Bob:
This week we are continuing our look at all the 2012 pilots; this week is CBS’s turn. It’s a good thing CBS has a bunch of highly rated (note my choice of words) shows on the air already, because there is nothing on their list of pilots that catches my attention. Well, nothing on the drama side anyway. Lots of cops, a lawyer, and a complete and total ripoff of Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy. Do you think it’s a coincidence that the “independent hacker girl” is also referred to as Millenial in the show description? Shameful. It’s one thing to ripoff something, but to try to ripoff something as great as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is shameful. Of course, after saying that it’s probably going to be the best new show of next season and I’ll be eating crow.
There are some comedies that look like they may have promise. I’m surprised that a network like CBS is brave enough to bring on an edgy talent like Louis C.K. to develop a show. I love love love love love Louie on FX and I’m wondering what the heck C.K. can do that would fit onto a non-cable network, especially one that seems to put such a high value on fart and dick jokes.
What do you see?
Debbie:
You know, I was thinking that the ripoffs were a trend from the last few years, but now I’m thinking they’ve been around since the dawn of man and will probably still be around when the world ends later this year. Whether “versions” of UK shows, “reimaginings” of old shows or blatant ripoffs of all things great (like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books), they’re out there.
Which brings my hypocritical self to Elementary, which I never, ever would have tuned into before Jonny Lee Miller was cast. I just love that guy and I’m in such a Sherlock Holmes phase right now that I know I will not be able to help myself. I’m curious and hopeful, and my mantra from now until its premiere will be something to the effect of “It’s not going to be as good as the BBC’s Sherlock and that’s OK. It’s just different. There’s room for everyone.”
I don’t know anything about Louis C.K., so even that one didn’t catch my attention. But let’s be honest here; CBS is not struggling and there’s not going to be a ton of room in their schedule for even a handful of these shows. No use getting all attached to those cops and lawyers. …
Bob:
And how do you feel about the casting news that Lucy Liu has been cast as Dr. Watson? I like that the show is at least trying to differentiate itself. Many are being quick to judge, but I’m waiting to see it myself. My guess is that it’s going to turn out to be a fairly standard procedural (as just about everything does on CBS).
I think on the comedy side Super Fun Night has some potential. It could be awkwardly hilarious watching a bunch of people try to paint the night red every week. It could also just be horribly awkward.
Debbie:
At first, I was sorely disappointed to hear that Lucy Liu would be Miller’s Watson. I really wanted to hate the idea. But I’m actually not opposed to it at all, as I mostly like Liu and can’t take Elementary as a strict Holmesian ripoff anyway. Because you’re right, it’s not going to be that; it’s going to be a CBS procedural.
I’m guessing Super Fun Night to be a cross between Super Bad and Mike and Molly, which just screams awkward for me. I cannot imagine it would hold my interest, but stranger things have happened.
Bob:
Sure, like your refusal to love all things Lost.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Mar 01, 2012 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
You guys are literally “arguing” about “Unnamed Louis CK project”
That’s… ah well. Thanks for the info.
And what’s strange about loving anything “Lost”, Bob? I can honestly say that now, with everything put in perspective, Deb was right from the start. What’s even worse is that anyone who really liked the show while it was on, like me, now HATES everything “Lost” for what it never was, never will be. We, the 99%, hate it for what it PRETENDED to be. It’s the prime example for “Making shit up as you go”. The show should’ve either been named “Macguffin” or “Red Herring”.
God I’m still so angry about this piece of shit show.
THAT stays on the air but “Firefly” didn’t. Which directly brings me back to CBS, Lucky Louie, Pootie Tang, FX and the Louie budget and creative control, releasing a standup special on the net only, selling out or not to CBS… You know… something you guys could’ve talked about. “Brave” really doesn’t come to mind when I want to describe that news, especially after reading Ken Levine’s blog for a couple of years. The way you word it it’s almost as if you guys know the show is going to be garbage so why not word it that way? Oh right… because you are literally arguing about “Unnamed Louis CK project” and nothing can be said about it because we don’t know anything about it.
*sigh*
Ah doesn’t it feel great to have me back here?