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 […]
“Tru Calling” Season 1 (2003-04, Fox), episodes 1-4 – Even before aired its first episode, “Tru Calling” faced resistance from the sci-fi community. About 99 percent of Eliza Dushku’s fans wanted to see her continue […]
“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 […]
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 […]
“Law & Order” Season 18 (2007-08, NBC) – As long as crime exists, there’s no reason for Dick Wolf’s masterpiece to end. This season, three newcomers slid into the lineup as if they had always been […]
“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” (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” (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 (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 (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 […]