Please note that the following review was written after viewing the original pilot back in August. A few of the characters have been recast and, from the looks of the previews, some other minor changes made as well.
After viewing this pilot, I was anxious to see "Cashmere Mafia." While many critics are giving the (slight) edge to "Lipstick," I personally enjoy "Cashmere" more. While it's certainly not Emmy-worthy, I find it to be fun and the cast more likable.
However, I will definitely be tuning in on Feb. 7th to see if all the changes made to "Lipstick Jungle" were for the better.
Without further ado, my original review:
The opening gives us two contradictory quotes: one from Rudyard Kipling (“Now this is the law of the jungle as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die”) and the other, Katherine Hepburn (“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”). Then cut to multiple shots of animal print-clad high-heeled feet.
We get it. It’s a “jungle” out there. And these women are the ones “ruling” it. Point taken.
“These women aren’t looking for Mr. Big, they are Mr. Big.”
That’s the official tagline from NBC. How true that actually is, well, let’s just say it leaves plenty of room for debate. The main message I got from this pilot was “That’s just the way it is.” That is referring to the misogynistic view of women in the workplace. Well, let me take that back. It’s referring more to women of power in the workplace. We hear all the old clichés – women are “too emotional” and “involved with their work” to ever realistically attain a CEO-level of success.
OK, so if you couldn’t already tell -- too many years spent in college scrutinizing message/meaning in films (especially when it comes to portrayals of women) resulted in my overly-nitpicky analysis of this particular show. I should really take it for what it was meant to be: a hour of frilly, supposed girl-power message-filled fun.
So let’s just look at it from a strictly entertainment point of view.
The Pros:
- Casting did a semi-decent job with the three leads. Kim Raver (Nico) came off as the most believable.
- Cameo alert! Edward Hermann (aka Grandpa Gilmore) graces us with his presence as big CEO boss to both Nico and Wendy.
- Cameo alert part 2! welcome back Andrew McCarthy! Long time no see. He’s a smarmy, egomaniacal billionaire with a thing for lil Miss Victory. Luckily, he’s got some endearing qualities; there may be hope for him yet.
The Cons:
- We’ve seen a lot of these plots/scenarios before: nice gals finish last, women with careers on the rise while personal lives are in shambles (or vice-versa) women can never make as much money as men, blah blah blah.
- The name of Lindsay Price’s character? Victory Ford. Seriously?
- As if they didn’t think we got the message before (say, from the opening scene), Joe Bennett lets Victory know why it’s a rarity that women are billionaires unless they’re spoiled heiresses (“too emotional to make the right decisions,” etc). The delivery seemed slightly forced (maybe because even he couldn’t believe what he was saying)
The Verdict: Give it a few episodes before making a final decision (but really, with the limited choices we have these days, it might fill the guilty-pleasure quota)
Personally, the longer Andrew McCarthy sticks around, the more inclined I might be to watch.
2.01.2008
Lipstick Jungle - Jenn's Review
10.02.2007
CBS: "Moonlight": Pilot Review
[From CBS.com] In a life-altering twist of fate, Mick was "bitten" 60 years ago by his new bride, the seductive Coraline. Forever 30 years of age, Mick's as handsome and charismatic as the day he was "turned," and he eschews others of his kind who view humans only as a source of nourishment. With only a handful of like-minded confidantes for company, including the eternally young, wealthy and mischievous Josef, a hedge fund trader who relishes his uniqueness, Mick fills his infinite days protecting the living.
One night years ago, a single act of kindness changed Mick when he saved a young girl's life, making him want to be a better vampire. Now their paths cross again and Mick develops a distinctive bond with Beth Turner. Reconnecting with her unleashes feelings Mick knows he can't pursue without exposing that part of him that would make him a monster in Beth's eyes. As Mick lives between two realities, fighting his adversaries among the undead and falling in love, he discovers the mysteries and pleasures that a valuable life has to offer. 
