watch what i can do

considering the fact that i'm on a tv fast this week, i thought it'd be a good idea to give my special tv-picks-for-shows-that-you-probably-aren't-watching-right-now-but-are-still-good presentation. here's a couple shows that i think fit that mold:

fringe

ok, folks, just stick with me just a second here. i know that the weird-looking, Dawson Creek Dude-starring, x-files for the twenty-first century-looking program might come off looking like a great idea for horrible programming (i used to think the same thing), but this is a quality show that has a fresh look for science fiction and a knack for bugging you out. the only reason i started watching is it comes on just after House and it caught my interest. just as a fair warning, there are some very hoky elements to it, but that's kind of the persona that the show takes on (that's actually why i enjoy it so much). the show follows special agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) who investigates unusual occurrences known as The Pattern with the help of Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) and his unstable mad scientist of a father, Walter (John Noble). my personal favorite aspect of the show is Walter and his wacky antics (which are comparable to those of Kramer). if you enjoy science fiction or simply like being weirded out, this show is worth a shot.

life

Detective Charlie Crews(Damian Lewis, who you might recognize as Major Winters from Band of Brothers) has lead a rough life. not only has he spent twelve years wrongfully imprisoned, but his wife (Jennifer Siebel) has left him, he is an outsider among his fellow cops, and he's pretty sure that some one set him up for that triple murder over twelve years ago (one of the ongoing story lines in the show). you wouldn't know that just to talk to Charlie, though. despite all his hardships, he's been able to come up with a new zen outlook on life, accepting his situation and not being attached to worldly objects (although that second part may be due to his untold fortune he received as a settlement from the department). Lewis' supporting cast is comprised of Sarah Shahi, who plays Crews' somewhat troubled partner, Dani Reese, and Adam Arkin, who plays Crews' displaced accountant and former cellmate, Ted Earley (who lives above his garage). smart and indifferent to what people think of him, Charlie is a House for cop shows and an interesting take on an LA detective (plus he loves fruit).

(Ooh! a chance to get spiritual:)

the tagline for Life is 'life was his sentence, life is what he got back,' which is relatable to our situation with salvation. though our sentence is rightly given, our true justification comes in the form of redemption and a new start. we are set free from that bondage of sin and are able to flourish in this fresh life that Christ has given us simply through grace.