My 2013 Emmy Predictions

The American television industry's night of nights, the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will recognise the best primetime television that aired between June 2012 and May 2013, will air in America tomorrow. You can watch it here in Australia live from 10.00am Monday morning AEST, with an encore screening at 7.30pm. Below you'll find a list of the awards and nominees, as well as my thoughts on you I want to win, and who I think will win.

Outstanding Drama Series:

• Breaking Bad (AMC)
• Downton Abbey (PBS)
• Game of Thrones (HBO)
• Homeland (Showtime)
• House of Cards (Netflix)
• Mad Men (AMC)

Who I Want To Win: Other than House of Cards, and Mad Men (which I haven't seen), I wouldn't mind seeing any of these series win, although I would personally vote for Homeland.
Who I Think Will Win: Homeland won last year, but critics and fans alike have been vocal about the series' supposed decline in quality. Similarly, it's been stated that neither Downton Abbey or Mad Men have had their best seasons either. I think it comes down to Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, and out of these two, Breaking Bad will win.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:

• Breaking Bad (Episode: "Dead Freight"), Written by George Mastras (AMC)
• Breaking Bad (Episode: "Say My Name"), Written by Thomas Schnauz (AMC)
• Downton Abbey (Episode: "Episode Four"), Written by Julian Fellowes (PBS)
• Game of Thrones (Episode: "The Rains of Castamere"), Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss (HBO)
• Homeland (Episode: "Q&A"), Written by Henry Bromell (Showtime)

Who I Want To Win: It would be "Q&A" if not for that unfortunate Dana subplot, so I'm going with "Say My Name".
Who I Think Will Win: Probably Homeland again, but Breaking Bad stands a chance with two nominated episodes, while "The Rains of Castamere" received a lot of critical praise for Game of Thrones.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series:

• Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham on Downton Abbey (Episode: "Episode Five") (PBS)
• Bryan Cranston as Walter White on Breaking Bad (Episode: "Say My Name") (AMC)
• Jeff Daniels as Will McAvoy on The Newsroom (Episode: "We Just Decided To") (HBO)
• Jon Hamm as Don Draper on Mad Men (Episode: "In Care Of") (AMC)
• Damian Lewis as Nicholas Brody on Homeland (Episode: "Q&A") (Showtime)
• Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood on House of Cards (Episode: "Chapter 1") (Netflix)

Who I Want To Win: I don't mind, Cranston is the most deserving though.
Who I Think Will Win: Lewis won last year, and will probably do it again if Cranston doesn't.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:

• Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes on Nashville (Episode: "Pilot") (ABC)
• Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison on Homeland (Episode: "Q&A") (Showtime)
• Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley on Downton Abbey (Episode: "Episode One") (PBS)
• Vera Farmiga as Norma Louise Bates on Bates Motel (Episode: "First You Dream, Then You Die (Pilot)") (A&E)
• Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson on Mad Men (Episode: "The Better Half") (AMC)
• Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope on Scandal (Episode: "Happy Birthday, Mr. President") (ABC)
• Robin Wright as Claire Underwood on House of Cards (Episode: "Chapter 10") (Netflix)

Who I Want To Win: Again, I don't mind, would be nice to see Mathison win again though.
Who I Think Will Win: Quite a few newcomers this year, don't see any overcoming Mathison's performance though.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:

• Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad (Episode: "Say My Name") (AMC)
• Bobby Cannavale as Gyp Rosetti on Boardwalk Empire (Episode: "Sunday Best") (HBO)
• Jim Carter as Charles Carson on Downton Abbey (Episode: "Episode Six") (PBS)
• Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones (Episode: "Second Sons") (HBO)
• Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad (Episode: "Buyout") (AMC)
• Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson on Homeland (Episode: "The Choice") (Showtime)

Who I Want To Win: This is probably the category with the strongest nominees in my opinion, but Dinklage and Patinkin put in outstanding performance during the episodes they're nominated for. Personally, I'd go Patinkin.
Who I Think Will Win: Hard to say. I don't think it'll be Cannavale or Carter, but everyone else has a real chance. I'd say it'll be either one of the Breaking Bad boys if it's not Patinkin.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:

• Morena Baccarin as Jessica Brody on Homeland (Episode: "State of Independence") (Showtime)
• Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart on The Good Wife (Episode: "The Seven Day Rule") (CBS)
• Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones (Episode: "And Now His Watch is Ended") (HBO)
• Anna Gunn as Skyler White on Breaking Bad (Episode: "Fifty-One") (AMC)
• Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris on Mad Men (Episode: "A Tale of Two Cities") (AMC)
• Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey (Episode: "Episode One") (PBS)

Who I Want To Win: Skyler is certainly not the most beloved of characters, but Gunn deserves the Emmy for her subdued performance throughout the first half of Breaking Bad's fifth season.
Who I Think Will Win: Smith has won this category for the last two years, and probably will again, although I wouldn't put aside Gunn or Hendricks for a surprise win here.

Outstanding Comedy Series:

• 30 Rock (NBC)
• The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• Girls (HBO)
• Louie (FX)
• Modern Family (ABC)
• Veep (HBO)

Who I Want To Win: I only watch 30 Rock and The Big Bang Theory, and based off of the strengths of their respective seasons, I think The Big Bang Theory should won.
Who I Think Will Win: Modern Family has won the last three years, and 30 Rock won the three years prior to that. This season was 30 Rock's last, and its quality has diminished since its earlier season so I doubt it will win. While Modern Family has dominated the category, I don't think it will win this year, also you to a decline in quality. The Big Bang Theory would be the other obvious choice, but Louie is a critical darling and hasn't been nominated before, so that might finally get it's chance, while Veep could be the dark horse among them. I'm guessing Louie.

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series:

• 30 Rock (Episode: "Hogcock!"), Written by Jack Burditt & Robert Carlock (NBC)
• 30 Rock (Episode: "Last Lunch"), Written by Tina Fey & Tracey Wigfield (NBC)
• Episodes (Episode: "Episode Nine"), Written by David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik (Showtime)
• Louie (Episode: "Daddy's Girlfriend, Part 1"), Written by Pamela Adlon & Louis C.K. (FX)
• The Office (Episode: "Finale"), Written by Greg Daniels (NBC)

Who I Want To Win: I've only watched 30 Rock, so I don't mind.
Who I Think Will Win: It was Louie last year, and I'd expect it to be again, unless 30 Rock of The Office get a nod for their respective series finales.

