Z's Pilot Preview: The Final Frontier

Alright, my final “Pilot Preview” post...finally.

Not really a “preview” now that shows have been decided and whatnot, just a chance to look at how things all shaped up by network (oh, and don’t think this is my last post about the upcoming TV season, I’m sure I’ll be dissecting trends and making other random comments about what got picked up and what didn’t before next fall).

Yeah, okay, so maybe I have no life...

ABC

I said they’d pick up: 7-8 new dramas

They actually picked up: 8...
Charlie’s Angels
Good Christian Belles (not Bitches)
Missing (the big Ashley Judd show that was kinda off my radar bc it hasn’t filmed yet)
Once Upon A Time
Pan Am
Revenge
Scandal (liked the title Damage Control better, but whatevs)
The River

How do I feel?: Meh, okay, 4/8 were shows I said I liked best, though the trailer for Once Upon A Time...wasn't what I thought it would be.

How did I do?: I was iffyier on this, but of the 3 shows I thought they’d pick up for sure, I got 2 right (Charlie’s Angels and The River).  So, you could say I picked 6/8 right, but that’s pushing it.

Most excited for: GCB I guess…I thought ABC’s pilots sounded the best going into this but the trailers didn’t impress me much…Once Upon A Time specifically looks...not how I expected…and Revenge still looks like it’s on the wrong network while Scandal falls short of my expectations and Pan Am looks glossy…but what’s it really about?

Biggest Disappointment: I thought Once Upon A Time sounded really cool…and the buzz was good…I liked it while not being into NBC’s Grimm but now both aren’t doing much for me.  Also, I’d heard great things about Georgetown…sorry to see it just fade away.

Biggest Surprise: Probably the shows that didn’t go…ABC turned their back on a show by Marc Cherry (Hallelujah) and a dancing show by Grey’s writer Krista Vernoff (Grace) as well as Georgetown all of which had a ton of early buzz.

Overall: Actually, kinda disappointed considering that ABC’s pilots sounded the best going into this…the trailers just didn’t deliver for me.  Something tells me next year might be another big regrouping year for the network.

CBS

I said they’d pick up: 4 new dramas

They actually picked up: 4...
A Gifted Man (fka Untitled Susannah Grant)
Person of Interest
The 2-2 (fka Rookies)
Unforgettable (fka The Rememberer)

How do I feel?: Very good, 3/4 that I wanted.

How did I do?: I was a little iffy on this…I was right about Person of Interest being a lock but Hail Mary didn’t actually go (although I guess it’s still kicking around…potentially in cableland).

Most excited for: Meh, I probably won’t watch any of these…not that they’re bad, just none are my cup of tea, but all look pretty spot on for CBS, which is great.

Biggest Disappointment: I guess that I was so wrong about The Doctor…the Rina Mimoun, David Nutter directed Christine Lahti pilot just faded away, and CBS took the other medical pilot A Gifted Man (which looks kinda silly to me…but who knows, I liked the show Providence and that had a similar premise, so maybe it will be okay).

Biggest Surprise: The Doctor just dying…and actually that I enjoyed the preview for Person Of Interest…like quite a bit.  Blame it on Michael Emerson for being so freaking amazing in everything he does.

FOX

I said they’d pick up: 4-5 new dramas including Terra Nova

The actually picked up: 4 including Terra Nova...
Alcatraz
Terra Nova
The Finder
Touch

How do I feel?: Very Good, they picked 3/4 of the shows I wanted to see most.

How did I do?: 3/4 right…pretty darn good, not that there were too many pilots in contention on Fox.  Still wondering if they’ll make room for Exit Strategy down the line…I was sure that show was a lock.

Most excited for: Terra Nova I guess…not really my cup of tea, but I’ll probably at least watch the first episode…same for Alcatraz…and then there’s Touch but only because it’s the in depth review I did based off nada and it got picked up so I really want to see if it will actually be good or not.

Biggest Disappointment: Weekends at Bellevue…wanted this to go, but I guess Fox is only big enough for one doctor (House)...maybe...next year?

Biggest Surprise: Exit Strategy not going (not disappointed by this, just a tad surprised).  I hear rumors this might still happen at some point.  Can’t say I’d cry if it never materializes, like I said, I’d love to see less CIA type stuff only because it hasn’t been doing all that well.

Overall: Except for Exit Strategy, everything seems pretty normal here, happy that Terra Nova is FINALLY getting off the ground…and hoping that Fox has some big/long lasting shows on the horizon.

NBC

I said they’d pick up: 5ish new dramas

They actually picked up : 5 (6 if you include that new redo of The Firm)...
Awake (this Inceptiony show was high profile but off my radar)
Grimm
Prime Suspect
Smash (!!!!!!!!!!)
The Playboy Club

How do I feel?: Pretty good…got 3/5 that I would have wanted.

How did I do?: The same…3/5…damn you Wonder Woman for being even WORSE than I thought you would be.

Most excited for: Smash!!!! This looks like the #1 new drama I want to see next season based on all the previews I’ve seen…well done NBC!  From the ashes!

Biggest Disappointment: I figured Wonder Woman would be the "genre" show NBC would pick up…not Grimm.  I was not into Grimm based off the logline and the trailer looks kinda silly (okay, really silly).  I stick by my original assessment.

Biggest Surprise: There are 2, first is that they didn’t roll the dice on Wonder Woman…can’t say I’m upset about this but I might have liked that better than Grimm.  The second is non-pilot related and that’s that Chuck is coming back…good for Chuck!

Overall: While Grimm still looks silly to me, Smash totally saves this for me.  Way to go NBC!  Totally exceeding expectations…Prime Suspect looks pretty good too.

THE CW

I said they’d pick up: 2-4 dramas depending on possible cancellations…probably only 2.

They actually picked up: 3 (cancelling Hellcats)...
Hart of Dixie
Ringer (was originally for CBS)
The Secret Circle

How do I feel?: Great…in my opinion the 2 best shows they developed got picked up.

How did I do?: Nailed it, 2/2, and while I didn’t predict Ringer going to the CW I did say that the show was not a good fit for CBS (I said maybe more for Fox but I think the CW is certainly a welcome home).  I can’t be too proud since odds were good I’d pick right for this network/there were only a couple pilots/it was no secret which shows were being pushed harder, but I’ll take it.

Biggest Disappointment: None…although I would have liked Georgetown to get a home somewhere and the CW having no interest while picking up Ringer bummed me out a little (as much as I could be bummed by a pilot I didn't actually see).

Biggest Surprise: I guess that Ringer went here, I didn’t see it coming, I just thought it would go nowhere.

Overall: The CW did as good as they could…I had some doubts about The Secret Circle I mentioned in my in depth preview, but I thought the trailer looked pretty darn good and put some of those questions to rest (it looks like there will be 2 guys on the show, not just one…which I think is essential).

