Fall 2014 TV preview: Most anticipated new and returning shows

By Ashley Bergner
Box Office Buzz

432794 KS_New_leadIt’s that time of year again: TV networks are rolling out their new line-up of fall shows, featuring both new series and returning favorites. While many of the new shows typically don’t survive through a second season, there’s always a surprise hit or two. Returning shows also face the pressure of living up to viewer expectations and bringing something new to the story.

Here are some of the new and returning TV shows I’m most looking forward to this season (coincidentally, they all turned out to be superhero themed, but that’s probably not surprising). 😉 What shows do you plan to watch this fall?

Gotham (Sept. 22)

gothamFox’s new series “Gotham” takes place in the famous fictional city protected by the superhero vigilante Batman, but don’t expect to see much (if any) of the caped crusader. The show is more of a prequel, following a young James Gordon, who eventually becomes commissioner. Viewers can also expect to see origin stories for some famous “Bat” villains like the Joker and Poison Ivy. I like the idea of a spin-off for Gordon’s character, and there should be plenty of character development opportunities. However, the challenge will be if Fox can convince viewers to watch a show about Batman mythology that doesn’t actually have Batman in it.

Agents of Shield (Sept. 23)

shieldABC’s “Agents of Shield” premiered last year with what seemed to be a lot of potential … and then received complaints from viewers about not living up to that potential. The characters didn’t seem to gel as a team, the plots weren’t always engaging, and the show didn’t have the same magic spark as the Marvel movies. Thankfully, that all changed with the second half of season one, and the show made a great comeback, introducing a stronger overarching story line and deeper character development. I’m curious to see where the show heads in the second season, and if show runners can continue moving the series in the right direction. The shocking reveal about Shield in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” should continue to provide intriguing plot lines in the second season.

The Flash (Oct. 7)

flashInspired by their success with “Arrow,” The CW is launching a new superhero show, “The Flash,” about a lightning-fast superhero crime fighter. The network introduced the character during “Arrow” last season and is attempting to create a spin-off. I liked Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry Allen/The Flash on “Arrow” last season, and I’m hoping The CW can successfully expand the character into his own show. “The Flash” will be less gritty than “Arrow,” but early fan reactions seem to be positive. It will be interesting to see if it can win over “Arrow” fans, especially if the new show is a little heavier on humor.

Arrow (Oct. 8)

arrow“Arrow” — a show about a wealthy playboy turned hooded vigilante — is one of my favorite currently running series on TV. It returns for a third season on The CW after a strong second season with plenty of shocking twists (Spoiler alert! Killing Oliver Queen’s mother was a gutsy and surprising move) and plenty of cliffhangers (Will Oliver and Felicity FINALLY end up together?). I’m curious to see how the show will move on without some of its major characters; Moira Queen, Oliver’s mother, was one of the most interesting and complex characters, and her loss will be felt on the show. While I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Oliver’s nemesis Slade, we’ll hopefully get some new villains this season as well, along with some new challenges for Oliver. I’m also interested in what will happen to Thea, who has apparently teamed up with Malcolm Merlyn, who revealed himself to be her real father.

ESO Network Sponsors

GEEK CHIC IS THE NEW … CHIC
COME TO THE GEEK SIDE. WE HAVE THE BEST SWAG

Support Us

A Dollar a month keeps us in orbit. Trust us it’s better that way.

Ways to Listen

Find Us Wherever Fine Podcasts are Found

Sign Up for the ESO Newsletter

WE HARDLY EVER SEND THEM OUT BUT WHEN WE DO THEY ARE AWESOME

ESO Network Archives

Archives

No matter where you go here you are

Follow the ESO Network

You didn't come this far to only come this far

Contact Us

    Remember any comment made today will be the tomorrow you worried about yesterday

    <-- see them in a pretty grid

    42 Cast
    The Best Saturdays of Our Lives
    Blurred Nerds
    But First, Let's Talk Nerdy
    Cigar Nerds
    The Con Guy
    Cosmic Pizza
    Dragon Con Report
    Drinking with Authors

    Most Recent Episodes

    Earth Station DCU
    Earth Station One
    Earth Station Trek
    Earth Station Who
    Epsilon Three
    Flopcast
    Metal Geeks
    Modern Musicology
    Monkeeing Around
    Monster Attack
    The Monster Scifi Show
    Soul Forge
    Thunder Talk
    The Watch-a-thon of Rassilon