Save One Show: Both “Invasion” and “Supernatural” on the Fence
By stephanie - Sunday, April 23rd, 2006
It’s not surprising that two of my favorite new sci-fi series, “Invasion” and “Supernatural,” are now on the fence for renewal. “Invasion” has been suffering from ABC’s ridiculous scheduling tactics – it was taken off its time slot for a temporary mid-season replacement, just as the show got good. “Supernatural” has been suffering from a lack of publicity and awareness, and I think being on The WB is not helping it either, as so many more “mature” viewers don’t even touch that channel.
Kristin Veitch over at E! Online is now running her fifth annual “SOS: Save One Show” campaign. You can email her one show you want renewed. You must follow the instructions exactly and email only the title of the show in the subject line, or your vote will not count. (A full list of endangered shows is available at the site. I’m not disappointed to see “Surface” on the list of those to go.)
I’m torn – I have two shows I want renewed. But after some consideration, I have decided to cast my vote for “Supernatural” instead of “Invasion.”
“Supernatural” edges out “Invasion” for a number of reasons:
First, “Supernatural” is probably in more trouble due to the convergence of The WB and UPN. If The WB were continuing on as it had been, I would be much less concerned.
Beyond that, if I were forced to choose which show I’d like to see continue, I’d have to pick “Supernatural.” It’s just a better show overall. It’s not as complicated, and so in some respects lacks some of the intrigue that you’ll find in “Invasion.” But the writing is tighter, the characterizations better, and the shows consistently well done.
“Invasion” has gotten very good, but it still has moments where I’m almost squirming watching it. Quite a few things are unbelievable, and a few of the characters are so poorly written that it’s hard to enjoy the show sometimes. In particular, Russell’s wife, Larkin, provides enough irritation and idiocy that I’ve taken to calling her the “Cousin Oliver” of “Invasion.”
I also feel that “Supernatural” will do well on repeated viewings. It is just built better for syndication, as the shows work better as standalones.
So my vote goes for “Supernatural.”
If you have a chance to vote for either of these fine shows, please do. Let’s support more science fiction on network television.
April 24th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Am I hearing you correctly? An Invasion cancellation would not surprise me (though I would be very disappointed), but Supernatural!? This doesn’t make any sense. I have heard that the ratings are good and it has built a pretty strong audience. Don’t ya just love the (lack of) wisdom of TV execs…