Outstanding Lead Actor in A Comedy Series:

• Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock (Episode: "A Goon's Deed in a Weary World") (NBC)
• Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth on Arrested Development (Episode: "Flight of the Phoenix") (Netflix)
• Louis C.K. as Louie on Louie (Episode: "Daddy's Girlfriend, Part 1") (FX)
• Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan on House of Lies (Episode: "Hostile Takeover") (Showtime)
• Matt LeBlanc as Himself on Episodes (Episode: "Episode Two") (Showtime)
• Jim Parsons as Dr. Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory (Episode: "The Habitation Configuration") (CBS)

Who I Want To Win: As with the outstanding comedy category, I've only watched 30 Rock and The Big Bang Theory, and based on the performances of Baldwin and Parsons, I think Parsons should win.
Who I Think Will Win: I don't think Baldwin, Cheadle or LeBlanc will win, but Bateman might be a surprise contender after the resurgence of Arrested Development on Netflix. With Louie now nominated for best comedy, Louie might also have a chance this year after being nominated the previous two. However, I'm sticking with Parsons.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:

• Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe on Enlightened (Episode: "All I Ever Wanted") (HBO)
• Lena Dunham as Hannah Horvath on Girls (Episode: "Bad Friend") (HBO)
• Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton on Nurse Jackie (Episode: "Luck of the Drawing") (Showtime)
• Tina Fey as Liz Lemon on 30 Rock (Episodes: "Hogcock!" / "Last Lunch") (NBC)
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer on Veep (Episode: "Running") (HBO)
• Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation (Episodes: "Emergency Response" / "Leslie and Ben") (NBC)

Who I Want To Win: I only watch 30 Rock, and am yet to catch up on Parks and Recreation, but Fey's performance wasn't outstanding in 30 Rock this season, so I'm not fussed.
Who I Think Will Win: Louis-Dreyfus was a surprising win last year, so I'm thinking it will be her or possibly Falco again. Fey and Dern are also possibilities, both of their shows having finished this season.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:

• Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (Episode: "Mistery Date") (ABC)
• Adam Driver as Adam Sackler on Girls (Episode: "It's Back") (HBO)
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family (Episode: "The Wow Factor") (ABC)
• Tony Hale as Gary Walsh on Veep (Episode: "Running") (HBO)
• Neil O'Brien as Derek McKevitt on Friday Night Dinner (Episode: "White Noise") (HBO)
• Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett on Modern Family (Episode: "Bringing Up Baby") (ABC)

Who I Want To Win: I don't watch any of these, so I don't care who wins.
Who I Think Will Win: Co-stars Ty Burrell and Eric Stonestreet have taken it in turns winning in this category for the last three years, and with Stonestreet not nominated, I guess it'll be Burrell. Sackler and Walsh, both first nominees, are dark horses though.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:

• Mayim Bialik as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory (Episode: "The Fish Guts Displacement") (CBS)
• Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family (Episode: "My Hero") (ABC)
• Anna Chlumsky as Amy Brookheimer on Veep (Episode: "First Response") (HBO)
• Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock (Episodes: "Hogcock!" / "Last Lunch") (NBC)
• Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester on Glee (Episode: "Feud") (Fox)
• Sofía Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family (Episode: "Yard Sale") (ABC)
• Merritt Wever as Zoey Barkow on Nurse Jackie (Episode: "Teachable Moments") (Showtime)

Who I Want To Win: Either Bialik or Vergara, who have done some solid work on their respective shows over the last couple of years, but never won the Emmy.
Who I Think Will Win: Bowen's won the last two years, and I don't see why she wouldn't win again.

Outstanding Mini-Series or Movie:

• American Horror Story: Asylum
• Behind the Candelabra
• The Bible
• Phil Spector
• Political Animals
• Top of The Lake

Who I Want To Win: I have only watched American Horror Story: Asylum, so again, I don't particularly mind who wins in this category.
Who I Think Will Win: Buzz is often a good indicator of shows that are getting critical attention, and here in Australia out of all of these, Behind the Candelabra and The Bible have gotten the most media attention. Behind The Candelabra was released here in theatres, and The Bible had a successful run on Channel 9, but based off of the subject matter of each, I think Behind the Candelabra will get more praise.

As I haven't seen majority of the Outstanding Mini-Series or Movie nominees I've refrained from commenting on the writing and acting (both male and female) for these categories majority of the award to go to Benedict Cumberbatch's Parade's End and Behind the Candelabra, and there's a possibility American Horror Story: Asylum could pick up some acting nods too.

Outstanding Variety Series:

• The Colbert Report
• The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
• Jimmy Kimmel Live!
• Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
• Real Time With Bill Maher
• Saturday Night Live

Who I Want To Win: We are limited to our access of American late night television here in Australia, particularly on free to air television, but from what I've seen of these shows, Colbert's political satire is my kind of humour, so I like to see the Emmy go to him.
Who I Think Will Win: Amazingly, Jon Stewart has taken home the Emmy for this category for the last ten years. If he doesn't do it again, I could see it possibly going to one of the Jimmy's.

Outstanding Reality/ Competition Program:

• The Amazing Race
• Dancing With The Stars
• Project Runway
• So You Think You Can Dance?
• Top Chef
• The Voice

Who I Want To Win: I don't make a habit of watching reality programs, let alone American ones, but I personally enjoy The Amazing Race the most.
Who I Think Will Win: Since the category was introduced ten years ago, The Amazing Race has won the Emmy nine times (only losing to Top Chef in 2010), so that seems like the obvious choice.

So there you have it, my quick thoughts of the categories and nominees for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. Remember to check back for my recap of all the nights events tomorrow. Enjoy the show!

My Fall Television Schedule (2012 - 2013): My Televsion Year in Restrospect

With the fall television season upon us I'll soon be posting up My Fall Television Schedule for the 2013 - 2014 season, but first I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the past year of television. You can check out my proposed plans for my 2012 - 2013 season here.

Sitcoms are shows that easily fall by the wayside for me. Unless I really enjoy them, they're going to come off of my television schedule out of necessity. I had planned to start watching How I Met Your Mother, which is now heading into its ninth and final season, after catching majority of the last half of Season 8. However, it didn't stick. I had four pretty solid comedies too keep me satisfied throughout last season in Happy Endings, The Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock & New Girl, so How I Met Your Mother wasn't a necessity. And neither was NBC's new Will & Grace-esque comedy Partners either apparently, I didn't watch like I said I would, and apparently no one else did either with NBC cancelling the series after six episodes. This was despite the show being placed in the pretty cushy timeslot between How I Met Your Mother and 2 Broke Girls at 8.30 on Mondays. Also on Monday's was the surprise post-apocalyptic hit Revolution, it being the first new show of the season to be renewed after airing only three episodes. It also had a cushy timeslot behind The Voice at 10.00, and it will be interesting to see how its ratings go with its drastic move to Wednesdays at 8.00 this season. I recorded the first six or seven episodes of Revolution before I started watching any, and ironically I probably only watched three until I stopped. I considered returning to the show, and still do, but other than the cliff-hangers I found majority of it to be rather dull. It's also been critically panned by many, and while this doesn't inspire to watch Revolution as a good show, it does inspire to watch it as a train-wreck you can't look away from, which is why I'm still considering catching up. I wont be able to do this during this season though, so I'll have to wait and see whether things improve for the show in the meantime. Similar critical distain was given to The Following, which I've recorded all of, but now am very uncertain as to whether or not I should watch. I also tried out Deception but left it after three episodes, and it was cancelled at the end of its 13 episode run.

