They got me, Dammit!

Even after I swore I would not fall into the British Television trap that I see so many actual English people fall into—they got me. Oh yes, the magnificent bastards, I have read their book—and still, they got me.

You see, unlike American TV shows—which go on and on and on and on, year after year until it “jumps the shark” and begins its death throes (which could still take 3 seasons)—British television, as an industry sees itself like a cross between a drug dealer and B.F. Skinner.

“Here’s a neat show. Do you like it? Wow, everyone likes it! It’s hit. We are proud to bring it to you. Oh, yes it is wonderful. Now it’s off. Yes, it had its six-episode series. It’s done. Oh, I know it seems like you are in the middle of a storyline, but that is how the writers intended it! Yes, create your own conclusion. Did you know ‘Big Brother’ is back for the summer…”

I have seen this happen in the past. I swore I would not get into any domestically produced shows here because I knew…oh, I knew that this would happen.

Yet, in my earliest days here, on a quiet Sunday evening, I was offered this:

http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=7789

And it was filled with actors I like (Stephen Fry, Hermione from “Cold Feet”) set in Norfolk (charming countryside) and it wasn’t CSI, ER, or Law&Order. It was wonderful.

Now, it’s gone. 6 episodes. Done. Maybe there will be series 2. Maybe not.

I am going back to listening to the radio, and watching a few American series that won’t die anytime soon, but probably should.

--tomb