RIP Carpoolers 2007-2008, and Other Shows That Didn't Make It.

I haven't spoken of this concept before, it was just too early. You had to get to know me a little, realize that I'm generally a nice, sane person who has some long sighted dreams and short sighted notions.

Now that you've gotten to know me a bit, it's time to reveal a shocking idea I firmly believe in. I believe that television shows should get at least half a season, more if at all possible, to find an audience and become a staple in a network's lineup. It doesn't count if the network changes the time slot every couple episiodes. I know, it's shocking, we can get through it.

On to what I'm really here to write about. Carpoolers. Not the energy savvy, vehicle sharing commuters, but the television show. The series is about four professionals who carpool, each show begins with them, yes; carpooling. They sing along with a random song on the radio, their air guitar and percussion skills barely contained by their sensible cars.

The show also features members of their family, including puritain and real estate agent wives, and most notably a deeply neurotic son named Marmeduke. He's my favorite character. Every episode features a bit with him and at least another family member. This is a formula show and it's a good one. Ahh, formula shows, when they're bad they're terrible. When they're good (like this one), they tend to be hilarious, improving after a season or two. Friends, Gilligan's Island, and Cheers were formula shows and they kept us entertained for decades.

Much like those other shows, Carpoolers is getting funnier as time goes on. The best episode so far was the 10th which focused on handicapped parking and karma. Sadly, ABC doesn't seem very interested in renewing Carpoolers. Like everything else, they're blaming it on the writer's strike. Frankly, that's cheap.

What it really comes down to is a network seeing a chance to cut and run from a series that they never really dedicated themselves to. The advertising was sparse, a lot of people never even heard of it, and frankly they only ever ordered half a season. I wish I could tell you that there was a way to effectively campaign for the return of the show but with the Networks playing the 'The writer's strike did it!' card, they don't feel accountable. The best way to support the show is to watch a rerun if you see one on television, then talk about it online in a visible forum (such as on ABC.com). It might not change anything, but it's a fair effort.

As of this posting here is a list of confirmed cancellations: Cavemen, Eli Stone, Big Shots, The 4400, Anchorwoman, The Dead Zone, Journeyman, On The Lot, The Showbiz Show with David Spade, Traveler, Bionic Woman, Extras, Girlfriends, Jericho, K-Ville, Las Vegas, Life Is Wild, Nashville, Online Nation, Quarterlife, Welcome To The Captain, The Wire.

Keep in mind, this list does not include television shows that were not renewed, or ended as part of a creative decision. Examples of these shows include Life on Mars and Battlestar Galactica that are both going straight to DVD after their last episodes air. In the case of both of these series the show runners wanted to end things strong so the fans would have a solid set of episodes and a good story line to enjoy.

I'm sure that the networks aren't finished shielding themselves behind the writer's strike excuse, just as I'm sure that some of these shows were cancelled because they actually were terrible. Regardless, I'd love to see the networks put some faith behind a few series and actually run them for a whole season, let's face it, not every show finds it's audience right away.

RL

Project Moo Revealed

There's this short non fiction book that I wrote between First Light Chronicles: Freeground and Limbo, called The Call Center Survival Guide.

It was code named Project Moo as a gag between the editor and myself, partially because I had no idea if it was any good, and partially for other inside joke reasons.

Now, it took a while, because very intelligent people are generally very busy people, thus my editor is a very busy person, but she managed to take a look at it and the verdict is in.

It's a go, I'll be giving it some more attention after I've finished the third installment of the First Light Chronicles and writing the last two chapters. After that it'll be edited and put into print. It's already been picked through legally, so there is no risk of me being fired for writing or publishing it, and frankly there are actually a number of helpful points and suggestions between the covers.

I'm glad that there's something new on the way to the shelves, but more importantly I'm glad it's a useful piece of nonfiction. If this helps anyone who is looking to work in, or is working in a call center then it was worth writing. There will be more on this as we move through the slow steps of final writing, editing then printing.

RL

A Glance Into The Mist

Recently I've been taking time to watch a few movies after work, just to wind down from all the voices. By voices I mean the calls that come in where I work, Teletech, a customer care center.

Anyway, movies are a great way for me to unwind, escape and let it all go. The next morning I wake up and I'm ready to write. Putting my cleansing ritual aside, the most notable movie I've seen in a little while was The Mist.

Originally a short story in a collection of short stories by Stephen King called Skeleton Crew, which I remember reading as a teenager back when I was writing and reading more horror than most people would consider healthy. If you can find a copy of that collection, and you like horror, I highly recommend it.

The movie was a good adaptation, with enough suspense, tension and just a few characters that you love to hate. There's a key point in the story where I nearly stood and cheered during a character interaction.

There are some damn good bits in this film. If you enjoy a simple horror movie that moves very smoothly from point A to point B with a few sharp surprises and great moments, go find a copy of this film and watch it with someone who won't talk all the way through it.

RL