Thursday, May 22, 2008
Season's end
With summer approaching, it's time for our, or at least my, favorite TV series to come to a halt. For now and...for some, that is.
So, as far as I can tell for the 2007-2008 season, it's pretty much ass-whooping. I'm not at a point to judge how well each and every series have done since literally, I DON'T watch every single show that airs on TV. But, I sure can give you my thoughts on how my favorite series were. Let's start with my all time favorite, the CSI trio.
So, despite me being a big fan, or try crazy fan, of CSI, I'm just gonna come straight with what I think. No detours, no sharp turns. Just...straight. For CSI, overall storyline for the season was like a roller-coaster ride, with some really exciting and touching episodes but otherwise, it's rather dull. It could be a result of Sara Sidle's exit from the series midway and that the story was planned to make us feel lost. Well, if that was the plan, they certainly succeeded since I found myself not able to focus on most of the episodes after that. Besides Sara Sidle, we also bade farewell to CSI Warrick Brown. That leaves the main cast at four characters by season's end, which is pretty heart-wrenching especially when you've bonded with these characters over the years. Losing one character is like a nightmare turned real. As for CSI:Miami, storyline this season resembles a waterfall. Things were slow at the beginning, till halfway through the season where unexpected events just kept piling up before you. There was so much adrenaline that it keeps you checking back each week for more. Much emphasis has been placed on the characters this season too, such as Horatio's past and Eric's mentality after he was shot, along with a startling revelation in the season finale. Alike CSI, we bade farewell to one of the main cast, M.E. Alexx Woods. Finally, we have CSI:NY, which I think is the best this season out of the three. There were surprises thrown at you every now and then. The season started out with a possible stalker for our beloved Det. Mac Taylor, followed by a trained assassin that managed to slip away, then a serial killer dubbed the 'Taxi Killer' and BAM, as Danny would say, ending with a bank robber who has Mac as hostage. For a series which doesn't quite follow a storyline since each episode focuses on different things, they've really done well this season by trying to link all events together or at least, in arcs. Contrary to the previous two series, all characters are still intact by the end of the season. However, one similarity all three series had in common is that they ended with a cliffhanger which, as much as I like it the previous time, sounds kinda clichéd to me now. I imagine the producers are trying to ride the wave of the success for CSI's cliffhanger finale last season. Well, what works once don't usually work a second time and definitely not a third time, much less fourth. In fact, it tends to get old if it's overused.
Next, my CSI counterparts -- Cold Case, Criminal Minds and Without A Trace. As per usual, Cold Case remains unchanged this season. There weren't any intriguing storylines, any suspects or victims that stand out. However, there were two episodes that's been etched into my memory. For the majority, it's just...cold, as the title suggests. I never could get tired of the series though, which I never seemed to understand why. Criminal Minds, well, it deals with the mind of serial killers and a team of elite FBI profilers so...what's not to like about it?! Though it's a series that I never could dislike, I'd say this season is quite memorable. The season started out with the team plummeting into a series of problems and the departure of Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon. It was a pity to see such a great mind leave the show, character-wise. This led to the inclusion of a new character who was unfamiliar with the way things work at the BAU. Without much hesitation, said character was given much of the spotlight, revealing to us audience more about his character. There were also twists and turns and random events that seemed to work well. As per the previous two seasons, this season also featured one of the agents being targeted. Right, Without A Trace. What can I say about it? Drastic changes to a character? Apparently, Jack Malone has undergone a severe character change. He's much more shut off, violent and brash. This change in personality is something I'm still trying to wrap my head around. Though I hate to admit I don't like the change, it seems to help out with the storyline this season. The finale also came as a surprise when Jack was apparently demoted. Besides Jack, the other characters weren't given much of a chance to shine with them just doing the legwork. Character development aside, the storyline was quite monotonous. Episodes were mainly the same, centering around Jack's change and the case.
Next up, the paranormal duo -- Supernatural and Ghost Whisperer. Supernatural was quite intense this season, since the characters are racing against time while battling the hordes of demon they unleashed last season. The series started out with the possibility that Sam could have been revived as a different person and Dean displaying a devil may care attitude. Each episode focuses heavily on the brothers and their relationship while treadding on dangerous waters. The inclusion of a new ally, a double agent and an antagonist really brought things to a new level. Each episode would strike you from the dark when you least expect it and some events that happened in the previous two seasons are brought back this season. Blend this all together and you've got quite a season.
Moving on to our neighborhood friendly Ghost Whisperer. Carrying over from season two, we delve deeper into Melinda's family roots and more of her history. Each episode is mainly the same as all episodes before but this season involves more about the dark side and in most episodes, a piece of the puzzle is revealed. This methodolgy is efficient in that it keeps the suspense building and the story mysterious yet interesting. However, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to keep the suspense for too long cause it'll get old and viewers will get sick of it.
Last of all, but not least, we have House, M.D.. The season sprung into action with our maverick doctor on his own, after firing his team last season. This is something fresh as we never really got to see House diagnose a patient on his own before. And for someone as wacky and anti-social as House, it is something interesting and effective. The story then escalated when House had to hire a new team, out of 40 possible candidates. Given House's character, he definitely had something up his sleeve and that turned out to be true when he treated it as a game, pitting the candidates against one another. Think Survivor in a hospital. The way things played out this season was very House-like. This season highlighted things that House would do but was never given a chance to in the previous seasons. What started out as a light and comedic season soon ended darkly, with the death of Wilson's romantic interest and the strain between him and House's friendship. All in all, House's as witty as usual but when there's a need for tension, it is there. A perfect blend if you ask me.
Wow. Finally, I've finished my reviews. Even I'm amazed at what I've done and truth be told, a little terrified by it. Would love to go on with some other TV series but well, like I said, terrified by it. So, without further delay, checking out!
Last Updated @ 3:09 AM
Signed: Whoever was here...
