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Episodes

While its concept sounded great, the Episodes pilot is not as exciting and hilarious as it should have been. The show, starring Matt LeBlanc of Friends  fame and some Brits, plays off a familiar Hollywood theme: taking a British comedy hit and bringing it over to America. Last spring’s previews were promising, and included a scene of LeBlanc having to audition for the role of himself. Unfortunately, what looked good in the previews wasn’t included in the pilot. Instead, the first episode slowly brings two British writers to Los Angeles, and follows their adventures and the strange behaviour of their new studio associates. This episode was definitely missing screen time from LeBlanc, and sitting through it was slightly torturous. The blogosphere seems to be giving the show praise, so it never hurts to give it a second chance, but the pilot certainly failed to impress.

Parks & Recreation

After being held back as a mid-season replacement by NBC, Parks & Recreation has made a hilarious return to primetime TV. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is back in full swing, rounding up her co-workers to get back to the Parks department of the small, fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The first episode of the third season deals with the Pawnee government going back to work after being shut down months earlier (a coincidental parallel with the show itself being shelved for half the year). If you have yet to give this show a chance, please do. This season, new additions Adam Scott and Rob Lowe promise to round out an already great comedic cast who all play off each other in their own quirky ways. Although the first season may have started off rocky, the show found its groove last year and it’s now time to board the Parks & Rec train. The show is no longer about a government lady trying to turn a pit into a park; it’s got everything it needs to start contending with critically acclaimed NBC buddies 30 Rock and The Office. 

Californication

   It’s clear from the start of season four of Showtime’s hit series Californication that all is not well for everyone’s favourite dysfunctional writer. The first scene of the premiere shows Hank Moody (David Duchovny) being picked up from jail by none other than his agent/best friend Charlie Runkle. The bailout is followed by some interesting plot developments, including Hank’s relationship with an actress and some other normal Californication shenanigans (sex, drugs, and alcohol). After months of waiting, fans of the show will get what they love, along with some promising new storylines for the upcoming season. For those who have yet to catch this show, don’t even think of starting with the current season. Backtrack, catch up, and dive into Moody’s past because it’s an entertaining one. The show’s season premiere brings even more trouble for Hank, who has yet to make up with his loved ones, including his ex-wife and daughter, which may force him to make a change in his lifestyle. Showtime certainly has faith in the fourth season of Californication; they have already renewed it for a fifth and Moody shows no signs of slowing down.