movers and shakers

if you know me/read me, you know i love(d) "arrested development." so much so that i joined in an effort to save the show . the best stunt was sending fox executives stress squeeze toys in the shape of a banana. alas, the efforts didn't work, but we still have three seasons to enjoy on dvd.

the die-hard fans of "jericho" (which, by the way i've never seen an episode of, nor even heard of before this) have succeeded in their efforts to save their show. apparently there was a line in the season finale that referenced peanuts, which sparked the efforts to send literally tons of nuts to cbs executives. cbs executives responded by ordering 7 more episodes of the show.

from the letter from cbs:

"To the Fans of Jericho:

Wow!

Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime time television series. You got our attention; your emails and collective voice have been heard.

As a result, CBS has ordered seven episodes of "Jericho" for mid-season next year. In success, there is the potential for more. But, for there to be more "Jericho," we will need more viewers.

A loyal and passionate community has clearly formed around the show. But that community needs to grow. It needs to grow on the CBS Television Network, as well as on the many digital platforms where we make the show available.

We will count on you to rally around the show, to recruit new viewers with the same grass-roots energy, intensity and volume you have displayed in recent weeks.

At this time, I cannot tell you the specific date or time period that "Jericho" will return to our schedule. However, in the interim, we are working on several initiatives to help introduce the show to new audiences. This includes re-broadcasting "Jericho" on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips from these episodes across the CBS Audience Network (online), releasing the first season DVD on September 25 and continuing the story of Jericho in the digital world until the new episodes return. We will let you know specifics when we have them so you can pass them on.

On behalf of everyone at CBS, thank you for expressing your support of "Jericho" in such an extraordinary manner. Your protest was creative, sustained and very thoughtful and respectful in tone. You made a difference.

Sincerely,

Nina Tassler

President, CBS Entertainment

P.S. Please stop sending us nuts : )"

i'm reminded of a quote from anthropologist margaret mead, although using it in the context of television shows it seems wasteful: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." the point being, of course, that if you believe in something, go for it wholeheartedly.

and we can all use that kind of encouragement now and again.