Ask Matt: Ghosting ‘Ghosts,’ Sweet Sorrow of ‘Grey’s’ Character Farewells, ‘Company Retreat’ & More
Welcome to the Q&A with longtime TV critic — also known to some TV fans as their “TV therapist” — Matt Roush, who’ll try to address whatever you love, loathe, are confused or frustrated or thrilled by in today’s vast TV landscape. (We know background music is too loud, it’s the most frequent complaint, but there’s always closed-captioning. Check out this story for more tips.)
One caution: This is a spoiler-free zone, so we won’t be addressing upcoming storylines here unless it’s already common knowledge. Please send your questions and comments to [email protected]. Look for Ask Matt columns on every other Tuesday.
Is It Time to Give Up the Ghosts?
Question: Is it possible to fall back in love with a series, once you’ve started to become disappointed in it? In particular, I’m talking about the current season of Ghosts, which has been one of our favorites since it began, but has lost its spark this season. We tend to think the problem lies in the writers’ room, since the plots and storylines this season seem to be retreads, and the introduction of so many other characters has been a distraction. We’ve come to the conclusion that if the season doesn’t end strongly, we won’t be turning in regularly next season. — RJ
Matt Roush: To answer your specific question: Yes, it is possible to fall back in love with a series that you may have ditched or are considering dropping. It’s part of the roller-coaster ride of watching long-running series, which almost always experience highs and lows from season to season as they continue to age. Example: I won’t bore you with how many times I’ve almost broken up with Grey’s Anatomy, though after this many years, I’m determined to see it through, if I live that long. And even at its lowest ebb, there are episodes and stories, like the recent one involving Lucas becoming emotionally attached to a dying patient, that make me glad I’m still watching.
As for Ghosts, which is a personal favorite, I’ll concede that it has been more hit and miss this season, but even in the weaker episodes, I enjoy time spent in these characters’ spirited company and almost always get a few laughs out of it, even when the situation is contrived or overly familiar. I love the premise and tend to give the producers a fairly long leash because of the degree of difficulty in breaking fresh stories within a confined location and among a relatively static set of characters who, with few exceptions, can’t change their circumstances any more than they can their clothing.
Much as I’d like it if they hit a home run every time at bat — the St. Patrick’s Day episode in which Hetty (the fabulous Rebecca Wisocky) discovered her work ethic while serving at Jay’s restaurant came close — I also know that it’s almost impossible when churning out episodes at the pace that American broadcast networks demand. Those who like to trumpet how much superior they find the original British version must also acknowledge that in its five seasons (plus holiday specials), they have produced a total of 34 episodes, only about a third as many as CBS will have by the time this season wraps. Whether you find it good or ambivalent news that CBS gave the show an early Season 6 renewal, I’ll keep watching for those moments when the show hits its sweet spot.
Two More for Grey’s Anatomy’s Exit Ramp
Comment: When Grey’s Anatomy announced the departure of longtime regulars Kevin McKidd (Owen) and Kim Raver (Teddy) after this season, series creator Shonda Rhimes said, “It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending they deserve.” Seriously? The happy ending they deserve is to be together and to continue living their lives in Seattle. The show is going to have to come up with some convoluted reason for them to uproot their families just so that Owen and Teddy will continue to exist off-screen. I don’t see how their exit is satisfying. These are exactly the kind of cuts that the show shouldn’t be making. If their exits were indeed a creative decision, as is being reported, it’s pathetic that the writers can’t come up with a compelling storyline for them that does not involve whether or not they are a couple. This is exactly why the show itself needs to end. They should go on working at Grey Sloan, living their lives, just like the Station 19 crew still exists, living their lives in the same Grey’s Anatomy Seattle universe, and we just don’t see them anymore. — Jake
Matt Roush: Seems to me this was less a creative decision than a budgetary one, but I find it hard to argue that the will-they-or-won’t-they merry-go-round with Owen and Teddy is worth ever taking another spin. (I had to look up how many times Owen has been married over the many seasons, and to whom.) However, it turns out, this seems a pretty harsh judgment for an exit that we haven’t even seen yet, and teasing a “happy ending” is probably preferable to most fans than the prospect of sending either of them out in a body bag. If they do leave Seattle for whatever bright future, the show can always bring them back the way they occasionally do with Kate Walsh and certain other alums. The show has weathered many more significant departures, including Owen’s first wife, Cristina Yang, and even in its diminished state, Grey’s somehow keeps carrying on.
All Hail the Company Man
Comment: Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat is first-rate TV! I just binged it. I think it’s even better than the superb Jury Duty, and much, much better than that fake reality-show one that someone did last year (The Joe Schmo Show on TBS). Even when they reveal just how much work and planning went into it all, the fact remains that it all depended on the casting of “the temp,” and they hit a home run with that. That guy shouldn’t be having trouble finding work at whatever he likes, with his work ethic, warmth, and willingness to pitch right in. — D.P.
