Tuning in
13 May
Man, I’ve been missing all week, huh? Let’s talk about TV shows, shall we?
There isn’t a single show on TV right now that can hold my attention. In my holier-than-thou moments, I like to proclaim (to Jim) that I am too intelligent for these silly shows. Writers, creators (whoever) collectively treat us like we’re dumb – recycling the same premise, the same type of characters, the same dilemmas and passing them off as new.
I’ve watched LOST for years (catching up with Season 1 on DVD and going from there), but I’ve been bored for two seasons. I got into Glee last year, but the newest episodes literally make me throw up in my mouth. I swear there are twice the musical numbers as there were last year because they are trying to appeal to American Idol/Dancing with the Stars fans.
We’ve been watching The Wire on DVD and it’s nothing less than amazing. It keeps me entertained, it leaves me guessing, it gets me thinking about important issues, I laugh and sometimes, I cry. This is a show. It’s no surprise that it never got great ratings when it was on HBO. This is in line with my belief that the average television watching mind is – to put it nicely – simple. Make jokes about mothers-in-law, raise bratty kids, sport a glamourous wardrobe, do a few song and dance numbers, and your show is a success.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice light-hearted comedy. Modern Family is great….but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they jump the shark with something like a teen getting pregnant or grandma moving in.
So now that I’ve rambled and perhaps insulted your favorite program, tell me what you think about television. And if you watch Glee, I’d love to know your thought about this year versus last.
I have to confess that I’m a bit of TV junkie this time of year because of American Idol/Biggest Loser etc. So maybe I’m not the best judge of character. I love Modern Family, but like you said, am afraid that it might die a quick death if they screw it up. Love Glee, however, too many musical #’s…you’re absolutely right about that. There are the regulars, Gray’s Anatomy–think it’s just habit that I keep watching it and Desperate Housewives which I actually think is pretty good this year. I think it may be time to watch some real TV, so perhaps I will check out The Wire, as you gave it such good reviews.
Perhaps you should look into The Office. It’s intelligent and engaging writing suitable for all age groups, I do believe. Sometimes you’re laughing at how ridiculous the entire plot is, and other times you’re laughing because you know the situation all too well. I’d definitely give it a go if you haven’t yet!
i kind of love tv
i refuse to watch Glee .. i hate musicals..
Lost is killing me, but it’s almost over so i must stick with it
I love Treme (it’s about New Orleans, and created by the creators of The Wire, which I have been really wanting to check out, btw! Keep hearing how great it is)
I also love Six Feet Under (Netflix, woot woot) – it’s incredibly depessing and for some reason that appeals to me
it seems that most of my favorite shows are ones that are done or cancelled. They usually are too good to stay on tv and don’t appeal to a mass audience. see Pushing Daisies, Arrested Development, etc.
Thank you all for chiming in! I know that I should watch The Office, and every time I have, I enjoy it…but I just don’t!
Kam, I totally agree. The best shows never make it because the avg. people don’t get them.
Jeremiah and I were OBSESSED with The Wire. We watched all of the seasons in a couple weeks.
He was on Team Omar, I was on Team Stringer Bell.