Waking the Dead (2000–2011) User Reviews (69)

British Crime, Not Zombies

[VickiHopkins · 7/10 · 22 June 2014]

Let's clarify this title early on - it's not about Zombies. Waking the Dead is a BBC series that focuses on a cold case murder squad. They probably could have chosen a better title, because I passed over this show multiple times after seeing the word "dead" and thinking "waking" was "walking." (That was before I got my new glasses.)

Anyway, I just finished five seasons, but apparently there are many more. If you like British detective programs and love hearing, "I'm DCI..." whoever, you'll probably get into this one too. The British titles are so much cooler...Detective Chief Inspector.

It focuses around Detective Boyd, who runs the show, played by Trevor Eve (not bad looking for a man his age). Dr. Grace Foley, played by Sue Johnston, is always analyzing everyone as the profiler of killers and her coworkers. Like so many other shows, this one reminds me not to get emotionally involved with the actors and certain characters.

Claire Goose, who plays one of the detectives, leaves the show (via a horrific on-screen death), which totally changes the flavor of the team after her departure. Coupled with a change in the forensic team at the same time, it's a shocker. When that happens, I grieve the loss and often find myself loosing a tad bit of interest trying to get into the replacements who I often don't like as well. It was no different in this case either, but it's like work -- people come and go all the time.

After watching so many British detective police shows, this one carries the usual underlying themes in the series that I am finding occur over and over.

• The main detective is a bit wonky with either work or personal problems. They are either emotionally detached from others, unable to make close relationships, have some fault like yelling, drinking, or whatever.

• The top guy always is a little rebellious refusing to obey orders, and there is usually someone on the force that is out to get them in the upper echelons.

• Though the team works well together, there is always some undermining strife and rivalry in the ranks.

• Some of the crime stories can be downright sick, especially upon the discovery of a dead body and how gruesomely the poor victim had been killed. The newer shows go for the shock factor more than the mystery, and I wish they would spare me the gory details.

Of course, these stories always leave me with unanswered questions:

• Is forensic science that advance it figures out everything?

• Do DCI's ever carry guns?

• How much tea do they drink on the job and what kind?

• When they are in the pub sloshing down the ale, are they on duty or off?

I may never know the answer to these perplexing questions, however, it doesn't stop me from searching for the next BBC crime show. As you can see, I've watched a few. Do I have favorites? I am a bit partial to the older shows with less gore and murders of only stabbings, strangulation, and poison, which occur at night while the peacocks are screeching in the background. The more complicated the lead detective, the better. These are some of my favorites:

• Midsommer Murders

• Detective Lewis

• Prime Suspect

• Wallender

• Murder in Suburbia

So that about sums it up. BBC or ITV better keep cranking these series out, or I'm going to be disappointed.

It's time for an Earl Grey.

Love the show hate Boyd

[ladybug2535 · 7/10 · 21 January 2015]

I adore this show--the writing is excellent, the cases are intriguing, and the actors are very, very good (especially the lady who place Grace, the far-too patient Psychiatrist profiler of the team.

The one part of the show I can't stand is the way Boyd, the leader of the team treats his people. He talks down to them, berates them, humiliates them, and is a blatant hypocrite. Some of his actions during interviews of suspects are so out of line that in real life, he would have--and should have been fired. In at least one show, he is directly responsible for the deaths of others, due to the way he handles the case (and I am tempted to believe that this occurs--directly or indirectly, more than once).

I'm currently into the 6th season, and if anything, his behavior gets progressively worse, but like abused children forever trying to earn their abusers' love, his team is desperately loyal while at the same time overtly exasperated and upset by the way he treats them. In real life, no one would willingly work for this jerk. None of this dynamic is accidental or incidental, the characters and their interactions are obviously written this way--and the acting by the cast is spot on, not a false note among them--including the actor who plays Boyd. I just can't fathom why the writers would continue to paint this character in such a dreadful light. I find it extremely distracting and perplexing in an otherwise excellent and interesting crime show.

I've grown to hate Boyd so much that I actually stopped watching the show for several months. And that's just sad, because it really is an excellent program with interesting and unique cases that avoid cliché, and characters that avoid stereotype. I keep waiting for Boyd to get a wake-up call and change his ways, but so far, after watching most of the 6 seasons, his behavior gets progressively worse with no improvement in sight. Just be forewarned.

