Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Castle vs. Hawaii Five-O

I’m feeling a little torn today. Most of you know I’m a fan of the TV show Castle, and it premiered last week. I look forward to every episode because I like that the main character is a writer. I find him funny and I like when he spins his theories because as far-fetched as they seem, I can identify with that because I think about “what ifs” when dealing with real-life situations as well. But the other thing I like about Castle is the chemistry with the cast. Esposito, Ryan, Castle, and Beckett are just pure fun.

Unfortunately, the first two episodes of this season haven’t exactly showcased what I’ve loved about the show. Beckett is lying to Castle now (about remembering his words to her after she was shot), and Castle is holding a secret from Beckett (about investigating her mother’s murder), the new captain is sort of stiff and odd, and it just seems less fun and more dark. I feel a little traitorous saying it, but the fact is, last night I switched over and watched Hawaii Five-O. I know, I know, I can’t believe it. (I did watch Castle though and it’s still on my DVR. I still want to be a fan, and I hope it gets some sparkle back really soon.)

But Hawaii Five-O is sort of an enigma to me. I like it because it’s fluffy entertainment and there’s a lot of Hawaiian eye candy. Every time they show the landscape I think to myself, I want to go there. The premise of the show is sort of right up the alley of my books, with the main character trying to solve a mystery around his father (that seems to involve terrorists and conspiracies), as well as solve local crimes and make tough decisions. Each case is solved at the end of the hour, (except for the over-arching mystery with his dad) and it’s not necessarily realistic, but the banter between the two leads (Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan) is really funny and makes me laugh. Seriously some of the best banter between leads I’ve seen in a long time.

So, I’m feeling a little traitorous today in that I’m not enjoying Castle as much as I did in past seasons and I am definitely enjoying Hawaii Five-O. They just added a kick-butt sort of girl to the team last night that, from the looks of things, will be giving Steve McGarrett a run for his money. I know I’ll be tuning in.

I guess the question is, which show will be DVR’d and which show will I watch live. Navy SEAL Steve McGarrett vs. best-selling author Richard Castle? Tough choice. But one I’m glad I get to make every week.

Do you have a TV show you like to watch? Have you been looking forward to a season premiere?

10 comments:

Melanie Goldmund said...

I started watching Fringe around Christmas time, and before I knew it, I was sucking in three episodes a day sometimes because there was so much I wanted to find out and discover! I finally caught up sometime in April, I think, and had to get used to waiting one whole week between episodes! Then summer came, and I've been anticipating the premiere of season four. I finally got my fix last weekend, but I already want more! I'm a big sci fi geek, but I also love all the characters on the show.

On British television, I also had to wait the entire summer for more Doctor Who, and now I'm looking forward to the fourth season of Merlin which will start on Saturday evening. I love Merlin, with his endearing sticky-out ears and his cheeky smile, but I also love Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon. That cloak, that crown, that scar on his forehead ... yum! Lots of females drool over Arthur, but I just want to push him out of the way so I can drool over Uther. And the show itself is just plain fun.

I've also seen a trailor for a show with Jason Isaacs called Awake which sounds so fascinating. Jason is also drool-worthy ... ahem, I mean, the plot sounds absolutely unique. Yeah, I watch shows for the plot. Really. :D

Debra Erfert said...

I was channel surfing last night and I heard Five-O's music come on. It surprised me! I used to watch the old show when I was little. Loved it. Now I know how unrealistic it was. I started watching this new one out of curiosity. Pretty girl, kind of cute McGarrett guy. It was getting interesting until the Mayor chastised McGarrett for release some criminal so he could lead him back to--someplace. That ticked me off! Not that the mayor was telling a police commander how to do his job--which he can't do, but that a police officer would deliberately release a criminal under arrest to do more crime. My hubby's a retired cop, and that's just--just absolutely stupid!!! I turned the channel and completely forgot about Castle. Sheesh! I don't like the knew captain. I don't like how everyone is lying to everyone else.

Now what do I do?

Tell me!

Oh, wait! I'll write another book.

Debra Erfert said...

New captain--I meant new captain, not knew. Sheesh . . .

Julie Coulter Bellon said...

Melanie, I've heard good things about both Fringe and Dr. Who. I really need to look into them.

Deb, the governor was chastising Steve because Steve let a small man on the totem pole go, since he couldn't prove his case, in hopes that the guy would lead them to a major terrorist. But since Steve was recently framed for murdering the last governor, the new governor wants to keep close tabs on Commander McGarrett. It's going to be an interesting dynamic I think, since the old governor gave Steve carte blanche when it came to cases and criminals and the new guy definitely won't. Anyway, I hope you do write another book. I can't wait to read the one you finished! :)

Sarah Tokeley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah Tokeley said...

I'll cast my vote for Fringe and Doctor Who. Both excellent.

I'm interested in a new series called Terra Nova.

Dora Hiers said...

Glad I don't have to choose because we DVR both Castle and Hawaii Five O. I'm with you, Julie. Castle was a little disappointing last week. Love Bones and The Mentalist also.

Jon Spell said...

We DVR both, too. Shame on you, Julie! I can't believe you ... you just gave up on Castle! I'll admit, H50 is fun fluff, and makes me want to go to Hawaii, but I'll say this: 2nd episode is waiting to be watched, but not Castle. Tsk.

There's an awesome scene where Ryan is mimicking one of Castle's theories that just had me in tears.

There was not a single scene regarding Kate's shooting investigation. My only problem with last night's show was Alexis. I feel like she's going through teen rebellion a little late. It made me sad to watch Rory Gilmore go down that road, too.

Julie Coulter Bellon said...

Sarah, I haven't heard of Terra Nova. I'll have to check that one out, too!

Dora, I'm so glad to find a woman after my own heart!

Jon, I agree with you about Alexis. It seemed a little odd to have that now. And while there wasn't anything about her shooting investigation, it was just an odd dynamic last night for me. Ryan's bit was the only good thing about last night's episode, imho. The dynamic with Kate and Rick is off, the new captain is just stiff and not gelling with me at all. I miss the old days. Maybe it was just that I'm not a big comic book fan so the ep wasn't my cup of tea. I'm sorry! I do feel guilty.

And you know what else? I'm kind of hating the "product placement" stuff if you get my drift. Did you ever finish the book? I am still in the first half of the first "Heat" book.

Crystal said...

Ooooh, that does sound like a tough choice!

My folks are into crime shows, so we watch things like Law and Order SVU (one of my old faves), NCIS, Flashpoint (which I LOVE because it's actually set here in Toronto - woot!!) and so forth. My favourite show of all time would be The Simpsons, and I'm so thankful I found not one but TWO websites where I can watch the episodes online for free!! :-)