Midterm report pt. 2

Today is the second batch of report cards of some of my regular returning shows. Lets see how they have fared!

ER: A
Now in its 15th and final season, ER is pulling out all the stops. It’s going to be a tacky year, but after being on the air so long, it’s allowed. It will have every guest appearance it can milk, milking George Clooney (who finally said yes) for all he’s worth. Bright and tacky future aside, what ER has shown so far has been very well received…for the most part. ER would have received an A+ if they hadn’t killed off Dr. Pratt in its season premiere. It just might pull that back up if they successfully work a cameo by a dead doctor (Anthony Edwards).

Grey’s Anatomy: C+
It’s hard to be completely objective with the rating, because the gay rights politics behind the sudden firing of Brooke Smith, one-half of the only lesbian couple on cable television this season, was a tough pill to swallow. Studio politics aside, Grey’s is continuing its average slump by not putting in the effort to come up with anything new or innovative, but keeping up with the usual flashy tricks—Izzy + (ghost) Denny! Meredith Loves/Hates McDreamy! McSteamy sleeps with anything that moves!—that have worked in the past to make sure it doesn’t fall too far behind. Maybe McDreamy and McSteamy should see me after class and we could put our heads together to come up with some extra credit for them to get a better mark.

NCIS: B-
The show seems to have shrugged off Director Jenny Sheppard’s death and pulled everything back together in time for a full season of solving navy-related crime sans emotional strain. NCIS is not one of the most profound shows, preferring the formulaic one-episode story arcs, but it seems to have been lacking in excitement or drama this season. It’s obvious that it is coming closer to its shelf life than anyone really expected.

The Office: B+
The Office had a great start to the season, with the introduction of Holly Flax to fill the void Pam left behind while being off in New York for art. Holly and Michael were the hot couple on campus for a whole, but when it came time to putting in some hard work to make their relationship work after Holly’s transfer, everything fell apart. Unfortunately, Jam (Jim and Pam)’s relationship hasn’t been as strong to carry the whole show, especially with Pam away at school. The love triangle that is Dwangelandy is a train wreck we can’t help watch and laugh at. And, of course, Ryan is back and possibly trying to woo Kelly back into his arms. With all of this office relationship drama going on, the rest of the show is falling behind. Lets hope it can catch up.

Smallville: F
This show has somehow managed to squeak by with yet another season, but no amount of Oliver Queen as The Green Arrow cameos is going to save it. Smallville knew from the beginning it had a short shelf life, because it had to transition into Superman-land soon enough. Right now, however, with half of the original cast having walked off and another third barely getting any screen time, it’s easy to tell that it’s well past time for Clark “Smallville” Kent to pack up and make way for the real Superman to take over, except only in comics or in our imaginations instead of on our TV screens. Honestly, Smallville is the kid clutching his mother’s leg, refusing to start kindergarten.

Supernatural: A
Supernatural has taken on a much darker, more serious turn this season, which is surprising because I did not think that was entirely possible. The looming danger of an apocalyptic battle between good and the ultimate evil is front and center, while Sam’s flirtation with the dark side and Dean’s haunting of hell play very close second. It’s pulled off a few excellent episodes, and thrown in some great fun amidst the darkness. As the season progresses, it promises to deliver darker demons and battles of epic proportions. Lets just hope it can deliver on its promise.