TV Faves contd.

Spin City - I never saw this when it was first on, but when I caught it in reruns, I loved it. Brilliant writing and enough characters to keep it always interesting. I'm sure I haven't seen all the eps, but I've seen enough to know that the show went downhill after they trimmed down the ensemble cast and added Charlie Sheen/Heather Lockleer. Something about Michael J Fox on tv...?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - I think I saw the movie before the show came out, but I'm not positive. In any case, I started watching it from the very first episode and never looked back. This is one of the shows that I would literally run home to catch. Sure, seasons six and seven aren't as good (with a few exceptions: "Once More With Feeling" is an amazing Joss Whedon musical), but eps from seasons two through five rank among the best eps ever to appear on tv. I own the full dvd set.

Angel & Firefly - I'm lumping these two Joss Whedon shows together - even though they are radically different - because I don't think they are as good as Buffy, and because I didn't see either one when they were first run. In the case of Angel, I saw some eps here and there (and then most of season 5) but never enough to get hooked. In the last few months I caught all of the reruns in order on tv, and I realized just how good the show was. In the case of Firefly, I borrowed a friend's dvd set, watched the eps in order and fell in love. I have since bought the dvd's for myself and even bought the film Serenity.

Dollhouse - The latest Joss Whedon show is still on the air in season one - and it might not be renewed for a season two - but so far we are totally enjoying it. It's a shame that the writers may try to wrap up loose ends too quickly in order to "finish" the story this season, but I guess that's always a problem for serial dramas.

Breaking Bad - Great new drama still in its second season. Great acting and writing, and interesting twists that keep the show fun to watch, even when you're cringing.

Lost - Partner and I borrowed a friend's dvd set for season one, then we were hooked. We've since watched all of seasons two and three but have yet to watch season four. Maybe it's too soon to accurately judge how this show will hold up over time (after three seasons, we have no idea about the mystery of the island), but so far it's unique and compelling.

Mad Men - We didn't watch it from the beginning, but after seeing the reruns from season one, we watched all of season two as it aired. Wonderful period piece about a NY advertising agency in the late 50's/early 60's. Cool to see actors from Angel & Firefly in new roles.

Reno911! - Lately I've been into watching improvised or limited-scripted shows. This is probably my favorite. It isn't always laugh-out-loud hilarious, but knowing it is all improvised makes me appreciate it all the more. I have the movie on dvd, and I bought the set for season three. So far I'm not sure I like the change of cast for season five, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt.

The Sopranos - Some episodes and seasons were better than others, but overall it was one of the best shows on tv while it was on. I'm Italian-American from the northeast, but was more amused than insulted by its portrayal of mafia life in New Jersey. Incredibly well-written and well-acted.

That's it for now. Like I said, I watch more tv than I want to, so I'm constantly fighting the urge to watch more. They don't call it an opiate for nothing!