‘The Nine’ review

“The Nine” (2006-07, ABC), episodes 1-5 – This appropriately unconventional follow-up to “Lost” has fun with its structure. In the opening hour, we see the before and after of a two-day bank heist gone bad, […]

‘Help Me Help You’ review

“Help Me Help You” Season 1 (2006-07, ABC), episodes 1-6 – Ted Danson is doing his “Cheers” shtick again, this time as a group-therapy leader, resulting in plenty of quick-hitting knee-slappers (Contemplating a bottle of […]

‘Night Stalker’ reviews

John’s “Night Stalker” flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Feb. 1, 2011 “Night Stalker” (2005, ABC), episodes 1-4 – In its ads for “Supernatural,” WB recommends viewers turn off their lights to enhance the viewing experience. ABC, being a […]

‘The Practice’ Season 7 review

“The Practice” Season 7 (2002-03, ABC) – Despite some miscalculations in characterization, David E. Kelley’s show is still an important forum for addressing the ills of the justice system. The show will get a cast […]

‘Miracles’ reviews

John’s “Miracles” flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 17, 2011 “Miracles” (2003, ABC), episodes 1-6 – This was a soothing balm for sci-fi/horror fans going through “X-Files” withdrawal symptoms. Skeet Ulrich, his charismatic boss and his hot […]

Invasion 2005

‘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 […]

‘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 […]

‘Lost’ Season 1 review

“Lost” Season 1 (2004-05, ABC), episodes 1-11 – I was hooked on “Lost” (7 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC) from the get-go. The pilot came complete with a plane crash and a monster; if it had been […]