Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- Honorable Mentions

There has been a lot of tv going on as of late, and since I am as busy as ever, I am extremely far behind on plenty of shows. To be specific, as I write this intro on Saturday, I am 48 episodes behind on shows that I am currently watching. I have also quit on more than a couple shows in the past month, which if you know me, you realize is a difficult task in itself. At the beginning of February, I skipped the regularly scheduled Poolies Watch, but nothing was going to stop me from putting the Bi-Monthly Power Rankings into the Pool for the 10th straight edition. As always, the Quiet Pool Perspective Power Rankings take into account both current and past performance. The honorable mentions are not necessarily my next ten favorite shows, but rather those that deserve mentioning at this time. So without further ado, here are the March Bi-Monthly Power Rankings. Enjoy.

Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

The Amazing Race- (HM) Sundays on CBS
This All-Star season has brought back plenty of my favorite teams from the past three years or so, including the Globetrotters, the Cowboys, and Dr. Ned Shneebly-ba-deebly and his dad. But it also has brought back the 2009 winners of the Crazy James Zinkand Award for worst reality contestants, Margie and Luke. No one wanted to see them back on the show! What on Earth were you thinking?

American Idol- (-) Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX
The first live show of Idol begins tonight and surprisingly I'm still as into it as ever. I will no doubt be disappointed as the weeks go on, but I am thus far impressed with the judging team. I am pretty ambivalent towards JLo, but I really like Steven Tyler. Switching those two for a Simon that had gotten extremely bored, a ridiculous Ellen, and Kara - who I hated with all my being - seems like a pretty fair trade. If Simon from the first five seasons was in the mix, then I'd be really upset, but he lost his mojo a bit towards the end.

Californication- (20) Sundays on Showtime
I have yet to watch this week's episode, but I have been a little disappointed in the season thus far. Maybe I was overrating because last year's finale finished in just spectacular fashion, because other than Hank's usual charm, nothing has been exciting in season four.

Cougar Town- (-) Wednesdays on ABC
Nothing has made me realize more that Cougar Town was actually a good show than watching Mr. Sunshine after Modern Family. A show that similarly started out awful, Cougar Town did grow into itself and was really great this second season.

Episodes- (-) Sundays on Showtime
The Mat Lablanc comedy finished its seven episode run last week and it was rather mediocre. There were a few decent bits here and there, but the main problem was that neither of the main characters were remotely interesting or likable. You can be awful and likable - see: Larry David - but this woman Beverly was nothing of the sort. I honestly wanted to slap her through the television screen every scene she was in. It was not a good year for Friends comebacks.

Parenthood- (-) Tuesdays on NBC
I had a difficult time keeping this show out of my top twenty. There have been a bunch of great episodes in a row, thanks in part to Michael B. Jordan's appearance as a much more enjoyable character than his Vince on Friday Night Lights.

Perfect Couples & Traffic Light- (-) Thursdays on NBC & Wednesdays on FOX
These two get one spot because they are basically the same show; three couples at different points in their respective relationships. I'm really enjoying both shows. Roy from The Office is killing it on Traffic Light, but I'm not two big on the other two guys in that one. The reason I was excited for Perfect Couples, Kyle Bornheimer, is one of the worst parts about it at this point. There's really nothing special about either of these, but they're nice enough shows to spend 21 minutes per week on.

Shameless- (-) Sundays on Showtime
I am currently a couple eps behind on this Showtime drama, but I've been enjoying it thus far. Down on their luck family scraping by isn't exactly a revolutionary story, but their spin on it has been interesting enough. I really enjoy Fiona as the quasi-matriarch of the family, and it is always kind of ridiculous to see William H. Macy as a stumbling drunk.

Survivor- (-) Wednesdays on CBS
Like I stated in my last post about the show, I have high hopes for this cast of characters. Agent Phil is getting weekly spots with Joel McHale on The Soup, so that is a good sign.

Wizards of Waverly Place- (-) Fridays on Disney Channel
As the current gold age of Disney Channel gets closer and closer to an end - with Jonas and Hannah Montana now off the air, and Wizards and Sonny With a Chance to follow shortly - David Henrie, Selena Gomez and crew are really making it difficult on me. Justin Russo is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters on television and this recent gimmick with the angels has been a joy. They're dealt with vampires, zombies, werewolves, and now angels. What mythical creatures will be next to take on the Russos?

