Fall into Television

Everything tells me it is Autumn. The stores are stocking Halloween items, school buses have joined the freeway gridlock, and my facebook friends keep talking about beautiful fall days. Outside, here in Northridge, the weather is a festering 100 degrees - and it doesn't feel like fall at all - but inside is where the fall season is at its finest. The new television season has begun.

Ah, one of my favorite times of the year. I love television and I am not ashamed to admit it. The return of my favorite shows is like reconnecting with a high school friend on facebook. Although not someone I kept in touch with for the past 20 years (or in the case of Grey's Anatomy - a disappointing 5th season) I am strangely excited and fulfilled to have them back in my life. I missed my favorite residents and their ridiculous romances. Nothing says love like a post-it note - just ask Carrie Bradshaw.

My favorite shows are the ones that while the same, seem to reinvent themselves every time they come back. Comfortable to wear - but with a fancy purse and new shoes. Survivor is this show, and i thank god for Mark Burnett. After the wacky insanity of last season's Dragon Slayer, I thought casting would have a tough time finding an immediate stand-out character. Happily, I am wrong. Russel is a self-professed millionaire - he says he's not there to win the million, he's just there to mess with people. And mess with them he does. I don't know if he is crazy smart or everyone else is a complete idiot - but not only does he get the only two women who were hip to his sculduggery kicked off in the first two episodes, but he finds the hidden immunity idol at camp, without a clue, in front of the entire tribe - and NO ONE notices. Casting must have been peeing in their pants when this guy's tape landed in their inbox. Thank you again, Mark Burnett - if you are ever hiring - let me know - i think you are a genius.

Another genius entry by Mark Burnett is Shark Tank. A good "American Dream" show that is equal opportunity for great or crazy ideas. I like the sharks, they sound like they know what they are talking about and if the credits are true - they are using their own money to invest. The show allows us to get attached to winners and losers and until the sharks start talking, we're never sure which side of the investment fence they are going to land on. I especially like when they revisit people that did get investments. Mr. Tod although i think your mascot is goofy - i really wanna buy one of your pies!

Speaking of food and reality tv, let's get to Top Chef. I'm hungry, but Ashley, your hair makes me not want to eat your food - no matter how tasty your dishes might be. Bryan, how can you be so unbelievably boring - have you ever put inflection in your tone? Your brother, Michael seems to know how to emote. By the way, I'm still hungry.

The Bravo also ran, Project Runway, is back after a very long absence, a law suit and a network change. Do i care? Not so much, that is why i have a DVR - it will pick up the show no matter what channel it's on. I always enjoy the creativity on display on the runway - but i don't really care about any of the contestants this year. There is no Christian Siriano or Chris March that has the personality to match their clothing. Speaking of Siriano - he has a shoe line at Payless shoes. For an up-and-comer, I'm sure the payless money is good - but doesn't that hurt your red carpet credibility? Do we have to wear payless shoes instead of louboutins with your couture creations?

Let's take on a few new shows this season.

Loving Glee. Although it hasn't managed to capture the sublime perfection of the initial show that aired last spring, i'm still diggin' it. There are lots of characters to enjoy and this week's "Single Ladies" episode, although light on the singing was rich in heart. I believe there might have been a tear in my eye during the final scene between Kurt and his father. I haven't seen a gay highschool kid this convincing since Rickie from My So Called Life. But my deep, heartfelt request to the creators of the show is take care of Sue. Her perfect one-liners from the first episode have been replaced by not-so-perfect one-liners that are quickly turning her into a caricature. As the stand-out character from the first episode, she is slowly disappearing due to the plethora of other great characters like Emma, Kurt, Rachel and even Josh Groban who by the way "loves a blousy alcoholic."

I am also loving The Vampire Diaries. This show makes it official that I have regressed to the age of 16, or maybe even 14. Along with my total infatuation of Edward Cullen I have started an infatuation with anything vampire related. This show is definitely included. While not as romantic (yet) as Twilight and not as ballsy and dirty as True Blood, this show is definitely filling the void in my vampire-loving heart. Speaking of void - i miss you Eric almost as much as i miss Edward. Is it possible for you to visit Forks so i can see you both in the same vampire canon?

There are a lot of new shows and new seasons of old shows that are on the DVR that i haven't yet had a chance to watch. Having a full-time job and personal responibilities do get in the way of so much great tv. But hopefully i will catch up on the new Amazing Race, Dancing With The Stars (nice work Kelly Osbourne - i still hate you Samantha Harris), So You Think You Can Dance (too soon?), and the brand new, Modern Family, the good wife, the forgotten and the much anticipated (at least by me) Flashforward. If you've seen a show that you love, don't hesitate to let me know - it is just a season pass away.

Until next time, I'm watching...