Mourning the Loss of Medium

          When a favorite TV show gets canceled, its a lot like losing a pet. You're really sad for a while, you absolutely refuse to get hooked on another show, and lets be honest, you probably cried a little behind closed doors. But then, something amazing happens.....PILOT SEASON! And just like that, you've found a new show to stress over enjoy!

          Earlier this year, Medium, a series about a woman (Patricia Arquette) who can see the dead, aired its final episode. After 7 seasons, 6 years, 5 time slot changes, and 2 networks, one of the most consistent, well-written dramas finally drew to a close. To be honest, I actually didn't start watching the series until well into the third season. After the move from NBC to CBS following the fifth season, I unfortunately fell behind. I caught the occasional episode from time to time, but couldn't get back into the rhythm of watching it each week. So, as I watched the ratings drop, I knew cancellation wouldn't be far behind. This is when I started buying the seasons on DVD. I have something of a masochistic nature when it comes to TV, in that when I know a show is coming to an end, I throw myself into it fully and completely, just to be devastated when it ends. In this case, however, I wasn't that upset. Not many shows survive seven seasons, and even fewer survive three time slot changes and cancellation. But there was life after death for Medium (had to.) so even though its over, no hard feelings.

          I kept this attitude up until about two days ago. I owned and watched seasons 1,2, and 5 before the series ended, and I'd been waiting to get 3, 4, and 6 on DVD. I decided last week to get season 3, and I just started watching it. Oh boy, nothing hurts worse than watching a show and just knowing in the back of your mind that there's an end point. Its even worse when the show is excellent, including great writing, and terrific performances week in and week out from the whole ensemble, particularly Arquette, who's so genuine you don't even question that she talks to ghosts on a regular basis. So, as season three winds down, I can't help but feel at least a little sad that its over. Fortunately for me, I still have three more seasons before its truly the end for me, not to mention the fact that while it may not live on in re-runs, it will always occupy a special place on my DVD shelf.

TONIGHT'S TV SCHEDULE: Thursday, February 24

8PM – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – After four seasons, this show is still hilarious every week. Four geniuses a a beautiful woman trying to understand what the hell they're talking about? Yes, please. Oh course Big Bang is that, and so much more. Jim Parson's Emmy-award winning role as Sheldon Cooper is reason enough to watch, as the audience can't help but love the one-science-experiment-gone-wrong-from-becoming-a-super-villain Sheldon try to get along in a world full of “lesser humans”. Adding the erstwhile “Blossom” (Mayim Bailik, in a role that fits her like a glove) to the cast as Sheldon's, er, female companion? INSPIRED.

8:30PM – Perfect Couples (NBC) – So you've read the reviews and this show doesn't sound so good to you. Normally, I would be inclined to agree that if a show is almost universally panned, there's really no reason to bother getting attached. However, this increasingly charming comedy about 3 couples in different stages of their relationships (sound familiar? See: Better With You, 24 hours earlier on ABC) has grown on me over the weeks. Is it still clunky? Yes. For every laugh out loud moment there's two that are so awkward that you can't help but cringe. But hey, any show that stars the hilarious Kyle Bornheimer is absolutely worth a look. (Side Note: FIND KYLE BORNHEIMER A HIT COMEDY. NOW! Sincerely, Pat.)

9PM – The Office (NBC) – As someone who had completely written off The Office after the brilliant “Niagara” last season, I have to say this year (very unfortunately Steve Carell's last) has really returned to form. The plots are irreverent, the writing is sharp, and the story lines are actually remaining within the confines of Dunder Mifflin's most profitable branch (who knew Michael was actually good at his job?). After seven seasons, for a show to return to the freshness of the early years is rare, but The Office has accomplished this, and then some.

9:30PM – Parks and Recreation (NBC) – Finally, a mockumentary that actually exceeds The Office. This third year ensemble comedy, starring the incomparable Amy Poehler, has really come into its own this season. When I heard Rob Lowe was joining the cast, I couldn't help but think “NO! WHY GOD?!?! THIS SHOW WAS GETTING SO GOOD!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.....So I'm a little dramatic when it comes to television, ok? Anyway, what a treat it was to see that Lowe was not only hilarious in his new role as Chris Traeger, an Indiana state auditor helping Pawnee out of bankruptcy, but he steals every scene he's in. His overly optimistic character should really grate on the audience, but Lowe plays it so perfectly, that the viewer wouldn't even question that his positive attitude is anything but 100% genuine. The rest of the ensemble more than pulls their weight, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable half-hour, which more people SHOULD BE WATCHING. NOT SO SUBTLE HINT. PLEASE WATCH. PLEASE.

TiVo: Overlap/Sleep interference, but still worth your time! – Bones, 30 Rock, The Mentalist, Private Practice

New Blog For Those Who Need Something To Watch TONIGHT!

Trying to find something to watch with ZERO luck? Look no further! Each night, I will review a different show, giving you a peek into what you should (or shouldn't) be watching. In addition, I'll be contributing news items, spoilers and other posts about your favorite shows! Interested? Stay tuned!