thePeanutBloggery

We’re living in the age of the geek. If you doubt me, check out the trend of this season’s new shows. Hoping to match the break-out successes of “Lost” and “Heroes”, the networks have filled the airwaves with myriad science fiction and supernatural shows like “Bionic Woman”, “Moonlight”, and “Pushing Daisies”. Moreover, they’ve made the avid TV fans themselves (nerds, social misfits) the main characters of several other new shows. Four of these geek-themed shows premiered over the last two nights alone, so let’s find out whether any of them will appeal to the discerning geek audience.

Chuck (NBC) – This first new geek – or rather nerd – series nearly succeeds. With good special effects, smart dialogue, and likable characters (imagine Jim Halpert working as a government spy), it should be a winner. Unfortunately, the unbelievable premise and a succession of forced plot turns leave me feeling like a lot of money was spent dressing this Chihuahua in Prada. Score: 6

The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – Basically a scripted version of “Beauty and the Geek”, a blond waitress moves in across the hall from two geniuses whose lives revolve around Klingon Boggle and “World of Witchcraft”. The first half of this episode is horrible, actually painful. Then “Studio 60”’s Simon Helberg arrives, and it actually gets kind of funny. However he’s merely a supporting character, and “The Big Bang Theory” will likely be the first show axed this season. Score: 5

Journeyman (NBC) – A husband/father finds himself involuntarily traveling though time, bringing him face to face with his dead girlfriend. A little more Time Traveler’s Wife than “Quantum Leap”, this show is intriguing but not ground-breaking. Its long-term success will depend on the writers’ ability to keep track of details and to avoid sci-fi clichés. Score: 7

Reaper (CW) – Director Kevin Smith’s best work since Chasing Amy, this show about a slacker forced to work as a bounty hunter for the devil is well-crafted and funny. While stylistically similar to “Chuck”, “Reaper” is much more satisfying. If subsequent episodes can live up to this enjoyable pilot, the fledgling CW will have its first hit series. Score: 9

Cane (CBS) – It all sounds very high-minded: sort of King Lear set on a present-day sugar plantation, starring veteran actors Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizondo, and “Lost”’s Nestor Carbonell. But this patriarch is dividing his love between two sons, a daughter, and an adopted son who’s also a son-in-law. In other words, this is a Latino “Dallas”. Score: 7

K-Ville (Fox) – In this second episode, they’ve toned down the melodrama (Marlin’s redemptive ex-partner Charlie is nowhere to be seen) and focused on the crime-solving, making it both more watch-able and more of a generic cop show. Because it’s scheduled opposite “Heroes”, the show will likely struggle for ratings, but the tension over Cobb’s secret being exposed could keep fans of the detective genre tuning in. Last Week’s Score: 6. Score: 7

Tune in Saturday, when we cover “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off “Private Practice”, the remake of “Bionic Woman”, and more.