And that’s that. To conclude, it’s all about Smash for me next season…I’ll probably try to catch everything new that interests me, but this is the one show I’m looking most forward to…too bad I have to wait til midseason.

Z's Pilot Preview: This is it!

So, I wrote this post weeks ago and was all set to post next Monday when upfronts began, but Fox started announcing pickups tonight so I figured I better post now before this whole thing becomes obsolete.

So yeah, the upfronts are upon us …and this Pilot Preview business was much harder than I thought it would be.  For my final predictions, I wanted to say what I’d pick, and also do a little Oscar Ballot type action.

Some networks have bigger holes to fill than others depending on how many shows they expect to cancel/have already canceled this last year (The CW not so many, ABC, almost all).

We’ll see what happens, and when I’m less busy I’ll take time to look over what actually got picked up and see where I went right and where I went wrong.

Finally! Shut up about pilots already!

ABC

Will pick up: a lot…at least 7 maybe 8 new dramas.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Georgetown
• The show fka Good Christian Bitches
• Grace
• Hallelujah
• Once Upon A Time
• Pan Am
• Poe
• Scandal (AKA new Shonda Rimes fka Damage Control)

What I think WILL get picked up:
All but three of those and replace with…

• Charlie’s Angels
• Identity
• The River

Bottom Line:
ABC seems to have the strongest lineup of scripts, good thing because they seem to have the most spots to fill.  I’m happy that I think they’ll pick up most (maybe even all) of the shows I like but my selections lean pretty girly and I think The River is pretty much a lock, despite my issues with that type of show.  I also think Charlie’s Angels, unfortunately, has a leg up, and I think they'll also want something serious and more procedural like Identity.  I’d usually say look to an expensive “period” show like Poe or Pan Am to get the axe first, but I hear they’re very well liked.  On the other hand, Grace and Scandal 2 shows I was excited about and thought were iron clad to go might be a tad more on the bubble than I thought due to some mediocre buzz.  Tough call...too many good sounding shows!

CBS

Will pick up: about 4 new dramas

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Rookies
• The Doctor
• The Rememberer
• Untitled Susannah Grant

What I think WILL get picked up:
Rookies and one other will stay but they’ll scrap the other two and instead take…

• Hail Mary
• Person of Interest

Bottom Line:
While I’d rather see CBS move away from the CIA stuff and funny crime stuff and take a chance on two medical procedurals, I think they’d rather have a JJ Abrams show and a Minnie Driver show.  In the end, I was so confident about The Doctor a month ago, but with so few spots, maybe I jumped to conclusions too soon and maybe the Susannah Grant doctor show will get the spot instead...or neither will go.

NBC

Will pick up: around 5 new dramas

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• 17th Precinct OR A Mann’s World
• Playboy
• Prime Suspect
• Smash
• Metro (fka SILA)

What I think WILL get picked up:
All of those except 17th Precinct/A Mann’s World… swap for…

• Wonder Woman

Bottom Line:
I think things are actually looking up for NBC.  While their pilots seemed a little all over the place, I think they have a couple shows I’m really into (Smash sounds really fun).  I’d like to see them steer clear of Wonder Woman and do something original…but I doubt they’ll want to take that gamble...nor should they.  I mean, why not try Wonder Woman?  If it flops, whatever, they tried.  If it’s a hit, then they've got a hit Wonder Woman show, which would likely be a big hit.

FOX

Will pick up: 4-5 new dramas including Terra Nova which has already got the go ahead.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Alcatraz
• The Finder
• Touch
• Weekends at Bellevue

What I think WILL get picked up:
Like I said, they already picked up Alcatraz and The Finder but announced Weekends at Bellevue was dead.  Not too surprising.  I think Touch will get picked up for midseason and I figured they’d ditch Weekends at Bellevue for…

• Exit Strategy

Buuut…since Touch would only be for midseason (maybe even next year) maybe they’ll pick up 5 new dramas in addition to Terra Nova so that makes room for Locke & Key…but I see Locke & Key running last.

Bottom Line: I see Exit Strategy in that last open slot and Locke & Key getting the shaft unless they pick up one additional show/do something different like air it as a movie.  I'd like to see fewer CIA shows (I think they're kinda out) but I think Exit Strategy will end up on the air one way or another.

THE CW

Will pick up: as few as 2 new shows (to replace LUX and Smallville) and as many as 4 or 5 depending on One Tree Hill (I think WILL come back) and Nikita/Hellcats. For now though, let’s just assume only 2 new shows.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Hart of Dixie
• The Secret Circle

What I think WILL get picked up:
I actually think these are the two that will go. If there is one more spot I’d expect Nikita to be cancelled before Hellcats and replaced with…

• Awakening

But yeah, I'd lean towards only the 2 new shows.

Bottom Line: Looks pretty good for The CW.  Only a couple spots to fill and I think they’ve got two solid and obvious shows for both spots.

Z's Pilot Preview: The rest of the rest!

Well, my blog hiatus didn’t last long!  As I said, I wanted to finish up this Pilot Preview business.

With that, I present the shows at the bottom of the totem pole for me.  Not saying some of these won’t get picked up (we’ll get to that next week) but these are the shows I have the greatest doubts of success about either based on their logline/or because they seem like bad matchs for their network.  Not saying any of these are “bad” shows (I'm only going off loglines) just that they don’t jump out at me in the right way.  Time will tell just how wrong I am…

Tired of all the pilots, yet?

ABC

Partners
This show sounds a tad silly….the women are “secret half-sisters” also cop drama Detroit 187 didn’t fair that well on ABC…plus no big actors here either…I doubt it gets picked up and if by some miracle it does, I would guess it won’t last.

The River
I think this might get picked up and I know horror is hot on film and Paranormal Activity was especially hot, but I don’t see this show fitting with the ABC brand at all…and I don’t think people who like Paranormal Activity are exactly ABC’s target audience.  ABC might pick it up to try their luck at striking gold/doing something new, but honestly, I don’t see this working as well as they think it will.

CBS

Hail Mary
I think this also might be picked up and I know this has Minnie Driver but a “Buddy P.I.” show sound too comedic for CBS (plus not sure Driver is the kind of actress CBS audiences would like)…it is a crime procedural though, so maybe I shouldn’t sell it short?  But then again, I don’t love the title.

Ringer
Once again, big TV star Sarah Michelle Gellar. But, this just feels more Fox than CBS…plus not sure it’s actually a procedural which doesn’t bode well.

NBC

Grimm
This seems too strange to me, but honestly, no clue what direction NBC is going right now, I just can’t really picture what this show IS.

Reconstruction
A perfect example of why this isn’t a list of shows I think are “bad.”  This sounds awesome, but no way it could be a network show…right?  First of all, it would be crazy expensive, and secondly, it seriously sounds like an HBO show

THE CW

Cooper And Stone

A super girly detective show on the CW?  Nah, that’s okay.  Leave the crime procedurals to the other networks.

