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« Roush Dispatch
Just Call Me a Men in Trees Hugger
Anne Heche in Men in Trees by Sergei Bachlakov/ABC
If ever a show deserved a second (or third or fourth) look, it's ABC woefully mistreated Men in Trees. Tonight's episode, which plays almost like a season-opener in the way it resolves one major cliff-hanger storyline and reassesses a number of key relationships, is a terrific re-entry point for those who fell away from this charming show during its many inexplicably long absences from the schedule. (And the new Wednesday time slot does it few favors, with incompatibly cheesy reality-show lead-ins.)
This episode is titled "Sonata in Three Parts," a musical metaphor that movingly announces itself when one of Elmo's locals reveals an unexpected past. This character explains how a sonata plays out in three movements: the first generally upbeat and lively, the second a little darker (think Jack adrift at sea and feared dead) and the third taking you back to the beginning. "Things have a way of working themselves out," we're told.
And so it is in this episode, as the town maintains an uneasy vigil for any new news about the missing Jack, walking on eggshells around a distraught Marin (the terrific Anne Heche), who is projecting her anxiety onto hunky Cash and his current health problems. The theme of the week is regret, as each character takes stock of their life and decides to make every minute count. Not a bad mindset where a show on such thin ice is concerned.
My regret? That ABC appears to have permanently stalled any momentum this show once had, back in its truncated first season when it too-briefly aired alongside Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy, providing a delightful nightcap on a first-rate Thursday. I'm not sure anything can reverse its fortunes at this point, but don't let that deter you from getting back with Men in Trees, especially where tonight's intensely romantic episode is concerned. You won't regret it.
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Mar 5, 2008 8:07 AM
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I just LOVE this show, and I really really REALLY hope they keep it going. I'm not thrilled about it being on at 10pm, but hey, thats why they made vcr's and / or DVR's. But it really is a great show. PLEASE DON'T CANCEL IT.
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Mar 5, 2008 9:29 AM
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Thank you, thank you, thank you. My one guilty pleasure these days.
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Mar 5, 2008 11:01 AM
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I gave the show a third (or fourth) look last week, and remembered why I'd given up on it twice (or thrice) before. I have a very low tolerance for shows where the characters behave in ways no real person ever would, just so hilarity and reconciliation can later ensue. The Hawaiian shirt plot was especially contrived. I'll record tonight's and decide later.
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Mar 5, 2008 11:46 AM
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I must have missed something...what Hawaiin shirt plot??????????
I am a huge treehugger!!! I just love this show! It gives me such a great feeling when I'm done watching, and i can't wait for more!!! Keep it coming, PLEASE!
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Mar 5, 2008 1:39 PM
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The most entertaining show on TV--sure hoping it survives and thrives in the Wednesday time slot.
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Mar 5, 2008 2:38 PM
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Next to Lost, this is the best show on TV and I hate what ABC has done to it.
Thanks for the article....hopefully all the tree huggers like myself can keep this show alive....
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Mar 5, 2008 3:33 PM
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this is a good show and has been from day one. it is a feel good show and should not be allowed to be forgotten.
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Mar 5, 2008 4:05 PM
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REVERSAL OF FORTUNE!
Mr. Roush,
Thank you for this Men in Trees blog. The devoted fans of the ABC Men in Trees message board are doing everything humanly possible to alter the show's fortune.
So far, fans have planted 3,000 food trees in third world countries in honor of Men in Trees. Our goal is 5,000 trees. All fans are welcome to join. Just click the link above.
Certificates for these trees will be presented to ABC in April. 5,000 trees will produce 1.25 MILLION lbs. of food EACH year for hungry souls.
We hope ABC will take another look at this show, possibly reconsider how many devoted fans there could be WITH a similar amount of marketing they provide other shows - and a steady time slot.
We salute you for bringing attention to the quality of Men in Trees in your blog, and your steadfast support of it.
With our kindest regards,
Many fans of Men in Trees
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Mar 5, 2008 4:28 PM
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Thanks for pointing out what a great show this is. Hopefully others will check it out and enjoy it as much as we do!
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Mar 5, 2008 5:08 PM
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Men in Trees is a GREAT show. Tonight's episode promises to be extra special. I cannot wait. I like the show so much, I even watch the commercials!
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Mar 5, 2008 6:00 PM
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Thank you, thank you for saying what I am thinking!!
Men In Trees is an outstanding show and deserves much success.
ABC's poor treatment of this show is so unfair. Fans would just like a fair shot, some publicity and leave the program in one time slot. Wednesdays should be fine, especially good when Private Practice is back on the air too. There is definately an audience for this Show, please just let them have a chance to find it and they will come...
Have you heard about the Plant It Forward campaign. Just like on the Show, fans are helping others like a community. Our message boards at: ABC.com/Men In Trees is like our online Cheiftan Bar in Elmo. Come join us! And Thanks again for the great article! D.Watson
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Mar 5, 2008 7:07 PM
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Thanks for hugging one of the best programs on ABC!! I dare say I love it more than Desperate Housewives!!
ABC needs to wake up and see what a gem they have and quit trying to kill it off!!
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Mar 5, 2008 7:26 PM
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I love this show and I can't wait for tonights episode! i just hope that ABC decides to leave it in a time slot for the rest of the season!
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Mar 5, 2008 7:34 PM
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Thank you so much, Matt, for your wonderful words about Men in Trees. It is the best show on tv and it is so under-appreciated by ABC. If ABC would give it the kind of treatment they give their 4 favorite shows, I believe it would be a huge success! Let's hope that your words will encourage lots of folks to try it out! I know they will love it as much as the rest of us tree-huggers! I just can't say enough good things about this show! Please people, tune in! You will fall in love with this show I promise you!
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Mar 5, 2008 7:53 PM
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