Batter Up: Returning Television Shows - Spring 2008 Part I
by Tim Wassberg
The returning
shows of early 2008, by comparison, are based within their mythology or
lack within of where they are going. But as long as one looks at the
impetus of characters, especially in these three series, the movement
creates the tension.
Jericho The apocalyptic thriller that was saved from the ashes has a great conceptional perception but its focus this season is more akin in politics than the fight. Granted it seems to be moving in the first four episodes towards a heightened military confrontation but so far we have only seen the Cheyenne government to show its wares to say nothing about Columbus or Texas. The continuing survival of the show depends on what is to be believed. This is an arc show and these multi-tiered episodes require specific and attentive viewing. Keeping the budget down was a way to maintain it. The only problem is that it seems that it needs more time to get its footing and it may not have that. Nice to see Lance Guest from “The Last Starfighter” as a press person though.
Dirt This paradoxical parlay on the paps ended last season with a certain celeb turned murderer getting her own comeuppance. The key on the new season is dealing with the blip and putting it back on track. The resolute beginning brings more questions but the edge is not there in terms of placement. Cox's character is under the proverbial gun both in real life and on her job. The series continually pulls from the headlines including the mixture of Hannah Montana, Britney Spears and others without integrating the names. It is current and that is exceptional but the politics need to be upped without resorting to melodrama.
The Riches The essence of this show is that the con is always on. Now the fact that some of the people see these grifters as more honest than most is a progression of Orwell at his darkest. Eddie Izzard knows the balance he has to play. The family is on the run but the score is always bigger but lies are harder to cover up. Coming back into the fray creates a little more melodrama than previous episodes although Izzard's straight-up sardonic sense of humor works well although it lands him in hot trouble. The kids take a little more center stage as the episodes continue on providing a balance of economy for younger and older viewers of the show. Minnie Driver's knowing wife who can turn on a dime starts to show some tears but ,in the pundit's view, it all for the takedown.
The predilection of "Jericho"' is based on its outcome. In conceding its fate or consuming it, the intent is based within the ultimate resolution of the two governments and who will concede. “Dirt” works on the basis of knowing its characters and the mistakes they will make no matter what the popular opinion is. The predilection is that behvaior is cyclical and will repeat itself. For “The Riches” it is all about upping the stakes and the stress that goes along with it. Playing the odds and accepting the risks are all part of the game. And that resolution can sometimes be a hurter.
Jericho The apocalyptic thriller that was saved from the ashes has a great conceptional perception but its focus this season is more akin in politics than the fight. Granted it seems to be moving in the first four episodes towards a heightened military confrontation but so far we have only seen the Cheyenne government to show its wares to say nothing about Columbus or Texas. The continuing survival of the show depends on what is to be believed. This is an arc show and these multi-tiered episodes require specific and attentive viewing. Keeping the budget down was a way to maintain it. The only problem is that it seems that it needs more time to get its footing and it may not have that. Nice to see Lance Guest from “The Last Starfighter” as a press person though.
Dirt This paradoxical parlay on the paps ended last season with a certain celeb turned murderer getting her own comeuppance. The key on the new season is dealing with the blip and putting it back on track. The resolute beginning brings more questions but the edge is not there in terms of placement. Cox's character is under the proverbial gun both in real life and on her job. The series continually pulls from the headlines including the mixture of Hannah Montana, Britney Spears and others without integrating the names. It is current and that is exceptional but the politics need to be upped without resorting to melodrama.
The Riches The essence of this show is that the con is always on. Now the fact that some of the people see these grifters as more honest than most is a progression of Orwell at his darkest. Eddie Izzard knows the balance he has to play. The family is on the run but the score is always bigger but lies are harder to cover up. Coming back into the fray creates a little more melodrama than previous episodes although Izzard's straight-up sardonic sense of humor works well although it lands him in hot trouble. The kids take a little more center stage as the episodes continue on providing a balance of economy for younger and older viewers of the show. Minnie Driver's knowing wife who can turn on a dime starts to show some tears but ,in the pundit's view, it all for the takedown.
The predilection of "Jericho"' is based on its outcome. In conceding its fate or consuming it, the intent is based within the ultimate resolution of the two governments and who will concede. “Dirt” works on the basis of knowing its characters and the mistakes they will make no matter what the popular opinion is. The predilection is that behvaior is cyclical and will repeat itself. For “The Riches” it is all about upping the stakes and the stress that goes along with it. Playing the odds and accepting the risks are all part of the game. And that resolution can sometimes be a hurter.
For
more returning Spring 2008 shows, check out Part II.
