It has been a long time since I was upset about a television show being canceled. Certainly part of the reason is due to the load of crap that is on network airwaves, so there's not that much to miss in the first place.
This past season saw two shows debut that are based not so loosely on my beloved Saturday Night Live. 30 Rock started out uneven but continued to grow on me. It is some of the best stuff that Alec Baldwin has ever done and although Tracy Morgan and Judah Friedlander continue to amuse and entertain, and Jack McBrayer's Kenneth may be the most memorable character in a long time, it is Baldwin that keeps me coming back - especially when in a catfight with Isabella Rossellini (one of the 3 most beautiful women in the world in my book, the other two being Catherine Deneuve and Ashley Judd).
But that's a sitcom. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is one of the best dramedies on the tube. It mixes sharp, crisp, and intelligent dialogue with a backstage view much more real than 30 Rock. Although the story lines are somewhat above average and sometimes jump the shark (e.g. the two-part Pahrump episode), the acting, the script, and the characters kept me coming back. Especially for anyone who has seen D.L. Hughley on stage doing his act, Studio 60 provides a view into just how smart and articulate this actor/comedian is and also highlights Timothy Busfield's talents which have gone largely wasted since thirtysomething and Revenge of the Nerds.
There were a number of on-line petitions that obviously failed to make a difference to the network execs who will end its run at the end of this season. I'm in no position to argue given that I have nothing to do with the business, but I question the intelligence of those that cancel shows like Studio 60, not to mention Arrested Development. I know that eyeballs are what keep shows on the air - someone's got to pay the bills - but it's just a darn shame when quality programming suffers as a result.
Rest In Peace Studio 60 and may the DVD set of the one and only season be out soon.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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