‘John from Cincinnati’ wipes out; is this good news for ‘Deadwood’?
-
- August
- 15
I watched every episode of HBO’s “John from Cincinnati.” I enjoyed many elements of the show. But I’m not sad to see it canceled after just one season.
My top reason: With the demise of “John,” there’s the hope that network hoopleheads might redeem themselves and greenlight the conclusion to David Milch’s more celebrated H-B-Opus, “Deadwood.”
In an article that appears in today’s New York Post, Adam Buckman spoke with Milch about the decision to ax “John” and pressed him on the “Deadwood” issue.
Milch told Buckman he was proud of “John” and defended its complexity.
“There’s something called the ‘effective fallacy’,” Milch said, waxing philosophical as usual, “which is judging the worth of a thing by the way it’s received . . . And I want my work to be received and, I hope, enjoyed by as many people as possible. But I can’t let that be the decisive factor in the way I work.”
I think even Milch could see the end coming before the season’s conclusion. In tying up most of the story lines with untidy bows, the “John” finale was rushed and forced compared to every other episode’s relaxed nature.
I’ll miss Ed O’Neill’s powerful performances (at least worthy of an Emmy nomination for dramatic supporting actor), the snippy exchanges between ‘90s Tiger Beat staples Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Luke Perry, even more cameos by “Deadwood” alumni (Peter Jason and Keone Young showed up for the finale) and actress Emily Rose for reasons that transcend her solid acting chops.
I won’t miss Rebecca De Mornay’s completely unlikable harpy of a character or the “acting” of young surfer dude Greyson Fletcher. Or the fact that about 70 percent of the show made no sense whatsoever.
Before news of “John’s” cancellation, the chances of the “Deadwood” movies being made had been tabbed by an HBO exec at 50/50 as of last month. Many of “Deadwood’s” actors have expressed a willingness to return to film the conclusion, despite potential scheduling conflicts relating to other projects.
Milch hasn’t forgotten about “Deadwood,” Buckman writes:
”(Milch) also said he’s still trying to figure out a way to produce the “Deadwood” TV movies that would serve as series cappers for that late, lamented show. He admitted the odds of those being produced any time soon grow longer as time goes by.”
It’s difficult to discern how Milch’s HBO contract status impacts this situation. The Hollywood Reporter states:
“Milch … is in a process of extending his existing development deal with the premium cable network that runs through August 2008. He already is working on several new projects.”
It makes sense for HBO and Milch to make these “Deadwood” movies, and not just for the sake of the fans. HBO must restore faith and loyalty among disgruntled viewers (read: paying subscribers); and Milch knows he had a good thing in “Deadwood” and must eat some humble pie after “John” failed to resonate with viewers, net execs and most critics.
(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 at 1:48 pm by Chris Serico.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Print
| 
Email
It makes complete sense for HBO and Milch to make Deadwood. But instead, they are pursuing another cop show. Smart move indeed. Have they ever heard of going back to the tried and true? Or of tapping into customer loyalties? Not only will they distance already disgusted Deadwood fans, they will also run the risk of producing yet another dud.
Really, how hard is it to make four hours of television when they just blew ten down the tubes?
I loved John from Cincinnati. It had a diverse script, and could not be second guessed. The metaphysical part was well done.. and did not fit into any typical metaphysical dogma. I want to see more…
I loved the show.
I thought Ed O Neill was great. I looked forward
to this show each week.
I being very spiritual embraced the freshness of the show.
Something different, a possibility that there are Angels
among us.
Giving it such a small window of time to catch on in the dead of summer when people are vactioning and busy w/families…I say Bully to ya HBO you did not give this a fair shake. And I am very dissapointed.
P.S. I loved Butchie
August 16th
I thought the show was something really special: it’s architecture was like the surf its characters rode on. The mystical aspect kept me thinking about what might be going on and probably reading into it more than what was there – isn’t that what poetry is about? The dialogue, in ten episodes, has become a part of my DNA – I don’t know Butchie instead (I reallize that this was a repetition from “why don’t you say ‘I don’t know, Butchie’ instead” has become a mantra. I didn’t understand it but got the tone and think I got the message. I didn’t expect it to run very long because I really didn’t think it could sustain more than an interval. My only disappointment, really, is that Cissy’s character didn’t have time to “get it” as I understand from some vaguely heard interview about the show was part of the plan. I wish I could have a conversation with the writers.
The Mermaid
HBO needs to shore up its disintegrating reputation as a producer of quality shows. I still cannot believe “Deadwood” was ever cancelled. It should have been retained for creative bragging rights alone. It was interesting to see the Deadwood actors on “John,” but I think most of them would agree that their roles on “Deadwood” are career high points.
I am a big fan of John from Cincinnati- I loved Sopranos, I was sad to see it go- but I thought John was a great direction to head in. I am tired of hearing the same thing from everyone “I dont follow” or “this show makes no sense”- that’s what I liked about it- there were questions every week- some were answered, others were not- but isnt that the point of good TV. Im sorry, but if you consider how straight forward and obvious plot lines have become in popular series such as Entourage- its no wonder the vast amount of people couldnt keep up with something as intellectually stimulating as “John”. Bottom line- I thought the show rocked and I think cancelling it is a mistake. I would love to see the director just make a couple more seasons anyway and just release them on DVD or put them into another time slot- Ed ONeil was classic. That cast worked- COME ON HBO! GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND GET ALL THREE OF THE YOSTS OUT ON THE WAVES- SUCH A BUILDUP ONLY TO END THE SERIES AFTER ITS PREMIERE?!! WEAK.
The End is Near. Sean will soon be gone.
Damn John Monad and his predictions!
I’m still mad at HBO for cancelling Carnivale. If they’re going to cancel the shows with a mysterioso outlook, they owe it to the loyal watchers to publish the outline for what would have been the remainder of the series – so at least we can know what John was (alien, christ, etc.) or what the final outcome of Carnivale would have been. And to cancel Deadwood to boot? I think I’m giving up TV. I’ll wait until 5 seasons of the show are in the can and then I’ll rent on DVD; no use wasting my time if HBO pulls out its investment so soon.
I can tell you that I won’t be getting HBO again until more Deadwood is produced. The fact that they cancelled Deadwood and also Spawn the animation a few years back just blows my mind. The people at HBO get these great shows and then kill them off. It’s incredibly stupid and frustrating to fans!
Make the 4 hour DEADWOOD movies!!
Then do your other series. Maybe then, we’ll actually watch them! But not until we see the DEADWOOD movies.
Don’t be a liar, Milch and HBO.
Give us what you promised. That’s all we ask.
HBO is done. This is the 3rd show in a row that I invested hours watching just to have it yanked without a conclusion. Carnivale (easiest one of the best filmed shows ever), Deadwood and now John From Cincinatti. Add to the rushed conclusion of Rome (yanked mid story really) and I just can’t get invested in an HBO show anymore. Flight of the Concords, while intersting, is marginal at best and along with Entourage just pablum for the under 30 crowd. The kicker is, not even a letter writing campaign helps. Carnivale followers tried forever, but to no avail. Too bad.
Well, in HBO’s defense on Carnivale, that was the decision of the show’s creator. He got a deal with Showtime and decided to drop Carnivale, wrapping it up rather quickly. Deadwood was totally HBO’s fault, though.
FotC is freakin’ hilarious; you have to give it a chance. I’m nowhere near under 30 and I just loooove it.