Why ‘Nine’ went down for the count

THE ratings plummet for “The Nine” [“ ‘Nine’s’ Strange, Swift Decline,” by Scott Collins, Dec. 18] has nothing to do with the exceptional directing, acting and cinematography of the program, or the marketing, or its time slot. It has everything to do with the 800-pound gorilla in the room: It’s not a good idea for a TV series.

No one wants to watch nine characters coping with the aftermath of a hostage crisis for the next five years.

Maybe the networks need to take a page from England’s “leave them wanting more” philosophy of programming. If the idea is great but finite, make it a miniseries, then move on to the next limited series.

CHRISTOPHER JOYCE

Burbank

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THE mistake made with “The Nine” is that it’s predicated on an anticlimactic premise. The characters were rescued way too soon to sustain a TV series. Had the characters been held hostage throughout at least the entire first season, it would’ve better helped sell the series, and allow the audience to build a full emotional investment in the characters, before we’re asked to care about what happens to them afterward. Instead, the way the creators structured it, if you missed the pilot, there’s no real motivation to watch.

ANDREW CHUKERMAN

Los Angeles