It's Alright Mama

So, since mid-June ish, I've been watching this show called "Memphis Beat" on TNT Tuesday Nights. This is the show that conveniently came along to fill the void that was left in me after Lost ended. Now, I'm not a TV aficionado or a trained theatrical analyst or critic...but this show has really grown on me...and I'm proud to sing its praises.

One reason for this probably has something to do with me simply being excited to move to Memphis since I found out I was admitted to the university. I have, dorkily, been giving any show with the word "Memphis" in it a fair try...but "Memphis Beat" is the only one that I have stuck with.

The show stars Jason Lee, formerly of "My Name is Earl," as Detective Dwight Hendricks...a musically inclined Elvis enthusiast and well-rounded, multi-dimensional character. Dwight loves his mama, struggles with his conscience and history, is a very proud protector of his city, and drives an awesome old car...

I'll avoid saying much more so I don't give any spoilers.

Anyway, having visited Memphis several times and having lived here almost 2 full weeks (lol), I think the show does a fantastic job of capturing the personality of the city and the people in it (friendly, deceptively clever, quirky, southern). And, although I think its mostly Caucasian casting is kind of an inaccurate racial representation of a city that is 61% African American (...way to fail, TNT?) ... the story line is very good and the writing has gotten a LOT better and focused since the pilot and first couple episodes. I also appreciate that, although it's a bit predictable, each episode follows a pretty familiar form that adds to its charm, including the obligatory Hendricks musical number at the end.

Tonight was the season finale...and it was pretty good. I'm really looking forward to seeing this show return and continue growing and developing. If the improvements continue with the writing and the focusing of the plot, the show is sure to reach its potential. The premise is fantastic...and the execution only keeps getting better.

If you've never seen it, you can catch it on TNT online...or TNT On Demand....though, again, don't be turned off by the first few episodes. They are...admittedly...a little hokie and overly complicated. It gets so much better by Episode 10.






Now that I have sufficiently advertised for people who aren't paying me, I'm going to wrap up. 

In non-TV news, I had my music theory entrance exam today. I am really glad it was only a diagnostic. I'm anticipating having some extra courses to take, which is fine, though...it can't hurt anything but the pocketbook.

I also learned someone's name today.
Also, my mommy is coming to visit on Labor Day. :)