Bal'mor Poh-lease and Other Television News

I've made many efforts to get people to tune in on The Wire, HBO's singular work of genius, but for some reason The Wire's fanbase is not very large. Don't get me wrong, fans of The Wire don't fuck around. There are no half-ass fans. Together they comprise a cult, the likes of which had never before been seen outside of a comic-con or sci-fi nerd gathering. Since my pleadings have fallen on deaf ears, perhaps a more scholarly approach might help you get your mind around the fact that you are missing something special:

The Wire and the Serial Procedural (an essay in progress)

Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip was euthanized fairly early into it's life by a network that had previously been known for it's patience. It's easy to see why. Sorkin was clearly spooked by dismal early ratings and NBC meddling, and the show never really found it's groove. That's why it's a damn shame that after a lengthy hiatus, during which Studio 60s' mid-season replacement show came and went, the show has been friggin' awesome. Untethered and simply interested in giving his creations a decent send-off, Studio 60 has gone back to being what it had been during the first few episodes; a worthy successor to the legacy of Sports Night and West Wing.

Heads up: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia dvd boxset of the first two seasons can be pre-ordered right now at Amazon for less than 28 dollars. In case you missed it, some guy named Dylan Crawford wrote:

Imagine this: the friends with time to spare from Seinfeld, the witty dialogue and plot pacing of Arrested Development, and some of the most offensive stuff around (perhaps second only to South Park), and you get this show.

Kind of hard to argue with that. It really is the funniest show on television.

Speaking of FX--which we weren't, but it is the home of Sunny--they had a neat little show running recently called The Riches. It starred Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver and even though it was completely over-the-top more often than not, there was some really strong writing and incredibly poignant moments in the show. Telling you what it's about really doesn't do much, you have to check it out yourself. Look for reruns or bit-torrent for the hook.

Three last things: Me and the Trouble & Strife are going to attempt to watch all seven seasons of West Wing this Summer. We never got through Season Five and stopped there. I'll keep you posted (no pun intended). There's a new show on HBO called John From Cincinatti. I've only seen one episode, but here's what I know--Mitch Yost needs to get back in the surfing game, I don't care for Rebecca DeMornay, Butchie needs to get off the smack, the dad from Married With Children has his eye on John, levitation is not caused by a tumor and I really like the kid playing the grandson Yost.

And because you never can get enough:

enjoy.