Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

I guess I was one of a few fans of John From Cincinnati, which HBO has cancelled after the season 1 finale. The themes were a bit off the beaten path, even downright strange, but the writing and acting was excellent. Much of the show is left up in the air with it's demise, literally and figuratively, but it was still worth the trip. The dialog and characters were great, I especially liked "Bill Jacks."

John had lot's of religious connotation, but not outright religion. I personally did not try to read too much into it, just enjoyed it, and was hoping for a bit more conclusion. I am sure the writers had more in mind too, but it won't happen on HBO.

What separates John from shows like Lost, for me, is what happens between the big scenes. Lost also had strange themes and a lot of loose ends, but I "lost" interest quickly because I did not find anything to enjoy in that show outside of the "big" parts. I admit John was "weird," but it still had a sense of depth (and was entertaining), even in scenes without John himself, and without wrapping up all the tangents - the journey mattered too.

Reviewers have called John "dull," but I did not think so. Sure, it lacked car crashes, gunfights, mob hits, and was totally devoid of karate kicks, but there is more to entertainment than that. Let's hope the same fickle fate does not descend upon the Chonchords too (which HBO has not announced a decision about yet).