Here are my picks for the top five new TV shows for the fall 2008 season, and why. Now in all fairness, some of these are actually in their second “official” season, but because of the writer’s strike last year they never really got off the ground. So, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and calling it a fair shake to include them in the running. Check it out and see what you think … which ones would you include?
#5 – Crusoe
Crusoe on NBC
Crusoe brings a classic back to life, which is no small feat for a man who gets stranded on a “deserted” island. Daniel Defoe’s classic work is given some literary leeway during flashback scenes which depict Crusoe’s life before he became shipwrecked on an island full of cannibals. I guess it is the allure of the island, the twists of a modern retelling and a long-lost childhood fascination with this story that made me put it on the list. Definitely worth checking out, it’s my number five pick.
#4 – American’s Toughest Jobs
America
Take twelve people out of their normal everyday jobs and place them into hazardous work conditions that they know nothing about, then observe how well they do. That’s the basic theme behind this dare-devil hard-working reality show. At the end of the day the worker gets evaluated and someone gets sent home, their pay going into the “kitty”. At the end of the season someone is getting a nice chunk of change. Boy do they deserve it – especially after working on oil rigs, driving in snow, and working around power lines. Me? I think I’ll stay home, pick a favorite and practice popping some popcorn in my ultra-safe microwave.
#3 – Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Promo shot for Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles on Fox.
Technically in its second season, this show is still a relative newcomer, with only nine or so episodes appearing before the writer’s strike. A spin-off from the Terminator movie empire, this show is fast-paced and exciting, with twists and turns in every episode. If you liked the first few Terminator movies, you should like this offering. The storyline is still leaving a lot of plot twists, leaving viewers like me guessing from week to week what new twist is going to occur. Of course, this is all by design and makes me come back for more every time.
#2 – Heroes
Heroes on NBC
Initially I wasn’t really interested in this mixture of fantasy and science fiction. Call me a sci-fi purist if you want to, but I’ve never really felt that the two genres were supposed to blend together. However, Heroes pushes the envelope in an interesting direction as everyday “normal” people delve into new-found super powers. If you’re a science fiction fan, I challenge you to watch one episode and tell me that you didn’t get into the show. Definitely a keeper and well worth the viewing time.
#1 – Fringe
The cast of Fringe on Fox
This is simply an incredible show. I don’t know any other way to put it. Take an insane scientist, his genetically modified son (my theory – not proven, yet), a few agents from an agency more top secret than the FBI and investigate a series of events that don’t seem to have any relationship – yet. That’s the theme of this show. Each episode brings the story a little bit more into focus, but it’s still quite remarkable. The characters are well written and the plot is unfolding more and more each week, although I must confess that I am still in the dark as to an overall possible explanation. That’s why I keep coming back each week, and that’s why I have put this one at the top of my list.
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