Boyd Watching

[timstoreyceramics · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

Trevor Eve ( Boyd) must have gone to the Loud School of Acting it's unfortunate , he yells and berates ,creates a toxic workplace and his charm offensive after ( too little ,too late) seems smarmy and insincere .. however we love the rest of the cast and watch it in spite of Boyd's histrionics.

Gritty, intelligent and much missed.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 17 October 2015]

If there was a show that ended before its time it was Waking the Dead.

The series focuses on a team of detectives that investigate cold cases. A few changes in personnel over the years, but the linchpin all the way through remained Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd, the charismatic, irascible but intelligent head of the unit. Two other constants, Boyd's second in command DI Spencer Jordan, and Criminal profiler Doctor Grace Foley, both at times struggled on occasion to cope with Boyd's methods and temperament, Grace more so.

The series ran from 2000 to 2011, it gave us nine wonderful Series. It managed to stay relevant, intelligent and thought provoking throughout, criticised at times for being overly complicated, stories such as Walking on Water and Subterraneans drew criticism for being too hard to follow.

High points included Cold Fusion, Yahrzeit and Shadowplay, too many others to name, but these three are among the best, superbly written, always wonderfully acted, with lots of twists and turns.

Everyone is exceptional throughout the series, it showcased just how good an actor Trevor Eve is. You literally see Boyd develop and change as a character as the series progresses, you see that Mel and Luke have a huge impact on his character.

Some very memorable performances from guest stars throughout, Genevieve O'Reilly's performance in Harbinger, Harriet Walter's in Every breath you take, and Paul Freeman's in Straw Dog are a few highlights.

A series very similar to Silent Witness, it always surprised me that they ended this when they did, it had 2 more series I would have thought. The final series is outstanding, they truly did go out on a high. Eve Lockhart had proved an effective character that she was given a spin off show 'The Body Farm,' which only ran for one series and never fully reached its potential.

Waking the Dead remains one of the best. 2018's radio dramas proved there was still interest in this show, needs bringing back.

Message to BBC: PLEASE SEND MORE!!

[mightymezzo · 31 May 2003]

I've been watching the series on BBC America. Turned it on part-way through an episode and haven't turned away yet. It is exceptionally well-written and well-acted and positively disturbing. Love it. I was especially impressed with the most recent episode, "Into Thin Air." Actually taped it and sent it to my sister the mystery buff, who doesn't have cable. She passed it on to our parents (who don't have cable, either). Mom wants to see more. If anyone from the BBC is reading this, PLEASE SEND MORE!

The Best Program on BBC America So Far

[rsampron · 9/10 · 3 June 2007]

I'd give this series a 10 minus if I could. This series is so compelling, I lack the words to express it. And that's saying something for me.

We just finished viewing season six on BBC America, and I say with greatest admiration that I hope it comes back for as many seasons as the producers, actors and writers wish. You have a willing viewer, here.

I also wish BBC America would show the whole of each episode. Some of the jump cuts between scenes create periodic non sequitors. It appears as though parts of the narrative are shaved off to make room for advertisements.

Trevor Eve may be one of the best actors I've ever seen.

The daddy of TV forensic cop series

[ianlouisiana · 10/10 · 26 February 2014]

Now 14 years old,"Waking the dead" continues to reign supreme in what has become a very overcrowded field - the TV forensic/cop show. It has always had a terrific ensemble cast and despite losing actors of the quality of Miss Claire Goose and Miss Holly Aird around the halfway mark it has maintained its momentum in a way few long - running TV series have managed. It benefits greatly from a superb double- act from the leads,Miss Sue Johnston and Mr Trevor Eve as the forensic psychologist and the boss cop,ostensibly a chalk and cheese combination,but one in which each one complements the other although they often violently disagree. As Peter Boyd Mr Eve is passionate and eager to pursue justice sometimes careless of the rules of evidence and procedure in doing so. As Grace Foley,Miss Johnston is more analytical,takes a step back to see the bigger picture and reins Boyd in when he threatens to get out of control. We know nothing of Dr Foley's personal life,but Boyd's is,predictably, disastrous with a son who goes missing from home and,as the series develops,begins to play a big part in his father's professional life,causing him to have more sympathy with disaffected young people than he might otherwise have had. Over the seasons many fine and well - known performers have appeared to much advantage,but the core of the programme remains Boyd's squad of sometimes disparate but always intuitive and dedicated people. The only caveat I have is that sometimes the camera dwells with lipsmacking relish a little too long at the bodies of Boyd's clients,particularly in the later episodes.Apart from that,"Waking the dead" is ,for me,a completely positive experience and still the one to beat for the many similar shows that have followed it.

