Watching TV: Procedural Dramas
In October 2000, CBS debuted the pilot of a show called “CSI,” and from there the modern procedural drama bracket was born. Any TV show that solves a case on a per-episode basis – be it a medical anomaly, a legal scuffle or a postmortem analysis – is considered a “procedural drama.” Cases are opened and shut in the span of an hour and the audience goes to sleep happy.
CBS bases 14 out of its 19 primetime hours on procedural dramas, or a whopping 74 percent of its original programming. While every procedural drama on CBS is magically successful, most of them are bland in their premises, dry in the fact that most are spin-offs of each other, and ultimately repetitive.
So why not mix it up a little? Here’s an analysis of which procedural dramas deserve the boot, which you should romance for at least a few episodes, and which deserve your unwavering devotion.
First of all, don’t even waste your time with
“Trauma” and “Mercy.” NBC is trying, it really is, but these are not the procedurals you should even sample. Boring dialogue, tired plot lines, and two-dimensional characters are a greater waste of your time than “CSI” (a show you’ll quickly find out I’m strongly opposed to).
Time to break up with… the quintessential procedural crime drama, “CSI”
Now in its tenth (!) season, “CSI” is showing its age. Grissom (William Petersen) left the show last season, and the crime show’s methodical formula grows more tedious with each episode. While Laurence Fishburne is trying his hardest to step into Peterson’s mighty shoes, and the show’s producers wrote old favorite Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) back into new episodes, these are both signs the show is wobbling on its creative legs.
Bottom line: NYPD’s dark, gritty overtone gave it the balls to last 12 seasons; “Murder, She Wrote” stayed on air just as long by becoming a cornerstone of late ’80s-early ’90s pop culture; after nearly a decade on air, however, “CSI” lacks the foundations of these “greats” of procedural dramas, and the fact that its audience has declined by almost 6 million viewers this season means the rest of America is slowly keying in to this reality.
Also dump “CSI” offspring “CSI: NY” and “CSI: Miami” while you’re at it. Sure, “Miami” star David Caruso’s attempts at serious acting makes for a comedic hour, but if Caruso is the sole reason you watch a show, you know it’s time to change the channel.
Flings: If you’re ready to come out of the long-term relationship with “CSI,” but not quite prepared to jump back into the pool of serious dating, I’d suggest you try:
- “Numbers”
“Numbers” has been a consistent procedural since its 2005 debut, thanks primarily to the strong rapport between David Krumholtz and Rob Morrow, who play brothers Charlie and Don Eppes. Charlie, using his mathematical genius, often helps to solve the cases handled by Don’s police team.Bottom line: Somewhat boring, but at least it’s reliably so. Would not require a weekly tune-in because of the lack of an in-depth season-long arch, but it’s a fundamental change from “CSI” and a perfect fit for fans of the low-key, open-and-shut cases.
- “Criminal Minds” / “Lie to Me”
Both of these procedural dramas focus on the mind of the offender: “Criminal Minds” tries to scrutinize the felon’s actions before he can strike again, while “Lie to Me” determines whether the offender is telling the truth.Bottom Line: I’d give the edge to “Lie to Me” and its star Tim Roth, whose Dr. Lightman is someone with a talent we’re actually interested in.
- “The Forgotten”
ABC simultaneously attempts Christian Slater’s comeback alongside a try at the procedural drama. It’s actually not a bad idea, but…Bottom line: Despite the semi-original premise of having “the forgotten” (the unseen voice of a body about to be buried) narrate each episode, this show fails to stand out – and in a world that already includes CBS’s 7,248 procedural dramas, this one will most likely be (excuse the pun) forgotten.
Casual Dating: The following shows could be keepers, if you decide you like them. If not, tune in from time to time and their feelings won’t be hurt.
- “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
L&O and its progeny, “Special Victims Unit,” lack the flair of the CBS crime dramas (don’t expect techno music underlying the scenes where crime technicians sleuth clues in their labs). However, for those who prefer a focus on the case rather than the team solving the case, L&O is the show.Bottom line: There’s a reason this show has survived since 1990. For anyone willing to trade in bad “CSI” one-liners for more humanized characters and an in-depth look at justice, this is the way to go.
- “Medium” / “Ghost Whisperer” / “The Good Wife”
All three of these shows are targeted heavily at women. Their respective stars (Patricia Arquette, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Julianna Margulies) fit the appeal and target demographic that CBS aims for.Bottom line: Because these shows skew toward older audiences, they lack the playful fancy of “Desperate Housewives” and the promiscuous residents of “Grey’s Anatomy,” but they work well as alternatives to the abundant number of male-led procedural dramas. Try watching a show led by a girl, for a change, and see if you like it.
