Today's topic is Arrested Development, the funniest show on television. At least, it's the funniest show on television until about 9:00 tonight (central time), after which time it will no longer be on television.
Much of my anger regarding the cancellation of Arrested Development has been focused on Fox. The network has not done a good job of marketing the show. This season, they had it leading into Prison Break, and were upset when it didn't generate a big carryover audience for the new drama. Now, I'm no network executive, but what kind of idiot do you have to be to think Arrested Development and Prison Break would share the same audience? And for tonight's big finale, they've scheduled the final four episodes of Arrested Development to run opposite the Olympics opening ceremonies. Could it be any more obvious that they just don't care about this show? Yes, Fox has done mighty ill by Arrested Development. It's almost as if they didn't want the show to succeed.
However, while Fox is largely to blame here, I'm more disappointed with American viewers. Yes, Fox didn't get the word out about this great show. No, they didn't program it well. But that wasn't the only problem. The ratings were bad because people just didn't tune in. I've come to the conclusion that Americans are too stupid for a show like Arrested Development. You have to pay attention to this show. It doesn't deliver the obvious laughs that you get from the many generic sitcoms out there. Arrested Development asks a little more of its viewers. Too many Americans lack intelligence and patience, and thus Arrested Development was doomed.
The American public doesn't deserve a show like Arrested Development. I just wish those of us who do appreciate it didn't have to share the punishment.
1 comment:
I liked Arrested Development... I'm sad to see it go. I was part of the demise I'm afraid. I didn't discover it until it was already on the ropes.
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