Trawled the depths of absurdity

[paul-1186 · 10/10 · 21 September 2009]

No spoilers here but I have been a fan since Waking the Dead started but the last series, of which only 3 have been on so far is awful. The stories bear no resemblance to the original idea of the series. I found these 3 in the last series jaw droppingly ludicrous. As a BBC licence payer, after the show I rang BBC complaints to pass on my disappointment. I'm amazed that actors of the calibre of Trevor Eve and Sue Johnstone didn't object to the story lines. These actors have been with these characters for 8 seasons, surly they can see it's lost all direction. It's a good job it is the last series or the next series may start with the team investigating the death of Father Christmas!

Paul Bentley, West Yorkshire, England.

Good plots, Boyd is horrible.

[cwkepi-435-962184 · 6/10 · 11 September 2020]

Can't tell if it's the actor or the character but Boyd is the most misogynistic, sexist, arrogant, condescending, abusive, and irritating cop I've ever seen.

He has no redeeming qualities Or leadership skills. so it's amazing to see he is a team leader. Can't really tell why he is a cop. Many cops have a driving passion for truth or justice, but Boyd is just an angry sad little boy. Why did the writers draw his character like this? Or was it bad acting choices by Trevor Eve?

All the other characters/actors are great Plots are mostly interesting.

High quality detective series

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 20 October 2009]

Waking the Dead along with Inspector Morse, New Tricks, Agatha Christie's Poirot and Touch of Frost is one of my favourite detective dramas. Why? It is superbly shot, with the dark photography and brooding scenery. True, there have been some truly disturbing and perhaps graphic moments throughout the series. But with the quality of how it is made, acted and written, that is so easily forgiven. The scripting is intelligent and sensitive, and the episode ideas are outstanding. The acting is absolutely fabulous, with Trevor Eve absolutely phenomenal as Boyd, and Holly Aird and Sue Johnston providing terrific support. There is nothing funny really in Waking the Dead, but while it is a little bleak once or twice, others were very moving. One scene worth of mention was Boyd standing over his dead son in the morgue, I was weeping buckets in that particular scene, it was just as moving as the finale of Inspector Morse and anyone familiar with that will know how heart-rending that was. And the tight direction ensures plenty of tense moments, and I can't count the number of times I've got goosebumps from watching this. All in all, a superb series, look out for it. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox

Who Writes These?

[Jima-36-585491 · 7/10 · 28 August 2020]

I'm up to S2E8, pretty good so far with the obvious exception that DS Boyd is written as an idiot.

Character development not quite right

[pmshah1946 · 8/10 · 12 December 2009]

I came across some DVDs of earlier seasons. After watching a few episodes It got me thinking about the writers/directors of the series and the way they developed their characters. What were they thinking? What I fail to understand is how did an insensitive, perpetually angry Boyd ever get promoted to be a detective superintendent. At no instance has it been shown that he possesses any special deductive skills nor any radical ideas which led to solving a case. In an organization like law enforcement agency working as a team is very critical. Not jumping to conclusions and especially loosing your cool at the slightest provocation I would consider as prerequisites. Boyd fails on both these accounts.

I am not much familiar with the actual British practice of law enforcement. May be Boyd IS a typical police officer one would encounter in real life. Thank god I don't live in that country.

Although the whole concept and selection of story line has been good for the serial the character of Boyd is contra indicated.

The people who may be concerned with the character development would do well to not mix up - assign - Hindu names to Parsi characters -specifically Sharma and Chaudhary in one episode. They better get hire 1st generation immigrant from India - one who is still maintaining contacts with the old country - as a consultant. The British may not realize this but the ex-pats will.

Why the constant yelling

[jyanush · 7/10 · 13 April 2021]

This is a somewhat good show dragged down by the constant yelling at each level. I'll keep the headphones at a low level but then, here it comes, the not just yelling but literally SCREAMING! Can't watch anymore due to it. Similar to other Brit shows of the period where I guess they must show the audience such conflict amongst the main characters that they must yell at each other each and every episode.

