Elizabeth Mitchell (with Logan Huffman) in the ABC’s “V.’’
(David Gray/Abc)
Globe TV writer Joanna Weiss chatted with readers about television last week. Here is a partial transcript.
Q: What did you think of “V’’? I couldn’t help but feel that the political overtones were a bit forced.
Joanna: That’s a tricky thing with science fiction. It’s so clearly allegorical that sometimes it feels like it’s conking you over the head. That said, I liked the pilot - thought the aliens were suitably creepy, and I’m interested in seeing how they roll out the infiltration. And Elizabeth Mitchell generally kicks butt.
Q: What is the buzz on that new show with Scott Bakula and Ray Romano - have you seen it? Commercial was good.
Joanna: That’s “Men of a Certain Age,’’ which premieres Dec. 7 on TNT. I’ve seen the first episode, and I liked it, with reservations. It’s a different way of seeing Romano - he’s got some moments of comic relief, but he’s much more of a wistful character, a guy going through a marital breakup and a lot of “thirtysomething’’-style soul-searching. Though in this case, he’s 40-something. It’s nice to see him try his hand at real drama, even if the show itself has the potential to be a little too navel-gazing. I’m kind of surprised that this didn’t make it onto a network. And yet the odious “Big Shots’’ did.
Q: Thoughts on “30 Rock’’? I feel like this season has gone so downhill.
Joanna: “30 Rock’’ still has its funny moments, but I can’t completely disagree with you. Last week’s episode was only mildly funny. I do wonder if they’ve run out of some creative ideas. Perhaps if they do find a new cast member, he/she will bring some new energy.
Q: Any word on when (and what night/time) “Chuck’’ is returning? It’s been pretty bleak on NBC in its old time slot now taken over by “Zeroes.’’
Joanna: Ah, “Heroes.’’ NBC hasn’t announced a start date for “Chuck’’ - could be either before or after the Winter Olympics - but has ordered up some more episodes, which is a good sign. The show is good, I agree, and I hope more viewers will find it.
Q: I’d like to see “FlashForward’’ last a year or two, but maybe cap it. I think these types of shows are good with an ending point so they can get the most out of that allotted time, i.e. “Lost.’’ I love “Lost’’ but wouldn’t want another three seasons.
Joanna: The “Lost’’ producers worked hard to convince ABC to give them an end date. The show has been very influential in terms of promoting serial storytelling and sprawling casts, and I hope it also sparks a trend of limited-length series. It makes things so much easier for the writers and producers - and better for the viewers.
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