Danni Lowinski
Putting this show on this rest of the rest list was tough because I actually think this sounds kinda cute, and funny (reminds me a little of Wonderfalls) but with no huge stars I just don’t see this going anywhere.  And also, the whole law practice aspect feels un-CW while the whole show concept might be too quirky (even for me…and especially the CW).

Heavenly
The concept of this show kinda confuses me.  Not sure about a legal themed show on the CW, either…I know CW can do the whole fantasy thing, I just don’t buy into this.

And that’s all the shows…right?  Did I miss any big ones?  Next week are upfronts (yay!).  I’ll try to do a final post about what I’d LIKE to see picked up and what I think WILL get picked up.  Get excited for all the new shows!

Z's Pilot Preview: The best of the rest of the rest!

Another Monday, another set of pilot reviews/previews.  As I continue down the pilot rabbit hole, here are shows I’m a little more on the fence about (remember, I've only read the loglines...no scripts yet).  Some of these I think will totally get picked up but I’m not sure about their staying power/how good they are and some I really like conceptually, but am not sure they’ll make it/are right for their network.  Also, stay tuned for next week when I’ll go over "the rest of the rest" (or you can spoil the surprise and figure out what those shows are right now, based on what I haven’t previewed yet).

Ugh, more shows...are we at upfronts yet?

ABC

Charlie’s Angels
I think this will get picked up for the name recognition alone and I do like Minka Kelly from FNL, but I’m not a huge Charlie’s Angels fan (it's just kinda boring to me, and now that it can't be so overtly sexist, it's become this bogus girl power thing).  On the other hand, it’s not as ridiculous as a Wonder Woman remake (I mean, the movies did do really well) but I think a show like this could easily get the ax early.

Hallelujah
I think this will probably get picked because of the pedigree of Marc Cherry (and the super awesome Terry O’Quinn) but it seems weird/ reminds me of that show Happy Town for some reason (an ABC flop) so, I’m not sure it will have sticking power or generate a big enough following.

Identity
This sounds kinda cool, but like it should have been for CBS and not ABC.  Maybe if ABC wants to try its luck with a crime/action procedural it will roll the dice and pick this up, but I’m not sure it will get a big following on ABC.

Pan Am
Like Playboy, this is a Mad Men effect show.  I like the concept of this show but the competition on ABC this year is really steep and period shows are expensive.  Soooo...not sure this will make it.  I do think it fits well with the ABC brand (being a soap and all) and it does have Christina Ricci who is still a pretty big star.  Buuut, as much as everyone wants a “cable-like” show this year, those shows don’t draw the really big audiences that network shows need to survive (cough, Lone Star, cough).

Poe
This sounds cool to me...cooler than that other "period" show Pan Am (and I like Kings’ Chris Egan) but I'm not sure I totally see it on ABC.  First, it’s a crime procedural (same problem Identity has) and yeah, ABC only has one that’s done well recently (Castle) and second, it is set in the 1840s.  A show set in the 1960s is one thing...I don’t know if a historical period drama can make it on a mainstream non-cable network, but maybe the proceduralness will make it more accessible (and help limit locations to make the show seem smaller in scale...and less expensive to make).  Overall, this is one show that I find myself debating about a lot...not sure what will happen here.

Revenge
This feels like this show would have been better for the CW (with the young cast and Hamptons setting)…also a revenge based show seems kinda mean/wouldn’t be that much fun to watch.  I do, however, like Emily Van Camp of Everwood, but not sure this is perfect for ABC, especially in a year where they seem to have lots of good shows on the horizon.

CBS

Person of Interest
I think this might get picked up simply because of J.J.'s name and awesome star Michael Emerson.  But, something about J.J. Abrams and CBS just doesn’t jive for me.  The whole reclusive billionaire and CIA stuff seems too slick for the network (and CIA show CHAOS just flopped on CBS).  I guess I’m picturing a male driven Alias type show (it only barely worked on ABC...and then Undercovers flopped last year...maybe CIA shows are just out).

Untitled Susannah Grant
I like Susannah Grant, but the supernatural aspect of this show feels un-CBS to me.  Also, I think I like The Doctor more…so the question is...will CBS do 2 new doctor shows?  Maybe...

NBC

17th Precinct
This show sounds kinda cool and once again, no clue what direction NBC wants to go in but as well as Heroes did, this feels maybe TOO genre for the network...I see it more on FOX…or even SyFy.

A Mann’s World
Another Mad Men effect show.  While Don Johnson used to be a big star, I just see this fighting with Playboy for the network’s affection and in the end, I think Playboy will win out...but the show’s concept does intrigue me since it is so different.

FOX

Exit Strategy
I think this will probably get picked up because Fox loves shows with movie stars, but nothing about this strikes me as new or interesting.  Also, a show about a group of super smart elite specialist type people reminds me of the struggling Breaking In for some reason (only obviously this is not supposed to be fun/funny).  Plus, I'll say it again, I think CIA themed shows might be out.  But hey, Orci and Kurztman?

Locke & Key

I think this could get picked up based on the name recognition of the graphic novel and pedigree of the higher ups, but I’m not really itching to see it.  I just think haunted house/horror stories work better in movies than on TV, so I wouldn't be shocked to see this flop even if it does get picked up.

Weekends At Bellevue
I adore Lauren Ambrose of Six Feet Under, so I’m curious about this show, and Fox has had success with character driven medical drama House…but so many female cast members makes me think this is too female heavy for the Fox audience (I see their scripted shows as more male leaning while their reality shows lean female).

THE CW

Awakening
Zombies on the CW?  Sure, why not?  Not entirely sold on this show though, I’d want to see how good/bad the effects are, and just know more about the overall tone...but if any network was gonna have a successful zombie show (and try to cash in on the popularity of The Waking Dead/zombie craze) it was probably gonna be the CW.

Z's Pilot Preview: The best of the rest!

While I’d love to talk about every pilot on every major network in depth (or ANY of the comedy pilots) I don’t have THAT MUCH free time.  So, as we get one week closer to upfronts, a quick overview of the best of the rest, i.e. drama pilots that made a good first impression on me.  I think these all sound cool AND (maybe more importantly) are good fits for their respective networks.  To read the pilot loglines I'm going off of, check out Deadline's Pilot Panic.

Get ready for some shameless gushing and run on sentences...

ABC

Georgetown
This stars Lone Star’s super sexy James Wolk and Josh Schwartz doesn’t seem to do shows that get canned right away, so I’ll say this one will make it, though I feel it might be too young for ABC (2 words: Katie Cassidy)…I would have loved to have seen this on the CW (it’s being produced by WB so it’s not too late…go on and pass on it, ABC!).

Grace
I’m pretty psyched for this Glee effect musical show so it better make it AND be good!  I can’t see ABC passing up on a dancing show since DWTS is so popular.  Plus, Krista Vernoff is an awesome writer…and I dig Eric Roberts.  I really want this to be ABC's next breakout hit.

