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ABCDE Arts&Style K sunday, september 19, 2010


AX FN FS LF PW DC BD PG AA FD HO MN MS SM E


STANLEY CHOW FOR THE WASHINGTON POST As the network by Hank Stuever ‘W ‘HAWAII FIVE-0’


A surprisingly good thriller The old show from 1968-80, starring Jack Lord, is revived and updated into a smooth and taut drama with Scott Caan. E2


hat should I be watching?” strangers and casual acquaintances always want to know. “Well, that depends,” a TV critic learns to reply. “What do you like?” (People want customized everything, now — even custom TV reviews.)


To give the best recommendation, it helps to know what they


currently watch, or what departed shows they still yearn for. And how do they prioritize their DVR directories or catch up on prior seasons of newfound favorites: Via Netflix? On demand? Free re- runs online? Have they managed to marry their Internet access with their flat-screen HDTVs and download all their content? Or are they still watching a cathode tube with a digital antenna? The evidence keeps mounting that the simple act of watching a


TV show when it’s “on” is an antiquated ritual practiced only by people older than 40. To which I say: Hmmmm, really? From the balcony of my Washington apartment, I can look across the street at night into a whole city block of new, glassy condo buildings — and in nearly every window I see the flickering blue glow of our old friend. Maybe they’re all playing video games or watching movies, but


INSIDE


onslaught begins, what if the TV critic picked out shows just for you?


I’d be willing to bet that they’re just watching some TV. The networks believe that, too, and refuse to let up on the an- nual inundation known as the fall TV season. Nearly everything new is on in the next 10 days. I will go ahead and tell you there are no must-see standouts this season — no “Glee” or “Modern Fami- ly” with which to fall instantly in lurve. To tailor answers to that never-ending question — “What should I be watching?” — I came at this year’s season preview with a variety of certain, idiosyncratic viewers firmly in mind, based on my readers, Facebook groups and newsroom colleagues. I asked people what they’re looking for and what shows they’ve loved, past or present; then I sorted them into composite viewer types. I tried to think about what new scripted shows they should try (setting aside most reality programming, for the moment) and what shows they should probably avoid.


Remotes ready? Let’s proceed. Turn to E8-9 to see what you should be watching.


‘OUTSOURCED’


Ethnic humor A satire about a call center for an American company in India (with Rebecca Hazlewood), it quickly becomes another lame sitcom. E4


FRIDAY NIGHT SHOWS


Saving a wasted evening Friday has been abandoned by some networks, but they’re trying to reclaim it with dramas like “Outlaw” with Jimmy Smits. E6


‘$#*! MY DAD SAYS’


Amissed opportunity The show with William Shatner could have been sharply funny like “All in the Family,” but it’s safely bland instead. E7


ALSO Ask Amy, E13 Carolyn Hax, E13 Celebrations, E15 Cul de Sac, E13 Movie Guide, E11 Horoscope, E13 Imogen Quest, E11 Lively Arts Guide, E4 On Love, E14 Robin Givhan, E10


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