Writer Unboxed

Kath and I are busily assessing the *222* entries in the unique word creation contest. Stay tuned for results!

Did you know September is Library Card Sign-Up Month? It’s true, SEE? But the buzz on the street this month is less about library books, I’m afraid, and more about the new fall television lineup. And since we writers can’t always be writing, I thought it was worth a little discussion.

I’m always intrigued by the hype centered around particular shows. There are the old tried-and-trues, like Survivor, American Idol, Grey’s Anatomy, ER, etc…, but it’s the new stuff that gets my attention.

Of course “new” is a matter of opinion.

I don’t see much that’s fresh about this season’s premiering soapy sagas (Cane, Gossip Girl, Private Practice). And do we really need another cop show (K-Ville, Life) or “Angel” in this year’s offerings (Moonlight)? Are people clammoring for another quirky romantic comedy (The Big Bang Theory, Back to You) or reality TV show (Nashville, The Salt-N-Pepa Show, Search for the Next Elvira)? If you remember that movie Regarding Henry with Harrison Ford, then you know what Samantha Who? is all about. And I wonder what Lindsay Wagner thinks about the updated version of Bionic Woman?

But these ideas seem fresh–at least at first glance:

Kid Nation. What happens to a bunch of children left–ala reality TV style–to their own devices in a ghost town? This one has been the focal point of such criticism–and legal wrangling–that I’m bound to watch at least the first episode out of curiosity. Even the Writers Guild of America had something to say about it, though the producers insist the players’ evolution is surprising and enlightening.

New Amsterdam. Yes, this one features another homicide detective, but hold the phone. This guy is “a former Dutch soldier in the 17th century colony of New Amsterdam who was granted eternal life and youth after saving an Indian girl from a massacre. The spell she wove in gratitude will be broken only when Amsterdam finds his true love. Yet while the enchantment has given Amsterdam centuries in which to hone his professional skills, he also has been forced to watch those close to him wither and die time after time.” Wow.

Viva Laughlin. Here’s something new. A casino entrepreneur is enmeshed in a murder investigation. Doesn’t sound new yet? Wait. Said investigation is interrupted occasionally by a musical number. Yep. A musical crime drama.

Pushing Daisies. Daisies features a guy who can bring dead people back to life with a touch. But if he touches them twice, they’re dead again–this time for good. Makes it especially hard when the once-dead-now-revived person is the love of your life, huh? High stakes make this one compelling, but can they keep the conflict from becoming hackneyed?

Reaper. Love this premise: What happens to a teenager when he realizes his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was even born? Satan co-stars.

Women’s Murder Club. Four women–a reporter, detective, medical examiner and DA–team up to solve murders. Granted, this is a little like “Charlies Angels Plus One,” but the series IS based on the novels by James Patterson, so I had to add it to the list.

Carpoolers. Sounds…sketchy? Four guys pour their souls out to one another on their way to and from work. That’s the concept. I don’t know if they ever get out of the car or not.

Cavemen. Yes, the Geiko Cavedudes have their own show now, but will they inspire or club themselves in the foot?

I’ll probably check out a few of the season’s new offerings, but I’ll try not to get hooked on more than one. How about you? Are you looking for fresh concepts? What sounds good? If you consider that TV time may threaten writing (and reading) time, how do you handle it?

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