After a week or so of unseasonably warm weather, today we were slapped in the face with a not-so-subtle hint that another long, Idaho winter, is ahead of us no matter how much Sandi is trying to boycott. (November, you tease!) And while this blog is neglected, this might be better lumped as one post, rather than 15 or so separate posts. Also, keep in mind, we really don’t watch THAT much TV, even if this list seems to show another picture.
30 Rock: A refreshing comedy that mixes the best of tight writing, smart comedy, and the best character in television, Jack Donaghy. This is probably the show that we most look forward to each week. This season seems to be much tighter and improved over last season. One of the best episodes so far is “Reaganing.” If you haven’t seen an episode of 30 Rock, we cannot recommend it enough. 9.5/10.
Community: Another NBC hit that, quite frankly, has been on a roll this season. From the KFC donated space similator, Drew Carey with a hole in his hand, and a spectacular Halloween episode, Community is a rare miss this season. For a primer, checkout last season’s “Modern Warfare,” and really, this season’s Halloween episode (“Epidemiology”) was one of the funniest bits of TV this season. 9/10.
The Office: Obviously an NBC stable, it has slowly been on the decline since seasons 2-3. This year seems much improved over the last couple of seasons, but still, not as good as it has been. 6.5/10.
Modern Family: Another tightly written comedy involving an extended family in Southern California. “Chirp” and “Strangers on a Treadmill,” both currently on Hulu, provide great insight into the zaniness of this family. 9/10.
Psych: One of USA network’s primetime “dramadies,” I started Sandi on this one kicking and screaming, but it has settled in as one of our favorite shows. It follows fake psychic Shawn Spencer and his best friend, Gus, as they work for the Santa Barbara police department as psychic detectives. The cases are usually funny, witty, and always watchable. The show does have a serious side and has shown it brilliantly in at least two episodes: the third season finale “An Evening with Mr. Yang,” and the fourth season finale “Mr. Yin Presents.” While it is still a TV show, those two episodes are very suspenseful, and are among my favorites in the series (Sandi would likely disagree.) Psych airs on USA, starting again, Nov. 10. 9/10.
White Collar: Another USA show that fits the bill under their tag line of “Characters Welcome.” This show follows an former con man now working as a consultant for the FBI. Not as funny as, Psych, but it features interesting, likable characters. Unfortunately, its not back on the air until the end of January. But check it out when you get the chance. 8/10.
There are a few others that are worth mentioning that we both enjoy, including, Running Wilde (still finding its legs, but still more funny than most things on TV. Check out the episode with Andy Ritcher); Covert Affairs (another USA show that follows a new recruit at the CIA; mostly good, but the leading girl can be a little annoying); and NFL Football (seriously, it is awesome to have access to normal television and watch some of America’s greatest sport).
I personally have another of show that I like that Sandi isn’t all that crazy about.
Fringe: Awesome. Seriously awesome. It is a little off, but it follows the “Fringe Division” of the FBI that investigates paranormal activity. There is more going on than meets the eye, but it is fascinating science fiction and television. And this season in particular has been off the charts, with the right combination of craziness, kick you in the pants awesomeness, and I-can’t-believe that just happenedness. I don’t want to tell you too much and give it all away, but I’m just going to say this: it is about parallel universes. How cool is that? Watch it on Fox or catch up on Hulu. 9/10.
Also, if you find yourself looking on Hulu for something to watch, check out “Kings.” It is a modernish retelling of story of David from the Old Testament, but much more interesting than Sunday School. 8/10.
Anything we’re missing out on? Let us know!
