Lessons From ‘Angels’

From the beginning, the viewing African American public always knew something was wrong: the grand Bochco and the good Barclay and the “not right” “City of Angels” (“Call It ‘City of Arch Angels,’ ” by Greg Braxton, July 1).

Each week I would canvass African American friends, family, even complete strangers, and the answer was always the same, “No, I didn’t watch ‘City of Angels’!” After 3 1/2 episodes, I stopped watching too.

Let’s face it, “The Sopranos” and “The Godfather” were successes because Italian Americans were crucial to the creative process. “Saving Private Ryan” probably owes a debt to the World War II veterans who were consultants. You can’t tell the experience, if you haven’t lived it or at least listened to someone who has!

It’s too bad this lesson is never learned.

JEANNE A. TAYLOR

Los Angeles

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Perhaps producer Steven Bochco should heed the advice of director Paris Barclay, both of whom I have the utmost respect for.

If the success of a series depends upon viewer ratings, most whites are not going to watch an all-black cast in a medical series. We have seen the demise of shows that don’t have crossover appeal. Besides, inner-city hospitals do have interracial staffs--perhaps Bochco should visit one.

MYRA HARRIS

Culver City