A New Year for TV

Given that fall TV started back this week, I thought I would give an update on some of my favorite (and new favorite) shows.

Old Shows:

--Glee:

I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled with the season's first episode. Rachel was even more shrill and annoying than usual, I wasn't hooked by any of the songs, and the plotline wasn't even very funny. But I have high hopes for this week's Britney Spears episode and am hoping it leads to more 90s tributes...'N Sync anyone? Anyone?

--Bones:

I'm pleased that the characters are actually moving forward in their lives and in their relationships. I think the break of several months between last season and this was a good plot device to reinvigorate the series, and I'm looking forward to where it's going this year, especially in terms of Angela & Hodgins and their growing family.

--Grey's Anatomy:

I'm happy that this show,too, is letting its characters move forward (although to a less positive place than Bones). I don't know if it's just time or deliberate, but everyone, especially Meredith, is looking older. I hope she gets pregnant again and has a child with Derek; in general, the "commitment phobic" theme of the show is getting old and I really hope to see more marriages and children on the show in the future. The characters are clearly not in their early 20s anymore.

--Big Bang Theory:

Sadly, as this comes on at the same time as Bones and CBS does not post full episodes online, I'm not going to be able to watch BBT this year. But I'm getting the DVDs as soon as they come out!

New Shows: (I told myself I wouldn't pick up any, but I couldn't help myself)

--Top Chef Just Desserts:

I thought I would immediately love this show more than the original Top Chef, but I didn't. After 2 episodes, I'm finding it tolerable and am hoping to like it more in the future. General diva-ness detracts from the food, which is the whole reason I'm watching to begin with.

--The Event:

This is only the 2nd show ever that I've watched from the pilot episode (Glee being the first), and so far it's intriguing enough to make me watch more. Given how confusing the pilot was, I'm reserving judgment until I see some more, but I like the 24/Lost qualities it has and am so far committed to watching, at least for the near future.

--Parenthood:

I'm actually only watching the first season (which just came to DVD), but I absolutely love it and am looking forward to catching up on Season 2. It's realistic and easy to relate to without being depressing, and I love that they brought in the Asperger's plotline (I practically feel like I'm a character on the show, in the form of Max's behavioral therapist). I am really enjoying this show, and hope it stays so wonderful.

Looking Ahead

Despite the fact that I've been recently spending all my time battling with my old apartment complex (they FORGOT to bill me for water since March, even though I asked them why I wasn't getting bills. Their answer: there are no new charges. Their answer now: It's the billing company's fault. But you still owe us. The billing company said they would "research" why I wasn't billed for 4 months and get back to me. They haven't.) I have lots to look forward to.

Not the least of them is the fact that I GOT A JOB! It's only a part time job right now, which means I'll more than likely have to find my own health insurance (blast) and is still paid based on hours worked. But, it's a job, and hopefully it will result in a full-time position sometime in the next year.

Plus, I got a bike, which has been really fun to ride despite the brutal temperatures here (still 90 degrees every day, with a 100+ degree heat index). This will also allow us to pursue selling my car, which will hopefully pay the aforementioned health care bills.

I'm looking forward to the temperature here getting at least a little cooler (that's going to happen soon...right?) and being able to go to the beach once that happens. According to our neighbors, beach season starts in October. You know you want to visit us this winter. Then I'll have something else to look forward to!