So we’ve got a good show that was getting pretty good reviews, and the network pulls it before it has a chance to develop an audience. They’ll probably replace it with some stupid reality show. [sigh]

At least PBS is putting some classic television scenes back on the air for a bit. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean?

However, there are a few shows that do make it worthwhile. Currently, I try very hard not to miss The West Wing, The Daily Show, Battlestar Galactica, My Name is Earl, and during these winter months, I can’t forget Big Ten Basketball.

A few weeks ago a new show debuted, and after last night’s episode, I think I have a new favorite.

Love Monkey stars Tom Cavanagh as Tom Farrell, a single man in his 30′s, who works as an A&R representative at a small, independent record company. His character has a lot of heart, an affinity for “good” music and currently is in the middle of a long streak of finding musical talent.

The show (based on Kyle Smith’s book of the same name) is quirky, smartly written, and has a cast that can act. The interaction between Tom, his friends and coworkers is refreshingly realistic. You feel these people are real — not some characters throwing out smart-ass, one-liners on a sitcom.

The music featured on Love Monkey is pretty decent too. In the current storyline, Tom is working with a young artist, who is portrayed by an actual musician, Teddy Geiger. Teddy’s music is in the same vein as John Mayer and the songs he’s played on the show are actually pretty good. This show is obviously being produced by people who know what decent music is. From what I’ve read, future episodes will feature other up-and-coming artists.

Here’s hoping Love Monkey finds a good audience to keep it on the air. Quality shows like this can be few and far between.

Movie: Grease
Thirty year old actors portraying high school students? Campy pop songs with trite lyrics? A plot with more clichés than a post-game sports interview? It’s all there and I watch it every time it’s on.

Music: John Denver
When his song “Annie’s Song” was on the charts I was in 7th grade, smack dab in the middle of my first crush. To this day when I hear that song, I can see the girl’s face as plain as day and I’m back in junior high. The very first concert I ever attended was a John Denver show. I was 13 years old. Not long after that concert, he released the live album, An Evening With John Denver. It’s still one of my favorite albums, although my guilt prevents me from putting it on my list of favorites [edit: page no longer available]. In 2001 RCA released a remastered, deluxe, two CD edition of that album. Guess who bought it?

Television: Survivor
It’s a stupid show and I’ve never missed an episode. I want to see who wins the million. I want to see how the alliances form and fall apart. I want to see the surprises and twists the producers throw into the game. But most of all I don’t want to like it.

Okay it’s stupid, and some of the designers creations are a bit out there, but it sure looks like a lot of fun. Anyone want to trade spaces with me?