Cinema Shark: TV Shows 2K14
An important part of being an Exonian is finding ways to deal with all the stress. One of the most useful, and therefore popular, coping methods is binge watching TV shows, both old and current. In order to assist those with late night study sessions or long Wednesday afternoons, we have compiled a list of exciting shows resuming or premiering this fall.Arrow, 5/5: We will begin with an easy show to rate. Arrow provides the viewer with a whole host of exciting reasons to follow. For action or superhero buffs, the show features incredible fight scenes with all sorts of combat including, but not limited to, archery, extensive hand-to-hand and riveting swordplay. The entire first two seasons have a mysterious air about them, adding an interesting twist that leaves everyone guessing. The show is mainly a drama, as the life of a hooded vigilante who alternates between fighting for justice and murdering for revenge is naturally rather dramatic. If we have not already piqued your interest, lead actor Stephen Amell regularly features his scars, tattoos and eight-pack while fighting both the elite and scum of his home, Starling City. Come for whatever reason, and stay for the quality that Arrow will provide every week this fall and winter. The first two seasons are available on Netflix and there is ample time to binge before the season three premiere, which is set to air on Wednesday, October 8th on the network The CW.The Flash, 4/5 (based on first episode): For those who have enjoyed Arrow or followed the comic books, we present the latest of The CW's superhero lineup, The Flash, to look forward to. Likely a similar show, it is set to premiere its first season next month. The show will follow the life of clumsy Barry Allen, the scientist who is ironically never on time, even after a freak accident transforms him into the fastest man in the world. Those of unsavory character may search the internet for the leaked pilot episode, which oddly was released months in before the premier.Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 4.5/5: Strangely, not everyone is a superhero or action fan. Many enjoy the simple humor of a sitcom or goofball comedy. Fox provides one of the most highly anticipated shows of the fall season, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This Golden Globe winning show presents a unique take on the time-honored and overused concept of the cop show. A refreshingly talented team of scriptwriters leaves watchers guffawing at award-winning star Andy Samberg who, occasionally in a patterned Speedo, takes down criminals around New York City. Samberg is surrounded by a decorated cast of actors who possess an admirable level of talent. For those interested in slapstick and childish comedy intermingled with the occasional intellectual joke, Brooklyn Nine-Nine will at the very least inspire some laughter. The greatest, and arguably only, downside to the first season is the lack of coherent plot and continuity throughout the first fifteen or so episodes. Each is designed to be watched independently from the rest, however the final ten or so are linked together, leaving the watcher confused about the storyline. The second season is set to air on September 28, following an interesting turn of events at the end of the first. Even for those who are not fans of comedy, we recommend giving the pilot a chance—you’re sure to not regret it.New Girl, 4/5: Fox’s New Girl is a reinvention of the classic family comedy, a quirky girl undergoes an adventure each episode and her four platonic male roommates guide her through each problem she encounters. Many thought the show would putter and retire after it’s second season, but it has just been renewed for its fourth. The last season featured an exciting array of episodes, including inter-apartment drama and relationship crises. The mediocre comedy is salvaged by the heartwarming moments and the occasional drunken stupors, and although it will certainly leave you straight-faced compared to a Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode, it has an intangible quality that brings you to watch it each week. A perfect candidate for binge watching, New Girl won’t bust your gut with laughter but will likely leave you with a small smile on your face after each episode—a real feel-good show.Pretty Little Liars, 3.5/5: Approaching its fifth, and possibly final, season, Pretty Little Liars makes the list to support horror and drama fans. It lacks superheros and heartwarming smiles, but it has its share of action and death. The story follows the lives of four girls, who after their best friend dies, are plagued by a stalker with the codename “A.” Said stalker proceeds to haunt their lives for years to come. If you can steel your nerves against the pop-outs and gruesome scenes, this show is an interesting way to spice up your Wednesday afternoon. The first four seasons are available online and watching in direct order is an exhilarating experience.We hope we have provided an ample list of binge watching candidates or exciting new prospects for the upcoming season. Superhero and comedy fans can expect to be ecstatic, while mystery, drama and horror fans are left seeking just a little bit more, although better off than not.