On Tuesdays New Girl really hit its stride, and surprisingly Jake Johnson stole the show as lazy yet lovable Nick Miller throughout the season. The verdict's still out on whether or not the show can make Nick and Jess work as a couple for the long-term, but I'll be tuning in to find out. I still can't help but hate New Girl a little though, since Happy Endings was running at the same 9.00 timeslot on ABC, but was quickly shuffled off to die on Friday nights after its return from mid-season break. While I don't think the third and now final season was at good as its season (its reliance on the ridiculous and over-the-top storylines for humour is a turn-off for me with comedies), it was still easily the best comedy on television, and it's my hardest felt cancellation from last season. I considered also watching the comedy paired with Happy Endings, Don't Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23, along with checking out a whole host of new comedies that premiered on Tuesday last season, like Go On and The New Normal in an attempt to find a new comedy. Ultimately I'm glad I didn't with all of these being cancelled. I also recorded all of Cult which aired at 9.00 on The CW during mid-season after the cancellation of Emily Owens, M.D., but that too is now cancelled and I haven't watched a single episode.

Supernatural remained solid viewing on Wednesdays during its eighth season, and many believed it was better than Season 7. The show mostly becomes an interchangeable monster-of-the week blur to me, but there were some intriguing story arcs like Dean's return and escape from purgatory, The Men of Letters, and of course, the highly dramatic Trials Sam undertook (although lets all just forget about his horrible flashbacks to when Dean was away). Nashville was prime to become the best new show for me early in the season, but by its finale it had become so convulsed and melodramatic that I'm worried I'll have to start watching it the way I watch Revenge, for a good laugh. Arrow did exceptionally well for The CW at 8.00 before Supernatural, and I still want to watch it eventually, but as with comedies, unfortunately CW fair hasn't yet earned the respect of necessary viewing (except maybe Nikita), but hopefully their promising pilot season this year can continue to change that.

We said goodbye to 30 Rock on Thursday's last season, and while there were some memorable moments throughout its final 13 episode seventh season run (Hazel really came into her own), the show ultimately ended on a rather sentimental note, which felt quite out of character for such a normally untraditional show. While I've said that comedies aren't a necessary watch, The Big Bang Theory really has come to deserve it's title as the best comedy on television. I know there are a lot of people who don't like it compared to some of the more quirkier and out there comedies (like Arrested Development or Community, which it was up against in the 8.00 timeslot), but for a traditional sitcom, laugh track included, The Big Bang Theory is a very good show. The Vampire Diaries may have lost some of its bite (sorry, but it works), but is it highly serialised, so I'm willing to stick with it through is numerous and very long dry-spells with several characters and storylines in anticipation for the big mythology aspect of the show. ABC's high concept drama Last Resort was my most anticipated new show of last season, but I only tuned into four or so episodes myself before giving up, and ABC gave up too, it being cancelled after six episodes, the remaining ones still airing. The timeslot and high concept probably didn't help the show, but for me, it just took itself too seriously, and needed some humour to break up the drama that quickly became incessantly tedious. I was initially weary to check out Hannibal, despite it being developed by Bryan Fuller. By mid-season though, nothing was on, and boy am I glad I tuned it. With its great acting and beautiful cinematography, this slick psychological thriller turned into the best new network show of the season. As I was last year, I'm still finding the time to be inspired to catch up on Scandal and Person of Interest, with both doing extremely well with the amount of buzz and critical acclaim they received last season.

Fringe finished is unbelievable five season run on Fridays. While die-hard will no doubt be happy with the conclusion of the series, the vast change in setting and the relationships shared between the characters made it difficult for me to appreciate the season, despite its heavy mythology. I followed Happy Endings to Friday, which I'm still so so sad about, and continued to record Cult when it was also shuffled here before cancellation despite not watching it. I still haven't caught up on Grimm, and it falls low on the list on the shows I want to catch up on. I'm now just waiting for Nikita to end to buy the DVD boxset so that I can consume this great show all at once, although I'm a little disappointed that I didn't watch it while it aired.

On Sundays Revenge continued to do its thing. Despite some people thinking its become too convoluted, Revenge was always like this, only now it's more obvious. However, when it's not having its well dressed utter ridiculous dialogue at one another, Revenge can be an enthralling drama, and I'm willing to stick with it through all the bad. I mean, did you see that finale? 666 Park Avenue was actually quite enjoyable, but after it was cancelled before its mid-season break after airing seven episodes, but I wasn't inspired enough to finish watching once I knew it wouldn't be back. I wasn't inspired to check out Once Upon A Time either, and now I'm wondering if I ever will be. I'm in the same situation with The Good Wife as I am with Nikita, the show is heading into its fifth season, and doesn't look like it has long left, so maybe I'll just hold out until it finished before watching.

There were two late mid-season shows this year, Under The Dome and Siberia, which I also hoped to check out. Under The Dome, while ridiculous, has an entertaining mythology, and the show doesn't really deserve all the hate its receiving from critics. I'm yet to watch an episode of Siberia, but I have recorded it thus far.

Onto cable, and of course, majority of them also air on Sunday's. Boardwalk Empire withstood the loss of prominent character Jimmy Darmody at the end of season two and produced an entertaining third season, and season four looks set to do the same. Dexter's seventh season was a spectacular resurgence for the show, but unfortunately critics and fans alike have panned its eighth and final season, which will air on Sunday. The Walking Dead had its moments, but ultimately had difficulty maintaining momentum splitting its time between the prison and Woodbury throughout its third season, resulting it quite a bit of filler. While Homeland's second season, particularly its second half with the conclusion of the Abu Nazir storyline, received mixed responses, I loved it, and cannot wait for the new season to start in a couple of weeks. Breaking Bad showcased itself as one of the most talked about shows of all time, and while I have a problem with the change of tone of previous seasons in 5A, 5B has done nothing but deliver and I'm expecting a spectacular finale from this show.

Other shows on cable that I watched this year included American Horror Story (it had a strong season but fell short in its last couple of episodes), Californciation (the season focus on the rock and roll music industry was entertaining, but the characters and their relationships have gotten stale). I caught up on Awkward before the start of it's third season, and am interested to see where it's heading in the second half. British import Doctor Who is slugging along as a tedious pace despite its out-there storylines, while Ray Donovan is probably my favourite new cable show of the season, with a good balance between Ray professional and family life and great acting. Bates Motel, The Bridge, Twisted, and Defiance were all shows I watched a couple of episodes of but didn't feel the need to finish watching them. And I haven't got to Low Winter Sun yet.