- “Castle”
ABC’s “Castle” is quirky and enjoyable thanks to its lead, Nathan Fillion. Fillion’s got a devoted following, thanks to turns on “Buffy” and “Firefly,” and he makes use of his fan base, treating them to a likeably pretentious portrayal of murder-mystery writer Richard Castle. Castle works with Detective Kate Beckett to solve crimes.Bottom line: A pretty decent procedural. Watch from time to time and you may actually enjoy.
- “House”
The reason I consider “House” more of a casual boyfriend than an exclusive one is because the show ruined its own formula three years ago and has since lost my devotion. “House” is special in that it is the most character-driven procedural drama on air right now. Viewers don’t really tune in to watch the medical cases or debate whether Thirteen or Cutthroat Bitch should be on House’s team; viewers tune in to watch Hugh Laurie magnificently portray a self-centered bastard of a doctor. And you know what? For three years, it worked. Laurie was backed up by Doctors Foreman, Chase and Cameron; supported by best friend Wilson; and occasionally hassled by hospital head Cuddy.At the end of season three, however, executive producer David Shore decided to shake up the show’s formula by firing House’s team and replacing them with a dragged-out competition between actors. I appreciate a showrunner willing to toy with a winning recipe, because, as in the case of “CSI,” the same routine gets boring after a while. However, Shore’s solution to shunt Foreman, Chase, and Cameron into opposite ends of the hospital and feature them in minimal scenes per episode throughout season four was a poor choice.
Bottom line: “House” was worthy of the buzz when it first debuted. Now in season six, the show is showing its age. Most of the plot developments (the did-they-didn’t-they sexual tension between House and Cuddy is just wrong, and I could care less whether House is in a psychiatric ward) feel too contrived. Most importantly, “House” seems to have forgotten why viewers fell in love with the show in the first place. Case in point: Cameron is being written out of the show in November.
- “The Mentalist”
I actually enjoy watching “The Mentalist.” This is primarily due to the fact that Simon Baker is absolutely compelling as Patrick Jane, a man who solves cases by pretending he’s a psychic. Baker makes the show fun and more whimsical than the average procedural drama – too bad the same can’t be said for the supporting cast: Robin Tunney’s single, default facial expression can hardly be considered acting, and the fact that I can’t remember who else is on the show should say enough.Bottom line: You should be watching USA Network’s “Psych,” the golden charm that “The Mentalist” rips off.
The Keepers: I know by this point you’re thinking all procedural dramas are the devil and I’ll never recommend a single one you should watch. Wrong.
- “NCIS”
“NCIS” stars Mark Harmon, who heads up a team of agents in D.C.’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The premise certainly doesn’t sound enticing, at least no more than any other procedural drama on the air. Why, then, does “NCIS” stand out as one of the best procedural dramas? Its ensemble cast (including Michael Weatherly, formerly of Fox’s “Dark Angel,” and Cote de Pablo), the quick wit and the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it playful rapport between Harmon’s character and his team make this the standout of CBS’s procedurals.Bottom line: Hey, there’s a reason it’s currently the highest-rated show on television. (Sidenote: cross your fingers that an upcoming storyline kills off Abby. She’s unbearable. EDIT 12/9: Can I take this back? After watching nonstop repeats on USA, the girl has grown on me.)
- “Bones”
If “NCIS” is the best of CBS’s procedural dramas, “Bones” is the best procedural, period. Like “NCIS,” “Bones” has found that success lies in capitalizing on the supporting cast. The audience can appreciate every character on “Bones” because they are well written and amusing, and somehow manage to make terms like “calcium hydroxylapatite” pertinent to us. By focusing on the characters and their relationships, the hour feels more personable than any that CBS brings us. Plus, there’s always the guarantee of gross-out shots of decaying bodies!The main draw of the show, however, is the sexual tension between Brennan (Emily Deschenal) and Booth (David Boreanaz), both of whom work the longing stare and hidden smiles well enough to create the best will-they-won’t-they dynamic this side of Ross and Rachel.
Bottom line: If you watch one procedural this season, let it be “Bones.” (Just don’t watch while eating dinner. You will lose your appetite.)
-Sonya Chudgar
Filed under: Advice, Review | 72 Comments
Tags: Bones, Castle, CBS, crime drama, Criminal Minds, CSI, fall 2009 TV schedule, Ghost Whisperer, House, Law and Order, Lie to Me, medical drama, Medium, Mercy, Murder She Wrote, NCIS, Numbers, NYPD, primetime TV, procedural drama, The Forgotten, The Good Wife, The Mentalist, Trauma
I couldn’t agree more, with just about everything you said! Bones is the best show on TV, and I find most any other procedural unbearable.
