I like ensemble cast programs where one “star” doesn't dominate almost all the scenes. The latter Star Trek series had that virtue. But ensemble programs where you have multiple ensembles in multiple locations and subplots — it's too much for a 42-minute episode to handle.

I too was disappointed about Journeyman. Dramatically, it was very good. I had a bit of trouble with the premise. It looked like the series was moving toward an explanation of his time-shifting phenomenon, but I have a feeling that even then, it would have seemed ridiculous on the face of it. Still, you cared about that family and the characters, and that seemed to be enough. Journeyman had what Smallville has lost — the contrast between the hero's personal sacrifice with the problems surrounding his “gift” and the satisfaction he has that he can truly change history, do something good in the world, help another human being avoid death and disaster. I liked it.