Reviews
Eyes (2005)
EYES---how bad is it when good shows get canceled?
This show was fun and utilized the great on-screen personality of Tim Daly. It was fun and entertaining with a bit of angst that made you want to tune in the following week--and then it was gone.
Maybe just maybe, networks need to give ensemble pieces that appear to have chemistry but need time to get to the public--the chance to do just that. The cost of the pilot and the first shows should at least make it financially prudent to show all of the shows in the can.
This one is gone-----but maybe next time the same mistake won't be made. And maybe, someone will find a vehicle for the multi-talented Mr. Daly.
Perry Mason (1957)
The best of the genre
Perry Mason is one of the very best courtroom dramas. The stories are concise and although you may believe you have a bad memory, the truth is that the conclusion is never telegraphed throughout the hour. Therefore, unlike most movies or television, watch each episode over and over, with reasonable time in between, and never quite know who 'dunnit.' One of the very big reasons this is a special show is that you really do not know the ending somewhere in the middle of the show.
The second is the the cast and chemistry. Previously, Raymond Burr played a heavy. In this series he is handsome, slim and as smart as they come as Perry Mason. Barbara Hale's Della Street is a perfect secretary, beautiful and loyal. The supporting cast is impeccable, even as the prosecutor Ham..... Burger can never win a case. Every episode he acts just as startled/surprised when Perry wins again. Paul as the dapper private eye provides an occasional comic relief as he does all the behind the scenes leg work.
There was a void without the original Perry and when it came back, and all but Mr Burr and Ms Hale had died. The characters showed a bit more affection and Barbara Hale's son played Paul Drake Jr. for a few episodes. Although not written with the same charm I can only say I wish Mr. Burr had lived many more years so that we might have twenty more to revisit.
Veronica Mars (2004)
Veronica is one of the best on television today
Veronica Mars has great characters and yes, the episodes are not always the amazing top quality that we expect--but trust me even the 'fair' ones are head and shoulders above the norm.
I really appreciate the effort to gather an audience by the number of repeats per week. All that is needed is to keep the writing even and continue to make the audience want more.
Now about those characters-----where is Duncan? and keep the stories integrated so that everyone gets to be part of the story at least on a regular basis. Too many good characters that just aren't heard of regularly, anymore.
VM is a wonderful show and every time repeats are done week after week I {and I expect the 'audience'} have trouble with the continuity of the show. What is this now, shows are too expensive to produce so that the audience is lost in months of repeats? Whatever happened to 26 new episodes per year?
I really would love to watch this show for some years to come. Get with it, both the audience and the writers-------the show is worth all of our time.
A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives (1993)
For those of us who loved the format of the Perry Mason mystery...
Mr. Sorvino was great in the type of role that Raymond Burr began and I expect many even before him. I must admit that as a first time in the PM format I looked forward to more. the character was just beginning to be developed and he was charming to all and talents without [it appeared] limits. Too bad the network or the producers or the writers or whoever is responsible didn't see that this character was worth pursuing. Many long time viewers may have been questioning because Mr Burr was so fully ensconsed in the role, but Mr. Sorvino's character could have been a second rate copy or a first rate new version. I thought it could have been truly first rate. Too bad it was one and done.
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)
A classic in its own right........
Although I usually am not a chic flick kinda person this movie is fun and light and is enjoyable every time it is viewed. Barbra Streisand is a ditz to perfection who like Shirley McClain has lived many lives and under hypnosis with Dr. Chabot vividly describes to our fascination how she lived, loved and died. The period pieces throughout the film are delightful and add to the entire story.
The music is perfection and the small parts including Jack Nicholson as a beloved step-brother adds like every other person in this movie.
Sorry guys, they should make more like this and we could feel entertained after a movie more often.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
Sci-fi continuance of an original property
I had to respond to someone who said this was the worst of the franchise. I happen to favor DS9, but Voyager has many great qualities including cast and unique plots. Captain Janeway was an excellent addition to the captains of Star Trek. Let us not forget the criticisms that James Kirk had during the beginnings of his work in Star Trek. The ensemble worked well together, slowly but surely over seven seasons and there were many truly memorable segments. Chakotay, Tuvok, Blana, Tom, 7 of 9, Kes, Harry, Neelix, the Doctor, at the end named Joe, each and every one developed into a character you liked each and every week, irrespective of the episode. They grew even better over time, although I wondered how Chakotay and the Captain never got together and on occasion how Blana and Tom did!and the final episode a two parter was truly a great ending to the show.
There is no edge like there is in DS9, just questions on how they are going to get home, and it is the third of this group so it gets compared to ST:TNG sometimes unfavorably. But, just as the ensemble was great in each, so as it is in Voyager.
If you take the time to watch the first season you will want to see each and every episode and feel badly when it all ends. Wanting more that is just not forthcoming.
Criticize if you will, but the current Enterprise could take some notice of the great ensemble of the previous Star Trek's and the wonderful writing that kept many turning in week after week and continue in syndication.
I just recently purchased the full seven seasons on DVD and saw it again after its television airing. The show is even better than when I first wrote about it. Each show stands alone with compelling story lines that are creative in their design and resolution. The franchise of Star Trek- from its inception in the 60's through Voyager should continue in some form other than conventions. There is a void for good stories, writing and ensembles.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)
Outstanding, edgy and well developed Sci-Fi fare
I had not seen DS9 originally and caught it in syndication. I ordered all seven seasons on DVD and watched the show from season one through season seven without commercial interruption. It definitely left you wanting more with too many questions unanswered and two many story lines undeveloped.
The show develops the core characters into people you know and like. You slowly watch the chemistry between these characters and how their personalities affect each other. This is an outstanding ensemble cast.
The writing pushes the limits but no matter how unbelievable [changelings] there is no tongue in cheek and it is done as part of the whole Sci-Fi genre. It fits and it works over and over.
There are no stars as each of the actors are excellent by themselves and within the ensemble. Sisko is a perfect Star Fleet Captain and the Emmisary and begins solely with the former and melds with the later. Kira begins angry and learns about herself and her role with the Federation. Worf is great in whatever Star Trek and was a wonderful addition from The Next Generation. I was sorry to see Terry Farrell leave [ostensibly due to money] because she was one of the ensemble that made it work. Yet, in this scenario the whole was just greater than the individual people and without question the whole was just better than any one person.
Quark mellowed some with time and you just loved him as the Ferengi bar owner. Bashir stopped being unctious and I only wished there were more James Bond parodies [they are terrific]. Odo will always be one of my favorites. He never lost his edge and yet still appeared to have a human spirit when it really mattered.
The rotating stars from Garek [we learned alot about him but what is really the truth?], Dukat [the man you loved to hate and sometimes wondered if you were wrong to feel that way] Ishka, the Negis, Jeffry Coombs in his multi-rotating roles, Martok, Gowron, Dumar, Zeal, each and everyone added so much you wanted to see more of them. Oh two of my favorites are Vedek Bareil and Shakar, love interests for Major Kira. They too did not get enough play.
I should also mention the shows that went back in time or possibly the dream sequence of Sisko in a mental hospital with all the characters out of make-up. Entertaining and thought provoking [the etiology of the show and the racial issues from the original time-line].
There are "morals" throughout but you never feel as though they are pushed down your throat but rather they are there to make you think and make your own decisions.
Watch DS9 and wonder why there hasn't at least been a mini-series or movie involving DS9 so we can get the continued entertainment, the further evolution of the characters and some nessesary understanding that has been missing since the show went off the air.
This show is innovative, entertaining and will make you look forward to each new episode and in the end just wanting for more.