2011 World Series

This is an open thread. That means we’re not going to be writing our usual full review, but we thought you might like the opportunity to chat about the show anyway. Use this space for all your usual commenting shenanigans, and we’ll drop in if we have something to say about the episode in question.

Discounting any Fox executives who would’ve delighted at the sight of the Detroit Tigers uniting their ailing hometown in a World Series win (or those who would’ve enjoyed witnessing the novelty of the Milwaukee Brewers playing in the Fall Classic), the majority of the network’s brass likely breathed a sigh of relief when the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals each clinched their respective league championships. After all, the network put a good portion of its programming schedule on hold for the MLB playoffs (though there’s always room for a little Simon Cowell) and a series confined to Great Lakes states doesn’t exactly scream boffo ratings. So, instead, we get the resurgent Rangers, out for revenge for last year’s series loss, and the Cards, the closest thing the National League has to the New York Yankees, making its 18th World Series appearance in franchise history. Will Nelson Cruz’s record-setting six home runs in the ALCS mean he’ll face an intentional walk every time he steps to the plate? Will David Freese continue to be the surprise hero for St. Louis? Will anyone be able to utter the words “Albert Pujols” without chuckling to themselves? There’s someone in a nice office at Fox who certainly hopes the answer to all of those questions is “Yes, and that’s why we’re tuning in.” He or she would also appreciate it if you grudgingly tolerate Joe Buck and Tim McCarver for another four to seven games.