The broadcast networks are rolling out the promos for their midseason shows, and the results are a mixed bag. Unfortunately for ABC, the negatives far outweigh the positives.
Old favorite Dancing with the Stars recently revealed the line-up for its eighth season, a veritable who? of entertainers who further stretch the definition of star. Among the highlights: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and singer Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's. The only name I didn't recognize (and that's saying a lot) belongs to actor Gilles Marini, whose claim to fame is as Samantha's object of desire in the Sex and the City movie. Who's next, Beans from Even Stevens?
But ABC's blunders don't stop there. They've also decided to bring Cupid back to the small screen, a short-lived ABC comedy starring Jeremy Piven as a man who believes he's the god of love. Bobby Cannavale (Third Watch) takes over Piven's role in the new incantation and Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) returns to helm the show he created over 10 years ago.
The fate of this one relies on two factors: Cannavale's charisma and Thomas' ability to correct his first mistakes. I was a big fan of the original, particularly Piven, so I'm a little skeptical the concept will work this time especially considering the CW canceled its own Greek god dramedy, Valentine, in October. At least they're not retooling Cavemen.
I remain pessimistically undecided on Better Off Ted and In the Motherhood. Megan Mullally and Cheryl Hines are solid comic actresses, but the notion of them elevating this family-oriented sitcom above its peers is hard to swallow. Better Off Ted is ABC's attempt to ride on the coattails of The Office. The promos for this workplace satire don't show great chemistry between the actors, nor does it seem particularly funny.
What I am most interested in is The Unusuals, about a group of quirky detectives in New York City. The cast has plenty of great actors, including Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau and Amber Tamblyn, and an intriguing premise. Hopefully ABC will let this one stick around awhile, and yeah, I'm still mad about Pushing Daisies.
-Stephanie Hummel is a senior studying journalism. Let her know what shows you're looking forward to seeing at sh213005@ohiou.edu.
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Stephanie Hummel