Just about hit the nail on the head! NCIS is funny and doesn’t take itself too serious! Can’t get into The Mentalist–why is that guy doing whatever he does?
As to CSI–loved the original since its first episode. Truthfully–William Petersen should have had the guts to pull the plug when he left. Instead, someone decided the show needed a big Hollywood movie actor to take his place. Hasn’t worked. Fishburne doesn’t belong on this show and I cringe watching him. I cry when watching the long-term cast members stand around watching him solve all the crimes! Where oh where are the great writers of this once great show???
Even sweet Jorja Fox can’t rescue Fishburne’s bad placement!
I agree with both of the comments. Bones is edging its way into my favorite show slot ahead of CSI. Bones gives me what CSI doesn’t: Humor and actual romance.
Bones is definitely the best show on tv. The love between the squints as well as Booth and Brennan is highly addictive. You can’t watch just once.
Gooey bodies are for some, just give me the hot stares between Deschanel and Boreanaz and my imagination just goes there. And you know exactly where.
Smart and sassy writing, just under the boiling point almost passion. What better way to spend an hour or lots of hours on rewatch.
I still love HOUSE and HUGH LAURIE and never miss an episode.
The show is MUCH better this season. I think the producers are beginning to see
the error of their ways. Give it a try again. I think you’ll be glad you did.
Some of your comments I agree with, however, I do think CSI: NY is great acting. Gary Sinise brings 31 years of both stage, screen and televison acting to a great case. The story lines are current and the writing is excellent.
Bones is okay, but not at its best any longer.
And Numbers can’t seem to find a home but maybe CBS can make it work.
Criminal Minds is awesome, also.
Why is CSI’s ratings dropping? Lots of reasons, all combined into one cluster****.
First, the lousy forensics. When the series started, most people knew exactly nothing about the forensics being shown on the series. In addition, the series made somewhat of an attempt to do it right, at least television-wise. As time has gone on, there have been scads of reality crime series that show how it really SHOULD be done. In addition, CSI has gotten sloppy. When a main character actually touches evidence AND puts it on his tongue, you have not only jumped the shark, you’ve moved in with it and had children.
Second, the Mary Sue aspects of the current lead character. He helps with the evidence, he does the testing, he participates with the autopsy. He’s a freakin’ defense attorney’s dream!
Third, the lousy scripts. The writing has gotten worse, the characters are superficially written, and the crimes are beyond unrealistic. The worst crime? It is all boring.
I freakin’ LOVE Bones. I don’t have time to watch TV and I certainly don’t have time to keep up with series… but I certainly find time to watch this one!
Well done!
I love Bones and don’t see any reason to watch the boring CSI.
I Love Bones The B&B Eye Sex Gets Me Every Time and The Gross Bodys I Can Never Get Enough
Bones is the place to be with a procedural, since it doesn’t, I’ve noticed, actually have a formula. Sometimes the episodes tries to wrap themselves up before the case is actually over (because the personal issue is finished) and I find that fantastic. House is good as a Hugh Laurie vehicle but I can’t understand how people have seen every episode. I get bored after half a season every year.
The Mentalist has Patrick Jane and that was charming enough for four episodes then I gave in. Psych is alright as well.
Never seen Castle (live in UK), but I expect that to rise up the charts as the show goes on. I keep hearing how great the show has gotten lately, especially with Nathan as Captain Reynolds last episode.
Bones is the best crime show on TV. There’s not a single facet left untouched by this show. Love it!
I watch Bones, House, NCIS, Castle, Lie To Me, Law & Order: SVU, and the Mentalist weekly. Guess I have good taste. ;D Not a fan of CSI, could never get into it.
Love that Bones got the best review, I absolutely agree. It’s my favorite.
I agree with everything here, although I must say, Abby (NCIS) is NOT unbearable! I love her!
Bones is my favorite show-I have loved it from the beginning and will stand by my man until the lights go out-and even then I’ll catch it in reruns just like I do Angel.
Castle is awesome and I have followed Nathan from Firefly to Buffy and back. I even own Slither…on purpose.
Abby is one of the family on NCIS and without her Gibbs would be just too too harsh.
I agree with absolutly everything!! (except I never watched L&O don’t get it in Tasmania)
ITA. Agree with all the rest, but Abby’s anything but unbearable. She rocks!
Bones and House are my must sees, still. I enjoy the shows and I really do like the House/Cuddy dynamic. CSI: NY is the only CSI I ever bother to watch and that is still on an occasional basis.
