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Nashville, Ep. 3.01, “That’s Me Without You” is a solid season premiere

Nashville comes back for its third season with almost no noise. What, after a magnificent pilot two years ago, was once supposed to be a ratings savior for ABC has become an afterthought for the network, who barely publicized its premiere. They have buzzy new shows to talk about: (How to Get Away With Murder, Black-ish), and returning ratings hits to protect: (Scandal, uh… Scandal). And yet Nashville persists on network television representing a category that doesn’t even exist, the musical soap opera. Those two genres have never been more unfashionable. Musicals must cloak themselves in faux-edgy irony like Glee or die spectacular deaths (RIP Smash.) There are other soaps, especially on ABC, but they have to be structured like procedurals and contain a healthy dose of violence to appease the Criminal Minds crowd. Nashville, in all its goofy earnestness, is nothing if not itself.

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‘The To Do List’ a messy, raunch-filled comedy with an overqualified ensemble

The amount of time it takes to exhaust the goodwill one has accrued towards an overqualified and bursting ensemble cast is roughly 70 minutes, if The To Do List is any indication. The film’s high concept and its performers, from Aubrey Plaza to Connie Britton to Alia Shawkat to Clark Gregg, are enough to engender some interest for a while, but eventually, The To Do List peters out, squandering away its likability on a strange, ballsy-for-being-irresponsible message and a muddled third act.

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PaleyFest 2013: Watch the full panel for ‘Nashville’

The success of the Fox hit Glee proved the viability of musicals in television, opening the doors for several stories to be told in that format. One of those was ABC’s Nashville, which made its debut in Fall 2012, with the additional feature of writing its own songs. Focusing on three female country singers at …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.12, “Afterbirth”: After thoughts, part 2

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 12, “Afterbirth” Written by Jessica Sharzer Directed by Bradley Buecker Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET on FX Warning: Spoilers The opening flashback brings back the delusional Ben we knew for most of the season. Vivien’s ready to leave, but Ben pulls her back with promises of piecing …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.11, “Birth”: A beautiful nightmare

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 11, “Birth” Written by Tim Minear Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET on FX Warning: Spoilers  This penultimate episode, “Birth,” feels like a finale. Without rushing, this episode builds an exciting momentum from the very beginning. Everyone in the house is ready for the …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.09, “Spooky Little Girl”: Keeps the ball rolling

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 9, “Spooky Little Girl” Written by Jennifer Salt Directed by John Scott Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET on FX “Spooky Little Girl” covers a lot of ground. It introduces a possible recurring character and spends equal time with several plotlines. This week, Hayden discovers more about her …

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American Horror Story Ep. 1.08, “Rubber Man”: No Constance, no problem

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 8, “Rubber Man” Written by Ryan Murphy Directed by Miguel Arteta Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET on FX Last week’s “Open House” wasn’t an episode as much as a poor transition to the excellent “Rubber Man,” an episode that thoroughly delivers on several levels. This week, viewers …

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TV To Be Thankful For: 2011

Thanksgiving is here (American Thanksgiving, at least), making it officially the Holiday Season. It’s a time for reflection, for pausing to appreciate those people and things we’re most grateful for, and for focusing on what’s really important in life. Television. Here are just a few of the many things I am grateful for this year. …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.06: “Piggy Piggy″ has you on edge

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 6, “Piggy Piggy” Written by Jessica Sharzer Directed by Michael Uppendahl Airs Wednesdays at 10:00pm ET on FX As another solid episode, Piggy Piggy manages to progress the plot in a more traditional and serialized manner while also infusing a strong feeling of discomfort. This week follows each …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.05, “Halloween Part 2”: Finally, A Solid Episode

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 5, “Halloween, Part 2” Written by Tim Minear Directed by David Semel Airs Wednesdays at 10:00pm ET on FX Within the past decade, the availability of TV on DVD has demonstrated that the first season of any great series is an obligatory viewing experience. The very nature of …

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American Horror Story, Ep. 1.01, “Pilot”/1.02, “Home Invasion”: Uneven drama has potential

American Horror Story Episodes 1.01, “Pilot”/1.02, “Home Invasion” Written by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Directed by Ryan Murphy (1.01) and Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (1.02) Airs Wednesdays at 10pm ET on FX The creators of FX’s new American Horror Story have already crammed two seasons’ worth of story arcs into the series’ first two episodes. Unlike …

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