Lights Out for 'K*Ville'?

Now that the Hollywood writers' strike is over, television networks can resume airing new episodes of programs like The Office and Ugly Betty. For the past three months, reality-based shows dominated the TV landscape ... but one series that was too real for many Americans was K*Ville, which is now on the verge of cancellation.
The drama focused on two New Orleans police officers, Marlin Boulet and Trevor Cobb, as they adapted to a new world order after Hurricane Katrina turned their city -- and their lives -- upside down. It went beyond the stereotypical theme of mismatched cops patrolling a metropolis to show how bureaucracy can be a more formidable opponent than any criminal lurking on the streets. During its 10-episode run, Boulet and Cobb found themselves in the cross hairs of wealthy residents undermining the rebuilding process ("Pilot") as well as public officials patronizing the local brothel ("Bedfellows").
What I liked most about K*Ville was that New Orleans itself was also a major character. Its culture was an integral part of the show's appeal, and I could empathize with the protagonists -- especially since I visited the city for Mardi Gras 2006. While it had some detractors, the storylines (Boulet and Cobb dealing with an out-of-town journalist in "Ride Along") and plot twists (Boulet being tempted to steal drug money in "Flood, Wind, and Fire") made me a devoted viewer. Unfortunately, I was in the minority, for the show was mired in low ratings.
The frustrating thing about K*Ville being in limbo is the interruption of the characters' development. I wanted to know more about Cobb's not-so-angelic past, Boulet's inner torment over his dead brother, Charlie's efforts to redeem himself in the eyes of his former colleagues, and Embry's strained relationship with his daughter. (Charlie is Boulet's former partner, while Embry is their boss.) These people are more than just products of a writer's imagination -- they're a microcosm of America.
It's a shame that FOX is likely to give up on K*Ville ... but with the government having all but given up on New Orleans, such a move is nothing but a case of history repeating itself.

We Are the Champions

The New England Patriots crossed the finish line to their historic season on February 3, but the storybook ending eluded them as the New York Giants claimed a 17-14 victory at Super Bowl XLII.
When it comes to major sporting events, the game itself usually takes a backseat to the subplots ... and this is no exception. The Giants redeemed themselves from a 38-35 loss to the Patriots in Week 17 to become the first NFC wild-card team to reach the Super Bowl since 1975. They also relished their underdog status in pursuit of the Vince Lombardi trophy -- despite a 10-game road win streak. Their philosophy of viewing obstacles as opportunities made it easy for me to buck conventional wisdom and support my hometown team.
At the other end of the spectrum are the Patriots, who became the first team to close out the regular season undefeated since the Miami Dolphins did it in 1972. Not only that, but Tom Brady and Randy Moss set NFL records for touchdown passes and receptions, respectively. Such accomplishments fostered huge expectations for them to end the season on a high note, but the endless fawning by sportswriters grew tiresome. As much as I respect the Patriots' achievements, they're not invincible. (I’m not referring to "Spygate", but the close calls against teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the season.)
Subplots aren't the only element that provides entertainment value to the Super Bowl. Commercials from Bud Light (wine and cheese party) and T-Mobile (Charles Barkley torments Dwyane Wade) were among dozens of 30-second ads aimed at couch potatoes across the United States. But while advertisers relied on comedy to sell their products to millions of viewers, the Giants combined smothering defense with a sharp offense to produce one of the most dramatic upsets in the history of sports.
Yogi Berra once said "it ain't over 'til it's over." Thanks to the Giants, the Patriots' pursuit of perfection has been denied.