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COMMENTARY
Don't tune out, upgrade habits

If you feel guilty about TV, kick it up a notch

By Joanne Ostrow
Denver Post

Published on Sunday, Nov 29, 2009

OK, TV viewers, it's time to step it up a notch. Kick the bad habits. Watch better television.

Let's take it genre by genre.

1. Medical drama

You like: Grey's Anatomy

We get it: All those pretty people, the romantic suspense, even the medical melodrama. And gushing blood.

The problem: You know the stories can be insipid, manipulative and amount to really bad soap opera. ''Clear!''

Flip over to: House, a medical drama with better acting, less silliness and more thoughtful medical intrigue. Antisocial behavior is the norm from the likable central character, and the tangle of relationships is about more than ''he loves her, he loves her not.''

2. Procedural cop drama

You like: Law & Order but are burned out on the repetition.

We get it: Adrenaline, a puzzle, some tough talk and maybe a chase. A switcheroo, more tough talk, then case closed.

The problem: There has to be more than cracking the case. How about personal chemistry?

Flip over to: Bones, a Fox cop mystery hidden inside a romantic sparring match with smart characters and less macho posturing. Emily Deschanel is understated but strong as the forensic anthropologist, Dr. ''Bones'' Brennan. David Boreanaz is winning as the cocky FBI agent Seeley Booth.

3. Cooking shows

You like: Martha Stewart, for a slice of life more carefully constructed than your own.

We get it: Presentation counts. Her beautiful designs are admirable. Her tips are useful. The whole package is reliable, traditional, nice.

The problem: There's a generational disconnect for anyone who has learned to cook since Martha went to prison.

Flip over to: Ace of Cakes on the Food Network for an up-and-coming group doing the hustling, with a younger and more artful version of designer baking. Chef Duff Goldman is the fun-loving but exacting boss, making this less a reality show than a lesson in artistry. Currently airing in repeats; Season eight is due Jan. 14.

4. So-called reality

You like: The Biggest Loser, a tug at the heartstrings with workout advice.

We get it: It's appealing for viewers of any weight, a dose of aspirational programming that makes us feel good.

The problem: It lacks an intellectual challenge and can feel voyeuristic.

Flip over to: The Amazing Race, which has more scenic beauty, better travelogues and a healthier body-fat index. Season 15 has its finale Dec. 6.

5. Traditional sitcom

You like: Reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond

We get it: Those half-hours are reliably chuckle-worthy for their knowing look at family life and smart casting.

The problem: If after all these years, you're reciting the punchlines along with the Barones, you owe it to yourself to upgrade.

Flip over to: The Middle, part of ABC's great Wednesday comedy lineup. Patricia Heaton (formerly of Raymond) stars as a harried housewife and used car saleswoman, doing a wry narration as she barely makes it through the day. The ratings have been middling, but the show is a hoot.

6. Irreverent, cutting-edge cable sitcom

You like: Entourage, a fun boys' club that zings the ideas of Hollywood celebrity, posse, agentry and more.

We get it: Vicarious thrills with the superficial kids can be fun and funny.

The problem: The boys are getting too old to remain cutely immature.

Flip over to: Bored to Death, a goofy sendup of a gumshoe novel on HBO. Brooklyn writer Jonathan Ames created the show about himself, a writer with an active fantasy life. Jason Schwartzman plays Ames onscreen. He imagines himself a private detective, solving crimes and drinking while suffering writers' block. Zach Galifianakis is a terrific sidekick, and Ted Danson seems to be having fun as the pot-seeking magazine editor.

OK, TV viewers, it's time to step it up a notch. Kick the bad habits. Watch better television.

Get the full article here.


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DLR
Mogadore, OH

Posted 11:45 AM, 11/29/2009

For other sit-com alternatives:
Modern Family: instead of Heaton's wry narration, each of the adult characters have their own short interview segments, sometimes wry, mostly hilarious. Lots of other subtle cracks in the fourth wall.














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