Speaking of Bea Arthur, Kevin and I had a conversation last night about the awesome power of that very starlet. From the stage to the screen to the Star Wars Christmas Special (where she artfully portrayed Ackmena) Bea Arthur lights up any room lucky enough to have her stand inside.

This got us to think that perhaps other shows with sagging ratings could be helped by bringing Ms. Arthur into the works. Imagine it. CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer... and BEA ARTHUR! They could maintain a live via satellite box in the corner, and as she felt appropriate she'd make clever wisecracks about current events. America would sit glued to their sets night after night to see what Maude/Dorothy/Ackmena had to say about the state of the world. It just may be what the networks need to pull them out of this slump.



But why stop there! So many fine television shows have passed on, perhaps never to be seen again. One is only left to wonder, "what might have been?" Imagine it, had Bea Arthur had a starring role in Andy Richter Controls the Universe we may be saying right now, "Well, the big three are obviously I Love Lucy, Seinfeld, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe." She could save dying shows (are you listening, Arrested Development) or even resurrect the dead. After all, she's Bea Arthur, she can do anything.



Of course, that's just my opinion. But you have to admit, they tried to replace one woman with the power duo of Don Cheadle and Cheech Marin... and they only made it one season. I may not have a crystal ball to peer into, but I'll bet you that some of the Bea-free shows that you'll see premiere this fall won't be around next year either. Maybe someday they'll learn.