The idea that programs can be condensed to a point where we only have to watch a few minutes at a time is nothing new, it's just new to CBS. This movement away from regularly formatted television is a breath of fresh air for the networks. It's guerilla film making at it's best and like it or not the money has to come from somewhere. Some may see the show as a commercial for pontiac but it is no more so than say a
"James Bond" film is for Aston Martins, BMW motorcycles and vodka martinis. Product placement has been a process that has been used countless times by vendors to get new products into the public eye. It's nice to know that a show that really dares to push the limits, as far as real live action is concerned, can entertain not only the public as viewers but also the heads of corporate America to a point where they're comfortable having BASE jumping associated with their product.
For the BASE jumping community this is, hopefully, a big step in the right direction.

Thanks Vincent. Glad to see some people do a little research before they comment. I hope you watch the micro-series. People are going to be very surprised when they see exactly what it is. Look forward to your thoughts.

Pete Pepe
Creator, Executive Producer
The Courier

Actually, Steve is wrong. The Courier is not an ad for pontiac, though pontiac is the prime sponsor. The show was pitched as a full series, however, CBS thought it may be a little too risky as a series and thought it better suited as an interstitial program. The station is looking to further integrate the CBS.com in with CBS Broadcast and thought this would be an excellent way to do so by driving people to the website.

Very, very smart. No downside. Good luck, CBS! Now start hawking your shows on iTunes!

You do realize that this "show" is actually a commercial for Pontiac? Go to the link listed above and you will see that is says "Mission Critical: Find the Pontiac Torrent".