For Example:
· Feeds himself by injecting blood with a needle
· Crazy ability to jump
· Slow motion running
· Always disappearing while the girl is still talking
· Hot girls just hanging around to be fed off of
· Sleeps in a freezer
But there are some good things too:
· Jason Dohring from Veronica Mars!
· All the cast actually
· A nod to the late departed V.Mars (the mention of the Hearst College student)
Now I know the bad definitely outweighs the good, but there is just something about vampire shows that always entertains. I give it a 3, there isn't much on Fridays anyway!
Jenn's opinion: Just humor me for a minute while I launch a cynical mini-rant. The only (and I really mean ONLY) reason I gave this pilot a shot was because of one Mr. Jason Dohring. And surprise surprise! he's the only thing I enjoyed about the entire show. He wears sarcasm well, what can I say? Nonetheless, I found myself struggling to stay awake during the episode.
"Moonlight" is in my opinion, a poor man's "Angel." It's not only cheesy, but rife with craptacular special effects. It lacks the witty humor of "Angel" or "Buffy."
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9.30.2007
ABC: "Dirty Sexy Money" Pilot Review
The official description from ABC:
Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Living proof of this are the Darlings of New York City, so absurdly wealthy, they put the upper in Upper East Side. This preeminent family are always getting mixed up with the wrong people and finding themselves in the middle of bad situations. It'll take a miracle to take care of the legal and sometimes illegal needs of the Darling family. 
That miracle comes in the form of Nick George. As a boy, Nick watched his father surrender his freedom and family as the Darling's trusted consigliere. Nick grew up in a troubled household where he was always second to the overpowering Darling family. Burned by his own boyhood encounters with them, he vowed never to follow in his father's footsteps. The idealistic Nick did a 180-degree turn and became a lawyer for the disadvantaged.
After the mysterious, sudden death of Nick's father, family patriarch Tripp Darling offers Nick the opportunity to inherit the responsibility of protecting the Darlings' secrets. The job, with an ungodly salary, will allow Nick the freedom to be an altruistic do-gooder. But he discovers all too soon that his new position requires him to be an all-around problem fixer, hand-holder, therapist and public relations expert.
J’s thoughts: The Darlings are complete and utter nut jobs! The children are narcissistic, needy, over-the-top, and incredibly high maintenance - almost to a point of cartoon-ish ridiculousness. Which is what makes this show such a total GUILTY PLEASURE!
The most devilish of the Darling children is ironically, also a minister. Reverend Brian has hated Nick since childhood for some reason, but he needs his help in getting his illegitimate child admitted to a prestigious boarding school.
Tripp (Donald Sutherland) and Letitia (Jill Clayburgh) appear to be more semi-normal than their offspring. But not by much. They need to be either intoxicated or highly medicated to put up with their offspring.
M’s thoughts: “Money makes everything go wrong” - Nick George
What a fun show to watch! My two favorite things about this show, besides the fabu cast: Tripp (Donald Sutherland) offering Nick the job as the Darling family lawyer for a whopping $10 Million a year, basically b/c he misses Nick’s dad.
My second fave thing....
Patrick (William Baldwin), an Attorney General who is married with kids and whom we assume to be happy, actually has a lover. And not just any lover, a she who used to be a HE! That’s right, a transvestite lover who he tries to payoff.
We were both hoping to not like this show (mainly b/c we really don’t need to add any more to the lineup), but we couldn’t help it! It’s just good campy fun. AND, it makes Wednesday nights really easy for us – keep the channel tuned to ABC!
Can’t wait to tune in next week for more of the shenanigans and misdeeds of the Darlings!
This one gets a rating of : 4 – definitely set your season pass beyotches!
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9.25.2007
ABC: "Pushing Daisies" Pilot Review
The positively, unconditionally, hands-down, BEST new show of the 07/08 TV season!
“Pushing Daisies” defies conventional genre-labeling. Dubbed by many reviewers as a “forensic fairytale,” it also can be described as a romantic comedy, a dark comedy, a crime procedural, a fantasy, and a tragedy all rolled into one fantastically magical hour.
