Now a lot of people seem to really like Roswell. They girls at Armoursuck were certainly huge fans. TBALC on the other hand takes a more dim view of the show.

TBALC believes that the show can be summarised thus:

The lead guy is an alien.

The lead girl is not an alien

But who really cares?

Certainly not TBALC.

While we are on the subject of TV, let TBALC examine Smallville. This show is also poor. It should be cool, for Superman is cool, and the premise behind the show (ie. Superman growing up, being super and stuff) is cool. Smallville is pretty lame. Here is why....

Episode Begins:

Some previously normal person X (PNP-X) does something involving close contact with Kryptonite.

Some plot device moves episode along, eg a birthday, or foorball trials or something,

PNP-X gets some (roll D-100 to decide) power, eg fat vampire, electrcity, fire, becomes a bug,

PNP-X does some random acts of violence, mayhem or destrcution.

Clark discovers something is going on. But is not sure who or what it is.

Plot device thing, comes perilously close to the random acts of PNP-X,

Clark manages to protect the plot device whilst leaving hardly any lasting damage to the environs of Smallville, as well as ending the peril posed by the kryptonite powered PNP-X,

Some development with one or other of the girls.

The End.

NB: Clark usually gains the (partial) use of another power at some stage in the episode.
NB: Also there is usually a moment of repose with the Kent's and Clark contemplate his powers and the problems of being super human and a hero.

It is partially redeemed only through Lex being cool and not evil nasty bastard. Nice.