Playing catch up I've watched the first season of Pretty Little Liars, but am struggling knowing that I'm no where near finding out the identity of A. I've watched the first season, and half of the second season of Parks & Recreation in an attempt to fill a solid comedy gap left by Happy Endings and 30 Rock, and while not as good as those, it has its charm. I'm also about to start watching The Newsroom after watching part of a season one episode with a friend and loving every minute of it.

Television isn't just on your TV anymore either, and I tried to check out majority of Netflix's new original programming to see how it'd fair. House of Cards was decent, but wasn't overwhelmingly good for me, and Hemlock Grove, despite being very much my genre, has failed to convince me to watch the first episode. Orange is the New Black, however, is most definitely the best new show of the year, despite it not even airing on television.

So there you have it, my 2012 - 2013 year of television in review. Of the nine new shows I planned to watch at the beginning of the season four were cancelled, 666 Park Avenue, Cult, Deception, and  Last Resort. Of the shows I already watched 30 Rock, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Fringe, and Happy Endings all ended all were cancelled. So how was everyone else's year? Found a new favourite? Disappointed about an undeserved cancellation? Let me know, and here's to the next year of television watching.

A Look at The CW's New Dramas (2013-2014)

Reign

The CW's Pitch: Hidden between the lines of the history books is the story of Mary Stuart, the young woman the world would come to know as Mary, Queen of Scots. Queen of Scotland since she was six days old, the teenage Mary is already a headstrong monarch - beautiful, passionate, and poised at the very beginning of her tumultuous rise to power. Arriving in France with four close friends as her ladies-in-waiting, Mary has been sent to secure Scotland’s strategic alliance by formalizing her arranged engagement to the French king's dashing son, Prince Francis. But the match isn't signed and sealed: it depends more on politics, religion and secret agendas than affairs of the heart. Prince Francis is intrigued by the fiery Scot, but like most young men, he resists the idea of settling down into marriage, especially when he has a history with a lady of the court and his own point of view on the wisdom of an alliance with Scotland. Still, an attraction between Mary and Francis is ignited. Further complicating things is Bash, Francis' roguish half-brother, who has a history of his own - despite his illegitimate birth, Bash is his father's favorite. And now that Bash has caught Mary's eye, a royal triangle may be forming. While at French Court, fierce foes and dark forces conspire to sabotage Mary’s marriage to Francis and even threaten her life, until a mysterious shrouded guide becomes her ally. With danger and sexual intrigue around every dark castle corner, Mary rallies her ladies-in-waiting and steels herself, ready to rule the new land and balance the demands of her country and her heart.

My Thoughts: While it remains to be seen how historically accurate the series plans to be, the romantic, political, and supernatural elements of the show make it look quite intriguing. I might watch.

Star-Crossed

The CW's Pitch: When Emery was 6 years old, an alien spacecraft crash-landed in her small town. Whether they came in peace or with more sinister intentions didn’t matter: a fierce battle erupted as humans fought for control over their new rivals, an alien species called the Atrians. In the midst of the conflict, Roman, a 6-year-old Atrian boy, found his way to a shed behind Emery’s house, where she protected him from harm, bringing him food, comfort – and friendship. In their brief time together, Emery and Roman forged a deep bond, but the authorities wasted no time tracking Roman down and capturing him in a violent confrontation. Emery has grown up believing that Roman was killed that day. Ten years later, the Atrians have been acclimated to life on Earth, but they are interned in a heavily-guarded camp known as the Sector to keep them separate from humans. Now, for the first time, a group of Atrian teens will enroll in a suburban human high school, with the goal of testing the feasibility of human/alien integration. The eyes of the nation and the whole world are fixed on this historical social experiment, an endeavor fraught with suspicion and fear. In the mayhem of the first day, Emery is amazed to learn that Roman was not killed by the authorities and is, in fact, one of the Atrian students. Their childhood bond is quickly rekindled – in a school and a society that distrusts everything about the Atrians, Emery and Roman have found each other again. However, their relationship is threatened by the small-mindedness of their respective communities and the political agendas of people in power. While the world around them rages with anger and prejudice, their bond becomes increasingly strong and increasingly dangerous. As an epic Romeo and Juliet romance unfolds, a violent encounter between Roman’s father and Emery’s father occurs in the Sector. Can Roman and Emery’s love – and peace between the species – survive?

My Thoughts: The themes the show expresses are very unsubtle, and the romantic relationship between the two leads, as well as the tension between the humans and the aliens has all been done before. I won't be watching.

The 100

The CW's Pitch: Ninety-seven years ago, nuclear Armageddon decimated planet Earth, destroying civilization. The only survivors were the 400 inhabitants of 12 international space stations that were in orbit at the time. Three generations have been born in space, the survivors now number 4,000, and resources are running out on their dying "Ark" - the 12 stations now linked together and repurposed to keep the survivors alive. Draconian measures including capital punishment and population control are the order of the day, as the leaders of the Ark take ruthless steps to ensure their future, including secretly exiling a group of 100 juvenile prisoners to the Earth's surface to test whether it's habitable. For the first time in nearly a century, humans have returned to planet Earth. Among the 100 exiles are Clarke, the bright teenage daughter of the Ark's chief medical officer; Wells, son of the Ark’s Chancellor; the daredevil Finn; and the brother/sister duo Bellamy and Octavia, whose illegal sibling status has always led them to flaunt the rules. Technologically blind to what’s happening on the planet below them, the Ark’s leaders - Clarke’s widowed mother, Abby; the Chancellor, Jaha; and his shadowy second in command, Kane - are faced with difficult decisions about life, death and the continued existence of the human race. For the 100 young people on Earth, however, the alien planet they’ve never known is a mysterious realm that can be magical one moment and lethal the next. With the survival of the human race entirely in their hands, THE 100 must find a way to transcend their differences, unite and forge a new path on a wildly changed Earth that’s primitive, intense and teeming with the unknown.

My Thoughts: It will be interesting to see where this goes after the pilot. but a large cast, and enough plots should keep it interesting. I'll be watching.

The Originals:

The CW's Pitch: Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now, centuries have passed and the bonds of family are broken. Time, tragedy and hunger for power have torn the Original Family apart. When Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, receives a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, he returns to the city his family helped build. Klaus’ questions lead him to a reunion with his diabolical former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of New Orleans. Determined to help his brother find redemption, Elijah follows Klaus and soon learns that the werewolf Hayley has also come to the French Quarter searching for clues to her family history, and has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie. Tensions between the town’s supernatural factions are nearing a breaking point as Marcel commands his devoted followers and rules with absolute power. For Klaus, the thought of answering to his powerful protégé is unthinkable, and he vows to reclaim what was once his – the power, the city and his family. While they wait to see if their sister Rebekah will leave Mystic Falls and join them, Klaus and Elijah form an uneasy alliance with the witches to ensure that New Orleans will be ruled by The Originals once again.