Damage Control
Yes, I was a die-hard Grey's Anatomy fan, so sue me if I'm excited for a new Shonda Rimes show.  Also, this has Desmond from Lost!

Once Upon A Time
While fantasyish shows like Witches of Eastwick have failed on ABC before, I think this could work.  Plus, a show about the goings-on of a mysterious town sounds a little Wisteria Lane/ABCish.  That, and the show’s concept sounds really cool and different, and there’s some cool cast members I like (like Big Love's Ginnifer Goodwin).

CBS

The Rememberer/Untitled Redlich Bellucci
This feels perfect for CBS…a crime procedural with a lead character who has a high concept talent (can remember everything) it actually reminds me a little of The Mentalist…and then there’s Poppy Montgomery as the lead who should be familiar to CBS viewers from her role on Without A Trace.  Looks good to me.

Rookies
A crime procedural with some heavy hitters working on it (Ken Sanzel, Richard Price, James Mangold, oh and De Niro).  I like the basic show concept and even if it’s not really the type of show I’d watch, I think it’s the type of show that will work on CBS…and I’m not the target audience anyway.

NBC

Smash
Of all the networks I feel like I understand what NBC wants the least, but I do see them trying to cash in on the Glee effect and pick this up...and hey, I like musicals too!  Also, this stars Debra Messing who was big for them in the past…seems like a fit.

Playboy
Sounds cool, sexy, glitzy and I mean, Las Vegas had a similar feel and that was a decent hit for the network a while back, so I can see this on NBC…Eddie Cibrian is even kinda Josh Duhamelish...plus, there’s the Mad Men effect as networks all seem to be looking for 1950s-60s period shows.

Prime Suspect
Has some big stars (Maria Bello, and Aidan Quinn) and sounds cool (hey, the original was good enough for Helen Mirren) plus it would be a good fit with any of the Law and Order-y shows NBC decides to keep on the air.  Oh, and the pilot is being directed by Peter Berg...not to shabby.

SILA
This has quite the pedigree (Oscar winner Stephen Gaghan) and it also fits with the Law and Order shows still on the network, so I can see it…though Boomtown, Southland and even Law and Order: LA didn't fair well on NBC and this feels…kinda similar...maybe this will break NBC's recent LA crime show curse.  Hey, NCIS: LA has done well...on CBS...

FOX

Alcatraz
Fox won’t pass up a chance at Lost meets Prison Break meets 24…plus, I like the actors and think this could be cool.  Overall, I’m intrigued and this sounds like an excellent fit for Fox.

The Finder
The Bones spinoff.  I have a little more to say about this since I watched the backdoor pilot ep (duh, it was on after Idol) and I thought it was pretty good...my only question is…who will be Walter’s big love interest?  Is it the Saffron Burrows bartender chick?   I think one big appeal of the “soft procedural” (i.e. character driven procedurals like The Mentalist, Bones, Castle, or House) is a “will they or won’t they” romantic story (Jane and Lisbon, Bones and Booth, Castle and Beckett, House and Cuddy).  The show implied that Walter's love life will come into play on the show...but I need to see that storyline!

THE CW

Hart of Dixie
I like this as a throwback to the small town CW shows I liked (Gilmore Girls and Everwood).  Plus, it’s Josh Schwartz again who seems to have the golden touch…and yeah, Rachel Bilson is cool and pretty and I really like Scott Porter.  So, Bilson isn’t a really convincing doctor, whatever, the show sounds cute.

Next week...The best of the rest of the rest...where I'll go over all the drama pilots I'm on the fence about.  And after that...the rest of the rest (my bold and potentially embarrassing declarations of what won't fly...only embarrassing if I'm waaaay wrong).  The upfronts are coming!  Stay tuned!

Testing...testing...

If you can’t already tell from my various Pilot Previews, or my obsession with upfronts…I’m excited for the upcoming TV season.

Deadline just released an article yesterday on the early pilot buzz (what’s testing well and what’s not).

Testing is a funny thing though.  I heard Bill Lawrence (creator of Scrubs and now Cougar Town) speak once about how poorly Scrubs had initially tested.  While the show didn’t test poorly enough to get axed from the get go, he implied that the audience thought the show was strange (probably because it was a little strange).  The show was a single camera comedy before single cam became the norm for every network besides CBS and it had characters narrating, breaking the 4th wall, and having all sorts of unusual out of body fantasy like experiences.  People hadn’t really seen a show like this before, so they reacted…negatively.

On the other hand, he said one show that tested incredibly well around the same time for NBC was Emeril…you know, that sitcom about the chef Emeril Lagasse.  Emeril was a straightforward sitcom with a well known celebrity chef/star...it was what you might call "safe," and apparently when it tested, people really liked it.  But why?  Well, I guess when you're turning those little dial thingies that measure your positive to negative response, what is weird and unknown equals negative and what is comfortable and known equals positive.  Oh, and you might doubt Emeril actually tested well, but I did find some proof.

In the end, Emeril was highly promoted by NBC but it died a quick death.  Meanwhile, Scrubs got tossed around a lot, changed time slots and even networks, but it lasted 9 years and arguably made Zach Braff a star.

So, check out what’s testing well, but take it with a grain of salt.  Testing well might equal “has a good chance of getting picked up” but it doesn’t necessarily equal “the show will be good” or “successful.”

Z's Pilot Preview: "The Secret Circle"

I had a tough time picking the show to “review” this week.  If you can’t tell, I’m trying to do one new high profile drama from each of the major networks…but the CW kinda threw me a curve ball.  I used to love the CW and watch many of its shows religiously, but honestly, I haven’t heard much about any of their new pilots, so here goes nothing…

The Secret Circle – CW

Description (from Deadline) - "Based on the book from The Vampire Diaries author L.J. Smith, drama tells the story of a young woman (Britt Robertson) who moves to a new town and discovers that not only is she a witch and part of a secret coven, but also the key that will unlock a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil."  (From IMDB) "The "Secret Circle" series follows 16-year-old Cassie, who moves from California to live with her mom in New Salem and falls in love with a mysterious boy named Adam.  But, when she enrolls in high school there, she realizes that he, she and all the other elite students at the school are witches!  She befriends their leader, Diana, but soon discovers that Adam and Diana are dating, which leads to a whole bunch of complicated drama."

Will "Secret Circle" be the next "Vampire Diaries?"

First Impressions: The best part of the show description are the words “The Vampire Diaries” which is obviously a big hit for the CW.  The CW also had a decent hit with Charmed a few years ago, so maybe...witches are back?  Robertson is also lovely (she was the star of Life Unexpected).  My only problem with witch themed shows is that the girl power heaviness sometimes doesn’t leave room for good male characters and multiple love triangles/choices which I think are kinda essential to the success of any CW show.  Overall: B (for…b…witches).

