Just as we were about to give in to the inevitable monotony of college life, the television networks swoop in to save us from the “den” we have created for ourselves in the library. Eventually, you are drawn out with the promises of drama, excitement and escapism that every decent television network knows is the bread and butter of good TV.
"New Girl" aired September 20, 2011. Photo courtesy of Fox.
The first wave of new shows came this week. New Girl stars Zoe Deschanel as Jessica Day, a funnier, weirder version of the actress herself. Jessica moves in with three guys after a painfully awkward breakup. Ordinarily this would be every man’s dream situation, but Jessica’s post-breakup obsession with Dirty Dancing and violent mood swings take the edge off of their initial excitement.
Deschanel is cringe-worthingly good. Her male counterparts enthusiastically grasp their roles as the mildly amusing backdrop for a show largely centered on Deschanel’s comedic performance with inoffensive results.
Unfortunately, Deschanel’s ever-reliable comedic genius was still fresh in my mind as I watched Ringer, a new show that premiered on The CW this week. Sarah Michelle Gellar somewhat ambitiously attempts to play two characters, resulting in an unimpressive performance of both. Estranged twin sisters, Siobhan and Bridget, reunite after six years, just as their lives begin to unravel before their eyes. Ringer sets the stage for the next twelve episodes of a thinly veiled enigma and even thinner performances from Gellar.
Sometimes when you step out of your comfort zone you have to watch shows like Ringer, that remind you of the shows that leave you with the warm pre-bed fuzzy feeling. 90210 started again this week and did not disappoint its devoted fans. Filled with the same edgy outfits, unbelievably lavish parties and similarly unrealistic dramatic moments. 90210 faithfully adheres to the tried and tested formula for success; beautiful people, exhilarating moments, schizophrenic adolescent emotions, and drama.
Next Monday you will all be able to sleep easy knowing that Gossip Girl will return to our screens. As the men reading this guffaw into their sleeves you should turn to them and look at them knowingly, because, you know what? They will be watching too. This season opens with Serena in the home of plastic surgery and personal trainers- Los Angeles. Chuck and Nate, two of the most attractive and privileged characters on television, pay her a visit. It is pretty safe to say that chaos will ensue.
Just as you thought that you were actually going to sleep at all this semester, you discover the alternate television reality. Every high school student looks like a thirty year old swimwear model, every main character is instantly admitted to the Ivy School of their choice and people spend the summer jetting to Los Angeles to shop, tan and relax. Who would want to live in their library den? Not me. Not even if there was coffee.
