Fox: Good Shows, Dumb Decisions

While I am pleased Fox is moving forward with new shows like Gotham, I am disappointed that this may come at the cost of other good shows. The recent decision to cancel Enlisted and Surviving Jack, both of which premiered earlier this year, removes two solid and unique shows from America's living rooms.

Enlisted tells the story of three brothers serving together at a Florida U.S. Army post.  It is Bad New Bears meets Private Benjamin, though it addressed in a fun way some of the issues faced by millions of Americans who have served in the military in both combat and support roles.  Nowadays the military characters we see are usually officers as part of some serious drama, but we learn very little about the day-to-day life of these characters.  With all the cops, FBI agents, and spies running around on television, you would think we could fine some space for the everyday soldier.  Fox broadcast only eight episodes before deciding to fill the time slot with a cooking show.  I am hoping Fox does the right thing and at least finishes out the 13-episode season. 

Surviving Jack was another quality show that needed more time to develop.  Unlike so many of the family comedies these day, the father played by Christopher Meloni was not an absolute idiot.  Whether one watches The Simpsons or the recently canceled Raising Hope, you would assume the children need to teach the parents about life.  In this show Meloni's character is more of a super-dad with his son, played by Connor Buckley, actually needing advice from his father as he navigates life.  It broke the mold, or at least gave us some variety on television, but it appears it has come to an end.  Only eight episodes were produced, so this excellent show will disappear after the final episode next week.