SUPER BOWL 2012

Must See TV

The BCs have noticed that our basketball posts of late have received very few comments. That could mean one of two things: (a) our readers think we said everything there is to say about a particular subject (we're flattered), and they have nothing to add, or (b) our readers are getting bored with our writing and our blogging.

If (b) is the correct answer, then that's worrisome. Perhaps it's time we tried something new or different. You know, rebrand ourselves . . . branch out a little. But what could we possibly write about? Let's see . . . we love basketball, travel, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Wait, forget that, we took a wrong turn there. Hmmm, besides basketball and travel, we also enjoy watching television (selectively, of course.) That gave us an idea . . . we'd try our hand at becoming TV reviewers!

And we found the perfect show for our new careers as TV reviewers: Comcast SportsNet's "Under the Shell." The season premiere of this "reality show" aired this morning (Sunday) at 9 AM on our cable network. If you missed it, and our review piques your interest, (not to worry) CSN is rebroadcasting this first episode. So check your local listings for a rebroadcast, or watch the episode online, because (in the opinion of these two reviewers) you really missed a great show.

In case you're not familiar with this reality series, Under the Shell is in its seventh season. It provides an all-access behind-the-scenes and on-the-court look at the Maryland women's basketball team and the myriad cast of "characters" who are associated (officially and unofficially) with the Maryland program. The BCs have been fans of the program since it was first launched seven years ago. Back then, the show was produced by an experienced sports videographer, Mark Thomas. (Later he took a leave of absence from producing to concentrate on doing laundry.)

Since those early shows, the production has, at times, been somewhat uneven. Some years it's been really great; other seasons, enjoyable, but not really special. However, if this morning's episode is indicative of what we can expect for the rest of the series, then this season looks like it could be an exceptional one.

The producers, recognizing that the Terps have only played one game of note to date, wisely gave that game (MD v. Georgetown) its due, and then moved on to what might be called "human interest" stories. There are a good many humans associated with the Maryland Women's Basketball program. On the court and off, they are a pretty interesting bunch of people. So focusing on them makes for very entertaining and informative TV.

This week, we were treated to a fascinating glimpse of Trainer Matt Charvat's medical mission in Sierra Leone, as well as an amusing look at Ass't Coach David Adkins's efforts to milk his torn achilles tendon for all its worth when it comes to getting waited on hand and foot (so to speak) at home. The fun begins when Coach Adkins's wife sees a slightly different side of him at the Comcast Center.

Even the commercials were fun. Yes, Coach B is once again hyping a certain car dealership up in Maryland. (If we print the name, can we get a good deal on our next car?)

We'll stop there, because we don't want to fall into the trap of so many reviewers . . . simply reporting first this happened, then that happened, blah blah blah. No, we would rather you know we loved the show, without knowing every detail.

We want you to watch it yourself! And then catch Under the Shell when it airs bi-weekly through the end of the season. Ready Set Go Set your DVRs now!