Why I hate television

I just found out that Arrested Development is probably getting cancelled at the end of this season. That is not a good idea. The show has won more Emmys than Fox could ever hope to win otherwise. It's got a loyal following who aren't going to turn away just because "Laguna Beach" is on some other channel. I'm certainly not surprised, though, and it has nothing to do with Nielson ratings. TV networks, particularly Fox, seem bent on removing everything that is good and intelligent from the world. Everyone has their favorite example of a show that was just too funny or too well-written or too clever to live. (One of mine is Clone High, which was unbelievably good satire and funny in and of itself.) I bet the TV networks aren't just trying to dumb down TV, they are also trying to make the people of our country stupider so it's easier to sell to us. I think the only reason Fox picked Family Guy back up is because they thought it would make us stupid. Luckily no one has clued them in that the Family Guy people have to be bright to write such perfectly base humor.

Anyway, I guess I'd rather see a series get snuffed after a few great seasons than go on for 17 years and jump the shark. I love you, The Simpsons, but you should lend a few seasons to Arrested Development. Or better yet, why don't we have the really terrible reality shows and derivative spin-offs trade spots with AD, and make the whole world a better place. (Edit: I just saw the 2005 Halloween episode of The Simpsons, and it was as good as any of the past. This is heartening. Even past its prime, The Simpsons will always be really good.)

In conclusion, this is why I don't watch or support TV. Read a damn book.