Originality

I just watched the complete Fawlty Towers on DVD from the library. In the bonus features, John Cleese talks about how audiences didn't get the series at first, because it was so new and different. But on the reruns of the first season, it began to catch fire.

Too bad today's TV networks don't understand this idea.

To be fair, some of the shows I love that were cut down in their prime were given 2 years to try to build an audience, while the ratings slowly circled the drain. But Firefly and Day Break had 6 episodes. That's just not enough time for people to "get it" if you're doing something creative.

Bastards.

Of course, I look for intelligent, provoking shows that bring catharsis as well as stimulate. After watching Sports Night, my verbal dexterity increases.

It's a perfect example of what stupidity arises out of American bloodlust for short term success. Instead of investing in quality which will result in long-term awesomeness and staying power, networks just buy throw away products that will last for a few months and then have to be replaced when the shine wears off.