Media Musings - Johnny Betts' 2004 NBC Primetime Preview
By Johnny Betts, Moviegoer Advocate
Contact Johnny
All times are Central. Why? Because that's *my* time zone, chico.
SUNDAY
Dateline NBC (6:00 PM) - It's a news show. If you need more news then have at it.
American Dreams (7:00 PM) - A Vietnam-era drama. I haven't really watched it except for
when Jennifer Love Hewitt (don't forget to email me for an interview)
guest-starred. The main chick is cute though. Premiered 9/26.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (8:00 PM) - Law & Order and CSI are apparently competing
to see who can have the most spin-offs. I don't watch the Law & Order series, but I've been told "Criminal Intent"
is probably the worst of the bunch. I think my mom likes it though. Premiered 9/26.
Crossing Jordan (9:00 PM) - During the first season I thought, "Cool, a new crime
scene show!" But I eventually lost interest and have yet to find it again. Premiered 9/26.
MONDAY
Fear Factor (7:00 PM) - This is about the only "reality" show I watch. Although I don't
know what eating pureed roach guts has to do with reality. I admit that I enjoy watching to see exactly what people
will do to try to win a mere $50K. It's best to tape this and fast forward through everybody's stupid, slow-motion
philosophizing. Premiered 8/30.
Las Vegas (8:00 PM) - Goodness, how many shows are set in Vegas these days? An
"elite surveillance team" is in charge of security at one of Vegas' largest casinos. I don't watch it, but if I
did it'd be because of the lovely Vanessa Marcil. Why she was once married to Corey Feldman remains one of life's
great mysteries. Premiered 9/13.
LAX (9:00 PM) - Well, I decided to check this out but was sorely disappointed when I found
out it wasn't a comedy based on the hilarious hijinks and shenanigans of what happens when you put Ex-Lax in someone's
food or drink. Ah well. A show with Heather Locklear and Blair Underwood set in an airport sounds like it could be
interesting ... for one or two episodes. We'll know they're out of ideas when one of the episodes involves the
investigation of someone who tried to sneak one too many carry-on items on board. Premiered 9/13.
TUESDAY
Last Comic Standing (7:00 PM) - Sorry, but I've flipped past way too many unfunny comics
on here to sit through it anymore. Should be renamed "Only Comic Standing." Premiered 8/31.
Father of the Pride (8:00 PM) - A CGI-animation about a family of lions in Las Vegas.
Huh? I guess I'd have to watch it to know what's going on. Rhiannon tells me it's good. Maybe one day I'll give it
a look. Oh, and John Goodman provides one of the voices. Premiered 8/31.
Scrubs (8:30 PM) - I've liked it when I've watched it. I just don't get to watch it
much. In case you're just waking up from a coma I'll let you know that it's a comedy set in a hospital.
Premiered 8/31.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (9:00 PM) - Is there ANYBODY who doesn't call it
Law & Order: SUV??? I've never seen it. That streak will last through this season. Oh wait, Mr. Shade just
reminded me that I HAVE seen it. I watched part of the episode where Kevin Arnold (aka Fred Savage) was some
rapist or woman beater or something. I just kept thinking, "Come on, Kevin Arnold wouldn't do that!" I didn't
remember which Law & Order spin-off that was. Premiered 9/21.
WEDNESDAY
Hawaii (7:00 PM) - It's an action/drama based on the adventures of the Hawaiian Police
Department. I guess this could be all right. After all, it's got Michael "Johnny Ringo" Biehn in it, but I just
can't find a legitimate reason to devote time to it. Premiered 9/1.
The West Wing (8:00 PM) - I know some of my readers like this show, so brace yourself.
I DO NOT LIKE Martin Sheen. Never could stand the pompous midget. Don't like Aaron Sorkin either. I personally have
no interest in watching The Presidency According to a Socialist. The best thing this show ever had going for it
was Emily Proctor as Ainsley Hayes. But she's on CSI: Miami now. Premieres 10/20.
Law & Order (9:00 PM) - I can't believe this is in its 15th season! Premiered 9/22.
THURSDAY
Joey (7:00 PM) - It has its moments, but it's no Friends. Premiered 9/9.
Will & Grace (7:30 PM) - Um, no. Megan Mullally's fake voice is perhaps the most annoying
thing that I've ever heard. I have to squint my ears whenever I accidentally hear her. And Sean Hayes is just way too
over-the-top. Eric McCormack was so cool when he was on Lonesome Dove: The Series. What happened? Such a shame.
Premiered 9/16.
The Apprentice 2 (8:00 PM) - I don't like the egomaniac Donald Trump or his
ridiculous hair. Besides, Vince McMahon says "You're fired" better than Trump could ever dream. Premiered 9/9.
ER (9:00 PM) - ER is ER. I hear this is Noah Wyle's last season. Excuse me while I
don't care. Premiered 9/23.
FRIDAY
Dateline NBC (7:00 PM) - Would somebody please give me a reason why there is a need for
two Datelines? Anybody?
Third Watch (8:00 PM) - It's a drama about police, paramedics, and firefighters on "third
watch." It's also a show that has never gotten a "first watch" from me. Premiered 9/17.
Medical Investigation (9:00 PM) - This is the first I've heard of it. It stars the
scary-looking Neal McDonough (NBC's Boomtown) and Kelli Williams (The Practice and an episode of
The Young Riders) as members of a mobile medical team who are called on to investigate unexplained and
fearful diseases. Hmm. Could be interesting, but good luck surviving on Friday night. I wonder if they're
just gonna be making up diseases? That's what I'd do if the ratings tank and cancellation is near. Start
throwing stuff out there like "stickittothemangitis." If you don't get that joke then you really need to
watch School of Rock. Premiered 9/24.
SATURDAY
NBC Saturday Night Movie (7:00 PM) - Look for plenty of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
here.
I never realized NBC's programming was so weak until I took a close look. Lots of "could be goods," but not a
whole lot that just stands out. If anybody has watched some of the new shows then feel free to try to convince
me to watch 'em. Otherwise, just remember, this is my opinion, you could be wrong.
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