"Luck" recap: Can you hear the thunder?

A recap of the final episode of "Luck" after the break. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

Luck recap: An untenable position

Michael Gambon on HBO's "Luck"

Spoilers for this week's episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

Breaking: Production ceases on "Luck" for safety reasons

HBO announced early Wednesday evening that it was ceasing production on its new acclaimed series "Luck," which it had earlier renewed for a second season. Below is the press release issued by HBO:

It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann together with HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series LUCK.

Safety is always of paramount concern.  We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horseracing anywhere with many fewer incidents than occur in racing or than befall horses normally in barns at night or pastures.  While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future.  Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision. 

We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses, and everyone involved in its creation. 

Quote from Michael Mann and David Milch:  “The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers.  This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future.”

The release seems to be a reaction to the death of a horse that occurred during the show's second season, chronicled in this LA Times article. Two horses had died during production of the first season.

It's a shame, as I really loved this show, but, of course, safety comes first.

Luck recap: Still in custody

Ian Hart as Lonnie on HBO's "Luck"

Spoilers for this week's episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: Shake it, don't break it

Kerry Condon as Rosie on HBO's "Luck"

Spoilers for this week's episode of "Luck" below.  Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: People, let me tell you about my best friend

From left: Joan Allen, Dustin Hoffman, John Ortiz and Dennis Farina on HBO's "Luck"

Spoilers for this week's episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: Becoming whole

A recap of this week's episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: The rise of the Four Amigos

Gary Stevens plays jockey Ronnie Jenkins in "Luck"

Spoilers for the third episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: Exposition city

Spoilers for this week's episode of "Luck" below. Don't click through if you don't want to know.

"Luck" recap: Secrets, lies and bow-legged goats

I've written briefly about HBO's new drama "Luck" in this space a couple of times -- once in December, when HBO aired a sneak preview of the show after the "Boardwalk Empire" finale and once last week, in advance of the pilot's re-airing in its original time slot. But, as I really enjoy the show, I'm hoping to write a weekly recap. This is the first of those. Normally, I'd tell you there are spoilers below, but, if you haven't already seen the "Luck" pilot at least once by now, you probably don't much care about the show. Still, don't click through if you don't want to know.

New Fox drama is a "Touch" manipulative, but entertaining

Does Kiefer Sutherland have a lot of anger issues? I only ask because the former "Young Gun" rocketed back to stardom playing rage-spewing terrorist fighter Jack Bauer on "24" and, in the first few scenes of his new Fox drama "Touch," he also yells, says "Dammit" and generally act pissed.
But, ultimately, the new series, which has a sneak preview Wednesday at 9 p.m. (it will start its regular run in March) offers a kinder, gentler Kiefer.

Of boardwalks, back braces and Globes

This week in I Screen land, I offer my thoughts on the finales of "Boardwalk Empire" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," the sneak preview of "Luck" and the always amusing Golden Globe nominations. Read on if you dare.