Matt Roush: “That guy” is Anthony Norman, and there’s no question that the producers struck gold by casting this charismatic, sincere fellow as their “hero” for the second version of this elaborate hoax show. The good news is we haven’t seen the last of him, and on Friday (April 10), Prime Video will drop two bonus episodes, one an extended cast reunion (moderated by executive producer and Jury Duty cast member James Marsden) and another featuring a meeting between Anthony and Jury Duty‘s likable dupe, Ronald Gladden. Beyond the casting magic, one of the things I most appreciated about this series, and even Joe Schmo (which was much sillier given the nature of the faux reality competition they were playing), is that there’s nothing mean-spirited about this deception, and the affection Anthony showed for his colleagues (unaware that they’re actors) and vice versa is genuine. I get a little choked up just thinking about it.
Early Finales (but Who’s Counting?) and an Unconvincing Crossover
Question: There’s a good chance I asked this before, and I’ll probably ask it again in the future. Why are so many shows, including popular ones, ending in April and not having their finale during May sweeps? Do sweeps not matter much anymore?
On another topic, I know that Sheriff Counrty shoots on the complete other side of the country from Fire Country, even though they take place in the same city, and I know why. You would think, aside from the fact that the two cities look completely different on each show, which is especially apparent during a crossover, they would at least build the same Smokey’s set on each coast. How hard could that have possibly been? Or are they using real restaurants in their separate locations? Either way, I just kind of find the whole thing insulting to the viewer. — Rob
Matt Roush: Sometimes you just have to suspend disbelief, even in shows that aim for realism. Regarding shows signing off so early in the season, that’s largely a function of shorter episode orders, even for a hit like High Potential, which started its season in September and, despite taking December and most of February off (so as not to compete with the Olympics), ran out of runway this week with its 18th episode. (Fewer and fewer hourlong shows deliver a full 22 anymore, with Dick Wolf‘s franchise shows being a notable exception.)
As for sweeps: If that’s even a thing anymore, you certainly don’t hear much about it, and the networks are no longer in the business of creating special longform entertainment (remember miniseries?) to spike viewership during those months. Anymore, with streaming such a disruptive priority for these companies, performance in prime time is just part of the equation in measuring a show’s success, and the networks’ corporate owners appear to be less invested in having original content in May than in saving money with shorter seasons.
Never Grow Up
Question: I was so surprised by FX‘s new comedy series, Adults, when it dropped last year. I found it to be charming, intelligent, and insanely funny! On top of that, the chemistry among the actors was just perfect. I read that it was renewed for Season 2, but haven’t seen or heard any news about it since. Can you tell me when the premiere window will be, and possibly any scoop on what to expect? That cliffhanger they left us with was WILD (and so well-earned if you go back and rewatch the season). The show really reminds me of Friends, but much more daring! — Matt G.
Matt Roush: The second season has reportedly finished filming, but there’s no word yet about when FX will start airing the episodes. (No spoilers here, sorry.) Last year, Adults premiered in late May and dropped all of the episodes at once on Hulu, while airing on FX with back-to-back weekly episodes. If that’s going to be the release strategy again this time, we might have to wait until the entire season is ready to air, and whether they’re sticking to last year’s timetable remains to be seen. One of the sad realities about being a so-called adult is that we sometimes have to be patient.
Crossover Dreams
Question: I love The Rookie and High Potential and often notice they are both set in L.A. That said, I think they would be perfect for a double crossover! What do you think? Could it happen? Is it already in the works? I cannot be the only one wondering about this. — Lori B.
Matt Roush: Not only are you not alone in your wondering, but I’ve also been asked this question before. And just like when I addressed this more than a year ago, I wouldn’t hold my breath unless they make an announcement to the contrary. (The Rookie is still awaiting a renewal notice, though that seems inevitable.) These shows share a studio (20th Television) but otherwise are entirely separate productions that don’t operate in each other’s fictional universe. A crossover would likely be easier to write than to execute, given the scheduling logistics. But I get it. Who wouldn’t want to see Nolan and his Rookie crew be exposed to Morgan’s high potential?
And Finally …
Comment: The question in your most recent Ask Matt column about actors on long-running series like the Dick Wolf shows and Grey’s Anatomy having their episode order cuts for their characters reminded me of the final season of the great Knots Landing. Each lead actor was required to miss a number of episodes of the final season, and the absences were sprinkled throughout the season, so no single episode was damaged too much. However, the incredible Michele Lee (Karen Fairgate McKenzie) knew that she had never missed a single episode of the series and didn’t want her perfect record to be affected. As I remember, she agreed to work at scale pay rates for those episodes so she would not be written out. I wonder if any of today’s actors would agree to that. — Rob R.
Matt Roush: Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I covered Knots Landing back in the day for USA Today, and when the show left the air in 1993, I interviewed Michele Lee in her actual kitchen (a substitute for Karen’s kitchen), where she confirmed that she “offered my services” rather than be written out of several episodes toward the bitter end. “I mean, how could I not be in the last four shows after being in every episode, right?” What a trouper. What a show.
That’s all for now. We can’t do this without your participation, so please keep sending questions and comments about TV to [email protected]. (Please include a first name with your question.)
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