TV Gal

Lots to love on TV this week, but 'Cupid' isn't one of them

By Amy Amatangelo

   |  

March 30, 2009 9:26 AM ET

Bobbycannavale_cupid_240 So much TV, so not enough room on my TiVo. Let's get right to what's happening this week.

"Cupid" (premiering Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ABC): ABC is hoping the second time is a charm with "Cupid." The series is based on the unsuccessful 1998 series that starred Paula Marshall and Jeremy Piven and the original premise is pretty much in tact. Bobby Cannavale stars as Trevor, a man who thinks he's the Roman god of love put on earth to bring 100 couples together. Sarah Paulson takes over the Paula Marshall role as Dr. Claire McCrae, the woman who thinks Trevor has serious mental health issues. As Randy Jackson might say, the pilot was just alright for me, man. Paulson and Cannavale are both charismatic actors but the premiere was kind of instantly forgettable. Trevor works to put a couple together. Claire works to make him understand that he's not deity. I can already sense that the premise will quickly become irksome. Three stars.

"90210" (Tuesday at 9 p.m. on the CW): After an annoyingly long hiatus, the kids at West Beverly are back for eight straight episodes in a row. Many of you may remember the first season of "Melrose Place" which can clearly be divided by BHL and ADL (before Heather Lockelar/After Heather Locklear). It looks like "90210" is trying to do the same thing with barender turned student Liam (Matt Lanter). Clearly they are hoping Liam is the bad boy the show desperately needs (since Ethan turned out to be pretty much another Brandon Walsh). Liam is no Dylan McKay but really how could he be? What made Dylan McKay the quintessential bad boy is that he was the first of his kind. But Liam's arrival does kick the action up a notch. I would probably care more about him if I were more invested in Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) as a character, but I'm not. The other big thing going on this week is Silver's (Jessica Stroup) impending meltdown. I'm torn about this because on the one hand, clearly any sister of Kelly Taylor is destined to have a litany of problems but I also kind of thought Silver was one of the show's best characters so I'm a little wary of the direction her story line is going in. I still think they need to figure out a way to write Annie off the show and bring back grandma (I loved having Jessica Walter on the show). Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes) easily remains the show's best character and while we don't see much of her this week, she's got a few big story lines heading her way. There's lots of reasons to keep watching and, of course, the biggest one is that Tori Spelling returns on April 14 and Ann Gillespie is back as Jackie Taylor next week. Three and a half stars.

"Greek" (Monday at 9 p.m. on ABC Family): As I've long said, there really isn't another show like "Greek" on TV. It manages to pull you in without the typical angsty storylines so often seen on teen/college dramas (like the aforementioned "90210"). For instance, I'm fairly confident that no one on "Greek" is going to join a cult, be in a need of an intervention, or be the victim of a corporate deal gone wrong. I wasn't in a sorority but "Greek" kind of reminds me of my own college experience albeit with better hair, a much better wardrobe and flawless makeup. It's refreshing to see all the characters acting in a fairly age appropriate fashion and it's so easy to get caught up in their pretty relatable dramas. Casey (the ever affable Spencer Grammer) returns from a less than thrilling summer internship (who hasn't had a boring summer job they suffered through) to find that Rebecca has defected to Frannie's new sorority, IKI or as Casey and Ashley (Amber Stevens) dub it "Icky." Since IKI isn't an official sorority, Frannie doesn't have to play by the rules. Casey's brother Rusty (the equally affable Jacob Zachar) also has problems. He's moved into the Kappa Tau house only to discover they subsist on a diet of smoked meats and take multiple naps during the day. The other great thing the show has going for it is Scott Michael Foster's Cappie, easily one of the best characters on TV today. Cappie is in great form as the season kicks off -- I think we'll definitely see many of his quotes in this column. Jesse McCartney guest stars as a freshman Andy who has the blue chip background that Evan (Jake McDorman) wants for his Omega Chi fraternity. But it looks like Andy wants to feel no stress, no stress, no stress (sorry I couldn't resist) during his freshman year. Also keep an eye out for a guest appearance at the top of the episode from Ken Marino. Seriously where hasn't this man been lately, he's like a most valuable guest star. I loved the episode. Four stars.

