Saturday, October 06, 2007

Autumn Musings (and TV)

Don't you just love autumn? As Tom Hanks said in You've Got Mail, "It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms."

This is the time of year that I feel most nostalgic for New England. I miss being able to stare at beautiful foliage as I walk to a class I'm not teaching, kicking the hem of my long wool coat as I admire the pumpkins on various Colonial and Victorian porches (sadly, the ranch ramblers and strip malls out here just don't have the same charm).

Of course, there are plenty of autumnal pleasures to be enjoyed indoors, as well. I'm speaking of television premiere season! It's always fun to hunker down for a new season of old favorites. Then, of course, there are all the new shows.

This year, I'm watching Life and Pushing Daisies. I like both of them thus far. For Life, it's mainly because I look at the protagonist and I think, "Yay! Dick Winters! Oh, wait. This is not Band of Brothers." And then I look at Alan Alda and think "Yay! Adam the Alaskan gourmet chef! Oh, wait. This is not Northern Exposure." But I love those two actors and I can't wait to see what they come up with together.

I'm not worried about that show at all. Procedurals are hot right now; Life should find a mainstream audience.

Pushing Daisies, though... well, it has several strikes against it.
(1) It's quirky (and network execs these days don't seem to like quirk).
(2) The Fiancé and I both like it (always a kiss of death).
(3) The cinematography is Technicolor taken to a deliciously lush extreme... I can't imagine that's cheap to film.

I am going to keep my fingers crossed, though. The show feels Tim-Burton-y, it's narrated by Jim Dale, and the supporting cast includes a West Wing alum and an aging, one-eyed synchronized swimmer. What's not to love?

Speaking of love, I want to know what you're enjoying these days. What do you love about fall? What do you think of the new fall line-up? Talk to me, people.

7 comments:

moonrat said...

pumpkins!! pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkins sitting there looking fat and cute!

Ladytink_534 said...

I'm loving the bite in the air and just all the decorations and Halloween in general!

I'm watching Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, and House right now. Hubby recently has gotten me hooked on The Unit DVD's (we had a marathan all day) so I'm also looking forward to seeing those on TV as soon as I catch up.

Anonymous said...

I quite enjoy Pushing Daisies, although to be frank I only watch it because the lead female is David Thewlis' girlfriend / mother of child. She can't not be cool.

That's the only new show I've caught, although I hear good things about Chuck and Reaper. I tried Bionic Women, but wandered out to the bathroom 15 minutes in, and then forgot I was watching it. Not a good sign. Still watch House and Bones, and miss Doctor Who like an open wound. Can't wait for the Battlestar TV movie Razor in November.

My new show has apparently been on since the late 70s, only I've just now found it. It is a car show called Top Gear, and I have never seen anything so funny in my life (and I find very few things as dull as cars). I have gotten my brother and my father watching, as well as friends in CA and IA. Highly suggest checking it out on BBC America, you don't need even the vaguest knowledge or interest in cars. Or just go to You Tube and type in Top Gear Amphibious Car Challenge. Worth the time.

I hate giving talks. If not for powerpoint and procrastination, I could be watching these shows instead of reading reviews about them.

Maren

Anonymous said...

New England hasn't been very New Englandy lately. I went apple picking in 85-degree weather on Saturday. But yesterday cooled off, and today is 60s and raining! So I am staying home to can applesauce with Jaime and put up my Halloween decorations.

That has been your Boston-area weather report, since I don't get cable and therefore can't answer your actual question. But if you find an awesome TV show that I should get on DVD next summer, you let me know!

Devon said...

There were several shows I was looking forward to, and I haven't caught a blessed thing. I've even missed the first two episodes of America's Next Top Model!! Did catch "The Office" though.

I want to try out Pushing Daisies, Reaper and the one about the vampire ("Moonlight"?) And the one where the slacker becomes a secret agent. I just have to keep track of when they're on and what channel.

Long Island has been super hot. We've been doing all the fall stuff, but I want it to get crispy!!

Alyssa Goodnight said...

I love the change in the air and all those apple-y, pumpkin-y warm cozy recipes.

I haven't caught Pushing Up Daisies yet--I'll have to check it out. But I love How I Met Your Mother.

Beck said...

I'm loving Pushing Daisies, too, although like you, I'm also worried for its survival...
And autumnal pleasures - we're making caramel apples tonight, which is about as autumnal as it gets.