Shows without "rev up time"

[billybob476]

I'm just listening to this week's Extralife Radio and they are talking about SG: Universe vs Galactica and it made me think of something:

A lot of really good TV needs a few episodes or even a season to really find itself and get rolling properly. For example, the first few episodes (and some would argue the first 2 seasons) of TNG were not quite up to the quality of the rest of the series.

Are there any shows you can think of that just hit the ground running? The obvious example is Galactica. From the first minute of the miniseries to the last episode of season 4 I believe the writing, direction and acting were all top notch. Maybe Firefly would qualify there too.

Just interested in people's observations.

[Rico]

That's a tricky question.  Most shows tend to need a bit of time to get rolling.  Actually I think the new "Flash Forward" and in the past shows like "Lost", "Alias" and so on seemed really good from the start.  I think a lot has to do with the premise of the series.  Things that start with a "big event" kind of have an advantage.  As far as Trek, I think the original series hit the ground running great and season one has some amazing episodes.  Of course, most people think TNG took a bit to hit their stride and I agree with that.  Interesting topic.

[Bromptonboy]

In the non-scifi front, Seinfeld took a season to find itself and get started.

[X]

Of the top of my head, here are a few shows that I think hit the ground running:

John Doe
Jake 2.0
Chuck
Supernatural
Dead like Me
Pushing Daisies
Rome
Eureka
Doctor Who (RTD version)

[billybob476]

Oh yeah, no need to restrict it to Sci Fi. I agree Pushing Daisies had a cool start, too bad it didn't get a fair chance.

[X]

Oh yeah, no need to restrict it to Sci Fi. I agree Pushing Daisies had a cool start, too bad it didn't get a fair chance.

I wasn't trying to limit it to sci-fi, but I quickly noticed that it's rare for dramas to hit the ground running because they have to establish the characters first, while comedy and sci fi can push the story while we get to know the characters.

That being said, the following should be added to my list:

Big Bang Theory
Grey's Anatomy
NCIS
Mentalist
Moonlight
Moonlighting
Cosby Show
Cheers
MASH

[Rico]

I can't forget "Dexter."  Awesome and loved it from episode one.  One odd thing for me was "Firefly."  I didn't like the first episode much when it first aired on Fox ("The Train Job").  But later when I got the DVD set and watched the "real" first, pilot episode I was hooked.

[Bromptonboy]

Of the top of my head, here are a few shows that I think hit the ground running:

John Doe
Jake 2.0
Chuck
Supernatural
Dead like Me
Pushing Daisies
Rome
Eureka
Doctor Who (RTD version)

I LOVED Rome!  I was crushed when they didn't renew for a 3rd season.

[ElfManDan]

I think Heroes should probably be added to that list too. I think it's a great example of a show that jumped strait in and had a phenomenal first season.

[X]

I think Heroes should probably be added to that list too. I think it's a great example of a show that jumped strait in and had a phenomenal first season.

I was going to add that but I assumed that reved up meant reved up for the length of the show. Heroes did a great quarter mile, but then threw a piston and has been pretty much grinding it's gears with the occasional bout of acceleration then total reversing.

[ElfManDan]

I think Heroes should probably be added to that list too. I think it's a great example of a show that jumped strait in and had a phenomenal first season.

I was going to add that but I assumed that reved up meant reved up for the length of the show. Heroes did a great quarter mile, but then threw a piston and has been pretty much grinding it's gears with the occasional bout of acceleration then total reversing.

I agree with that. Season 1 was fantastic, the later are definitely lacking.