[tuq]

Based off of reading the posts since the last episode, I'll watch the most recent one on nbc.com (almost positive they'll let you stream eps from there).

As far as production costs, I think it would be relatively cheap to keep introducing low-paid talent while slowly phasing out the existing, more expensive cast members. The key is a smooth transition and interesting character development. The problem is that quality writing seems to be in finite supply and the downfall of many longstanding series, and in comes the long-lost cousin or small child out of desperation and it's all over.