Television runs on semesters. Tanking shows from the fall are yanked and replaced by the biggest and brightest spectacles networks can summon from the dark of winter. Oh who am I kidding, we’re all waiting for Game of Thrones. A show whose eye-popping numbers are actually topped by what’s happening on-screen. But enough of that. We Drexelites still need something to watch for the winter quarter.
Watch if you care about all that is good in the world:
“Parks and Recreation” (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC)
Oh the sad state of NBC comedy. Just a few short years ago, its airwaves were occupied by “The Office,” “Community” and “30 Rock.” Now, all that’s left is “Parks” and a handful of freshman sitcoms that fall somewhere between indigestible and actively bad for one’s health. In a way, the freefall of the once proud network mirrors that of our school. Remember when US News and World Report placed Drexel in the 70’s and rising a few years back? Now we’re 95 and falling — but I digress. “Parks” is the only remnant of NBC’s inspired slate, and its farewell season was mercilessly cut to a half-order of 13. In fact, the time-jump at the end of last season makes this a weird extended epilogue similar to “War and Peace.” Yet the laughs are inevitable as Amy Poehler and Co. chase a resounding send-off.
President John A. Fry disapproves of it because: six previous seasons mean there’s plenty of procrastination material while you’re waiting for next week’s episode.
Watch if you’re a vegetable and need light for sustenance:
“Empire” (Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox)
When reports started circling that Fox only sent one episode to critics (these days, studios generally send a few since pilots are exposition-laden hulks of space junk), my DEFCON level jumped a notch. Sending one episode implies the next few are just as bad or the network doesn’t actually believe in the project. Not unlike when your academic advisor passive-aggressively ignores you at all times. This show was advertised as the hip version of “Nashville,” but I’m starting to wonder if it’s the music version of “Terra Nova,” another heavy network bet that ended up crashing. However, at least the explosion will be under bright lights and your potted plants can get some much-needed exposure.
President Fry approves of it because: “Empire” has aggressive expansion plans just like our glorious school; also like our glorious school, those plans will wither faster than roses on Feb. 15.
Watch if “Into the Woods” didn’t sate your desire for knights, princesses, and musicals:
“Galavant” (Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC)
A dashing prince, an evil king, adventure, true love, what could go wrong? Disney alums Dan Fogleman, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater wrote this TV musical focused on the hero Galavant who lost his princess to the evil King Richard, portrayed by TV star Timothy Omundson (“Psych”). The first four episodes have aired, and “Galavant” delivered as a crowd-pleasing comedy. Even the most battle-scarred Drexel student will chuckle in mild approval. Best of all, “Galavant” knows what it is: it won’t weave a crystalline web of relationships such as “Game of Thrones,” but the 24-minute episodes will brighten up your Sunday nights.
President Fry disapproves of it because: The whimsical heroes of this perverted fairytale are still more reliable than Drexel Public Safety.
Watch if you can’t resist women who wear cherry-red lipstick and can beat you up:
“Agent Carter” (Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on ABC)
After a shaky start, Marvel TV found its footing over the second half of the “Agents of SHIELD” debut season. Agent Carter looks to find a much quicker start with Hayley Atwell expanding her bit role in “Captain America: The First Avenger,” to a miniseries. Our heroine doesn’t expect superheroes to save her, and as such, lays the smack down herself. The bean counters at Marvel are beginning to realize being belittled by your boss hurts just as much as a laser blast — something to which we co-op students can attest. “Agent Carter” has the trappings of an enthralling spy thriller; time will tell if the Marvel brand name hinders or helps its case.
President Fry approves of it because: There’s only eight episodes, which means you still have two weeks to study for finals!
Watch if TV hasn’t been the same since “Breaking Bad:”
“Better Call Saul” (Mondays at 10 p.m. on AMC)
The anticipated spin-off of AMC’s lauded “Breaking Bad” focuses on criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. Years before Walter and Jesse attracted his notice, Saul was “Jimmy McGill” and needed to build a client base. Unlike “Empire,” the network clearly loves this property as it has already ordered a second season. Finally, it’s more Breaking Bad! Need I say more?
President Fry disapproves of it because: Despite massive enrollment, Saul still out-earns Drexel every quarter.