And So, Farewell, Earl Hickey (Or Part 2 of My Unfair Previews)

So, we've seen what Fox is bringing next season. Now, let's move on to NBC and see what new shows await us. But first, let's take a moment to note the passing of an old show, My Name Is Earl.

Nearly 4 years ago, I warned you that that this show was "too weird to be around for long, so enjoy it while you can." Just under 100 episodes later, the show has finally been put to death. Not exactly Cassandra, am I? The first couple of seasons of this show were unmissable, and I said so on many occasions. Then season 3 came along, and the show, if I'm being kind, lost a little of its focus. If I'm being unkind, it kind of jumped the shark. This last season, though, has been much more like the Earl I first fell in love with, and I'm really going to miss this show. Thank the lord for box sets.

NBC also finally killed off ER, about 10 years too late. More annoyingly, they decided that two seasons of Life was enough, for which I will be continuing to sulk for some time to come.

So, what do we have that's new and exciting? Let's find out together, shall we?

Community
"It's been said that community college is a "halfway school" for losers, a self esteem workshop for newly divorced housewives, and a place where old people go to keep their minds active as they circle the drain of eternity. Well, at Greendale Community College...that's all true. Community focuses on a band of misfits, at the center of which is a fast-talkin' lawyer whose degree has been revoked (Joel McHale, The Soup). They form a study group and, in "Breakfast Club" fashion, end up learning a lot more about themselves than they do about their course work. "
How great does that sound, eh? Why, if this isn't the breakout show of the season, my name isn't Father Christmas! Not convinced? Did I mention it has Chevy Chase in it? Wait, come back!

Maybe the trailer will convince you:


Actually, that didn't look as bad as I expected. I might take a look at the first episode, but I suspect I'll end up passing on this one, somehow.

Parenthood
"This is the story of the Bravermans - Sarah, Adam, Crosby and Julia - four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches and unexpected joys of being a parent. From Imagine Entertainment's Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, writer/executive producer Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights), and Emmy Award-winning director Thomas Schlamme (The West Wing) comes this contemporary re-imagining of the blockbuster film Parenthood, focusing on the everyday challenges that modern families face while raising children and starting over. "
I'm at a loss, I really am. Is this really what the world needs, a remake of a frankly terrible 80s movie? It's got Bonnie Bedelia, Bruce Willis' frequently endangered wife from Die Hard, Peter Krause (he of Dirty Sexy Money fame), and Maura Tierney, among others, but I suspect none of this will turn this into an even remotely watchable show. Don't believe me? See for yourself:


Oh dear me. What a waste of talent. Moving on...

Trauma
"Like an adrenaline shot to the heart, Trauma is an intense, action-packed look at one of the most dangerous medical professions in the world: first responder paramedics. When emergencies occur, the trauma team from San Francisco General is first on the scene, traveling by land, by sea or by air to reach their victims in time. From the heights of the Transamerica Pyramid to the depths of the S.F. Bay, our heroes must face the most extreme conditions to save lives, and give meaning to their own existence in the process."
Yes, folks, it's another nail-biting medical drama. Just what the world needs.


Again, I really can't see this one doing much for me. I'm entirely not a fan of medical shows (and before anyone mentions ER, I was pestered by the Wife for two years before I finally gave in and watched it, and I have so far resisted giving in and watching Grey's Anatomy for the best part of three years!) and the concept of this show, M*A*S*H* meets International Rescue, does little to draw me in.

So that's three for three on the "sucky shows I'm really not interested in" front. At this rate, I'm going to be going out in the evening a lot more in future.