TV Misfires


When I see this picture from "The Killing," I can't help but wonder if that's not Mirelle Enos on the phone with her agent, trying to make sure to distance herself from the show. AMC's least thrilling murder mystery wrapped up its second season, finally answering the question driving the show — who killed Rosie Larson.

Sadly, after 26 episodes, no one really cared. I followed the show to the end to get the final answer, but it was as unsatisfying as the rest of the show. Really, I shouldn't have been surprised. The entire show was unsatisfying, after a masterful pilot that offered a world of promise the show was never capable of fulfilling.

AMC may have a reputation for quality television, and with things like "Mad Men" that might be true, but it certainly isn't true for "The Killing." The show squandered all good will, as well as any sense of continuity of narrative, through a meandering 26-episode run that stretched out a story for about 20 episodes too long.

On Monday, when I jumped online and saw speculation about possible stories for a season three, I couldn't help but groan. AMC hasn't made a decision one way or the other, but "The Killing" had flagging ratings and was critically savaged over the end of the show's run.

There were some good moments in the finale, but it was too little, too late.

While "The Killing" started with promise and quickly flatlined, the latest show from Amy Sherman-Palladino never got off the ground. Called "Bunheads," which apparently relates to ballet dancing but sounds like a terrorist threat, the show airs on ABC Family Channel on Monday nights. Those hoping for her typical wit and quirky characters will be confounded. It's there, but it isn't.

Sherman-Palladino offered the world "The Gilmore Girls," which lasted seven magical seasons. It was a witty show with quick dialogue, warm characters, and quirky stories. None of that translates to "Bunheads."

The pattern of the dialogue is there, but it lacks punch. And instead of quirky Stars Hollow, the show offers strange and frightening Paradise, California. What's meant to be quirky and endearing is instead annoying. But, then again, it's on ABC Family, so maybe that fits with the programming. But for those hoping for that warm "Gilmore Girls" feeling, better luck next time.

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