TV Upfronts: ABC's 2012-2012 Fall Schedule

ABC was next to announce its schedule for 2012-2013, and at least it took some more risks than FOX did yesterday. We finally get the pairing of Happy Endings and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 but in a somewhat odd location, and the Alphabet made some moves in an attempt to completely dominate Sunday nights.

2012-2013 Fall Line-up (NOTE: New shows are in UPPER CASE and times are Eastern Standard)

Mondays
8-10p: Dancing with the Stars
10-11p: Castle

Initial Thoughts: I was positive that this would be the year ABC moved Castle to another night so it could use DWTS to help launch other shows, but it looks like that will never happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a fan of Castle and happy it's getting support from the network, but it's time to try something new on Mondays at 10pm.

Tuesdays
8-9p: Dancing with the Stars Results
9-9:30p: Happy Endings
9:30-10p: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
10-11p: Private Practice

Initial Thoughts: Not so surprising details: teaming up Happy Endings and Apt. 23 on their own night away from the family block. Somewhat surprising details: Giving them a DWTS lead-in AND pitting them against New Girl/Mindy Project and Go On/The New Normal. Talk about mixed messages, ABC.

Wednesdays
8-8:30p: The Middle
8:30-9p: Suburgatory
9-9:30p: Modern Family
9:30-10p: THE NEIGHBORS
10-11p: NASHVILLE

Initial Thoughts: Honestly, I think it's a mistake to keep Suburgatory at 8:30 instead of moving it to the cushier post-Modern Family spot where it could grow. I guess there's something to say about consistency, yet ABC decided to move one of its few drama hits to a completely new night. Again with the mixed messages. Another aside: I don't understand why they'd use MF to launch a sitcom about aliens (sure families of aliens) instead of the more accessible  How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life).

Thursdays
8-9p: LAST RESORT
9-10p: Grey's Anatomy
10-11p: Scandal

Initial Thoughts: Part of me wonders if ABC has a total lack of faith in Last Resort based on its location on the schedule. For the last few seasons, Thursdays at 8 has been a black hole for ABC (FlashForward, My Generation, Charlie's Angels), so that's already a red-flag. Then you add the fact that it sticks out like a sore thumb. Sorry, but a show about a rogue nuclear submarine doesn't mesh well with any Shonda Rhimes vehicle. I'm interested to see how Last Resort performs, but Shawn Ryan could got 0 for 3 thanks to ABC.

Fridays
8-9p: Shark Tank
9-10p: Primetime: What Would You Do?
10-11p: 20/20

Starting in November
8-8:30p: Last Man Standing
8:30-9p: Malibu Country
9-10p: Shark Tank
10-11p: Primetime: What Would You Do?

Initial Thoughts: Yes, ABC Fridays look dreadfully boring, but things will get more interesting in November when Last Man Standing and Malibu Country debut. I'm all for a new TGIF, so I want LMS and Malibu to do well even if I don't watch them, and they very well could since they'll be going up against Touch and Whitney/Community. CBS will be the deciding factor.

Saturdays
8-End: Saturday Night College Football

Initial Thoughts: Let's just skip to Sundays.

Sundays
7-8p: America's Funniest Home Videos
8-9p: Once Upon a Time
9-10p: Revenge
10-11p: 666 PARK AVENUE

Initial Thoughts: And we finally get to ABC's plot to take over Sunday nights as it pairs up its two biggest sophomore successes. I can kind of understand moving Revenge to Sundays since ABC doesn't have a natural heir apparent to Desperate Housewives, but why couldn't they spread the wealth instead of piling everything on Sundays? Plus, Revenge doesn't seem like a natural fit with OUAT and 666, but whatever. Genre consistency's overrated in this day and age anyway.

Mid-Season: Body of Proof, Family Tools, How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life), Mistresses, Red Window, Wife Swap and Zero Hour.

While some of ABC's moves have me scratching my head, I do have to applaud them for taking some bigger risks than it would have done in the past. This schedule's a pretty clear sign that ABC's ready to make a comeback, so kudos.