Hit and miss but mostly misses...

[lahpez · 3/10 · 5 April 2012]

I have seen episodes of this series where I have felt entertained in a good way. But most often I feel annoyed, even insulted.

The (lack of) realism makes Midsomer Murders look like a documentary. Add to this the complete disrespect for proper procedures, Boyd's occasional beating up witnesses and suspects - outrageous but apparently with no consequences - and so many other ridiculous things, it's hard to keep score.

Alas, the acting of the abysmal plots is quite good, and the cast always seem to entice me to watch another episode in the hope that it will not disappoint. Looking back, I just can't really remember any episode where this has not been the case in some way.

All in all, a terrible waste of great talent.

Wonderful show

[lje32677 · 29 March 2003]

The programming in the US is poor to be polite. So, we, as viewers look elsewhere. One of my favorite places is the BBC. Now on BBCAmerica there is an excellant show called "Waking the Dead". It is intelligently written, tense and the actors are wonderful. All of them. I had known, just a little about Trevor Eve(Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd) before, but I had never seen anything of Sue Johnston, Holly Aird, Clair Goose, or Will Johnson's work. It's a shame, because I can see they are all wonderful actors and actresses. Trevor Eve plays the head of the Cold Case Squad that investigates unsolved murders. I don't know if it's by plan or not, but Eve presents the character of Boyd as an arrogant, egotistical, yet an intelligent man with boyish charm. Boyd is also haunted by the disappearance of his 16 year old son. There was a fight and the son disappeared. Boyd doesn't know if the boy is dead or alive. This affects his job. Sue Johnston is Dr. Grace Foley, the profiler of the team. I didn't know anything about her. She presents Foley as a caring, intelligent woman. She is perceptive. She and Boyd have been friends for a long time and understands his pathos. When on a tyraid, Foley is the only one who will face Boyd down and make him back down. Holly Aird is Dr. Frankie Wharton. She is the forensic specialist and is anal about crime scenes. She even goes as far as requiring masks for the entire team when entering a crime scene. She is intelligent and will also face down Boyd if necessary. Clair Goose is Detective Constable Mel Silver. She is a fresh, eager detective who wants to be taken seriously. She is fasctidious in collecting evidence and tries to cover all bases. She also dislikes Boyd's patronizing attitudes as he often thinks, because of her young age that she can't do the job. She usually gets around it by forcing her way through his perceptions and doing what she knows is right anyway. Wil Johnson plays Detective Sargeant Spencer Jordon. He is an intelligent man who comes from the streets of London. All he's ever wanted to do is be a policeman. He is methodical and as he relaxes into his role, he is letting his imagination help him think about the crimes they come across.

I recommend this program to all who would like to watch an intelligent, well made, tense and action/mystery/cop show. I wish some American actors would watch abit of British tv to seen how it's done. Don't get me wrong. We have some great actors here, but other than some primetime actors such as David Schwimmer, very few know what it's like or have the ability to get their teeth into something worthwhile.

The Very Best of the Vey Best

[jdhb-768-61234 · 10/10 · 5 July 2020]

"Waking the Dead" is probably my all-time favourite detective - mystery - drama - series. It is so far above its rivals , which include other great series such as "Morse", "Frost" and many others, that it is almost impossible to believe, It is utterly brilliant !

As Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd, Trevor Eve is outstanding; his character lives on the boundary between genius and insanity, he has no interpersonal skills - surely he would be impossible to work for - and yet demands, and receives, the undying loyalty of his team, even if they occasionally have moments of doubt. The original support of Wil Johnson, Claire Goose and Holly Aird could not possible have been bettered - all are superb - and yet the successors to Claire and Holly are so well chosen as to make it a close run thing. Wil Johnson as DS, then DI, Spencer Jordan is what a good DI should be, questioning and challenging his boss every step of the way; sometimes the relationship appears to be at its end and yet mutual respect always wins out.

