This last season of TV we had was pretty good, in my opinion. So the fact that over 36 shows, some of them longstanding favorites, are suddenly disappearing is utterly heartbreaking. The Hill family made me think, as usual, and Earl moved me in ways no karma-fearing-rednecks ever have. A new show, “Sit Down, Shut up,” was one that I sensed had a lot of potential (and from the creators of Arrested Development, I had very high hopes), that only had about three or four episodes aired at varying times over the last month.
Fox has made mistakes before by turning off the TV while everyone was watching (need I even say it? Ok, fine, “Family Guy”), only to realize that they were idiots and had to sheepishly give it back to a frustrated audience. But really? King of the Hill? No offense to Seth MacFarlane, because I like his other shows, but does he really need three shows on a single network, aired in a single night? My heart breaks to know that I will no longer be able to glare at Hank for always knowing best. I sincerely hope Fox at least gives them a few episodes to give the show a proper ending. After 13 years, it’s the least they can do.
And “My Name is Earl.” Ok. So they had one questionable season, post writer’s-strike, from which they had to bounce back. Last season proved to be a very high bounce. Earl made amends for some of his worst crimes (what fan can forget the reformed minister who learns that the only reason his life ever went wrong in the first place was because of Earl?), and we learned at the very end that Earl really was Dodge’s father, and Darnell is potentially the father to no one! How can they possibly end it there?! But no. They’re being traded for “Parks and Recreation,” an obvious knockoff of “The Office,” and as much as I love Amy Poehler, come on. That’s an obvious lack of creativity.
Then with dramas that I was, admittedly, never a big fan of (I like TV to be an escape from the drama of everyday life), it still must be said that shows like ER, Boston Legal, Without a Trace, and Prison Break also failed to survive the chopping block, and I’m sure many a viewer will not be happy. They had good, solid runs, and lived long, substantial lives, but it’s still a shame to see them go.
Farewell to years of great entertainment. You will be sorely missed.
