‘Parks and Recreation’ adds another comedy element by jumping to 2017 (TV review)
“Parks and Recreation” (7 p.m. Central Tuesdays on NBC) isn’t the first show to do a time-jump. Off the top of my head, “Dawson’s Creek” jumped ahead three years for its final episode, “24” sprang forward a few times in order to have new presidents and new technology, and “Fargo” did a beefed-up “one year later”
John’s 10 favorite TV characters at the moment (Commentary)
The recent return of “24” further solidifies that this is an age of shock-value TV, where the body count of main characters is more valued than good character building. But TV’s reputation as a character medium isn’t dead yet. Here are 10 reasons why:
Fall TV 2012: New shows a huge letdown, but returning faves still deliver appointment television (Commentary)
Two years ago, I labeled Fall 2010 as the worst batch of new shows ever. The highlights were “Law & Order: Los Angeles,” which was hardly a new concept; “No Ordinary Family,” which was throwaway fun; and “The Walking Dead,” which wasn’t the show then that it is now. 2011 saw a respectable improvement: “Ringer” was heady fun; “The Secret Circle” and “Revenge” were stupid but fun; “American
First episode impressions: ‘Parks and Recreation’ Season 5 (TV review)
“Parks and Recreation” (8:30 p.m. Central Thursdays, NBC) started off its fifth season this week with an episode that was ambitious in terms of setting (Washington, D.C.) and casting (a few Senatorial cameos), but also stayed in its comfort zone.
John’s 10 favorite TV characters at the moment (Commentary)
The 2011-12 TV season has almost faded to snow and the dust has settled from the cancellation carnage. Looking back, I’d say it was a very good season for characters. That’s why I’m resurrecting my formerly annual top 10 favorite TV characters list.
Ron Swanson: TV’s greatest libertarian character ever? (Commentary)
Since I’m venturing into politics with this post (which will eventually be about television), I’ll admit my bias up front: I’ll be voting for the Libertarian Party ticket of Johnson-Gray in November. But I think anyone who’s been paying attention knows that the growing distrust of Big Government, Big Spending and Big War is the noteworthy political
5 buzzworthy season finales (TV commentary)
It’s that time of year when summer movies start to steal the headlines from TV, but boob-tube fans have one last gasp, at least: The May season finales. Due to the evolving TV calendar, it’s not as jam-packed of a month as it used to be; “Parenthood,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Ringer” and “The
First episode impressions: ‘Parks and Recreation’ Season 4 (TV review)
“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. Central Thursdays on NBC) is my pick for best network comedy. It still ranks fourth on my overall list because while cable shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Futurama” seem to have no restraints on what they can do, “Parks” is still slightly boxed in by
Fall TV 2011: 6 new shows and 6 returning shows to watch (Commentary)
Believe it or not, the fall TV season is less than a week away. Fittingly, one of the best-looking new shows and one of the best returning shows will throw out the first pitches of the season when they premiere on Tuesday. Here’s a closer look at those shows and more — my top six
Refreshingly sunny people of ‘Parks and Recreation’ are more enjoyable to watch than ‘Office’ mates (TV commentary)
I’ve tried to stick with “The Office,” but I’m just not laughing lately. I thought the show was funny and somewhat original (although it spun off from the British version, it developed an American voice) when it premiered, but now it strikes me as depressing and tired. Another Matt introduced me to an alternative, though: “Parks