NBC’s The Event has probably been one of the most widely anticipated new series of the current season. The network ran countless promotional spots intended to entice viewers to wonder precisely what the title occurrence might be, and what it might mean.

Of course, big hype means big expectations, and it’s an open question whether the show can live up to them. The ratings last night were good but not as high as NBC might have hoped, with the show finishing third in its time slot.

According to TV by the Numbers:

It was NBC’s best non-olympic performance in the time slot since February 2, 2009 and it rose from a 3.5 rating with adults 18-49 in the first half hour to a 3.9 in the second half hour.

But, OK, you may be wondering, should I watch it? Will it be worth my time?

Short answer: probably not, at least if the pilot episode is any indication.

One distinctive element of The Event is the show’s narrative structure: the story jumps back and forth in time and from one place to another. I didn’t find that to be a problem, but others might not find that aspect of The Event particularly enjoyable.

The other evident thing about the pilot episode is the lack of a clear central character. Just as the story jumps about in time and place, it also jumps from one central character to another. That is a more important concern, I think. (more…)

I used to count myself among the biggest fans of 24.  A friend recommended 24 during Season 2, and I went back and rented Season 1.  It was addictive, fast-paced, genuinely adrenaline-pumping.  The first half of Season 2 was almost as good.  Season 3 was similarly excellent, and while Season 4 dropped off in quality a bit, it still kept the blood moving.  The much-derided Season 5 was more than half decent, despite its Nixonian tinge.  Season 6, of course, was a full scale disaster. 

Ben Shapiro and Kiefer Sutherland

But I was hopeful that Season 7 would provide redemption.  Tony Almeida was back.  Sure, it was Joey Tribiani-esque soap opera reappearance, but Tony was Tony and I was happy to see him, even if they wheeled him in Bernie-style.  Jack Bauer was back to his old ways, making impossible shots with a handgun while shouting brilliantisms like “Dammit!” and “We’re running out of time!”  The Palmer family was gone, once and for all.  So was the Bauer family, from James Cromwell’s insipid dad to Elisha Cuthbert’s horrifyingly dull daughter.  Jon Voight would pop in.  It was a recipe for a good time.  (more…)