My Own Worst Enemy

I've not been too enthralled by any of the new programs offered by the major networks over the past few years. This year, though, my curiosity was piqued by NBC's new show, "My Own Worst Enemy", starring Christian Slater.

Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of Slater, but the concept of a special agent with a scientifically-produced split personality intrigued me. To me, it looked like it might be of the same quality as another of my current faves, "Burn Notice", on USA Network. That show, which stars Jeffrey Donovan (who can also be seen in Changeling and on the local Chicago theater scene in "Don't Dress For Dinner" through January 11), has been one of my favorite series this year.

Upon watching the pilot episode of My Own Worst Enemy, I remained intrigued and curious about how they would develop the main story line, which is the fact that Slater's handlers can no longer control when one personality rears its head. There's Edward, the cold-blooded agent and Henry, the family man. That neither knew about the other's existence until now and how they learn to co-exist within the same body left much promise that future episodes would bring the goods.

Unfortunately, by the third episode, they'd done nothing to advance the story lines and one began to get the feeling this was a show stuck in neutral.

Additionally, expecting viewers to buy the schlubby ne'er-do-well from Yes Dear (Mike O'Malley) as a fellow secret agent is asking a lot. I've always been incredibly underwhelmed by his acting talents and seeing him pop up on this show struck me as a huge case of miscasting.

Alfre Woodard, on the other hand, seems to have become typecast as a matriarch of sorts, wielding a heavy stick and occasional heart of gold.

While I admit that my interest in the show was waning, I am not known for giving up on shows quickly. I held on for much of Lost's third season before throwing in the towel, for example, despite the show having lost the plot completely about halfway through season two.

Thankfully, NBC probably did me a favor by canceling the show this week. Unfortunately, this probably means that O'Malley will pop up in something else. Perhaps they might team him up with Andy Richter and create a talent vortex that sucks them into some terrestrial abyss from whence they never return.

Christian Slater on the other hand? I'm left wondering what sort of career he has left on the big screen. I don't see him carrying films on his own, that's for sure, but perhaps he will continue to find ensemble roles to keep him busy. One thing's for sure, his dalliance with television is more than likely over.

The remainder of the show's nine episodes will be aired on NBC. After that, adios.