TV has always been an important part of my life. From the first black and white set that appeared in the family room of my boyhood home to the big Sony sitting in my family room now, I've watched a lot of TV. I know I may catch some flack for that admission alone. It doesn't change the facts. That's what has happened. It isn't meant to be a debating point on the evils of television. It just is.

Now that we have that out of the way, here's the thing. I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on the subject of television. I have always watched a wide variety of programming. I enjoy many genres of shows: drama, comedy, mini-series, soap opera, talk show, new stuff, classics, variety, western, sci-fi, cops and robbers, game shows, spoof, documentary, and the list goes on. About the only thing I don't care for is some of the reality shows. I think they're too slow in there pacing.

Speaking of too slow of a pace, I'd better get on with it. As an expert, I'd like to think that I have a good sense for what works in a show and what doesn't. You can't beat a good story. Nothing tells a good story better than TV. Nothing tells a good TV story better than good writing. Nothing proves good writing better than good acting. Nothing can help good acting shine better than good production. Nothing can get the most out of good production better than good executive producing. I may have missed a few steps in that litany but I think you get the point.

Sadly, I've seen great stories ruined by bad writing, good writing wrecked by bad acting, etc; you get that point too. But none of these factors can spring forth wells of devastation like the axe of the TV executive.

You or I can recognize the good in a show, enjoy it, and even benefit from it. Shows that have great writing, brilliant acting, and amazing production seem to thrive for but a short time and then they are gone before their time. With few exceptions, this has been the pattern for as long as I can remember. Not so with the TV executive. He blithely goes through life considering his tastes to be representative of the vast majority of us who enjoy good TV programming. He could not be more wrong in his assumptions.

Time, and time again, his ham-handed meanderings into the world of quality television has proved disastrous. "Submitted for your approval" shows like "The Delphi Bureau", "Search (aka "Probe"", "The Adventures of Briscoe County Jr.", "The Greatest American Hero". (You can come up with your own list. And I wouldn't mind if you shared it.) Good writing, acting, and production: check, check, and check. Supportive fan base: check. Silly execs making bad decision: check.

Even some more recent shows have fallen prey to these carpetbaggers TVland (not a registered trademark). "Pushing Daisies", "Journeyman", and (and now, possibly) "Better Off Ted" have felt the edge of the dull(witted) sword of the TV henchman at their necks. It's enough to make you lose your TV dinner.

When it comes to good TV, I've seen 'em come and I've seen 'em go. I guess that's the one good thing about it; there's always next season. Wait. Isn't that the Cubbies motto?

Your feedback welcome.