I was a huge ER fan. For 15 years I faithfully watched every Thursday night. Through good times and bad storylines, I never abandoned the doctors and nurses at County.  

Then I heard that it was coming to an end and would be replaced by a cop show. I was upset. What was I going to watch on Thursday nights?   

But I watched a bit of the first episode of Southland and decided I didn’t hate it. It wasn’t ER, but John Wells was involved and that was a good thing. For reasons still unknown to me, I didn’t watch another episode Southland and I’m ashamed to admit I forgot about it until a month or so ago.  

I loved Michael Cudlitz in Band of Brothers. His portrayal of Sergeant Denver ‘Bull’ Randleman blew me away, so I went in search of more of his work. I Googled Mr. Cudlitz and discovered he had a Twitter page, as did I. So I began to follow him 2/20/10(after NBC had canceled Southland) and I have to say that’s one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. Not only am I privy to his wit and wisdom, but I am fortunate to have made several new friends as well.  

Southland is a rarity in television, in my opinion. A well-written drama with an ensemble cast that is far and away one of the best to come along since the days of MASH. For me, the fact that the cast isn’t riddled with 20 year old bleached-blondes with capped teeth and spray-on tans is a plus. Nothing against such creatures, but the cast of Southland is filled with ‘real’ people. People who could be your next door neighbor.  

I remember when NBC canceled Southland. And I also remember watching the first episode of Southland’s replacement and thinking that it was a bonehead move. Boy, was I spot on in that thought. But, like I said, I didn’t think anything else about the show. (I claim temporary insanity!!) 

While channel surfing one night, I stopped on TNT. I didn’t immediately recognize the program that was on, but it caught my attention and held it for the next hour. I had rediscovered the magic that is Southland and I was HOOKED! Finally! A police drama that didn’t disappoint! Far from it, in fact. It was damn good! Characters that you actually root for, plot lines that are believable and the good guys don’t always win. What a ride! 

I wasn’t around for the Save Southland campaign. Wish I had been. But I want to thank everyone who was a part for all their hard work and dedication to this magnificent show. And I want to thank the Cudlitz Army for taking me into their fold and making me feel like a member of the family. I love you all. 

I also want to thank Bob for all his hard work creating the Southland website and maintaining it in a most stellar manner.  

But most of all I want to thank all the actors, writers, directors, producers and crew for their part in giving us a quality program that I hope will be around for years to come.