If you're not completely geeked out on television like me, you might have missed the half-dozen or so shows that have popped up since Christmas. Of course, my top three from the fall were The Walking Dead, Hawaii 5-0, and Luther (I count Sherlock as a mini-series not a TV show) and these will have to go far to replace them.  

 

But these five might stroke your fancy over the coming months; they're quite diverse but you may find them entertaining as I have.

 

Number One: If you liked The Fighter and can't get enough, Lights Out brings CSI: Miami's Holy McCallany into the world of boxing as a former champ, Patrick "Lights Out" Leary, disgraced and struggling to gain relevance in a world that is only getting younger and messier. He has to deal with his none-too-bright brother/manager, his old school father (Stacy Keach), and his motley estrogen-heavy family. But he also has to maintain a regular life while also getting side jobs as an enforcer for a less-than-upright shadows around him. And there is, of course, a rematch lurking just around the corner which may put the overly concussed boxer in a coma or worse if he embraces it, and yet, he sees no other way to support his family and regain his pride. Shame IS a powerful motivator and no escape is in sight.

Fans of Will Ferrell's Internet sensation, Mad TV, or SNL will find this compilation amusing in its variety and absolute insanity. Trying to fully embrace and explain it is like trying to capture a unicorn.


Also Reviewed...

• 24