Saturday, November 08, 2008

NBC gives 'Life' the back nine

NBC has ordered a full season of "Life," even though the first Wednesday episode, as expected, got clobbered by "Criminal Minds" (and everything else in the timeslot, for that matter.) Let's hope Rand Ravich and company can relax with the added security and get the show back to the quality of late season one.

12 comments:

wcdixon said...

That's great news

Anonymous said...

Hurray--and I agree completely with your comment.

Anonymous said...

This is a cross post as I missed the weekly discussion and just caught up on the show after a week ago. People were wondering where Rachel and the conspiracy were going.

I started watching for Damian Lewis, but after one episode I realized that the plot was the Count of Monte Cristo, my favorite novel.

Of course, Crews is Edmond Dantes, wrongfully imprisoned, escaping to riches, ultimately to figure out the conspiracy and seek revenge.

Rachel is tougher to figure out, but she is Haydee, daughter of Ali Pasha, betrayed and killed by Fernand Mondego de Morcerf. Fernand Mondego de Morcerf also was part of the consipiracy that sent Dantes to prison. Haydee was then sold into slavery. Once Dantes finds her and figures out who she is, he purchases her from her master and she chooses to stay with him, even though he sets her free. Eventually she gives the key evidence in the trial of Fernand Mondego de Morcerf (Jack Reese).

Albert de Morcerf, Fernand's son, becomes very close with Dantes and after learning of his actions, disowns his father and mother. Let's just call Dani Reese Albert de Morcerf.

Oh, and did you think it's a coincidence that Crews' ex-wife drives a Mercedes? That's the name of Dantes fiancee who Fernand stole as part of the conspiracy.

Oh, and Crews' mother died when he was in prison, like Dantes' heartbroken father.

Well adapted. I recommend the book (unabridged) to everyone.

bill said...

Eugene,

Damn!

Zac F. said...

I'm excited for this news despite the fact that I still need to watch the final episode of Season 1 and all of the Season 2 episodes.

Rev/Views said...

I'm thrilled. I've been a little upset with the lack of consistency this season so far but I'm hanging in because if we get a return to late season one this show will be one to watch.

monic said...

Best. News. Ever.

Actually, this has been the best week ever!

Anonymous said...

SUCH great news. I just discovered this show a couple weeks ago and it's now my #1 favorite (since Mad Men is finished for now...) I've raved to six people about it. Damian Lewis is absolutely incredible, and the episode with the drunk "roommate" and the real roommate complaining he used his toothbrush had me rolling on the floor.

I love the combination of the mystical Zen stuff, like the coyotes, and the sly humor. "You didn't count to three! You didn't even make it to three!" "I rounded up."

Keep this show on the air!

Anonymous said...

I watched the episode where the child killer from the pilot returns. The writing seemed so bland and adherent to the old rule of television writing: "Tell the viewer what is about to happen, tell the viewer what is happening, tell the viewer what just happened." I gave up and deleted my season pass.

Anonymous said...

Eugene Freedman, you, sir, are a genius.

justjoan123 said...

Oh, Eugene, you are a freaking genius. I, too, love the Count, but I cannot pretend to have made this fantastic leap on my own. Now, with your help, I have a guide to "Life." Oh, and by the way, although there have been many film and TV adaptations of the novel, I heartily recommend the recent French miniseries starring Gerard Depardieu. Even though it contains a totally invented romantic interest for the Count, the production is beautifully filmed and scripted. And that invented young lady is so lovely that I mourned her loss at the end. I like to think Dumas would have approved.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all of the high praise. I actually own the DVD of the French mini-series. It's the only film version of the novel that does it any justice. Of course there are a few good adaptations- Shawshank Redemption being highest on my list.