Jump the Shark

A couple days ago I asked the Boss if he watched House this week. He said that after it ended his wife asked him if he thought House had 'jumped the shark.' My response was "Huh?" The Boss was very surprised that I had never heard the phrase before. As am I now that I see how prevalent it is in entertainment and television culture. Jumping the shark is a term used when a show has hit its peak and begins to go down hill. The term originates from Happy Days when The Fonz jumps over a shark while water skiiing. Check out this website where viewers vote on what moment 'jumped the shark' in many tv shows, if it ever did at all. JumptheShark.com

I looked over the shows that I am currently watching and have found four cases of jumping the shark that stick out to me.

Desperate Housewives- After the first season this show has gone downhill and stayed there. The mysterious storyline of season one was a bit of a let down at the end and it continued to be unsatisfying as they brought in new uninteresting characters.

24- After the fourth season, which was the absolute best season of 24, it jumped the shark. The President became involved in the terrorism and it just was not nearly as good.

Heroes- At the beginning of season 2, with the introduction of the South American siblings and Micah's distant family, Heroes took a step back. But I wonder if there is a term such as 'Going under the Shark' because Season 3 is back in action and so far has been much better than season 2.

House- As Mrs. Boss presumed, I feel House is potentially jumping the shark this season. The House/Wilson/Private Investigator storyline has been much less than stellar so far this season. We'll see if it continues throughout the year.

Fox Returners

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles returns for its second season on Fox. I really enjoyed the first season and this show is probably in my top five awaited returns. The addition of Brian Austin Green mid-season was a great decision. Seeing young David Silver as an action star is like a dream come true. Also, Clare's friend from the first season of Heroes is John Connor so that's an extra tv plus. If you are excited for the new Christian Bale infested Terminator 4, you really should catch up on Sarah Connor Chronicles to fill the time.

Best Character:
Derek Reese (below left)

Worst Character: (only thinking of the five main characters)
John Connor (above right), which is sad because I like him.

House starts their fifth season this fall and it's starting to drag a little for me. Sure I love House's quirks and Wilson's everything, but the episodes are getting too repetitive for me. Give me some more relationship stuff, like with the House, Wilson, Cut-throat B*tch love triangle. It's like they only have one or two of these situations a season. Also if House could watch more soaps and play more gameboy I would get a bunch more laughs out of it.

Best Character:
Greg House (below left)

Worst Character:
Eric Foreman (above right)

Family Guy is now in its seventh season although there was that break in between because it got cancelled. what?!? This is by far the best animated show of all time, and they come up with the most subtle but ridiculous ways to make you laugh. One of the great things about this show is that there are three tremendous characters that I can absolutely see being someone's favorite character. Although I am a Peter man, Stewie or Brian would be absolutely the best character on any other animated show on television.

Best Character:
Peter Griffon (below)

Worst Character:
Herbert (creepy old guy)