TVSquad

Earlier this week, one of the big honchos at NBC was kvetching to the media about how the company hates being in fourth place. Well, the only way out of the bottom is better programming. I don't know if the network will succeed with this news, but at least it's committing to its programs. Three shows got full season pickups, Community, Parks and Recreation and Mercy. That means nine episodes more each.


Of the group, I'm most enthusiastic about the Amy Poehler show, Parks and Recreation. It's grown on me and as the characters get more evolved, I think it's getting funnier. And there's something about Amy. She can play the goofy Leslie Knope with just the right edge. She's not really dumb, but she doesn't quite get it either.

Community has promise, but even if you love the ensemble, this is a show that still hasn't completely jelled. That said, a full season might be just the ticket. It's part of the Thursday night line up many people -- me included -- DVR every week because there's just too many shows to watch. Community has potential for a long run... if you can buy all those characters still in junior college after more than a year or two. (Maybe they're so damaged they just stay forever?)

Mercy is the third full season pick up. It's no ER, but then what is for NBC? With Leno clogging the 10 o'clock time slot all week, there's less and less room for quality drama on the slate. Mercy hasn't caught on yet; this may be it's only chance.

[For more of Community, Parks and Recreation and Mercy, go to SlashControl.]