity for children’s television. During those after school hours of four to six every weekday, it was easy to find a TV show that wasn’t too deep, too dramatic, or too boring. Instead, it was about shows that were fun, light-hearted and helped expunge the feeling of learning right out of you.

In watching these shows, however, I realized that they weren’t just fun, but that they were also smart. This distinction, one that took me quite long to accomplish, opened my eyes to one of the harsh realities to anyone’s childhood. You see, in retrospect, I realized that a large majority of the cartoons that I enjoyed as a kid…I don’t remember them being this smart. I remember much more mindless television, television that I entertained me without stimulating my mind in any fashion.

This is not to say there isn’t a place for that kind of television, I would argue that it still exists today in some forms. Perhaps the most apt example would be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who will be seen in just a month on the big screen with TMNT. The show was so simple, so based on action and humour, that it never really did anything on multiple levels. Power Rangers was much the same (Although far inferior to the beloved Turtles) in that nothing it did feels like smart television in retrospect. When I look back and realize that these are the shows that are most remembered from my childhood, I’m not entirely sure I’m happy with that.

As a result, it is my belief that I have spent a great deal of my late teenage and adult years searching for shows that perhaps provide what I now believe I should have desired while watching Jason turn into the Green Ranger with his crazy Godzilla flute. And, in doing so, the funny thing is I’m remembering shows that I did kind of like that were, in fact, working on higher levels. Maybe it’s a defect of my memory, but while my younger years were no doubt lacking in such stimuli some of my later childhood memories actually involve shows that better fit into my formula.

And so begins “Smarter Kids’ TV Shows for Smarter Kids,” a series devoted to bringing to light some of these shows for a new generation of kids (as well as, since I’m doubting that my readership is made up of a lot of parents or small children, a trip down nostalgia lane for the rest of us). With the advent of DVD making these shows available, and even the introduction of YouTube providing a platform for some of these programs, now is the time to perhaps make up for some of the deficiencies in today’s Kids’ TV landscape (High School Musical, I’m looking in your sugary direction) and make sure that the defining TV shows (Because, like it or not, it will happen) in kids’ lives are smart, witty and still a whole lot of fun.

Smarter Kids TV Show for Smarter Kids #1:

Disney’s ‘The Weekenders’

In Bahia Bay, there is a Pizza place. This is no ordinary pizza place, as every so often it changes itself entirely. One moment is it Sherlock Pizza where you must follow clues to find your pepperoni and cheese hidden in a briefcase. The next week you might find that it has changed into Deep Dish 9, or Slice Capades. This constant revolving door of pizza places is normal, expected in the world of Disney’s The Weekenders, and is just one of its quirks that make it perhaps one of the best designed Kids’ TV shows I’ve ever seen. Continue reading →

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