Source Material: The fact that this is based on a series of books from the author of The Vampire Diaries sounds like a hole in one.  I mean, could the CW have it better?  On the negative side, the books lag in sales on Amazon compared to The Vampire Diaries…but that seems normal since one is a popular TV show and one isn’t.  On the plus side, the reviews on Amazon for The Secret Circle are really good/enthusiastic, so that’s a plus. Overall: A-

Actual Idea: Sounds good to me, I mean, I was always a bigger fan of the more “realistic” CW shows, like Gilmore Girls, Felicity, Everwood…or even Gossip Girl as opposed to Charmed or Smallville.  But clearly, fantasy fits with The CW brand (see once again, the success of The Vampire Diaries).  Other than that, the characters are the right age for a CW show, so yeah, sounds good.  I still have some reservations about a witch show… not all fantasy is created equal.  Vampires are sexy and teenagers love sex, but witches are…not as sexy.  Just look at the pilot Betwixt from last season.  It was about changelings and it failed to get picked up.  Also, how many male leads are in Secret Circle?  Like I said before, the life blood of these types of shows/movies are romantic triangles/dilemmas ESPECIALLY between 2 (or more) guys: are you on Team Edward or Team Jacob…Dawson or Pacey…Noel or Ben…Dean or Tristin/Jess/Logan, Chuck or Nate or Dan.  And yeah, I don’t watch The Vampire Diaries but the poster kinda says it all.  One chick, and two hot vampire dudes.  These scenarios not only provide a sort of wish fulfillment for teen girls (who wouldn’t want to choose between 2 hot guys?) but also allows a fan base to connect and get involved with the guy they like better.  From the description, it looks like the romantic triangle in this works the other way (2 girls want one guy).  Hopefully, there’s another guy for the lead girl in this.  Overall: B+

Show Title: Deadline calls it The Secret Circle and IMDB just has Secret Circle, I think the “The” is better (let your audience shorten it when they talk about it if they like) but either way, it sounds good to me.  As a title, it’s a little cryptic but since I think witches don’t sell to older teens as well vampires, it’s good that the show doesn’t jump right out to hit you over the head with the fact it’s witches.  Also, “secret” and “circle” evoke witchey imagery, and yeah, it’s based on a series of books, what else are you gonna call it?  Overall: A-

Writers: Andrew Miller and Kevin Williamson.  Miller has written a couple movies and is most well known for creating the show Imaginary Bitches (which I think was an online show?).  I heard it was very good and very funny, so that’s good, although this show sounds darker (but maybe having a writer with a sense of humor will lighten things up).  Williamson wrote Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, created Dawson’s Creek, and developed The Vampire Diaries.  Obviously, an impressive resume for both teen entertainment as well as fantasy and horror.  Overall: A

Cast: Robertson is lovely and from what little I saw of LUX before its cancellation, she is a relate-able and talented actress.  I worry though, that one cancelled show suggests she doesn’t have the right appeal for the CW audience?  Or maybe LUX just didn’t have the right appeal.  Other than Robertson, I recognize Thomas Dekker as the male lead.  He was briefly on Heroes but is most well known for playing John Connor on The Sarah Connor Chronicles.  Not sure if he’s “hot” enough to play a guy that two girls are fighting over but maybe I’m just getting old.  More importantly…is there another guy in this???  IMDB shows mostly female actresses.  Right now, that’s my biggest sticking point.  I cheated and read the Wikipedia for the books and it seems like most of the focus is on just the one guy, but there is another guy in the coven.  I think this won’t make a splash with teen/college age girls (or their Moms) without at least two guys to fight over/more guy options.  Overall: B- (for possible lack of BOYS)

Director: Liz Friedlander.  Privledged, One Tree Hill, Melrose Place, The Vampire Diaries, 90210…yeah, she’s done all the right shows. Overall: A

Producers: Miller, Williamson, Leslie Morgenstein.  You already know about the writers, and Morgenstein has produced Pretty Little Liars as well as Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries, so clearly, these are the right people for this project.  This show did have a bit of a revolving door of producers with Liz Craft and Sarah Fain both departing (too many cooks in the kitchen).  While any type of shake up so early on worries me, the people working on this are obviously incredibly competent people who have been very successful in this genre.  Overall: A-

FINAL ANALYSIS:

Overall Grade: B+/A-

Will it get picked up?  Yes. Why wouldn’t the CW want a new show “from the people who brought you The Vampire Diaries?”

Will it survive season 1?  Yes…BUT!  I’m gonna go out on a limb and say despite the high grade for this show, I’m not so sure about its survival.  The possible lack of male characters and romantic possibilities REALLY worries me.  While it might seem like a small thing, writing this review has made me think it’s THE thing.  Just look at a show like Pretty Little Liars which seems more based around a group of girls.   A quick look at the IMDB message board when I wrote this post showed such topics as “I cant get enough of the Ezra + Aria relationship!” and “Ezria is not only boring, it’s WRONG.” Or, a look to the Gossip Girl board (a show with "girl" in the title) and we’ll see these threads: “Question for Chair fans…why?” as well as “Anyone who is BOTH Chair and Dair fan?”  Clearly, these romantic storylines are a HUGE draw.  I will say the fact that the description of Secret Circle mentions a romance is a BIG plus, however, the lack of variety/choices might turn off potential fans who don’t connect.  I could easily see this show on life support after season 1 and dying the same type of death as LUX.  That being said, LUX did get renewed (after a midseason start) so I’ll assume this can do the same…for now.  Also, I mentioned Betwixt before, another book based fantasy show that the network passed on.  The failure of that show makes me think that while vampires are in, other fantasy archetypes may not be.

Will it be good/will I watch?  Maybe/nah.  It might be fun/a guilty pleasure, but I probably won’t watch.  This isn’t really my kind of CW show, but that’s okay, I don’t think I’m the target audience anyway.  I will say though, writing this review made me curious to see if the show will exceed my expectations, or if the lack of romantic possibilities will be its downfall.

Z's Pilot Preview: "The Doctor"

The Doctor - CBS

Description (from IMDB) - "Centers on a mother who reconnects with her adult children when she joins the family medical practice."  (From Deadline Hollywood) "Emily, a mother, reconnects with her adult children David and Natasha when she joins the family medical practice."  Christine Lahti stars.

