(Courtesy photo) Mindy Kaling stars in Fox's “The Mindy Project.”

Pierce: Evaluating TV shows at midseason

By Scott D. Pierce

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Dec 19 2012 01:36 pm • Last Updated Apr 08 2013 11:33 pm

Christmas is days away; New Year’s a week after that — so TV networks are about to launch their midseason slates.

But first, how about an update on the shows they launched in the fall? The good, the bad; the surprises; the quick cancellations? Here we go:

Big disappointments

1. "Nashville" (ABC) is a pretty good show, but I was expecting so much more. It’s a decent soap, but has no sense of humor.

2. The "Last Resort" (ABC) pilot was great, but my warning that "it’s difficult to imagine that ensuing episodes can match the premiere" turned out to be true. They couldn’t. The final episode airs Jan. 17.

3. Like the premise of "Revolution" (NBC). Curious to see what happens. Wish the episodes were a lot less dull.

4. Same goes for "Vegas" (CBS).

Pleasant surprises

1. "Elementary (CBS) started strong and keeps getting better.

2. Didn’t love the "The Mindy Project (Fox)" pilot, but love the way the series is turning out.

3. Wasn’t too crazy about the first episode of "Go On" (NBC), but liked Matthew Perry. It’s now a funny ensemble comedy.

4. Thought the first episode of "The New Normal" (NBC) was too preachy. That has been toned down, and the characters have been warmed up.

Good news, bad news

"666 Park Avenue" (ABC) turned out to be better than expected. Not great, but intriguing. Too bad it’s canceled. Last episode airs Jan. 27.

Saddest cancellation

"Made in Jersey" (CBS) had possibilities, but nobody watched. Sigh.

Good riddance

1. "Animal Practice" (NBC) had a funny monkey and not much else.

2. "Partners" (CBS) was a collection of stale stereotypes.

3. "Mob Doctor" (Fox) was just plain awful.

As expected

Next Page >

Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

About Reader Comments

---

Reader comments on sltrib.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Salt Lake Tribune. We will delete comments containing obscenities, personal attacks and inappropriate or offensive remarks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. If you see an objectionable comment, please alert us by clicking the arrow on the upper right side of the comment and selecting "Flag comment as inappropriate". If you've recently registered with Disqus or aren't seeing your comments immediately, you may need to verify your email address. To do so, visit disqus.com/account.
See more about comments here.