Cedar Cove

The only reason I gave it a 5 instead of a 2 is because the first season was OK. Just as I normally don't read books by Debbie Macomber I also normally don't watch TV series based on books by Debbie Macomber. But some years ago, when I was under a huge amount of stress, I read some of Debbie's books because in their relative simplicity they were calming. I also found this to be true of Season 1 of Cedar Cove. I thought I'd check it out, not expecting great TV watching, but hopeful for just something pleasant to watch. And it was.

Season 2, however, I found to be unwatchable. The script consists mainly of people saying "Are you OK?" "Is something wrong?" and "I'm sorry." When there are actual statements or sentences expressing thoughts or feelings they are very pat and almost clichés. Given this kind of writing, the actors are doing the best they can, I assume. Andie McDowell had particular difficulty and appears to be on sedating drugs. The camera never stays on her face for long because she seems unable to hold an expression. The other actors, while a bit more lively, are also obviously struggling with writing that makes Debbie Macomber's books seem like Shakespeare.

Maybe I'll check out Season 3, just to see if it is different enough from Season 2 to make it worth watching.

Don't tell me!! Dropped?! Probably. I know the plots are weak. And the characters are often half-witted. But a lot like everyday life. I usually really like anything Andie McDowell does, but I'm not real "hip" on her portrayal of this character. And her relationship with--whatever his name--the 2nd guy, lawyer, is just a bit stupid. The writers did not do themselves any favors by writing such flimsy dialog between the main characters. And the daughter, OK, I can see where this just really falls apart and fans who watched this at first have run for the exits! It is irritating that they mucked this up! The original premise got lost and buried in mucky muck. And the main character, Judge, has really gone off the rails. But with so much other garbage on TV I would still be up for Season 4!!

It appears almost everyone in this town is divorced or has a dark secret, except for the sweet hippie guy who runs the restaurant. But then, I guess it couldn't go on for two seasons or more, but it would be just nice if there were people who didn't come from a divorced back. There's so much jealousy, deceit, and lying. Can't believe this is Hallmark! Nonetheless the beautiful location, fancy houses and the comedy relief celibate hippie dude makes it all worthwhile. Andie McDowell is a beautiful solid actress, and it's wonderful seeing her in a role that allows a few dramatic moments. The good guys are the good guys, the bad guys are the bad guys, there's not a lot of surprises, but I'm enjoying it for the most part. I actually live in this general area, and recognize most of the location shoots.

I just finished watching the 3 seasons on Netflix and I am so sad that there is not a 4th season. It has great ratings on Netflix and that's how I got to start watching the show. This was a great show, refreshing, based on friendship and family and hometown. I really liked the choice of actors as well and the scenery. It is different that the shows we see on TV right now where it is either in New York, LA or Miami. A small town by the water just exactly what TV needs, something different. I wish they would have at least add one more episode to kind of give fans and viewers an end instead of leaving us like this wondering what will happen to each character. Really it's a pity that it did not continue. I would have watched it!

First season was promising but second has too many wishy washy characters who can't seem to make up their minds. But at least they all love jimmy Dean foods as they show one of his products in every show!