Eye On CBS (Part 4 Of My Unfair Previews)

Non-American readers, myself included, are left out of the loop, trailer wise, when it comes to looking at CBS' autumn line-up. Not sure if this is a failing on their part, or on all the other networks. Anyway, based only on the written world, let's see what's out there, shall we?

Accidentally On Purpose
"ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE is a comedy starring Golden Globe Award winner Jenna Elfman as Billie, a single woman who finds herself "accidentally" pregnant after a one-night stand with a much younger guy, and decides to keep the baby. and the guy. A newspaper film critic, Billie is barely surviving a humiliating breakup with her charming boss, James (Grant Show), who's still trying to resume their relationship. Suddenly expecting a child with her "boy toy," Zack (Jon Foster), Billie and Zack make an arrangement: to live together platonically."

Doubtless, my Wife will be delighted to see Dharma (from Dharma & Greg) back in a lead role. Can't say I'm fussed, either by that, or by the description of the show. Mind you, I'm not as opposed to it as some of the commentators on the show's own description page. God bless the free press!


The Good Wife
"THE GOOD WIFE is a drama starring Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who must assume full responsibility for her family and re-enter the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and crushing public humiliation caused by her husband Peter (Chris Noth), Alicia Florrick (Margulies) starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney."

This doesn't look too terrible, although the synopsis gives no hint as to whether this is a melodrama, romantic comedy, or knockabout slapstick. Julianna Margulies back in a lead role can only be a good thing, and I'm sure that Chris Noth didn't get where he is today without some acting chops. Unfortunately, that terrible woman from Cybil's turning up as well, which might just about be a showstopper. Still, if the Wife's interested in it, I may catch the pilot and see where it goes.

What's next?

Three Rivers
"THREE RIVERS is a medical drama that goes inside the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, the recipients and the surgeons at the preeminent transplant hospital in the country where every moment counts. However, dealing with donor families in their darkest hour and managing the fears and concerns of apprehensive recipients takes much more than just a sharp scalpel. Leading the elite team is Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O'Loughlin), the highly-skilled workaholic lead organ transplant surgeon, whose good-natured personality and sarcastic wit makes him popular with his patients and colleagues."
I'm sorry, I understand every show is somebody's baby, but this sounds terrible. When you've just been told your loved one is at death's door, what better medicine that the sarcastic wit of a good-natured workaholic. Truly, the spirit of Hawkeye Pierce lives on. Next!

..............

What, that's it? A couple of reality shows, and a spin-off of NCIS? Jings. Slim pickings indeed. Ah well, let's take a look at The CW, CBS's red-headed step-son. Surely the channel behind such classic shows as Smallville and 90210 will have some exciting new shows?

Melrose Place
"In an elegant apartment building on Melrose in Los Angeles, a diverse group of 20-somethings have formed a surrogate family."
Missed it the first time round. Missing it this time round. No regrets on either score.

The Beautiful Life
"The life of a high-fashion model appears glamorous and sexy, but as every new model learns, behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cutthroat competition."
Oh dear me, no. It becomes increasingly clear that I am not the target demographic audience for this channel. Still, it could be worse: I could be the target demographic audience for this channel.

The Vampire Diaries
"Elena Gilbert has always been a star student; beautiful, popular and involved with school and friends. As the fall semester begins, Elena becomes fascinated with the mysterious new boy in school, Stefan Salvatore, and she has no way of knowing he is a centuries-old vampire."
Hey wow, it's like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Only without Buffy. The Wife's read some of the books on which this turgid-sounding show is based, and I'm sure she'll be delighted to know this is coming. I'll tell you now, she'll not be watching it with me.

So, that's it. Two channels, one show that doesn't sound terrible between them. At this rate, I'll be forced to just switch off my television set and go and do something less boring instead...