Scribblings from the Mitchy Side

I think you'll like this article as much as I did :) (Assuming you haven't already seen it!)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10786279

There's a couple of new shows I've been watching this summer. Yeh, yeh, I know, like I need MORE shows, right? Honestly, my TV addiction is getting out of hand, I may have to prune some autumn shows from my watch list. However, in the meantime, let me introduce you to a couple of new shows that might appeal :)

Rizzoli and Isles

OK, do NOT watch this if you're a huge fan of Tess Gerritson's books on which this show is based. I haven't read the books so I'm cool but those who have seem to be extra critical of the series. And to be fair, it's gotten off to a slow start. The pilot was interesting, the last two eps less so but I'm giving it to the half way point because there's hints here and there that there's a really good show that hasn't quite clicked yet. The leads are really why I'm still watching - Angie Harmon (L&O) and Sasha Alexander (NCIS). The two are excellent and there's genuine chemistry there that manages to climb above the rather leaden scripts. The plots are mildly interesting and the secondary cast is good, so if the writing ever gets out of first gear, they could really be on to something. Episode 4 will air in the US next Monday, give it a try, see what you think.

Covert Affairs

This one surprised me. Oh no, not another spy show, I thought, I'll give it a miss. Piper Perabo, the lead actress, isn't someone I know but nor did was someone I'd definitely watch given the chance. And then, I saw good reviews, from critics not usually given to saying nice things about formula shows from CBS, so I watched the pilot. And now I'm totally, totally hooked. This might well be the show I'm still watching when I've given up on Rizzoli and Isles. PP is surprisingly effective as the lead role of Annie Walker and there's an EXCELLENT secondary cast including the lovely Chris Gorham (Jake 2.0) who is outstanding as the blind CIA agent and mentor. There's an overall story arc involving Annie and the reason she was rushed into field work, while each week there is also a standalone story. The craft work is very good - I love sneaky spy stuff - and they're just about staying the right side of "Oh puh-LEASE!!" in terms of credibility so props for that. I can wholeheartedly recommend you try this one :)

In other happy TV news, lookit!! In Plain Sight got renewed! For TWO seasons! YAY!!

http://www.deadline.com/2010/07/usa-renews-in-plain-sight-for-2-seasons/

*does the Happy TV Addict Boogie*