I never understood why USA network went away from the run of shows they had starting with Monk and eventually petering out with Suits. (I liked White Collar and In Plain Sight). Back then USA had a brand, and those shows, while not Peak TV “art” probably brought in a consistent group of viewers to sample their other shows. Why they focused on SVU reruns and Chrisley (when he wasn’t in jail) I never understood.
Reservation Dogs has been excellent! Also recently listened to an old(er) Smartless podcast with Craig Robinson, he's a really interesting guy. I'll have to check that show out. Thanks, Alan.
I'm surprised to hear that you are a fan of some of the "Blue Skies" era of USA, Alan. I swear I remember your turning up your nose in the past. Perhaps it was just your dislike of "Psych" that I'm remembering. Yes, I know that Shawn is a particular taste.
Like many here, I don't understand why the era ended, seemingly abruptly. Maybe the "formula" is harder to implement than people give it credit for. It is, when you think of it, like a "buddy cop" movie implemented for television. Small team with interesting chemistry tasked with solving "problem of the week" and doing so with a nice balance of drama and comedy. Sometimes there's a "long arc" element as well (I'm thinking of "Burn Notice", though I got tired of the long arc and preferred the episodic element). What you tend to remember is the chemistry between Monk and Natalie/Sharona or Shawn and Gus or Michael/Fiona/Sam. With those as the basis, the other regulars got to play off that chemistry, like Madeline and Jessie. Sure, fans can remember specific plots, but that is secondary.
Maybe it is like everybody trying to replicate "Friends" and failing. Easy premise; hard to replicate.
With Dark Winds and Reservation Dogs presenting new episodes in the same week, it takes a little effort to remember that Big is very much not Joe Leaphorn.
The Suits phenomenon is definitely intriguing. My sister was playing it in the background a couple weeks ago and I didn’t think anything of it until it became the No. 1 show on Netflix. I’m sure Peacock will revive it but as you said, it seems to be more of a Netflix binge watcher craving a never ending show to play in the background.
I never understood why USA network went away from the run of shows they had starting with Monk and eventually petering out with Suits. (I liked White Collar and In Plain Sight). Back then USA had a brand, and those shows, while not Peak TV “art” probably brought in a consistent group of viewers to sample their other shows. Why they focused on SVU reruns and Chrisley (when he wasn’t in jail) I never understood.
Psych!
Just stay tuned to the Big/Bev outtake over the end credits of this week's episode of Reservation Dogs. It's both hilarious and horrifying.
Reservation Dogs has been excellent! Also recently listened to an old(er) Smartless podcast with Craig Robinson, he's a really interesting guy. I'll have to check that show out. Thanks, Alan.
yes, I was definitely a White Collar and Burn Notice fan. watched a lot of USA original shows, including Royal Pains, and Covert Affairs
I'm really excited for Ahsoka next week! Any chance we'll get a review or thoughts from you on it?
Alan has mentioned that the reviews usually now get published as the same day as the show’s release.
Yeah, I was just wondering if we were going to get a review by him or not
I'm surprised to hear that you are a fan of some of the "Blue Skies" era of USA, Alan. I swear I remember your turning up your nose in the past. Perhaps it was just your dislike of "Psych" that I'm remembering. Yes, I know that Shawn is a particular taste.
Like many here, I don't understand why the era ended, seemingly abruptly. Maybe the "formula" is harder to implement than people give it credit for. It is, when you think of it, like a "buddy cop" movie implemented for television. Small team with interesting chemistry tasked with solving "problem of the week" and doing so with a nice balance of drama and comedy. Sometimes there's a "long arc" element as well (I'm thinking of "Burn Notice", though I got tired of the long arc and preferred the episodic element). What you tend to remember is the chemistry between Monk and Natalie/Sharona or Shawn and Gus or Michael/Fiona/Sam. With those as the basis, the other regulars got to play off that chemistry, like Madeline and Jessie. Sure, fans can remember specific plots, but that is secondary.
Maybe it is like everybody trying to replicate "Friends" and failing. Easy premise; hard to replicate.
I recapped Burn Notice pretty regularly on the original What's Alan Watching? site.
And, like the column says, I think Mr. Robot is largely to blame for the end of Blue Skies.
In general, we need more "story of the week" shows. I really enjoyed "Poker Face".
With Dark Winds and Reservation Dogs presenting new episodes in the same week, it takes a little effort to remember that Big is very much not Joe Leaphorn.
The Suits phenomenon is definitely intriguing. My sister was playing it in the background a couple weeks ago and I didn’t think anything of it until it became the No. 1 show on Netflix. I’m sure Peacock will revive it but as you said, it seems to be more of a Netflix binge watcher craving a never ending show to play in the background.
Soon it will be time for the Game Show Of The Summer...
What!
Is!
"Suits"!
I've been wondering about Killing It. Thanks for the nudge, Alan!
I guess they're all really just Made for tax write offs now.