Winter TV Roundup, Week 5


Here's the final week of winter premiers. As always, I review the first two episodes of new series. More new shows return at the end of February when we'll start tracking spring premiers.

Thursday Nights:
Rake, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on FOX
About: Even an "American Idol" lead-in can't help this show, which has seen it's ratings fall in week two. That is a sign the show's not long for this TV world. And it's no wonder why. There is little to like about the characters in this, particularly the lead character played by Greg Kinnear. The show has had some interesting legal cases. The pilot featured the story of a serial killer who wasn't, while the second episode dove into the world of the Amish. That was somewhat fascinating, but not enough to sustain interest. That's because most of the show seems focused on Keegan Deane and his antics. It's not clear why his friends and family stick with him, or how they became his friends in the first place. It does seem like it's possible, since the series began with what was supposed to be episode four, that we missed some set up. But most of this just doesn't work. It's not that there aren't interesting moments, it's just that through two episodes I'm not sure what the point of the series is supposed to be. Either way, with it's sliding ratings, it's clear most people aren't that interested in finding out anyway.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

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