Starring:
Lee Pace as Ned, the pie maker & guy with the touch of life/death
Anna Friel as Charlotte Charles aka Chuck, Ned’s recently deceased, then un-deceased childhood crush
Kristin Chenoweth as Olive Snook, pie shop waitress/perky gal with an unrequited crush on Ned
Chi McBride as Emerson Cod, private investigator who’s also Ned’s partner in murder case-solving reward collecting
Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene as Chuck’s Aunts Lily and Vivian respectively. Former synchronized swimming duo, The Darling Mermaid Darlings
Things to Love About ‘Daisies’
- The whimsical and vivid visuals
- Pitch-perfect narration by Jim Dale (also narrator of the “Harry Potter” audiobooks)
- Narration that doesn’t just state the obvious (a la “Desperate Housewives”)
- Delightful characters
- Ned owns a shop called The Pie Hole
- Ned and Chuck’s hometown is Couer d’Couers (just saying it aloud gives you a little chuckle)
- Chuck’s aunts, Lily and Vivian, have matching personality disorders
- The first episode is titled, “Pie-lette”
We have nothing but great things to say about “Pushing Daisies.” We wholeheartedly recommend this show to anyone searching for a spellbinding and original hour of television. We will bug you to watch this every single week!
Please don’t make us beg. It will NOT be pretty.
Pushing Daisies premieres Wednesday, Oct. 1st @ 8PM on ABC.
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9.21.2007
The Big Bang Theory - DOWNGRADE!
Courtesy of EW's Front Row site, we were finally able to watch the full pilot.
If you recall, in our original CBS review post, we gave the show a rating of 2 based solely on the previews. Well, here we go on the full review:
From the creator of "Two and a Half Men" – Strike One
Annoying laugh track (that plays even at unfunny moments) – Strike Two
Overabundance of nerds-meet-hot girl jokes & predictable outcome? – Strike Three!!!
Every "funny" joke in this show has already been shown in the previews. Compare it to a super-spoilery movie trailer, where you get all the best parts and by the time you watch the full thing, it doesn't have nearly the same effect.
For "The Big Bang Theory," it was only half-amusing to begin with.
We put forth an honest effort to review this show -- Marissa could not make it through the entire episode (can ya blame her?); I did, but only barely.
It was so predictable and unfunny, we are forced to downgrade it to a 1 -- Waste of airtime!
9.18.2007
NBC: “Bionic Woman” Pilot Review
The last of NBC’s newest offerings this fall, “Bionic Woman” is a remake of the ‘70s series.
The details from NBC:
Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teenage sister, Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan) didn’t think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death’s door, Jaime’s only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to re-pay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it’s Jaime’s journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman.
What did we think?
Zzzzzzzzzzz….Oh, hey what were we watching now? Oh, yeah, that’s right, it’s the new, flashy “Bionic Woman.” Well, let’s just say it, under whelmed. The opening was semi-interesting, but the rest of the pilot felt a bit too rushed. Implausible would be the best way to describe it. Obviously the very concept of a “Bionic Woman” is improbable; however, when it takes Jaime all of five seconds to master combat skills, there’s something fishy with that.
The pilot left us with more than a few questions:
Why would Jaime need a trainer (Will Yun Lee) if she has miraculously acquired fighting skills without even spending any time with him?
How did her boyfriend manage to walk away from the car wreck with little more than a bruise and some scratches?
Who are those people running the underground research facility and why do they want to build a superhuman agent? What are their motives?
The version we watched was the original pilot, which has since been re-tooled and the role of Becca, Jaime’s sister, has been recast. The character is also no longer hearing-impaired. We may reserve judgment until we watch the (hopefully) improved pilot – but for now, “Bionic Woman” is getting a rating of: 
Our recommendation: if “Private Practice” really sucks and “Gossip Girl” fails to deliver (or just isn’t your cup of tea), then you may want to check out “Bionic Woman. It premieres Wednesday, Sept. 26th @ 9:00PM
9.16.2007
NBC: "Journeyman" Pilot Review
The concept is both interesting and original -- like nothing we've seen on TV recently.