"The Doctor" is in

First Impressions: I don’t like the title, but I do like Lahti for this.  This sounds like a show with potential, especially on the heels of female led CBS standout, The Good Wife, and new family rooted hit, Blue Bloods. Overall: A-

Source Material: This appears to be a totally original idea that sounds…fairly original.  While there are lots of doctor shows out there, I can’t think of any about a family of doctors.  Yes, Grey’s and Private Practice have characters who are children of doctors or who have married each other, but those shows are more about romantic dramas and less about family dramas, which I think bodes well for CBS (considering, once again, the success of Blue Bloods). Overall: A-

Actual Idea: With a network like CBS, I think it’s not just about having a good idea, but having a show that fits with the network.  While this is true for every network, CBS seriously has a VERY streamlined schedule.  You know what a CBS show is: their comedies are multi-cam sitcoms (HIMYM, TBBT), and their dramas are harder procedurals with initials in the title about investigating crimes (the CSIs and NCISes), or softer procedurals with more emphasis on a strong lead/character relationships (The Mentalist, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods). They don’t do musicals, they don’t do supernatural, they don’t do dramas with 20 something leads, they don’t do comedy heavy dramas, and they don’t do serialized soapies (and when they have done any of these, the shows ultimately failed...Viva Laughlin, Moonlight, and probably the new comedy heavy The Defenders and CHAOS).  I think the lightest successful drama they have is Hawaii 5-0 and that's still a cop procedural that’s more cool/CSI Miamiesque than actually light or fluffy.  While I know some people call the network boring, I think CBS knows what works for them, and I happen to think that The Doctor sounds like a fit.  My only slight concern is that CBS doesn’t have a doctor show right now…but they didn’t have a lawyer show before The Good Wife, so, maybe that doesn’t matter.  Overall: A

Show Title: This is my biggest problem with the show so far.  First of all, Lahti already starred in a good William Hurt film called The Doctor in the early 90s.  Secondly, it’s so freakin’ bland (though I think simplicity is better than something gimmicky).  Luckily, I noticed Deadline Hollywood is now calling it Untitled Medical Drama (fka The Doctor), so I think that title is dead.  Please think of something a tad more unique, even The Family Doctor, would be better than just The Doctor. Overall: C (would be an F, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt to try to change it).

Writer: Rina Mimoun.  I didn't see the first show Mimoun created, Privileged, but this is obviously quite different.  I was, however, a big fan of other shows Mimoun wrote for, especially Everwood, Gilmore Girls, and the sadly short lived Pushing Daisies. I think Mimoun has written some darn good stuff, but without reading this script, I worry it might have too much of an ABC or CW vibe (too young, too soapy, too light) based on her past work. No knock against her for that, it’s just like I said, shows that succeed on CBS fit in a really small box...hopefully, this show fits in that box. Overall: B+ (for the possible CBS clash only).

Cast: Lahti is great and due for a new hit after going MIA for a while.  She has this air of authority which has gotten her cast as a doctor before (on Chicago Hope).  I think the best thing about her for this show on this network is that she also has a seriousness/darkness.  As I said, the network doesn’t really do light and soapy so it’s key that a leading lady feels more serious (like Julianna Margulies) and less Desperate Housewives.  Also, Lahti can probably balance out those lighter CW/ABCish things I mentioned about Mimoun’s writing.  Her kids will be played by Eva Amurri (ooh I like!) …and Scott Foley.  Hmm…there’s that CWishness creeping up again…I loved Foley on Felicity, but that does worry me just a tad.  Kyle Maclachlan is in this too, he says soapy/ABC to me, also…but he’s definitely got an edge, and is muy talented. Overall: A-

Director: David Nutter.  A lot of TV and a lot of pilots in a lot of different genres (Smallville, The West Wing, Band of Brothers, Supernatural, Without a Trace, Entourage, etc.). He did The Mentalist pilot which I thought was very well done, so I have confidence that he knows how to get it done for CBS (plus he’s an extremely experienced TV director).  If the show has a problem, I don’t think it will be because of him.  Overall: A

Producer: Rina Mimoun.  See the Writer section above. Overall: B+ (for the possible tone clash, again).

FINAL ANALYSIS:

Overall Grade: B+/A-

Will it get picked up? Yes.  This show gets my highest grade so far, and while it might seem like a slam dunk, there are also a few question marks for me including the lack of another successful doctor show on CBS and what the tone of the show will be (since I haven't read it).  In the end, I think Lahti is still a star and this feels right for CBS, so, I think it’s gotta be a go.

Will it survive season 1? Yes.  I’m gonna bet on this being the newest CBS hit.  I think Mimoun and Lahti are both talented, and I think The Good Wife shows a female led drama can attract viewers on CBS.

Will it be good/will I watch?  I think so, and yes.  I’d definitely tune into the first episode, and if the writing and characters are compelling, I’ll probably keep tuning in (despite the fact that the formulaicness of medical procedurals tends to wear on me quickly...just my own personal taste).

Z's Pilot Preview: "Touch"

Touch – Fox

Description (from IMDB.com): "Centers on a father who discovers his autistic, mute son can actually predict events before they happen."  Kiefer Sutherland stars.

First Impressions: Probably one of the more memorable premises I’ve heard this year, it definitely stands out amidst a sea of generic cop/doctor/crime shows (which could be good…or bad).  I’m curious, but to me this sounds so out there I think it can only be really good or really bad (i.e. audiences are gonna love it or hate it).  Overall: B-

Source Material: This is a totally original idea so without reading the script, it’s hard to judge (like all of these reviews, I’m playing development exec. trying to pick the best pitches).  But, the writer has created two successful original shows is the past, so I’ll let that tip the scales just a little.  Overall: B-

Actual Idea: This is pretty out there...I guess.  There IS something that seems Stephen Kingesque about a child with autism who is mute and can predict the future (didn’t King write characters kind of like this in The Stand and The Langoliers?).  I guess my big question is, what will this show be about, or rather, what is the goal of the father character?  Is this like Early Edition where he’s gonna try to change the future/latest bad things that is gonna happen every week?  Or, is this like FlashForward where there’s one big future mystery he’s going to try to solve (or maybe a combo of both)?  Will the show be very serious, or will there be humor (like using numbers his son gives him to win the lotto)?  Also, how will his son tell him what’s going to happen if he doesn't speak?  Will we see things from the child AND father’s perspective?  Is that going to be done in a really hokey way?  Finally, Sutherland starring suggests there is going to be some action in this…will there really be?  So many questions, so few answers, but at least I’m interested. Overall: B-

Show Title:  I think it’s a pretty good title actually, nice, simple, one word, but not a word that you see too much on TV shows (like doctor, or crime, or law) plus, as a title, it’s a little mysterious (like the show itself).  I could hear people say “Are you watching Touch?  It’s great!”  The title implies that touching is going to be important (my guess is the son touches people and can see their futures?).  My only problem with that idea is that it reminds me of a certain Christopher Walken SNL skit.  Overall: A-

Writer: Tim Kring.  Most well known for creating Crossing Jordan and Heroes, he also worked on Chicago Hope and Providence.  I think his own shows have had a bit of a dark side while still being very commercial and that seems well suited for Fox and make this show feel like it could be a good fit for that network.  He’s certainly experienced with crime procedural, family drama, as well as supernatural action, which is kind of what I think this show is gonna be…so that’s a big plus for me.  I’ve gotta say that I really enjoyed the first season of Heroes (even though I thought I wouldn’t) and I hope this would be really good as well...but the later seasons of Heroes do give me pause.  Overall: A-

Cast: Kiefer Sutherland.  That’s all I could find right now.  I’m REALLY curious to see who else is cast.  Will his character have a wife/ex wife…how old will the son be…child, teen, adult (I’m guessing young child)?  Without knowing those things, all I've got is Kiefer...but that's not bad.  He was a big star for Fox on 24, so he’s got fans already watching the network.  I’m guessing he’s going to be doing some ass kicking action stuff on this show and not just the typical fatherly stuff.  I think that’s how his fans want to see him (kicking ass), so that sounds good to me.  Overall: B+ (would be in the As but I don’t know any other cast yet).

