…but they’ve done wonders for followers of “Chuck” and “Life,” having announced the pick-up of full-season orders for both of those shows.
Of course, it’s almost certainly not a coincidence that both series are the sole property of NBC-Universal…unlike, say, “Journeyman.” Mind you, it doesn’t bode well for the future of “Bionic Woman,” given that that show is also the sole property of NBC-Universal but hasn’t gotten such a pick-up yet; it also isn’t terribly surprising, either, given the creative struggles the series has gone through. (Who would’ve thought that a concept as simple as that of a bionic woman, especially one which has already existed for a couple of decades, would prove so difficult to update for current TV audiences?)
What is surprising about the NBC press release to announce the lengthened lifespan of “Chuck and “Life,” though, is the included quote from Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
“‘Chuck’ and ‘Life’ stand out in a crowded TV landscape because they are smart, well-produced series with incredibly talented casts. Both shows are hitting their stride creatively, have developed loyal audiences and offer unlimited potential to grow throughout the season.”
Wow. Uh, that slapping sound you just heard was Silverman’s hand striking the actors and producers involved with “Journeyman” and “Bionic Woman.” Ouch. Surely there was some other way to praise those series without making it sound like the network’s other new shows are sub-par.
