Ah, September… that time of year when, for a short time, we are filled with hopes of being entertained every night for the next six to nine months, only to have those hopes dashed within two months when most of the best shows are canceled. I’m happy that a few of my favorites from last season are back and I’ve watched a few new ones that seem promising. In no particular order…

Chuck (NBC) – This is a fun show. There were a lot of changes late last season and it looks like there are more to come. Changes on my favorite TV shows always make me nervous but so far Chuck remains fun and the surprises help to keep it fresh.

Castle (ABC) – Nathan Fillion. Need I say more? Well, I guess I could. This is pretty much a formula cop show but it has some great actors and writers. There’s drama, action and humor. If you pinned me down and forced me to pick my current favorite TV show this would be it.

Fringe (Fox) – Sort of an X-Files reboot. I enjoyed this show a lot last year but I’m not sure I like the direction the story arc seems to be headed. Less soap opera and more weirdness, please. And more Walter. I like Walter.

Warehouse 13 (SyFy) – It just finished a season and is on hiatus now. The whole “H.G. Wells was really a woman,” thing always bothered me a little bit and then first she was bad, then good, now bad again to keep us guessing but I’m still enjoying this show. It’s fun and quirky and of course I like the little steampunk touches. The season ended with a good cliffhanger. Hope that turns out okay!

Survivor (CBS) – Yes, darn it, I’m watching it again. It’s been several seasons since I’ve watched it and I think I only ever watched two seasons all the way through but I decided to start watching again because Jimmy Johnson is on it. Not that I like him exactly but I was curious. I’m already getting bored with it though.

Ice Road Truckers (History Channel) – A soap opera with eighteen-wheelers. Not as fascinating as the first season but still somewhat entertaining. Only one show left this season.

Swamp People (History Channel) – LeeAnn once referred to the people this show is about as “feral south Louisianans.” Strangely fascinating.

The Defenders (CBS) – A new show starring James Belushi and Jerry O’Connell as attorneys who fall somewhere between stereotypical slimeballs and selfless heroes of the courtroom. So far I’m really liking this show a lot. Fortunately, I have never had the opportunity to observe the goings on in a real criminal court but to me this has a feeling of realism. It’s more about the behind the scenes deal making than it is about tense courtroom drama and moving speeches. It has a generous helping of humor with enough drama to keep it realistic.

$#*! My Dad Says (CBS) – It’s been about 10 years since I’ve watched any sitcom. I got bored and disgusted with all of them but when I heard of this one with William Shatner I had to give it a try. So far I like it. Shatner plays the grouchy old man role disturbingly well and the writing is very good. He gets some very funny lines.

This is not an all-inclusive list. I’ve probably forgotten one or two I wanted to mention. There are several returning shows that I’m looking forward to including The Good Guys (Fox) and Memphis Beat. (TNT) I’ve been seeing ads for Stargate: Universe. I have mixed feelings about that one. It’s sci-fi; it has a starship. That’s almost enough right there to insure that I will watch it but, on the other hand, it’s dreary, not very interesting and often seriously annoying. So, I don’t know if I’ll waste my time on it anymore.