20 Questions About the 2011-2012 TV Season

Let’s start with a confession: I had a slight case of writer’s block this week. I struggled to come up with an idea that would entertain and appeal to the masses. What’s a writer to do in desperate times like these? The answer was simple: I needed to steal. I don’t feel good about it, but it’s what needed to happen so you could enjoy more TV Czar goodness.

The inspiration for my idea came while reading Bill Simmons’ 20 questions column about the NBA season. I enjoyed the column so much that today we are introducing a four part series where I will tackle 20 TV questions for the 2011-2012 TV season. I have ideas for all 20, but if you would like to submit your own, leave the questions in the comments section or tweet them at me. Let’s get to the questions.

It depends on how you look at it. Creatively, we are just retreading the old stand by storylines that we have used in seasons past. That being said, I loved those storylines! We have returned to a show where Dr. House can do Dr. House things instead of boyfriend things. I never hated the Cuddy storyline, but it never reached the same levels as those first few seasons.

One other thing I have enjoyed about this season: Foreman as Dean of Medicine. I’ve always had a soft spot for Omar Epps (He’s the top Stock Black Guy for Sports Movies of all-time, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.), and this season they have kind of let him loose a little bit. Now, his fights with House have more bite because he’s his boss. I’ve been enjoying the House vs. Foreman head games almost as much as I enjoy the Wilson vs. House prank wars. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be, but the old tricks still work on someone like me. You may now feel free to eviscerate me in the comments section.

Creatively speaking, it looks like it. Of course, the show still has its moments, but lots of this season’s gags have gone wanting. Poor Fizbo the Clown has gone from a fun diversion to an overdone gag. Somebody in the writer’s room should have drawn the line at sleep clowning. In addition, poor Phil Dunphy has gone from bumbling, well-intentioned goof to the real-life Peter Griffin… and he’s been one of the best parts of the show. Is it possible to run good gags into the ground in this short a period of time? Am I asking for too much? Should I just shut up and enjoy the fun times? Should I stop asking rhetorical questions?

(Answer key: Yes, No, Maybe, Definitely)

Modern Family is still a great show and still has the comedy title belt, but this season has lacked the sharpness and inspiration of the first two seasons. They can certainly get it back, but I have my eye on them for now.

Cable has the opportunity to engage the viewer on a visual level that the networks will never have (thanks, FCC), but that doesn’t mean that the networks have to keep pumping out formulaic dramas that won’t get anybody fired or praised. It’s nice to see NBC (that’s right, NBC!) take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward show like Awake. If it works, everyone’s a hero. If it doesn’t work, it’s another NBC failure.

Still, cable dramas are running far out in front creatively. I know all of the reasons for that. Here’s the main problem: We have guys at the networks that lack the requisite cajones to put out these different, high-concept shows that are so regular on cable these days. I’m not naive enough to think you could fill a schedule with these shows, but take a stab on a few every year. Just put a couple of extra shows in your pocket to insert in there if the show gets canceled. You are officially on notice, network executives. The TV Czar’s Cabinet has their eyes on you.

I honestly have no idea. I have watched all of the episodes to this point, but nothing resonates with me as of yet. Everybody in the show is competent, it has a halfway interesting concept, but their decision to make it into a procedural is kind of bizarre. It seems like you could have some really rich storylines if you embraced the mythology of the show and made the show a narrative drama. I’ll keep watching, but I’m not sure if it’s because I actually like the show or it’s because I have a strong love for Jorge Garcia and the lead actress looks like the Czarina (for reals). I suppose time will tell.

I easily narrowed this one down to four shows: Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Justified, and Homeland. All four have their merits (and plenty of them), but I decided to go with Justified. I chose Justified because, over anything else, I like to enjoy watching television. It’s why I watch admittedly dumb shows like The Challenge or Hawaii Five-0. They are just fun ways to spend an hour. Justified provides that enjoyment without leaving me in a puddle of emotion at the end of it. It strikes a nice balance of heavy drama and good, clean fun. I respect the brilliance of Game of Thrones, Mad Men, and Homeland, but I feel like I need someone to hold me after the end of most of their episodes. Justified only leaves me exhilarated.

I hope you enjoyed part one of 20 questions. As I mentioned above, if you have questions you would like to submit, throw them down in the comments section or tweet them to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

The TV Czar