The student's guide to television- Part 2

Here’s the much awaited sequel that I pieced together sometime over the last semester but never bothered to post. Forgive the lack of continuity, my bad.

You might also want take a peek at a few other T.V shows that do not underestimate the intelligence of the viewer. Here’s a self-compiled list of primetime television programs that are a must-watch for the couch potato who is armed with a TV remote and not afraid to use it.
HOUSE, tells the story of the cynical, anti-social Dr. Gregory House using sharply constructed plots and witty dialogue. The show has proved to be a lot more accurate than other stalwarts of the medical genre like ER. Also, the characterisation is very real, with the protagonist being one of the most interesting characters on T.V these days. Starring Hugh Laurie in his Emmy award-winning role, this medical drama plays on Tuesdays at 11:00 p.m. on AXN.

WE, THE PEOPLE, the opinion show that made Barkha Dutt a household name, enters another season with whole new series of discussions on issues ranging from homosexuality to cross-border terrorism. One does get the feeling however, that this discussion- based show is getting rather repetitive. The number of panel members has seemed to mushroom, often giving the topic dimensions that it could do without. As a result, it meanders into tangents that do not further the discussion. Sometimes, the show may not be as meticulously researched as it used to be and the interaction is often at a very superficial level. Having said that, this show is a clear favourite in a lot of households, which means that it is doing something right. And when held against the other passive paparazzi news junk like E! News, it is in a different league altogether. The show airs at 8:00 p.m. every Sunday night.

CHANNEL V LAUNCHPAD breaks the myth that contemporary Indian music is only about item-girls and bhangra. It showcases some of India’s best rock acts, competing for the grand prize: a chance to play Hard Rock Café, New York. The show does have a few hiccups, Luke Kenny’s ‘expert advice’ and annoying VJs to name a few. But it is quite encouraging to see major TV channels giving Indian bands some airplay, even if it is done in a very patronising manner. Tune in on Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. for an hour of pure musical talent.

THE SIMPSONS have been doing the same thing for fifteen long years: allowing its heterogeneous audience to enjoy television at different levels. On one level, it is pure slapstick, reminiscent of the classic Laurel and Hardy Show. On another level, it is probably one of the most scathing attacks on society ever made on international television. Homer and the residents of Springfield are not holding back any punches as they satirize the prominent members of society, even their network boss, Rupert Murdoch. Possibly one of the greatest social commentaries of its time, this revolutionary cartoon show has systematically exposed society’s hypocrisy and double standards. It is riddled with symbolism and clever double entendre. After all, it wasn’t declared ‘the greatest T.V show of all time’ by TIME magazine for nothing. If that doesn’t convince you, its prolific collection of Emmys should. This classic parody show plays everyday at 6:00 p.m. on Star World.