The Voices of Reason: Underrated TV Shows

The Voices of Reason: Underrated TV Shows
by Various Authors

Whether a minor show on a secondary cable network or a long-time standard that everyone takes for granted, there are many shows on TV that don't get the accolades they deserve.

Question: What is the most underrated TV show currently on the air?

Amy Tu—I think the most underrated show on the air is "Jake in Progress." They tested the market last season but moved the schedule too much for it to catch a following. If Ididn't have a TIVO , I wouldn't know when it was on! I started watching it because of the tag line "Different Sex, Same City," and I found it to be really funny and poignant. I heard there will be more episodes, but when I have NO idea.

Dileep Rao—This is simple. The most underrated show is "The Simpsons." People take it for granted, that it's funny and can rerun and we can quote it, but think about this: some horrid time in the future, "The
Simpons" will cease production and our times will continue without this series' sharp commentary.

"The Simpsons" does what no other show on television can do: it can satire, savage, and command the absurd while still staying true to its roots as a family show. Other animated shows try to emulate this but are either too stylistically distanced from our lives ("Family Guy"—very funny but no "Simpsons") or simply too maniacal ("South Park"—raunchy satire, but hardly brilliant; "Aqua Teen Hunger Force"—deeply imaginative and out there, but not rich in its characterizations) for us to relate to.

"The Simpsons" is such a rich show because it has so many characters. It has grown over the years to a population of oddballs that feels distinctly like our world of oddballs.

Mark May—Unfortunately, the one show that I would call underrated was so underappreciated that it was cancelled last season. "Joan of Arcadia" had a lousy time slot (8 pm on Friday night - so that gives you some hints about my social life as well), but it consistently delivered quality viewing. The plot centered around a relatively average high schooler played by Amber Tamblyn. By normal, I mean that she had her share of teenage issues to deal with - relationship problems, clashes with teachers, issues with her parents and her brother. But she had a unique talent - she could talk to God. Each week God appeared in various guises to help guide her through the conflict or issue for that week.

The writing was literate, the characters were interesting (including Joan's mother and father played by Mary Steenburgen and Joe Mantegna) and the religious dialog was moderately challenging (Joan's shaky faith was a regular topic of discussion). I also liked the fact the show did not wrap up each week's theme in a nice feel-good moment, nor did it play down to its audience. As with other shows that I liked a lot that fit this description ("St. Elsewhere," "NYPD Blue," "Sports Night"), I was sorry to see it go.

So my nominee for most underrated currently on TV is Denis Leary's "Rescue Me" on FX. It advertises itself as a drama about NYC firefighters post-Sept 11. But as with most good TV dramas, it is less about fire fighters and more about the individual lives of the characters. It has the kind of drama, pathos and black humor that I really like.

The characters of Denis Leary (alcoholic trying to maintain some tie to his Catholic faith and his kids) and Jack McGee (coping with a wife in the early stages of Alzheimers) are particularly compelling. I consider it underrated because it was almost completely overlooked by the Emmys. To me, it is deserving of more recognition from the critics and (hopefully) more viewers as well. I would like see it stick around for a few seasons.

Ruth Torres—I haven't watched much TV, but I really like "Scrubs." I don't
think it's doing well in the ratings and I haven't heard anything from
critics, but I think it's a very clever comedy. What I like the most about the show is that there is no live audience. I also enjoy how each character contributes to the show, but most of all I like the narration by the main character, Dr. John Dorian, because you get an insight of his thoughts and feelings. This is one of the funniest shows on TV and I wish it did better in the ratings.

Martell—In my opinion, the most underrated show right now is "Monk." Some might disagree, considering Tony Shalhoub has won two consecutive Emmys (for playing the title character), but other than that one night of the year, I hear nothing about this show.

You think "Joan of Arcadia" has a poor time slot? It's over by 9pm, which still gives you plenty of time to go out. No, "Monk" is on at 10pm. On the USA Network. That pretty much has to be the armpit of the programming schedule.

In a nutshell, "Monk" is about an incredibly smart detective with OCD. Needless to say, it's a comedy. Record an episode or two and give it a look. You won't regret it.

To submit a topic for The Voices of Reason, or to be added to the VoR Shout Out List, send an e-mail to martell@babblog.com.