Spring Break
The Epinion: Must-see Wednesdays
by Mike Epstein
Arts | 10/16/07
Posted online at 8:41 PM EST on 10/15/07
Recently, I've focused on the social repercussions of what's on television; as viewers, we have a responsibility to maintain our personal integrity. That's not to say that we should judge a show purely on its production quality or even by its intelligence, but when we are shown something that we perceive as wrong, we should recognize it. After an abysmal couple of weeks, it seems like there may not be anything worth watching. It seems like it's about time that we start talking about some of the good stuff that's on right now.
If I had to pick one night of television to watch, I would definitely choose Wednesday night. Boasting a balanced set of great shows, there are programs both new and old, comedy and drama (And "dramedys," if you want everything all at once). No matter what you like, there's something for you to watch.
While there are some great returning shows, Wednesday is also filled with a cadre of fresh, exciting new stories. For fans of Tim Burton, fairy tales and sappy romances, Pushing Daisies (ABC, 8 p.m.) might legitimately be this season's best new show. Daisies is a well-constructed show that is honestly heart-warming, a rare experience in television today. Guided by a fairy tale narrator, the story recounts the life of a man named Ned (Lee Pace) who, as a child, learned that he has the supernatural ability to bring dead people back to life just by touching them. Ned helps private detective Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve murders by bringing the murdered back to life and asking them how they died so Cod can catch the killers and get the handsome reward. The show is shot so viewers feel close to the characters. While it may seem superficial, using the camera to make silly little visual jokes for the viewers' entertainment gives the show a playful quality that is rare in this medium. Also, the show has a great supporting cast. In addition to the grumpy, yet cuddly Chi McBride, Anna Friel and Kristen Chenoweth both give great performances, transposing vibrant personas in just two episodes.
If I had to pick one night of television to watch, I would definitely choose Wednesday night. Boasting a balanced set of great shows, there are programs both new and old, comedy and drama (And "dramedys," if you want everything all at once). No matter what you like, there's something for you to watch.
While there are some great returning shows, Wednesday is also filled with a cadre of fresh, exciting new stories. For fans of Tim Burton, fairy tales and sappy romances, Pushing Daisies (ABC, 8 p.m.) might legitimately be this season's best new show. Daisies is a well-constructed show that is honestly heart-warming, a rare experience in television today. Guided by a fairy tale narrator, the story recounts the life of a man named Ned (Lee Pace) who, as a child, learned that he has the supernatural ability to bring dead people back to life just by touching them. Ned helps private detective Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve murders by bringing the murdered back to life and asking them how they died so Cod can catch the killers and get the handsome reward. The show is shot so viewers feel close to the characters. While it may seem superficial, using the camera to make silly little visual jokes for the viewers' entertainment gives the show a playful quality that is rare in this medium. Also, the show has a great supporting cast. In addition to the grumpy, yet cuddly Chi McBride, Anna Friel and Kristen Chenoweth both give great performances, transposing vibrant personas in just two episodes.
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