I also just recently got into Castle and think it is a great show. Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic are really good with banter and their portryals of Castle and Beckett are fun and humorous to watch.
I agree with much of what you said, especially “Bones”, huge fan of the whole crew there so, kudos. I also thought it was funny when you mentioned how “The Mentalist” rips off “Psych” because there is actually a “Psych” episode where the character Shawn Spencer is explaining what he does and actually says, “You know the show The Mentalist? Well, it’s like that, only better.” It made me smile. Now I think I need to see what this “Castle” buzz is all about. I haven’t had a chance to watch a gorram episode yet! I know, I know, so not shiny.
http://twitter.com/Joy02
I agree with absolutely everything you said here, especially when it comes to House and Bones. I used to absolutely LOVE House, and then the ducklings left. Add that to the House/Cuddy dynamic that I’ve never understood (and likely never will) and Cameron’s departure, and you’re seeing me lose almost all interest in the show.
On the other hand, Bones never fails to make me happy, even when it’s occassionally stupid. Double Death of the Dearly Departed, anyone?
boy, aren’t you bitter.
boy, aren’t you an asshole.
You must be one of Greg Yaitanes asskissers.
HEE. SO MUCH TRUTH. It makes me vomit a little every time I see someone tell GY how awesome he is. XD
It’s such bullshit. And he eats it up like a starving man. I can’t believe someone with even a smidgen of intelligence would believe a tenth of the crap that’s sent his way. I guess only Hollywood types could thrive on that kind of phony gushing, because real people would tell them to STFU and GTFO.
(And he thinks all his followers are FOR REALZ and not sockpuppets. HA! What a moron.)
Well done. I enjoy Castle and NCIS as diversionary tv but it is Bones two sizzling, fun and interesting leads and their fantastic supporting team that manages to keep my attention. There’s not been a better lead duo on television since Mulder and Scully led the X-files.
Loved the article. Apparently I have good taste. BONES is and has long been my favorite show (that has not ended its run), followed closely by NCIS! And I enjoy CASTLE and some others on your casual dating list. It’s about time BONES got some love.
However! I vehemently take issue with your desire for Abby Sciuto to be killed off NCIS. I think the character is absolutely delightful. She’s one of my all-time favorite TV characters! How could you be so callous?
I’m actually enjoying TRAUMA…giving it some more chances.
Absolutely right about Bones, Brennan & Booth and the rest of the squints just make the hour worth watching. Plus the bodies, cases, etc, etc, etc.
By the way: Your commentary on HOUSE is dead-on. I tried to keep watching after the stupid Season 3-ender fiasco, but lost interest. Hugh Laurie is brilliant, and it’s not a bad show. But breaking up the team and not putting them back together eventually? Giving little screen time to the characters you’d grown attached to? Stupid, stupid move.
Completely agree. I only have time for 1 show in my life, and Bones is it. Witty, intelligent, funny, charming. The best hour on tv.
I really do love Bones, but House is my all time favorite. I am a HUGE fan of the House/Cuddy dynamic, and I really liked the survivor arc of season 4. Some of my favorite characters were brought in then. And I for one am glad Cameron is leaving. Her character is worn out. All of her stories have been told. I felt like there were forcing her into the story. I think this will be better for the show as well as Jennifer Morrison.
Doubt it, the show can’t afford losing even more fans. Cameron was one of the most popular characters (right after House and Wilson, and yes, according to Google even more popular than Cuddy), it’s a big mistake getting rid of her. Actually, I’d rather not have Cuddy on the show any more, her character has deteriorated from season to season, while Cameron has the potential for great storylines.
Clearly we have very different views on the matter. I have never liked Cameron. I have tolerated her and her holier than thou attitude as she has tried to fix House. I saw her character as flat and boring.
Cuddy on the other hand I feel has gained depth and personality with each season. I love the relationship she has with House and I don’t mean romantically. I mean all around. I am intrigued by every interaction between them.
But really it doesn’t matter who you like or dislike, I think its stupid for people to watch (or not watch) just because of one character. There are SO many great components that make it one of the best shows on television!
The only thing that Cuddy has gained over the past three seasons is a wardrobe of even lower cut blouses and tighter skirts, and a reputation as spineless, desperate mess that goes into heat every time she’s near House.
TPTB have DESTROYED this character.
“Bottom Line: I’d give the edge to “Lie to Me” and its star Tim Roth, whose Dr. Lightman is someone with a talent we’re actually interested in.”
Well said! Couldn’t agree more! Lie to Me is the most intelligent, best acted drama out there! Fox needs understand and appreciate that.
