For the past few seasons, murder investigation has bled onto the networks, crime scenes and special victims series sprouting up during prime time TV. With the success of new dramas "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives," this past season, two new genres of programming are on the horizon; suburbia from the modern female perspective and indistinguishable mystery in remote areas. Copycat versions have already begun to line-up for the fall season and judging from their plot lines, "Lost" and "Housewives" may prove to be one of a kind.
"Fathom" (NBC) Four separate characters discover a new species of sea creature and spend their days trying to determine if it is good or evil. The lives of each character will interconnect throughout the life of the series, which ultimately means they may never meet.
"Invasion" (ABC) A strange occurrence in a Floridian town during a hurricane leaves remnants of an alien incursion. I think one mystery is enough for this network to handle. Besides, aliens are so '90s.
"Triangle" (UPN) The disappearance of a woman on her honeymoon while in the Caribbean, leaves her husband to uncover the secrets behind her vanishing.
It looks as though the "Lost" wannabes kept the one word title formula in an effort to captivate.
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"Soccer Moms" (ABC) Kirsten Davis (Charlotte of Sex and the City) takes to the burbs - where we all knew she would end up - as a snoop and a domestic. She and a neighbor begin to discover the hidden secrets of their gated community. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the purpose is to keep people like this, out. It's nice to see the characters of Lucy and Ethel are still being reincarnated.
"The Commuters" (CBS) Supposedly this suburban smut was created three years ago but never made it to the air. Amazingly, it has been resurrected for next fall and I just can't imagine why now would be a good time to put on a show about the secrets behind the white picket fences the lie outside the city. Hmmm ... Actually, of the entire knock-off's, the premise of "The Commuters" sounds the most appealing and, ironically, like the biggest knock off. Picking up where "Friends" left off and replacing "Central Perk" with a train ride into New York City, "The Commuters" may slip right in with a happy medium between the ever dividing worlds of suburb and city.
Will "Stacked" go bust?
It's not likely, but I was dying to use that headline? Fox's new sitcom, "Stacked" starring the well endowed Pamela Anderson claims "you can't judge a bookstore by its cover girl." (Catchy - not as catchy as my headline, but catchy.) The show is set as a workplace ensemble and premiered last Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. to mixed reviews. However, Ms. Anderson, who never has and doesn't need to apologize for her assets, makes for just the right sitcom star with her blonde looks and sweetly peppered comedic ability.
Anderson portrays Skylar Dayton, a woman fed up with bad boyfriends and too much partying, who is looking for a life change. A believable premise as it reflects the tabloid rumors that have followed Anderson for years. Two brothers own the bookstore, one straight laced, the other obsessed with Skylar's looks and offered her a job upon introduction. The only other employee, Katrina, is reminiscent of "Cheers" feisty waitress Carla Tortelli, full of sarcasm and cynicism. Add a few regular customers and there you have the workers of "Stacked," in all their bitter glory. Predictable, but enjoyable.
National Geographic's Strange Days on Planet Earth (Wednesday, PBS, 9 p.m.) The four part series investigates the various changes in Earth's diverse ecosystems and the damage to each. In its first hour, the series looks into plants and animals that have been transplanted and are inflicting disaster where they are not meant to be. The second hour will look at the domino effect of changing climates and how a flood in Africa can be related to an increase in asthma for children in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, this is not a drama slated for the new fall line-up.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
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Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.