FOX to Jezebel:  “Three strikes, you’re out.”

After only two weeks on air, the new comedy starring Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose has just been given the boot.  The Return of Jezebel James - which averaged only 3.2 million viewers during its hour long debut - failed to give its network a reason to feel hopeful.  After a second dismal outing, FOX opted to pull the plug on the show….effective immediately.

This news comes shortly after Canterbury’s Law was shifted to the Friday 9pm time slot.  That move was prompted by the program’s lackluster returns in its original Monday position.  Now that Jezebel has been axed, it’s unclear which show and/or repeat will serve as Canterbury‘s lead-in during the interim.

The decision about Jezebel is even more head-shaking given FOX’s other announcement today:  Prison Break will be back for a fourth season.  While one program was barely given a chance, another is being dragged out beyond the point of believability.

The drama that was originally intended for only one season has now officially given two too many chances.  I was willing to follow Scofield’s travels during that second run, but the third ridiculous turn at Sona had this former fan saying goodbye.  For Prison‘s next installment, Michael will focus on avenging his honey’s death.  When is he going to move on with his life?

Oh - and the show’s fourth season will not change FOX’s other intentions; the network is still looking to create a spin-off of the program.  Assuming plans haven’t recently changed, word has it we may be seeing a female version of the series as well.  Someone stop the insanity!