Midseason Progress Report: Monday Shows

Since most shows have headed into hibernation for the winter hiatus, this is the perfect week to evaluate all of the shows I watch and see how things are stacking up midway through the season. Up first, all of my Monday programs:

Gossip Girl – B-

Surprisingly, I’ve actually been enjoying Gossip Girl this season. That is to say it doesn’t just sit on my DVR until it is the absolute last thing left to watch. Perhaps I’ve just accepted that it is a ridiculous, frivolous show now and just watch it for what it is—soapy fluff. Some of the things that happen are completely eye-roll-inducing, but most of it is harmless and fun and entertaining. My biggest complaint is that they are ruining Dan by making him this self-pitying man-child who is completely shattered by his semi-failure. But I have been enjoying the dramatic Charlie/Ivy storyline and all the screen time Blair has been given. Do I want it to last three more seasons? Certainly not. But I’m not bitter anymore that I can’t bring myself to let go of it.

Hart of Dixie – B

Another show from the CW that’s harmless, fun, and entertaining. I really do enjoy this one. I still think that there’s something a little stiff about Rachel Bilson’s Zoe Hart, but she’s definitely become more relatable and even lovable. The rest of the show, including the quirky small town setting of Bluebell and its cast of characters, has found its stride and stopped being a Southern knock-off of Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. I’m still looking for a change of direction as far as Zoe’s nemesis Brick accepting that she is here to stay. I figured that at some point by midseason, Brick and Zoe would find common ground and then the first season cliffhanger would be about whether or not Zoe, having found acceptance in Bluebell, would choose to stay or head back to NYC. There’s still a chance that will be the case, and I hope it does. I’m just kind of over the whole “No one accepts me because I’m from the city!” thing.

How I Met Your Mother – C

This show is still one that I only watch because I live with someone who likes it. I do love Jason Segel and I did get wrapped up in the most recent bout of Robin/Barney romance, but at the end of the day this sitcom just cannot hold a candle to the other comedies that I watch. But it still makes me laugh at least a few times every episode so it’s doing its job.

2 Broke Girls – A+

It makes me sad that I have to defend my love of this show, but I do love 2 Broke Girls and I don’t care who knows it! There are a lot of people who get down on it because it isn’t 100% feminist-proof, but why does it have to be? It’s a show about two girls waitressing to save up money to open a cupcake shop. It’s not that deep. And the two leads are hilarious, have great chemistry, and awesome comedic timing. I love Max and Caroline, and I always laugh my ass off when I watch this. I couldn’t ask for more. Well, just one thing: MORE CHESTNUT.

Terra Nova – A

I’m still loving Terra Nova! Jason O’Mara is fabulous as the cunning and charming Jim Shannon. Though there are so many characters and storylines, O’Mara definitely leads the show and holds it together. Without Jim, I don’t think the show would fall apart necessarily, but I don’t think I would care about the world they’ve built and the characters in it as much. Another great thing about Terra Nova is the fact that they have been giving answers. It hasn’t been painful at all to watch the conspiracy about the Sixers and the real purpose of Terra Nova unfold. Things are definitely heating up and getting more thrilling, but it’s been a fun ride all along. The season finale is coming up in a couple weeks so I am eagerly anticipating news of a second season renewal. I know it costs a lot of money, but I think it’s a fun action-adventure epic and it gets great ratings so I hope Fox keeps it alive for a good chunk of time.

Castle – F

Yep, I failed a show starring my beloved Nathan Fillion. In fact, breaking news: I stopped watching Castle a couple weeks ago. A few episodes had piled up on the DVR and I realized that I was never, ever, ever going to watch them. I hate the character Kate Beckett (for many reasons that I have discussed in the past), the writing and stories are beyond predictable, and the show has just become completely consumed with the will-they/won’t-they of Castle and Beckett. So much so that I am unable to enjoy an episode. So I decided to just stop watching. I love Nathan Fillion and I love the characters Ryan and Esposito, but I cannot stomach more Beckett cockiness. It’s over. No regrets, no turning back.

See you tomorrow for the Tuesday shows!