It’s actually difficult to describe our feelings for “Journeyman.” I say this because for all of the other pilots we’ve watched, a large amount of notes were taken. While watching this pilot barely any were taken. Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it was more of a, we were so engrossed in what was going on that we didn’t want to miss anything, kind of thing.
I can tell you we did enjoy the pilot, and that Kevin McKidd is definitely a strong leading man. I can also tell you that this is a show that you certainly need to pay attention to. There is a lot of information and back and forth flashes that could possibly be disorienting, not only to the watcher but also to Dan Vasser (McKidd). It was intriguing enough for us to want to find out where it's headed.
Overall the Rating = 3
"Journeyman" airs Monday's at 10pm on NBC
NBC: "Life" Pilot Review
“Life was his sentence and Life is what he got back” - Attorney Constance Griffiths
Premise: Detective Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) wrongly imprisoned for 12 years is given a second chance at life. After his exoneration, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths(Brooke Langton), he chooses to return to the force to find the real culprits behind his incarceration.
J’s thoughts:
Charlie Crews eats fruit like House pops Vicodin. Maybe that's the source of his quirkiness and Zen state. OR maybe that's due to spending 12 years in a maximum-security prison.
I thought the documentary-style interviews were an interesting method. I'm not sure if they'll keep up with this style throughout the season?
Marissa and I could not stop laughing during most of the 1st half. This may be another show in which the quirkiness of the lead character makes the show fun to watch.
I was not expecting to like this pilot as much as I did. It was a pleasant surprise and considering that I don't have anything else scheduled for Wednesdays @ 10pm, I'm going to give this one a try.
Rating = 3 ¾
M’s thoughts: 
Well where do I start. I was mesmerized by the way Crews eats fruit is probably a good place. It was kind of refreshing and super funny to see someone in their thirties not understand the concept of a cellular phone, and I think (hope) little bits like this keep popping in.
Crews is all about being “zen,” which kind of makes him appear wacky. Really the “zenness” is what makes him a better detective, it gives him a calming effect on almost everyone he talks to.
This is not your standard cop show people!!
Rating = 4
"Life" airs Wednesdays at 10pm
9.15.2007
NBC: "Chuck" Pilot Review
As we were preparing for the new fall season, we were most looking forward to ABC's new programming. However, we ended up be being pleasantly surprised at what NBC had to offer: a multitude of new and different shows that really piqued our interest.
Premise: A one-hour, action-comedy series about Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) – a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government’s most vital secret agent. When Chuck opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now, the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at a Buy more Electronics store. Instead of fighting computer viruses, he must now confront assassins and international terrorists. NBC.com 
Just how much did we enjoy "Chuck?" Enough that it will be replacing "Prison Break" on our Watch Live list. Yeah, it's that good.
Cameo alert!: Matthew Bomer (late of ABC's short-lived "Traveler") pops in as Bryce Larkin, Chuck's old college roomie/assumed-to-be-accountant, but actually rogue CIA spy who passes on the gov't secrets to an unsuspecting Chuck.
J’s thoughts:
What I liked loved: the faux spy opening, Zachary Levi as the lovably naïve Chuck, Adam Baldwin doing what he does best: antagonizing the guy he has to protect.
Chuck and bff Morgan call Chuck's sister Ellie's boyfriend, 'Captain Awesome.'
There's also a minor throwaway joke – as Chuck enters a Costco-type Warehouse, he passes a display of AstroDiapers (slightly dated, but still pretty amusing).
Overall impression: while many have been comparing this show to "Alias" and another new fall show, "Reaper," personally I am reminded a bit more of "Jake 2.0" with its humor and its normal-guy-unwittingly-thrust-into-spy-world setup. Hopefully the rest of the episodes will live up to the pilot.
Rating = 5!