My Thoughts: The feud between the two leads could be interesting, and with the witch and family subplot could have enough to keep it going. I'll be watching.

The Tomorrow People:

The CW's Pitch: They are the next evolutionary leap of mankind, a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities — the Tomorrow People. Stephen Jameson stands at the crossroads between the world we know and the shifting world of the future. Up until a year ago, Stephen was a “normal” teenager — until he began hearing voices and teleporting in his sleep, never knowing where he might wake up. Now, Stephen’s issues have gone far beyond the usual teenage angst, and he is beginning to question his sanity. In desperation, Stephen decides to listen to one of the voices in his head, and it leads him to his first encounter with the Tomorrow People — John, Cara and Russell — a genetically advanced race with the abilities of telekinesis, teleportation and telepathic communication. The Tomorrow People are being hunted down by a paramilitary group of scientists known as Ultra. Led by Dr. Jedikiah Price, Ultra sees the Tomorrow People as a very real existential threat from a rival species, and the outcast group has been forced to hide out in an abandoned subway station just beneath the surface of the human world. Trading in secrets, Jedikiah offers Stephen the chance for a normal life with his family and best friend, Astrid, if he will help in the struggle to isolate and eradicate the Tomorrow People. On the other hand, Cara, John and Russell offer Stephen a different type of family and a home where he truly belongs. Unwilling to turn his back on humanity or the world of the Tomorrow People, Stephen sets out on his own path — a journey that could take him into the shadowy past to uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious disappearance, or into an unknown future with The Tomorrow People.

My Thoughts: The premise is worn, but a serialised show like this always has potential. I might watch.

A Look at NBC's New Comedies (2013-2014)

The Michael J. Fox Show

NBC's Pitch: One of New York's most beloved news anchors, Mike Henry (Michael J. Fox), put his career on hold to spend more time with his family and focus on his health after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. But now five years later, with the kids busy growing up and Mike growing restless, it just might be time for him to get back to work. Having never wanted Mike to leave in the first place, his old boss Harris Green jumped at the chance to get him back on TV. The trick, as it's always been, was to make Mike think it was his idea. After several - okay, many - failed attempts, Mike's family, anxious to see him out of the house, finally succeeded in getting him to "run into" Green. Now their plan is in motion. He'll be back to juggling home, family and career, just like the old days - only better.

My Thoughts: While heart-warming and boasting a solid cast, unfortunately this looks too painful to watch based on the amount of jokes made at Fox's expense, overall it's a little too self-deprecating.

Sean Saves The World

NBC's Pitch: Sean's a divorced dad who's trying to juggle it all. From his overbearing boss and offbeat employees at work - to his pushy mom and weekends with his teenage daughter at home - handling it all is no easy task. So when Ellie, his 14-year-old bundle of joy, moves in full-time, it's a whole new challenge. From keeping his boss happy, his employees motivated and enduring his mother's tactless "advice" to raising a smart, grounded and healthy kid, it's going to be a growing experience, to say the least. But if anyone can swing it, it's Sean.

My Thoughts: There's not too much going on here, but the cast and the basic plot has potential. I might watch.

Welcome To The Family

NBC's Pitch: After four years of barely getting by in school, Dan and Katrina Yoder are thrilled when their daughter Molly is handed her high school diploma. Now it's off to Arizona State for Molly, and a mid-life renaissance for the Yoders (which includes turning Molly's room into their dream fitness center). At the same time in East LA, Junior Hernandez is delivering his valedictorian address. As the first of his family to go to college (Stanford!), Junior's the pride and joy of parents Miguel and Lisette. But Junior's barely into his speech before he gets an unexpected text: "i'm pregnant." The sender? Miss Molly Yoder. OMG/Dios Mio! When Molly and Junior decide to get hitched, they bring two very different families together in a way they never imagined. Dan and Miguel, who already have a history, do NOT see eye to eye. But more importantly, what about Stanford? Arizona State? Who's going to raise the baby? And oh no - what about the fitness center?! For the sake of their kids (and the one on the way) they'll have to somehow make it all work... like it or not.

My Thoughts: The culture clash of the two families and undoubtedly their ability to grow and learn from each other with also grow old fast. I won't be watching.

A Look at NBC's New Dramas (2013-2014)

The Blacklist

NBC's Pitch: For decades, ex-government agent Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader) has been one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives. Brokering shadowy deals for criminals across the globe, Red was known by many as "The Concierge of Crime." Now, he's mysteriously surrendered to the FBI with an explosive offer: he will help catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani, under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth "Liz" Keen, an FBI profiler fresh out of Quantico. For Liz, it's going to be one hell of a first day on the job. What follows is a twisting series of events as the race to stop a terrorist begins. What are Red's true intentions? Why has he chosen Liz, a woman with whom he seemingly has no connection? Does Liz have secrets of her own?

My Thoughts: Spader makes for a great lead, and the plot seems fast-paced and exciting. I think I'll watch.

Dracula

NBC's Pitch: It's the late 19th century, and the mysterious Dracula has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He's especially interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night - useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: he hopes to take revenge on those who cursed him with immortality centuries earlier. Everything seems to be going according to plan... until he becomes infatuated with a woman who appears to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.

My Thoughts: The title, setting, and even the story are uninspired. I don't think I'll be watching.

Ironside

NBC's Pitch: In the gritty world of the NYPD, no one's tougher than Detective Robert Ironside. He's a fearless cop who won't stop until the guilty are brought to justice. He and his trusted, handpicked team of specialists will do whatever it takes to solve New York's most difficult and notorious crimes - even if it means breaking the rules. Tough, sexy and acerbic, Ironside's never been afraid to call it like he sees it. As a detective, his instincts are second to none, and those around him have to stay on their toes if they want to keep up... because when his spine was shattered by a bullet two years ago, Ironside swore he'd never let a damn wheelchair slow him down.

My Thoughts: Ironside doesn't seem very likable, and it just seems like a standard procedural. I won't be watching.

