R.I.P. Eastwick

The final episode of Eastwick aired on ABC last week, overlooked with little promotion and an odd airdate. If my DVR hadn’t been programmed to grab it, I would have missed it, and it looks like only about 3.26 million other people noticed it. Terrible numbers for the end of what should have been at least a moderate hit and a show that was getting better with each episode. Why didn’t Eastwick catch on?

What Worked

Likable Cast – Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Jamie Ray Newman were very likable as our lead trio. Gorgeous, quirky, and with good chemistry, it was believable to watch their three characters become friends as they explored their new powers. Paul Gross was also both dangerous and intriguing as the mysterious man who, we learned in the final episode, only came around if they needed him.

Supernatural Powers – the supernatural is hot, hot, hot right now. Yes, most of the attention is on vampires, with werewolves/shifters on the horizon, but witches discovering their powers is in the same vein.

Intriguing Storylines – watching our trio of witches discover and learn to control their new powers was interesting, but the mysteries surrounding them really gave the show substance. Who is out to get Joanna? Why is young Gene calling the shots and why did he and his “dad” move to Kat’s neighborhood? Just what is Darryl? Flashbacks to Darryl/Sebastian’s first appearance in Eastwick would have provided plenty of additional storyline to mine.

What Didn’t Work

Expendable Men – With the exception of Paul Gross’s Daryl Van Horn, none of the men on the show have been all that memorable or given much character development. Lovers have come and gone, sometimes inexplicably (where did the hot photographer go?), and each new man presented a potential threat. Jamie turned out to be an evildoer, Kat’s husband only serves to show that she needs to be single, and Roxi moves from man to man so fast that I can’t remember their names. Even the series finale showed that Kat’s new neighbor was trouble and Joanna’s new love interest/co-worker had an ulterior motive to getting close to her. Yes, I want to know what was going to happen, but a little more character development for the men would be nice.

Timing – this is the big one. Yes, the supernatural is hot right now, but the genre is dominated by vampires with werewolves about to claim the spotlight. I liken Eastwick to Moonlight: both were promising shows, getting better over time, but appeared a year too soon. I’m willing to bet that come January 2011, we’ll be hearing a lot more about witches and probably even have a show on the air or debuting soon.

For those wondering about the Save Eastwick postcard campaign we mentioned a few weeks ago, alas, Lifetime has gone on record saying they don’t intend to pick up the show. Looks like this was it for Eastwick. What are your thoughts on why the show didn’t catch on?

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 30

It’s the final night of Eastwick, and we have no idea what to expect.

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Magic Snow and Creepy Gene” – When the ladies make a pact never to reveal what they did to Jamie, they realize they must go their separate ways — and abandon their powers. A guilty Joanna tries to help Penny find closure; sparks fly between Kat and her hot new neighbor, single dad Colin (Jerry O’Connell), who has come to Eastwick with his young son Gene and a dark secret; and just as Kat and Joanna are moving on, things gets complicated for Roxie when Darryl returns to Eastwick with the truth about his mysterious past.

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 16

ABC has a couple more episodes of Eastwick before it ends, so catch ‘em while you can!

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Tea and Psychopathy” – After Jamie (Jack Huston) reveals to Roxie that Darryl is his father, she sets about having a dinner party where father and son can bond. But Jamie has a secret, darker plan for the evening. Meanwhile Kat embraces her newfound power by healing every patient she comes into contact with, but her compassion leads to drastic physical consequences. And Max (Jason George) asks a reluctant Joanna to help him crack a famous unsolved Eastwick murder, but their snooping leads them to a perilous situation with Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd).

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 9

I hope you’re sitting down…tonight is the last episode of Glee until April and possibly the last episode of Eastwick ever. Enjoy them while you can!

Glee – FOX 9/8c – MID-SEASON FINALE
“Sectionals” – Quinn’s secret unravels as the sectionals approach, threatening club cohesion at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, Sue’s scheming continues apace (and then some); and Will ponders an important decision as Emma and Ken’s wedding nears.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Mystery Man” – A very wealthy potential home buyer, guest starring Scott Foley as Jeff, feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c – SERIES (?) FINALE
“Tea and Psychopathy” – After Jamie (Jack Huston) reveals to Roxie that Darryl is his father, she sets about having a dinner party where father and son can bond. But Jamie has a secret, darker plan for the evening. Meanwhile Kat embraces her newfound power by healing every patient she comes into contact with, but her compassion leads to drastic physical consequences. And Max (Jason George) asks a reluctant Joanna to help him crack a famous unsolved Eastwick murder, but their snooping leads them to a perilous situation with Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd).

