Cayla Bush // Staff writer
The bulk of the fall season’s television series have either premiered or returned, and at this time it’s worth it to look at what’s on primetime.
The unsung hero: “Life in Pieces”
With “Modern Family” dominating the large-family sitcom market, it was unlikely for “Life in Pieces,” CBS’s answer to the primetime power house, to stake its claim on the market and carve out a space for itself. Luckily for viewers, “Pieces” is a refreshing, honest comedy that takes a different approach to families that leaves little room for comparison.
The family’s stories are told in vignettes (the sitcom’s tagline is “One big family. Four short stories,”), rather than thirty minutes of one interconnected storyline. What sets this show apart for me is the more blunt, adult approach to comedy.
The comedy is dirty, mature and for a different market than those who watch “Family;” jokes include topics such as swinging, bringing a new girlfriend around after a divorce, and giving birth. It’s a family show if the children of the house are closer to adulthood. My only wish is that more people watched the show – it deserves a larger audience.
The struggling survivor: “Empire”
“Empire” exploded onto the scene in January to record-breaking views and managed to hold onto large audiences throughout the first season. The dynamic cast, believable plot lines and heavy drama made each episode worth watching.
This season, the empire is falling. The story lines aren’t as unique and interesting, the drama is too much and Lucious and Cookie are too over-the-top. Another issue with the season is the breakup of the family. It’s too difficult to keep up with who are friends and who are enemies, and there are very little emotional bonds with the characters this season.
Overall, the show has lost its authenticity. It’s now more of a competition to see what cameos and guest appearances can be squeezed into the hour-long show. “Empire” has been hemorrhaging views, this season; I hope it can return to its roots, which will bring back the viewers.
The shocking success: “Rosewood”
I was ready for “Rosewood” to fail – so ready that I hadn’t even planned on watching the premiere. Luckily for me, I was roped into watching it, and have not missed an episode yet. The cast has the perfect balance of young and sexy and mature and wise, each with a believable storyline.
Morris Chestnut’s acting surprisingly meets the merit he gets – for once it’s about more than his looks, and more so his ability to convince audiences he’s suffering from fatal health issues. Lorraine Toussaint is a stark contrast to her “Orange is the New Black” character, full of warmth, compassion and love. Newcomer Jaina Lee Ortiz is my favorite member of the cast, a street-kid-turned-cop dealing with emotional problems.
Of course, suspension of disbelief is required to watch the show, especially as someone who lives in Miami, but it’s not so much required that I can’t follow along.
The over-rated returnee: “Scandal”
“Scandal” has run its course, and unfortunately it’s time for Olivia Pope and Associates to hang up their white hats. What was originally a show focusing on fixers managing the public face of Washington’s elite, the course which the show has taken is dull and not worth watching.
Liv is no longer a strong, secure and confident “fixer;” she’s now a typical female lead, chasing after forbidden love and leaving destruction in her wake. I’m over the Fitz and Liv storyline, which has taken over the plot, and completely done with the de-volution of Olivia Pope into a sex icon.
Unfortunately, Shonda-land shows are known for overstaying their welcome (does anyone still watch “Grey’s Anatomy?”) so we can expect this one to be around for a while.
The favored sophomore: “Blackish”
ABC has been vamping up its representation of minority characters, though sometimes unsuccessfully. “Blackish” manages to get it right, and showcases middle-class black Americans as something other than “Cosby-like.”
The second season is equally as funny and honest as the first, and continues to bring to light race issues in an educational and honest manner. Topics such as the N word, gun control and black hair are just a few of the issues discussed.
Anthony Anderson finally adds a television success to his resume (he was a black widow for television prior to this), and Tracee Ellis-Ross successfully balances his awkwardness. One lesson “Empire” can learn from is the quality of celebrity guests appearances – they add to the value and discussion the show sparks.
Dre, Bow and the family remain a staple in the Wednesday night lineup, and keep the laughs coming. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t devolve into a laughless comedy in coming seasons, and that the cast can continue to revel in its successes.
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