But before they go, here’s a quick look at where I stand with the current crop of futuristic, non-realistic, ghostly, ghastly, makes-you-wonder, shows on TV.

Read Part One here.

Dollhouse

What can I say about this one? I’d like to rename it Whedon’s Folly as I feel that the Joss-meister got too wrapped up in his own fantasy and forgot he had an audience to feed.

Dollhouse started off with an interesting concept, a kick-ass set and some great guest stars but even with Joss behind the wheel, this monster kept veering off course. The show was built around two kinds of episodes, the mythology and the fantasy of the week. The mythology was too complex to follow and the fantasies were aimed at men -  that worked wonders for my husband but left me cold. I quickly tired of sexy costume of the week storylines — like a weekly Halloween party at a frat house we had Eliza as a sexy nurse, as a sexy babysitter, as a sexy spy, and let’s not even talk about the dominatrix outfit.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind the fantasy sex play if there was some real angst and story to go with it. I simply never saw any except in the finale of last season.

I came into this season hoping for more. I heard about all the great guest stars and I thought they’d pull it off. They didn’t. Two weeks in, I stopped watching. The show is heading for cancellation and I want to miss it, but I won’t. (Cr: Carin Baer/FOX)

Fringe

Fringe is an example of how you properly balance mythology with monster of the week. They’ve been doing a great job handing out morsels of backstory along with juicy monster bits in every episode. I’ve been very pleased to see Peter (Joshua Jackson) step up and take a more proactive role, Walter (John Noble) still cracks me up and manages to make me misty when he slips into remorse and sadness. I like Olivia (Anna Torv) but she’s not why I tune in week after week.

What I didn’t like this season was the shapeshifter assassin storyline that ended in the demise of Charlie. There were plot holes and it all came off a little too neat and then bam, it’s over. Are the shapeshifters all gone? Did I miss something? I do like bowling alley guy and the unique way he has of making Olivia see what’s around her. I still dig Astrid and I hope she gets her own episode soon. She’s a smart cookie and I’d like to see her save Walter or Peter’s life.

The whole AU storyline is interesting, but I tune in for the monster of the week stories and they’ve been terrific this year. Season Two and Fringe is still going strong. The only thing I have to complain about is the 9:00 Thursday time slot, it’s killing my DVR and the ratings. (CR: Justin Stephens/FOX)

FlashForward

The fact that I like the monster of the week episodes on Fringe, will probably clue you in to the fact that I’ve given up on FlashForward. I watched the pilot of this series and found it really compelling, but two episodes in I walked away. I’m not a fan of shows that are all mythology based as was the case with Lost. There were too many stories, too many characters I didn’t care for and what about the kangaroo? Did they explain the kangaroo?

FlashForward is one of those shows that I know is well written, creatively directed and properly acted but I still don’t enjoy it. I’m glad other people do, because it is good TV, just not for me.

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Air Date: November 19 at 9:00 on Fox

When a peculiar abduction occurs in Boston, the Fringe team uncovers details of the mysterious man known as The Observer. While the bizarre case takes center stage, Walter, Peter and Astrid hit the lab to analyze unusual evidence and deal with Walter’s insatiable appetite for a milkshake in the all-new “August” episode of Fringe.

CR: Michael Courtney/FOX

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It’s not paranoia. It’s The Observer from Fringe and he’s been out and about, watching modern Americans going about their business — and no, I don’t just mean in the fictional sense.

As part of a plan to hawk this week’s revealing episode of Fringe, Fox has planted Observer lookalikes in major cities all over the US. If you see one, say hello and he’ll offer you a bottle of Tabasco sauce. They’ve also sent The Observer to watch Sunday Night Football and check out the kids on So You Think You Can Dance.

This giant Fringe version of Where’s Waldo may leave you feeling a little paranoid if you watch a lot of shows on Fox. Rumor has it that they’ve even included some sublimnal frames of the bald one as well as some longer, more easily spotted flashes throughout their other TV shows.

It’s all a huge game with the end goal of getting more viewers to tune in to the ratings challenged series (thanks to an unnecessary move to Thursday night.)

