Save Journeyman

Every once in a while, a network station will find a show that offers thought-provoking intelligent drama with excellent characters/actors and a gripping, original plot. This doesn't happen often. Usually we see clones of police, courtroom, or hospital dramas, mired in plots that center around sex (see Private Practice). Sometimes we get a rehash of an old goody that's ruined by poor pacing, bad acting, etc. (see Bionic Woman).

But recently NBC got it right. They ordered 13 episodes of a show called Journeyman. This show has everything a good show should have--excellent pacing, plotting, characterization, etc. The leading man, Kevin McKidd, is phenomenal, and he's surrounded by a fabulous supporting cast.

But apparently nobody watches it. Apparently, it's getting poor ratings, so NBC is canning it after this last episode (Monday, Nov. 26). Well, apparently NBC didn't get it's own memo. They make Journeyman available for free ad-supported download on their new Hulu system. They also provide full episodes for viewing on NBC.com.

Yet NBC doesn't take into account either of these sources when they check for ratings on their shows. In fact, they don't even take into account DVR-delayed viewing, which is becoming increasingly more common. I myself usually DVR Journeyman and watch it on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

They must be made aware of their folly! Fans of Journeyman, show your support. Let's not let another excellent show slip away due to the inability of the networks to account for changing technology!

Sign this petition to save the show (I'm number 1909): http://www.petitiononline.com/jmf/

And any other suggestions you might have to save the show are welcome. Please share your thoughts!

Where's Sam Bradford in the Heisman hunt?

I was looking on ESPN's Heisman watch to see what the "professionals" had to say about this year's Heisman hopefuls, and I noticed one name glaringly absent -- Sam Bradford.

Oklahoma's rookie QB has some phenomenal stats for a freshman. He's the top rated passer in the NCAA (QB rating of 180 and over 70% completion rating). So where's the love?

I know some people argue that freshman just get overlooked. But Tim Tebow is getting accolades, and both his QB rating and his completion percentage are lower than Bradford's. So what's going on here? Any thoughts?


And I suppose while I'm harping on people being overlooked in the Big XII Conference, what about Mangino's team in Kansas? How does an undefeated team in a BCS conference not get ranked above two one-loss teams in the polls? These coaches and writers need to disregard how teams have faired historically and rank them based on how they're playing now.

Why I like Superhero Comics

The great thing about superhero comics is that they tie into a sense of wonder innate in all of us. They allow us to touch the fantastic.

What if I could fly? Heal instantaneously? Move things with my mind? Travel through time? These wondrous abilities are more common than hair colors in superhero comics. They give us a chance to live vicariously but also to do it safely.

Other genres may tap into our other desires: Mystery (curiosity). Comedy (humor). Romance (passion). But I truly believe that the superhero genre feeds into our sense of wonder like no other.