thePeanutBloggery

Over here tensions are high as we wait for the networks to make their decisions about the new fall shows. So far not a single one has been canceled. Last year the first series to go was the Ray Liotta vehicle “Smith”, which was axed after three episodes. Many of the new shows have had three or more airings, so it could happen at anytime. Also, only one scripted series has been picked up. On Tuesday, the CW ordered a full season of “Gossip Girl” (“Heroes” was first last year). Of course, cancellations and pick-ups are based on ratings not quality. Still we hope this year the ratings are determined by the quality…but we doubt it.

Bionic Woman (NBC) – Remember two weeks ago when I said the premise of the show was plausible – that within the boundaries of this sci-fi world, the technology was believable? That’s over. We discover this week that not only have they installed GPS in Jaime (not likely), but they’ve implanted a video camera in her brain that records everything she sees (unbelievable). She can turn it off – hack herself, as she calls it – simply by imagining doing so (really unbelievable). However, this makes her right nostril bleed (I guess that could happen). First Week’s Score: 7. Last Week’s Score: 7. Score: 6. Final Total: 20

Pushing Daisies (ABC) – Overall, this second episode lives up to the magical promise of the first. The vibrant over-the-top art direction translates into girls dressed as dandelions and a murderer disguised as a day-glo orange crash test dummy. However, I’m not sure about Olive’s musical number. I guess I should have seen it coming considering the character is played by Broadway diva-lette Kristin Chenoweth. Last Week’s Score: 9. Score: 8

Private Practice (ABC) – Now if Kristin is breaking into song (see above), how long will it be before Audra McDonald and Taye Diggs perform a show-stopping duet? This series already has the spunk and dysfunction of “Ally McBeal”. Why not add the after-work piano bar, and we can find out if Tim Daly sings as well as his sister. It would add up to more compelling television than what they’ve got going on now. First Week’s Score: 6. Last Week’s Score: 6. Score: 6. Final Total: 18

Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) – I’ve seen the dirty, and I’ve seen the money. Bring on the sexy! First Week’s Score: 8. Last Week’s Score: 8. Score: 8. Final Total: 24

Life (NBC) – Banter is big this fall. Doctors, detectives, magnates, and superheroes alike are brandishing their most dangerous weapon, a razor sharp wit. The repartee between Charlie Crews and his pint-size partner Dani Reese on this dramatic series is among the best and is as brisk and comical as that of the doctors at Seattle Grace. First Week’s Score: 8. Last Week’s Score: 8. Score: 7. Final Total: 23

Big Shots (ABC) – Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the evolved male, but these guys talk about their feelings way too much. At least they’re aware of it. First Week’s Score: 8. Last Week’s Score: 7. Score: 7. Final Total: 22

Moonlight (CBS) – Congratulate me. I never have to endure the horrendous acting of this show again. Woo hoo! Yea! First Week’s Score: 4. Last Week’s Score: 5. Score: 5. Final Total: 14

If you’ve been keeping track (and I know you have), there are seven shows that have received a total score of 21 or greater. We are picking the top six shows (there’s currently a tie for sixth place), which means any show having earned less than 21 is no longer in the running. This means “K-Ville”, “Chuck”, “The Big Bang Theory”, “Journeyman”, “Bionic Woman”, and, of course “Moonlight” won’t be part of the Primetime Index. “Aliens in America”, “Cavemen”, and “Carpoolers” are also out of the running, because they have no chance of catching up.

Check in Wednesday, when we’ll find out if “Life is Wild” has a shot in hell.

If you’re interested in watching any of the shows you missed, most are available for download on iTunes. You can also check out the shows’ websites. Many of them stream episodes for free.