The Boys

In many ways this show never got a fair chance. It aired on network TV at a time when programming executives, fearful of new viewing options stealing their viewers, felt they couldn't afford to let a series find an audience. If it wasn't a hit right out of the gate, it was canceled.

Which in this case borders on tragedy. The actors were well cast, the directing did a great job of telling the story of a newbie trying to break into an established group, but it's the writing that took this show over the top. More than one of the episodes felt like a really good one act play.

In a way I'm glad it didn't stay on the air any longer than what it did. I think the newbie would at some point have to become comfortable with the established group of old men, and they with him. When that inevitably happened the show would have changed. Better to just enjoy the episodes that were so expertly done.