So I'm back for Easter, and naturally I'm avoiding revision by any means possible, even including trips to the gym (against my better judgement of course). One of those ways is of course my favourite of all my 3 hobbies; lying in bed watching stuff. You can't beat a lazy weekend, and this past weekend has been no exception, having managed to catch up with something I've been meaning to watch for some time now; Pushing Daisies.
Created by Bryan Fuller (the same guy who made Dead Like Me) and started airing on ABC back in 2007, this excellent show has been hit by many a shortcoming in it's relatively small run on TV. The show was struck by the unfortunately pithy complaints of the Writer's Guild of America back in it's first season, cutting the season order down to only 9 episodes. However, hopes were high as the show was one of the most watched new shows of that year. Instead of trying to complete the first season after the strike was over, it was decided to simply move on and start work on the 2nd season. Unfortunately for the show, airing on ABC means that ratings are by far the most important factor in a show's survival. Never mind a large fan base or being nominated for 12 Emmy's. No no, those things don't sell adverts, and so with a decline in viewership (possibly due to the long wait between seasons), the show was cut to only 13 more episodes (only 10 of which have been aired) and cancelled.
What American networks need to understand is that with a population of around 300 million people in America, there's bound to be a high percentage of idiots. It is America after all. American Idol, now in it's 8th year, is still the most watched show in America, much like many of the regurgitated Pop Factor nonsense shows are in this country. Unfortunately, this leaves new and upcoming shows that are both original and entertaining a much higher chance of being canned in it's early stages, in favour of something old and safe. And yet the American population still lap it up, blissfully unaware that brilliant TV is slipping through their fingers.
I can't help but think that had Pushing Daisies been broadcast on one of the premium channels such as HBO or Showtime, who focus much more on producing award winning and intriguing content rather than viewership, the show would have had a much longer run. The style of the show had a sense of dark humour, especially concerning the fairytale-esque look and feel that was produced. It's just a shame that the show was cut before it's time, and if Dead Like Me can get a follow up movie, I don't see why this shouldn't helping to tie up loose ends left by the unfortunate departure of an excellent show.
~ Lazy
Showing posts with label Dead Like Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dead Like Me. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Dead Like Me
So it's been a bit of a busy week for me, with all the socialising and what-have-you, but I did manage to catch the Dead Like Me movie, Life After Death. Now if you don't know what Dead Like Me is, then take a step back. Look at your life and ask yourself "AM I TRUELY AWESOME". The answer is most probably no, unless you're me...or Barney Stinson.
Dead Like Me was a TV show that ran for 2 seasons in 2003/4 on the Showtime (USA) network. Now if you've ever seen any Showtime programs (the best of which recently have been Dexter and Californication), then you'll no doubt love the deep dark humour that runs through this show. I'm still not entirely sure how I stumbled upon this show, but it's probably the same way I manage to find any of the stuff I watch...just pure luck. The premise of the show, following a group of Grim Reapers as they go about their day taking the souls of the soon-to-be-departed, was fresh and original. The reason the show got cancelled? NO IDEA.
So now we come to 5 years later and the release of a Direct-to-DVD movie which, unlike the series, lacks a lot of the humour and quirkiness that made the original series such a hit (with me at least). With the release of the movie, many of the questions that were left partially unanswered towards the end of the series finally get an answer. When most network shows get cancelled, it's usually because they're crap and no-body cares. When a show ends its run after many years, storylines get tied up and everyone lives happily ever after. Woo. But what happens to all the great shows that have problems with premature ecancellation? WHY WONT YOU JUST THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!
Now the real reason why I'm talking about this DVD isn't because it's that good. The plot is full of holes, 2 of the actors have left (one being replaced which was frankly a TERRIBLE move) and the entire film feels forced. But an end is an end, and who knows, maybe it'll spark everyone to petition to bring the show back and it will return to it's former glory. The real reason I'm mentioning this is because it's a great day for cancelled shows. With the return of Dead Like Me, and the impending return of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (BRING ON THE MOVIE!!), it signifies a shift. No longer will cancelled shows be left to rot in some fat guy's basement. If the fan's are behind it, why shouldnt good TV get its fond farewell? I've seen far too many decent shows being cancelled in recent years, only to be replaced with the the utmost tripe that i wouldnt even wipe my arse with. But slowly but surely, the fans are kicking back.
Futurama. Dead Like Me. and now Arrested Development?...all we need now is the return of Freaks and Geeks and I think i'll wet myself.
-Lazy
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Dead Like Me was a TV show that ran for 2 seasons in 2003/4 on the Showtime (USA) network. Now if you've ever seen any Showtime programs (the best of which recently have been Dexter and Californication), then you'll no doubt love the deep dark humour that runs through this show. I'm still not entirely sure how I stumbled upon this show, but it's probably the same way I manage to find any of the stuff I watch...just pure luck. The premise of the show, following a group of Grim Reapers as they go about their day taking the souls of the soon-to-be-departed, was fresh and original. The reason the show got cancelled? NO IDEA.
So now we come to 5 years later and the release of a Direct-to-DVD movie which, unlike the series, lacks a lot of the humour and quirkiness that made the original series such a hit (with me at least). With the release of the movie, many of the questions that were left partially unanswered towards the end of the series finally get an answer. When most network shows get cancelled, it's usually because they're crap and no-body cares. When a show ends its run after many years, storylines get tied up and everyone lives happily ever after. Woo. But what happens to all the great shows that have problems with premature ecancellation? WHY WONT YOU JUST THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!
Now the real reason why I'm talking about this DVD isn't because it's that good. The plot is full of holes, 2 of the actors have left (one being replaced which was frankly a TERRIBLE move) and the entire film feels forced. But an end is an end, and who knows, maybe it'll spark everyone to petition to bring the show back and it will return to it's former glory. The real reason I'm mentioning this is because it's a great day for cancelled shows. With the return of Dead Like Me, and the impending return of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (BRING ON THE MOVIE!!), it signifies a shift. No longer will cancelled shows be left to rot in some fat guy's basement. If the fan's are behind it, why shouldnt good TV get its fond farewell? I've seen far too many decent shows being cancelled in recent years, only to be replaced with the the utmost tripe that i wouldnt even wipe my arse with. But slowly but surely, the fans are kicking back.
Futurama. Dead Like Me. and now Arrested Development?...all we need now is the return of Freaks and Geeks and I think i'll wet myself.
-Lazy
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