Cadenza | TV
Cadenza Fall TV Schedule
Here at Cadenza, we love us some TV. In fact, we love it so much that sometimes we have to hate on a show to love on another. We spent weeks compiling our Master Television Listing, but it was never perfect. We had our hearts and souls invested in a couple of these shows, and not all of them made the final cut. So, this is where we get our redemption; this is where we take our final stands. You’ve been warned.
Percy Picks the Unpicked
Percy’s Case For “Dexter” (SHO) (Premieres Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.)
Do not let this show give you the slip; “Dexter” earns its way onto the roster with its unmatched cocktail of grit and philosophy. But let’s not kid ourselves; the best part has always been Dexter’s narration. In an unsettling way, it never fails to reflect our favorite serial killer’s murders. Dexter wraps up the themes in a few choice words, and the events tip back, slowly trickling out in an addictively gruesome and sterile manner.
Percy’s Case For “Chuck” (NBC) (Premieres Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.)
“Chuck” was successful last season because it took all our previous notions of espionage and stuck a pair of taped-up glasses on them. Geeky as it was, there were also great moments of drama that never felt overwrought. The explosions, social awkwardness and reverence of Captain Awesome will continue into a sophomore season. After all, “Chuck” answers the age-old question, “Can the nerd fix the monitor and get the girl?” with a nasally, “Oh, most definitely.”
Percy’s Case For “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (FX) (Premiered Sept. 18 at 9 p.m.)
Season three was, in short, disappointing. Fortunately, the fourth season premiere showed up the entire third season by taking us back to the hilarious formula of letting these loveable jerks from Philly think that they are somehow doing “good.” They make life way too complicated for themselves and their ailing bar, but hey, they don’t know that. As long as Mac is still insecure and Charlie is still crazy, this show shouldn’t drop off the radar anytime soon.
Percy’s Case Against “My Own Worst Enemy” (NBC) (Premieres Oct. 13 at 9 p.m.)
I slowly began to loathe this show as the Olympics trotted on. Every single commercial break brought us the same promo, with the same two-faced Christian Slater throwing his arms up in the air at the notion that he was two different people. It isn’t fun hating a show I’ve never seen before, but how far can this gimmick go?
Alex Picks the Unpicked
The Case For “Heroes” (NBC) (Premiered Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.)
Genetic mutations, super powers and a cheerleader: what more could you want? “Heroes” is action-packed, thrilling and mysterious, and this season is promised to be the best one yet. The combination of action, science fiction, suspense, interesting characters with special abilities and some personal relationships will not disappoint anyone.
Percy’s Case Against “Heroes”
“Heroes” was great in its prime, but that was more than one year ago. Another season of twiddling thumbs, waiting for something worthwhile to happen can’t be tolerated. While the “Villains” theme is admittedly intriguing, there have always been villains in this show, and only a couple of them were ever worth the screen time. Maybe this is a case of a self-protecting attitude, but I won’t let “Heroes” waste my Mondays again.
Alex’s Case For “Private Practice” (ABC) (Premieres Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.)
Although “Private Practice” got off to a rough start last year, there’s no doubt that it will have improved by this new season. The spin-off from “Grey’s Anatomy” features Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery, who was one of the most interesting and dynamic characters on the original show. With all of its kinks worked out, “Private Practice” is a must-watch this season.
Alex’s Case For “Ugly Betty” (ABC) (Premiered Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.)
If you like uplifting stories about an out-of-place secretary, then “Ugly Betty” is the show for you. If you like catty assistants, over-the-top schemes, blackmail or secret identities, then “Ugly Betty” is also the show for you. “Ugly Betty” will be continuing where it left off last season with Betty choosing between two relationships, and it is guaranteed to be chock-full of ridiculous drama.
Percy’s Case Against “Ugly Betty”
“Ugly Betty” is a really great show. It’s only problem is that it’s up against “Hole in the Wall,” which could be the dumbest and, not coincidentally, most-watchable show Fox has ever put out. It’s a procrastinator’s dream, providing instant gratification when the wall rams into the jumpsuit-clad contestants, but then you’ll turn back to your textbooks, because you’ll know that’s what makes you smarter than they are. “Ugly Betty” can’t compete with that.
Alex’s Case for “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) (Premiered Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.)
Though some may argue this show’s medical content is unrealistic, “Grey’s Anatomy” is pretty realistic, though a little exaggerated, in its depiction of relationships. Whether they’re dealing with their boyfriends or just their friends, the main characters go through high and lows while leaning on each other. They have personal and medical problems that all somehow intertwine with each other. The drama will continue this year with new twists and turns.