Fallen out of the Top 20...Friday Night Lights (6, finished its run)
Now that it has finished its run on DirecTV, I decided to take Friday Night Lights out of the rankings. I never got a chance to write about the finale, so I'll take a quick moment here to mention how awesome it was. T-time tweeted something following the last episode that really resonated with me. "FNL finale has to be one of the most satisfying conclusions in memory." I completely agree. It wasn't the best finale I've seen...I mean wasn't even close to the Lost finale (begin shouting argument now), but it was definitely the most satisfying. You cannot argue with the way they ended the show. Just fantastic decisions all around. Deciding where to leave each characters story was perfect. Great stuff by the people at Friday Night Lights. I will definitely miss this show.

Summer Poolies Watch- Comedy

Before I get into chatting about the comedies that have been airing this summer, I'd like to give out a two-sided warning. If you are one of my readers that love the Disney Channel shows, continue on excitedly. If you are one of my readers that write off the Disney shows without ever giving them a chance, then stop here because Party Down is really the only other comedy that's been on the air so far this season.

Let's take a look at the big one. The Seinfeld Award for Best Comedy Series. The only series nominated last year that that has aired is Jonas and after a revamp of the show, I'm shifting it to the drama category. So who then who is vying for a spot thus far? Well Party Down is right there on the cusp, but it's schedule really hurts it for the Poolies. Six eps of the second season aired during last year's time frame, and then four more came out in June. With no third season in sight, it's hard to imagine a nomination for four eps.

So now we get to the Disney shows. Here is my current order of how good they've been since June 1st. 1) Sonny With a Chance. 2) Hannah Montana. 3) Wizards of Waverly Place. 4) Good Luck Charlie. Sonny has excelled thanks to the vast improvement of Demi Lovato and an awesome two-parter in 'Falling for the Falls.' Hannah is off to a good start in its final season, with the exit of Smokin' Okin coming as a pleasant surprise.

What else have I been checking out on the comedy circuit? TVLand's Hot In Cleveland and FX's Louie. Neither have done much for me. Even though Louie is getting rave reviews, it's all Mr. CK and his down on his luck character/personality is not funny to me. And then with Cleveland we have a 90s style sitcom, which I'm mainly watching for the appearance of Joe Jonas later this season.

I only have four dudes in the running for the Cory Matthews Award for Best Lead Character in a Comedy, but does anyone other than Larry David have a shot if Curb comes out before June 2011? Henry Pollard and his final four eps lead the way, while Justin Russo and Chad Dylan Cooper, from Wizards and Sonny, respectively, have had good starts to the season. Louie CK, who some feel is the funniest man in the world, rounds out the group.

The Arthur Spooner Award for Best Supporting Character in a Comedy has had more competition early on. You have a trio of Party Downers in Kyle, Ron and even Roman who wasn't as annoying to me this season. Robby Ray Stewart has kept up his obnoxious antics so far and should be able to secure a second straight nomination if things continue the way they have. Although Sonny's Grady Mitchell knocked it out of the park with his "coupon" lines, Max Russo of Wizards is the only other one with a chance.

Quietly becoming one of the toughest categories to crack, the Phoebe Buffay Award for Best Female Character in a Comedy is off to a good start. What can you say, but adult television doesn't know how to create funny female characters. They leave that to the kids shows. The triple Disney threat of Sonny Munroe, Alex Russo and Miley Stewart will most likely be my one, two and three next June no matter what else happens. Casey Klein of Party Down had a very good showing this season and should be in the running for a nomination. Then there is Lilly Truscott of Hannah and the Duncan girls of Good Luck Charlie.

Not much to hate so far in the world of comedy. One comes to mind though. Lydia Dunfree of Party Down. As a replacement for Jane Lynch's Constance, she annoyed the heck out of me every time she was on screen. Also a couple to hate from Sonny are Nico, who was nominated last year, and Zora who should have been.

And finally we have the 'The Dealership' Award for Best Comedy Episode. I've got two in mind so far. Party Down's 'Company Picnic' and the aforementioned 'Falling for the Falls' of Sonny With a Chance.

And next we will have a look at the early season drama doings here at the Pool.

Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- Honorable Mentions

Now that the Olympics are over many of our favorite shows are set to return. Plenty of new shows are also on the horizon. Let's see where The Perspective's Power Rankings stacks everyone up. January and February brought back plenty of series in the Top 20, including perennial number one LOST. I've also caught myself all the way up on a couple of cable gems (Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad) so things might look a bit different near the top this time around. A few shows that have missed the cut (Bored to Death, V, Eastbound) not because of failure to entertain, but for lack of episodes and too much time off. Without further ado here are the shows you should be watching, The Quiet Pool Perspective's March Power Rankings.

Honorable Mentions

Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

Californication- (HM) Sundays on Showtime
Hank Moody and crew have been off since the last rankings but will return for a fourth season sometime in September. Here's hoping Sue Collini is no longer a part of the show.