A Look At Fox's New Comedies (2013-2014)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Fox's Pitch: From Emmy Award-winning writer/producers Dan Goor and Michael Schur ("Parks and Recreation"), and starring Emmy Award winners Andy Samberg ("Saturday Night Live") and Andre Braugher ("Men of a Certain Age," "Homicide: Life on the Street"), Brooklyn Nine Nine is a new single-camera ensemble comedy about what happens when a talented, but carefree, detective gets a new captain with a lot to prove. Detective Jake Peral (Samberg) is a good enough cop that he's never had to work that hard or follow the rules too closely. Perhaps because he has the best arrest record among his colleagues, he's been enabled - if not indulged - throughout his entire career. That is, until the precinct gets a new commanding officer, Captain Ray Holt (Braugher), who reminds this hotshot cop to respect the badge. Together, these tightly knit - or is it tightly wound? - cops interrogate suspects, arrest perps and solve murders. But, ultimately, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a workplace comedy that's not really about the job. It's about the men and women behind the badge - singing karaoke, grabbing a beer and hitting on each other - all while protecting the fine people of Brooklyn.

My Thoughts: This has a good vibe, from a strong ensemble cast. I might watch.

Dads

Fox's Pitch: Honour thy father. Way easier said than done. Especially when your dad's broke, living in your house and ruining your life. From Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, the creatively outrageous minds behind last year's highest-grossing feature comedy, "Ted," and FOX's hit animated series Family Guy, Dads explores the often treacherous terrain of the father-son landscape. This new multi-camera comedy series follows two successful guys - and childhood best friends - now in their mid-30s whose relatively stable lives get turned upside down when their pain-in-the-neck patriarchs move in. The invasion of the Dads will give these friends and business partners their biggest challenge yet. Between dubious schemes, passive-aggressive busy-bodying and light kissing-on-the-lips, will these beleaguered sons be able to hold the line in the face of two massive game-changers?

My Thoughts: The premise seems a bit tired, and the characters un-relatable. I won't be watching.

Enlisted

Fox's Pitch: Three brothers, one Army, but absolutely no fighting! Enlisted is an irreverent but heartfelt single-camera comedy about three brothers on a small Florida Army base and the group of misfits who surround them. Charming, funny and a natural-born leader, Sergeant Pete Hill (Geoff Stults, "Ben and Kate," "The Finder") was on a path for a huge military career until one mistake overseas got him booted stateside to Fort McGee, the base in Florida where his two younger brothers are stationed. Now, as head of their platoon, Pete must serve both as big brother and military boss. Corporal Derrick Hill (Chris Lowell, "Private Practice," "Veronica Mars") is the middle brother - smart and sarcastic, he likes to stir up trouble and doesn't really care about being a soldier. Private Randy Hill (Parker Young, "Suburgatory"), on the other hand, loves it. He's the hyper-enthusiastic, hyper-goofy - just hyper - youngest brother who wants to be the gung-ho "GI Joe" military ideal. A military-set family comedy, Enlisted centers on three brothers who, when the best of the best are sent overseas, stay behind to try to keep the base in order. Between hijacking tanks, inventing new drinking games and accidentally blowing up a fuel truck, they will inadvertently discover the key to strengthening their long-lost childhood bonds.

My Thoughts: The basis for the show is very weak, but it could work welled if presented as an ensemble comedy. I won't be watching.

Us & Them

Fox's Pitch: When two people finally come together, they never come together alone. Us & Them is an outrageous but authentic ensemble single-camera comedy about a pair of young lovers, whose path to happily-ever-after is complicated by the screwed-up circus of people closest to them. New York pharmaceutical copywriter Gavin (Emmy Award nominee Jason Ritter, “Parenthood,” “The Event”) is a neurotic Woody Allen-ish personality with indie-rock looks, who has never been in love. On the other hand, pretty Pennsylvania-based printing press employee Stacey (Alexis Bledel, “Mad Men,” “Gilmore Girls”) has a subtle wit and has been engaged before. For the past six months, they have been flirting online and finally agree to meet…with their best friends in tow for double-date safety. When all of these characters collide to create a salty but sweet romantic comedy, we wonder not if the two leads will get together, but how they ever will stay together. After all, it’s complicated enough trying to make a relationship work. But the biggest complications of all are the friends and family who are part of the package deal.

My Thoughts: A strong cast with a heart-warming romance, but it comes off as a little too cutesy for my taste.

A Look at Fox's New Dramas (2013-2014)

Almost Human

Fox's Pitch: From Emmy Award-winning executive producer J.J. Abrams ("Fringe," "Lost," the "Star Trek" and "Mission: Impossible" franchises) and creator/executive producer J.H. Wyman ("Fringe," "The Mexican"), comes Almost Human. Starring Karl Urban ("Star Trek") and Michael Ealy ("Sleeper Cell," "Common Law"), the new series is an action-packed police drama set 35 years in the future, when police officers are partnered with highly evolved human-like androids. Almost Human will follow the week-to-week missions of John and Dorian, as they fight crime across this futuristic landscape, while the mysteries surrounding his attack and the larger mythology of this new world unfold.
   

My Thoughts: It remains to be seen whether this show will have more procedural or serialised aspects, but the concept, setting, and action are intriguing. I'll be watching.

Rake

Fox's Pitch: Rake, a character-driven drama based on the Australian nominee for Best Television Drama series of the same name, follows the comedic and chaotic life of criminal defense lawyer Keegan Deane (Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Greg Kinnear, “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Kennedys”). His staggering lack of discretion and inability to self-censor land him the cases that nobody else will touch, but behind that lies a resolute optimism and belief in justice that fuel his dogged determination to defend those who seem beyond redemption. He always tries to do the right thing, but at the same time struggles to save himself from the many self-destructive elements that plague his own life, such as his overindulgence of various excesses, including women and gambling. Each morning, Keegan tends to wake up bruised – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Usually it’s a combination of them all. Then it’s out into the world – onto the battleground of Keegan’s day.

My Thoughts: Rake doesn't seem particularly relatable, but there's enough going on plot wise to keep things interesting. I won't be watching.

Sleepy Hollow

Fox's Pitch: What if you suddenly woke up from the throes of death 250 years in the future to find the world is on the brink of destruction, caused by unimaginable events, and you are humanity's last hope? Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, the thrilling new mystery-adventure drama from co-creators/executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci ("Star Trek" and "Transformers" franchises, "Fringe"). In this modern-day retelling of Washington Irving's classic, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen") is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers. Revived alongside Ichabod is the infamous Headless Horseman who is on a murderous rampage in present-day Sleepy Hollow. As history repeats itself, the oddly-linked pair will draw on the real stories and hallowed secrets this nation was founded on in their quest to stop an increasingly vicious cycle of evil.

My Thoughts: A very interesting premise, although Ichabod's lack of cultural knowledge will get very tiring. I might watch.

A Look At CBS's New Comedies (2013-2014)

The Crazy Ones

CBS's Pitch: Oscar®-winner Robin Williams heads a powerful advertising agency with the biggest clients and brands in the world. The office is staffed with an eclectic group intent on keeping his antics in check, including his daughter, who often questions her father's sanity while trying to make a name for herself in the advertising world.  

