• Chicago Tribune, Friday, April 14, 2006 11:02 AM

It's practically tragic what has happened to the ABC series “Commander in Chief.”  The show debuted last fall to great numbers and relatively positive reviews.  But things went bad quickly.  Two executive producers, including creator Rod Lurie, quickly came and went.  The show was pulled from ABC's schedule for retooling, and, though back on the air, has never regained its footing. To the contrary: the storylines have failed to lure viewers, and now the hour-long drama is teetering on the precipice.  Many observers expect it to be axed soon.  With good reason, says Chicago Tribune arts critic Sid Smith.  An excerpt from his scathing commentary:  "It's not bad political drama, just plodding, stodgy, unsurprising fare, a storytelling approach that makes “The West Wing” play like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” by comparison. Even the domestic strife caused by the first hubby's indiscretion is mild and ho-hum, an all too minor marital tiff. Too bad Tony Soprano and Carmela aren't on hand. The show could use some of their connubial fireworks. But that brings up a problem with Geena Davis' character. She's too stately, detached, confident and competent, approached with a detached reverence on the part of the show's backstage creators--Saint Geena. There's never doubt, vulnerability or complexity to her role. She's always right, and despite the malevolent machinations of Donald Sutherland as her enemy, we know each week she'll triumph. Her only fault is an annoying lack of humor, something the show desperately needs." 

Read the whole story at Chicago Tribune »