Forgive the corny headline but I simply love the story of how Jericho was able to return for a second season (Tuesday at 10 p.m. on CBS).

It’s a story made possible by the Internet, devoted fans and good show. When CBS pulled the plug on the freshman drama last May, those who loved Jericho quickly mobilized to send peanuts (and lots of them!) to CBS headquarters in both LA and New York. Surprised by the outpouring of support for the show, three weeks later, in a power to the people moment, CBS picked up the show for a seven-episode second season. If only all of TV worked like this and we could always keep our favorite shows on the air.

But now the pressure is on – the show needs to be good and more people need to start watching. On the first count, I’m happy to report that Jericho returns with a powerful episode full of breathtaking images, new mysteries and great character development.

I actually think the second season is poised to be creatively stronger than the first season. In essence it’s a new show about what Jericho must do to survive in and save this new world – and it is a totally new world (as evidenced by the new and visually arresting American flag). Esai Morales (NYPD Blue) is a great addition to the cast this season as Major Edward Beck. I'm not exactly sure what he's up to but I like him. And Skeet Ulrich continues his great work as the prodigal son turned unlikely hero.

If you’re not sure what all the fuss is about, check out the four episode marathon of the first season on the Sci Fi Channel Monday night at 7 p.m. Now is the time to give the show a chance. After you watch the second season premiere let me know what you think.

And check out a similar campaign being launched by the fans of The 4400 over at http://www.giantseeds.com/save-the-4400.html

Writer’s Strike

I don’t want to do the dance of joy too soon or count my remote controls before they hatch but it certainly seems that by the time I write my Wednesday post the writer’s strike will officially be over.

I received so many emails over the weekend asking me what this means and when will The Office, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, Insert Name of Your Favorite Show Here return. Right now it’s all speculation with conventional wisdom saying many of our favorite shows will return to complete a shortened season while other more complex plot driven shows (such as Heroes and 24) will wait until next year to return.

But one thing is for sure – if the writers are happy, I’m happy. Let’s continue to think only good thoughts, shall we?

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for February 11-17

I know there are some of you who just don’t understand my continuing devotion to all things 90210. All I can tell you is that I can’t help myself and that’s why I’m so thrilled that Brian Austin Green joins the cast of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles this week (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.). He’s playing a character known as The Stranger. Also Dean Winters returns as Sarah’s former boyfriend Charley.

Here’s the thing. I think I have to make a promise to me to not start watching Big Brother: 'Til Death Do You Part, which begins Tuesday at 9 p.m. on CBS (and will air every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday). Because I really think the show is kind of awful and brings out the worst in people but once I started watching this summer, I couldn’t stop and I became part of the problem. I can’t let that happen again. This time around the reality show sounds like it will play out like match.com meets Big Brother. The show has paired people up and they must compete as a couple – share the same room (even the same bed) and hold head of household together. And last year’s winner Evil Dick will co-host show you can find to at www.cbs.com. But I will not watch Big Brother 9. I will not watch Big Brother 9. I will not watch Big Brother 9.

After multiple reschedulings (yeah I know that’s not even a word, but that’s what ABC has been doing), Scott Bakula finally guest stars on Boston Legal (Tuesday, ABC, 10 p.m.). Bakula plays Shirley’s college boyfriend and this is fun for us, why? That’s right – Bakula played Candice Bergen’s love interest Peter Hunt on Murphy Brown.

Finally I can safely tune back into American Idol. It’s Hollywood week which means by Wednesday night (8 p.m. on FOX) we will know which 12 men and which 12 women are continuing. The live performances begin next week.

See I’m kind of torn about Survivor: Micronesia (Thursday, CBS, 8 p.m.). I really had no need to see Jonny Fairplay again. Ever. As I said when he first competed – he wasn’t fun to watch, he was annoying to watch. So I’m glad he’s off the show. But I wanted him voted off because he was outsmarted by this tribe not because he asked to be voted off. And I’m not sure if I’m buying what he’s selling. Was he really missing his pregnant girlfriend? Or did he arrive in Micronesia, have one night of eating fish and sleeping on the ground and think "I so don’t need to do this again." What do you think? Talk about it below. Also is it just me or is Survivor becoming like The Real World. What’s with all the hooking up?