My Thoughts: It has a strong cast, but Williams' brand of humour is very specific, and Sarah Michelle Gellar seems wasted as the straight one. I might watch.

The Millers

CBS's Pitch: Will Arnett stars in this comedy about a recently divorced local news reporter who is looking forward to living the single life again. That is, until his parents' marital problems derail his plans for a freewheeling bachelorhood.    

My Thoughts: An interesting twist to the normal family dynamic you see in sitcoms, and a solid cast too. I won't be watching.

Mom

CBS's Pitch: Newly sober single mom Christy struggles to raise two children in a world full of temptations and pitfalls. Testing her sobriety is her formerly estranged mother, now back in Christy's life and eager to share passive-aggressive insights into her daughter's many mistakes.    

My Thoughts: Looks like another strong comedy from Chuck Lorre. I might watch.

We Are Men

CBS's Pitch: Starting over has never been so funny when, left at the altar, Carter moves into a short-term rental complex until he can put his life back together. He finds camaraderie there with three men who, combined, are six-time losers in the marriage department.    

My Thoughts: The premise isn't really appealing, and the characters unrelatable, despite the star power.

A Look At CBS's New Dramas (2013-2014)

Hostages

CBS's Pitch: From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes a high-octane thriller about a family taken hostage in their own home. Toni Collette stars as a surgeon caught in the middle of a grand political conspiracy, who is ordered to assassinate the President of the United States in order to save her family. Dylan McDermott stars as the lead hostage taker compelled to do the wrong thing for the right reasons in this taut drama filled with unexpected twists and turns.

My Thoughts: Boasts a strong, nice narrative twists, and has lots of dramatic tension, but I question the plots longevity. I probably won't be watching.

Intelligence

CBS's Pitch: Josh Holloway stars as former Delta Force turned U.S. Cyber Command über-agent in a crime thriller that explores the unlimited possibilities of technology. With a special microchip implanted in his brain, he has become the first super computer with a beating heart.

My Thoughts: The leads have great chemistry, and there looks to be a solid mix of both procedural and serialised storytelling elements. I might watch.

A Look At ABC's New Comedies (2013-2014)

Back In The Game

ABC's Pitch: Terry Gannon Jr. (Maggie Lawson) was an All Star softball player until life threw her a couple curve balls: a baby, a lost college scholarship and a loser for a husband. After striking out on her own, Terry and her son Danny (Griffin Gluck) move in with her estranged father, Terry Sr. aka “The Cannon” (James Caan). The Cannon is an opinionated, beer-guzzling, ex-athlete who never quite made the cut as a single father or professional baseball player. As hard as Terry tries to keep Danny away from the sports-driven lifestyle of her youth, Tommy wants to play Little League. His stunning lack of baseball skills (he doesn’t even know which hand the mitt goes on) makes him the laughing stock of the baseball field and his grandfather’s living room. When Danny and a group of other athletically-challenged hopefuls fail to make the team, Danny’s disappointment forces Terry to face her past. So when a wealthy neighbor volunteers to finance a team for the rejected kids, Terry reluctantly offers to coach the team of misfits.

My Thoughts: Looks to have a fun family dynamic, and the overall story is uplifting, plus it could be a strong ensemble if the child characters are used properly. Not sure if I'll be watching or not.


The Goldbergs

ABC's Pitch: Before there were parenting blogs, trophies for showing up, and peanut allergies, there was a simpler time called the ‘80s. For geeky 11-year old Adam (Sean Giambrone) these were his wonder years and he faced them armed with a video camera to capture all the crazy. The Goldbergs are a loving family like any other, just with a lot more yelling. Mom Beverly (Wendi McClendon-Covey) is a classic “smother;” an overbearing, overprotective matriarch who rules this brood with 100% authority and zero sense of boundaries. Dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) is gruff, hot-tempered and trying to parent without screaming. Sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is 17, hot, terrifying and not one to mess with. Barry (Troy Gentile) is 16, with classic middle child syndrome. Adam (Sam Giambrone) is the youngest, a camera-wielding future director who’s crushing on an older woman. Rounding out the family is beloved grandfather Al “Pops” Solomon (George Segal), the wild man of the clan, a shameless Don Juan who’s schooling Adam in the ways of love. When Pops buys a new sports car and offers his Caddy to middle child Barry, it’s enough to drive this already high-strung family to the brink of chaos.

My Thoughts: It's interesting to not only have one, but two gimmicks in the vise of the 80's setting and the found camera footage. The family looks relatable enough, but also quite generic if took away everything else. I won't be watching.


Mixology

ABC's Pitch: One bar. One night. Ten single people. Welcome to Union, a high-end bar in Manhattan’s trendy meat-packing district. Recently dumped by his fiancé, Tom (Blake Lee) hasn’t been out on the town in a decade. His best friends, handsome, confident Cal (Craig Frank) and fast-talking Bruce (Andrew Santino), are throwing Tom back into the dating pool whether he likes it or not. Tom’s first encounter is with Maya (Ginger Gonzaga), an attorney who’s as beautiful as she is brutal. Before long, Tom is in tears. After that, it only gets worse. Rounding out Union’s chic crowd is Maya’s engaged-for-now friend Liv (Kate Simses); aggressive single mom Jessica (Alexis Carra); her younger, naive sister Janey (Sarah Bolger); bubbly cocktail waitress Kacey (Vanessa Lengies); dark, mysterious bartender Dominic (Adan Canto); and failed internet entrepreneur Ron (Adam Campbell), who’s having the worst night of his life.

My Thoughts: I foind the conept very intriguing, and a larger ensemble provides the oppurtunity for several compelling storylines. I'll think I'll watch.


Super Fun Night

ABC's Pitch: Junior attorney Kimmie Boubier (Rebel Wilson) and her two best friends Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira) and Marika (Lauren Ash) have had a standing date every Friday night for the last 13 years. They even have a motto for what they call “Friday Night Fun Night”: “Always together! Always Inside!” However, Kimmie’s recent promotion throws a monkey wrench into the tradition. Not only is she now working with her idol, “Lady Lawyer of the Year” Felicity Vanderstone (Kelen Coleman), but she meets a dashingly handsome British attorney, Richard Lovell (Kevin Bishop), who invites her to his party at a trendy club. Determined to spend time with Richard and heed Felicity’s advice to network, Kimmie sets out to convince her friends to take Super Fun Night on the road.

My Thoughts: I'm glad to see that Australian actress Rebel Wilson is doing so well for herlself, but her style of comedy is possibly more suited to a scene-stealing secondary character, not a main one. I won't be watching.


