By Tonight at 9 p.m PT, a momentous dilemma will confront every American tuned into their television sets: Two very highly anticipated programs occupy the coveted ‘9-10’ time slot. One will prevail. The other, will fall. Okay, so it’s actually pretty inconsequential, but that won’t stop me from giving my take. I’m only watching one and here’s why:
The thrilling zombie apocalyptic drama “The Walking Dead” makes its long-awaited return to AMC tonight. This is quite possibly the most cringe-worthy intensity ever to hit the small screen. The character development is captivating and the conflict continues to mount even when you think they’ve squelched every ounce of it. This show, along with fellow AMC program, “Breaking Bad” have straddled deep, dark boundaries that force you to reevaluate your own moral integrity (as every good show should). The show picks up right where it left off, at the end of the middle of season 2. The cast of survivors have been separated but then again, they have Rick Grimes, a southern, zombie-slaying former sheriff’s deputy.
Of course, at 8 p.m., the Gramophone awards (I’m being told they shortened it to GRAMMYs) are attempting to derail (dramatic, yes) everyone’s opportunity to watch some of the finest television ever. The chief selling point of the GRAMMYs lies in the suspense of having the winners unveiled before your eyes, but let’s be real. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, or the group of snoots that decides who may have a GRAMMY and who may not, always have an agenda.
They’re suckers for the “critically acclaimed, crossover, grassroots” shenanigans. I’m not blaming the recent folk-americana surged that’s engulfed Top-40 stations. I just wish this panel would diversify their selections rather than merely choosing the artists who’ve garnered the most radio play– Adele, Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys … the list goes on.
The GRAMMYs kick off at 8 and “The Walking Dead” premiere at 9. If you’re not going to bother TIVOing one of them, or watching the GRAMMYs for an hour only to ditch them at 9, save yourself the trouble and choose Walking Dead from the get-go. It’s real entertainment. And while you may find yourself angrily shouting at the TV when they announce the winner for Album of the year because it’s “a travesty that Mumford and Sons didn’t win!” – you won’t have to worry about Rick Grimes making the right decision for the good of the group. He knows best.
Also, people won’t eat each others’ flesh with amazing special effects at the GRAMMYs. Then again, if Lady Gaga’s performing, I wouldn’t write it off.
