This page is for reviews of pilot and premiere episodes of shows that, for one reason or another, are not currently scheduled for full episode-by-episode reviews.  In some cases, the show in question just didn’t live up to expectations, in others the format or content of the show makes episode-by-episode reviews prohibitive.  There’s always a chance that I may go back to these shows at some point in the future — but it’s a small chance, at best.

Dollhouse – 1.01 – Ghost: C+

Air date: February 13, 2009

What if actions didn’t have consequences? What if your entire life was just one dream, one ultimate fantasy after another? Even if you could wake up, would you want to? On these levels, the Dollhouse series is a bit like the concept behind the Matrix, complete with sitting in a chair to receive your new memories and abilities – except that I cannot help but see it as an hour-long adolescent male fantasy (I’ll get to that momentarily). On the plus side, the opening episode had some interesting concepts thrown into the mix, such as Echo’s ability to access the implanted memories of other people in order to do some good in this world. The performances from the principle cast were all quite strong. And the “Dollhouse” concept is certainly an interesting idea. And yet, I’m still not quite sure what this series wants to be about – what the underlying themes are going to be. That will be important for the long-term success of the series. Otherwise, it’ll devolve into mindless nonsense.

Kings – 1.01 – Goliath: B

Air date: March 15, 2009

Kings is nothing if not fascinating. Its pilot episode, aptly titled “Goliath” is like some bizarre concoction of styles, story ideas and themes. On the one hand, it’s allegory – both for Biblical tales and the current state of the United States of America. On the other hand, it’s a glorified soap opera with all the requisite power players, schemes, innocence, lusts, and just about everything one might expect. The production values are fantastic, creating a show that looks and sounds incredible. And the story itself is meaningful – outside of its soapiest elements. But one has to wonder: Can a show like this truly survive? Can it find its footing telling meaningful tales without devolving into cheap melodrama? Time will tell but, for the opening episode at least, I thought the experiment worked.

Life After People – 1.01 – The Bodies Left Behind: N/A

Air date: April 21, 2009

The History Channel’s latest documentary series, titled Life After People begins with the episode called “The Bodies Left Behind.” The series is an exploration of what will happen to our planet – should the catastrophic happen and we all suddenly disappear a week from next Tuesday. As a concept, it’s thoroughly intriguing (at least to me) and the first episode certainly does a good job of teasing the audience with enough visuals and hypotheticals. But there’s a catch to it all. There’s a new aesthetic to documentaries – one which focuses on flashy transitions and quick-hit facts which tends to emphasize breadth, rather than depth. That is precisely the impact of this episode – which, unfortunately, doesn’t serve the overall concept as well as it might have otherwise.

Merlin – 1.01 – The Dragon’s Call: B-

Air date (US): June 21, 2009

Think of a world in which prejudice is law. Imagine that the oppressed are, in fact, not only worthy, but also powerful. What if the folly of youth gave way to the potential for greatness? What if you had gifts, but did not know how to utilize it? The opening salvo of Merlin embraces these elements and forges a narrative out of them – one which is at once compelling and spellbinding. All told, the episode is notable for being something akin to a prequel – a precursor to the already legendary tales of King Arthur and the Wizard Merlin. To see the two as young, inexperienced, foolish men is a interesting, especially considering where the two are destined to find themselves.

And this is an episode about Destiny.

Twin Peaks – 1.00 – Pilot: B

Air date: April 8, 1990

I don’t rightly know what to think … On the one hand, I was highly amused and laughed out loud numerous times. On the other hand, one girl was found murdered and another was found raped and in a near catatonic state. Such is, I suppose, the paradoxical nature of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks series – a twisting mystery set in an idyllic northwestern town. Not to mention that this was one quirky episode. Characters walking into conference rooms might find donuts lined up in neat little rows or moose heads just sitting on the table, blankly staring off into nothingness. Such is, I suppose, the quirky nature of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. One thing is for certain, Twin Peaks is liable to have two kinds of reactions: love it or hate it. And, for the pilot episode at least, I loved it.

Warehouse 13 – 1.01 – Pilot: C-

Air date: July 7, 2009

Warehouse 13 is something like a cross between The Librarian (itself a derivative of Indiana Jones) and the X-Files. There really isn’t anything new, or different or unique about the show – not even the characters which were, for the most part, likeable. As such, the pilot was a relatively mindless distraction and while it managed to be mildly entertaining, it was thoroughly hollow and devoid of any real substance.