Welcome to the first edition of The Idiot Box, a recurring feature in which I'll discuss what has been going on with some of the best shows on television, spanning everything from courtroom dramas to celeb-reality trash. Also, the end of each article will highlight one television show that isn't getting the attention it deserves.
"The Office"
Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC
The funniest show on television has been on a roll the past few weeks, and last week's episode, "The Return," was no exception.
This episode featured two returns-first Oscar, the gay employee who was granted three months paid vacation after Michael outed him to the office (which of course necessitated the work of the Party Planning Committee). The other return was the re-hiring of Dwight, just one episode after he quit. While the turnaround was quick for my taste, the dynamic in the office just isn't the same when Dwight isn't around.
While Dwight's return was expected, the big surprise of the show was when Jim admitted that he is still in love with Pam, something that will most likely mark the end of his relationship with Karen. My only concern here is that much like Sam and Diane on "Cheers," Jim and Pam are far more interesting apart than they would be together. With NBC announcing earlier this week that the show has been renewed for a fourth season, hopefully the show's creators will be smart enough to keep them apart for a few seasons more.
"Scrubs"
Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC
I never watch "Scrubs," but I'm a sucker for a gimmick show, and there is nothing more gimmicky than an all-musical episode. While the reasoning behind the music was interesting (a patient had a brain tumor that caused her to hallucinate elaborate musical performances), the execution wasn't as good as other musical episodes ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The Drew Carey Show" come to mind).
The main problem with the episode was that there wasn't much variation in the songs, with several fast-tempo numbers to cover up the actors' lack of musical talent. Also, anytime the most memorable song involves every broadcast-appropriate synonym for human excrement, the show is in trouble.
"24"
Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX
After the action-packed first four episodes, this week's hour did a good job of advancing the plot while offering the first real surprise of the season: the Bluetooth-wearing man who directed the villainous President Logan in season five is actually Jack Bauer's brother (who clearly came from the shallow end of the gene pool).
While "24" continues to be one of the most entertaining hours on television, there are concerns. With the death of Curtis last week, too many supporting cast members have been killed off and replaced by characters that aren't as interesting or are just annoying. This problem could be fixed by bringing back Tony Almeida for some zombie justice.
Also, Jack's newly introduced nephew will turn out to be his illegitimate son. The show has already done the "Jack has a defenseless child in danger angle," with three seasons of Kim Bauer getting kidnapped. Unless Maury Povich is guest-starring to do the paternity test, this subplot has the potential to grind the season to a halt.
"I Love New York"
Mondays at 9 p.m. on VH1
I'm not prepared to talk about this show just yet, but know that it is everything I wanted it to be and more.
"The White Rapper Show"
Mondays at 10 p.m. on VH1
None of these "white rappers" are that talented, and many of the show's gimmicks (i.e. the high-top sneakers, the "You Got Mayo" messages) are annoying.
However, there is one reason why this show is worth watching: John Brown, a.k.a. The King of the 'Burbs, a.k.a. Prophet of the Ghetto Revival. He is a joke, and everyone in the house knows it except for him. As the man himself said, "It ain't easy being King of the 'Burbs," and I'll keep watching as long as he manages to dodge elimination.
Show that you should be watching, but probably aren't:
"Shark"
Thursdays at 10 p.m. on CBS
All you really need to know is that James Woods stars as a hot shot defense attorney who retires to become a prosecutor because he is tired of being paid to let murderers go free.
The plot seems a lot like any of the countless lawyer shows that have premiered in the past few years, but when Jimmy Woods is the star prosecutor, even an unoriginal concept becomes interesting.
