TNT falls from Grace

That's one of many cliche news headlines this weekend after it was revealed that Saving Grace was being canceled---or the more passive "not being renewed"---by TNT.

They can say it's because the ratings had slipped this season or that it costs too much, but we know the truth. The people at TNT are greedy. Remember these are the same people who give the talent (aka the people who sweat, bleed and cry for the show as they write, direct and act their hearts out) peanuts on the dollar for their work. Not to mention the automatic pay cut writers get for their show to grace cable television instead of network tv.

Saving Grace, about a superb but reckless Oklahoma City cop (Holly Hunter) who is being given a chance to turn her life around by Earl, a 'last chance' angel, has been a hit for three years. It's earned Hunter emmy nominations.

It also stars Laura San Giacomo as Rhetta, the childhood friend of Grace, as well as Leon Rippy as Earl, the quirky Angel. The show has tackled serious issues including the sustained fallout of the Oklahoma City bombing, child abuse (as Grace was repeatedly abused by a priest as child) and the loss of loved ones in war.

I'm afraid there's a secular or anti-christian element to the cancellation as well. As racy as the show is, often featuring some rear nudity, the main theme is redemption and religion plays a heavy part in this journey. Earl is non-denominational, thus representing every religion and spirituality. Grace's entire family, including Rhetta are all Catholic and religion plays a major role in their lives. One of Grace's brothers is in fact a priest. I understand TNT took that leap into religion (values which were no doubt new to Ted Turner), but perhaps it became too religious for them and not just 'too expensive'.

Saving Grace had been a great lead-out after The Closer, but this year they wanted to try out their newer shows with their two hit dramas. Starting this summer, Raising the Bar continued in its 10 pm slot after The Closer on Mondays where it began last fall after Saving Grace went on hiatus.

Saving Grace started this summer on Tuesdays at 10 pm after new nurse show Hawthorne. They got greedy and clumsy, shuffling their shows. As a result, Grace is ending prematurely because Hawthorne "stinks on ice" as Glenn would say, or at the very best is a generic nurse show---not at all as interesting as Nurse Jackie.

TNT certainly does know Drama...