One of Twenty Four

The final act of Rod Blagojevich has yet to be performed. The ousted former governor of Illinois Over By Dere was convicted of only ONE count against him. Shocker.

He was convicted of making false statements to federal agents, but the jury in the corruption case against him also reported that it was hopelessly deadlocked on 23 other counts against him... which means after millions of dollars - the show left a dry hungover feeling that you typically get on AMC's Mad Men. Not the limp cliffhanger we expect on Illinois Over By Dere.

Now, to say that the show ended badly, let's remember that Rod Blagojevich still faces up to 5 years in prison. The former governor pursed his lips and shook his head slightly when the verdict was read.

The moment when Patti rested her head on the chair in front of her and shook her head no several times was classic - something we never got to see Carmela on Soprano's have to deal with. And when Rod looked at her with an annoyed look on his face - you could almost see Emmy gold in his hand. Classic Illinois Over By Dere moment.

As jurors filed out, Patti collapsed into her seat and the former governor's attorney, Sam Adam Jr. moved next to Blagojevich and put his arm around him, rubbing his back. That was a little creepy.

The verdict was announced after 14 days, and episodes of deliberation.

"I intend to declare a mistrial" on the other 23 counts, Special Guest Star U.S. District Judge James Zagel said. He gave the prosecution until Aug. 26 to decide whether to retry Blagojevich and his brother. [NOTE: This is also when we will find out if the network has decided to greenlight another season of the show.]

My favorite parts of the episode were from the beginning,

As he entered the courtroom on the 25th floor, he said: "How are ya' doin'? Say a prayer for us."

I was thinking, "you don't have a prayer, buddy!"

Robert Blagojevich arrived with his wife and son, waiving to people and reporters gathered in the lobby.

U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald and Robert Grant, head of the FBI in Chicago, were also in the courtroom for the announcement.

My other favorite part had to be when the prosecutors said they didn't need that long to decide. "It is absolutely our intent to retry this," said Assistant U.S. Atty. Reid Schar. "We could be here tomorrow."

After the judge left to the call of "all rise," Patti didn't stand up and looked angry with her head down, staring at her lap.

In the lobby, Robert Blagojevich said jurors saw him as "an innocent target of the federal government." That was funny.

"God bless you, God bless you, I didn't let you down," Blago said as he shook hands with admirers. He also high-fived spectators.

Patti laughed as Blagojevich kissed her on the cheek.

Fade out.