Thoughts: Anti-war voters against Clark?, 9th Circuit Recall (Non)Decision, More Ashcroft Follies, Bill O'Reilly, and Bush Hatred.

The Mets did a good job honoring Bob Murphy on his last day; he also gave a great speech, sounding full of energy (his physical problems compelled him to retire). Glavine started, but could go only five (no decision, 9-14 for the year ... his worst in a LONG time), and an error (ironically after a Piazza throw that should have caught someone stealing) helped the Mets lose again ... Cerda coming into the game with runners on First and Third and one out made it pretty clear that would be the outcome. Anyway, I switched over to Coupling a few times ... it was basically a direct remake of the British first episode, done with less finesse and an annoying laugh track. Meanwhile, BBC re-aired the superior original.

The NYT today (9/25) suggested it was partly a cultural thing ... the Brits are more polite, proper about sex, and so forth, so the show just doesn't translate as well ... this is just some sitcom. Also, though the British accents help (and they aren't that strong nor are the references too foreign), the original had an interesting extra bit of flavor to it. As the article notes, this new gang often seemed like bland sorts, and the Chicago location of little note (the bar had some sign with "Chicago" in it, like we wouldn't know it was there, if we weren't told. Compare this to various Bonnie Hunt shows in which you often get a flavor of the town). My cynicism was not helped by this first viewing.

"Must See TV" Thursday leaves a lot to be desired these days.