On the Radar: Summer Television
It's been summer for a while now, hell it's almost over already. While some of my favorite shows are about to return in the fall it's tough to keep myself entertained with the limited summer selection. Here are a few gems that have kept my attention in my most bored moments.
Big Love- I've found that as I've watched this show more regularly I have a harder time stopping. Simply put, its a show about polygamy but the writers have found a way to make this show stretch far beyond that. If you haven't checked this show out, rent season one and see what you think. It may not be for everyone but it sure is entertaining.
Jekyll- This show is just getting started on BBC America but I am a little ahead through the magic of the internet. While it is the classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde, that's only the begining. Great acting makes the split personality of the doctor devilishly fun to watch. It seems like two men playing him. Check out the first episode and just try not to be intrigued.
John From Cincinnati- The first thing I will say about this show is that it isn't for everyone. It takes a person with lots of patience and an ear for some heady dialog. It comes from the creators of Deadwood and if you've ever seen that show you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm not exactly sure what the point of the show is yet. It seems to have religious overtones with a cast full of colorful characters with their own interesting stories. It isn't instant gratification because every episode seems to be leading up to something big. The show is asking the viewer to take a big leap of faith that the pay of will be worth the wait. It's success will hinge on that payoff.
Psych- I get a good laugh from this show every week. I was actually glad when I saw it was back. It can be slightly corny but it's a good detective show. Nice and light, not too heavy on the Law and Order type of stuff.
The Pickup Artist- If you haven't read the book THE GAME by Neil Strauss, you totally should. It's a memoir of a Rolling Stone writer who becomes part of a subculture of pick-up artists. They make their money by teaching men to pick up women. One of his wingmen is this guy named Mystery and VH1, in an act of genius, gave Mystery his own show. Where he takes hopeless men, including a 46 year old virgin, and teaches them how to get girls. It's AWESOME.