My mother had to practically tie me down to get me to watch NCIS. “I don’t watch procedurals!” I kept wailing every time she tried to get me to watch. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a character driven show with plenty of humor and wit.
I couldn’t agree more about House. That has to be one of the biggest “What were they thinking!?! moments in recent TV history. Tossing out half the cast in one fell swoop was just bizarre and annoying. I actually liked the audition plot line, but it would have been so much more effective if they’d just used it to add an extra doctor to the existing team. I assume that Cameron is leaving the show because Jennifer Morrison is fed up with being a glorified guest star.
Hart Hanson twittered this!!!
Agree with most of everything that was said. I’m obsessed with Bones and love NCIS as well. They are the only two shows that I have season passes for on itunes, then will go out and also buy the dvd’s. I enjoy them because they are great ensemble shows, don’t take themselves too seriously and allow the audience a peak into the characters personal lives, history and quirks. I care what happens to the characters therefore need to tune in every week to see what happens next – it’s more than just solving the case of the week. By the way I LOVE Abby!!!
I am a huge Psych fan and at times have been frustrated with the amount of publicity the Mentalist receives, since I think Psych is a better show.
BONES IS THE BEST!!! =))
While I agree with you that Bones is the best show out there, you are so wrong about Abby Sciuto!
I totally agree,
BONES IS THE BEST SHOW!!!!!!!!!
I can never miss an episode and I own all the seasons which are out on DVD!!
love it!!
NCIS and Bones are my two favorite shows! I have seen every episode so many times! Booth and Brennan are definitely the best will-they-wont-they couple ever
Haha I agree with you completely, my two favourite shows are bones and NCIS, they are DEFINITE keepers. This is a great cut down of the procedurals!
In the Netherlands we don’t have all the shows you discribed yet. But most off them we do, and I agree with all off the above, Bones stands out on all accounts. Great leading actors, supergood supportgroup actors, great story lines (we love Sweets!). NCIS is fun to watch for, the whole show, love the interaction between the actors (Abby rules!)!. I also like Law and Order (SVU), just because it takes the different angle of the lawpoint off vieuw. But we also like House very much here. Altough i agree the supportgroup off actors aren’t as good as the first 3 seasons (ask me agian, after we finished season 5 here!
…! ) The mentalist we watch fot the charming mister Simon Baker. Just started to watch Castle…, can’t make up my mind about that show yet! Miss Fringe in all of this, but you consider that maybe not as a procedural drama…. Anyway, it was nice to read all off the above! Kind regards, from AMsterdam, The Netherlands!
Totally agree, BONES is the best procedural show on television followed by NCIS.
It’s scary reading this as that was pretty much my exact thoughts on each of these shows (and I have seen em all).
The common element in the successful shows is the depth of the characters, Bones’ Booth and Brennan are personable and have a fantastic chemistry.
NCIS has the Tony and Ziva angle as well as the kickass Gibbs (though I do love Abby… but maybe she is better suited to NCIS:LA)
Just wanted to say overall Love Bones and I Hate CSI!
I have to agree with you on Bones – it is awesome. But I can usually eat while watching it; I’ve toughened up my gut. I also love NCIS, but Abby is awesome, not unbearable. Numb3rs is good if you have nothing better to do, but it gets annoying when it’s relevant to what you’re doing in maths. Medium is relaxing. NCIS and Bones are still my favourites, due to inexplicable awesomeness.
First of all… WOW!!! I thought maybe 5 people max would read this, and next thing I know it’s got 36 comments! Guess I own Hart Hanson a huge fat thank you!
Glad to know there are those of you that agree with my thoughts. (I was starting to think I was the only one out there fed up with House.) And yay for the fellow CSI haters! (Though a few of you mentioned CSI:NY doesn’t bite quite so much, so maybe I’ll reserve a little of my hatred).
Oh and you guys may be right about Abby… she’s starting to grow on me.
Not a big fan of last season’s House, either, although I thought the biggest problem, even beyond House/Cuddy weirdness, was the Foreman/Thirteen romance/drug trial story that just dragged on and on without ever getting watchable. If I can predict from the first episode of an arc how it’s going to go without reading a single spoiler, that’s just bad, lazy writing. House/Cuddy also became exceptionally bizarre last year, but they seem to be getting on a more even keel this season, or at least one that actually makes sense. This season I’ve been enjoying watching Jesse Spencer act the heck out of his current storyline. It may be contrived, but I honestly had no idea he was actually talented and not just pretty, since they never used him that much even when he was a regular. Think I’ll miss Cameron, though, although I wouldn’t be surprised if she was back before the end of the season, since this show loves a twist.
