Two Gaps in the TV Tapestry : What kind of rationale did program officials at Fox use when they canceled ‘South Central,’ but kept ‘Models Inc.’ on the fall lineup?

Calendar’s Morning Report of Aug. 12 noted that “despite lackluster ratings,” Fox-TV has decided to order nine additional episodes of “Models Inc.” to round out a complete 22-show season. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t questionable ratings the same reason those same persons gave “South Central” an eviction notice?

If both of these programs were measured by the same yardstick, then why did one get dropped while the other was allowed to continue? Let’s examine the choice.

Fox has chosen to go with a series, “Models Inc.,” that plays like a daytime soap and takes place in a fantasy world.

“Models Inc.” is a spinoff of “Melrose Place,” which is a spinoff of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” So much for originality. None of these shows has a regular African American character of any kind. Recently “Models Inc.” did add an African American woman to its cast. Let’s see if her character will truly be “in living color.” Other than that, I had only seen African Americans occasionally, such as in guest spots in a particular story or as extras. Except in Amish country and maybe a few other spots, there are African Americans all over the nation, including Beverly Hills.

“South Central,” on the other hand, showed a slice of the real world. And I believe it was the best program to grace the airwaves in many years.

The program illustrated the difficulties inherent in single-parent homes without becoming preachy or sentimental. As I watched, I felt the pain of a mother doing the best she could for her children, while wanting to take some time for herself. Real mothers do that. I saw the hurt in a young daughter’s eyes when much more than her 14 years was asked of her by her unintentionally demanding mother. Real daughters experience that. I know the anger a son feels when he takes on the responsibility he feels is his because his father abandoned the family years earlier. Real sons get angry as well. I saw a family that pulled together, fell apart, fought, made up, sometimes went to bed and woke up mad at each other. Real families go through the same thing.

“South Central” was not stereotypical, it was real .

The people at Fox should open their eyes. They had the opportunity to bring quality to the air, and educate a nation to what America is all about.

Maybe it’s still not too late.