Sep 25 2008
Emmys Disappointed, But There’s “Betty” and “Grey’s” on Deck
She’s larger than life- and a treasure. Just what will the third season hold in store for the delightfully frumpy Betty? (picture courtesy of ABC-TV)
Not to break out the ol’ ”Told ya so,” but I did just that when I said I wasn’t in the minority in regards to disinterest in this year’s Emmy Awards.
Despite finishing the week as the seventh-most-watched program, the 60th annual ceremony- which aired on ABC Sunday and celebrates television’s supposed best- averaged just 12.34 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. That’s down from last year’s 13 million, and barely higher than the record-low 12.3 million that tuned into FOX’s 1990 broadcast.
Hardly a surprise, given that critics blasted the broadcast, and with the way television programming has been headed- that is, further down the toilet. But, there always are a few bright spots among the lackluster fare. I’m sure NBC’s 30 Rock- winner of its second consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series honor this year- has some merit. And, I actually tuned into Dancing With the Stars this week- a program I had little interest in prior- and enjoyed it. Then, there’s the return tonight of two programs I’ve watched on and off in recent times, and look forward to: ABC’s Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy.
After winning the 2007 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, America Ferrera didn’t take home the prize this year, but I’ll still be watching Ugly Betty and its campy events unfold throughout the season. Did Betty choose Henry? Gio? Neither? How much more of a BITCH can Willamina be? (The possibilities are overwhelming on that one.) What further challenges await Mode magazine? Who does Hollywood’s favorite troubled girl Lindsay Lohan think she is, tossing food at our Betty?
Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo- aka McDreamy and Meredith- give love another go around this season on Grey’s Anatomy. (picture courtesy of ABC-TV)
Right after Betty’s third-season adventures begin, the Seattle Grace Hospital staff of Grey’s Anatomy return for a fifth season of drama. I had stopped watching this show for a while, and I heard it jumped the shark in numerous ways. I caught a few episodes last season, and I’m hearing good things about this new season, so I’ll give it another shot at my dedicated viewership. Will Meredith and Derek finally have an interference-free romance? Are Callie and Erica really lesbians, or just curious gals? Why would Izzie cozy up with Alex yet again? Is George settling for second best by getting involved with Meredith’s sister Lexie? What’s up with that Rose chick and her psycho behavior?
So much drama, so much time for these shows to create even more. Let the new season of turmoil begin…
