It’s summer, which means that there isn’t a lot of new TV on the air aside from reality shows. So when I heard that there was a new show – about swingers, no less – I figured it was worth checking out. I haven’t decided yet if I really like the show or not, but I’ve watched the first three episodes, mainly because there’s nothing else on.

The main story is pretty simple: There are three married couples, each with their own set of sexual values. Roger and Janet Thompson are extremely conservative, Tom and Trina Decker are full-blown swingers, and Bruce and Susan Miller, are not quite sure where they fit. The Millers are the real draw of the show, as they first experienced swinging with the Deckers in the pilot episode. The experience was new for them, and the next two episodes have shown them working through the consequences of their actions. At first they decide it should be a one time only thing, but they are now being drawn back into the world of swinging.  The way that Bruce and Susan interact, and the way they are both able to convey so much with subtle looks, is I think the main reason I keep watching the show.

There is also great chemistry between the Deckers, who despite having an open marriage, are truly devoted to each other. The prudish Thompsons, however, are pretty dull, Janet especially. She used to be best friends with Susan, but is hurt by Susan’s new friendship with Trina as much as she is repulsed by Trina’s lifestyle. Story-wise, the presence of a a couple to ground the Millers makes sense, but Janet’s whining and pining has gotten old fast.  Janet and Trina fighting over the appetizers at the Miller’s house warming party was incredibly cliché, but there is definite potential in the tension between Susan and Janet’s husband Roger.  He acts opposed to the idea of swinging, but would he turn down a chance to get freaky with his wife’s best friend?

Also tiresome is the stories with the kids. The Miller’s son likes the angsty girl next door, and their daughter Laurie is in love with her teacher. Yawn. Get back to the swingers! And to make matters worse, the girl who plays Laurie is just painfully unattractive. I mean, sorry to be harsh and all, but if I’m supposed to be invested in the love life of a teenage girl on television, I at least expect her to be hot. Is that too much to ask for?

Another great things about Swingtown is the awesome 70’s music, and no, it’s not just disco. I’m a classic rock nut, so it’s not surprising that I like I just hearing the tunes, but they are often used to great effect within the stories. It doesn’t hurt that CBS, which airs the show, also owns last.fm, and while those banners at the bottom of the screen every time a song starts playing are mildly annoying, if it helps them cover all the music clearance costs, I can live with it.

Overall, I’m not convinced that I would watch Swingtown in a busy fall/spring schedule when there are tons of other new shows on the air, but it’s making for some light summer fun.  It may have it’s hokier elements, from the trying-too-hard-to-be-vintage dissolves, to the not at all subtle, “Stay tuned for a sneak peek inside next week’s episode” promos, and yeah, the show might have been better suited to HBO or a network that would allow for more nudity, but it isn’t a bad show, and hell, there’s nothing else on anyway.