Ask Matt

Question: I just started watching Brothers & Sisters a few months ago, and I understand why people are constantly talking about this whole Justin and Rebecca ordeal. It is a little out there, though I used to watch soaps, so I am a little used to the semi-incestuous dynamics. What I am much more interested in is Kevin and Scotty's relationship. I'm surprised that you haven't been hearing more about that (or maybe you just aren't posting that). The last two weeks in the relationship have been wonderful. First, a very sweet proposal and then a very understated "wedding." There have been tremendous strides in depicting gay couples on network television, but Brothers & Sisters has been pushing the envelope, albeit silently. I didn't even know this was the first gay wedding including a series regular on a network television show until I read about it in the newspaper. There was no advertising, no backlash, nothing. I am really glad about that. It may not necessarily speak to changing times, but ABC and the producers simply allowed it to be like any other wedding. It felt normal, which I thought was amazing. My ultimate point is, even if I was a little disturbed by Rebecca and Justin (which I'm not because it is a really good opportunity for the writers and actors), I wouldn't give up on this show because it is very good at exploring and depicting relationship dynamics we haven't quite seen in the past. — L.B.

Question: Bones has had some wonderful episodes, but none have touched me quite as much as the May 5 "The Verdict in the Story" episode. I think the writers, who had so far done an outstanding job of developing the storyline about Temperance's father and the murder trial, outdid themselves this time. I had no idea how they were going to come to a resolution that would satisfy both mercy and justice, but they did! Speaking of which, Ryan O'Neal brought his "A" game to his character, giving a nuanced performance that was a joy to behold. What always impresses me, though, is the interaction between Booth and Temperance. I think their budding romance is one of the most believable relationships on television. David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel are fantastic — who knew they were funny, too? The actors and writers have completely sold me on those two characters. Their growth — from having a strictly professional interaction to one of increased admiration, then to friendship and affection and finally onto an obvious physical attraction that is simmering with restrained passion — is the kind that comes from a full relationship and not just from lust.  I think this is one fantastic show, and I truly wish more people would give it a shot. What do you think? — Berta

Question: Between Monk, Psych and Burn Notice, USA Network is becomming my network of choice for cool shows. The promos for In Plain Sight look great, especially since it revolves around a female U.S. Marshal. Have you seen any promos for this new show? Thoughts? — Dianne K.

Question: I think it bears comment that House offered (twice) to fire Thirteen if Cameron wanted to come back. He sounded like he really meant it, too. In fact the May 5 episode, "Living the Dream," was incredibly meta, with references to Thirteen being an obvious Cameron replacement, House holding up an Emmy, and Cuddy telling House she feels sorry for him if he's "obsessed with an actor or the character he plays." Was this the writers' and producers' way of acknowledging (and/or gently poking fun at) House fans? How much, if at all, do the show's producers take into account the criticism and reaction of viewers? It seemed from this episode that the writers are well aware of general online opinion, but I wonder: If the strike hadn't happened, would there have been time to actually tailor such a dead-on, hilarious script in response to viewer reaction to the earlier part of the season and, most notably, the new cast members? — Sarah

Question: I agree with you: Eli Stone is one of the most memorable characters on TV. What is wrong with feeling good after watching an hour of TV? I have experienced a broad spectrum of emotions at the conclusion of most of the episodes. The finale was profound and caused me to reflect upon many things I don't do as well as those that seem so urgent they assume control of my life. The episode about the son donating bone marrow was something I thought about and talked about for days. What is the "right" thing to do in such a case? The gay mother-to-be who gives her child up because she has found religion and places convictions of the church above the needs of her unborn child is another very important philosophical point to think about. I could go on and on pointing out the important topics addressed. As I write this, the courts are once again deciding about a vaccine-autism relationship covered in the first episode. Where else are we hearing about important social and political issues? I for one am relieved Eli Stone will be back and stepping up to the plate to address the needs of intelligent, adult TV. — Phyllis

Question: Why are we getting "season finale" shows in May (their usual time) after a three- to four-month writers' strike? There was much speculation that seasons would run long because of the strike, but everything seems to be concluding at the regular end-of-season time. I personally feel pretty cheated, especially with shows like ER and the multiple CSI shows. The post-writers'-strike shows seem hurriedly cobbled together and have not provided satisfactory episodes since coming back. I am extremely excited about the comebacks of The Closer, Monk and Psych, simply because they are our expected summer series and I don't feel shortchanged by them. Why do I feel so disappointed by what the major networks have chosen to give us in the wake of the writers' strike? I rarely now watch any regular series TV, depending instead on cable for my entertainment. Is this the new norm? — Janine

Question: Along with millions of others, I'm a big fan of Moonlight. Although its ratings were not great, it usually won its timeslot on Friday night. I also realize Friday is not a big viewership night, but I think a lot more people were watching Moonlight than the Nielsen ratings indicate. From what I can tell, since it's on Friday night when many people are out on the town, it seems that many viewers DVR it and watch it the next day. Then there are the viewers who download full episodes, not to mention all the YouTube videos that fans make. I'm also willing to bet that when the DVD for Moonlight comes out, it will be a big seller. Are networks taking this non-traditional viewing into considersation when making renewal decisions? It seems the wave of the future. — Lisa W.

Question: Have you kept up with CW's Aliens in America and Everybody Hates Chris this season? Wonky scheduling and strike delays have made a mess of things, and the CW seems to have forgotten these shows exist. (Two weeks ago, a new episode of Aliens in America was billed as a repeat in all the TV listings I checked.) I ask because I consider these to be two of the best comedies on television and, deceptively, among the boldest. Here are two wholesome, light-hearted shows dealing intelligently with race with abundant humor and without ever preaching. Chris has had some drop-off in quality since its fantastic first season, but Aliens is on a roll and seems to get zero promotion from the network or from TV critics. A sitcom about Muslim-American relations could have been a crass disaster, but it has grown into something I think everyone should watch. And it continues to push the envelope with warmth instead of cynicism. Several weeks ago, the Tolchuks befriended a misunderstood registered sex offender who turned out to be a racist. Its low ratings all but guaranteed its cancellation, but it's a show I think people should be talking about. Have you been watching, or has it fallen through the cracks of a busy TV critic's schedule? — Daniel

Question: You know how they have those national "Turn-Off Your TV/Internet" days? Here's something I'd like to see: A week without reality TV! I casually mentioned this idea to my husband, to which he replied that the stations would just fill it with more repeats or clip shows. What if they couldn't? What if they had to fill it with dead air? Can you imagine?! I think it would be a real wake-up call to the industry about the sorry state in which televison finds itself. As summer approaches, so do the promos for even more ridiculous "reality" TV. It has gotten so bad that I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find "MILF Island" become a real show on NBC and not just a funny gag on 30 Rock. Your thoughts? — Cheri M.

Question: Do you think someday people will look back on The Wire like we look back on Citizen Kane? I believe you can draw many parallels between the two. Most notably they share an initial commercial failure (poor box office for Citizen Kane, low ratings for The Wire). They both were very different from their contemporaries. And they were both amazingly well-written. I can only hope The Wire can influence TV like Citizen Kane influenced movies. — Grant