TV Verdict

A couple of months into the new season, and I’ve come to two important conclusions:

1.  I’m not at all impressed with NCIS: Los Angeles.

2.  I miss Chuck.

Let’s start with the first one.  I like the original NCIS a lot, primarily because of the characters.  Unlike other procedurals, NCIS is character-driven, and NCIS:LA is sorely lacking in that department.  To begin with, willing suspension of disbelief is strained beyond all reason by the presence of Chris O’Donnell as a master of undercover work.  As long as he has to assume the identity of Chris O’Donnell, he’s fine.  Otherwise…

The other cast members are equally bland; not even the presence of Linda Hunt can perk up the proceedings.  There’s not of the energy or dynamics between the characters that makes Gibbs and Co. so appealing.The result is a somewhat generic show.

As for the second, that’s self-explanatory.  Chuck is simple, high-energy fun that borders on the epic, if for no other reason that the mere existence of Jeffster.  Making us wait for season 3 is just cruel, particularly since a side effect is that we also have to wait for season 2 on DVD.

Some quick hits:

The jury’s still out on V.  The pilot looked pretty good, I like Elizabeth Mitchell anyway.  The conceit that the Visitors have already infiltrated basically combines the original series with The Invaders; we’ll just have to see how it plays out.

The Good Wife has an interesting, albeit contrived premise, but Julianna Margulies does a good job, and the dynamic with her and Chris Noth is interesting.

I’m finding it harder and harder to care about Grey’s Anatomy.  The merger between Seattle Grace and Mercy West has brought in some new blood, but the Chief really needs to get his head out of his ass.  I’m hoping that Kim Raver will perk things up.