Network Upfronts — A recap of the week

This week is network Upfronts — a time when the networks unveil their schedule for the fall, including what shows are returning, what new shows have been added, and where everything will run in the fall. Now that these presentations are over, it's time to take stock of what we learned. Bear in mind, all we've seen of these shows is trailers and written concepts.

When I did each network recap, I did it based solely on descriptions of the new shows. I've since watched all the trailers, and I have to admit some I wasn't wild about are growing on me. As we wrap up this consideration of the new fall schedule until, well, the fall when the shows debut, I will be looking at three areas: the most promising new comedies, most promising new dramas, and shows that are on the clock. These are, of course, gut reactions.

On the Clock: Each year in the run up to the Upfronts there is a lot of speculation about what current shows will return, and what will be given the boot. In terms of my watching, each year I part with some shows. Sometimes the network decides — R.I.P. "Fringe" — and sometimes the quality of the show decides — I can't care about "Glee" any longer. Below is a list of shows I think need to improve or retire — or I'll retire from them.

1. "How I Met Your Mother." Finally in the season finale (of season eight) we met the titular mother. Briefly. The show has already confirmed next season, its ninth, will be the last. That's probably right. Now we need a satisfying forward movement in the story that hasn't quite been there in two years.

2. "The Mentalist." I suspect that this next season will be the last for "The Mentalist," too. The show is growing stale. Now it's time to end the Red John story once and for all. The audience — those entering the sixth year with the show — deserve a little closure.

3. "CSI." This show is entering its 14th season. It's still fine, but it's not what it used to be. Both of its spawn — "CSI: Miami" and "CSI: New York" — have been euthanized. It's time to find a graceful way to let the original go as well.

4. "Criminal Minds." It was a last minute decision to re-up with "Criminal Minds," which heads into its 10th season in the fall. Like the other aging shows on this list, it's time for this one to bring it home.

5. "Grey's Anatomy." I actually thought, based on the plot line this season, that the show was swooping to a close. It didn't. Entering year 10 in the fall, it might be time to think of the end game for this group of doctors.

Most Promising New Comedies: Based on the trailers, here's the three I think have the most potential to stick.

1. "Brooklyn Nine Nine," FOX Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. This show, starring Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher, had the most fun trailer. I laughed both times I watched it. It's wacky and seems to have a wild premise, but it also looked like it might be the most fun.

2. "The Goldbergs," ABC Tuesdays at 9 p.m. I thought this looked lame from the written description — then I watched the trailer. Then I watched the trailer again. Somehow I got caught up in this show. It might not work, but I liked what I saw.

3. "The Michael J. Fox Show," NBC Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. So the trailer for the show wasn't incredibly inspiring. That being said, this still seems like an idea that should work and should pay off. NBC really needs a hit, and this show has been guaranteed 22 episodes, so it will have time to find itself.

Most Promising New Dramas: This is based on the trailers and doesn't include mid-season shows. Only fall or, in the case of FOX, late fall shows are considered here.

1. "Almost Human," FOX 8 p.m. Mondays late fall. I love J.J. Abrams, and here he pairs with some collaborators from "Fringe," which was my favorite show on TV. This isn't the same show, but it has a fun sci fi premise and a good cast. I loved the trailer and can't wait for the show.

2. "Blacklist," NBC Mondays at 10 p.m. The written description for this show wasn't compelling. Then I watched the trailer and I was intrigued. If this works, it could be a compelling and fascinating drama. The pieces are there, and the trailer was strong, so I remain hopeful.

3. "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," ABC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. This was probably the safest bet of pilot season to become a show. "The Avengers" cleaned up at the Box Office during the summer of 2012, and "Iron Man 3" is doing the same right now. Superheroes are hot, and ABC has them. There will be a built in audience for this show — and it come from Joss Whedon — so here's to hoping it lives up to the incredible hype.

Where's CBS? I didn't purposely exclude CBS, I just wasn't too hot on their new shows. Excluding the mid-season drama starring Josh Holloway, this is an uninspiring slate of new shows. Combine that with the aging hits — four of which I suggested above should find a way to end — and that could leave the No. 1 Network on TV with some holes to fill this time next year.

We shall see beginning in September.