Is "Andy Barker" only getting five episodes?

Here's the good news: NBC  has put online all six episodes of "Andy Barker, P.I." in advance of its premiere in a low-rated time slot this Thursday.

And here's the bad news.  One of those episodes is touted as a "online exclusive." Translation? We're not putting this one on TV.

Question: Why the hell not?

My theory: The episode revolves around three geezers, Andy's old-school private dick friend Lew Staziak (Harve Presnell, right, in an Emmy-worthy role), guest star Ed Asner as his bete noir Mickey Doyle, and a made-up Amy Sedaris as the dame who dumped them both back in the day.  NBC looked at it and thought, "too many geezers."

The irony: Ed Asner could probably beat me in an ass-kicking contest.

Comments

[TVSeriesFinale.com]

Just when you didn't think they could cancel 'em any faster...

[GersonK]

Is it alrady time to start a futile campaign to save this show?

[Danny]

If a lot of people watch the episodes on-line, will that influence the network's decision about whether to pick it up for a full season next year?

I think we need to get as many people as possible watching episodes. On-line downloads were what made The Office a hit; let's make it happen with Andy Richter, P.I.

[Mark Jeffries]

NBC also has an "online only" episode of "Black Donnellys." Is it geezer-heavy or is there another reason why NBC won't put it on the air?

[greentara]

That would explain why Jane Espenson, (one of my all-time favorite TV writers) who was working on the Andy Barker staff, just got hired full-time over at Battlestar Galactica. She's done a couple of freelance eps for them this season.