HBO has long been thought to be a cut or two above broadcast networks. Its original series are acclaimed, and it has often seemed willing to take risks that over-the-air newtorks will not. But, “its oft-repeated slogan notwithstanding, lately the service looks very much like it is TV in some respects — being held up by ego-inflated stars, hanging on to aging franchises, bristling at an attack of the clones by competitors, and watching quality series disappoint ratings-wise.”