‘Swingtown’ first episode impressions
John’s “Swingtown” first episode impressions, Brainerd Dispatch, June 19, 2008
Television
‘Privileged’ reviews
John’s “Privileged” flashback review, johnvhansen.com, July 10, 2011 John’s “Privileged” review/fond farewell, johnvhansen.com, May 26, 2009 John’s “Privileged” (episodes 1-8) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Nov. 6, 2008
‘Side Order of Life’ review
John’s “Side Order of Life” (episodes 1-6) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 23, 2007
’24’ Season 5 review
John’s “24 reasons to watch 24” commentary (written after episodes 1-4), Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 19, 2006
‘Surface’ first episode impressions
“Surface” (2005-06, NBC), episode 1 – “Surface” (7 p.m. Mondays on NBC) is about the Outsiders. The premiere played like one of those Peter Benchley miniseries about sea monsters rising from the deep, complete with shallow characterizations. […]
‘Threshold’ first episode impressions
“Threshold” (2005-06, CBS), episode 1 – “Threshold” (8 p.m. Fridays on CBS) is about the Insiders. It’s what “The X-Files” would have been if we saw the point of view of the government coverup. But we […]
‘Invasion’ first episode impressions
“Invasion” (2005-06, ABC), episode 1 – Last week’s season premieres of “Lost” and “Invasion” (8 and 9 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC) featured a level of suspense above and beyond “What’s in the hatch?” and “What are those […]
‘Lost’ Season 2 first episode impressions
“Lost” Season 2 (2005-06, ABC), episode 1 – “Lost” is not the best show on TV (it’s not even the best show in its time slot). The weaknesses became apparent last season when Claire (Emilie […]
‘Desperate Housewives’ Season 1 review
“Desperate Housewives” Season 1 (2004-05, ABC), episodes 1-8 – Marc Cherry’s “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. Sundays on ABC) has one central mystery: Why did one of the housewives (Brenda Strong, who provides all-knowing voiceovers) kill […]