It is hard to believe that another school year is upon us. The Fall TV season is fast approaching and it is time to take a look at the best stuff currently airing. Three comedies leap out right away in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Wilfred, and Louie. In its eighth season, Larry David has removed all the filters on his character after finalizing a divorce with his wife Cheryl in the season premiere. Deemed “The Social Assassin,” David has been on a tirade against the minutia that happens in everyday human life that we would all like to question out loud but typically refrain from doing. Like his previous show Seinfeld, all episodes tend to wrap up in delicious fashion with the various subplots intertwining. The big arc this season involves Larry and his agent Jeff moving to New York for a few months. Guest stars have included Ricky Gervais and Rosie O’Donnell. Ratings are at an all-time high, meaning we can probably expect another season of this gem. What one has to appreciate about Larry David is that he is so loaded and only signs on for more seasons if he has a worthwhile idea. If you are a fan of comedy, this show will be worth your while.
By far one of the most bizarre shows to debut in years, Wilfred is an adaption of an Australian comedy dealing with a lawyer named Ryan on the verge of suicide that has a hot new neighbor move in. The neighbor has a dog named Wilfred that only Ryan can see in human form and talk to like a human. The two smoke weed, drink, and become great friends that help each other with the various problems they encounter. Because the dynamic is so unique, the show pulls a lot of humor from places no other shows can since Wilfred acts and thinks from a dog perspective. The great part about the show is that Jason Gann created the original and FX version of the show and stars in the title role. His charisma, delivery, and mannerisms are incredible. Combining Gann’s talents and antics with a more than game straight man Elijah Wood is a chemistry match made in heaven. Future episodes will delve into why Ryan can interact with the corrupt animal and whether he belongs in a loony bin. It airs Thursdays at 9 on FX and is available on demand.Louis C.K. is on top of the world right now after his Emmy nomination for lead actor in his self-made comedy Louie along with being hailed as one of the finest stand-up comedians around the globe. In its second season, the show has such a confidence about it that any topic it deals with is captivating and engrossing whether the scenario is highly dramatic or hilarious. My favorite episode this season dealt with Louis’ love of masturbation and it being called out by a church girl on public television. She tries to turn him to her side by discussing in detail a fantasy life where Louie courted her for a long period of time until they fell in love and married. She described how wonderful that first night together would be. At the end of the episode, the scene shifts to Louis in the restroom doing what you would expect after being hit-on by a hot chick. A future episode will see Louis take an adventure to Afghanistan. Take a chance on one of the best shows on television as each 22 minute Louie episode delivers a carefully constructed story with outrageous humor and emotional resonance. Louie airs Thursdays at 9:30 on FX while season 1 is available on DVD.
On the drama side, the best ones airing right now are True Blood and Breaking Bad. In its 4th season, Alan Ball has continually upped the weirdness and fun on the ever evolving True Blood, a show that contains a staggering 19 regular characters and several different plots. It is a testament to the show’s creator Ball that each plot gets developed enough to make sure viewers care about each character. The main arc this season has evil witch Marnie casting a spell on the Eric Northman, a high-ranking vampire in Bon Temps, which causes him to lose his memory. He begins a romance with the newly single Sookie Stackhouse (the amazing Anna Paquin), much to the chagrin of her ex, the vampire king Bill Compton. All the witches have now united and plan to kill all the vampires ensuring a war of epic scale that has brought rivals Eric and Bill together to work on stopping the threat. The love triangle has been so developed over the seasons that there are vocal fan groups out there that support Team Bill and/or Team Eric. Where Sookie ends up this season is anyone’s guess, but a recent dream she had about both her suitors shows her to be in a state of flux with her true feelings. If you love supernatural characters, blood, action, terror, and sex, True Blood has it all in spades and is well-deserving of your time.
Breaking Bad is the best show on television. Three time Best Actor Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and last year’s Best Supporting Actor Winner Aaron Paul continue to deliver the goods as meth producers Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. White has moved back in with his family and wife Skylar now aids him in liquidating the money thorough the purchase of a car wash. White’s brother-in law continues the search for “Heisenburg,” Walter White’s alter ego after the news of a violent murder of a meth producer from the finale last season. Giancarlo Esposito comes across as terrifying and intimidating as Walt and Jesse’s boss Gus. The show has set an end date for next season and creator Vince Gilligan has stated that his mission was to take Walt from Mr. Chips to Scarface. That would lead me to believe a huge confrontation is upcoming between the increasingly displeased and underappreciated Walt and Gus before the season is out. Whether Hank will get any closer to learning about what Walt has been doing to provide for his family is the wildcard. If you like beautifully shot, superbly acted, and terrifically written episodic television, then watch this show.
The coming fall will bring us new seasons of favorites like Sons of Anarchy, Parks and Recreation, The Good Wife, and Boardwalk Empire. What of the new fall slate is worth your time will be a topic for next month.
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