As I write this, I've just returned from the Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills. There you can view television programs, and sit at a television with headphones and watch what you'd like. Well, I surprise that they had an episode of "Leaving L.A." in there collection.
I remember back years ago when the show was on the air, that I really enjoyed, but I could hardly remember anything about it, so I decided to watch the only episode they had "Give Them Names," the second episode. And I was blown away.
Why didn't this show last?
The episode was well-written and filled with dark humor, as well as just great drama. The cast well excellent, and I surprisingly found Chris Meloni of Law and Order: SVU and Melina Kanakaredes from Providence, two of my favorite actors on television today, as the leads. Also surprising was Hilary Swank in a supporting role as a clerk.
What I don't understand is why the show isn't still on the air, or why it didn't last more than six episodes. I really enjoyed this episode, the first time I've seen the show in four years, and wish it were on the air today.
It's interesting to see how the cast members have faired. Meloni and Kanakaredes have hit shows, Ron Rifkin is gets tons of work, Anne Haney (who recently passed away) was in many of the biggest movies including Liar, Liar, and Hilary Swank has won an Oscar (though you wouldn't know it in this role.
Anyway, this short-lived series can be viewed as a very interesting stepping stone in many of the actor's career, and one of the big "screw-ups" in recent network history.
