So, Brian asked about the fall TV season in another post. I’ve been pleasantly surprised so far. I’ve watched a lot of the new shows and my old favorites. Here’s what I think:

NEW SHOWS

Bionic Woman: Na-na-na! Okay, I couldn’t resist. I really enjoyed this darker version of the campy TV show. The new Jamie Summers acted a little stiffly, but the chick from Battlestar Galactica made up for it as Psycho Bionic Woman. I always enjoy seeing Molly Price and Will Yun Lee, and the mythology has the potential to be really interesting. Don’t care too much about the sister at this point, though. But it looks promising, and I’ll keep watching.

Chuck: It’s a spy show, which I am predisposed to like. Not nearly as cool and clever as Alias, but more lightweight fun. I really liked the main character, who is a geek without being overly bumbling, and Adam Baldwin was cool as the trigger-happy badass. I’ll keep watching.

Dirty Sexy Money: I watched this on the spur-of-the-moment, and I’m glad I did. Oh, those Darlings. They are the most dysfunctional family I’ve seen on TV in quite some time. This has the potential to be a dark, quirky soap opera. And how cool were the ring tones on the laywer’s phone for each twisted family member? This was one of the best pilots of the year. I hope it lasts.

Moonlight: I watched this mainly because Jason Dorhing from Veronica Mars was recently added to the cast (and Marshall from Alias guested as a cameraman in the pilot). Not the worst thing I’ve seen, but not the best either. Give me more Jason, or I’ll soon be tuning out.

Reaper: This was fairly entertaining (Ray Wise as the Devil is a hoot). The sidekick best friend got on my nerves, though. And I wonder how many similiar-themed paranormal shows the CW can put on before viewers get tired of them. I’ll probably give it a few more episodes to see if it really hooks me. (Although it’s in Veronica Mars’ old time slow. Oh, the pain of no new VW. The pain!) 

OLD FAVORITES

CSI: So, they didn’t kill Sara, but she’s still leaving the show. Did anyone else wonder why she walked away from the car wreck instead of just staying put? Still, this was one of the best CSI episodes in quite some time, right up there with the two-parter where Nick was buried alive (my all-time favorite). Still, I’m a little disappointed in how they wrapped up the miniature killer. I wanted her to have more of a motivation other than just being crazy.

Grey’s Anatomy: The tone was lighter than the finale, which was good. But enough of George and Izzie already. I did like seeing the interns graduate and become teachers rather than just grunts. And please, please just let Meredith and Derek be happy for a while. Still, better than last year. So far. And give me more Eric Dane!

Heroes: I didn’t think much happened in the first episode, and it felt more like a set-up for things to come. Although Mr. Bennett was hysterical when he strong-armed his obnoxious boss at the copy store. David Anders as Hiro’s, well, hero was pretty funny too. He looks much taller than he did on Alias. The Peter-has-amnesia storyline could be really good or really bad. I’ll hold my tongue now. The new brother and sister characters didn’t really grab my attention that much. And am I the only one who wants Mama Petrelli to bite it before the season’s over with? And when is Kristen Bell showing up? Give me my Kristen Bell!

How I Met Your Mother: This is one of the funniest shows on TV. Neil Patrick Harris is hysterical and sooo got robbed of the Emmy last month. The premiere was excellent, as usual.

Prison Break: So, it’s not the most realistic show on TV, but it’s cheesy action fun, which I always enjoy. Although Michael’s love interest is supposedly not returning to the show, which really sucks. Still, I’m interested to see what happens — and I wonder if this is the last year. Given Fox’s lack of hits, I’m guessing probably not. We’ll see.

VIEWING PROBLEMS

What to watch on Monday nights: I already like Prison Break and HIMYMother. But Chuck comes on at the same time too. Decisions, decisions …

Which shows to drop: I think I’m about done with Without a Trace, CSI: Miami, and NCIS. They just don’t wow me any more.

(Yes, I watch way too much TV. I should be doing something more productive, like writing). 😉

What about you? Which new shows are you digging? Which do you think are headed for the chopping block? Inquiring minds want to know …