Lorraine Bracco plays a book editor after Wendy in the second episode of Lipstick Jungle (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.). You all have been suspiciously quiet about this show. Does that mean you a) liked it, b)hated it or c) are indifferent. I’m betting on "c" but would love to know if I’m correct.

If you, your TiVo, DVR or VCR missed the post-Super Bowl episode of House, FOX is repeating it Friday at 9 p.m. What do you think is going to become of Chase and Cameron on the show? I liked it last week when House said "we need you" to Chase – it was the first sign that House misses his old team, don’t you think?

You know I was so excited for a new episode of Brothers & Sisters (Sunday, ABC, 10 p.m.) but last week’s episode just seemed to be marking time and a quick way to skedaddle the Lena story line. But I am glad to have Jason back into the mix although I fear the situation could lead to heartbreak for Scotty. Keep an eye out for Enrico Colantoni (that’s Keith Mars to you and me) as a guest star this week.

If you’ve missed out on the Showtime series Dexter, the drama comes to CBS this Sunday at 10 p.m. CBS just sent out the edited version of the first two episodes (think less gore and profanity) so after I’ve watched them I’ll let you know what I think.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Wednesday with familiar faces and, in honor of Valentine’s Day, to discuss our favorite TV kisses. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Have a topic you want to see the group discuss? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®

Comments

Don't write Big Brother off so quickly. As a loyal watcher since BB1, there's nothing better. I'm not completely sure about BB coming back now though (it's a summer thing, not a winter thing).

Also, why does AI push all the hollywood rounds into one night. They should spread out hollywood to two weeks so we can start to actually see these people sing.

Aaron | Feb 11, 2008 12:10:13 PM | #

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Just watched all of the Jericho episodes this past weekend so I can get on the bandwagon for the second season. I like the show. I am not blown away by the show but I like it. I like the idea of the show more than anything and I am hoping that the second season allows for more development of the world outside of Jericho.

Sean | Feb 11, 2008 12:11:20 PM | #

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So happy Jericho is coming back. I think it's a really good show and I'm glad it got a second chance.

Big Brother is one of my guilty pleasures and I'm looking forward to this season. It sounds like an interesting twist. Will there be some hook ups? (I'm sure!) And you just know there's got to be one obnoxious jerk in the crowd that some poor sap is now going to be stuck with. So it should be an interesting season.

Michelle | Feb 11, 2008 1:06:56 PM | #

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The puzzling thing about Fairplay asking to be voted out to be with his pregant girlfriend: Survivor contestants don't go home right away. They're kept in a resort hotel for the duration of the show. If they went home, the outcome would be known.

I wonder if the All-Stars received a large guaranteed payment this time as per the earlier version. Fairplay may have felt he couldn't win so he might as well just collect the cash in comfort.

Maureen | Feb 11, 2008 1:44:00 PM | #

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I'm with Maureen. I think Fairplay and all the "Favorites" have been given a large retainer for reappearing on the show. Why not collect the retainer and skip all the bugs and discomfort. Fairplay actually appeared to be laughing while talking about his girlfriend - and he isn't even going home! Classic! Some other Favorites also don't seem to have their head in the game. What's with Mr. "Don't Bite the Apple" curling up with Parvarti, the most obviously one-dimensional player this season now that Fairplay's gone. And to see Ozzy completely abandon his game to make himself part of a couple's target is just plain odd. These people have already collected their checks. They are marking time. I see Cirie as the only Favorite who's a lock to make the merge...but if they're not actually playing, I guess I'm not actually caring.

romana118 | Feb 11, 2008 2:14:42 PM | #

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I cannot tell you how excited I am that there will be a new episode of Jerico to watch this week, yea. I am looking forward to the actual competition on American Idol.

