DirecTV may be getting into a very bad -- or very good -- habit. The broadcast service has begun saving shows from cancellation, such as NBC's Friday Night Lights and FX's Damages. It seems that they're looking to do this often, considering they didn't just stop after saving one, but that doesn't mean they're not going to choose carefully. They won't be saving Heroes or other shows that passed their prime. It looks like they're concentrating on critically-acclaimed dramas. It's hard to really make that postulation after only two major saved shows, but that's certainly what it looks like.
In any case, Rubicon certainly fits into the mold of critically acclaimed drama. The AMC conspiracy thriller has constantly been lauded for it's unique pacing, which has often been called the anti-24. The acting has also been well received, with Michael Cristofer and Arliss Howard already generating Emmy buzz, and Howard's character Kale Ingram being called the best character on television by TV Squad (which he very well may be).
So it's no surprise that, since Rubicon is attracting moderately low ratings for its cable channel, people are already looking to DirecTV for salvation. The series recently topped TV by the Numbers' "DirecTV Save Our Show" list, rising up from last week's #2 position to take over the lead.
Of course, that doesn't mean anything, really. Even the list's disclaimer makes sure of that:
"This list is for entertainment and discussion purposes only. Taking it seriously could be harmful to your mental health, or at least a sign that your mental health has already been harmed."
But it does make an interesting statement. If Rubicon is indeed cancelled, I'm sure we might be seeing quite a few of the show's million-odd fans sending DirecTV letters and emails requesting they pick up the brilliant show. If that horrible event does happen, I'll definitely be doing that myself. What about you?
Rubicon's season finale, "You Never Can Win," airs tonight at 9/8c on AMC.
A side-note:
AMC is Rainbow Media which in turn means Cablevision. Cablevision will not want to see a show go DirecTV-exclusive.
That could be good. If DirecTV expresses an interest in taking Rubicon for The 101, then Cablevision may decide to pick up a second season to keep it off DirecTV (Rubicon isn't produced by AMC but by Warner Bros.).