TV Viewers Bite Back

As usual, the network geniuses have it exactly backward (“Bickford: A New Lesson Plan,” by Greg Braxton, Nov. 7). The unique appeal of Max Bickford is that he’s not particularly approachable. He’s cantankerous, opinionated, frequently unhappy and often wrong, unlike the one-dimensional characters on most TV series. Moreover, the interesting, jazz-flavored music provided by David and Donald Was suited the character, and the show, perfectly.

I have zero interest in watching a warm and fuzzy Max Bickford solve other people’s problems (wearing Mr. Rogers’ cardigan sweater, no doubt) while saccharine strings swell in the background. Nor, I suspect, will anyone else.

BONNIE SLOANE

Los Angeles

*

Here we go again! Finally some intelligent shows, such as “The Education of Max Bickford,” and the suits at CBS are screwing it up. Why not give the show a chance? Certainly with all that has been going on in this country, it’s no wonder ratings would drop. The show was the brainchild of two obviously talented ladies. Give them a chance, not just a few weeks under the worst of circumstances.

SHIRLEY O’CONNOR

Laguna Woods

*

Regarding the review of the TV presentation of “Uprising” (“A New Profile in Courage,” by Howard Rosenberg, Nov. 3): I noticed Semitic-looking individuals holding guns and being recognized as courageous for fighting back against tyranny and invaders. I thought it was incredible that TV was so fast to have a drama about the Palestinian Intifada. Then I realized it was about the other group that tried to fight back.

EDWARD SAADE

Poway

*

I am writing to express my outrage about the way NBC aired “Uprising.” I watched with growing disgust as it switched from the program to commercials without so much as a second of dead air time between emotionally wrenching scenes and inane advertisements.

I have never seen anything aired quite like that before. The result was to completely trivialize this important story. It reduced what was a very good program, historically informative and evocative, to the level of crass entertainment.

JULIE BEARDSLEY

San Pedro

*

“Uprising” lost my attention in less than 25 minutes because its depiction of the Jews was void of any explanation as to why they were the object of such violent behavior from the Poles and Nazis.

For network television to endorse a script showing Jews rising up against their Polish and Nazi oppressors is commendable; however, for most of us, we still do not know what all the hatred was about.

Sound familiar? During these highly anxious times, when global terrorists abound, it might be a genuine contribution by network television if it would present docudramas that probe deeper into issues and give explanation as to why people resort to evil behavior.

RICHARD KANNER

Los Angeles

*

Yikes! “24” on Fox is dreadful (“Deft Timing Makes ‘24’ Tick,” by Howard Rosenberg, Nov. 6).

But I’m not concerned about “24” being trite, cliche-packed and crushed by characters so obnoxious that one longs for a quick cancellation. What does concern me about “24” is the near-universal acclaim by critics who declared the show to be “the best new program of the year.” What does that say about the judgment of critics? Or the current state of television?

HARLAN LEBO

West Los Angeles