Do ABC’s pilots hold any promise? – Quibbling Siblings

Bob:

Let’s turn our attention this week to a slightly less pathetic network. Last week we talked about the pilots that NBC is producing, this week let’s take a look at the Alphabet Network. ABC has a long list of shows that they are looking at for next season, and just like with the NBC shows, there’s not a whole lot of detail out there yet.

Again, what strikes me is the complete lack of originality in some of these pilots. There’s the show about the haunted hotel (American Horror Story much?), the Beauty and the Beast reimagining (not to be confused with NBC’s Beauty and the Beast pilot), and the one about the cop. …

There are some interesting high concept shows here that have me curious. I’m intrigued with Last Resort, mostly because I have absolutely no idea what the show is going to look like. How is there going to be a weekly show about a rogue nuclear submarine? Likewise, the untitled presidential drama is wrapped in mystery.

One thing I notice is a lot of lighter shows: A couple different shows based in the fashion world, a telenovela adaptation from Marc Cherry, a couple different country music projects (one with Reba McEntire). It looks like they are not going for anything too heavy or dramatic. This might be okay, because with the rise of cable television, I just don’t think the networks can compete when it comes to drama, the sensors are just not forgiving enough.

What do you see that gets your attention?

Debbie:

Well, one thing I’m noticing is that NBC is not the only network looking across the pond for inspiration, with a quick stop (or two) in England and on to Dutch country.

I’m also thinking that if you can suspend your disbelief for a moment, they have some pretty unique concepts in development. Several of them sound interesting to me, though I’m going to need a lot more information to know if I’ll be tuning in or not. Zero Hour, for instance, as well as the untitled Presidential drama, are intriguing but a bit vague at the moment.

However, Gilded Lillys has my attention. Shonda Rhimes can sometimes pull it off. I liked Grey’s Anatomy for the first few seasons, and I enoyed the pilot of Scandal which will finally premiere in April. Gilded Lillys is a period piece that also stars Blythe Danner, so how bad could it be?

For some reason, Gotham also perked my ears up. I think it reminds me of the first season of Angel, when Kate found out about the vampires. I liked that noir feel, so I hope it’s like that.

Now I had heard about 666 Park Ave., which is produced by the same folks as The Vampire Diaries, so I may be a little more open to it than you are. There’s a little more information about it here which makes it sound less like AHS.

Overall, I’m not rolling my eyes as much as when I read the decsriptions of the NBC pilots, so I guess that’s something.

Bob:

What about the comedies?

I feel like there’s a lot of good talent. I’ve loved Judy Greer in so many things, but the description of her show (based on her life) sounds pretty dull. I have a little more hope for the Ellen Degeneres produced show starring Portia de Rossi. Of course, it just sort of makes me nostalgic for Arrested Development and Better Off Ted. Mandy Moore doesn’t have as much cred as the other ladies, but I’ve enjoyed her in several things before too.

Debbie:

I agree with you about the Degeneres / de Rossi sitcom having the most promise. Yes, the Judy Greer one sounded boring, but also very done … hasn’t there been a sitcom with that exact plot already? It reminds me a little of Suburgatory, but that’s not the one I’m thinking of. I think I officially no longer squee when Sarah Chalke is attached to a program, though I loved her in Scrubs. After she went and ruined HIMYM she doesn’t hold the same awe for me.

Bob:

Please! I yearn for the days when Stella was on HIMYM.

Debbie:

HA! Yeah, the downfall of HIMYM defintely wasn’t all Sarah Chalke’s fault.

Clacked by Bob Degon
on Feb 16, 2012 @ 10:00 EST5EDT