WE LIKE “SCOUNDRELS,” actually. As we expected, Virginia Madsen easily delivered the acting chops to carry a show, and while the writers did let her down with a so-so pilot, subsequent episodes found their footing. The ensemble picked up steam, and all in all “Scoundrels” provided the a-moral, wicked comedy it promised with its trailer and title. But then there are the numbers. Summer is always an uphill battle, and in light of that the premiere viewership of 5.17 million wasn’t a total disaster. But attrition has been significant, with the latest episode clocking in at just 3.1 million, all of which will probably purchase “Scoundrels” a one-way ticket to dumpsville. That’s not exactly cool, as a proper premiere in the fall could have given this above-average show a following and, possibly, a second season. But even if ABC decided to renew and juice up the marketing for a push for a run next winter, new viewers would be totally lost. High marks for the team, but not for the scheduling scoundrel who dropped this show in hopeless June. Sell.7/28/10.
THE MARKET: Will “Scoundrels” be renewed by ABC? If the network approves a second season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. Trading will close Sept. 8, 2010
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