Have you met the freshman class of the 2015-16 TV season? As we approach the halfway point of their first year on the air, think of the following reviews as these shows' mid-term report cards. Who's going to the head of the class and who's going to need extra credit? Keep reading for the verdict so far! There may or may not be a quiz later... ;)
"Scream Queens" (Fox)Subject: Sociology
Premise: The friends and foes of a popular sorority are targeted by a masked serial killer who is connected to a secret from the school's past.
Episodes: 9 [out of 13 scheduled]
Evaluation: The latest offering from "Glee" and "American Horror Story" creator Ryan Murphy splits the difference between those two disparate genres. Never entirely funny or scary, this biting send-up of college horror tropes works better when it brazenly defies expectations than when it rehashes the same cliches it tries so earnestly to subvert. There's some truly inspired slang and dialogue that miraculously slips past the network censors, while a brilliantly-cast Jamie Lee Curtis (as the ambitious dean) steals the show from its talented ensemble. The opening credits alone are worth a watch. However, it remains to be seen whether this anthology-in-the-making has enough guts to survive until its next installment.
Grade: B-
"Quantico" (ABC)
Subject: Current Events
Premise: A dedicated FBI recruit pieces together the events that transpired between her training at the academy and a New York City bombing for which she is being framed.
Episodes: 8 [out of 22 scheduled]
Evaluation: A diverse and well-rounded cast -- combined with fast-paced storytelling and an unflinching look at the roots and effects of terrorism -- rank this series among the better fall debuts. Don't be fooled by the pretty young recruits; they've done an outstanding job of portraying the complexities of suspicious human nature. What sets "Quantico" above its soapy counterparts is its willingness to make the characters (and the audience) question the people and the world around them. Sure, there's enough relationship drama and inner turmoil to fuel a lesser show, but every interaction from a glance to a tryst makes you second-guess who's manipulating who. At the rate it's going, the show is a puzzle that will demand repeat viewings to see how its intricate pieces fall into place.
Grade: A-
"The Muppets" (ABC)Subject: Arts & Crafts
Premise: All the puppets you know and love are back in a workplace mockumentary set in and around Miss Piggy's late-night talk show.
Episodes: 8 [out of 16 scheduled]
Evaluation: The trademark humor and heart of the characters are in full effect... even if the voice acting doesn't quite match the high standards of its original run. It's also a blast to see how their personalities fit (or don't) at work and in relationships -- a more developed concept than their variety show origins and movie adventures. The first season was always intended to have a shorter run (likely due to the technical demands of all the puppetry), but worrisome reports have surfaced that the show will be retooled mid-season amid creative differences between its producers. If it's not broke, don't fix it -- especially at the risk of ruining a bright spot in an otherwise dull sitcom line-up.
Grade: B
"Supergirl" (CBS)Subject: Physics
Premise: Superman's cousin Kara uses her powers to help National City while trying to avoid comparisons to and reliance on the Man of Steel.
Episodes: 5 [out of 13 scheduled; full-season order is pending]
Evaluation: It's not a bird or a plane, and it's not living up to its potential. Good news: the show has a strong feminist spine, and starting with Kara as an adult prevents drawing parallels to the last Super-related, coming-of-age saga ("Smallville"). Bad news: the show can't decide what it wants to be. Is it a dramedy about purpose or a sci-fi procedural? It's hard to take it seriously when the tone is so uneven. The villain-of-the-week angle is already tired, and the special effects could use some help as well. At least the cast is capable and appealing -- particularly Calista Flockhart's deliciously driven Cat Grant (this show's answer to Perry White) -- but it'll take a lot more than good intentions to keep this one in the air.
Grade: C+
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