New SF on TV

Here are some quick opinions on the new slate of SFnal network TV programming:

Reaper – B+

Kind of a been-there-done-that premise is enlivened by some interesting tweaks to the deal with the devil concept, but it’s the humor that really makes the show work.

Pushing Daisies – A

The premise–a man has the ability to bring the dead back to life temporarily (or permanently with consequences)–is a cool one, but what’s really going to make this show great, I think, is the relationship between the male and female leads who are obviously in love with each other but can never have a physical relationship–they can’t even touch.

Bionic Woman – F

This was really just ghastly. Everything from the writing to the acting to the directing was just terrible. If I kept watching this show, I’d need some bionic eyes to replace my own, which will have been gouged out.

Chuck – B-

Amusing and fun high-tech spy-thriller type of thing, with liberal doses of humor. The first two episodes were enjoyable, but I have a hard time imagining this show holding my interest for long.

Journeyman – C

Kevin McKidd is great, but the nonsensical time travel and passive protagonist make me yawn. I haven’t given up on it yet, but I’m not hopeful for its future.

Moonlight – D+

There’s no particular reason this shouldn’t be good, I just didn’t think it was.