Our HC Chatham entertainment reviews are back, bringing you the lowdown on the best and worst of Fall TV premieres. This week – four ABC shows that made this author smile, laugh and even cry. (After all, Coulson returned, how could I not?)
First up…
The Goldbergs
Second only to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Goldbergs stands out as one of the few truly funny sitcoms of the season. Adam – whose older self narrates the TV show – is a young boy living in the ’80s who takes home movies of his overprotective but kick-butt mother, his condescending but caring father, and his… wacky brother and sassy teenage sister. Not to mention their grandpa, who is by far one of the funniest characters in the show! Whether you’re watching for nostalgia (every episode opens with clips from shows and movies like Back to the Future and Alf) or for laugh-out-loud comedy, you will enjoy every second you spend with the Goldbergs.
For Fans of: The Middle, Last Man Standing and any decent ABC comedy
When to Watch: Tuesdays at 9PM
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Clark Gregg shines in his triumphant return as Agent Phil Coulson in this brand new ABC series. It was one of the most-watched premieres of the fall season and for good reason. We’re all curious about the mysterious organization headed by Nick Fury (who does make the occasional special appearance just as he did at the end of every Avengers film) and this show promises that we’ll learn more. In addition, the story is a compelling one that introduces us to new supervillains and/or superheroes each week with a dramatic and action-packed pilot episode. While the newest actors (who play hacker Skye and science team Fitz-Simmons) need time to find their footing, Ming-Na Wen is excellent as Agent May and Agent Ward is undoubtedly S.H.I.E.L.D. material. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon’s past TV shows or are a fan of the Marvel comic books and films, this is not a show to miss!
For Fans of: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Marvel’s Avengers Assemble
When to Watch: Tuesdays at 8PM
Back in the Game
What can I say about this series? It stars Psych actress Maggie Lawson – one of my favorites – as a former softball player who steps up to coach her son’s misfit baseball team. Dads was boring, but it was quirky and the characters were at least solid. Despite a promising and hilarious trailer, this show is simply bland. It’s the first time I’ve felt that I need a laugh track, and, sadly, there is none to be found. And for good reason: the jokes are misplaced and the timing is off. It’s both condescending and forgettable with characters that are supposed to be inviting and familiar, but instead are confusing (from their dynamics, to their individual personalities, to their backstories and motivation). The most disappointing part is that this is indeed an ABC show. Yes – that ABC, whose series Modern Family just won yet another Emmy. We can only hope that Maggie, a great comedic actress, will leave this show to return for another season of Psych.
For Fans of: In all honesty, I have no clue…
When to Watch: Wednesdays at 8:30 PM
Trophy Wife
I was somewhat divided on this show. All the actors and actresses showed great promise and, after a season, there is a chance that this show will really find its niche as the writers explore the characters more and really discover what they’re about. There was a good joke here and there and the lead is likeable enough. However, there were so many characters that it was hard for the show to keep a steady conversation or scene and it’s almost demeaning that we know little about our lead in the first episode besides her love of partying and the exes’ disdain for her. However, there is hope. Will I be watching religiously? Probably not. Would I mind watching again? I wouldn’t go out of my way to, but if a few friends had to see the new episode – hey, why not?
For Fans of: Same as above. There are no real comedies that parallel this one, but I suppose it has the same chaos that often ensues in Modern Family.
When to Watch: Tuesdays at 9:30 PM
“Tune in” next week for Part 3 of our reviews! What did we think of The Crazy Ones, Super Fun Night, Sean Saves the World, and The Michael J. Fox Show? You’ll find out!
Photo Credit: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.