Forgive me, TVAddict, for I have sinned.
Either that, or crappy shows have gotten a whole lot better than they once were. Yeah, let’s go with that. Because otherwise, I’m going to have to eat a bit of crow, and there’s nothing that gets stuck in my craw like crow.
That said, I have to admit that two shows which I’ve dissed in the past — one of which I even went so far as to declare my hatred for (earning myself the wrath of its disciples) — have won me over.
Now, let’s not get crazy. I’m not going to go around proclaiming my love of SUPERNATURAL and ONE TREE HILL. It’s not as if snocones are being dished out in Hell.
But I will admit that I’ve… warmed to them.
Especially SUPERNATURAL.
It started with the holiday themed — if horrendously titled — “A Very Supernatural Christmas.” While turned off by the complete lack of creativity where the title was concerned, I tuned in and found myself having a jolly good time. With there being precious few new programs to distract me, I began spending more and more time with the Winchester brothers. “Bad Day At Black Rock” had me laughing aloud at Sam’s pratfalls. I was genuinely chilled by the creepy changeling make-up featured in “The Kids Are Alright.” While I didn’t particularly love “Sin City”, it did feature dialogue which explained some of the mythology which I couldn’t quite figure out. And although “Bedtime Stories” felt a tad predictable, the final scene in which Sam confronted and cold-bloodedly shot the demon was a fantastic moment.
Is it the best show on the air? Not even close. Does it deliver on the thrills? Not really. Do I still have a problem with the way Jensen Ackles speaks? More than ever… especially after two other people, also new to the show but familiar with his previous work, each commented on it. It just ain’t natural, damnit. It’s what I like to call “acting voice.” But I’m getting used to it.
As for ONE TREE HILL, it’s amazing what a little time-traveling can do for a show. While several elements are still laughably bad (most notably the abysmal acting of James Lafferty and the fact that even after jumping four years in time, Hilarie Burton’s Peyton still seems about a decade older than her peers), I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the two-hour premiere which relaunched the show didn’t capture — and, more importantly, keep — my interest.
So there you have it, and you can make of it what you will while taking it for what it’s worth. I’m not about to turn my back on reality TV (as if!), nor am I going to be putting either of these shows in my top 10 list. You won’t hear me cursing the fates which keep the Winchester boys or the Tree Hill gang from getting Emmy noms. (In fact, if they did, I’d have to seriously consider overthrowing the Academy to restore a sense of order in the world.)
But my DVR is set to record them each week, and I’ll even admit that I’ll look forward to watching. Just not in public. 