They’re wired in to end-of-year lists

I just finished reading Paul Brownfield’s list [“Plot Twists Are Not All Written,” Dec. 17] and wanted to share my “Wire” experience. I attempted to watch “The Wire” when it first debuted four seasons ago, but it was too heavy for my senses and I stopped but kept reading all the rave reviews over the years. My husband and I started watching this season and got so hooked I ordered the first season on DVD, then the second season and then the third. We watched a total of 48 episodes in about six weeks. I have never done that for any TV show ever. “The Wire” is the most compelling and addictive show I have ever seen.

ORNETTA M. BARBER

Sherman Oaks

*

I am surprised that neither of the TV critics mentioned the worst thing (in my opinion) to happen to television in 2006: the murder and dumping of the body of Fox’s neglected jewel, “Arrested Development,” the best-written, most consistently acted, funniest and most twisted show I’ve ever seen on TV (and I’m including in that lot all the shows I’ve watched on Adult Swim and Comedy Central).

It was a shame to watch, and a horror to have to see, the final four episodes of the season dumped on (as I recall) a Friday night in February. The only light, and a bleak one at that, to come of the show’s demise is its syndication on G4, which I get, and HDTV, which I don’t.

Hoping for better (but not expecting it) in 2007.

KEVIN MARTIN

Silver Lake

*

CHARLES McNULTY’S year-end list [“The High Points,” Dec. 17] includes only one play that had its world premiere in Los Angeles, a solo piece. Sadly, this seems to be an accurate representation of McNulty’s coverage of the Los Angeles theater scene throughout the year. Upon his being hired as The Times’ lead theater critic, I recall his expressing excitement and respect for Los Angeles’ theater community. For the coming year, I’d like to suggest that McNulty will find a greater excitement and respect for L.A. theater with increased coverage of the new work being produced by emerging and long-standing companies, work that has been gaining national interest and prominence in recent years. It would be a shame if The Times allowed (or forced) its lead theater critic to miss out on a significant artistic movement occurring on his own turf.

ROBERT FIELDSTEEL

Los Angeles