Anyway, completely agree about Bones. It took me a little while to get into the show, but it’s such a great, fun, witty show. All the characters, even minor ones, really pop, and the mysteries are fun. Glad you provided the no dinner while watching caveat, too, because it is SO true. Totally one of the highlights of my TV week. That said, I’ve never understood the charm of NCIS, and so many people I know enjoy it! I always figure out who did it in the first 20 minutes of the show, and charming as Mark Harmon is, if I happen to catch an episode I don’t feel compelled to watch another one. (Then again, I feel that way about almost every CBS drama, so NCIS is hardly alone. Maybe I should try watching it on USA instead.)
YES! Couldn’t agree more! Bones and NCIS are the only shows I watch regularly (and adore to no end) + the only shows I buy the DVD sets for.
Thank you…thank you…thank you!! Bones, which never seems to get enough accolades or publicity in my opinion, is my favorite show! I really like House too, but I am completely obsessed with Bones!!
I really really love Bones and I’m happy it took some credit since it is highly underrated as a show. I agree with what you said about House, I think almost everyone disliked the change of the team. Although , I wouldn’t agree about the House Cuddie storyline thing you said. I think it is cute most of the time but I strongly believe that it’s high time they stopped talking about it on every interview they give. Even though it doesn’t bother me watching them as a possible future couple it isn’t the main reason someone should watch the show nor the most anticipated thing in the series. NCIS is a great show! I like Abby very much but maybe it’s because I haven’t watched season 5, 6 and 7. Maybe she gets tiring but it’s hard to believe that such an interesting character gets boring…. The show wouldn’t be the same without her…
42 comments girl! LOVE Bones. LOVE this post. LOVE that Hart Hanson tweeted this. and LOVE all the Blue & White press!
Very good article. You and I totally agree. I am an Ex CSI watcher, totally love BONES and NCIS (leave Abby alone) and watch the Mentalist and Lie to Me–both well written. Having total withdrawls due to World Series. Someone needs to win so BONES can come back. Love the tension between B and B. And yes you need to send H. Hanson a thank you without him I never would have read this. Good luck in your future work.
I couldn’t agree more about this entire blog!! Bones and NCIS are both great procedurals with rich characters. Simon Baker is the only reason to watch The Mentalist and CSI lost me a long time ago.
House used to be a great love of mine, but the show booting the original three fellows was a huge mistake. I’ve watched more or less off and on since then, although that Chase story has caught my interest recently.
Nice article, I have to agree with a lot of your points. Casting Laurence Fishburne was a major mistake, he’s made CSI pretty much unwatchable for me & many others it seems. I’m not a fan of either L&O or L&O: SVU, populated by annoying, depressing characters as they are but I’ve very much enjoyed Jeff Goldblum’s turn on L&O:CI.
The most interesting change this season has been House’s return to the original team – the ratings are up & a key reason seems to be stronger writing for the supporting cottages & dialing back the incredibly juvenile House/Cuddy interactions & ditching 13. With the planned shift back to 13 & Cuddy focus & writing out of Cameron’s character later this season, I’ll be interested to see if the writers can maintain viewer interest. the situation on House contrasts nicely with what’s going on on NCIS – my sense is that the writers there recognize the contribution the supporting characters make to balance out the show, & make a conscious effort to maintain it. Shame the writers on House didn’t do the same – characters aren’t randomly inter-changeable as they tried to suggest, viewers do get heavily invested with them & change for the sake of change risks alienating your audience.
Spot on, “Ague.” I couldn’t agree more with your comparison between House and NCIS with regard to supporting characters. NCIS recognizes that they are not interchangeable, while the House writers continue to shove the relentlessly overused Thirteen down the throats of an unwilling audience. Losing Cameron while bringing back Thirteen will finally convince me to give up on this show because it can never go back to the show I loved. I wanted the strong Cuddy back, not the woman who lost her credibility and spine way back in Season 4 for a rude, surly jerk of a man-child who treats her like crap. I wanted a character (particularly Cameron) who advocates for the patient and who expects House to do his job and act like a grown-up. I wanted to see more of the House/Wilson friendship from Season 1, when I believed that they were great friends who did things for each other BECAUSE they were friends. I wanted to see a show that didn’t rely on gimmicks such as bus crashes, unexplained character deaths, hostage-takers, and dying bi-sexuals who are given every conceivable storyline possible and yet fail to garner audience sympathy. I don’t want to see a “romance” between the main character and his boss that is so convoluted that the writers feel they must bombard us with anvils every other episode as random people tell us how “hot” they are for each other. Obviously, a lot of people remain unconvinced, and this is definitely NOT the way to persuade anyone.
