‘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 […]
Mystery
‘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 […]
‘Law & Order’ Season 18 review
“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’ 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 […]
‘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 […]
‘Veronica Mars’ Season 1 reviews
John’s “Veronica Mars” Season 1 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 12, 2013 “Veronica Mars” Season 1 (2004-05, UPN), episodes 1-9 – “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” get the magazine covers, but “Veronica Mars” (8 p.m. Tuesdays on UPN) […]