But Fringe execs Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman aren’t worried. On a conference call with reporters earlier today, they said that shows such as Lost, Alias and Fringe are designed to appeal to a specific niche audience and so they often fly below the ratings radar.

Says Pinkner, “These shows are like licorice and not everyone likes licorice.” But if you do enjoy the chewy treat, then you’re going to love what’s coming up on Fringe.

Fringe airs Thursday nights at 9:00 on Fox.

CR: Michael Courtney/FOX

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But before they go, here’s a quick look at where I stand with the current crop of futuristic, non-realistic, ghostly, ghastly, makes-you-wonder, shows on TV.

V: The Series

We’re only a few episodes in but I’m into V for the long haul (which means waiting until Spring of 2010 for the second half of the season.) I’m enjoying the pace of the reveals, I like the characters a lot and I see Visitors everywhere I look. I think this show is so fitting for the climate we live in today, even more so than when the original was made. The idea of sleeper agents among us, living next door, ready to turn on us at any moment. No one is safe and I really feel that from Elizabeth Mitchell’s character. I’m also very intrigued by the idea of a priest as one of the story’s main heroes. Religion keeps cropping up in all of my favorite shows and that, I believe, is also a sign of the times. (ABC/JEFF PETRY) JOEL GRETSCH, ELIZABETH MITCHELL)

V gets an A

The Vampire Diaries

Damon Salvatore is the coolest, hottest villain on TV right now. His patented mixture of snark and smarm keeps me coming back week after week. It’s kind of like a modern, teen version of Dark Shadows, with Elena as Victoria Winters. I’m glad that Elena learned the truth this early in the run. She’s a bright girl and to drag it out any further would have been unbelievable. Now, how they’re going to keep a vampire story going in one town for a whole season without it getting ridiculous — that’s the big question.

The downside of this series is the teen angst portion. I can barely sit through another one of Jeremy’s pout-fests or the all-girl gossip sessions. I do like the town vampire hunting council and the fact that they’ve taken Damon under their wing. Last week’s unexpected murder of the visiting vamp was a solid stamp that this show is prepared to go for the jugular anytime they want to. (Photo: Guy D’Alema/The CW ©2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.)

The Vampire Diaries gets a B

Warehouse 13

Currently on hiatus, but renewed for a second season, this series was an early favorite. Yes, I know there are plot problems and it is formulaic, but the characters make up for the flaws. Pete and Myka have that perfect relationship where they compliment each other, filling in where the other lacks. Eddie McClintock gives Pete that goofy smile and that childlike sense of wonder — he’s a character I’d love to spend the day with. . . and can we spend it in the warehouse? Like a softer version of Friday the 13: The Series which cursed objects running amuck, there’s no end to the stories that could be written. Saul Rubinek steals the show each week as Artie and paired with Allison Scagliotti’s Claudia, he’s even better.

What would I like to see in the new season? A little more danger. We got some of that near the end of last season and it helps balance out the more humorous tone of the show. I also hope they stick with objects from actual historical characters. Poe was a great one. Now let’s see H.P. Lovecraft left behind.(Photo: Syfy)

Warehouse 13 gets a B

Come back later this week as I deliver grades to Supernatural, Fringe, Stargate Universe and more.

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Air Date: November 5 at 9:00 on Fox.

Directed by Emmy Award winner Jon Cassar (24), this episode follows the Fringe Division as they take on a puzzling investigation where victims are inexplicably disintegrating into ash. The shadowy case casts light on Special Agent Phillip Broyles’ past and leads the team to the possibility of foreign Fringe Science. Emotions run high as the alarming events stack up and revealing personal details emerge about the leader of the Fringe Division in the all-new “Earthling” episode of FRINGE airing Thursday, Nov. 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (FR-206) (TV-14 V)

CR: Marcel Williams/FOX

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Fringe

Vampire Diaries and Supernatural are both airing repeats. Night of the Comet and Sympathy for the Devil.

The big scheduling news comes from Michael Ausiello once again, who is reporting that Dollhouse will be pulled during November sweeps. The series is expected to return in December but let’s face it folks, this isn’t a good sign.

