The Death Watch Begins For...

It’s only week one, but the death watch has already begun for one new show. And it’s a bit of a shocker…

It’s the new FOX drama, “Lone Star”—yes, the very same “Lone Star” that I and just about every other critic in America heralded as one of the best new shows of the fall. But apparently no one was listening to us because the premiere only scored 4.1 million viewers. Even people who don’t know anything about ratings know that’s bad.

FOX has said it will air the second episode Monday as scheduled, but with all of the reports of its imminent cancellation, will anyone bother to watch?

There are a number of things working against “Lone Star” that caused the ratings disaster. First and foremost, it’s in a nasty timeslot. Mondays are ridiculously competitive with “Dancing With the Stars,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Monday Night Football” and now NBC’s “The Event,” which scored big ratings. After it got such glowing reviews from critics, I think I would have considered it—and still would—for another timeslot. FOX could have delayed its premiere, but with its baseball obligations, that would pose problems as well.

Then there’s the marketing. The print campaign concentrated on the two women, two lives aspect and that might have turned some people off. Not to mention that the show is way more complicated than that. A little more focus on the cons or the family oil business might have helped. And a little more promotion of Jon Voight’s role couldn’t have hurt.

I sincerely hope that FOX will stick with the show for a couple of weeks since I believe that “The Event” will start to slide in the coming weeks. But I also understand FOX might not have any choice…

If cancellation does come, I hope that the network will at least consider a move to FX. I think the show might fit in better there.

“Lone Star” airs Monday at 9 p.m. on FOX…

Photo Credit: Patrick Ecclesine/FOX