Why, yes, it would have made better sense to air The Simpsons annual “Treehouse of Horror” episode on Halloween. But, hey, who knew the World Series would end so soon, thus negating Oct. 31’s possible Game 7 (or that the Red Sox’s curse of the Bambino would be broken in our lifetime)?
Now that the World Series is over, and Fox can officially roll out its fall TV season (season premieres of The OC and Tru Calling are Thursday, Nov. 4), the network aims to anchor the week with a strong Sunday-night lineup built on laughs starting Nov. 7. The evening starts with King of the Hill at 6pm, followed by Malcolm in the Middle at 6:30pm, The Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror” episode at 7pm (the animated series officially premieres with a new season Nov. 14), and Arrested Development at 7:30pm. A new reality series, My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss, closes the evening at 8pm.
There are no surprises with the old favorites. They are still funny after all these years, even Malcolm in the Middle. Although the boys are well into adolescence, they still manage to play their outrageous predicaments with straight-faced, amusing bewilderment.
However, the crown jewel of the evening is The Simpsons followed by the Emmy Award-winning Arrested Development. Thankfully, this critically acclaimed yet viewer-poor series airs prior to ABC hits Desperate Housewives and Boston Legal. Still, Arrested Development faces strong competition: Charmed (WB), American Dreams (NBC), Cold Case (CBS), and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC). Ratings numbers show that aside from recording shows for later viewing, viewers are also as likely to watch the last half hour of a show just to see how it ends, thereby raising its ratings numbers. With that in mind, let me make this suggestion: Record the last half hour of your drama of choice and watch Arrested Development. It is by far the funniest sitcom on broadcast television, deserving of more viewers. Please! I’m tired of talking to myself about it!
When its sophomore season begins, Michael Bluth (the superb Jason Bateman) faces jail time for the illegal business practices his father, George (Jeffrey Tambor), begot. Imprisoned in the first season, George is now on the lam after his prison break. Strangely, and in spite of their extraordinary dysfunction and Michael’s preoccupation with finding the company checkbook that will help clear his name, the Bluth family carries on.
Sunday night ends on a low note with My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss. The reality show is another version of the similarly titled reality series that featured a fake fiancé and a duped family. This one rewrites a page from The Apprentice and the recent Andy Dick reality show, The Assistant, bringing together 12 fools who think they’re competing for a job with a billionaire’s firm, only to learn that the joke is on them.
Fox trots out more reality fare Tuesday with The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best. Sir Richard Branson, billionaire, adventurer, and founder/chairman of the Virgin Group, is looking for an heir apparent in this hybrid of The Apprentice and The Amazing Race. Sixteen contestants confront physical and mental competitions set around the globe. A product of Bunim/Murray Productions (The Real World), The Rebel Billionaire premieres Nov. 9 at 7pm.
As always, stay tuned.
What Else Is On?
Austin journalists and scholars offer their postelection analysis and reaction on Austin Now Nov. 5 at noon and 9pm on PBS. Check local listings for additional airtimes.
Several intriguing subjects are the focus of this month’s Frontline lineup:
The Persuaders: Douglas Rushkoff, correspondent for Frontline’s excellent The Merchants of Cool, goes deeper into how mass media shapes and informs consumer choices in this investigation of the “persuasion industries.” As consumers become less and less willing to endure the pitch, advertising and public relations industries must devise new ways to reach consumers. The Persuaders dissects how marketing has come to shape the way Americans understand the world and, more importantly, form their political opinions. Airs Tuesday, Nov. 9.
Is Wal-Mart Good for America?: What do empty storefronts in small towns like Circleville, Ohio, have in common with the South China boomtown of Shenzhen? Find out in this illuminating piece. Airs Nov. 16.
Secret History of the Credit Card: Credit cards are supposed to make life easier, yet credit card debt and personal bankruptcies are now at an all-time high. Teaming with The New York Times, this Frontline episode examines how the credit card industry has become so pervasive and politically powerful. Airs Nov. 23.
Frontline airs as noted at 8pm on PBS.
This article appears in November 5 • 2004.