March is the month to save our shows

To most people, the beginning of March brings thoughts of warmer weather and spring, but for me, it’s survival time. It’s about that time for networks to begin planning for the ’09-’10 new season, and for shows on the bubble, panic sets in.
Therefore, this week I’m going to suggest four shows that should be checked out immediately. If you don’t, chances are they won’t be around this fall – tell all your friends.

What to watch
SHOW: “Reaper”
EPISODE: “Episode IV: A New Hope”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday on the CW
Though it had anemic ratings last season and doesn’t fit into the CW’s target demographic, “Reaper” somehow clawed its way to a second year. The show, which follows a twenty-something slacker who learns he has to be the Devil’s bounty hunter, is just now premiering and sadly has to go up against “American Idol.” Not many people will watch, but they should. “Reaper” is the second best show on the CW and one of the 10 best-written hour-longs on broadcast television.

SHOW: “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”
EPISODE: “Ourselves Alone”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday on FOX
Television shows based on past material rarely work, but “Terminator” is one of the most glaring exceptions. After a strong first season ratings-wise, the show failed miserably to attract an audience on Mondays in the fall, and FOX moved it to Fridays. Now the clock is ticking – especially after the first few Friday airings had pathetic numbers – and the chances of the show coming back are oh so slim. But nevertheless, this episode remains a must-watch due to its emphasis on the female terminator Cameron, arguably the show’s most interesting character.

What to TiVo
SHOW: “Life on Mars”
EPISODE: “Revenge of Broken Jaw”
WHEN: 10 p.m. Wednesday on ABC
The post-“Lost” timeslot has done nothing to help this time travel-tinged story get off the ground – ratings since the move to behind “Lost” have dipped – but that doesn’t keep “Mars” from being one of the most interesting hours of the week. Backed by tremendous costume, art and music departments, the show seemingly gets all the retro 1970s stuff right. Not to mention the slow-burn reveal of the time travel elements keep the intrigue high. Yet, if no one watches, we’ll never find out how Sam Tyler gets home.

SHOW: “Friday Night Lights”
EPISODE: “New York, New York”
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday on NBC
Sure, I’ve asked for your attention on Friday twice in this column, but these shows need it. “Friday Night Lights” has been taking the slow waltz towards the executioner since Season one, and a deal with DirecTV is the only thing that’s kept it on the air this long. The ratings this season aren’t that bad considering low expectations, but this episode, featuring the last regular appearance of Jason Street (Scott Porter), is a must-watch whenever you get to it. “Friday Night Lights” is the best straight drama on television, no question.

Rant of the week
Though not on the verge of cancellation, Jimmy Fallon’s foray into late-night television begins this week. Fallon, who is taking Conan O’Brien’s place on “Late Night,” has never been that funny, but fared marginally well while hosting various MTV awards shows.
Clearly, Fallon is not as funny as Conan, but no one would have ever guessed he would have made it this long or that he would go on to replace Jay Leno (well, sort of).
So I guess we owe Jimmy the same patience because it will take a while for him to find his footing. It will be rough going to start, but at least it won’t be as bad as Chevy Chase’s late-night talk show.