Dexter- (-) Sundays on Showtime
I am currently halfway through the second season of this serial criminal action series, but I've seen enough to recommend it to anyone. I've heard that the most recent season four was very good and co-starred John Lithgow.

Gary Unmarried- (-) Wednesdays on CBS
It's obvious. It's corny. It's on CBS. Having said that, it's still entertaining. Jay Mohr is over the top, but his kid Tommy is subtly hilarious.

Glee- (HM) Wednesdays on FOX
Rachel Berry and the rest of the gang won't return from their mega long winter hiatus until April. Maybe they've had enough time to figure out what about this show works well and what doesn't (any drama having to do with Mr. Shue).

Gossip Girl- (HM) Mondays on The CW
Returning this month, let's hope that the loss of a couple of great guest stars in the fall, especially Hillary Duff, won't make the spring session of the teen drama falter.

Greek- (20) Mondays on ABC Family
The spring session of the college series has been subpar so far. For as much as I want to see Cappie and Casey together I feel like they would've been better off to leave it for the series finale. They're making it kind of bland for now.

House, MD- (HM) Mondays on FOX
As I've said, House is House. I'll continue to watch it for Gregory himself, but other than his interactions with different characters there's nothing else really going on here.

JONAS- (HM) Sundays on Disney Channel
The comedy will start back up for its second season this summer. How are they going to work Joe's new haircut into the story of the season?

Men of a Certain Age- (-) Mondays on TNT
Sure it is painfully slow at times, but the work of Ray Romano and Andre Braugher has been fantastic. It's hard to find better tv than Detective Frank Pembleton stuffing his face with Fiddle Faddles in the middle of the night.

Wizards of Waverly Place- (18) Fridays on Disney Channel
This show has the perfect combination of characters in my opinion. Between Alex's overall hatred toward everything, Max and Jerry's inability to take anything seriously, Justin's complete nerdiness and the mom's stern hand, it all just works.

Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- 20 Through 11

As the winter hiatus is upon us, four months of the television season has passed us by. A lot has happened since The Perspective's November Power Rankings, so let's see where everyone stacks up at the beginning of 2010. These Bi-Monthly Power Rankings take into account both current and past performance. For example, although I have enjoyed Modern Family much more than 30 Rock this season, the NBC comedy stays on top of the ABC laugher because of its historical performance. Without further ado here are the Quiet Pool Perspective's January TV Power Rankings.

20 Through 11

Ranking. Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

20. Greek- (15) Mondays on ABC Family
This series has to be ending soon right? They can't continue it without the likes of Cappie, Casey and Evan. And they have to be graduating come this spring season. Greek will return this month and if they keep highlighting Cappie and Dale it should stay in the top 20.

19. The Mentalist- (16) Thursdays on CBS
The only procedural to make my top 20, The Mentalist succeeds on the performances of its cast. Sure Patrick Jane is one of my favorite leading characters, but between Cho, Rigsby and Van Pelt you always get plenty of laughs in what is a crime drama. As the show loses Charles Logan, who will return to 24 this spring, I'm curious to see how the new boss at the CBI fits into things.

18. Wizards of Waverly Place- (12) Fridays on Disney Channel
The Russo clan took a bit of a drop here, but was mostly because I gave Wizards too much love last rankings. The recent rise of Jonas also made me dial back how much I liked Wizards. The start to the third season has been good, but the Frankengirl episode ruined a lot of things for me.

17. Flash Forward- (HM) Thursdays on ABC
Here's the thing. Everyone I trust who watches television (Poolie voters) loves Flash Forward. Everything I read, on the interweb and the blogosphere, says it isn't any good. My two cents are this. It could be really good, but misses out by a smidge and therefore critics are trashing it. It's still a quality mystery show with a good amount of action.

16. V- (-) Tuesdays on ABC
Anna and her friends have only been invading Earth for four episodes, but they have made an immediate impact. As opposed to Flash Forward, V has done a better job (in less time) at giving their characters some substance. I can relate to Juliet, the Father and T-time (or whatever their names are) more than I have with anyone on Flash.

15. Survivor- (HM) Thursdays on CBS
Although he failed to win this season of Survivor, he single handedly moved it up my power rankings. Without him what would this season of the show have been? Terrible is what I'd say. His skills in the game, his cocky attitude, and his ability to tell the camera exactly what the audience wanted to hear made him one of the greatest reality contestants in a while.

14. 90210- (11) Tuesdays on The CW
While other shows have moved ahead of it, there is no discredit to the the West Bev soap. 90210 is gaining steam in its second season, no doubt due to the creator/writing change. The storylines have been better and the acting has been better (if you don't take into account Tristan Wilds). Naomi Clarke is the best female in Beverly Hills since Valerie Malone left.

