Summer television: Engaging characters and complicated plots
TNT bills its summer line-up as “100 Days of Drama,” and some snarky pundits suggest that BP ought to borrow the phrase as the promo for the ongoing oil catastrophe. Some television critics suggest that it’s more like 100 days of feel-good escapism, but against the backdrop of a recession that will not recede and an oil spill that will not go away, Danielle Cox, media analyst at Patterson-Forbes Partners, suggests that the American appetite for well-written, nicely photographed escapist programming is perfectly justified. Speaking with the media early today, Cox ran down the list of justifiably popular new television fare.
“Rizzoli and Isles” debuts.
The new TNT crime drama debuted Monday night, bringing Angie Harmon out of semi-retirement to play homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the hottest tomboy cop anyone ever might have imagined. In the first episode, a serial killer marked Rizzoli as her favourite target, challenging Harmon to show her skills with “gimme fear” and “gimme determination.” According to Cox, Harmon did well with both, “but she does the tough woman with just the right feminine vulnerability, her best combination for the show’s best scenes.” Dr. Maura Isles, Rizzoli’s counterpart and foil, gives Sasha Alexander a chance to show that she can hold her own without upstaging her co-star. “The chemistry between the two women is excellent,” Cox says, “and audiences love the dynamic between the strong girly girl and the vulnerable tomboy. The writers have developed that theme really well.”
“Covert Affairs” charms audiences with first episode.
According to Cox, “Piper Perabo is absolutely charming as the girl next door who joined the CIA.” Like many critics, Cox had worried that Perabo won the part on the strength of her relentless cute power and might come-up short in the actual acting. Instead, Perabo shows that she has range and depth, moving gracefully from action heroine to devoted little sister, driving through some excellent car chases in-between. Produced by the crew that brought us The Bourne Trilogy, “Covert Affairs” has the right mix of suspense and engaging heroine. “Truthfully,” says Cox, “Piper Perabo was probably born and bred to play Annie Walker, and she plays the part brilliantly. Big-big thumbs up,” Cox assesses, “and this from one of the sceptics.”
“Friday Night Lights,” the exception that proves the rule
“Firday Night Lights” is not new, nor is it escapist. “It is the exception that proves the rule,” according to Cox,who reminds reporters, “the spectacular show never has found the huge audience it deserves. The people who do watch the show are fiercely loyal to it, saving it from cancellation twice. Millions more people should know.” Based on the movie that shares its name, “Friday Night Lights” has developed the characters and situations in Dillon, Texas, with a gritty realism that makes viewers feel as if they have lived through two-a-days and hitting the tackling dummies. The program’s dedication to realism, especially in its representation of the complex relationships between parents and teen-age children, has inspired the writers to take-on some of the most challenging coming-of-age issues, including alcohol abuse, bullying, and abortion. “They are keeping it real,” Cox approves, “and the actors are more than brilliant—exquisite, really. I defy anyone to get through a complete episode without laughing out loud and convulsively weeping. It’s that good…and more.”
