The Top 5 Shows of 2010 You Didn’t Watch
As 2010 comes to a close, many writers take the time to write about the best shows of 2010. They often write about the popular and well received shows, categorizing them into the "best" field, but more often than not, it's the shows that are NOT being watched that deserve words of praise and encouragement.
So in light of this fact, I bring you my list of the top 5 shows that you didn't watch in 2010 in the hopes that you will make them part of your 2011 watching resolutions. The following shows are "on the bubble" are all severely underrated and could use a little bit of love.
Embassy Row
In this week's Human Target, Chance has to sneak into the Russian Embassy to hunt down the spy who killed his friend and is trying to sell secret weapons to the highest bidder. Along the way, he runs into an gorgeous FBI agent while trying to avoid Russian security and find the antidote his poisoning. And with that, you have the entire plot of the episode.
With three episodes of Human Target now aired, I have to seriously wonder about the viability of this show. On the one hand, it's an extremely fun show with plenty of action. On the other hand, I keep getting the feeling that I've quite literally seen it all before. During the episode, we have one sequence between Agent Emma Barnes and Chance where they fight it out in an office. I'm immediately reminded of the movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," right down to the similar red dress and tango music. It's not to say that it doesn't work in the context of the episode, but I wonder if there is a lack of creativity overall. In another sequence, we have Emma and Chance handcuffed together, making their escape on a motorcycle a la "Tomorrow Never Dies."
I haven't figured out if the show is a nod to action movies, or just plain ripping them off. In either case though, until the show itself falls off a cliff in ridiculousness, I think it'll remain enjoyable.
Interesting Observations
- "If I were a prostitute, I'd be a damn expensive one." - Emma
- "You're not what I thought you were...not a neanderthal" - Emma
- How in the world does Agent Emma's dress and hair stay that clean through the get away and the fighting? Oh silly Hollywood.
Pilot / Rewind
Human Target makes a strong showing on it's first night. I guess I have to say the show reminds me of a non stop summer blockbuster action movie that is pretty light on plot but heavy on action and suspense, and it does it pretty well.
Based on a comic book of the same name, "Human Target" revolves around Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), professional body guard, his manager Winston (Chi McBride) and his tech operator Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley). Each week, someone hires Chance to protect the client, or someone important to the client, from just as nefarious mercenaries bent out for murder or capture. There are plenty of overtones that Chance and his team were once one of these mercenaries and is now putting his skills to help and save people.
The show itself has a episodic "client of the week" feel to it, which works I would say. There is an extreme amount of action in the whole show, with plenty of interesting action sequences that showcase some great fight choreography (fighting in the service vents of a moving high speed bullet train?).
There isn't too much depth to the show though so far. There isn't much along the way of plot lines or character development. But if you take the show at face value, I think you will find that that there is a satisfying amount of action and energy to keep you interested for a while. It's not a show that takes itself very seriously, but rather models itself after the popcorn summer affair we secretly enjoy. I have to wonder if it will be able to keep up this pace though without providing any substance.
Observations
- The first two episodes involve two guest stars from Battlestar Galatica, Tricia Helfer and Alessandro Juliani
- Chance: "How much of this came out of my taxes? Stephanie: "62 billion" Chance: "Even i want to kill you a little bit"
- There will be plenty of Jack Bauer vs Christopher Chance comparisons I'm sure.