The Globe’s Matthew Gilbert and Joanna Weiss chatted about TV with readers last Thursday on Boston.com. Here are excerpts.
Q. What about “Glee’’? I want to like it but I wonder if there is any story depth there. It looks like they might keep repeating the same themes.
Matthew: A lot of shows repeat the same themes for the first half-dozen episodes, to bring in viewers. Then, ideally, they move on.
Joanna: I think “Glee’’ needs to find itself, still, in terms of how much is farce and how much is drama, but the musical numbers are irresistible.
Q. Jane Lynch will get recognized for her performance on “Glee,’’ right?
Joanna: She’ll get recognized. She’s amazing. One of the creators of the show told me that her character originally wasn’t going to be in “Glee.’’ The network wanted a clear villain. So they created the part for the actress.
Q. Any thoughts on “Modern Family’’? I think it’s amazing so far - the perfect blend of “Arrested Development’’ and great acting.
Matthew: I’m loving “Modern Family,’’ too, though I don’t quite see the “Arrested Development’’ influence. “AD’’ was more of a farce. This is grounded in reality. Or it’s reality heightened to be funny.
Q. I saw “Modern Family’’ last night for the first time. It has potential for sure, but I don’t see “Arrested Development’’ in it either. “AD’’ was more edgy and “wrong.’’
Matthew: I agree. Very wrong! Perfectly wrong. Remember Charlize Theron’s character! So wrong.
Q. Matt Damon was really, really funny in the “Entourage’’ finale. Is it me, or is the acting just terrible on that show (with the exception of Jeremy Piven)?
Matthew: It’s not you!
Joanna: The real weak link is Adrian Grenier. Although I’m sick of Kevin Connolly, too.
Matthew: Connolly is so monotone.
Joanna: And Jeremy Piven is starting to wear thin on me, too. Too loud.
Matthew: Loud and redundant.
Joanna: I think the first season or two were fun glimpses into another world. But they ran out of stories to tell.
Q. Enjoying or hating “Bored to Death’’? I can’t decide if I like it.
Joanna: H-a-t-i-n-g!
Matthew: I’m liking it a lot. Joanna is wrong.
Joanna: You are mistaken. But HBO has already renewed it for a second season.
Matthew: Jason Schwartzman, to me, is perfect. Such a distinct actor with his own sense of timing and facial expression. The show’s writers do need to find an uber-plot, though. Short-season cable series need season-long plot arcs.
Check out the full chat transcript at www.boston.com/viewerdiscretion. 