M's thoughts:
"Aces Charles, you're aces" Ellie (Chuck's sister)
What I liked loved: ummm just about everything! There was a super cool car chase scene, using porno to defuse a bomb, and the place where Chuck works, "Buy More," is situated right next to a "Large Mart."
Overall impression: I really loved the Alias-style opening. It's fantastic to see Adam Baldwin (Jayne on Firefly) back on T.V.; that dude totally rocks. The pilot is action- packed and funny. They don't throw too much information at you, they kind of ease you into the plot. I seriously think the rest of the episodes will keep with the same energy as the pilot.
Rating = 5
CBS: "Cane" Pilot Review
TVGuide.com writes:
Three generations of the Duques, a wealthy rum-making dynasty with Cuban-immigrant roots, struggle for power among themselves and with longtime rivals, the Samuels clan. The ailing Duque patriarch, Pancho (Hector Elizondo), retires and divides the family assets among his daughter and two sons. But Alex (Jimmy Smits), “adopted” by the family at a young age and now married to the daughter, holds control of the company, earning Frank’s resentment. “It’s Shakespearean in scope,” Elizondo says of the drama’s mix of business and family dynamics and buried secrets.
J’s thoughts:
Cramming so many plotlines into one pilot can be both bad and good. It can leave the viewer struggling to keep track. However, they did a decent job of setting up a season's worth of story.
We'll see plenty of family dynamics, power struggles (business and personal), and jealousy over favoritism of a "prodigal son" (in this case, adopted son/son-in-law Alex)
What I liked : can I just say how nice it is to finally see Hector Elizondo back on TV? We were treated to a memorable guest appearance on "Greys" last season, but it's great to have him on our screens on a weekly basis.
Jimmy Smits is effective as the leading man. His Alex is in control, family-oriented, and loyal to the core. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for his family. And really, I mean anything. I won't ruin the entire pilot (unless of course, you've seen the preview, which pretty much gives away every highlight from beginning to end)
Nestor Carbonell's (creepy Richard Alpert on "Lost") Frank is devious, power-hungry and resentful of his father's favoritism of Alex. The expected clashes between Frank and Alex should make for lots of good drama.
Since Nip/Tuck tends to gross or sometimes creep me out more often than not, I may think about DVR-ing it and watching this baby live. Rating = 3 ¾
M’s thoughts:
I personally loved having so many ideas crammed into one pilot. It just makes me want to watch more. I want all the dish but I want them to draw the story out just long enough for the season, any more than that and I’ll start to get angry.
I’ve gotta say I LOVE this cast! I hate to be repetitive so I’ll just say “ditto” to J’s remarks since it was put so well.
Rating = 4
9.13.2007
The CW: "Gossip Girl" Pilot Review
From TVGuide.com: Oh, to be young, rich and bitchy. That seems to be the mantra of the characters in Gossip Girl, the CW's new teen drama based on Cecily von Ziegesar's popular book series of the same name. When former queen bee Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returns home from boarding school for the upcoming semester, she isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by her former BFF Blair (Leighton Meester). And that’s just the start of the drama. There are love triangles and more backstabbing than you can imagine.
Highlights: 
- Kristin Bell is the voice of the quippy "Gossip Girl!"
The Players:
Dan- Sensitive, Humble and a Loner
Nate- Charming, Conflicted and Lost
Chuck- Wealthy, Handsome and Dangerous
Serena- Beautiful, Dangerous and Fallen
Blair- Popular, Sexy and Vulnerable
Jenny- Young, Sweet, and Naive
(courtesy of CWTV.com)
M’s thoughts: Unfortunately this is a show we were not able to sneek a peek at.
We did get to see quite a few extended previews on CWTV.com though and from what I can tell Josh Schwartz (The O.C.) has done it again. Based on a New York Times best seller, "Gossip Girl" takes you inside the deliciously scandalous lives of the Manhattan elite. I personally am looking forward to this show. I loved me some O.C. and I’m thinking this will be just as juicy and full of drama as that was.
