Banana Scoop

I’ve given winter/spring television a good month or two to settle in with what it has to offer.  In this case, that means the returns of several 22-24 episode runs like Parks and Recreation and Happy Endings.  Obviously some shows have gone, like It’s Always Sunny and Dexter, but there definitely worthy replacements like Archer and Justified.  And there’s an always welcome newcomer or two like NBC’s Awake.  New or old, that means judgement must be laid upon all of these and I’m just the man to do it.  Read below for what I’m watching this season and my opinions on the directions they’re going in.  Also read below to see what television shows have dug themselves into my television grave.

Comedy

Happy Endings (ABC)

I don’t watch too much ABC and I hear that Modern Family could be labeled as one of the best things on television, but I would stick by with saying Happy Endings could be the best show on ABC’s comedy network.  The humor is quick and you might find yourself in the dust if you don’t pay attention or are too busy laughing from the last joke.  Chockfull of current pop culture, distinct personalities, and highly nostalgic about another group of six friends and their romantic adventures, Happy Endings will have you wishing you had friends as half as colorful/funny as the people in this show.  A top tier show for sure.

Happy Endings will continue on a weekly schedule until the season finale come March 21.

Parks and Recreation (NBC)

As NBC’s last comedic gym that is CURRENTLY on air, Parks and Recreation has truly come into a powerhouse of a comedy that will sooner or later fill in the shoes as NBC’s previous cash cow The Office.  With quick humor and truly lovable comedic characters, Parks and Recreation continues to grow with interesting plot lines [Leslie’s campaign is a very fun twist for the ENTIRE cast].  And justly, because most television sitcoms/comedies usually hit their stride in season 3-5.  I’d say we have at least 1 more season of quality comedy before we start seeing revised plot lines.  Until then, let’s just enjoy April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, Ron Swanson, and the rest of  the gang as long as we can.

Parks and Recreation goes on a SIX week hiatus after March 8th to April 19th to finish up the remaining 3 episodes.

Community (NBC)

NBC’s biggest blunder will soon be remedied come March 15th at 8:00pm.  Although it’s pitched against heavy weight CBS show Big Bang Theory, NBC couldn’t possibly do worst compared to what other crap they’re airing.  NBC first hand has learned the wrath of the internet and I don’t think they’ll make the same mistake again.  I’m almost positive that Community will be renewed seeing as the Office is deconstructing and their two experimental comedies, Whitney and Are You There, Chelsea have been complete blunders.  Regardless of the politics, Community has hinted a coveted Law and Order episode and even hinted that there will be a dance number at the season finale as well as a major character dying [not one from the study group, but someone relatively important].

Community returns March 15th at 8:00pm, to fill in the void of a lack of Parks and Recreation.  It’s speculated that it will run continual episodes until the end of the spring television regular season.

Archer (FX)

Archer is one of them most offensive, random, and adult cartoon television series out there.  And compared to FOX’s Sunday night animation domination, it’s clearly the best cartoon comedy on air right now.  The only contestant I can see topping it would be South Park, but that doesn’t return until next season.  Strictly non-linear, Archer and co. are bouncing every where from the deep south to Yakuza underground racing circuit and we couldn’t love it more.  As stated before, comedies usually hit their stride in seasons 3-5 and Archer is as ripe as ever with it’s amazing cast and equally amazing script.  This is definitely the best animated television show you aren’t watching.

Archer continues as scheduled until the Season 3 finale on March 22.  Guest voice: Bryan Cranston.  Fck yes.

New Girl (FOX)

I sooner thought this show would be in the grave with many other television shows. It originally was a one act show with Zooey Deschanel being cutesty hipster, and her surroundings roommates trying to tone her down.  Turns out the supporting cast [namely Schmidt], carries majority of the comedic burden.  With a surprisinly pleasant guest appearance from Lizzy Caplan to bring out the best of the originally whiny Nick, I’m waiting on Winston to get his comedic groove.  Otherwise, New Girl has found it’s balance and I actually look forward to watching this show weekly.

FOX isn’t doing a good job scheduling this show, as it’s bouncing off the walls with random breaks.  I honestly can’t tell you what the rest of the schedule is like, although 14 episodes have aired, meaning 10 more are scheduled, so we’ll likely have plenty of New Girl to last a dry late spring season.

Saturday Night Live (NBC)

It’s hard to classify this as actual television.  But I simply couldn’t leave this off.  Saturday Night Live, as usual, has its ups and downs.  But it’s kind of what you have to expect when you watch this show.  I would rather sit through a mildly entertaining episode than miss out a fantastic show on accident.

Lindsay Lohan hosted last weekend and Jonah Hill is schedule to host the following week.  After those two, there are only 5 more episodes till the season ends.  As usual, they usually get a very good host for the finale.  I [and the rest of the world] hopes for Justin Timberlake, but I’ll settle for a Jon Hamm or even Melissa McCarthy part II.

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