TV tidbits

I have been a major league “West Wing” fan since Day One, but I was bitterly disappointed with the Season Six finale last Wednesday night.
It needed to be two hours in length in order to tie up more than a few loose plot lines (the stranded astronauts; rescue or not?) and to elicit more texture on how the writers reached the show’s climax. It all seems too rushed because it was just one hour long.
I hope Season Seven simply goes from the conventions through Election Day and takes its time getting there. Like the entire season. Then let the outcome (Bush v. Gore-like delay) be the next cliffhanger.
Also, I’m sad to see “Third Watch” cancelled but not surprised. It was a rare cop show these days; it dealt with the people involved more than CSI-like evidence chasing.
However, good news does appear (no, American Idol is NOT cancelled, dammit) as “Boston Legal” has been renewed by ABC. Other than Al Swearengen, as played by Ian McShane on “Deadwood,” is there a funnier main character than William Shatner’s Denny Crane?
Oh yes, “Deadwood” will return for a third season. Hooray! For HBO!
My personal CAN’T MISS shows (in no order) are: The Sopranos, Deadwood, ER, West Wing, 24, House, Lost, Alias, Third Watch and Carnivale. My guilty pleasure is “Las Vegas” … for obvious reasons.