Question: Why did Without a Trace change the night of its series finale to Thursday? I know it's going back to Thursday next season, but in the shuffle, I somehow managed to miss it. I don't know if the guide I have on my television mislabeled it or what, but I couldn't seem to find it anywhere, and then the week I thought it was going to be on, repeats were starting. I'm frustrated by the way networks shift things around so that it's almost impossible to find them. (Bones is a prime example.) Since we don't have many reruns in the summer anymore — which can be both good and bad — I'm just hoping that CBS will replay this season's finale the week before the new season opens, so I can finally see it. One more thing: Any chance that a network like USA would pick up Raines? I actually liked the show, and it seems like it would fit better with shows like Monk, Psych and The Dead Zone. I try to stay positive when something I like is canceled, though: That gives me more time for activities ...
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Question: Any thoughts on NBC's run of Raines? I actually found myself enjoying it far more than I thought I would. As a procedural, it's solid and unique in its approach. Jeff Goldblum plays exactly the character you'd expect him to, but it works. As a fan of Graham Yost's Boomtown, I'm glad to see he got Raines on the air. Does it have any shot at all at a second season?
Answer: I don't see how. I liked the show's quirkiness, but could tell from the start it was a tough sell, and NBC didn't seem to be going out of its way to sell it. With a limited episode order and a terrible time slot, Raines was about as transparent and ephemeral to most viewers as the "ghosts" (or whatever they were) who haunted Raines' investigations. I almost wonder, production budget aside, if this wouldn't have been better suited for USA Network (part of the same NBC Universal family) and its lineup of offbeat mysteries (Monk, Psych). On NBC, it got lost. And I'd be flabbergasted if it was brought back ...
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I think I’m going to have to start off with some of my favorite lines. The best exchange was Raines translating Boyer.Boyer: how hard the plane hitsRaines: impact’s forceBoyer: water deepnessRaines: ocean depthHilarious!Other good stuff included:— "How many of the rest of you were sleeping with my wife? Very funny. Hands down."— "Do you have an appointment?" "No, I have a badge."— "Do I need to explain further?" "I wouldn’t be much of a detective if you did."— "You calling me unprofessional?" "No, I’m calling you a guy."— "You’re a friend whore."— "How’s it being back at work without him [Charlie]?" "A little tough."— "It’s tough to watch her leave, isn’t it?" "Every time."— "A no-hitter isn’t perfect but at least it’s close. Your marriage was a disaster."I think I took way too many notes during this episode. I was feeling a little pressure, because it’s the season finale and I wanted to m...
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As Raines says, law and order takes a backseat to justice. I’m paraphrasing, but you catch my drift. This was one tough case. His cases all get a little gruesome considering Raines is a homicide detective, but the ick factor was high this week. Poor Emily. She seemed like such a sweet kid. It’s unfortunate that at age 10 she thought she was a grownup. I have to say I’m continuously surprised at what little kids get themselves into these days. I’m not a parent so I don’t know what most parents are dealing with, but I can’t imagine myself having an e-mail account and IMing people at age 10. But I got on the technology train a little late; I didn’t have an e-mail account until college and I’ve only been IMing the last few years. But back to the case.I had one big issue with the story: How could Emily have a half day and her parents not know about it? I feel relatively confident in saying any elementary school would not rely on their students to t...
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We got a very interesting introduction to the wife and child of Raines’ slain partner Charlie tonight. Charlie’s wife Lisa (The Closer’s Gina Ravera) is dealing with her husband’s death in a healthy way but her son Jack is still reeling. Not only is Jack angry that his father is gone, but he’s in serious want of some revenge. It broke my heart a little when Jack said he wished he could have killed his father’s murderer. Raines was understandably concerned when he heard Jack say that. So concerned, in fact, that he discusses Jack with Dr. Kohl during his session. When Raines asks her, “What kind of selfish father does something that he knows sooner or later’s gonna kill him,” the doctor assumes she’s talking about Charlie. But Raines is referring to Jimmy’s father who overdosed in front of him when he was five. Dr. Kohl encourages Raines to bring Jack in because whether or not the kid wants to talk to her she seems to be able to ...
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