J’s thoughts: As a "Veronica Mars" loyalist, I have a deep-rooted commitment to eternally hate The CW for its appalling choices. Thus, you can understand the struggle of watching their new fall pilots and not totally hating them. We were unable to view the "Gossip Girl" pilot, so we shall have to patiently sit and wait (like the rest of you folks) for the premiere on Sept. 19th.
Our Combined Rating: Without a full view of the pilot, we give it a 3.
"Gossip Girl" will air Wednesdays @ 9pm
9.12.2007
The CW: "Aliens in America" Pilot Review
Half-hour comedy set in Medora, Wisconsin. Main Character Justin is socially awkward, geeky, and unpopular. So much so that he feels like an alien in his own life, hence the title of the show.
From TVGuide.com: No matter what he does, socially awkward teen Justin Tolchuck (Dan Byrd) just can't fit in at his Wisconsin high school. And the antics of his well-meaning but clueless mother (Amy Pietz) don't help. Being on the outside takes on new meaning when Raja (Adhir Kalyan), a Pakistani Muslim exchange student, moves in with this quirky middle-American clan. 
For full review, follow the link:
Highlights:
- On Raja’s first day of school the teacher says that the students can benefit from learning about “Muslimism” and “Islamica.”
- Cameo Alert! Christopher B. Duncan (aka Clarence Wiedman on Veronica Mars) drops in as Justin’s school counselor who doubles as a car salesman.
Marissa’s Take: There are a lot of parts of the show that are genuinely funny but I felt like the show left me wanting more. The mother is just too overbearing and grating and in the pilot the father is slightly wimpy and kind of quiet, but who knows with the addition of Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls) it could be a show worth watching.
Rating: I would give the pilot a 1 1/2 and the show a 2.
Jenn’s Take: The tone and vibe of the show make it a perfect timeslot partner for “Everybody Hates Chris.” While mainly a comedy, there are reminders of the seriousness of the issues (racism & prejudice) sprinkled throughout the pilot. For me, I thought it was refreshing to get a non-sugar coated take on the subject. A bit of heart and good potential.
Rating: the pilot for me was a 3 – but the show as a whole: 2
"Aliens in America" premieres Monday, Oct. 1st @ 8:30pm
The CW: "Reaper" Pilot Review
The unceremonious cancellation of our beloved “Veronica Mars” had us ready to instate a boycott of The CW (with the exception of Thursday nights – hey, you try to say ‘no’ to those Winchester boys ..…mmmhmmm thought so).
Then, we watched “Reaper”…….
The official description from the network: The devilish new drama REAPER from executive producer/director Kevin Smith, this humor-filled adventure is the story of a slacker named Sam (Bret Harrison, "The Loop," "Grounded for Life") who learns that his parents accidentally sold his soul to the devil before he was born, forcing him into a new life as the devil's bounty hunter. Ray Wise ("24," "The Closer") plays Satan, and Tyler Labine ("Boston Legal," "Invasion") plays Sam's best friend Bert "Sock" Wysocki.
Highlights:
- His first assigned vessel for capturing rogue demon souls?? a Dirt Devil hand vacuum.
- The Devil’s first pops up in Sam’s backseat like a carjacker – sounding creepily like Darrell Hammond impersonating Ted Koppel on SNL.
- After a failed initial attempt to catch the demon, Sam and sidekick Sock have to sit and wait while the Dirt Devil recharges.
Quotes:
“We’re very proud of him for trying…..it’s just that college made him sleepy.” -- Sam’s mom, making excuses for his slacker ways
“I got chased by a pack of dogs, moved an air conditioner with my mind, and the Devil tried to car-jack me….so overall, not a great day."
Our take: the show is just the right mix of slapstick-y seriousness. The leads are perfectly cast -- Tyler Labine is, as usual, spot-on as the wise-cracking sidekick.
Rating:
= One of our favorite pilots so far.
Reaper premieres Tues. Sept. 24th @ 9pm