Armchair Commentary: TV Smackdown

So I am not ashamed to admit that I was an avid fan of Dawson's Creek and Roswell back in the day. Okay "avid fan" may be putting it lightly. I may or may not have been ridiculously obsessed with both shows. But with great soundtracks and all kinds of awesome teen angst, I don't know how any girl in high school/college at that time could not heart those shows and the oh-so-cute cast members. I was not alone so go ahead and mock...cause you know you were one of those fans. And since you were, you will appreciate my enthusiasm for finding out that my two favorite "underdog" boys are back on TV shows this fall! This news of course made me think of one thing...SMACKDOWN! Yes, that's right, a former-underdog-character-and-oh-so-cute-teen-star-now-back-on-TV smackdown is what's going to go down on TV this fall. Here's the scoop on the contenders:

Contender #1: Joshua Jackson

AKA: Pacey

Former TV Crack: Dawson's Creek

Claim to Fame: Played the underdog that beat out Dawson to win the heart of Joey Potter, leading to girls around the world either loving or hating him. (I am sure you can guess where I stand on that one).

Life after Dawson's: Since Joey became Mrs. Cruise, Pacey had to find a new girl - and boy did he. He's been dating Diane Kruger of Troy fame for a while (which yes I do realize that if he is dating the woman that played freaking Helen of Troy, I surely have no shot. Whatever. And yes I realize Pacey is not real, but that is besides the point as well.) As for his professional life, he's kept busy since his Pacey days (one of my favorites being small indie flick Americano), but mostly under the radar things. I don't blame him, I mean 6 years in the Creek must have been rough.

New TV Crack: The Fringe on FOX. Pacey is back and he is looking HOT in this x-Files-esque show co-created by director-guru J.J. Abrams (this is what, his 4 billionth show?) Even though I have never been even close to being an X-Files fan, you know I will be watching. And actually the reviews have been pretty decent, so hey it may even be a good show. Not that it matters. I need me some Pacey crack, and hey you gotta give props to a kid that's a Mighty Ducks alum. Emilio Estevez must be so proud.

Contender #2: Brendan Fahr

AKA: Michael

Former TV Crack: Roswell

Claim to Fame: Played the underdog/rebel in a group of teen aliens. Although his character always played second fiddle to the Max&Liz story-line, in the end he got Maria and, if I remember correctly, did something good so they all wouldn't die. (Sorry for the lack of details, but my VHS tape with the finale is a bit worn-out. Maybe it is time to spring for that DVD collection after all.) But I do remember that he looked all sorts of adorable-rebel-boy-pulls-through-in-the-end, so that's all that matters.

Life after Roswell: He's definitely one of those "where the hell have you been" actors these past few years. I did some stalking, and turns out he is married now with a kid (darn, there goes my boy #2). Oh, and professionally, I think Pacey has him beat on the professional front these past few years. But I won't judge, I mean the boy likely needed a break from 3 years in Alien-land.

New TV Crack: Samurai Girl on ABC Family. It's a 6-hr mini-series based on the popular teen book series, about a teen girl who tries to be "normal" but finds out her past is linked to an ancient secret prophecy leading to a battle between good and evil. You know, the normal teen fodder. Okay, so this is very unlikely to become my new TV crack, but I am sure it will become one for some teenage girl out there. And who knows, maybe this mini-series will be just enough to convince former Roswell alum Katherine Heigel to get him a guest spot on Grey's Anatomy. I think Izzie owes Michael that at the very least.

So back to the smackdown....my money is on Pacey. But of course it really doesn't matter to me who wins, I am just excited that the networks are giving my boys another chance. Welcome back Pacey and Michael. We missed you in TV Land. Please don't leave us ever again. - Lisanne