ALIEN TRIFECTA

The television networks have been unloading their new shows on us unassuming Americans the last few weeks. Well, I guess we were assuming, since this happens every year.

Among the new shows are three options trying to serve the "Lost" crowd: supernatural-themed thrillers. There is "Threshold" on CBS, the number one network; there is "Surface" on NBC, the fallen giant in desperate need of a big hit again; and there is the "Lost" heir-apparent, "Invasion."

I've seen all three shows since they began and am up-to-date. I have already stopped watching "Surface" because it is a waste of time. I do not like Lake Bell, or the story, and feel I can see the same kind of material done better elsewhere. Too bad NBC keeps striking out. What will it take?

"Invasion" is alright, though there is very little exposition in the show. I like the cast and the setup, but there are mysteries all over the place and almost no resolution, even on the most basic level. I will stick with it, if only on my DVR, for awhile to see if it can win me over.

The best of the three, I think, is "Threshold." The cast is great, with Peter Dinklage, Carla Gugino, and that guy from Independence Day who was the doctor and was doing the autopsy on the alien and was pushed up against the glass and used as the vessel through with the alien speaks to Will Smith through the glass. Plus, they treat the material intelligently. I think this is because David Goyer is behind the show. He is the comic book messiah who was behind Blade, Batman Begins, etc. They refer back to things like the others do not, and don't sloppily leave plots hanging. Plus, they show just enough of the problem, i.e. the aliens, to intrigue but not ruin. The other shows just do not show enough of the hand they are holding. They render the audience, or maybe just me, uninterested. I had the benefit of watching the first four episodes back-to-back this weekend while I was sick, thanks to my DVR. I'm telling you nonbelievers, get this device. It only costs $10 from Comcast. And for all I know there is a better deal out there.

Has anyone else seen any of these shows? What do you think?

And what of the new season, if anything, have you caught, and what do you like? Dislike?