Kate Powe
Contributor
The Event
Citytv, Mondays 9 p.m.
NBC’s new show The Event is poised to replace Lost as the new inexplicable-things-happen-that-don’t- make-sense-until-the-end show. So if you’re a fan of Lost, David Lynch movies, Inception or the game Clue, you’ll be excited about The Event. The creator, Nick Wauters, has already written five seasons. This means that the story is well-planned, and every moment will be deliberate and ripe with meaning.
The Event begins with a series of mysteries that slowly unravel as the episode progresses, ending with enough of a climax to make the viewer begging for more. The clever plot, fabulous acting, well-developed characters and intensity of the show, will make anyone who watches instantly addicted. I know I am.
The Event forces you to think, to watch for every detail and to hunt for nuances that might further your understanding of what’s transpiring. It’s truly a treat for the mind. If you’re looking for a new series to obsess over, The Event will easily fill that void.
Running Wilde
FOX, Tuesdays 9:30 p.m.
The creators of Arrested Development have come together to create yet another comedy about eccentric people in awkward circumstances. Running Wilde is funny, but not so hilarious that you’ll slap your hands on the table in a fit of laughter and re-watch the clip on YouTube 20 times the next day.
Running Wilde is a light and entertaining show about a spoiled rich man (Will Arnett) who is visited by his humanitarian lost love (Keri Russel) and her daughter as they attempt to make him a “better man.” As you might have guessed, their personalities clash with bitter and witty dialogue. The characters are sweet, quirky and easy to fall in love with. The best part about the show is that it mocks both “do-gooders” who loathe wealth and spoiled rich people who have nothing better to do than show their neighbour their new horse. Also, Keri Russel’s daughter is absolutely adorable. Running Wilde is the perfect show for lovers of 30 Rock and Arrested Development, or for those who just want to procrastinate. However, I don’t foresee it becoming the next big thing in TV comedy.
The Whole Truth
Citytv, Wednesdays 10 p.m.
Initially, The Whole Truth poses the question: do we really need another criminal justice show? It turns out this series is a little bit different and actually quite interesting.
The show’s central characters are each case’s hard-working prosecutor and clever defence attorney. It is quickly established that they have a complicated relationship, allowing for some quick dialogue and angry competition.
For a courtroom drama, the show is surprisingly intense. The Whole Truth is not quickly paced in the typical they-have-30-seconds-to-dismantle-a-bomb kind of way. It is intellectually exciting. The show cuts between the two attorneys, who both attempt to manipulate and interpret the truth in favour of their objective. Each episode is written so that the audience doesn’t know who will win until the end, which keeps viewers captivated and curious.
I wouldn’t say that the show is especially innovative or new, but it is definitely a fascinating glimpse into the world of lawyers.