Hettie | Feb 11, 2008 3:06:05 PM | #

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What's The Deal with Sarah on Brothers and Sisters? She Acts like she has PMS or Something. I Always think it's odd that Sarah is such A Good Mother, but She is Sooo Judgemental to Everybody Else. I thought it was Odd that Kitty wasn't Hardly on Last Sunday. I didn't care for Sunday's Show. By the way, there is A Blond Woman that will be on Lipstick Jungle who is somewhat Pretty. That Woman is Lily/Ava on All My Children. Her Name in Real Life is Levin Ramblin or Something like that. I'm not sure about Her Last Name. Jody

Jody | Feb 11, 2008 3:14:44 PM | #

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Put me on the indifferent list for "Lipstick Jungle." I like Brooke Shields, but this didn't interest me.

I can't wait to find out which series are going to attempt more episodes for the '07-'08 season.

cm | Feb 11, 2008 3:15:33 PM | #

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You will watch american idol, but not Big Brother?? Give it a chance, it's one of the better reality shows on TV!

Darren | Feb 11, 2008 4:07:46 PM | #

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Hi Amy, all I wanna say is and of course this is just between you and me. I tivo "What I Like About You" just so I can catch the episodes that Luke Perry and Jason Priestley guested on, everytime it's on. So yes, I understand your devotion to 90210. I actually considering watching that Terminator show now.

PS, I for one love that Lena is off the show, she just didn't blend in. Good riddance!

Ritchie | Feb 11, 2008 4:15:13 PM | #

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As one of the "Nuts" who saved JERICHO, I have been waiting for this premiere, seems like forever. If anyone has not seen this show, please give it a chance. All the networks will be watching the ratings and if their great than they may reconsider fan campaigns to save favorite shows and who knows your show may be next. Its time to tell the networks what we want to watch.

Ana | Feb 11, 2008 4:16:19 PM | #

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I am so looking forward to tuning in to tomorrow night's 2nd season premiere of Jericho. I LOVE that show & I can't wait to see what Jake & Hawkins are going to do next. My friends and family are on high alert to watch the show tomorrow night.

Apheg07 | Feb 11, 2008 4:54:27 PM | #

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Amy, I'm so glad you're really psyched up for Jericho!

Correct me if I'm wrong, though, but weren't you kind of down on the show last season? I seem to recall you saying you just couldn't get into the show last year, particularly during the first part of the season.

David B. Mears | Feb 11, 2008 5:18:55 PM | #

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I understand the 90210 devotion in a major way! Those rich kids' problems were part of my high school education. Similarly, out of devotion to "Party of Five," I'll see just about any movie with Neve Campbell or Scott Wolf in it.

Cat | Feb 11, 2008 5:32:38 PM | #

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jericho is one of my favorite shows (up there with lost, 24 and heroes). i'm thrilled it starts again tomorrow. join us for the new season, everyone!

anamatopoeia | Feb 11, 2008 5:35:13 PM | #

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So does anybody have a good idea of what to send to ABC to get them to bring back Women's Murder Club? Sounds like the show is going to get canned.

promogirl | Feb 11, 2008 5:42:58 PM | #

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I agree with Women's Murder Club. I love that show, we need to figure out a way to get it picked up for another season.

kat | Feb 11, 2008 6:37:20 PM | #

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We did it! Jericho is back tomorrow night!!

However I have advice for those trying to save a show. The press may now pick up your efforts in sending food to a network; something they ignored or trashed during the NUTS campaign. But what REALLY got to CBS was the phone calls to their executives as well as the customer service lines, the letters -- real hand written letters, lots and lots of them, but mostly we shut down their e-mail. They (the principal CBS execs) had to get new accounts. We found them out and starting filling up their mail boxes again. They could NOT get any work done!!!!

Our leadership urged us to "Be polite, be persistant and be professional". A little outrage over dropping a show we were invested in combined with all the other shows that were dropped fast or just left undone added to the cause.

So if you really care, keep after them. And give Jericho's seven new episodes your attention. We need real time viewers or it was all for nothing. If you are not a Neilsen family please send CBS your feedback. Age and location of all who watched. Jericho is not perfect, but what was good, was VERY good. And worth fighting for.

