Fall is in the air What's hot in TV for 2011

Something about the first cooler day of fall makes me thrilled to be living in the northwest.  The leaves instantly begin to change and pumpkins start to call me from their happy nesting place in the garden. 

It also is a time for new shows on TV and this week I am going to be reviewing my favorites!

I was more excited about this season of newbies than I have been since Vampire Diaries premiered three glorious years ago.  That's right, I love tension filled dramas with stellar writing.  (and before you judge- LISTEN to the scripts written for Vampire Diaries- excellent writing)  Having said that, I am not including current shows- (if you are not watching those- well that's another entry entirely)

So with a few weeks of shows under our belt, let's recap my favorites and point out the disappointments we have found this fall.

PLAYBOY CLUB - I'll admit it, I watched at first for the costumes.  I have always been fascinated with the bunny.  Add this to the 1960's premise (see last weeks post) and I couldn't quite turn this one down.

Unfortunately,  it is rather weak.  The storyline is the issue- or should I say lack there of.  I am just not hooked.  The characters have potential, honest they do, it is just this show seems to be an example of producers counting on costumes and bunnies to call in the ratings- unfortunately, this one is a take it or leave it for me.   

   2 out of 5

RINGER - Great premiere and seems to continue with the excitement.  This is the comeback to TV for Sarah Michelle Geller and although I wasn't a Buffy fan, (I know- I should be yada yada yada) I am totally infatuated with this idea.  Twin sisters switching places?  Hello can you say grown up version of the parent trap?  I enjoy the intrigue and cat and mouse game already.  DEFINITELY a keeper!

  4 out of 5

REVENGE- Awe this brings back a longing for the days of Dynasty and Falcon  Crest- (does some of these characters seem familiar?)  Rich people destroying other rich people -  what can be bad about that?  Honestly, despite a fairly flat premiere, it has picked up and sucked me in like a bad habit.  The future of this show I can't really see, being the entire premise is based on revenge on this one group of people-  we've seen the picture-  I can't see it being a five year runner, but hey like good ice cream, I'm not going to turn it down today in fear of what tomorrow will come.  

Sinful? Maybe.   

Shallow?  Definitely but hey we all have our vices-  

3 out of 5

 SECRET CIRCLE- This one gets the best theme song of the season.  Something about the spooky simple diddy gets to me. 

Is it excellent.  No.  

Is it horrid?  No.  

Are the guys the hottest on TV?  Definitely not.  

So what does it have going for it?  Intrigue.

With the young adult world of literature growing every single day, this one has potential.  I say potential because it has a long way to go before I will say it is a hit.  Week scripts, soap opra actors show this one is living on its time slot.  Following Vampire Diaries on Thursday has to be part of the reason people still tune in.  We will see- it has a ton to develop, but with the mystery surounding the premise of the story- it has potential - the jury is still out if this is a keeper.

2 out of 5

PAN AM-  Awe yes and we are living another fantasy for me!  The 1960's life of a stewardess-  To be beautiful and perfect (including the girdle).  Dejavu- again- but this one is a bit better than the other throwback.  This storyline seems to be a bit more- well- of a story.  The idea that Pan Am stewardesses were used as secret agents is exciting, paired with the girl choosing out of a marraige because she wasn't ready to settle down makes for a not-so-bad Sunday night event.  Is it ever going to be as big as the show it follows?  Heavens no- hello there is no Desperate in this title- but it is fun, inviting and at least has a script.  I'll keep watching simply to see what happens.  Because after all- it does have a thin story to follow.

3 out of 5

So in conclusion?  I have to admit my stables are still a bit light on attention getting- time stopping- shows.  I still keep holding onto hope however, that a few late arrivals to the game (GRIMM for one) will steal the crown and run away with the roses for best new show-

Hey a girl can dream.