robinchartier

smiley girl in my favorite outfit . . .

riding “daddy-style.” I need to get a picture of her riding “mommy-style” in the wrap, but my arms aren’t long enough to get a self-portrait of the two of us together.

My DVR is both a blessing and a curse. I love skipping commercials, yet when the new TV season rolls around I’m in the dark about what new shows I want to watch since all my summer TV viewing has been sans commercials. Thus, the need to do actual “research” to construct this highly anticipated, much requested, final word on TV watching.

I have mixed feelings about this fall. I’m always open to a new relationship with a good TV show, but I’m afraid to fall in love this time around since I know we’ll be ripped apart in the middle of November sweeps. But I’m putting my heart on the line for all of you….

Best new shows: My money is on Hawaii 5-0 (Monday, CBS 10:00). Remake of an old classic, lots of action, and you get your LOST fix by throwing in a little Daniel Dae Kim (Jin).

No Ordinary Family (Tuesday, ABC 8:00) This has the potential to go either way. It’s basically a non-animated The Incredibles. Supposedly the pilot is a little slow to get going, but I’m going to give it a chance. I’m a fan of dramedys (drama/comedy) and I see lots of potential for wacky hi-jinx when the super family has to hide their powers from their neighbors.

And because my love for all things Arrested runs deep, I will be checking out Running Wilde (Tuesday, Fox 9:30). GOB plus Tobias plus Felicity (Keri Russell) has to be a winning combo, right? The premise sounds very contrived — Oil tycoon marries a lefty treehugger, and the pilot got horrible reviews, but they are reworking it and adding Tobias so I’m hoping it improves.

Raising Hope (Tuesday, Fox 9:00) yep, I’m a sucker for a show that shows other people screwing up at being parents. Anything that makes me feel better is a win in my book. Plot: Surprise, you’re a dad! Dude has to take custody of a baby he didn’t know existed until baby momma goes to jail. Cue awkward baby-holding and diapers put on backward. The pilot got really good reviews so I’m in for my standard 2 episodes before I decide for sure.

In the category of CW Show That Is Meant For Teens, But I Might Watch Anyway: Hellcats (Wed, CW 9:00) Since I don’t watch 90210 or Gossip Girl anymore, I have room to try out this new show about college cheerleaders. The saving grace is that the main character hates the idea of being a cheerleader, but has to join the team to keep her college scholarship.

And in spite of the fact that I’m a little bitter that they canceled the original Law and Order (which would have been running for a record-breaking 22 seasons) to bring us the new! and improved! Law and Order: Los Angeles (Wednesday, NBC 10:00), I’ll take my L&O any way I can get it. Since I’m fond of SVU and Criminal Intent, I am crossing my fingers that I’ll love LA as much as her siblings. However, after seeing the awesome NCIS birth the atrocity that is NCIS LA, I’m a little skeptical.

Returning shows that you should be watching:
OK, “should” is a strong word — I’ll just say if your TV schedule is looking a little lean, you can’t go wrong with these picks.
30 Rock (Thursday, NBC 8:30) Seriously, you’re not watching this yet? It’s no Arrested, but it’s been better than The Office (although that’s not the achievement it used to be).
The Office (Thursday, NBC 9:00) Disregard what I said above. This season is worth checking out because it’s the last chance to get your Michael Scott fix. Steve Carell is leaving at the end of this season so I foresee a shake-up this season.
Glee (Tuesday, FOX 8:00) Sue Sylvester has some of the best lines on television: “And to the naysayers who say you can’t strike children on their bare buttocks with a raw bamboo stick I say, ‘YES WE CANE.'”
Or this gem: “I’ll often yell at homeless people. ‘Hey, how’s that homelessness working out for ya? Give not being homeless a try, huh?'”
If cheesy show choir tunes and over the top choreography aren’t your thing, you can always skip over the musical numbers. I could go for an “all Sue, all the time” show, but for now I’ll just have to tune into Glee.

In the “sweet sitcom category” we have How I Met Your Mother. If you haven’t watched it yet, you should start with the syndicated ones on ABC family and Lifetime. Other sitcom winners, The Middle (Wed, ABC 8:00) and Modern Family (Wed, ABC 9:00). Parks and Recreation (NBC, midseason) is a show that was so-so season 1 (6 episodes) and then really started to shine in season 2, just like The Office. Totally worth checking out when it comes back. One of the few shows where I find myself laughing out loud.

That about wraps things up — if you all were going to watch NCIS or America’s Next Top Model, you would have started by now. Don’t forget, Survivor Nicaragua moves to Wednesdays this year. I’ll be back with my hits and misses in a few weeks. Happy Viewing!

Our neighbors know how to party. This one was a BBQ/western theme with lots of food, fires, and friends.

And a preview of the costumes for the Grease talent show number!