funny thing about television today. the audience has so splintered that everyone watches different programming. the talk around the watercooler at work might be about the latest reality show, but there is such an abundance of programming now that we can specialize in our viewing. a good thing, i think, and a huge change from 14 years ago when everyone was watching friends or seinfeld, or even 20 years ago when the biggest show in the u.s. was the cosby show. everybody watched that one.

well now, after what seemed like forever my favorite tv show is back on the air. in its 4th season wire in the blood made its premiere last night. a bit of a letdown for me, since it introduced a new character [tony's platonic love interest and lead detective, carol, has been inexplicably replaced] while dr. tony hill stumbled about trying to recover from brain surgery that removed a benign tumor. not at the height of his powers but brilliant nonetheless, hill manages to lead the new detective - reluctant to take his help - and the police, to the lair of a husband and wife team of serial killers. lacking were the jolts, the suspense and the downright kinkiness of previous episodes. small potatoes really compared to the dreadful fare that passes for crime drama in the u.s. yet robson green's dr. hill is such a compelling character, and the show on the whole so smartly written that i can't wait for the next installment.