Friday, Aug. 29, 2008

Time to terminate a lame summer TV season

TV is coming! TV is coming!

Thank God, I couldn't watch any more episodes of "America's Best Dad Who Wiped Out on a Japanese Gameshow With His Dog."

The fall TV season starts in earnest next week. I can't say there are too many new shows that have caught my eye, but plenty of returning shows will be greeted with open arms and the soft spot on the couch.

In fact, only two new shows are on my radar at all. The first is the Fox sci-fi thriller "Fringe" (premièring Sept. 9) from creator J.J. Abrams, the man behind "Lost" and "Alias." Since I missed the launch on both those shows, I figure I might as well get in on the ground floor of his latest. So far, promos have given "Fringe" an "The X-Files"- meets-"CSI" feel.

The second is the NBC comedy "Kath & Kim" (Oct. 9) an Americanized version of the hit Australian sitcom about the misadventures of a mother and daughter. "Saturday Night Live" alum Molly Shannon will play the dysfunctional mother, Kath, and "Hellboy" star Selma Blair will play the equally dysfunctional daughter, Kim.

And that's it for the new shows. The lack of excitement in the new offerings is largely due to the writers' strike. Still, it's hard to believe the best Hollywood could do is a remake of "90210" (premièring Tuesday on The CW, in case you missed it the first time around).

As for my returning favorites, that's where my inner couch potato squeals with glee. I can't wait to see if Cameron (Summer Glau) makes it out of that Jeep on "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (Sept. 8) Given that she is a indestructible killing machine, I'd say all signs point to yes.

Now with Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson in the cast as a corporate baddie, the girl-power quotient on the film franchise's spinoff is impossible to resist.

Also highly anticipated is the fifth season of Fox medical drama "House" (Sept. 16). As a fan of cranky-pants Dr. House (Hugh Laurie), it should be fascinating to see the dynamic between best friend and resident nice guy Dr. Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) now that the former is indirectly responsible for the death of the latter's girlfriend. Life-and- death drama in a hospital — who would have thunk it?

For less drama and more whimsy, I'm ready for ABC's "Pushing Daisies" (Oct. 1) to begin its sophomore season. The winsome, fantastical show was a real charmer and I've missed it all these long months since its last episode in December.

And finally, no mention of my TV obsession would be complete with my gushing about NBC comedy "30 Rock" (Oct. 30). The Tina Fey series is, hands down, the best comedy on television, as its Emmy win last year and its 17 Emmy nominations this year will attest. Why more people don't watch this show is a mystery I never will understand. And if things don't turn around for it in the ratings, I might have to threaten violence.

There, you've been warned. Now, where is that remote?

Elsewhere around the Scene:

Check out newlywed singer/songwriter duo Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby on Thursday at the Multicultural Art Center in Merced. Wreckless Eric was an original Stiff Records artist whose labelmates included '70s new-wave luminaries Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe. Showtime is 8 p.m., tickets are $12. Call 388-1090. ...

Catch 2005 Stanislaus County Fair Idol champion Christy Riley competing in the California State Fair Star Competition on Monday. The Oakdale native made it to the top 10 out of 140 performers to enter the competition. Since her Stanislaus County win three years ago, Riley has recorded a demo in Nashville and now attends school in Sacramento. Catch her at the state fair in Sacramento at 7 p.m. on the Golden1 Stage.

And finally, enjoy the sounds of the Groovenators at the new West Modesto Certified Farmers Market on Thursday. The event includes fresh produce for purchase, children's activities, art exhibits and live blues at the King-Kennedy Memorial Center. The market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through September. Admission is free.

Bee entertainment writer Marijke Rowland can be reached at mrowland@modbee.com or 578-2284. Read her blog SceneIt at thehive.modbee.com/sceneit.