Spring TV Roundup, Week 10

In these roundups — which basically go all year but just change seasons — I look at the pilot and second episode of each new show. I watch the duds so you don't have to! If you don't see a new show from this spring below, please check previous weeks.

Tuesday Nights:
Fargo, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX
About: This show shares the same title and sensibility as the Coen Brothers movie, but it's a completely different story. The pilot felt a bit like the movie. It was 90 minutes that laid out the characters, the world, and the crime gone wrong. The second episode showcased how we'll live into the this story, experience the consequences, and move toward a resolution. The pace was a bit slower, but the sensibility and growth of characters was better. The performances in this show are excellent, and though the Coen Brothers aren't working hands on as writers, this feels very much like one of their movies. The characters, dialogue, and the way the show is put together feel very much like one of their movies, and it works well. Martin Freeman is great in this role, so, too, is Billy Bob Thornton. The rest of the cast is good, too, and I'm curious to see where this story goes. So far, this looks like a home run for FX.
Pilot Grade: A
Second Episode: A

Thursday Nights:
Bad Teacher, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on CBS
About: I wasn't one of those that loved the summer comedy "Bad Teacher," starring Cameron Diaz, from a couple years ago. I certainly couldn't understand how that would work as a weekly show. The pilot for this sitcom, which is based on the movie, verified all my worst fears. It was blah as a comedy, uncomfortable as a show, and rutterless as a weekly series. Supposedly this was supposed to be a summer show that snuck up into April during the regular season because CBS opted to end "The Crazy Ones" early. "The Crazy Ones" didn't get the ratings CBS had hoped, but it was a quality show from a creative standpoint. This isn't. I like Ari Graynor, and I think she'll make a good lead in something, but this isn't it. This show is a train wreck.
Pilot Grade: D

Black Box, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC
About: This is the second new show that debuted last week that is really a summer show. It moved up early to premier because "Scandal" had to cut its third season short. It does, however, continue ABC's impressive track record of unleashing utterly unwatchable dreck on the viewing public. ABC has unleashed — by far — the biggest group of dud shows this season. In that sense, "Black Box" fits well. This show feels like someone watched season one of "Homeland," took the character makeup of Carrie Matheson, and put it on top of a story that didn't work. Catherine Black (Kelly Reilly) is bi-polar, thinks her meds impact her creative genius, and hears nothing but jazz music when she's spiraling out of control. If this show was meant to be a parody, it would work perfectly. But it's meant to be taken seriously. There was basically nothing interesting about the characters or plot in the pilot episode. It feels like a collection of exaggerated cliches wedged together to get something on the air. This was a complete disaster, and I can't see how it will last.
Pilot Grade: F

Sunday Nights:
Last Week Tonight, Sundays at 11 p.m. on HBO
About: John Oliver was an excellent contributor to "The Daily Show," who spent last summer as an excellent substitute host. It's not surprising he got his own show, but it was somewhat surprising that came to HBO. This feels like a little something different for HBO, and continues what has been an amazing Sunday night lineup this spring. HBO has — by far — the best shows on Sunday nights with "Game of Thrones," "Silicon Valley," "VEEP," and, now, this comedy news show from Oliver. He follows "The Daily Show" format with some unique features. Mostly it works because Oliver is talented, funny, and brings a great perspective to current events. If you like "The Daily Show," this is a can't miss.
Pilot Grade: A