Liberty | Feb 11, 2008 6:40:47 PM | #

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Thanks for the good advice Liberty. I must admit, I was never a big fan of Jericho, it just didn't grab me. But as a fan of many canceled before their time shows, I cheered for the fans when it was renewed. Maybe I'll give it another shot, and I hope you all get the viewers needed to keep it afloat.

Amy, you haven't seen Dexter yet? That was the only thing getting me through this fall, with the rest of programming being a pretty big disappointment. You're in for a big treat, in my opinion. Micheal C. Hall is absolutely chilling in the most perfect way. I just hope it isn't too neutered by the networks.

K | Feb 11, 2008 7:03:00 PM | #

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Whoops, nevermind. I just reread your line on Dexter, and it looks like you meant give your opinion on the tame version. Cheers.

K | Feb 11, 2008 7:04:41 PM | #

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I can't help but think that the ones who campaigned for Jericho were helped by those of us who campaigned for Joan of Arcadia. Maybe CBS realized that they couldn't afford alienating another group of devoted fans so soon.

Too bad they didn't pay attention to us - but that doesn't mean that I begrudge your victory. I'm happy for you. And maybe I'll check out season two of Jericho too.

Melody | Feb 11, 2008 8:24:04 PM | #

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YES!!! JERICHO IS BACK!!
AWESOME SHOW!! It's exciting, different, funny, warm, with a bit of romance for the ladies. AND is has, SKEET ULRICH (Miracles) and ASHLEY SCOTT (Birds of Prey).
Really, what else do you need to give it a try???
I PROMISE you will LOVE this show.
Tues. Feb. 12th 10 p.m. EST on CBS!!

JERICHO ROCKS!!

And, I loved the part where House says he needed Chase as well, Amy. But then I love anything House says. :)

HELP US get those ratings up for JERICHO pleeze? You won't regret it...really.

JERICHO ROCKS!!!

Meg | Feb 11, 2008 8:26:18 PM | #

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Thanks for the article on Jericho! We await with baited breath - less than 24 hours to go.

Patty | Feb 11, 2008 8:30:02 PM | #

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The Big Brother mantra is something I am repeating... I will not watch Big Brother... But I am afraid I will be sucked in like so many times before.
I am so pumped for Enrico Colantoni on Brothers & Sisters. I miss Keith Mars...

Mandy | Feb 11, 2008 9:38:52 PM | #

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I really wanted to like "Lipstick Jungle," because of Brooke Shields and Kim Raver, but just couldn't get into it. Let's face it, it's not "Sex and the City," no matter how hard it tries. It will be fantastic to see Enrico Colantoni again -- yep, Keith Mars is really missed (although Enrico was great in his "Numbers" guest stint).

John in Sac | Feb 11, 2008 11:39:17 PM | #

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I am among the many who can't wait for Jericho to be back! Due to the strike, I think a fair rating is even more possible than normal, and I am keeping my hopes up that September (or January '09) will see Season 3 on our television sets. As for Big Brother, I got sucked in the first 3 seasons. More recently, however, I have discovered the UK version of Big Brother. Their version of BB 2007 (ran same time as our BB All Stars) was exponentially better than anything we've seen over here. So while most American BB fans are glad the wait is over, I still have 3 months to wait until BBUK 2008.

Eric | Feb 12, 2008 12:22:34 AM | #

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Ritchie, Where did you get that idea from? I have not heard Lena is off of Terminator:TSCC? I couldn't find a mention of that in this latest TV Gal column. Quit being such a hater, I think she is at least a 1000 times better than the lead that was on " Bionic Woman " I don't think it's Lena's fault, This is a new show with a few shaky scripts & directors in the first few episodes, personally I'm surprised it's still on the air considering it's airing on FOX ( We Cancel shows just because we can!:) Probably the only reason is because they see it as a way to keep it in the public eye while they try to relaunch the franchise with "McGenerics" new trilogy. If you have a verified source for your statement please post a link to it. Thanks.

