Grid Effect

Tis the season of reruns and horribly contrived game shows, and even this blog isn’t enough motivation to convince us to watch that shit. So, in lieu of anything else to discuss we’re going to do exactly what we did yesterday: list what’s available and probably disregard all of it. Why? Because we’re very particular, that’s why. (Again, all times are standard eastern)

CBS

8-10pm: CSI
Is there any doubt that CBS is getting through this writer’s strike by constantly bombarding the airwaves with cop dramas. And yes, Les Moonves’ network has filled the slot usually dawned for what’s now a redundant, trite reality series for a redundant, trite forensics series. Speaking of which…

10pm: Without A Trace
The title of the series embodies its genius, a slick investigative team searches for missing persons that 99% of the time end up dead. This weeks episode revolves around a stunt man, that I’m somewhat convinced is pulling an elaborate hoax (or I’m sure he’ll refer to it as a “stunt”) that he’ll surely be arrested for. And just as surely one of the characters (whichever one in a moral crisis that the main plot can symbolize) will rip off a witty one liner as they apprehend the criminal.

NBC

8-10pm: Comedy block
Four comedies, three of which have their moments and the fourth is the best comedy on network television today. Tonight’s rerun of The Office is “The Negotiation”, which can be read about here.

If you’re going to watch anything tonight, watch these people.

10pm: ER
God damn, I’m always amazed to discover that this series is still ticking. I went out with a girl from one of my classes once, and she suggested we go watch ER as it was “her show”. The episode was somewhat uneventful, it was like what a hospital would resemble if medicine was practiced in a dive bar. But this was in 2003, and even then it seemed implausible that someone’s favorite series could be a hospital drama that’s been around for over ten years at that point, I imagine her favorite comedy was The Simpsons. The fact that it’s still airing new episodes is either a credit to the writing staff, the desperation of NBC, or the staying power of George Clooney. My guess is it’s a culmination of all three.

ABC

8pm: Ugly Betty
We really feel like us watching this series hinges on us dating someone who does. Because while the premise sounds promising (a homely girl working in the fashion industry) we are going to be stereotypical about this and presume the subject matter isn’t there to hold our attention from week to week. Still, its probably the best thing ABC has available.

9pm: Grey’s Anatomy
It would be great if this entire cast would go after those vaunted film careers like they so clearly want to do, giving the network enough incentive to dismantle this show and opt out of recasting it. But after Patrick Dempsey’s late 90’s film career, we can guess that at least one character will always be around. We’ve only seen half of one episode, but from what we can gather its like if medicine were practiced in a swingers joint.

10pm: Private Practice
See above.

FOX

8-10pm: Ice Age
Because what’s the holiday season without some digitalized, talking, cold-weather animals?! And seriously, this is two nights in a row with out any reality smut from our conservative brethren, we’re starting to worry that Joe Millionaire won’t ever make its triumphant return to prime time.

Back tomorrow with a top ten (assuming we can fill that many slots) in 2007.