2009 Previews

[Cat]

Bob started a discussion on Three Rivers and it looked interesting enough to share with everyone. I really like O'Laughlin and am happy to see him back so quickly after Moonlight was cancelled.

[Juli]

I haven't even heard of this one. Doesn't peek my interest.

[the Captain]

Keep in mind that this series is based on a successful magazine that has been running for awhile--that fact alone puts it a step or 2 ahead of a LOT of the drivel being offered up currently.

[Cat]

The Middle

Status: New Series
Premiere: September 30, 2009
Genre: Comedy | Family
ABC - 30 Minutes
Airs: Wednesdays at 08:30 pm
Color: Color
Episode Order: 13

•Patricia Heaton played Frankie Heck
•Atticus Shaffer played Brick Heck
•Charlie McDermott played Axel Heck
•Eden Sher played Sue Heck
•Michael Mitchell (1) played Elvis Heck
•Neil Flynn played Mike Heck


Who are our modern day heroes? Politicians? Movie Stars? Athletes? Maybe... But what about the heroes of everyday life? Some of us think parents are heroes, and mothers are often super heroes. Meet Frankie Heck loving wife, mother of three and a car salesman at Jasper, Indiana's number one used car dealership. Frankie is middle class in the middle of the country and approaching middle age. Her super powers? Getting her kids out the door in one piece every morning! Jasper, Indiana is Frankie Heck's hometown a town nestled in between two factories. And depending on which way the wind blows, one day it will smell like snack cakes or another day, tires.

Frankie is trying to sell her first car at the local dealership while her husband, Mike, is a manager at the town quarry. Their oldest son, Elvis, just lost his best friend in an accident and is going through a bit of an identity crisis. Their daughter, Sue, is what you would call extraordinarily ordinary. However, this is not the case with their seven-year-old, Brick, who is different from other kids his age. Brick's best friend is his backpack. Executive producers Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline bring you The Middle and its take on life in the part of the country we don't often see. It may not be glamorous or showy, but it's a place where family comes first, and you do whatever it takes to keep your family together.

[Karen]

I love Patricia Heaton...and her husband is the crazy housekeeping guy on Scrubs...could be a funny show...sort of a Malcolm in the Middle
told from the mom's perspective...

[the Captain]

I think that this show has promise--simply because the writer seems to see new twists in what is a VERY overworked theme! Heaton is VERY good in this (from 1st observation--I've looked at some other clips) as is the guy playing her husband!

[Cat]

NCIS Los Angeles

Status: New Series
Premiere: September, 2009
Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Family | Military/War | Mystery | Thriller
CBS - 60 Minutes
Airs: Tuesdays at 09:00 pm
Color: Color

•Chris O'Donnell played Special Agent "G" Callen
•Daniela Ruah played Special Agent Kensi Blye
•LL Cool J played Special Agent Sam Hanna
•Louise Lombard played Special Agent Lara Macy (Pilot)
•Peter Cambor played Operational Psychologist Nate Getz

NCIS: Los Angeles is a drama about the high stakes world of undercover surveillance at the Office of Special Projects (OSP), a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation's security. By assuming false identities and utilizing the most advanced technology, this team of highly trained agents goes deep undercover, putting their lives on the line in the field to bring down their targets. Special Agent "G" Callen (Chris O'Donnell) is a chameleon who transforms himself into whomever he needs to be to infiltrate the criminal underworld. His partner is Special Agent Sam Hanna (LL COOL J), a former U.S. Navy SEAL who has seen action in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and a surveillance expert who uses state of the art monitoring equipment to look out for those in the field and feed them crucial information. Both Callen and Hanna report to Special Agent Lara Macy (Louise Lombard - Pilot), the OSP team leader responsible for directing the operations and making life-or-death decisions.

Assisting the team is Special Agent Kensi Lo (Daniela Ruah), the exceptionally bright daughter of a slain Marine who lives for the adrenalin rush that comes with undercover work, and Operational Psychologist Nate Getz (Peter Cambor), adept at getting into anybody's head, profiling the target and monitoring agents' states of mind before, during and after missions. Armed with the latest in high tech gear and sent regularly into life-threatening situations, this tight-knit team relies on each other to do what is necessary to protect national interests.

[Karen]

well I love NCIS....not done with the show or characters yet...so I hope this spin off doesn't mean the demise of the show. ..but will probably give it a try.

[the Captain]

Naah! NCIS ain't jumped the Shark yet! Its just an attempt to capitalize on an established brand name! A'la LAW and Order! It will see a 2 season run....

[Cat]

CBS is into capitalizing on shows that make it by just moving them to different cities. Look at the CSI franchises!

[Cat]

I'm beginning to think that the Hollywood Writers are still on strike, with yet another show named Parenthood. Honestly, this is the third show with this name! Come ON!

Parenthood

Status: New Series
Premiere: September 23, 2009
Genre: Drama
NBC - 60 Minutes
Airs: Wednesdays at 8:00 pm
Color: Color
Episode Order: 13

•Bonnie Bedelia played Camille Braverman
•Craig T. Nelson (1) played Zeek Braverman
•Dax Shepard played Crosby Braverman
•Erika Christensen played Julia Braverman
•Mae Whitman played Amber Braverman
•Maura Tierney played Sarah Braverman
•Max Burkholder played Max Braverman
•Monica Potter played TBA
•Peter Krause played Adam Braverman
•Sam Jaeger played TBA

From writer/executive producer Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights) -- this contemporary re-imagining of the blockbuster film depicts the colorful and imperfect Braverman family -- four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents. The star-studded cast includes Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen and Sarah Ramos. When Sarah Braverman (Tierney, ER), a financially strapped single mother, returns home to her parents and siblings in Berkeley, Calif. after packing up her Fresno apartment and uprooting her two inconvenienced kids, Amber (Mae Whitman) and Drew (Miles Heizer), she is greeted by her opinionated father, Zeek (Nelson), and strong mother, Camille (Bedelia) who are privately dealing with their own marital issues. As Sarah is reunited with her siblings -- sister, Julia (Christensen), and brothers Crosby (Shepard) and Adam (Krause) -- all struggling with issues of their own, it's clear that the Braverman reunion is just what they need to face the everyday challenges of modern family life.

[the Captain]

I AGREE! This show won't last out the season.

[Juli]

Yawn! The movie was great - what a waste of money, although glad there are crew members making a living. Short as it might be.