CALL ME SNAKE

• THE OFFICE, which always had its moments, but at times came off as one-dimensional, now seems to have hit its stride. In the past few weeks, it has been funnier and better, mainly because some of the side characters are getting more developed and it’s no longer just Steve Carrell, who is exceedingly funny despite the fact that (and perhaps because of the fact that) his character has gone way past obnoxious into borderline insufferable and beyond.

• BOSTON LEGAL, a show that can be worthwhile due to the presence of James Spader and William Shatner, is now suffering from a spate of terrible writing. Both Spader and Shatner, I’m pretty sure, have won well-deserved Emmys the past two years. At times their performances (and comic timing in the case of Shatner) are nothing short of brilliant. But now that the writing has gone south (apologies, again, to my “friends from the south,” whoever they may be), they often look ridiculous, especially the Denny Crane character who has been painted into a corner by bad scripting that has forced him to act like buffoon, if not a total idiot. Meanwhile, it’s becoming painful to see that talent being wasted.

• LOUSED is the only other show that I don’t watch but I’ve already said enough about that. A few weeks ago, the second season seemed doomed by absurdity and downright sillnness but now–after several strong showings–I’m hopeful he series has righted itself, at least for the time being.

I’d love to take the opportunity to review more shows, but these are the only ones I don’t watch on a regular basis.