Yes, yes, and yes. House has lost it’s subtlety, and that’s a shame. I stopped watching after season four, but I kept up with what was happening in the hopes things would return to some semblance of normality. But now with the exit of Jennifer Morrison, I’m done for good.
Marry me, Ellen.
wow… nice article, love the way you lay out the show…
let see….I’m in jakarta and only a few of the show listed above are played here.
castle is going to aired on November, thought I’ll check it out. after grissom left the show i just lost interest in csi, still watch csi:ny though.
as for house, I must admit breaking up the old team is a bad move, but got to enjoy the “survivor” theme on season 4 [so many soul to torture, so little time]. as season 6 progress, i guess they tried to make amend of previous mistake, but still house is a keeper for me [hugh laurie sure is know how to act looney].
finally, bones !!! love every tiny bits of this show. the gruesome bodies, the squints with their gadgets, the urst between booth and brennan. it just adorable and addictive to watch this show week after week ;p
Omg i love bones its just the best show ever i LOVE david boreanaz xx agree about what was said csi its sooo boring now x but abby (ncis) is great x x
I don’t watch any of the other shows, but I couldn’t agree more on what you wrote about House. I’ve watched it religiously for the past few years, even loyally kept watching when they decided to mess up the formula, but making Cameron leave is too much. I’d be happy to watch again if they’d decide to go back to the roots, bring back the old team and for god’s sake forget about Huddy. But like this, thanks but no thanks…
Would I be too forward if I declared my love for you here and now?
I agree with you on so many shows, ESPECIALLY House. The show has become a carbon copy of the amazing show that it used to be once. Most of the characters have lost their charm, the medical cases got sidelined and replaced by mediocre new characters and lame romantic relationships. 13 & Foreman are the most boring couple I’ve ever seen on tv but in a way they’re also the perfect match for each other, because they always wear the same bored and indifferent expressions on their faces. Sometimes I think Foreman had too much botox and his only way to communicate is by raising his eyebrow. 13’s only way to show any kind of emotion is to widen her eyes till they pop out. Chase & Cameron? Wow, the guy who once tried to blame his mistakes on her to save his job is the guy who won her heart? Jesse Spence and Jennifer Morrison do their best portraying a couple but it’s so very awkward, you can tell. Who wouldn’t be awkward playing happy couple with the person you once really wanted to marry and settle down with? That was one of the most tasteless “creative” decicions the creators have ever done.
Watching H/Cuddy interact is like watching two kids throwing dirt at each other in the sandbox.
House is suddenly writing serenades and slow-dancing with Cuddy? Seriously? And the writers/creators try so, SO hard to sell this as some big romance. IMO they just discredit themselves and their past work which was brilliant (thank God for DVDs). They’re so adamant and refuse to listen to anyone who disagrees with them. I wonder for what price they sold their souls, ’cause it couldn’t have been for great ratings.
Criminal Minds and The Mentalist are the two shows that I enjoy most atm. I’m sad that CSI has become weak. Though they have interesting episodes every now and then, does Langston have to solve every crime? I mean, there’s a room full of seasoned CSIs but it’s the guy who just became CSI Level 2 that has all the brilliant ideas to solve the crime? Come on writers…
“House is suddenly writing serenades and slow-dancing with Cuddy? Seriously? And the writers/creators try so, SO hard to sell this as some big romance. IMO they just discredit themselves and their past work which was brilliant (thank God for DVDs). They’re so adamant and refuse to listen to anyone who disagrees with them. I wonder for what price they sold their souls, ’cause it couldn’t have been for great ratings.”
I couldn’t agree more. Greg Yaitanes only twitters to teenage Huddy fangirls who stroke his massive ego. Anyone who asks a question or makes a comment that doesn’t agree with his POV are ignored, treated like crap, or blocked. If he is representative of the attitude of TPTB on that show, then I hope they will be happy with their asinine Huddy storyline and there little horde of Huddy fangirls, because the vast, VAST majority of the rest of us will be long gone.
Good luck with that, David Shore.
So much word. You said exactly what I’ve been thinking.
And Yaitanes is still twittering suggesting Jennifer Morrison may be back even though she said the show was done with her. Do the producers not realize that the longer they lie to viewers, the less their credibility on all statements, not just ones about Cameron?
I can’t figure out how the same people who produced such a clever show in the first two seasons are making such huge mistakes now.
Of those shows mentioned, I watch or have at some point watched: NCIS, CSI, CSI Miami, Castle, and House. And I agree with almost everything you said except that Abby is not unbearable!!
