I've been pretty neglectful of the blog of late, so in these last minutes of 2013 I figured I'd write about the new shows I've picked up for the year. Which is pretty easy, actually, as the only new show I'm watching is The Blacklist, which I've enjoyed for something that's been sort of silly in that overhyped international treachery sort of way that 24 employed so often. James Spader's been fun to watch, and there have been some interesting villains of the week (favorite so far: Robert Sean Leonard as a biotech genius turned mass murderer). I do like that they're taking their time with the standing plot lines (the basis of Reddington's interest in Liz Keen, the potential secret history of her husband, and the identity of the people who are watching the Keen house).
I did try watching Marvel's Agents of SHIELD but couldn't get into it. Not sure if it's because I'm approaching it as an outsider (having not read the comics or seen the movies) or because it's all a bit too ludicrous. Still, I didn't hate it, and hope it sticks if for no other reason to keep networks open to this sort of programming.
I have also seen a couple of episodes of The Crazy Ones and The Millers. I feel like I like the former more than the latter, but haven't quite gotten motivated to follow either.
We did also watched a couple of episodes of Genealogy Roadshow, a PBS series that takes the Antiques Roadshow approach to finding out if everyday people are related to someone famous, or someone involved in a major historical event. I found it a little glib, between the host (who adds nothing but a layer of unctuousness) and the genealogists who don't always explain their findings that well or in enough detail for my taste. This needs a serious retooling before I'd watch it again.
The last new show I'll mention isn't something I watch specifically for me. It's Peg + Cat, a PBS animated show from the Fred Rogers Company that follows a girl (Peg) and her cat as they have math and science-related adventures. It's a very different series than Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and offers some amusement for adults from the catchy songs to witty asides. This may actually be the best new show I've seen in 2013.
Oh, and I did watch the live version of The Sound of Music. Audra McDonald deserved better.
Anyway, happy New Year! Hopefully more posting in 2014.