Wizard732 | Feb 12, 2008 12:46:01 AM | #

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I'm a new fan of JERICHO and I can honestly say that I can not believe I missed this awesome show the first time around. I got the DVD season 1 for Xmas and thought that I would give the show a shot and watch the first 2 eps and then it happen...magic! I was sucked in and watched all the eps through the weekend, I couldn't stop and now I'm a die hard fan! Thanks to all you "Nuts" who saved the show and thanks to CBS!

Richard | Feb 12, 2008 12:50:59 AM | #

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Corny or not, I'm nuts about JERICHO too!! So is our entire family of 7. If you want to know why, go to www.jerichorises.com and hit the Video button. There is an exclusive video of the 1st 5 minutes of the Premiere of Season 2 that will leave you at the edge of your seat!!

Please tell your friends: JERICHO IS BACK AND IT'S BETTER THAN EVER!! If you loved Season 1, you will DEFINITELY love Season 2!! If you haven't seen Season 1, check it out at www.jerichorises.com and join the rest of us who believe that JERICHO is one of the best shows to come on TV in years...

PamLa777 | Feb 12, 2008 2:33:02 AM | #

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Wizard732 - I think Ritchie was talking about the Lena from Brothers & Sisters, not Terminator.

Marsha | Feb 12, 2008 6:19:16 AM | #

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Thanks for the Jericho plug. As one of the "nuts" I can't wait to see what we worked so hard for. It's back tonight at 10:00!

mpbnice | Feb 12, 2008 6:42:39 AM | #

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If you can get Jericho back on the air how can we get 24 back before 2009? I don't think I can survive that long!

24nut | Feb 12, 2008 7:19:25 AM | #

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Although I don't watch Jericho, I want to express my support for you fans who were able to get it back on the air! That's awesome! I was part of the campaigns for Firefly and Veronica Mars, which were unsuccessful, so it's nice to see it work for someone. I'm interested in Jericho, but honestly need to cut back on my tv, not increase, out of necessity because I have a toddler and can't keep up with everything I already have on Tivo! (Honestly, I watched the ORIGINAL airing of the season 3 finale of Lost only a couple weeks before they re-aired it in the pop-up format. That's how behind I am!) Enjoy your new season!

Andrea C | Feb 12, 2008 7:51:13 AM | #

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I was shocked to find out that the cool barbellhead guy from the future on Terminator is Brian Austin Green from 90210. I never before realized that he could act, based on the few eps of 90210 that I watched. He did awesome on Terminator. I hope he lives.

Also, thrilled to see the back of Lena on Brothers and Sisters. No charisma or chemistry there.

Heidi | Feb 12, 2008 10:01:58 AM | #

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I love Dean Winters but I did not love his receding hairline last night. When did that happen?

Chase and Cameron need to either come back full time or go for good. Frankly I don't care either way. I still think that the new hires are meh. They should have kept CTB and the black mormon dude.

Amy Lynne | Feb 12, 2008 11:34:27 AM | #

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I hope Terminator: SCC stays around for awhile. It's fresh and holds my interest unlike House which is so predictable.

b | Feb 12, 2008 12:29:48 PM | #

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Andrea, there are a lot of JERICHO fans that have kids and they watch innertube at CBS.com and OnDemand. And the DVD is so worth it. Please give it a shot, I know you will love it!

Ana | Feb 12, 2008 6:24:12 PM | #

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Everyone, please join us and help other Fan campaigns succeed. The networks will be watching tonight and we need to prove that they need to listen to the viewers. Watch JERICHO on CBS at
9pm central tonight!!!

Richard | Feb 12, 2008 6:27:12 PM | #

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I really, really liked "Lipstick Jungle". I know they have some kinks to work out, but most new shows do. And since it is bound to draw comparions to "Sex and the City", which I loved, let's face it, the 1st season was horrible. But it got better. Give the show time to gel!!! Much better than Cashmere Mafia!

tlb | Feb 12, 2008 11:21:29 PM | #

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Jericho definitely was a rare win for the fans. I just hope they watch it enough for it to get a 3rd season. The premiere was OK though I fear it wasn't the best in terms of being a jumping-on point for new viewers. Meanwhile, I predict the next big fan rallying poing will probably be Boston Legal if indeed ABC is planning to unexpectedly put it out to pasture.