13. Community- (HM) Thursdays on NBC
The Greendale Human Beings made one of the biggest jumps in the rankings. I couldn't allow for it to be too far behind the other top sitcoms. It has been that good. Although it doesn't have a big gun, a la Michael Scott or Tracy Jordan, the ensemble as a whole has been as good or better than The Office or 30 Rock this season. Even though Abed and Pierce are my personal favorites, everyone brings something to the table week in and week out.

12. American Idol- (13) Tuesdays on FOX
As we embark on the next installment of Idol, beginning this month, everyone should be worried. Sure everyone made fun of Paula and her drunken comments, but wasn't that half the fun? Sometimes I surprise myself when I state that I think Ellen is funny, but I do. Do I think she'll be able to take the place of Paula? That I am not sure of. And after a season with the crazy but fantastic Adam Lambert, Idol could be in for a let down in 2010.

11. Mad Men- (17) Sundays on AMC
Another big jumper this time around. At the last rankings it was 17 with only one episode left in the third season. That final ep wasn't the sole reason for this jump, but it was a good majority of it. As much as I have claimed that I'm not that into Mad Men, and I only watch it because everyone in the world says it's awesome, I really think that it has resonated with me. The longer I have been away from the ad men, the better the show gets.

Friday Fancies- Wizards Doin' Teen Wolf

Wizards of Waverly Place
After what I thought was a poor season premier (the stupid Frankengirl was a bad idea), this week's ep showed me that Wizards is stepping back up to the plate. At first, I didn't really give this show a shot and thought some of the characters were stupid and some were useless. I have quickly found neither to be true. The parents, especially Jerry, definitely have their moments. Justin, who I thought was awful at first, has turned himself around and into a character that I find very funny almost every episode. Harper, although still painful to watch at times, continues to surprise me with moments of likability.

My highlight of this week's episode was when Alex explained to the family that she used air quotes to say "out of this world." Max was confused because he thought she was doing the Teen Wolf Dance!!! First off, it's awesome that a character that was born in the mid 90s is even aware of Teen Wolf. That being said, when he started doing the dance itself to show everyone what he though Alex was doing, he did a ridiculously terrible job at it. I think he needs some lessons from The Bonz and JJ on how to correctly do the Teen Wolf Dance.

Cable Fall Preview

Although many of these cable shows have already started, I believe they need their just due here.

HBO
Entourage
I thought I'd mention the two HBO programs that are finishing up their current seasons. Entourage has four episodes left and it has been as lackluster of a summer as ever for the entertainment dramedy. Lowlighted by Tom Brady's awful performance, season six has been less than stellar. Stop following E's love life. Nobody likes him. It's torture.

True Blood
True Blood, on the other hand, has taken as giant leap in the right direction in its sophomore season. What started out as a weak-charactered vampire show, has turned into a fantastic-storylined supernatural thriller. The 10th episode of this second season was one of my favorite eps of any show in a long time. After this past Sunday's penultimate ep, there is only one left this summer.

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm finally returns on September 20. After what was one of the two best seasons in the show's history, Larry David had a lot to live up to this fall. He found a way to get me even more excited. Prettttty, pretttttty, pretttttty excited. A Seinfeld Reunion. All four of the main actors from Seinfeld, yes Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and even Michael Richards, will be major contributors on this season of Curb. Not only that, but the premise of the season will be Larry and the gang putting a Seinfeld Reunion in the works.

Disney
After the DVD release of Hannah Montana The Movie this month and the television premier of Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie this past Friday, the Disney Channel's big three are picking up major steam. Joined by Sonny with a Chance, these three shows have gotten me hooked on the Disney Channel as I used to be with Even Stevens back in the day. They don't come without major success either, as the Wizards Movie recorded the highest viewership of the summer, with 11.4 million viewers. I'm assuming most of them are not 23 year old dudes.

Greek
I have yet to watch the season 3 premier of Greek that aired tonight (Monday) but I'm definitely excited for it to be back. Whether it's hating on Rusty's awkwardness, loving Cappie's wit, or crushing on Casey for some inexplicable reason, Greek always brings plenty of entertainment.

Mad Men
Mad Men is three eps in now, and it started up where it left off. Interesting, but not entertaining. I find myself a bit intrigued by the stories and historical elements of the show, but they don't manage to portray them in a way that gets me excited for the next episode. I'd much rather watch a show that can entertain without being smart (the late Las Vegas) than a smart show that fails to entertain (Mad Men).