TV.com

show: Raising the Bar

episode: Pilot

The Bottom Line: "Great"

I have to admit, I have watched barely any police and crime dramas in my life. So from an unsophisticated crime drama pallet, I have to say this was excellent television. I watched to see Jane Kaczmarek from Malcolm in the Middle just to see if her post-Malcolm life was thriving, and was caught up in the great storyline and exciting characters. It was fascinating involving an alleged rapist, did he do it? With interesting characters, a great plotline and excellent writing, there was rarely a dull moment. While I have read some fellow reviewers notes on the pilot, I can see some tweaks such that can be made such as it did drag slightly in the middle of the episode and that it isn't legally accurate. But these things in my mind are forgiveable. I like the crazy judge plotline, although I'm not sure if it can sustain a television series. Since it's just a pilot, they can still move things around and make it possible to be a long-lasting series. For a pilot though, this was excellent. Just make some tweaks, move things around a bit.

show: Do Not Disturb

episode: Work Sex

The Bottom Line: "Fair"

I thought that this was underrated, and compared to another FOX sitcom 'Til Death, this is comedy gold. Personally, I somewhat enjoyed it. I think Jerry O'Connell played the same exact role as he did on Carpoolers, the wild bachelor. I also enjoyed Niecy Nash's character as well. Although it was nothing amazing and groundbreaking, nothing that hasn't been done before, it was pretty entertaining and it sustained itself through the episode. It wasn't hysterical or original, but I found myself laughing occasionally throughout the episode. I think Jason Bateman did an excellent job directing. But, it does need some tweaking to make it better or it will get the boot. I found the fat-model storyline dullsville and the one where he tried to hook the gay guy up deflated. Basiclly, the whole Niecy Nash/Jerry O'Connell plotline is what saved the episode, and the show, the supporting players are dullsville.

show: The Hills

episode: Better Off As Friends

The Bottom Line: "Great"

After watching last week's fiasco of an episode, I was pessimistic about this season. WRONG!! This episode was great! I found this to be such an improvement from last week. I'm glad Lauren decided to leave Doug, I feel kinda bad for him because he did nothing wrong but he's just too bland for anyone to actually be thrilled about. I'd hate to have a conversation with the guy, he'd put me to sleep. I'm glad Whitney finally found a guy, a model who she met when she went to NY for People's Revolution. Although the guy she met definitly isn't "the one", I feel he's just what she needs right now. Heidi and Spencer had another, yes another, small fight about Heidi wanting to hang out with Stephanie. I definitly hear where Heidi is coming from, it must be incredibly lonely being Heidi and Spencer, the only people they haven't pissed off entirely is each other. Also, some sparks go off between Lauren and Brody as she confesses the guy for her is someone she's already dated, so who knows what will happen there. As a whole, this was a very enjoyable episode and the teaser for the special episode on Sunday looks even better.

show: The Hills

episode: Drama Follows Them

The Bottom Line: "Fair"

I watched this episode online on a Sunday, and I'm glad because I feel if I watched it when it originally aired I would have been much more disappointed knowing I would have had to wait another week to watch a (hopefully) INTERESTING episode. I would have felt cheated. The episode as a hole was dull and I feel that nothing happened, and what did happen was more of the same. Audrina and Lo were tense to each other, which seemed like leftover footage from the season premiere. Most of the first 15 minutes was mainly just people talking about Stephanie Pratt's birthday party (are you going? do you want to go with me? who else is going? when should we arrive?) which is why some people can't stand this show. Spencer and Heidi showed up, and everyone filed out like there was a fire. Poor Stephanie, true friends would stick around. Just because Spiedi have cruel intentions doesn't mean Lauren should stop being friends with Steff, which appears to be what the teaser is leading up to. She didn't invite them, how can she control that? Also, Whitney may be moving to New York for People's Revolution. Her airtime is so small, no one seems to be that involved in that aspect of the show. I really wish more happened, this was a kinda dull episode. I recommend just reading the recap as apposed to watching the episode, except for Lauren's priceless look when Spiedi sat down not more than 3 yards away from her.