Trophy Wife

ABC's Pitch: They say the third time’s the charm and reformed party girl Kate (Malin Akerman) is hoping that’s true when she becomes Pete’s (Bradley Whitford) third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar and a year later, Kate’s got an insta-family complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives. Diane (Marcia Gay Harden) is ex-wife number one, an intense, over-achieving doctor and the mother of twin teenagers Hillary (Gianna LePera) and Warren (Ryan Scott Lee). Diane is quick to convey her withering disapproval of Kate’s barely tapped maternal instinct. Ex-wife number two, Jackie (Michaela Watkins), is mother to adopted son, Bert (Albert Tsai), and can pull Pete’s strings with her special blend of neurotic, new-ageyness. Juggling all this baggage is uncharted territory for Kate who finds support with her best friend Meg (Natalie Morales) a party-hearty singleton and the only woman Kate knows who has less experience with kids than she has.

My Thoughts: Again, an imteresting family dyanmic for sure, but it's hard to say what is usually a stereotypical character having a whole show based around her will actually be like. I won't be watching.

A Look At ABC's New Dramas (2013-2014)

Betrayal

ABC's Pitch: A chance meeting leads photographer Sara Hadley (Hannah Ware) and Attorney Jack McAllister (Stuart Townsend) to an undeniable instant attraction. Sara’s husband, Drew (Chris Johnson), is a successful prosecutor with political aspirations. Jack is married to Elaine (Wendy Moniz) the daughter of his boss Thacher Karsten (James Cromwell). When Karsten’s brother-in-law Lou is murdered, all evidence points to Karsten’s son T.J. (Henry Thomas). Jack, the company’s lead council, will have to defend him. For Sara’s prosecutor husband Drew, this is the kind of high-profile murder case that can secure his political future. Just as Sara and Jack’s affair is starting, the lovers will find themselves in an impossible situation—on opposite sides of a murder investigation.

 

My Thoughts: This seems like a relationship drama based around a very thin concept, so the shows actual plot will need to be a lot more compelling. I don't think I'll be watching.


Killer Women

ABC's Pitch: Of all the notorious lawmen who ever patrolled the violent Texas frontier, none are more storied than the Texas Rangers. Being the only female ranger in this elite squad isn’t going to stop ballsy, badass Molly Parker (Tricia Helfer). Molly is committed to finding the truth and seeing justice served. While she’s surrounded by law enforcement colleagues who want to see her fail, including Police Lieutenant Estaban Salazar (Vic Trevino), the Rangers have her back, led by Company Commander Luis Zea (Alex Fernandez). Molly’s also got her brother Billy (Michael Trucco) and his wife Nessa (Marta Milans). On the verge of getting divorced from her smarmy husband Jake (Jeffrey Nordling), Molly begins an affair with sexy DEA agent, Dan Winston (Marc Blucas).

My Thoughts: While action-packed, a female lead trying to break into a traditionally male field is a used formula and could make for painful viewing. I won't be watching.


Lucky 7

ABC's Pitch: In Astoria, Queens, a group of seven gas station employees have been chipping into a lottery pool for months, never thinking they’d actually win. Money could solve problems for each of them. Matt (Matt Long) could get his girlfriend and two kids out of his mother’s house. Matt’s brother Nicky (Stephen Louis Grush), an ex-con, could pay off a dangerous debt. Samira (Summer Bishil), a second-generation Pakistani immigrant, could afford to go to Juilliard. Denise (Lorraine Bruce), a plucky cashier, could focus on rebuilding her crumbling marriage. Leanne (Anastasia Phillips), a young mother, could help her daughter realize her dreams. Bob (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), the store’s manager, could finally retire, and Antonio (Luis Antonio Ramos) could give his wife and kids a whole new life.

My Thoughts: The show has an interesting premise, and plenty of characters to use for storyline potential, but it remains to be seen where the show will try and go after the pilot. I won't be watching.


Marvel's Agents of SHIELD

ABC's Pitch: Clark Gregg reprises his role of Agent Phil Coulson from Marvel’s feature films, as he assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Coulson's team consists of Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), highly trained in combat and espionage; Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen), expert pilot and martial artist; Agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker), brilliant engineer; and Agent Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge), genius bio-chemist. Joining them on their journey into mystery is new recruit and computer hacker, Skye (Chloe Bennet).

My Thoughts: Definitely has an exciting universe to explore, is action heavy, funny, and has a strong ensemble cast. I will be watching.


Mind Games

ABC's Pitch: Clark (Steve Zahn) and Ross (Christian Slater) Edwards are brothers and partners in a unique agency committed to solving clients’ problems using the hard science of psychological manipulation. Clark is a former professor and a world-renowned expert in the field of human behavior. He has a checkered history due to bipolar disorder, which sometimes results in quirky, manic episodes. His older brother Ross is a slick con man who spent time in prison. Each in their own way knows what makes people tick. Drawing from the most cutting edge research in psychology, they can a tailor a plan to influence any situation. It’s a little bit science, a little bit con artistry plus a smattering of Jedi mind tricks. The brothers, along with their team of master manipulators are offering clients an alternative to fate.

My Thoughts: It's seems like a fun, heartwarming show, but the premise is very far-fetched. I won't be watching.


Once Upon A Time In Wonderland

ABC's Pitch: In Victorian England, the young and beautiful Alice (Sophie Lowe) tells a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. An invisible cat, a hookah smoking caterpillar and playing cards that talk are just some of the fantastic things she’s seen during this impossible adventure. Surely this troubled girl must be insane and her doctors aim to cure her with a treatment that will make her forget everything. Alice seems ready to put it all behind her, especially the painful memory of the genie she fell in love with and lost forever—the handsome and mysterious Cyrus (Peter Gadiot). But deep down Alice knows this world is real and just in the nick of time, the sardonic Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha) and the irrepressible White Rabbit (John Lithgow) arrive to save her from a doomed fate. Together, the trio will take a tumble down the rabbit hole to this Wonderland where nothing is impossible.

My Thoughts: Although it's visually pleasing, it's hard to see where the show will go other than on an expansive and drawn out journey. I won't be watching.


Ressurrection

ABC's Pitch: The people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to return. An 8-year-old American boy (Landon Gimenez) wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia and an immigration agent, Martin Bellamy (Omar Epps), takes him there. The home he claims as his own is occupied by an elderly couple, Harold (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille Garland (Frances Fisher), who lost their son Jacob more than 30 years ago. While they look different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Those closest to the family try to unravel this impossible mystery, including Sheriff Fred Garland (Matt Craven) whose wife Barbara drowned 30 years ago trying to save Jacob. But this boy who claims to be the deceased Jacob knows secrets about his own death that no one else knows—secrets that Fred’s daughter Gail (Devin Kelly) will begin to investigate and discover to be true.

My Thoughts: An intriguing premise, it'll be interesting to see how well the story can be prolonged though. I'll be watching.