T E L E V I S I O N / The Returning Shows

Classes are creeping around the corner ready to snag me back into the torture of readings, tests, papers, and the dreaded midterms and finals. Despite the return of school, I have found some joy to look forward to the weeks ahead or at least things available to me to help ease the stress. T E L E V I S I O N. The newly installed (as of last year's Black Friday Target sales) tv in my room has given me greater access to shows that I would have otherwise watched on the laptop. And with this, I have been skimming and noticing new and returning shows that are making my toes curl with delight. So, here are a few shows I'm definitely glad to see back again!

C O M M U N I T Y 

T H U R S D A Y S,  8 P M → N B C: Since day one, it seems NBC regretted ever deciding to commission and continue on with Community because of its niche demographic. From season one all the way to season three, it was obvious who this show was for. It was for "nerdy," social media conscious, satirical, sarcastic and popular culture savvy people. The appeal of it was that although the characters were a bit eccentric, they were in a strange way relatable in one way or another. However, this distinct audience it appealed to also had the negative consequence of excluding basically everyone else. Perhaps, this is what officially got Dan Harmon (the head writer and creator) kicked off the show after season three. Season four seems to be the season no one wants to talk about, let's call it the alternate universe season because all the characters and characterization disappeared. Basically, season four was the equivalent of the second season of Glee, where Ryan Murphy just crammed in what everyone wanted which was relationships (ships) and songs. Noticing that it wasn't working out, Murphy decided to bring back the old qualities of the first season. Likewise, studio executives rehiring Harmon onto Community's fifth season made me think that he was going to do the same. And, he is but in a more creative way. Season five's first episode is a "repilot," that is anyone who hasn't watched the previous seasons can still jump on board with this new season and understand everything. It's starting over while acknowledging some unspeakable things done in season four, there is a breath of fresh air injected into the show. The characters and the arc take a different approach while still maintaining the balance of what was so appealing to me in the first season. Now that it's back, I'm glad to just tune in to laugh for a good solid thirty minutes while appreciating all these intricate and developing characters.

Parks and Recreation 

T H U R S D A Y S ,  8:30 PM → NBC: From what I'm aware (and by that I mean from what I can see on my Tumblr dashboard), Parks and Recreation is B A C K! It's so good to see this show return from its winter hiatus. I honestly love the funny banter and characters that this show is doused in. What I love about Parks and Rec so much is the optimism and enthusiasm it brings in each episode. Each problem is inevitably destroyed by the hands of Leslie Knope and Co. And even if it isn't, the writers and characters all suggest that life is not about success or victories but rather, happiness, friendship and love. This show is amazing and just what I need when I'm crying over the piles of homework I have failed to do or look over. And if I ever get into a jam, but still want to get rich, I'll just follow Jean Ralphio's advice and do it the old fashion way: Get run over by a Lexus. Definitely the way to go. 

Psych 

W E D N E S D A Y S ,  9 PM → USA: Wait for eiiighhttttt.....Santa Barbara's psychic private investigator/ex-police consultant is back for its eighth season. In my mind though, Psych came back with its musical episode that easily became one of my top favorite of the entire show! It sounds so morbid saying I laughed about an episode about a Jack the Ripper musical. But, it did and I don't regret it. But onto, the actual season eight premiere! Set in London, the series brought back an old face (one that I vaguely remembered). And though the first episode itself felt...strange and out of place in the grand scheme of things, it still made me laugh with the same Shawn and Gus humor banter that stayed consistent since the very first episode. Oh, and it's jammed pack with Harry Potter references out of the pure nerd/fanboy that is Burton Guster, part time pharmaceutical representative, part time Rupert Grint #1 fan. Though a bit disappointed about the episode as an opener for the eighth season and unsure if it will connect the overall plot or if it was just a stand alone episode, I still can't wait to see the rest that the show offers. Hopefully, USA does not cancel it. My stomach is twisting with the thought that my summer won't be waiting in anticipation of the episode. Please, please, please keep it on for the sake of Santa Barbara.

Orphan Black 

S A T U R D A Y S ,  9 PM → BBCA (AIRING APRIL 19TH):With all those comedies, you probably think I don't watch anything else. Well, surprise! Out of left field comes, BBC America's original series, Orphan Black headed by the freaking fabulous Tatiana Maslany. I have to be quite honest, when I first watched the trailer for the show, I was skeptical. I thought it was going to be like this show about twins or something as equally cheesy. But, slap pre-OB me hard because boy was I wrong! Orphan Black battles with the story lines of clones instead! And with Tatiana Maslany, what is a somewhat predictable sci-fi feature is thrown into something much more. It's not about just people looking the same but the humanistic and distinctive personalities and unique individuality of each one. Now your heart strings are pulled to sympathize for these women who just want to live their lives but are unable to get that chance. Just as the show has an amazing leading lady, the supporting cast (though at first seemed large and then you realized 2/3rds of the characters are portrayed by Maslany) are equally amazing in their own rights, helping propel the show into critical acclaim! The return of Orphan Black will hopefully soothe some worried minds regarding Kira and the clones futures, and hopefully give me more of the new pro-clone, Rachel because girl has ace fashion.





What are some shows you're excited to see return?