Director: Charles McDougall - The Chicago Code (pilot), The Good Wife (pilot), The Office (?), Parks and Rec (???), Sex and the City (????).  Well, this is a director who is obviously talented (and lucky) enough to get to go all over the place...crime procedural, family drama, docu comedy, HBO comedy.  Of all these, I watched The Good Wife pilot and thought it was really excellent and had a lot of style.  But, all these different styles, especially the ones that lean more comedic make me wonder if the show is gonna be a lot brighter and have a lot less action than I thought (though I guess The Chicago Code is actiony).  Overall: B

Producer: Tim Kring, Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope, Kiefer Sutherland.  Chernin is a former heavy hitter at Fox who now has his own company.  He and Pope just did Breakout Kings, which is doing well on A&E (but got rejected by Fox where it was supposed to go), also they’re producers on Terra Nova which just can’t seem to get finished…so that’s interesting.  Kring has obviously had more than one success prior to this, and the last show Kiefer got producer credit on was 24, so he must like this role and believe in this project enough to put his name on it, which is a good sign from a star.  Overall: B

FINAL ANALYSIS

Overall Grade: B/B+

Will it get picked up? Yes.  I can't see Fox passing on a new Kiefer show...plus Kring’s shows have done pretty well recently.  The only strange thing to me is that since announcing the show I haven’t seen much online about it (no casting updates) so maybe something is amiss?  I wouldn’t be shocked if this gets a late start and is gonna be for midseason, or show up later (doesn’t Kiefer still have a 24 movie to make?).

Will it survive season 1? Yes.  I’m gonna roll the dice on this and say that if this show actually happens, Kiefer and Kring will have the magic touch (har har) and this show will be a success.  Like I said, this concept is pretty out there, and without knowing more, it’s hard to say if it’s the right amount of out there (like Lost) or if it’s gonna miss the mark.  If it is good, Fox has done well with “out there” shows/shows that break rules or do things differently (like 24, and even Glee) so, I think people will be excited to try something different (also, unlike Lone Star which was risky and failed, this show has a bigger more tested star, and feels less “cable” and more “network,” which means more commercial to me, and better ratings).

Will it be good/will I watch?  Yes…maybe…I’m actually not a huge fan of Kiefer or 24, no offense to him or the show, just wasn’t my cup of tea…but I liked season 1 of Heroes, and would like a really different show to get behind.  So, I think I’ll give this a shot...and if it’s good, I’ll certainly stay tuned.

Z's Pilot Preview: "Wonder Woman"

Wonder Woman – NBC

Description (from EW.com) - "Wonder Woman is being remade by Boston Legal writer David E. Kelley, who has incorporated the superhero’s signature lasso, cuffs, and plane in the pilot. NBC promises the project, if picked up to series, will offer a serious, non-campy take on the DC Comics character."

First Impressions:  Uh...nope.  Also, hello Bionic Woman 2.0.  Overall: F

Source Material: A reboot of the 1970s TV series which was based off the comic book character who, according to Wikipedia “was created…as a distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men.”  Also, she has a lasso of truth.  As I said last week, shows based off existing material can be good because they have a built in audience and a lot of already written plot to be mined.  So, I guess that’s a plus, but what I've seen of the original show is SO campy and the character herself is so…kind of ridiculous, that I don’t think this can be done seriously.  This really looks to be a repeat of what happened with the Bionic Woman reboot…an expensive failure…and that character was WAY less ridiculous/problematic than Wonder Woman. Overall: C

Actual Idea: I don’t have a particular beef with Wonder Woman, though I would say that I don’t think she appeals to women or men.  I think most women find her silly/amusing at best and sexist/demeaning at worst, and hetero men…well, most tell me they think she’s hot, but usually not at the top of their list when it comes to favorite comic book characters or even favorite female comic book characters.  As for making a character who wears a crazy costume serious and non-campy…that’s a tough bill.  It worked for Batman in the new Nolan movies, but Batman’s costume isn’t as bright and shiny as Wonder Woman’s, and he’s not magical…also, his back story is a lot darker.  I just can’t see this working at all. Overall: D-

Show Title:  Yeah, I mean, it’s Wonder Woman, what else are you going to call it?  At least it doesn’t have some stupid subtitle to distinguish it from the original…yet (might I suggest, Wonder Woman: Rise of the Boobs).   Only problem is…how appealing is a Wonder Woman show?  Overall: B (for boobs).

Writer: David E. Kelley.  This is tough.  Is Wonder Woman going to be a lawyer?  My guess is…yeah (ugh).  Now, I love me some David E. Kelley…Ally McBeal was a favorite for years…but I think his strength is dramedy.  Not sure I think he can pull off a serious Wonder Woman (no knock against him…not sure Wonder Woman can pull off being serious with any writer, which is why this property has languished so long amidst the recent revival of superhero movies and TV shows).  My only other question is, will Wonder Woman karaoke with her co-workers each episode?  Overall (for being a bad fit for THIS project, not his body of work): C-

Cast: Gotta say, I was impressed by the casting of Adrienne Palicki, I liked her on Friday Night Lights, she’s SMOKIN’ HOT, and while I didn’t catch all 3 or 4 episodes of Lone Star, I heard the acting was pretty darn good.  She looks good in the costume too…though nothing about the costume says “serious” or “not campy” to me.  Besides her, there’s Cary Elwes, yeah, whatevs, a little old to be matched with Palicki but I like The Princess Bride, and Elizabeth Hurley…why not?  She’s hot and I see her as a villain, sure.  Overall: B

Director: Jeffrey Reiner: FNL, Caprica (pilot), The Event…looks okay.  Overall, seems to have some actiony/sci fi chops, (versus the light and bouncy style of most David E. Kelley shows) so that’s a plus (or a conflict, hard to say).  Overall: B

Producer: David E. Kelley – see the writer category to know how I feel about this (just for THIS project, I love you David E. Kelley, I swear, you’re awesome).  Overall: C-

FINAL ANALYSIS

Overall Grade: C-

Will it get picked up? Yes.  Too big to fail, though I guess anything is possible.  Last year’s Rockford Files remake didn’t go to series...but, I think even if NBC thinks this isn’t working, they’ll roll the dice on an audience wanting to tune in and maybe taking a liking to it. I see it in the Monday night Heroes nostalgia time slot.

