The bloom is off the rose. Sunday night's Boomtown was far inferior to any of their prior episodes. Granted, the show may have suffered a bit in my estimation since it followed the wonderful Six Feet Under, and it's diminished simply by comparison. But it's more than that; this week's episode was poorly written, with cliches being hurled fast and furious, and there was no noticeable use of the show's patented multiple-time-warp-perspective. And the premise was ridiculous - scumbag on death row holds a rookie cop hostage and threatens to kill him if the Deputy D.A. doesn't arrange for a stay of execution. Maybe I can believe that through a connection within the force and his network of cronies this prisoner was able pull off this cop's abduction; but that he read a college paper by the Dep DA that condemns capital punishment? Through the magical Internet, I suppose, where all TV bad guys can simply click on a button and presto! All personal information, college GPAs (and papers, obviously), medical background, utility bills, mother's maiden name, favorite food and color - all at his fingertips. Ho-key.

Next week's had better be damn good.