The Fall season

And so far, the winner is (and I can't believe I'm saying this) ... Supernatural. It's not terrific yet or anything, and I still think they should recast Sam, but wow, it's fun to watch. After last Tuesday's, I said to Dan that I was going to go into the bathroom and say "Bloody Mary" in front of the mirror three times, and he said (seriously), "Don't you dare." They're tapping into something fairly cool here with this semi-serious Ghostbusters thing.

For runner-up, I can't decide between Threshold and Night Stalker. Probably Threshold. It has serious butt-kicking potential as what X-Files could have been if they'd actually had a coherent plot. But at this point, we're still talking potential. I expected to hate Night Stalker, but the first two episodes have been very watchable. I'm in like with Stuart Townsend. I don't hate Gabrielle Union, either.

Returning shows aren't doing so bad, either. I've been floored by how good the first few episodes of Medium have been. I was getting worried about Lost, but last night's was excellent. Smallville just keeps getting better every season; great campy fun.

And then there's Alias. I'm so bummed about what's going on with Alias in terms of casting. (I won't spoil you; read my reviews if you don't know what I'm talking about and aren't saving yourself for the DVD or something.) I'm so unhappy about it that I actually went the spoiler route and checked out Ausiello ... and things don't look good for my guy.

I don't stop reviewing a show in the middle of its run. When I fall in love, I'm usually pretty faithful. But I'm disappointed enough with both Alias and The Dead Zone that I'm actually thinking about the possibility of dropping them. And that's not good.

Invasion and Night Stalker

Sorry about the quietude. I've been (1) preoccupied with the premieres of all these new sci-fi shows, and (2) sick with the flu.

I've now watched two episodes of Invasion (which I am calling, "Invasion of the Thirty-Something Body Snatchers") and I'm sorry, but it's just not grabbing me. I think they're trying for another Lost, i.e., something subtle with a lot of mystery that develops slowly. But I don't think it's working for me because I keep waiting for something to happen, and it doesn't. I don't really like any of the characters, either, with the possible exception of everybody's brother-in-law, Dave. But this does not a series favorite make.

It's funny how some shows you don't think will catch you actually do catch you. I expected to like Threshold, and I do like Threshold, so I was spot on with that. But I didn't expect to like Supernatural (mostly because I'm still pissed off at The WB), and I do. I didn't think I'd like Night Stalker, either, but I kinda liked the premiere. I'm going to give it a few episodes.

I'd love to know what you all are liking and not liking this season. Post a comment. Don't be shy.