SEARCH

Years ago, I put myself in recovery after living with a TV addict by disconnecting from everything but a DVD player and Seasons 1 – 7 of The Simpsons. I have no cable, no TiVo, not even a tin foil-covered antenna. I don’t miss it, but occasionally I do wonder what’s changed since I rolled the metaphorical bowling ball into the old Zenith. To find out, I checked in with Plexi folks on what has them riveted this fall:

Hands down, the studio favorite has to be Heroes. Not only is Drake B. an addict, but Paola R. says this super superhero show, “kicks off my week like nobody’s business and makes me want special powers to save the world and kick some ass!” Vicky T. recovered from last year’s disappointing finale only to get reabsorbed in the character development and the brain-puzzle aspect again this year.

Kristi T. has been glued to Damages. Of this law drama starring Glenn Close, she says, “I’m not sure what I’m going to do with my Tuesdays now that it’s over.” Joshua S. similarly hangs on the British sitcom Black Books because, “Dylan Moran is so funny it makes me want to spit!” And then he quoted something from the show, or at least I think he did. It went soaring over my cultural-tourist head.

Amie S. plans to delve into Frontline, as the news show goes in-depth to look at issues such as global warming and climate change, the aftermath of Katrina, growing unrest over the war in Iraq, and conflict in the Middle East. She adds, “Frontline makes 60 Minutes or any other ‘news’ program look like child’s play. They ask the tough questions and don’t pander to politicians. This season, they are going to tackle some of the most pressing news stories of our lives.”

Allen C.’s a sucker for The Office. He says, “Jim and Pam are finally together, Dwight’s still crazy, and Michael’s as insensitive as ever. In other words, awesome.” And, I might add, the show bears no resemblance to his actual workplace.

Jesse R. hates to promote Ashton Kutcher, but he’s all for promoting the dating reality show Beauty and The Geek. “It’s trash television the way it’s supposed to be: socially awkward ‘indoor kids,’ vapid, silicon-enhanced belles, challenges, and prizes!” Speaking of reality shows and silicon-enhancing, Lisa S. and Vicky T. both got suckered into the Bret Michaels vehicle Rock of Love. Lisa claimed it was against her will, but I think it’s just her rocker side showing through.

Lisa S. also digs House because, “Who doesn’t love a pill popping genius doctor who strikes sarcasm and hostile comments to all that pass while he cures the rarest of ailments ever encountered?”

Other favorites include Weeds (suburban MILF drug slinger), Tell Me You Love Me (free therapy), Curb Your Enthusiasm (absurdities of normal interactions), Prison Break (thickening plots), Pushing Daisies (dark humor), Bionic Woman (former stars of Battlestar Galactica), Journeyman (time travel), Amazing Race (racing, natch) and Lost (desert islands).

All in all, it’s a busy season in TV land, which makes me sigh in relief that I don’t have to keep up with all those involving plotlines. Besides, they just released The Simpsons, Season 10, which should keep me busy until at least December.