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 2

We’re nearing the winter season finales on several shows, and the possible series finale for Eastwick, so be sure the DVR is set before you head off to that fabulous holiday party!

Christmas in Rockefeller Center - NBC 8/7c
Jane Krakowski and Zachary Levi host the 77th annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Manhattan, which is illuminated by music artists rendering current hits and holiday tunes. Performers include Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, the Roots and Shakira. Appearing: newsman Brian Williams; and actors Taylor Schilling and James Tupper.

Glee – FOX 9/8c
“Mattress” – Budget cuts mean no yearbook photo for the glee club, but Rachel is the only one upset about this. Meanwhile, Quinn tries to get into the Cheerios yearbook photo; and Will and Terri face serious problems in their relationship.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Into the Great Wide Open” – Against the advice of her best friend, Ellie, Jules tries to keep up with the hard partying twentysomethings and makes a complete fool of herself in the process

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Tasers and Mind Erasers” – While enduring a visit from her mother, Edie (Joanna Kerns), Roxie discovers a newfound power. After Jamie’s failed attempt to poison Darryl lands Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) in the hospital about to die, Darryl urges Kat to embrace her healing abilities so she can save his friend. Meanwhile, as Joanna tries to resurrect her writing career, her rivalry deepens with cocky reporter Max. And Jamie is forced to team up with Bun and Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd) to finish the job on Darryl.

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, November 25

Glee – FOX 9/8c
“Hairography” – Concerned that Sue is up to no good, Will pays a visit to an instructor of a competing Glee Club (guest star Eve) to see what information Sue may be leaking, which leads to the club getting a look at their hair-rising competition. Meanwhile, Kurt gives Rachel a makeover to impress Finn, but he may have ulterior motives.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Here Comes My Girl” – Jules’ intimate Thanksgiving turns into a larger gathering just as she’d hoped. When Travis invites girlfriend Kylie to dinner and introduces her to everyone for the first time, Jules and friends are determined to make an unforgettable first impression. Before long, Jules finds herself giving Travis and Kylie an impromptu lesson on birth control. Meanwhile, Bobby and Grayson discover an awkward but common interest between them.

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Paint and Pleasure” – Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences. And Kat, still unsure about how to move on from Ray, shies away from a budding romance with Will.

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, November 18

Schoolgirl crushes, old rivals, and guest stars galore heat up tonight’s TV options. Note: Eastwick returns next week.

Glee – FOX 9/8c
“Ballads” – Mr. Schuester splits the Glee Club into pairs to sing their favorite ballad, but when one kid gets sick, he’s forced to step in and winds up in a sticky situation. Meanwhile, Finn and Quinn have to face the music when dinner with her parents (guest stars Gregg Henry and Charlotte Ross) goes awry.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Two Gunslingers” – Upset that her two best friends don’t get along but determined to have a fun birthday nonetheless, Jules convinces Ellie and Laurie to go on a wild birthday weekend away, which they do, begrudgingly. But Jules has a chance encounter with her nemesis and her rather flirtatious husband (guest starring Rachael Harris and Alan Ruck).

Save Eastwick Postcard Campaign

Were you distressed by the news that ABC isn’t ordering additional episodes of Eastwick? So were we, but there’s hope! Lifetime has expressed interest in picking up the show if there’s enough fan support. Want to join in? Send a postcard (Lifetime requested postcards only) to Lifetime at this address:

Lifetime Television
309 W. 49th St.
New York, NY 10019

Here’s hoping!

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, November 11

Thank a veteran today!

Glee returns – yay! Cougar Town and Eastwick are on hiatus – boo!

Glee – Fox 8/7c
“Wheels” – When Artie’s chances of traveling with the group to Regionals are in question, Will challenges the kids to step out of their comfort zones and experience life from a different point of view. Meanwhile, the Glee Club hosts its first “diva-off” between Kurt and Rachel, and Sue reveals a softer side.

Eastwick To End After 13 Episodes

HitFix’s Daniel Feinberg is reporting that Eastwick is ending after 13 episodes. Sources at ABC confirm to him that the network will not pick up the back 9 of the freshman drama. Sad news for the Nice Girls; this was a favorite of ours and it was getting better and better. Here’s hoping the show ends with some closure.

If you want more Paul Gross, don’t forget to enter our Slings & Arrows DVD giveaway.

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