Split Decision

As always, there are a number of new shows this fall.  And as usual, I try to give as many of them their due so as to determine which ones I deem worth my time to watch.  The known favs automatically got added to my DVR schedule as well as a couple I assumed I would like.  But one that has not yet made it onto the record list that I’ve found myself drawn into watching dispite my prejudices is My Own Worst Enemy.

Now, there will always be a special place in my heart for Christian Slater’s early film career – his sarcastic wit that became his type-cast signature was classic (if you are unfamiliar, go rent Pump Up the Volume, True Romance and Kuffs and be prepared to enjoy some lame early-90s dramedy).  But I had brushed off previews of this new series as a potentially contrived melodrama that needed some washed-up star power (sorry Christian) to get it on the air.  I assumed it wouldn’t last more than a few episodes and then fade away.

But last week it premiered conveniently after I had finished watching Heroes and I had nothing else on my slate to watch at the time.  So my wife and I settled in to give it a go, prepared to be disappointed.  But as it turned out, we were not.  Sure the tech behind it requires some suspension of disbelief, but I’m good for that.  The story itself was actually decently written and directed.

We watched it again this week, and again it was decent.  So I may find myself giving it some of my time.  Unfortunately I find that it is being written by the same writer behind last year’s Bionic Woman, which I enjoyed watching, but did not consider a well written show.  So part of me still suspects that this new series will not last and as a result I’m trying not to commit – I’ve been burned as such in the past (e.g., Journeyman, Dead Like Me, Dresden Files).  But if you enjoy spy drama and want something based slightly closer to reality than say Knight Rider, then My Own Worst Enemy is worth a spin.