Channel Surfing: Talking dog and suicidal lawyer bring big laughs and life lessons

By: Sanah Faroke/Columnist

These are my weekly recommendations for your TV viewing pleasure.

SCIENCE FICTION: CURIOSITY ON DISCOVERY, SUNDAYS @ 8 p.m.

While many are too shy or afraid to ask questions about historical events we should know about, “Curiosity” makes us feel like we do not need to read up on the subject beforehand. The show opens up a whole new scientific perspective on various topics; things that seem to be common knowledge suddenly brings an “Oh, that’s what’s supposed to happen” effect. The fact that everything is based upon science and less based on a biased hypothesis makes this show seem more reliable than most. The first season has brought a whole new prospect to those who always watch the Discovery Channel.
The show has a wide range of topics: from the odd alien invasion scenario that shows insight from scientists and military strategists and analyzes if we would be ready to deal with such an invasion, to the most recent episode about what sank the Titanic. We think we know about what actually happened based on textbooks while others think we know the facts based on the tragic love story from the James Cameron movie, but viewers cannot help but wonder if there is something more hidden deep below the surface of the water.

The Sept. 4 episode’s questioning of a parallel universe and if one actually exists is beyond me; I’m not even sure if I believe in that, yet we all have our prior beliefs, but sometimes it is good to put them aside and listen to a different, analytic perspective. I guess I am just curious, no cats harmed in the process.

COMEDY: WILFRED ON FX, THURSDAYS @ 10 p.m.

Wilfred is an American remake of the Australian version of Wilfred staring Elijah Wood as Ryan, a suicidal ex-lawyer who becomes pals with his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred, played by Jason Gann.
I think all sane animal owners see their pets for what they are — animals, but Ryan sees Wilfred as a scruffy bearded man with an Australian accent in a dog suit who is capable of talking, cursing, drinking and smoking, all while having a dog-like mentality. This comedy is like the adult version of the concept of Disney’s “Up,” and I like it. It is much better than hearing “squirrel” every five seconds from Dug the dog. The show is funny in its own way, particularly because the idea of putting a mischievous man in a dog suit in the position of offering advice and attempt to be helpful while still not comprehending the ‘fake throw of the ball’ trick is hilarious and sometimes infuriating. Every now and then I want to wring his ear, but then I remember it is just a show.

What sucks me in is the way each episode is set up as a way for Ryan’s personal improvement with Wilfred acting like a pseudo mentor. In the Sept. 1 episode, Ryan feels like he has finally found happiness, which is rare for someone who feels his life is mediocre, but Wilfred begs Ryan to sacrifice it for a higher purpose. I have a feeling that Ryan will succumb to Wilfred’s request because if he does not, Wilfred will manipulate him until he does. Wilfred, however, is practically Ryan’s only bud, as sad as that seems. I guess a dog really is a man’s best friend …Wilfred is another story.

DRAMA: THE LYING GAME ON ABC FAMILY, MONDAYS @ 9 p.m.

Running for its first season, “The Lying Game,” based on the Sara Shepard book series of the same name, is taking a shot at the small screen.
While this one shares the same format of suspense and drama like that of its parent series, “Pretty Little Liars”, I feel more attached to PLL but still feel like giving TLG a test drive.
Here is what we know: Emma Paxton, living in foster care is discovered by her twin sister, Sutton Mercer, who has been adopted into a wealthy family, but is still searching for their biological parents.
While Sutton goes off on the hunt, Emma has to pretend to be Sutton in the meantime. Also, there is something mysterious and shady going on with Alec Rybak, the father Sutton’s friend, Madeline, and Dan Whitehorse, a police officer and brother to Sutton’s secret boyfriend (blackmail maybe since it is not like he has not done that before). Who knows? It is all part of the game.

The thing is I keep noticing is that most of the events are extremely random and could possibly be filler as there is no full connection between every incident.
One thing I found especially unique is that Sutton’s younger sister, Laurel, seems to feel left out while the adopted sibling, Sutton, gains more attention from her adopted parents than their own biological kid. While that scenario is at a standstill, Emma is stepping up, fusing her personality and Sutton’s good clothing style into one as she sticks up for Charlotte, another one of Sutton’s close friends. Is it possible that Sutton’s friends are actually starting to like Emma as Sutton more than Sutton herself? (Gasp!)

In the upcoming Sept. 5 episode, we find out that these two girls, who lived in completely different worlds, shared more than just huge alien eyes and good facial structure. Emma and Sutton realize that they both have been having the same dreams and have had similar experiences in their childhood. I will be watching “The Lying Game;” it is fairly interesting and helps me with my fashion, but maybe it is not as good as Pretty Little Liars. We will see what happens… it depends on how curious I am, or if Pretty Little Liars reruns are on.

Channel Surfing is a weekly column on TV shows. Look for it every Monday this Fall.