Is ABC Slipping? Network Cancels 'Quirky' Shows

First, Greys Anatomy fires the wonderful Brooke Smith after a poorly thought out lesbian storyline, then revives the dearly departed Denny as a "love interest" for still breathing, yet completely insane Izzy. (My theories on that later). And ABC is perfectly fine with it. And today, of all things, they cancel not one, but two promising shows - Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone. (They canceled Dirty Sexy Money too, but who really cares about that?)

Granted, I anticipated the Pushing Daisies demise. I thought it was a decent show, but it was a little too out-there for my usually quirky tastes. The love story was dragging and I found the cartoonish environment just a little too unbelievable - and I knew audiences would too. But Eli? I thought it had a little more support, but I can see how it might turn off some viewers with its recent political and moral undertones. It didn't help that this season it's displayed too many episodes with straightforward law-office storylines, haphazard visions, and missing supporting characters. In fact, I blame this all on a lack of George Michael.

On the bright side, ABC has picked up new episodes of Life on Mars and Lost returns on January 21st. Yipeee!