Hearts Afire

As the plot summary says, this was originally about a married couple working for a Senator in Washington, DC. The second and third seasons were about the same couple, having moved to a small town, running a newspaper. The two locales had different supporting casts except for John Ritter, Markie Post, Billy Bob Thornton, and the kids. The second incarnation of "Hearts Afire" was superior--owing much to the more relaxed, quirky atmosphere of the small town, and to supporting characters there played by Conchata Ferrell and Leslie Jordan. The friction/chemistry between Thornton and Ferrell was great.

Who can help me with this? I just saw my first ever episode of this show on USA and rather than Washington, they appear to be working at a small-town newspaper. Is this one of those "the-pilot-wasn't-that-great-so-let's-completely-rework-it-into-a-new-theme" things?

I think I preferred the show best when it was set in Washington D.C. over Arkansas. Anyway, the relationship between Markie Post and John Ritter sizzled on screen. They had a terrific supporting cast like Billy Bob Thornton, Conchata Farrell, Beth Broderick, Wendie Jo Sperber, etc. The show was created by Bill Clinton's friends, Bob and Susan Thomason. The show never appeared to be a huge success but the show's writing was alright but the cast was first rate with sitcom veterans Post and Ritter. I think the show could have lasted longer but CBS who also had Evening Shade and Designing Women must have had problems with the show's creators. I don't know what happened but I still think the show had legs but the network didn't give it a chance to shine. It could have sizzled if time was allowed for it to adjust.

It's nice to see two great actors from earlier comedies - John Ritter of Three's Company and Markie Post of Night Court - star together in this romantic comedy. Not the funniest show I've seen, but it has its moments. Great chemistry between Ritter and Post, which was the highlight of the show I think.

Grade B-

Four shows (Designing Women, Filthy Rich, Evening Shade, this one) four strikeouts.

Not sure why LBT was given so much free reign, the humor in all of her shows is forced and desperate.

Strong women characters? I think she makes them look either neurotic, barbie doll or laughably tough.

This one was really bad: John Ritter a great physical comedian is misused, Markie Post isn't funny and the laugh track is so out of place against jokes that aren't funny.

This one was really bad: John Ritter a great physical comedian is misused, Markie Post isn't funny and the laugh track is so out of place against jokes that aren't funny.