Calling 911 to save '1-8-7'

With its next-to-last episode of the season airing Tuesday (10 p.m., ABC/7) and its future uncertain, the principals behind the ABC crime drama "Detroit 1-8-7" are fighting for a second season -- even if it means trying to follow other network castoffs (such as "Southland") to eventual success on basic cable. (The season finale airs Sunday at 10 p.m.)

The made-in-Motown series stars Michael Imperioli of "Sopranos" fame and veteran actor James McDaniel. It has been well-received by critics and has done reasonably well with viewers, averaging 7.6 million viewers and placing second in its time spot behind CBS' "The Good Wife," but ahead of NBC's "Parenthood."

GOING TO CABLE? While it's rare for cable networks to pick up shows canceled by networks, McDaniel and executive producer David Zabel said they'd be open to such a switch.

"I hope the network has the integrity and courage to stick by a show that they know is good," Zabel said. "If not, then I hope the studio is diligent and crafty enough to find a way to allow us to continue on elsewhere."

IT'S UP TO ABC Network spokeswoman Cathy Rehl said ABC executives were not available to comment for this story because they are busy dealing with pilot season.

Zabel said he's been promised that the network isn't making a hasty decision on the ABC Studios-produced show.

"I think for a show like ours to succeed on a network like ABC -- which is not the obvious place for a show like this -- there needs to be greater awareness of the show among the audience that I think would really appreciate the show. And I don't think that's happened," Zabel said.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS Should renewal come, ABC has to deal with the concern that the "1-8-7" soundstage built in Detroit's Highland Park and other expenses tied to production will lose state tax credits that are among the most generous in the country and have lured many film productions to Michigan. The new Republican governor, Rick Snyder, has proposed scrapping or limiting those credits, arguing the state can't afford them.

Snyder's first budget proposal calls for eliminating the film tax-incentive program and ordering a $25-million cap on credits starting later this year. Current commitments would be honored.