Thursday Thirteen

Last Thursday I settled down to watch my Thursday guilty pleasure, Lipstick Jungle, when much to my dismay, I discovered it was not being aired. Since I was plunked down on the couch in front of the boob tube anyway, I decided to watch Eli Stone. Thank goodness I did, because this is a very quirky, different type of show that I think I can get into. It doesn't hurt that it features Jonny Lee Miller, he of the starter marriage with the female half of Brangelina. I've been a fan of his since he played Sick Boy in Trainspotting.



But what happened to Lipstick? Turns out that the previous episode, number 7, was the last of the season. When I started this post, I didn't know if it had been picked up for the fall season --I've since found out that it has. And I'm glad because it annoys me when the networks do not let a show have enough of a chance to gather a fan base before they drop the axe.

For today, I've got thirteen TV shows that in my opinion, ended too soon. I found it interesting that my watching patterns changed a bit after I had the first of my kidlets in 2000.

1. The Equalizer (1985 – 1989). Edward Woodward, a gentleman and a tough guy.

2. Thirtysomething (1987 – 1991). I watched this when I was in my 20s, thinking that it could be my life by the time I got to my 30s. I dreamed of having Michael and Hope's marriage; I was of course totally in love with Peter Horton (Gary, sigh) and his long shaggy blond locks. I didn't have any professors who looked like him while I was in university. Cannot believe they killed him off.

I think it's pretty amazing that a lot of the cast is still heavily involved in some of today's TV hits, in acting and directing, producing capacities (including Lipstick Jungle I believe; who would've thought that neurotic Elliot would direct here and on Without a Trace?).


3. Beauty and the Beast (1987 – 1990). What a romantic I was. But there was something magical about this fable that took place in modern day NYC.

4. Life Goes On (1989 - 1993). Corky was so cute; Patti Lupone an amazing actress and Becca (Kellie Martin) was such an earnest geek. I thought Chad Lowe was so much more talented than his older, better looking brother at the time.


5. The Wonder Years (1988 – 1993). Fred Savage was just the CUTEST kid, and his friendship with Winnie was so poignant.

6. Quantum Leap (1989 – 1993). Great timetravel show.

7. Party of Five (1994 – 2000) Charlie, Charlie, didn't think you'd grow up and get Lost. You're still darn cute though.

8. Relativity (1996-1997). Hubs and I LOVED this show. We were routing for the unlikely couple, Isabel and Leo. This was such a well-done show on 20-somethings (of course, we watched while we were 30-somethings). I was so disappointed when it was cancelled.


9. Felicity (1998 – 2002). This is how obsessed I was: Ben and Noel were both on my shortlist to name my first born.


10. Once and Again (1999 – 2002) Can you think of a more beautiful "older" couple? As in parents? Not the Brady Bunch, that's for sure. The quality of the acting was superb. Even McDreamy was on as a recurring character.

11. Arrested Development (2003 – 2006). I did not follow this one religiously, but every episode I watched had me howling. Thank goodness for reruns. Revived the career of Jason Bateman and introduced us to the talented young Michael Cera.


12. Love Monkey (2006). Why didn't they give this one a chance? I loved the music and Tom Cavanagh. He's Canadian to boot. Hey, small world, he's now appeared as Eli's Dad in a recent episode.

13. Smith (2006). Ray Liotta and Virginia Madsen. RAY and VIRGINIA ... AND Jonny Lee Miller! This was such a cool show; a hot team of thieves, cool cars, cool toys; double life. I was so into this one.

Big question... when Lipstick comes back, it better not be up again Eli. Without PVR, I will be torn.