Currently NCIS and Castle are my must watch shows. I gave up CSI Miami during season 2 and I gave up House during season 3. CSI gets Tivo’d and watched when I have time. One of these days I will get around to trying Bones.
I couldn’t agree with this more. Especially about the disappointing turn that House took. Cameron was my favorite character (aside from House until he became such a jerk that I could no longer muster any sympathy for him anymore). Without her, we’re left with a lopsided cast that includes only two females; the boring Thirteen and the pod version of Cuddy that fawns all over House no matter how badly he treats her. Talk about an Epic Fail!
Oh, and Abby of NCIS annoys the hell out of me. I’m not sure I wish her dead, but it would be nice if she’d drop the precocious child act.
Amen to your view of House. This show used to be smart, witty and a joy to watch. I honestly don’t know what happened to cause such awful changes over the past three years, but this show is moving completely in the wrong direction. The obsession with the 13 character and the 13/Foreman relationship is baffling. Yes, OW is gorgeous and she seems like a wonderful person, but why do TPTB insist on shoving her down our throats? Has anyone really missed her these past few weeks?
The Foreman/13 relationship has zero chemistry and is unpleasant to watch, but it pales in comparison to the ridiculousness that is the House/Cuddy train wreck. First off, what DS and company have done to Cuddy’s character is shameful. I’m sick and tired of the low cut blouses and painted on skirts that do nothing but reduce Cuddy to nothing more than a sexual object. I do not want to see her bend over so we can see her boobs or her ass any more. She is supposed to be a professional; being a woman she probably had to work hard to succeed in a field where she is one of only a few hospital administrators in the country. She should be a role model, but she is merely an object to be ogled. Shame on TPTB, but more than that, shame on Lisa Edelstein for allowing herself to be treated in such a vulgar manner. I’m no prude, believe me, and the woman has a scorching body, but I don’t tune in to the show so I can see a so-called professional acting like a stripper, thank you.
We’ve already seen House infatuated (with Cate Milton) and in love (with Stacey and with Lydia), and the way he treated these women was NOTHING like the way he treats Cuddy. He was respectful (as respectful as House can be, anyways), romantic, and sweet; with Cuddy he is crude, disrespectful and vulgar. He has even treated Cameron with more affection and respect than he has ever treated Cuddy with.
The House/Cuddy relationship will not work. It is ugly and embarrassing. TPTB may think that all this fanservice to the Huddy fangirls is going to pay off, but they could not be more wrong.
A great article.
The only thing I would change is to switch Bones with Castle. I’m getting tired of Bones, the cases all seem the same and the “in your face” pushing of Booth and Bones while never actually getting them together after 5 seasons is getting annoying.
Castle not only has Nathan Fillion but Stana Katic matches him in chemistry and ability and the supporting cast is very strong. But more than that, the writing is great, alternating comedy with serious moments and in spreading the good moments out over the entire cast. Unlike House or Lie To Me, the leads do make mistakes and the supporting characters get their moment to shine. It has everything it needs to remain a strong, intelligent show over several seasons. Like a good wine, it has legs.
Reading over the comments, I note a lot of anger directed at House. I’m not surprised . The show engendered a lot of loyalty over the first seasons and then squandered it through poor writing and show-running and the stupid lies by the producers. As Congreve said, “Heaven hath no power as love turned to hate, nor hell fury as [a viewer] scorned.”
I’m going to stop watching House when Cameron leaves. I’ve moved on to NCIS and Castle. What they have, and what House no longer has, are characters who have fun but can also behave like adults when necessary, a show-runner who listens to fans, likeable female characters, and realistic relationships with co-workers and SOs.
I’m easy to please.
I sort of agree with you, but my feeling is once WP left, there was the realization they hadn’t properly developed the othe characters. For years, WP told the writers he was planning to leave and they panicked and gave him so much leeway that they didn’t bother to create good solid characters other than him.
It would have been a stellar article for me, if you hadn’t said that about Abby from NCIS. She’s a great character and the best complement to Mark Harmon’s Gibbs.
I agree with you in relation to the House.
They had the perfect formula and now has ruined everything.
The last straw was the withdrawal of Jennifer Morrison.
The medical cases are no longer interesting …
House “nice” is not interesting …
Huddy and Borenten, are so boring and dull …everything artificial and forced!
If Cameron had at least …. I would be happy.
Cameron was the best antagonist House, and also the best chemistry on scene.
———–>And now, even the daughter of producer Katie Jacobs, appeared in an episode?
House is becoming everyday more sinister !
Bones = the best show!! *-*
And agree with you about House. o/
Good comment.