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Sure, we could something productive with our summers, such as tanning, taking a class, or, god forbid, working out.
Instead, do what many of us are going to do anyway: Spend a majority of your time this summer in front of a computer or TV screen instead of soaking up vitamin D. But why not make the most of your voluntary indoor, air-conditioned seclusion by catching up on the 2006-07 season’s best TV shows?
The following are the three best TV shows from the previous TV season that are returning this fall. They are each easily accessible through reputable online Web sites, with all three offering episodes free for your streaming pleasure. Since most non-network TV shows aren’t nearly as easily accessible, just wait for those on DVD.
Heroes
Stream all season one episodes for free online at www.NBC.com; download the first season for $42.99 from iTunes
Key performance: Jack Coleman as “Noah” “Bennet’ Zach Quinto as “Sylar”
Key episodes: “Company Man,” “The Hard Part,” “Homecoming”
“Heroes” memorably blew the cult TV community (and TV critics) out of the water last spring and fall with multilayered plotting, well-paced story arcs and memorable characters. Not to mention pretty special effects and a great score.
One part “Lost,” two parts “X-Men” and a little bit of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (super powered cheerleader, hello!), “Heroes” established a winning blend of action and real human drama, but in a science-fiction context, just like the best shows in the genre. But it’s episodes such as “Company Man,” which showed the poignant backstory of best-dad-ever Mr. Bennet that made “Heroes” the show to see in 2006-07.
“Heroes” is poised to take the “Lost” and “24” throne of geeky serialized dramas next year – if it hasn’t already. So what are you waiting for?
Brothers & Sisters
Watch all season one episodes online for free at www.ABC.com; reruns at 9 p.m., Sundays, on ABC
Key performance: Besidess Sally Shield’s Nora Walker, Matthew Rhys’s gay sibling character Kevin Walker
Key episodes: “An Act of Will,” “Family Portrait,” “Game Night”
Brothers and Sisters was the most instantly-addictive dramedy of the last season. The cast is mouth-wateringly awesome, with Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Rob Lowe as her boyfriend, “Six Feet Under’s” Rachael Griffiths as Sara Walker, not one but two “Alias” alumni, and best of all, Kevin Rhys as the non-stereotypically gay brother.
The plots aren’t anything to write home about; between the mistress storyline and the incredibly-mundane hedge fund plot, I’m surprised I’ve enjoyed this show as much as I have – but the characterizations are gold and the cast chemistry is riveting. And with Marti Noxon as a former executive producer, there’s a dark edge to keep things interesting.
With “Grey’s Anatomy” jumping the shark and “Desperate Housewives” all but irrelevant, “Brothers and Sisters” should fulfill all your soap needs comes fall 2007.
Friday Night Lights
Watch all season one episodes online for free at www.NBC.com, or for the non-streaming crowd, buy season one for $39.99 from iTunes
Key performance: Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor
Key episode: “Pilot,” “Crossing the Line”
The most critically-acclaimed TV show of the past season (take that, “24”), “Lights” struck a nerve with viewers with its documentary-style filmmaking, its American heartland setting and its realistic situations.
The series is based on the movie of the same name, and in hopes of not boring you with the plot details, visit TV.com Wikipedia.org if you want to learn more. Just know that this is the most hear Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