©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co.  Cr:  Frank Ockenfels/FOX

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Air Date: October 15 at 9:00 on Fox

The Fringe team travels cross-country to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. As these puzzling occurrences continue, the team tirelessly explores strange and creepy links to dreams. In pursuit of additional information, Agent Broyles has a disconcerting meeting with enigmatic Massive Dynamic executive Nina Sharp that leads the investigation in an unthinkable direction in the “Dream Logic” episode of FRINGE airing Thursday, Oct. 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (FR-205) (TV-14 L, V)

Peter (Joshua Jackson, R) and Olivia (Anna Torv, C) interview a man suffering from mysterious hallucinations in “Dream Logic” . ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX

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Fringe: Momentum Deferred

Air Date: October 8 at 9:00 on Fox

Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (guest star Nimoy), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory. Meanwhile, the Fringe Division investigates a series of robbery cases that are tied to shape-shifting. As clues are tracked and memories are jogged, another woman experimented on by Dr. Bishop is introduced and a flashback reveals more about Olivia’s visit to the alternate reality.

CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX

Post from: SF Universe

As someone who’s watched Star Trek most of her life, it was a real thrill to talk with an actor whose voice carries so many memories. He was warm and thoughtful but the best part was his laugh, a sound he let loose right after he was asked the first question. I wish I had a tape of it to play for you, but you’ll just have to imagine that deep, vibrato as he chuckled over a question I’m sure he’s been asked many times.

Did you have any reservations on taking another role with the potential of such a fanatic following?

L. Nimoy: I love this question.  I can’t help but laugh because you’re absolutely right.  It’s an interesting set of circumstances.  What attracted me to it was several things.  J.J. Abrams, Bob Orci, and Alex Kurtzman, who I worked with on the Star Trek movie, I admire their talent and the work that they do. The series is at the very least to say intriguing.  The character was somewhat of a blank slate, but we began talking about it and, therefore, attracted because there’s an opportunity to build an interesting and unpredictable character.  I’m enjoying it a lot.

So lately it seems as if you’re J.J. Abrams’ muse of sorts.  Can you tell us a little bit more about your relationship with him?

L. Nimoy: Well, I first met him I guess about three years ago when he first contacted me about the possibility of working together, and I went to a meeting with he and Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman and some of his production staff.  They told me a very good and strong and touching story about their feelings about Star Trek and specifically the Spock character.

It gave me a sense of validation after all these years.  I had been out of it for some time, as you’re probably aware.  There were several Star Trek series in which I was not involved and Star Trek movies in which I was not involved.  This was a re-validation of the work that I had done, the work that we had done on the original Star Trek.  I felt very good about it and went to work for them.

I had a great time working on the movie.  I think they did a brilliant job, and I think the audience response shows that that was the case and has reinvigorated the franchise.  And when they contacted me about working on Fringe—the same people, the same attitude, the same creativity, the same creative team—it was very enticing.

You had not been acting for awhile, and then you’ve done Star Trek and Fringe pretty recently together. Have your feelings about acting changed at all?

L. Nimoy:  Well, I’m enjoying it.  I’m very comfortable in the two offers that I’ve accepted.  The Star Trek movie was a joy to do.  I admire the production team that made the film.  I admire the new cast.  Zachary Quinto I thought was a great choice for the new Spock, and it was a pleasure to work with him and with all the other people on the project.

The Fringe character was intriguing because, as I’ve mentioned, it was kind of a blank slate and we had some very interesting and intense conversations about who and what he could be and how we should perceive him, what we might or might not learn about him, what we might or might not trust about him.  These are intriguing opportunities for an actor, and they came at a time when I … and from a group of people that I had respect for.  They piqued my interest and I went back to work.   I did not expect to, frankly, be acting so much at this time in my life.  My concentration was on my photography, but I’m having a wonderful time doing it.

Have they mentioned anything about their needs for you on an upcoming Star Trek movie?

L. Nimoy: No.  My understanding is they’re working on a script right now.  I expect there’s going to be some time before they really know exactly who they need and what they need.  I frankly, frankly doubt that I will be called upon again.

