buhdge

So far, so good. And good for you, too. But what of those favorite ongoing series that continue to pray for eyeballs each and every week? Glad you asked.

The second season of Tim Kring's Heroes started with its joints out of whack, the central focus of its second season not immediately, or immediately after that, clear. Now, though, things seem to be clearing, and sharpening, up. We have learned what has become of Hiro's hero, Takezo Kenzei (he's a 400-year-old man named Adam, with a 400-year-old axe to grind). We have learned that Claire's blood can heal other people, including her is-he-really-evil dad, HRG. We have learned that policeman Parkman's father is a twisted boogeyman who plays with people's psyches. We have learned that Tim Kring, and his expert writing staff, should be trusted to deliver the goods, so hang on tight.

CBS's NCIS continues to be reliable hour that wisely focuses on its characters first and foremost. The scripts are better in the post-Donald P. Belisario-era (he's no longer the show runner). And the cast looks happy to be working. The Hugh Laurie Show...uh, I mean House, is slam-bang great as usual. Watching the pill-popping doc put potential fellows through his particular brand of torture as he spins his version of Survivor in an effort to replace his original team is utter delight. Last week's show, featuring Crossing Jordan's Steve Valentine as a magician with a mysterious illness, was particularly fine. I can't wait to see how things play out. Who will form House's new team? Even though the actor's names were announced a while ago, I won't tell you. In case a fellowship opens and I'm available.

The Law and Order franchise is kinda-sorta healthy, but there is cause for concern. While the scripts for SVU have basically been solid, the scripts for Criminal Intent have not. Vincent D'Onofrio continues to be a pleasure to watch, tics and all, but he's not well served by the cases he and partner Alex Eames are handed, and Chris Noth is so mellow (some rage, please!) that the whole CI thing leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. And although Alicia Witt makes an attractive partner for Mr. Big, she makes me wish Sarah Jessica Parker was looking for detective work.

As for ER...I look forward to the Monk and Psych and The Closer holiday episodes airing later this week. After that, if the writers' strike isn't settled, I may just have time to watch that episode of The Thorne Birds I've been using as a coaster.

Alan Haber, November 22, 2007