Give "Life on Mars" a whirl
Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:00 AM by Paige Newman
Filed Under:
TV
Last week, Gael Cooper wrote about TV shows that belong in the TV dead pool. This week, I want to focus on three that have pleasantly surprised me and become part of my TV watching ritual: ABC’s “Life on Mars,” HBO’s “True Blood” and the CW’s “Privileged.”
ABC |
Jason O'Mara in "Life on Mars."
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“Life on Mars”
I came into this show a skeptic. I had thoroughly enjoyed the BBC version and was positive that ABC’s spin would be more “Coupling” than “The Office.” But I’ve been happily surprised. As someone who loves crime procedurals, it’s incredibly fun to see how cops solve crimes without the help of modern technology (crime scenes are contaminated, fibers aren’t analyzed, blood splatter isn’t measured). Add to that solid work from Jason O’Mara (last seen on “Men in Trees”) as Sam Tyler and a completely over-the-top (in the best way) performance from Harvey Keitel as Lieutenant Gene Hunt and you have a fun night of TV. I also like that ABC has added hippy neighbor Windy, who believes a meal isn’t complete without a little marijuana. And in a time when every TV show seems to share the same indie rock soundtrack, “Life on Mars’” ‘70s tunes, such as Mott the Hoople’s “All the Way to Memphis” and Sweet’s “Little Willie” are pretty refreshing.
HBO |
Stephen Moyer in "True Blood."
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“True Blood”
OK, now this one is tawdry. And that’s what’s so great about it. This story about vampires as the minority in a small Louisiana town has sex, drugs (in the form of vampire blood) and more sex. Anna Paquin combines savviness and innocence in her portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse, the virginal (depending on how many episodes you’ve watched) waitress who can hear what everyone is thinking. This show was criticized early on because creator Alan Ball leaned too hard on the vampires-equal-homosexuals metaphor, but frankly, this show is more about fun than preaching. You find yourself rooting for Sookie’s romance with vampire Bill Compton (the easy-on-the-eyes Stephen Moyer). But you get just as easily drawn into the other characters' storylines, whether it be Jason Stackhouse’s (Ryan “check out those abs” Kwanten) addiction to easy sex and vampire blood or Sookie’s best friend Tara Thorton’s (Rutina Wesley) on-and-off romance with Sam Merlotte (and what’s going on with him, anyway?). Yes, basically this is a soap opera with vampires, but it’s much naughtier than anything you’ll find on regular TV.
“Privileged”
I have an admitted yen for shows about teenagers, but I really thought this one was going to be on the must-skip, too-good-to-be-true “7th Heaven” side of the equation. Instead with the charming Joana Garcia (who’s a dead ringer for Amy Adams in looks and manner) as Megan Smith, the aspiring journalist-turned-tutor of two spoiled girls, the show is actually a “Gilmore Girls”-esque charmer. And, yes, it’s a bit humorous that the nastier of the twins Sage (Ashley Newbrough) looks like Rumor Willis. Hey, it gives a bit of authenticity to the show. And, OK, it does seem odd that not one but three handsome men are after Megan, but this show takes place in fantasy land, where a job as a tutor includes a convertible, a bedroom the size of a hotel suite and a lot of time to yourself. Yes, this one is definitely a guilty pleasure, but, hey, at least it’s a pleasure.
Are there new shows that have you hooked? Which ones are they and why?
