Der Job

This type of show is not supposed to happen on television. This is the type of edginess usually reserved for independent film. This is what only HBO is supposed to do. Fact is that Denis Leary has managed to come up with one of the best television shows ever, easily joining the ranks of THE SOPRANOS, OZ, ED etc.. Kudos the gang at ABC for showing that NYPD Blue was not a fluke, and to Mr. Leary and his gang for creating a truly unique viewing experience. My only complaint is that the show is not long enough ... an hour would make it better, but I can't wait for the next episode!

It's 20 years since "The Job" aired on ABC and those dimwitted nitwits cancelled this unparalleled brilliant comedy series after 19 perfect pitched episodes. In my wisdom I bought the DVDs and find the show to be as funny and relevant today. Dennis Leary and Peter Tolan never compromised on their vision. The scripts and the jokes are sharp, fast, sophisticated and hilarious. The cast, oh the cast, so perfect, so completely comfortable with themselves in their characters, convey so much in a smirk, an ebrow raised, a flared nostril. This is one of the best comedies ever produced for American TV. An immediate classic. Subsequently, came Leary's "Rescue Me," but the characters did not have the same depth and most too adolescent for my taste. Nothing comes close to "The Job."

I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED that ABC canceled this hilarious show!!!! This series was unique, funny, and had a wonderful cast which clicked. It was the only show I looked forward to watching whenever it was on the air. I can't believe that ABC, in yet another DUMB move, didn't consider moving the program to a different time slot, or advertised more!!! They really didn't give it a chance. I wish another network, would pick the show up. I hope that in the near future all episodes of "THE JOB" are on DVD. This show was a real classic, and will certainly be missed by myself and countless others!!!!!!

...it's been three years, and I still miss this show. Watching the premiere of "Rescue Me" on FX last night only reminded me of how badly I miss Leary's NyQuil-addicted cop. No matter what else he does from this point on, I will always measure all shows by "The Job." It's funny how something so short lived can have such an impact - the show constantly comes up in conversations at work and when I'm out with friends. I've yet to find someone who didn't like the show, so I'm not sure how it is the network did.

In the end, it doesn't really matter. Those of us who watched the show can appreciate it for what it truly was - Leary at his best.

... and F you ABC for being so stupid so as to pull the plug on this show. You let NYPD Blue keep on airing when anyone with a quarter brain will tell you that that cop show is out of ammo a long time ago. Maybe this is some warped competition in which ABC brass says "Gee, if NBC can pull the plug on a classic like HOMICIDE, then we should show them and F up the same by pulling the plug on our own cop classic, THE JOB." Well ... a big middle finger to you for being so stupid. To Mr. Leary, DreamWorks, and all the visionaries involved I can only say that it was a pleasure to join you for your (too short) visit and I can only hope that you combine talents again soon ... for someone that can see you for the talent that you are. I will miss you.