The Poop Deck

Tee-Vee

Now that we're halfway through October, I figured it was time to mention that thing we all love so much: television. That's right folks, we're heavy into the new season of all of our classics (Survivor, Amazing Race, Veronica Mars, Lost... to name just a few). But this season we seem to have been hit with a few 'newbies' that are coming on fairly strong. I was hesitant to try them at first, especially considering my list of "can't miss" shows is already way too long. However, DVR makes it very easy to catch those shows you might never have watched otherwise. So, having said all that, I thought I'd give honorable mention to two new shows that have really peaked my interest this season.

1) Heroes
I heard nothing about this show until the night before it aired. I think I was watching football with Aaron, and the commercial came on. I thought to myself, "hmm, that looks interesting," and I set the DVR to record. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I will admit that I might be a little biased as the Japanese aspect of the show tugs a bit at my heartstrings... or perhaps it's the beauty of high def... but it's certainly got me excited for Monday nights. If you haven't seen it, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

2) Friday Night Lights
Much like Heroes, I'd heard very little about this until the week it aired. I wasn't doing anything else at the time it came on, so I figured I'd give it a try. At first I thought it'd be one of those Varsity Blues type girly shows, but it (luckily) didn't turn out that way. It certainly kept my attention (which is growing less and less patient... we tried watching that show Studio 60 Sunset Strip or whatever it is and I didn't last 10 minutes). It was a bit telegraphed at times; I kind of new what would happen and how it would happen, and that carried into the second week as well, but something about it is oddly fascinating. I usually don't like the directing style (shaky camera, as if it were a home movie) but it seems to work here. I also came across this article on CNN which sums it up pretty good. The unfortunate part, though, is I think the first episode is the real hook. If you missed it, it'll be kind of hard to relate to the characters and the plot line without knowing what happened in the beginning, and I fear that will be the shows demise. Definitely give it a try though, if you can sneak it in.

Heroes aires Monday's at 9 p.m.

Friday Night Lights aires Tuesday's at 8 p.m.