Fall TV Roundup, Week 1

Fall TV is here (slow clap). We finally have new shows! In fact, this is premier week! As always, I review the pilot and second episode of new shows in this weekly post. Don't see a new show below (it hasn't premiered yet or) check previous weeks.

Monday Nights:
Life in Pieces, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered September 21)
About: I don't love sitcoms in general, but CBS sitcoms in particular. I have a hard time with their formulaic nature and the kind of stories they tell. So I wasn't looking forward to this show — which is a series of vignettes from a family each week. However, the pilot was better than I expected. The opening story and closing story were weak and not all that funny. But the middle two stories — one about child birth and the aftermath and the other about taking a child to college — were pretty amusing. It has a good cast, and could have potential. But the format also means that it could be a liability if one or more vignette doesn't work, like last night. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great.
Pilot Grade: C+

Minority Report, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX (Premiered September 21)
About: This is FOX's latest attempt to pull in audiences with a familiar hook. "Gotham" was their lone success last fall, treading upon the familiar narrative of Batman, but even that has slipped noticeably into its second season. "Minority Report" is based on the 2002 movie from Steven Spielberg, which was taken from a short story by Phillip K. Dick. This series is set in the aftermath, with the pre-crime division shut down but the pre-cogs still trying to use their gift for good. In this case one of those pre-cogs, Dash (Stark Sands), teams with a cop (Megan Good) to solve crimes before they happen. It's a procedural, but set in an interesting future world. I thought this sounded like a train wreck of an idea, but the pilot wasn't half bad. It's very predictable, but I liked the performers and think the idea could work. It was a better watch than the season two premier of "Gotham" anyway.
Pilot Grade: C+

Blindspot, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 21)
About: "Blindspot" got a cushy time slot — after "The Voice" — a good concept, and a lot of early buzz. And the pilot was… all right. Look, it wasn't bad and I still like the cast and the idea. But the pilot was a little boring. I don't know what I expected, exactly, but it was something more than what I got. Jamie Alexander is a likable lead, and there is plenty to mine in the potential conspiracy, those tattoos and all the rest. But the pilot was slow and the case wasn't that exciting. It also felt like it was long on conspiracy theories and short on answers. I hope that changes, but for now I've cooled a bit toward this show.
Pilot Grade: C+

Tuesday Nights:
Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 15)
About: This is one of the shows that got a jump on premier week. It's a limited variety series (set for eight episodes) that may or may not be renewed. Variety shows were once a staple of TV, but that day is long since passed. While "Best Time Ever" is a bit of a dated concept, it's the first attempt at a variety show revival in Prime Time that sort of worked. I didn't love it, but I was amused by it. Harris got some big name guests, and he's the real draw. He's funny and talented, and he made all his bits work because of his charisma. I don't know if this will get a second season, but it was entertaining for what it is. However, I think it's the kind of show that would work better in the less crowded summer time frame.
Pilot Grade: C

The Bastard Executioner, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX (Premiered September 15)
About: I never watched "Sons of Anarchy," but I know it was a show noted for its violence and pushing the envelope. That show ended last fall, but creator Kurt Sutter hasn't strayed far from that model. There is plenty of violence and envelope pushing on "Bastard Executioner," which debuted with two blood soaked hours last Tuesday. To say I didn't like it would be an understatement. At times I was repulsed by the story and action. And it didn't make me care about the characters. If all you're looking for is an hour of violence and debauchery on basic cable, this is for you. I don't, however, think it's for me.
Pilot Grade: D

Wednesday Nights:
Moonbeam City, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central (Premiered September 16)
About: Adult cartoons are tricky. "Moonbeam City" is a cross between "Miami Vice" and "Archer," so if you're into that sort of thing this is for you. It boasts and impressive voice cast, which includes Rob Lowe, Elizabeth Banks and Kate Mara, among others. But the entire first episode was '80s cliches and sex jokes. At least that was what I took away from it. This show is probably an acquired taste for a select audience.
Pilot Grade: D