Sal Taylor's TV Reviews

So I admit it - it took me a while to get in to this show. I'm somewhat of a lurker in the TV world - I like to see that a show really has legs before I commit. So it took some nagging from my coworkers to make me add this to my Tivo.

Now I'm hooked! It has that great mix of subtle comedy and playful, yet witty banter that makes you smile in a winsome, yearning kind of a way. You so want this bunch of misfits to just sort it out - but they never quite do - which is what keeps you tuning in each week for more. How will they screw up a good thing this week? We all ask. And sure enough - the characters never fail to disappoint our diminishing expectations.

One of my favorite shows on TV that I never fail to TiVo. I'm a huge Sorkin fan from his West Wing days and really enjoy dialogue that makes you pause and think. This is quite so noble as life in public office - TV is TV after all - but the characters are engaging, their stories are believable and I could sit and listen to Danny and Matt jabber all day!

This has to be one of the best written shows on television and one of my current favorites. From Andy who I simultaneously depise and love in equal measure, to Doug who just makes your skin crawl - each character is well-defined, interesting and has their own unique story. If you enjoy good writing and sharp comedic talent - this is a good show to add to your Season Pass.

Without a doubt, Colbert is one of the funniest men on television. I used to be a big Jon Stewart fan, still am, but if it's a toss up between the two on any given night - Stephen gets my vote. "Better Know a District" is just hilarious and who can resist the smarts of "The Word" -it's just really clever television. Ah, shows that make you think, and we thought their time had come and gone.

I've always had mixed feelings about this show. It truly is a stellar cast and watching their performances makes it totally worthwhile, but sometimes the whole polygamy thing just weirds me out. I do think they have done a good job at helping people understand polygamy in a modern context and how that might work (or not) - but it's still something I have trouble getting my head around. Overall though a great drama and exceptional cast.

Who said this show was on it's last legs? This season ER is coming back stronger than ever with great plot lines, and some interesting new faces. OK, I admit it, John Stamos is easy on the eye! I agree with the recent reviews of this show though - the change in cast has helped keep it fresh and John Wells' writing is spot on. Not many shows make it to my must-see list this season - but this is definitely one. If you enjoy good drama and multi-dimensional characters - this is a show for you.

There's something infallibly good about Oprah. Whether she is redoing a living room wth Nate, solving your marriage problems, or letting Tom Cruise jump all over her sofa - it's always endlessly entertaining and frequently informative. Go Oprah I say - you rock! And the book reviews - that her stamp of apporval might get more folks reading Steinbeck for example! C'mon people - what's not to love?!

Who can't get enough of celebrity gossip!? If you're after the real scoop on what's going on in the world of your fave celebs - ET is the show for you. It's really best to Tivo it if you can, so you can fast forward to the good bits - else it can be a bit over the top. But it's generally well-presented, slick and up to the minute.

I can't get enough of Larry. He reminds me of David Brent in the original version of The Office in that he is just so bad it becomes painful to watch at a certain point, but i's just too damn funny to stop. Cheryl Hines is also superb and a great match for this ball of neuroses. Don't miss it - if Seinfeld ticked your funny bone, this won't fail to make you chortle and grimace in equal measure.

I have to say I'm just not a procedural drama kinda gal in the first place - but if I was I don't think this would be top of my list. CSI beats it hands down for sheer drama and engagement.