TV Reviews

Arrow: Series Premiere

Written by Becky Kifer Sunday, October 14, 2012, 1:47 PM

Although Arrow premiered to some of the best CW numbers in years, the not-actually-a-spinoff of Smallvillle series opener felt less like an exhilarating superhero origin story and more like a 43-minute travel infomercial.

Bored of living a superficial existence full of all play and no work? Tired of cheating on your superhot girlfriend with her superhot sister? Looking to get away from the rigors of higher education, all on your father’s dime?  For a limited time only, you—yes you!—can now traverse the rocky shores of The Island of Misfit Boytoys. This is the all-inclusive vacation destination you’ve been dreaming about: a land teaming with enough convenient plot devices to fill a television tropes website.

Read more: Arrow: Series Premiere

Supernatural: Season 8 Premiere

Written by Pam Glazier Monday, October 08, 2012, 6:35 AM

You know what always got me? Jared Padalecki gets first billing in the Supernatural title sequence credits. That’s not to say that he or his abs aren’t wonderful, but I’ve always had more of a weakness for Jensen Ackles and his gruff, cheeseburger-loving character Dean. Padalecki’s Sam may represent the sort of hyper-nerd that I would generally be attracted to, but the outdated chauvinism of Ackles’ Dean…it’s just dreamy. I suppose I’ve always had a weakness for the older ones.

Read more: Supernatural: Season 8 Premiere

30 Rock: Season 7 Premiere

Written by Matt Meier Sunday, October 07, 2012, 12:57 PM

As NBC’s stalwart comedy 30 Rock enters the final season of its award-winning seven year run, I imagine the writers’ room carries a similar atmosphere to that of a group of second semester high school seniors. On one hand, none of us rejoice the moment when a good thing must come to an end. On the other, f--- it—now’s the time to embrace the bittersweet liberation of our imminent end.  Slap a Bush/Cheney 2000 bumper sticker on your Lorax–look-a-like environmental science professor’s brand new Prius. Submit a graphically homoerotic short story to the Mormon who teaches creative writing. Wear a Speedo to gym class.

Read more: 30 Rock: Season 7 Premiere

Homeland: Season 2 Premiere

Written by Carl Stoffers Wednesday, October 03, 2012, 10:10 AM

As the second season of Homeland began, there were several unanswered questions lingering from the incredible first season. How would the writers work Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) into the story now that she’s been dismissed from the CIA? Would Sergeant Brody’s (Damian Lewis) political aspirations become reality? How would that affect his apparent loyalties to the terrorist mastermind Abu Nazir?

Read more: Homeland: Season 2 Premiere

Dexter: Season 7 Premiere

Written by Meredith Alloway Tuesday, October 02, 2012, 3:27 PM

I think it’s safe to say that this series premiere was one of the most highly anticipated of the fall season. Dexter has beaten the six-season slump. Most drama shows that focus on plot and shock value can’t keep up momentum. They continue chucking out seasons as viewer numbers fall. But Dexter has proven to be an exception.

Read more: Dexter: Season 7 Premiere