Several Shows Take Time to Blossom...

Namaste Peoples,

I trust you have all been keeping up with your weekly dose of television. Last night whilst watching the latest episode of Hawaii Five-O, a few thoughts nested in mind that I thought I would share with you. Take a look back at some of the shows you've watched over the years, and picture how many of them came into their stride after several episodes or a few seasons. I'm guessing you're not surprised that the answer is most, and if not most, then at the very least a lot of them!! Now with that in mind, I am appalled at the current level of leeway extended to drama shows at the moment. Hollywood is too concerned with the "bottom line" and thus is leaving us with only garbage to watch. Don't get me wrong, there is lots of good TV out there, especially on cable, however network television need to look at long-term gains, and actually give shows a chance because statistically most shows tend to blossom in later seasons, as they learn from their errors, get fan feedback etc. If they are cancelled in such a rash manner, then there will never be hope for any decent show on Network TV.

What is he talking about, you may ask?! I am now in particular ranting or voicing my rage with regards to the news I heard last week, that ABC will not be ordering more than the 13 episodes of "LAST RESORT". This in effect renders the show cancelled, which in my opinion is not just a crying shame, but a DISGRACE. I'm not sure how many people have endeavored to attempt this new show, but OMG, It is so Damn Awesome!!! Sure, it may be a little exaggerated with regard to certain aspects e.g "the nuke blast" in the pilot episode, but if TV were just as realistic as real-life it would damn sure be boring. How many things that happened in 24 were a bit exaggerated or overstated?? (that did not stop the show from being fantastic, in fact it heightened the pleasure and stakes making it more exciting to watch), and If I may add, the best seasons of 24 were season 4 and season 5... which goes to show that to get the best of the best sometimes, one must give a show time to breathe and find its way. I have full confidence in the LAST RESORT, and in comparison to most shows, especially the new ones, the plot and acting is absolutely superb!!  Someone needs to start a "SAVE THE LAST RESORT PETITION", and I'll definitely sign and spread the word (I should consider doing that).. but seriously, is there room for good shows on network TV any more.

Forget about past greats like 24, and lets look at the shows currently on air. As I mentioned, this thought came to me after the latest episode of Hawaii Five-O. I was never really into Hawaii Five-O too much, I mean in the first couple of seasons I thought it was decent and it certainly passed the time, however, I never looked forward to it like I did a show like Dexter or Fringe. But this third season has been phenomenal. The procedural story-lines and the overarching plot have been very interesting,and I'm getting more and more impressed with the show.

Even when we look to the comedy front, shows like Parks and Rec, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, two of the funniest shows still airing didn't really get into the groove until their second season.. now imagine if they had been cancelled after their first season due to a lack of numbers, or the fact that they weren't that good!! Even Scrubs, the best seasons were season 2 to 5...

In reality(not the genre), very few shows have their first seasons as their best, or are simply outstanding from the get-go. In fact, the outstanding shows from the get-go(as in from the pilot) I can think of at the moment are LOST, Game of Thrones, Dexter, Boston Legal, Suits... and very few others!! Most shows that have their first season as their best, and end up going on and on, usually wither into nothingness; Case and Point: "Prison Break and Heroes". Therefore, why the hell can't ABC just give "LAST RESORT and perhaps even 666 PARK AVENUE" a chance!! By the way, I should make it clear that some shows are just crap from the get-go and should never be given the time of day, I mean seriously... Look at "The Playboy club and Charlies Angels remake" from Fall 2011.. Those shows were axed in a second, and boy they deserved it... but don't mistake poor ratings for a poor show Executives, just don't!!

All in all, it seems like more and more, Conspiracy television has no hope, or at least no hope on Network TV. In the last couple of years, shows that weren't too great, or not even that good, that had potential to become great like The Event, Rubicon, Traveler  FlashForward, Dirty Sexy Money.. all were axed perhaps a little too soon, and now it looks like LAST RESORT will join this list as the latest casualty in Conspiracy Television. What a shame!! Since it is not as easy to revive such shows like it is with animations, i.e Family guy and Futurama ( as the actors only do voices), all we can do is mourn. Thank The Heavens that they managed to revive Arrested Development though, albeit for one season, but still.

 To conclude, I think it is apt to provide a small list of my favourite shows(not including the Conspiracy ones named above) that were the victim of greed in Hollywood.. Oh How I wish these shows continued:

FIREFLY (By far on the Greatest shows ever made, Everyone should Watch it)
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP
BETTER OFF TED
ELI STONE
HARRY's LAW (The second season was actually really good, compared to the first)
HOW TO MAKE IT AMERICA
DARK BLUE
SHARK
INVASION (This was so awesome)

and a few others I cannot remember at this time...