The Last Con Job

This is unfortunate news, to be sure. And delivered at Christmastime, no less! The U.S. TV network TNT has cancelled the long-running and well-regarded con-artist series Leverage. The final episode, appropriately titled “The Long Goodbye,” will air tomorrow at 9 p.m.

Co-creator and executive producer Dean Devlin is quoted as saying:

Leverage has thrilled audiences with its delightfully intricate plots, its “stand up for the little guy” attitude and its terrific performances from stars Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. But after five wonderful years, it’s time to say goodbye.

Although I have probably missed seeing a few episodes along the way, I count myself as a Leverage fan. The show brought good humor and plenty of heart to the broadcast airwaves, along with some delightful storytelling moments. I particularly remember an episode from last year, “The 10 Li’l Grifters Job,” in which Timothy Hutton, playing former insurance investigator Nathan Ford, attended a masquerade/murder mystery party dressed--complete with crushable hat--as Ellery Queen, the classic amateur sleuth portrayed by his late father, Jim Hutton, in a charming 1970s NBC-TV series.

So count me among those viewers who will miss Leverage, and who will be sure to tune in “The Long Goodbye.”

READ MORE: “TNT Cancels Leverage,” by Gerald So
(My Life Called So).