After you've watched "Cupid," "90210" and "Greek," let me know what you think.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are eastern time for March 30- April 5

You'll definitely want to watch tonight's episode of "House" (Monday, FOX, 8 p.m.). It's the one I told you about a few weeks ago. Mos Def stars as a patient with "locked in" syndrome -- which means he's aware of everything that is going on around him but doctors think he's brain dead. Enter House and his team to once again crack the case. It's a really good, very different and interesting episode --especially the camera angles that show most things from Mos Def's perspective.

Tricia Helfer caused a lot of trouble on "Burn Notice" this season and now she's going to wreck a little havoc on Chuck's life. She guest stars on "Chuck" (Monday, NBC, 8 p.m.) as the female agent sent to give Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) a performance evaluation.

I am so freaked out about "Lost" (Wednesday, ABC, 9 p.m.). I can't even think about what it means that Sayid shot a young Ben because I think my head might explode. And even though I know Sayid and I know he's definitely the ends justify the means kind of guy, I was still totally shocked when he shot Ben. I don't know why but I thought he was going to try to help Ben -- what can I say I'm a little naïve. This week looks to be Kate centric and we just might find out what she did with Aaron. Also raise your hand if you're worried that Ben made good on his promise and killed Penny. The more I don't see characters, the more I worry. I don't know why they don't have more commercials for anti-aging creams during "Lost," because I swear I look a little bit older at the end of every episode.

I have to confess I was surprised by how many of you loathed "In the Motherhood" (Thursday, ABC, 9:30 p.m.). I didn't love the premiere and maybe I'm blinded by my affection for Megan Mullally but I thought the show had the potential to be funny. Like all the right ingredients were there, it just hadn't come together yet. Alas, I don't think this week's episode, which finds Rosemary organizing the nannies in a strike, is going to change your mind.

The goodbye to "ER" takes over NBC's entire Thursday night -- the one hour retrospective begins at 8 p.m. and it's followed by a two hour series finale. That means we'll have to wait until next Thursday to find out what becomes of The Michael Scott Paper Company. I do have to say I liked that Pam joined Michael. How about you?

That's all for today. I'm back on Wednesday with this week's familiar faces (do you know where we saw Taye Diggs' wife) and to prepare us for all the goodbyes -- the second season finale of "Damages," the series finale of "Life on Mars" and the series finale of "ER." Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.

 
 
Zap2it Elite Sheet Must Reads from the Web's In-Crowd
 

We saw Taye Diggs' wife, Idina Menzel, on Private Practice as the mother of the boy being treated by the Tim Daly. Forget his character's name

Taye Diggs' wife, Idina Menzel, was on Private Practice! Love her!

So are you ever going to mention Gossip Girl? I know it's crack tv but if you are going to watch the 90210 gloop when Gossip Girl is at least twenty times better, couldn't you give GG a chance?

Hi Lynn,

I talked about "Gossip Girl" two weeks ago and will definitely be talking about it again soon.

Thanks.

Amy

Why is anyone bothered when someone is killed on Lost? Having people die has no shock value since they are so easily resurrected. As for Sayid killing young Ben, the main characters (Sawyer, Locke, Kate, Sayid, Michael, Ben...) are all murderers.

I loved Cupid the first time around. The premise is exactly the same, but that isn't really important, it is whether or not the actors make you care. Paula Marshall and Jeremy Piven were perfect to take the show above its rather repetitive premise, so the real question is if the new actors can do the same. I'll watch to find out.

The Office is not bringing its A game this season. I blame it on Greg Daniels and Mose going to the other show.

I love Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson. Can no one create a vehicle for them rather than sticking them into an already failed show? I loved Piven and Marshall in the underrated original, but Bobby should have cried "mercury poisoning" and sat this one out. Can't wait to check back in with Cappie, Casey, Rusty and Dale tonight.

Maybe its the theatre loving gay boy inside me, but Idina Menzel has never been "Taye Diggs' wife" to me. It's the other way around. Taye Diggs has always been Idina Menzel's husband. :P

Benny and Maureen together again.

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