Alex | Feb 13, 2008 5:10:44 AM | #

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Of course, I am watching Sarah Connor, but it is killing me seeing them trash Stars Hollow. If you did not know or notice, it is shot on the old Gilmore Girls set. Drug lords in the Dragon Fly Inn, Sarah and John live in Luke's apartment, I think. In a way it is fun, the plot gets dull, I just try to identify the location. In a way, heartbreaking to a GG fan.

Lori | Feb 13, 2008 8:25:48 AM | #

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Im with you, I WILL NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN ANOTHER BIG BROTHER!! (repeat this mantra every day, silently)
This show plays to the lowest common denominator in people's characters, I hate that! I too am disappointed by Survivor, already!! you just know Johnny F. wanted to go home...the voting was a joke! he did everything but write his letter of resignation! Im entirely sick of shows where people dont need ANY skills at all! Realty seems to be comprised of attention whores..not for me. as for Jericho,TOO depressing! same for Prison Break & Terminator!. No humor anywhere! I loved Dexter on Showtime, but I cant imagine how he'll translate to network tv...successfully..part of his attraction is "he's a murderer"..for good, not evil, but still!! a serial killer is hard to sell to most watchers! Im actually liking AI this year, so far, but waiting for Paula to go
"crazy" is unsettling! you gotta know thats coming..
Ill just be glad to get back my 30 minute sit coms..thats the length of my attention span, and I need a good laugh..wlll not survive "world destruction" anyway,,,so dont need Jericho,ya know?
but...love love love you Amy!

LIZOUTTAVEGAS | Feb 13, 2008 8:37:26 AM | #

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I'm with the other TV Gal fans who love Women's Murder Club and want to see it saved. Anything you've heard of, Amy. Any ideas on what we can do. I love that show and enjoyed it on Fridays.

Carrie | Feb 13, 2008 10:20:36 AM | #

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I'm a Jericho fan, and it was disheartening to see that ratings for the return of Jericho were only "mediocre" (according to the zap2it ratings postings for last night).

With so many people who express love for the show on the web, do none of them have Nielsen boxes?

David B. Mears | Feb 13, 2008 12:17:04 PM | #

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The problem with a show like Jericho (and pretty much any show that's serialized in a continuous arc like Jericho is) is that the audience trickles away as people get bored or see their schedules change or become interested in something else during that time period. Meanwhile, new viewers are extremely unlikely to join because they know they've missed the exposition of the story. So the show is stuck with a persistent downward trajectory ratings-wise. If the ratings are marginal to begin with (like Jericho's), there's not much point in getting one's hopes up.

Tego Livi | Feb 13, 2008 2:22:00 PM | #

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I will not watch Big Brother 9.
I will not watch Big Brother 9.
I will not watch Big Brother 9.

Just like I have never watched Big Brothers 1-8!

Shaun | Feb 14, 2008 12:31:53 AM | #

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No mention of the Save FNL campaign?

www.savefridaynightlights.tv
www.myspace.com/savefnl

Jen | Feb 14, 2008 8:05:58 PM | #

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Another reason why Scott Bakula's guest stint on Boston Legal is notable: the show has not one, but TWO Enterprise captains, between Shatner and Bakula!

Lee | Feb 15, 2008 11:07:39 AM | #

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But woldn't it have been interesting if the two enterprise captains did a scene together?

Shaun | Feb 16, 2008 1:22:37 PM | #

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Here's a site for anyone interested in saving Women's Murder Club...

http://www.mariskahargitay.org/save_wmc/

promopro | Feb 16, 2008 6:04:26 PM | #

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I LOVED season 1 of JERICHO, especially the character of Johnston Green, played by GERALD MCRANEY.
What I am wondering is WHERE is his dead body? Is he laying on the cold ground in one of those black body bags?
Is he roting out in the sun??
HOW can they just act like he never existed???
Five weeks will have gone by.
Are they going to have a funeral? SOMETHING?????

Helen | Feb 18, 2008 1:10:52 AM | #

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