The strength of the show is the main character, who carries things along in the face of setback after setback. The rest of the cast is good as well, but overall the reason this show didn't ever live up to expectations is directly due to the plot.
First off, Charlie's psychic ability is a sideshow. It's a tease, that hints at there being more but it never materializes. It is an under-utilized mechanic in a show that without it is nothing special. The basic gist is that he gets outmaneuvered by the gypsies and thugs, and manages to win just enough to survive. This is something that was an enormous oversight by the writing team, where he should have a true psychic ability that allows him to win out a bit more than he does in the face of his situation.
Even in his love life he's the victim. Never does he bring anything to the plot that overtakes that victimization. And so my second problem with the show is his wife, who he is devoted to, but the relationship just seems to leave things wanting. That could have been addressed by him moving on, but again this show seems to be more about keeping him in the box.
Lastly Isabella Rosselini is superb in this show. I think it would have been better to have her get some wins in terms of her scheming, vice her fat son who seems to somehow be able to outsmart everyone else.
Good actors throughout this show, and it demonstrates the importance of writing and plot. Due to those reasons this show is solid, but unspectacular. I can see why it was cancelled.
First off, Charlie's psychic ability is a sideshow. It's a tease, that hints at there being more but it never materializes. It is an under-utilized mechanic in a show that without it is nothing special. The basic gist is that he gets outmaneuvered by the gypsies and thugs, and manages to win just enough to survive. This is something that was an enormous oversight by the writing team, where he should have a true psychic ability that allows him to win out a bit more than he does in the face of his situation.
Even in his love life he's the victim. Never does he bring anything to the plot that overtakes that victimization. And so my second problem with the show is his wife, who he is devoted to, but the relationship just seems to leave things wanting. That could have been addressed by him moving on, but again this show seems to be more about keeping him in the box.
Lastly Isabella Rosselini is superb in this show. I think it would have been better to have her get some wins in terms of her scheming, vice her fat son who seems to somehow be able to outsmart everyone else.
Good actors throughout this show, and it demonstrates the importance of writing and plot. Due to those reasons this show is solid, but unspectacular. I can see why it was cancelled.