Then & Now: New TV Dramas of Fall 2014

As the spring season kicks off (there seems to barely be a winter season this year and already most shows will have returned from their brief hiatus by the end of the week), now seems like a good time to reflect on the many new shows that premiered this year. Now that we’ve seen multiple episodes from each show, how do I feel about my original assessments?

Let’s look at the new TV dramas of 2014 first:

Constantine (NBC)–

Then: The weak pilot was not indicative of the series as one of the main characters was replaced immediately thereafter, but I was willing to see who replaced Lucy Griffiths before making a final judgment.

Now: Seeing her replacement, Zed, I was even less interesting. After all the fantasy shows I’ve watched, this one just felt like a shadow of other series’.

The Flash (CW)–

Then: This was a superhero show so what could go wrong? That being said, I was disappointed by the pilot, which was tonally inconsistent and did not feel particularly unique. I was willing to give it a second chance though, because of my love of the genre.

Now: The show quickly found its footing and now I’m hooked. Iris is a weak point of the show, but everything else is pretty solid.

Forever (ABC)–

Then: I was pleasantly surprised by this show’s pilot, after coming into it with low expectations. I was not 100% sold, but I planned to come back for at least episode 2.

Now: After sticking around for a few episodes, I ultimately bailed. The story never quite built up the momentum to keep me engaged.

Gotham (Fox)-

Then: The pilot touched on the comics just enough to pull me in.

Now: Though I’m still watching, I find myself less and less interested. I find Jim Gordon and his (sometimes) girlfriend Barbara to be the dullest part of the series.

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)-

Then: With the chaotically exciting pilot, I knew this would be an exciting show.

Now: Still as addicted as I was before, to no one’s surprise.

Jane the Virgin (CW)-

Then: Too much soap, not enough solid storytelling.

Now: Good news for those who enjoy this series, it was just renewed. It is not my type of show.

Madam Secretary (CBS)–

Then: This looked like a good pair for The Good Wife on Sunday nights.

Now: While I enjoy the series, it’s not a standout in comparison to some other new shows this season.

Scorpion (CBS)-

Then: The pilot was not bad, but nothing special.

Now: Didn’t stick around to find out.

Z Nation (Syfy)–

Then: I was pretty sold on this series after seeing it live up to the promise of any good zombie series—nobody is safe.

Now: The series has continued with that promise and so much more. Our little band of survivors keeps changing, growing and shrinking as time goes on, but never getting any less interesting.