Worthy? - Life On Mars, My Own Worst Enemy, Kath & Kim - 2008 Fall TV Pilot Reviews

Three new anticipated (or as much as it can be for this season) shows. Life on Mars, My Own Worst Enemy, and Kath & Kim. Two remakes and one that sort of feels like a remake. Here's my quick takes on the shows.

Life on Mars - Pilot - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere (ABC/Global Thursdays at 10pm)

Better than the original pilot set in LA. Not not as good as the original British series, just a different take. Irish lad Jason O'Mara playing the American version of Brit John Simm doesn't quite bring the lankish smart charms Simm has and makes the protagonist Sam Tyler a bit more brutish but I've been a fan of O'Mara's since Monarch of the Glen (and loved him on Men In Trees) so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Plus, it'll take a lot of brute man to go up against Harvey Keitel and Michael Imperioli. I'm still shocked about the new casting.

So far, Life on Mars gets ***1/2 (3.5 stars out of 5) from me.


My Own Worst Enemy - Pilot - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere (NBC/Global Mondays at 10pm)

Not completely bad but it should have been far far better. With a great Jeckyl/Hyde premise and a cast that includes Christian Slater, Alfre Woodard, Mike O'Malley and Madchen Amick (though who I can't shake off being the Duchess from my mind right now), the show should be a lot more captivating and instead, seems to confuse confusing plot points and loose plot strings with actually building a strong story arch and building a strong backbone for a series. At this point, it just feels like it's trying to copy the joys and excitement of Alias without any of its charms or intrigue.

Plus, I've never been a huge Slater fan and this isn't enough to convince me yet, even though I know it's a marquee name. In fact, at this point, I'm more interested in Woodard and O'Malley for being in shows against their usual type.

So far, My Own Worst Enemy gets **1/2 (2.5 stars out of 5) from me.


Kath & Kim - Pilot - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere (NBC/E!Canada Thursdays at 8:30pm)

I've never seen the Australian original but considering an apology to Australians was called out, I didn't think the show was THAT bad. Again, it should have been MUCH funnier and much better but it wasn't totally terrible and not the worst new show this year or any year.

Then again, John Michael Higgins makes me laugh all the time.

On the other hand, Molly Shannon does not.

On the other hand, Selma Blair does. Even when she's given really lame and obvious gags and "comedic" lines.

And at least Mikey Day is kind of cute. Even though I don't really buy him or Blair as dumb people.

So far, Kath & Kim gets **1/2 (2.5 stars out of 5) from me.

Generally disappointing premieres considering the premises and the pedigree but on the other hand, I have said that a few shows like Lost, Alias, Desperate Housewives and Pushing Daisies has made our expectations for perfect pilots way too high and that some shows with so-so starts (30 Rock, Everwood, Sex and the City, The Office US) have grown into great shows given some more time (and usually seasons).