I hear you're mulling over whether to bring back the brilliantly funny sitcom "Arrested Development" for another season.

Let me just say that I know I have been critical of your network in the past, been downright scathing at times. I've been too harsh and insensitive.

Let me rectify that.

I love you.

You mean I've never said that to you before? Well, as I sit here before you now, my word processor humming, I'm humbled in your presence. You guys are the best, da bomb, the cat's meow, the bee's knees. You make my heart palpitate.

Why am I telling you this? Maybe it's because it's been too long since I've said how much I respect your network. Maybe it's because you need a little love about now. OK, maybe it's because news leaked out that your Emmy-Award-winning sitcom is in trouble due to low ratings. Word has it that you ordered the production of "Arrested" stopped for the season and that you cut the number of episodes this year from 20 to 18. Some are worried that it could spell trouble, that it could mean cancellation. I know you have until May to decide if you will bring it back for another season.

Having said that, have I told you how your network is the tops?

So as I sit before you, my word processor still humming, I'm clasping my hands and begging: Please, please, don't take away our "Arrested Development." Don't deny us our Sunday night fix of hilarity.

Don't leave us with the grim "Cold Case" or "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." We'd rather laugh with the Bluths in "Arrested" than cry with Ty in "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

And don't leave us with "American Dad," which you're reportedly putting in that 7:30 p.m. time slot. Yeah, I liked what I saw in the "American Dad" pilot, but it's no "Arrested." It's no "Simpsons." Put "Dad" in place of "Arrested" and I'll just end up hating it, rejecting it - despising it for taking the place of a real, Emmy Award-winning sitcom.

What can we do to appease you? How can we ensure that America's best sitcom doesn't disappear into that afterlife where others of its ilk, like "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" or "Action," have gone?

How 'bout this:

We forgive you for "The Swan."

We forgive you for "The Littlest Groom."

We forgive you for that little snoozefest called "The Super Bowl."

We forgive you for "Married By America." Damn the FCC for fining you.

I know "Arrested Development" averaged 105th in the Nielsen ratings. I know it has the distinction of being the lowest-rated comedy to ever win an Emmy for Best Comedy.

But "King of the Hill" was ranked 109, and it's still around. Reruns of "The Family Guy" were 107th, and you're bringing that show back this summer. UPN's "Enterprise" was 146th, and that was on for four seasons!

You've banked on edgy entertainment before. That's how "The Simpsons" became an American cultural icon. It's why "24" is still ticking.

C'mon. Take another chance. Be the hero you were the first time around when you renewed "Arrested" after low ratings. Give it another shot to find its audience.

If you don't, you can forget everything I just wrote.

Sincerely, Vince Horiuchi,

pathetically pleading critic. ---

Television columnist Vince Horiuchi appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He can be reached at vince@sltrib.com.

Channeling

The West Wing: KSL Channel 5, tonight, 8. Mary-Louise Parker returns as consultant Amy Gardner, who this time is helping Santos (Jimmy Smits) in his run for president.

60 Minutes: KUTV Channel 2, tonight, 7. Jose Canseco talks about his book and steroid use in professional baseball.