However, I reserve my highest praise for Sue Johnston whose portrayal of the team's psychologist and profiler, Dr Grace Foley is almost beyond words. Quite simply, she IS the part. Throughout the series, she has an almost love-hate relationship with Boyd; she hates some of his methods, and even violently disagrees with them at times, and yet is in awe of his ability to achieve results when investigating the most heinous of dead cases. Sue Johnston IS Grace Foley, constantly pointing the team in the right direction through gentle prods and nudges; hers is one of the truly great television performances, even if it is often overlooked due to the more showy roles of the lead detectives.

I keep watching the repeats because they're so good. Even when I know the story lines, all of the characters and even the repartee between them, they are just so terrific. The stories are so believable, the acting so good and the writing and direction so 'spot on'. One scene that is etched on my mind is when Boyd and Silver leave a closed pub which Silver went in to because she needed the toilet, only to be greeted by men with guns, Claire Goose renders the immortal line, as they leave speedily, "I still need the bloody toilet", which was so ordinary and real - it's priceless and wonderful. Such gems occur rarely in most series but are commonplace in this glorious exhibition of the BBC at it's very, very best, a time that now seems to be long passed.

For series after series, the casting, writing and direction could not have been bettered. "Waking the Dead" is so much more than 10 out of 10, but, sadly, 10 is the highest mark I can award it, so 10 it has to be. In a different world, it would be 11 or 12 - it's that good.

Great series, but I'm glad I don't work for Boyd

[winstonfg · 9/10 · 15 January 2009]

Yet more proof, if any was needed, that the Brits do police procedurals better than the Yanks. Three-dimensional characters, claustrophobic sets and great ensemble acting seem like a pretty good place to start; and not talking down to your audience helps too.

Trevor Eve is excellent as the principled, irascible head of a cold-case team made up of diverse personalities; and the 2 x 1-hour format lets the cases unfold with a bit more leisure than the 60-minute special, while also allowing for the compulsory cliffhanger in the middle.

A minor criticism of the show is their use of the "talking over each other" gimmick, where everybody bursts into voice at the same time. At first it seemed like a kind of cinema-verité thing but, like the quick-cut filming in NYPD Blue, it becomes intrusive when you notice it happening. I also wish they'd develop the Spence character a bit more - he's been there since the beginning, but I still don't feel like I know him very well.

But they're minor flaws and, given the choice between this and one of the myriad CSI shows, I know which one I'd choose.

WAKING the Dead, not to be confused w/WALKING Dead

[ChristyInOregon · 9/10 · 27 March 2015]

Great cop vs senior officers vs co-workers while solving ice cold to Luke-warm cold cases. Boyd (Eve), overseer of this unique ensemble, is charged with re-investigating cold cases, yet somehow they are often (mysteriously) tasked cases where not even the bodies are cold. In an episode, that shouldn't be all that surprising, Boyd brings a case to the team where the accused pleaded guilty and is just about to be released for time served. If he had friends, this is where he would of lost them. Eve's character, Boyd would make a perfect subject for a case study of Aspergers in adults. His inability to communicate, tendency to take things literally and an inability to understand social rules and body language makes him almost impossible to befriend and Very difficult to work for or with. As an unappreciative, impatient, & arrogant boss, it's surprising his entire team (aka co-cast members) stays by his side for 4 complete seasons. Then, sudden & unexplained cast/team member changes, we see 2 series regulars leave and 2 new ones push & fight their way onto the team against Boyd's force of nature personalty trying to keep them out. Despite some frustration, it's the most thought-provoking, unpredictable, & addicting long running "cop" drama developed in many years. Luckily, it's available for binge watching!

A great series

[Arne-12 · 8/10 · 27 July 2006]

I find this BBC-series exciting and occasionally breathtaking. The actors are great, and I can think of only one objection: How can it be possible for the character Frankie Wharton to have so many different talents? She is an forensic expert, but at the same time she is a mechanical wizard and also she is very knowledgeable on computing matters. It annoys me somewhat, but of course, it would be difficult for the series to have more main characters.

Still, the plots are generally interesting, and the relations between the characters are developing through the seasons. In this way, the episodes are interesting for two reasons: The crime case and the police officers' own minds.

I look forward to see the actors in other connections.

Gives me a headache

[cwkepi-435-962184 · 6/10 · 6 September 2020]

I like this series because it has serpentine plots that keep you guessing. That's good.

The aggravating thing is the actor portraying Boyd thinks his character has to yell and argue with everyone he meets including his team. Gives me a headache. Chillax dude.

