Long ago, in a world few remember, there was a concept known as the TV season. To give you some context, this was during a time when a cell was something only thought of in biology terms, text was strictly a noun and watching TV on your computer was as foreign an idea as owning your own spaceship.
The fall season was the biggest event on the TV calendar. After a summer suffering through repeats (yes, there were no new shows during the summer, the humanity!), the third week of September was a time of great joy heralded throughout the land. Your favorite shows were back and there were new shows to add to the stable.
There was no TiVo’ing. You either watched it when it first aired, caught a repeat or videotaped it. You were at the mercy of the network, their scheduling and yes, there were shows that people actually talked about the next day. OK, wake up, the history lesson is over.
While I do have occasional pangs of nostalgia, I’m enjoying the move from horse and buggy to turbo hybrid Porsche. Instead of being told what’s Must See TV, I get to create my own lineup, from what’s on TV, available on iTunes, Netflix and online episodes.
It’s a toss-your-own season concept, one that means that we’re all masters of our viewing. My mix is an odd roundup – it has murdering lawyers, aspiring designers, Zen cops out for revenge, '60s ad men and drama queen stylists.
"Damages": There have always been lawyer shows on TV. But there has never been a lawyer show like this. Season 1 introduced Glenn Close as Patty Hewes, one of the most complex, amoral characters ever invented. The show itself is more of a riddle. You start off thinking that there’s one sure thing and then, systemically, you learn that absolutely nothing is what it seems. If Season 1 was impressive, Season 2, which just ended, is more everything -- machinations, red herrings, lies and subterfuge at a whole new level. It’s a smart show that doesn’t make a fuss about itself. Like a creature of prey, it lies in wait for you, knowing you’ll be unable to resist. (Available now on iTunes.)
"Project Runway": Delayed because of legal wrangling between its old home, Bravo, and its new home, Lifetime, the show's sixth season, taped over a year and a half ago, is finally airing. While none of the designers have yet to exhibit the humor or skill of seasons past, it’s still amazing to watch someone whip up a gown made of newspapers in 12 hours. There’s some catfighting, backbiting and hints of a blossoming romance. There’s Tim Gunn, who should be everyone’s life coach, and wooden Heidi Klum. It’s just an embarrassment of riches. Or something that rhymes with that. (Airing now on Lifetime and available at mylifetime.com.)
"Mad Men," Season 3: The show started off with a simple premise -- an ad man in the early 1960s with a secret. From there it took off into a modern-day version of "Peyton Place," all smoldering glances, sharp comments and ambiance. While
