My Own Worst Enemy finally returns from a one-week break, and in tonight's episode, “That Is Not My Son”, Edward (Christian Slater) tries to get Raymond (Mike O'Malley) out of harm's way, and Henry (Slater) finds himself in the middle of gunfire, and his safety compromised by a fellow operative (guest star Michelle Krusiec).  The show's doing okay on its Monday night time slot, but admittedly the show's fortunes have been mixed throughout its first three weeks on air.

We've all seen what critics thought of the drama's first few episodes, with some laughing off its improbable premise and others appreciating the inner conflicts that are demonstrated in Slater's screen comeback vehicle.  A fan base has been developing at a steady pace, and with the series progressing, it's hoped that the show makes it to at least the end of its initial run.

But will My Own Worst Enemy be able to do just that?  Ratings aren't as spectacular as the network probably expected, and considering its opposition on its Monday night time slot—CSI: Miami on CBS and Boston Legal on ABC—it is getting beaten up.  Those ratings, however, have finally settled down after seeing a 21% drop in its second week, and that might be enough to keep it on air.  Ratings website TVByTheNumbers.com still thinks that My Own Worst Enemy stands a chance at getting renewed for next season, but barely.

NBC has started renewing some of its freshmen shows.  Aussie comedy import Kath and Kim was given a full season to play with.  More recently, cop drama Life—which has been languishing in the ratings on its original Friday night time slot—was renewed on the strength of it being moved to a more lucrative Wednesday slot.  My Own Worst Enemy's future may be unknown for the time being, but something in me says it will survive its first season.  Growing fan base aside, NBC needs a show that is interesting and exciting, something that Enemy is filling, at least on my opinion.  Plus, you can't go wrong having a big star like Christian Slater on one of your shows.  Perhaps all it really needs is some care, and with NBC in general getting flak for performing badly this season, this might be one of its ways out of the rut.

Again, My Own Worst Enemy returns to the air tonight from 10pm on NBC.


-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TVByTheNumbers.com, TV Week
(Image courtesy of NBC)