Very good show if you can handle a toxic work environment

[cumby-00480 · 8/10 · 6 April 2022]

We very much enjoyed the characters Grace, Mel, Spence, Frankie and Felix. However, Peter Boyd, their boss, is a pain. He constantly yells and berates his staff. We tried to stay with the show - we're in season 6 - but we're done with Boyd and his tantrums. In to something else.

Has its strong points, but the seams show.

[kayaker36 · 7/10 · 5 January 2010]

This show is making the rounds now on a local Public Broadcasting channel, as a lead-in for the more exciting--and more violent--MI-5 (original title: **Spooks**).

There is some good acting here, led by Trevor Eve, fifty-something veteran of British television and films (I just saw him in the 2007 version of "David Copperfield"). His is a face with mileage on it that evidently has never had the services of a cosmetic surgeon. Sue Johnson, an actress also not in her first youth, does creditable work as well, as a psychological profiler. She is a sort of human lie detector. The guest parts are also surprisingly well acted.

The problems begin with a low budget, particularly by our American standards. This is evidenced by a preponderance of indoor scenes giving the whole production a static, stagey quality. Key events in the plot must be recounted by one or another cast member because they cannot be depicted--additional sets or actors would cost--a clumsy way to tell a story. The scripts are "loose". Scenes ramble on when they should be cut off. The spoken dialogue often differs in minor ways from the closed captioning, which implies that there is a much greater degree of ad libbing than would be found in a normal, scripted program. I think the writers often don't know how to fill the extended running time of the series. It is presented here as two, fifty-minute episodes with no commercial interruptions.

The plots will start with an interesting, novel premise, then become hard to follow or just plain preposterous. The science is always absorbing, however and the continuing theme--a search for truth--inspiring.

British drama.

[kikkapi20 · 10/10 · 19 July 2014]

This show is excellent.

The characters are well cast. All the acting is excellent (there is not a bad actor in it, all are good). The directing, and especially script writing is well done (excellent).

The show drags you in so that at the end of the hour of each episode you would crawl naked across poison ivy just to watch the next episode. Although at first it may seem unusual that he talks to you; you will soon grow to love it!

Trevor Eve -the main actor-, has done a fantastic job! See and enjoyed it.

Horrible boss!

[tahir-ismail · 7/10 · 27 June 2022]

I binge-watched this series up to Series 3 when I decided I can't take it anymore ... I mean, I can't take him anymore! Very good show, but can't stand the boss Boyd. Been watching so many good British crime shows, this one is the only one I just cannot stand the main character, suppose to be the "hero" of the series. He is a complete jerk, certainly not a team player which he has been preaching to his team, he just do what he likes because he is the boss. That's it! Very good show but shame about the main character.

Boy's Shouting Probably IS "Waking the Dead"

[mizmaxgordon · 1/10 · 8 September 2020]

To be fair, I don't know if Trevor Eve is a good actor or not. I've never seen him in anything else, and after enduring this for far too long, I never want to see his face again. The character he plays (overplays, usually) is the most patronizing, misogynistic, narcissistic toddler ever to "lead" a show. He's an incompetent cop, a worse team leader, and an insufferable boor. We stuck with the show through four seasons for several reasons: (1) with some notable exceptions (this being one), British shows about cops, forensics, and mysteries are 10 times better than American shows; (2) we are running out of good shows (Vera, No Offence, Happy Valley, Endeavour, Morse, Inspector Lewis, River, Shetland, etc.); (3) we liked Frankie (the overworked but extremely talented forensic scientist) and Grace (the knowledgeable psychologist-cum-profiler who ought to be able to see Boyd as the poser he is but for some reason doesn't); and (4) the stories were intriguing as long as you ignored the unexplained plot points, characters' ludicrously unbelievable actions, and the complete lack of continuity from one episode to the next. However, now we into Season 5: Frankie's gone (no explanation), Grace still cluelessly enables Boyd's appalling behavior, and Spence seems to have multiple personality disorder. The so-called team denigrates witnesses, suspects, and each other, always at top volume, to a soundtrack that seems like a '70s porn film run backward and at the wrong speed. We are no longer desperate enough to carry on abusing ourselves with this substandard drivel. The biggest crime involved in this show is that it kept getting renewed.