The Return of "Community," the Death of "Luck" and Other Moments in the Circle of Life

For the time being, "Community" fans are out of the darkest timeline with all new episodes of the show returning tonight.


RANDOM THOUGHTS:

The following were on my mind between Monday, March 12th and Thursday, March 15th:

- After 98 days, "Community" fans are now just mere minutes away from the return of the show from hiatus as NBC is set to air the final 12 episodes of season 3 (which, hopefully, will not be its last). When I talked about the show going on hiatus four months ago, my feelings at the time was of worry (worry that this is the beginning of the end of the time, worry that this shows that NBC just doesn't care about it anymore, etc.). And yet, for some strange reason, I feel more upbeat about the show's chances of staying on the air past May 2012 then ever before. Not only has NBC shown a commitment to not give up on the show just yet, putting it back in its timeslot after saying that they weren't in January while promoting it more than it has since the early episodes, but the fan reaction since the hiatus has been incredible. Since the announcement of the hiatus, fans of the show has responded in full force doing everything from flash mobs to incredible fan art and everything in between. Plus, it just got picked up for syndication by Comedy Central with re-runs starting next year. How can that be anything but good?

- It's a really shame that "Luck," which I thought had a decent first season, was cancelled two months after it was reviewed for a second season because of three horses dying in production (at least, that's what HBO claims. For all we know, it could've been just an excuse to cancel the show for its poor first season ratings without actually saying so). Reading the background behind the series, it really felt like this was David Milch's passion project, and for it to be abruptly cancelled because of such bad luck (no pun intended) makes it one of the more bittersweet cancellations that I've ever seen for any series. Plus, a series about horse racing with Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte in it only comes once, and now it's gone forever.

On the bright side, maybe this is just that will finally bring Milch and HBO closer to finally making that "Deadwood" TV movie five years in the making. YOU PROMISED TWO OF THEM, MOTHERF***ERS! TWO!

- Instant reactions of the NCAA tournament through 1.25 or so rounds:
1. I wonder if Iona would have preferred an NIT tournament slot right now after their embarrassing loss to BYU, especially since not many thought they should've been in the field of 68 to begin with.
2. Speaking of embarrassing losses, how about Mississippi Valley State giving up a 14 point lead in the final five minutes and losing to Western Kentucky? Did they just forgot how to play basketball at the end? In a way, though, that victory was just the epitome of Western Kentucky's season. This is a team whose whole season has been based on getting hot at the right time. They finished the regular season under .500, only to win the Atlantic Sun tournament as the 7th seed. Now, here they were, playing terrible basketball for 35 minutes only to play wonderfully at just the right time. I mean, sure, they will still inevitably lose to Kentucky, but at least they will still have quite a story to tell about this year nonetheless.
3. God, I knew Fab Melo was important to Syracuse, but judging from their sluggish play offensively against UNC-Asheville this afternoon, maybe I underrated that importance a tad bit. Should be interesting to see how they respond against Kansas State on Saturday.
4. Stay classy, Southern Mississippi marching band!
5. We're only 8 games through this 2nd round, and so far it's been all chalk. Hopefully, things get more crazy as the night continues and into Friday.

- Chicago weather in a nutshell: below temperatures two weeks ago, record temperatures yesterday.

- Hold on a second: a big name wide receiver...on the Bears?!?? What's next, Bear Grylls getting fired from his own show? I mean...

Wait, seriously?!??

- As long as Santorum and Gingrich both stay in the race, this can only favor Mitt Romney's chances of winning of getting enough delegates to win the Republican nomination.

More of the RTs to come on Monday. Enjoy the start of your weekend!
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15





If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you just have any suggestions or tips for my next blog entry, e-mail me at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mails are greatly appreciated.