I think I was useful in his last film to help bridge between the original characters, the original actors, and the new cast.  They have a wonderful new cast in place, and I’m sure they’ll move ahead with them.  I don’t see, at the moment, why they would need me in the next film, although, if they called me, I’d be happy to have a conversation about it.

How do you feel about the current state of science fiction on TV and film?

L. Nimoy: Well, I’m concerned about the positioning of story in terms of importance.  When I see a lot of explosions and a lot of chases, I’m not terribly impressed.  I think there are three terribly important elements that must be given a priority position in science fiction as well as in any other kind of drama.  The first is story, the second is story, and the third is story.  Story, story, story, story, story.  If the story is compelling and interesting, I think all the rest will find its place.

We have great technology in our industry, and that technology can be overused at the expense of story.  And that’s a problem for me, but when the story is in place, I think the special effects can find their proper place.  I think Fringe uses the technology brilliantly, but in the service of excellent story-telling.

Have you found that there’s anything different in the way television is done these days?

L. Nimoy: I think it’s safe to say that what an audience is seeing today on screen in the television episode is far more complex than what we were doing when we were, for example, making the original Star Trek series in the ‘60s.  We were very, very heavy on pages and pages of dialogue and very little special effects, but because the technology has advanced so greatly, it’s possible to do some very complex and very exciting and very useful technical stuff on the shows these days, so we don’t have to rely quite so much on the story being told by the actors speaking.

On the other hand, there is a danger, as I mentioned earlier, of going too far with the special effects at the expense of story.  But if the story is well done, if the story’s in place strongly, the special effects can be enormously helpful to the actors, far more so than they were years ago when we were making the original Star Trek series.

Will we ever see a face off between William Bell and Walter Bishop?

L. Nimoy: Unpredictable at the moment.  In the episode tomorrow night, the scene in between myself and Olivia, I think we will learn a lot more than we have known in the past about what their relationship is all about and what William Bell’s intentions are, or at least we will be told what his intentions are.  We’re not really quite sure that everything that he says is accurate or true.

As William Bell, is there a particular character flaw or even something good that you would like to have highlighted in future episodes?

L. Nimoy: This is a wonderful question.  I’m really looking forward to this character unfolding in a very interesting kind of way.  I think you’ll see, tomorrow night, one very strong aspect of him and certain idiosyncrasies that are being developed.  But I do think there’s a long way to go.  I think there’s a lot to be discovered, and I’m looking forward to discovering it with the audience.

And the final question went to me:

What is still on your “to do” list?

L. Nimoy: Well, I’m looking forward to developing the William Bell character further.  I hope the writers are interested in working with the character.  I am.  I don’t know how much further we’ll go with it, but the character, so far, has been very intriguing and the whole Fringe company has been very good to me.  I’m delighted to be involved.

I am still actively involved with my photography work.  I’m working on a current project, which is called Secret Selves, which is about hidden or fantasy or private personalities that people bring for me to photograph.  And there will be an exhibition of that name, Secret Selves, at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art opening next summer, a solo exhibition.  I’m excited about that.

Check out my Web site, LeonardNimoyPhotography.com.  Isn’t that an amazing title for a Web site?

It certainly is, Leonard. It certainly is.

Leonard Nimoy returns to Fringe tonight in Momentum Deferred. It starts at 9:00 on Fox.

CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX

Post from: SF Universe

And since Peter and Olivia are headed to Iraq in this one, I imagine we’ll be getting a little more of Peter’s backstory and that’s a bonus for me, too.

Fringe: Fracture

Air Date: October 1 at 9:00 on Fox

Peter, Walter, Olivia and Broyles pursue a strange and deadly occurrence in Philadelphia where a bomb blew up inside a train station but left no trace of any explosive device. The perplexing and unexplained set of circumstances returns Walter to the lab to closely examine the human remains where he uncovers an unlikely energy source that triggered the explosion. With the explosive threat of more bombs and links to a classified military project, the intense investigation leads Olivia and Peter to Iraq.

Peter (Joshua Jackson) collects evidence at a crime scene in the FRINGE episode “Fracture” airing Thursday, Oct. 1 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Michael Courtney/FOX

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