TV

Whoever pioneered DVR technology is my hero. I love to watch TV, but do not have the time to regularly do so. So on a lazy weekend day, I can catch up on 7 episodes of The Office, or whatever. So what's on TV?

Hawaii Five-0. As a fan of the original series, I was extremely apprehensive. Anytime the Hollywood morons remake a show from the old days, it has a campy twist that makes me want to wash my eyes with hydrochloric acid. Five-0 is an excellent show. Some old timers have been harsh in their criticism, citing such huge character differences, etc. My only comment to that is why would you do a remake, and then make everything the same? Old McGarrett was the best cop of his time, and new McGarrett is a tad reckless and tackles people at least once per show. 5 out of 5 Hula girls.

The Mentalist. I came into this show at the beginning of season 2 (it's in its 3rd season now). My wife was constantly yapping about great it was blah blah blah. I watched a couple minutes of it and felt like seeing how many fingers I could cut off before I passed out. After giving it a chance, I can't miss any show. Great lead actor, supporting cast is superb, and the continuity is pretty tight. This show does well in the ratings, but should do better. 5 out of 5 serial killers.

Parks and Recreation. Another show that, when it first came on, I hated it. I really, really hated it. I liked the cast, but as an ensemble, it felt forced, and was like watching the Terminator's torso crawling after Sarah Connor. Not just a scene of robot crawling...it felt like 30 minutes of that. Mind-numbing, truly. Then all of a sudden, it started clicking. I laugh harder at this than I do 30 Rock. Best characters: Ron Swanson and Andy. Andy is so incredibly funny in this show. During season one, I wondered what Andy might look like after a meteor fell on him, but from season two forward, the character has been brilliant. Hats off. The addition of Rob Lowe had me scratching my head, but his character is a riot. Watch this show. Now. 5 out of 5 Rashida Jones' (because she is smokin' hot).

The Office. Always a solid show, but it has its slow moments. It also has its deathly uncomfortable moments. Steve Carell is leaving the show, and I am hoping the show can go on and still have some quality attached to it. 3 out of 5 stars.

How I Met Your Mother. I can't say enough about this show. Brilliance. I think the chemistry is the key. Some shows have it, some don't. Happy Days, Seinfeld, Friends...all had great chemistry. Other shows like, oh, I don't know, To Catch a Predator...not so much. Doogie Howser is excellent in this show, and the female characters more than hold their own. 5 out of 5.

Modern Family. Best sitcom on TV. More great chemistry from all involved. The kids are hilarious, all 3 "families" are great...I'd tell people to watch it, but they already are, probably. 7 out of 5!

The Big Bang Theory. Always solid, always funny. While I haven't, and won't, miss an episode, I sometimes feel like every episode is somewhat the same. Still, there's always 3 or 4 "LOL" moments. 4 out of 5 nerds.

Dexter. I saved the best for last. Not since The Sopranos have I been roped into a show that was so insanely addictive. The Sopranos were never even close to this addictive. I have a friend who kept harping on me to watch it. I kept thinking "no." Once I saw seasons 1 and 2 were on the instant queue for Netflix, my excuses started to run out. I watched the first three episodes in a row. This was last November. I am now caught up (through season 5). GREAT STUFF. 10 out of 5 blood slides.