Will it survive season 1? No.  I’d bet it only gets 9-10 eps. (when the lack of an audience catches up to the high price tag the show will likely have).  Like I said, this looks like Bionic Woman all over again, only with shiny costumes (coincidentally, NBC’s current semi-serious costumed superhero show The Cape, also failed to attract enough of an audience to keep it on the air).  I’d be pretty darn surprised if this show worked and kept people watching, but who knows, maybe it could be the next Heroes (I’m sure that’s what NBC would like…minus the whole losing your audience after 2 seasons). 

Will it be good/will I watch?  Ummm…I think you can guess my answer to that first question.  Out of curiosity, I might tune in for episode one, unless I forget and don’t…but I’m clearly not jazzed to see the new Wonder Woman.

Z's Pilot Preview: "Good Christian Bitches"

I’m gonna take a break from my typical Must See Monday action to introduce a new weekly segment for pilot season called:

Z's Pilot Preview, wherein I think I'm smart enough to review new pilots before they get picked up.

I’m gonna look at some of the hot new pilots coming down the pipeline for next season and (without reading them) try to see into the future.

I’ll grade/dissect them in several categories, then make my call…we’ll see how I do next year (and how much I want to revise these after I read the scripts or see trailers for the shows).  Also, maybe this will help me make my own pilots better by avoiding potential pitfalls I stumble upon.

Today, I start with …

Good Christian Bitches – ABC

Description (from ABC via EW) - "Amanda...the ultimate mean girl in high school, returns home to Dallas after her marriage ends in scandal. Humbled, Amanda is nothing like the girl she once was, but as her old classmates reacquaint themselves with the new Amanda, will these “good Christian bitches” give her a second chance or is this their shot to seek revenge?"

First Impressions: Please, not another femsemble that tries (and fails) to be Sex and the City and/or Desperate Housewives.  Overall : C-

Source Material:  This is based on a book…I think that bodes well.  Book based soapy shows that appeal to women have done well in recent years (Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, True Blood, Vampire Diaries).  They come with a built in audience which is a plus, and being based on a book/book series implies the basic idea, characters, and some plot lines are already solidified/well thought out.  Not saying something totally original can’t be well thought out too, but sometimes pilots feel hastily thrown together.  One negative is that this seems to be based off only one book, not a series or collection/anthology of articles like those other examples, which means the ideas might be a little thin to carry an entire show.  The other negative I see in looking up this book on Amazon is that the critical ratings and book sales are lowish, not the best sign.  Overall: B

Actual Idea: As I said, my first impression of this wasn’t great.  Looking deeper, I could see it being good.  I mean, I love watching Real Housewivesesque train wreck shows as much as the next person, and I wouldn’t mind a femsemble that’s a little soapy, a little glamorous, and really…bitchy.  The show might piss off some people who think the title/concept is offensive, but that probably won’t matter too much (see Gossip Girl).  One fear I have is that this will simply be another copycat flop.  Networks have tried to recapture the magic of Desperate Housewives and/or Sex and the City with copycat shows about fabulously dressed women like Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle.  Those shows were more NYC than Wisteria Lane, so the fact this is Dallas and down home might be good/seem different.  So, maybe way better than I  originally thought, but still, this seems so similar to those other shows I expect it to lean on the writing and actors to stand out (or not stand out).  Overall: C+

Show Title:  While the title is memorable, and will grab people’s attention, I think it could be distracting.  Wacky titles like Hot Tub Time Machine and Snakes on a Plane get attention online, but not necessarily more people interested in watching.  Overall, the title is better than a generic title or a copycat title of the following: <Insert Women’s Product Here> <Insert Catchy Sounding Group/Locale Here> … Cashmere Mafia, Lipstick Jungle…Stiletto Samurais, Bustier Banditos, Tampon Tycoons (extra points for alliteration).  On the other hand, using “bitch” in the title could paint the show into a corner if the show isn’t all that bitchy (the way “cougar” in Cougar Town seems like a bad idea now). Overall: B

Writer: IMDB says it's Robert Harling, and he's pretty fab for a show about backstabbing southern divas.  Don’t believe me?  Watch Steel Magnolias and Soap Dish.  But, I think his best work is a tad…dated, plus he hasn’t done much lately, which is worrisome.  However, I think as a writer, he brings humor AND heart to his plays and films, which sounds great (though not totally “bitchy” or maybe bitchy funny not bitchy edgy).  Other question marks for me are  how good the source material is (of course) and how will Harling’s writing translate to episodic TV.  Overall: B+

Cast: The majority are good working actresses you probably haven’t heard of (yet) like Leslie Bibb who I liked in the Iron Man films...I can see her as a reformed Dallas "mean girl" and let’s see…who else…Annie Potts (ooh, intrigued) and…Kristin freakin’ Chenoweth!!!  Kristin Chenoweth is awesome.  She brings life and spunk to everything she does, and adds something DIFFERENT.  So does Annie Potts.  These ladies have CHARACTER.  I think these femsemble shows work when the writing is great AND when the casts work (the ones that fail seem to have a collection of actresses who might be good actors, and beautiful, but they just aren’t any fun to be around…or they’re playing dull characters).  Having Cheno is a MAJOR incentive for me to watch (just thinking there's a character in this that she's a good fit for is an incentive) but it doesn’t make the show a shoe in for success.  Chenoweth’s recent pilot Legally Mad didn't get picked up, but she’s gotten a lot of love from appearing on Glee.  Overall: A-

Director: Alan Poul – Six Feet Under, Swingtown, Rome, and Big Love.  Looks great to me, although leaning more dark and dramatic than I’d think for a show like this, but maybe that's a good thing.  Overall: A-

Producer: Darren Star – Melrose Place, 90210, (new) Melrose Place, (new) 90210, Sex and the City (the shows AND the movies), and Not Sex and the City (Cashmere Mafia).  He’s def got a pedigree for this genre, which is good.  As far as quality of the shows he’s produced lately, it could go either way.  Overall: B-

FINAL ANALYSIS:

Overall Grade: B (for bitchin’)

Despite my early reservations, Kristin Chenoweth saves this…for now.

Will it get picked up?  Yes.  Too much talent here to totally bomb.

Will it survive season 1?  Yes.  I think it's got a good shot.  The time slot will be VERY important.  This feels like it skews older which means Sunday night to me, but maybe it’s too similar to Desperate Housewives to put the two back to back…I guess I could also see it working after Dancing With The Stars.

Will it be good/will I watch? Yes...I guess.  I should love a show like this, but it’s kind of hard to get past my initial reaction (these types of shows have jerked me around before!).  I’ll say this, I’ll totally give it a chance and if the characters are really fun this could become a new favorite/guilty pleasure.