I've been an HBO loyalist since childhood. And, in recent years, the original programming on HBO has made me a true believer. In recent months, however, I've found less and less I want to watch. I'm sure that will change, with new seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm and... um... well, Entourage has one more new episode, right (I've never watched The Wire and I can't really start now)? In the meantime, Jarren and I have Netflix'ed the first two seasons of Showtime's popular series, Weeds. We don't have Showtime, but I have to admit, Weeds makes me wonder if we should. In this month's Esquire, Mike D'Angelo muses about some of these very real issues for today's TV consumer:

But suddenly, if I could watch just one, I'd go with Showtime.

In part, that's because most of HBO's landmark shows are either finished or nearly so. (The Wire has one more season left.) Mostly, though, it's because Showtime's frustration and desperation is starting to manifest itself in its programming, which has become increasingly twisted over the past couple of years. Shows like Weeds and Dexter push the notion of the sympathetic antihero into the realm of black comedy, overtly acknowledging that we're most entertained by watching people flout all the social mores known to man. You say you can identify with a mobster? How about with a serial killer? Tickled by a dysfunctional family of morticians? We got us a bereaved single mom who makes her living as a suburban pot dealer. Showtime provides a fun-house-mirror reflection of HBO's programming, transforming penetrating drama into absurdist satire.

Of course, this is only an argument for episodic programming. HBO still has some of the best original documentary and narrative feature film programming you're gonna see on American television this (or any) year. The winning streak of classic series programming just needs some fresh air.

The Wire is the greatest television program ever produced. It is a work of art, on par with a great novel. I enjoy Weeds, even though both cover somewhat similar sibject matters (drugs, and the "War" on them), The Wire is vastly superior. Go get the Dvds, I guarantee you will become so hooked that you will be all caught up for the fifth and final season.

I came very late to The Wire (middle of last season), but within two episodes I was completely enthralled, and caught up with the earlier episodes of the season via HBO On Demand (if you have HBO on cable, you should have their On Demand too).

Did I miss your comments on Flight of the Conchords? Not your cup of tea? Each episode has made me laugh more and more. Beyond that, I agree, it's been pretty thin lately.

I really enjoy FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, but again, that show's ending its season as well.

I too was a late comer to the WIRE. And this from a Baltimore native. Three words: GET IT NOW! My wife and I Netflixed it over the holidays last December--we watched ALL 3 SEASONS in a week...then caught season 4 while it was still live On Demand. Since then--we've been in withdraw. Can't WAIT for the final season--which friends say, tackles the media. To tide us over, we sampled some Showtime programs: DEXTER--a good show, but some of the acting is subpar, and the writing is a bit stilted. (Was ANYONE surprised when the identity of the ice-truck killer was revealed? And what up with the nick name Ice-Truck Killer?) Weeds--I thought jumped the shark near the end of season one. Friends tell me it got better, but I don't like it enough to pay for Showtime. So I'll wait for these on DVD.

I'm actually encouraged by HBO's upcoming programs--loved BIG LOVE, and think TELL ME YOU LOVE ME could touch a real nerve...and of course, I'm waiting for THE WIRE.

Finally, have you checked out AMC's MAD MEN? Could be the best kept secret on TV--but not for long. Episodes are on-demand (AMC) so you can catch up. Show runner is a former Sopranos scribe, and the early 60's NYC setting is so realistic the screen emits the aroma of smoke and a 3 martini lunch.

Have not had a chance to see MAD MEN, but Jarren and I keep hearing that we should.

Im interested in seeing Tell Me You Love Me. When people talk mumblecore and Joe Swanberg. They basically never mention the sex. Which to me is what sets Joe apart from any of the others. Here is HBO getting into Joe's act. A budgeted version of YAB perhaps? We will see.