Limp Unit

Shawn Ryan - he of the Greatest Show in the History of Basic Cable^tm - needs to stop enabling David Mamet's weak-ass foray on the idiot box. It's a waste of Ryan's massive skills and it's a blot on Mamet's near-perfect resume. Both men have built their careers on telling stories about MEN under pressure - soldiers, scammers, salesmen, and sinners - but the constraints of network television dilute their visions.

Because of its pedigree and half its cast, we watched The Unit for a while when it premiered. The men are manly, the missions exciting, and their wives ALL NEED TO DIE. I know Mamet can write strong and interesting women, like the ones he's created for his wife Rebecca Pidgeon or for Lindsay Crouse in House of Games. I know Ryan can write strong and interesting women, like CCH Pounder's awesome Claudette. So why are the Unit wives harpies and shrews? And why should anyone care?

There are some extra benefits to be gained from killing this half-a-show: Mamet freed up to write a Simpsons centered on Gil Gunderson (or, you know, a great scam movie); my Allstate agent will take my calls again; and Scott Foley will be free to do comedy again. I've been watching old Scrubs on dvd, and damn that dude's funny. Anyone can play "the rookie" on a special forces team. I want Noel Crane back doing comedy!