"Saul of the Mole Men" [Lewis, 2007] Season 1 (only) [Feb.-Jul. 2007] [TV-14]

A deliberately, preeningly B-movie/cheese-esque live-action show about (once again, as though it matters) a man named Saul, who is the only surviving member of a crew sent to visit the "mole men" (hence, [show's title]). Once you get past this initial impression, though, you realize that it is surprisingly intelligent--once again, as though it genuinely matters. The problem here is that it relies overwhelmingly on one's appreciation for B-movie/cheese/kitsch for humor (since it apparently has to aim to be comedic, it cannot be taken seriously at "face value"), which of course has never been a very productive source. Something that is of significant help, however, is that since the concept and what appears to be the actual plot is entirely whimsical and so feels as "meaningless" as it actually is, the show's extraordinary, consistent intelligence redeems what would probably otherwise be a C- or so show into a rather better one. So, its almost abject lack of humor is balanced out by its intelligence into something rather surprising... Grade: C PLUS