TV Wasteland's Top 25

Is anyone besides me in the least bit curious why "Once Upon A Time." the ABC fairy tale re-do, consistently makes TV's top 25 watched shows for the week, while NBC's superior "Grimm" faces an outlook that is, well, grim? What is this saying about American television? Of course, the week I checked last was topped by two episodes of "American Idol." Two other spots were taken by reruns of "NCIS" and "The Mentalist" In fact, seven of the 25 slots were covered by reruns and one by the Pro Bowl. It makes me wonder if the public will watch anything. Or maybe we're starved for a new "Roots" or other bit of captivating programming.

I have something they could use, of course . . .

And turning to Brit TV is not a good idea -- remembering Coupling? SyFy has their version of "Being Human," but I watch the BBC original on BBC America. In all fairness to the Americans, I have not seen a single episode although I heard they do a fine job, but why watch the same show twice, one dubbed?

I have heard more than one philosopher say that there are no original thoughts out there. Television, at least the Network variety, seems to verifty this maxim. But I think there is plenty of good material that can be made into effective viewing,

In fact, I have something they could use.

Call me.

British TV

The future of NBC's Prime Suspect is itself suspect. The show is facing cancelation after I think six episodes (I stopped watching after five). Once again, it goes to show that American adaptations of British television series rarely works. There are notable exceptions -- Sanford and Son, the Office come to mind -- but the failures are much more glaring and common. Coupling -- one of the funniest shows ever put together in Britain: need I say more?

This gets me to wondering: aren't there any American writers with new ideas anymore? Between so-called reality shows that don't need writers, to remakes of terrible shows from our past into feature length movies, to Brit TV fiascos, it sure looks that way. But I know differently. There are plenty of good ideas out there: my own book, Amber Waves, could supply the basis for a series that could run indefinitely -- if anyone were looking -- and provide interesting historical references along the way without getting too serious. Yes, it would be entertaining, if I do say so myself.

So Hollywood moguls, check out my tome on Kindle, and talk to me. I know this is shameless self-promotion, but look what HBO did with Rome, and Rome is only one of the places I would visit in my series.

Just don't beast it to death or miscast a Southern rebel to play the Scot.