Life is not a fairy tale
“Scream Awards”
Tuesday 9pm, Spike
Spike’s “Scream Awards” are somewhat misleading. While the ceremony does honor the horror genre (mainstream horror, at least), it also doles out trophies to sci-fi, fantasy, and comic-book movies. Categories include everything from the mundane (Best Supporting Actor, Best TV Show) to the more specialized (Most Memorable Mutilation, Holy Sh!t Scene of the Year). Dominating this year’s awards are the final insallment of the Harry Potter franchise and X-Men: First Class. Nominees were picked (at least in part) by an advisory board that includes Darren Aronofsky, Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Neil Gaiman, Robert Rodriguez, George Romero and Rob Zombie.
“Boss”
Friday 10pm, Starz
Kelsey Grammer gives TV yet another go after three failed series in a row (2005’s “The Sketch Show,” 2007’s “Back to You,” 2009’s dismal “Hank”). Of course, the man has had plenty of success with his 20-year run playing Dr. Frasier Crane on both “Cheers” and the character’s eponymous sitcom. His newest venture goes in a totally different direction—drama—as he plays Tom Kane, mayor of Chicago whose political success depends on being ambitious and smooth, and operating by a very complicated set of ethics. His web of political and personal wheelings and dealings threatens to collapse after he is diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder, which he keeps a secret from even his most trusted allies. The solid supporting cast includes Connie Nielsen (Gladiator), Kathleen Robertson (“Tin Man”), and Martin Donovan (“Weeds”).
“Once Upon a Time”
Sunday 8pm, ABC
Two TV series this fall blend classic fairy-tale characters with modern settings. NBC’s “Grimm” bows on Friday, but this ABC series is getting the most buzz. Jennifer Morrison (“House”) plays Emma Swan (I know, I know), a down-on-her-luck bail bondswoman who is suddenly confronted by the son she gave up for adoption years ago. The storybook-toting kid has a whopper of a tale: Emma is actually the long-lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and the Wicked Stepmother from the stories is real and has put a curse on a slew of fairy-tale characters, bringing them into the real world but wiping their memories of who/what they actually are. The cast also includes Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”), Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Full Monty), and relative unknown Lana Parrilla.