TiVo Travails: 2006 Fall TV Season Begins!

 

I am going to take this evening to examine the Fall television schedule, and come back at you with a rundown of what I hope and expect from the exciting array of network and cable offerings (finally, a post about something other than wine or yogurt). At the very least, fall TV should prove more exciting than the summer's smorgasbord of reality schlock whose highlight was surely former Tap Dance Kid Alfonso Ribeiro on Celebrity Duets. Or not.

Anyhow, I haven't had time to 'study' the grid yet, so 'stay tuned' for the Dabbler's picks and pans.

One pre-season glimmer of hope was last week's premiere of Nip/Tuck, which never fails to disappoint with its over-the-top stunt casting (I can't wait for Alanis Morisette to play the lesbian lover of Roma Maffia's anesthesiologist) and its utter inability to understand the notion of 'subtext'.

Creator Ryan Murphy spells everything right out -- even more this year than before -- with Dr. Troy wondering in the opener (after the notion is suggested to him by a Tranny-esque Brooke Sheilds) if he might actually be in love with his longtime 'partner' Sean. But my bet for a must-see plotline is mullet-haired Matt's supposed trip down Scientology Lane, which could provide a few gems. Ultimately this is a show to TiVo, but to watch cautiously, with one thumb on the fast-forward button, at all times.

(By the way, did anybody see the ad for Murphy's film RUNNING WITH SCISSORS? Can anybody say 'ROYAL TENENBAUMS'?)