|
|
|
I suppose I haven't updated this in a while. But I decided I didn't want to have a boring journal, so I just didn't update it at all. No one reads this anyway, so meh, I might as well write whatever pops into my head.
Oddly enough, certain television shows retain their re-watchability. "The Simpsons" is an example of that. I have been disappointed time and again by the swill they have churned out and stamped as scripts in the past few seasons, realizing that the writers have turned their tactics to being offensive instead of amusing in a way the audience can relate to. Seriously, look how Homer's character has evolved! In the earlier episodes, he was a normal guy, slightly below average intelligence, lazy at his job, a drunk, but he was very concerned about his family. They used to struggle for money to get by, and the Simpsons dealt with issues that are quite common to normal people. Even the anger and abuse is something that can be related to, even though it is used as a comic relief.
The message the show used to communicate: It is important to laugh at yourself, no matter what your position in life.
Is it odd to glean such a message from such a show? Perhaps, but it is my opinion. Now it has transfomed into something else... something random and offensive. There is no more relating to the common family, no more values. Homer has become a total maniac, completely self-absorbed to a gross extent that far surpassed his initial character. Indeed, the art might have improved over the years, but the scripts, have not. I have found that I enjoy the older episodes much more than the newer ones, which is why I am pleased that Fox has chosen to show the more dated episodes.
Another show that is re-watchable is Star Trek: The Next Generation. Now, I'm not what you would call a Trekkie. I'm not even sure if I spelled the word right. In fact, I saw the film "The Wrath of Kahn" when I was about five years old, and was traumatized for life. I can't begin to think about Captain Kirk without recalling the scene of a bug being forced into someone's ear. I was truly traumatized by that scene, and as a result, I do not like the original Star Trek.
That said, I did find substantial enjoyment in the Next Generation. I watched it as I grew up, and found odd attachments to the crew members. My favorite was always Will Riker, and I loved various character quirks. For instance, Picard's dislike and dealings with children was especially amusing, as well as his interesting relationship with Dr. Crusher. Data could wear a little thin from time to time, especially when his brother was introduced, but his friendship with Jordi rocked. Again, the thing that made this show so appealing was the fact that all the characters, even the Klingon Worf, was the fact that they were all so... human. That was the point, wasn't it? That no matter how different people may be, in the end, they are always human. Yes, even though certain characters got on my nerves, like Troy, (Wesley should have DIED - I despised him!!), there was a realistic element to their interactions.
I watched this show growing up, and there are now reruns on Spike TV. I find that I've been watching it more and more lately, and I've been surprised by what I've seen. Usually, I am disappointed by what I see when I watch shows I loved as a kid. They turn out to be totally stupid and hokey, and sad. But Star Trek is not so. It withstood the test of growing up, and it is more than a little re-watchable. I find myself drawn in again, feeling the same attachments to the characters from years ago.
Friends is a third example. I've watched every episode of it, but I don't mind reruns in the least. Granted, there were several stretches of storyline that crossed the realm of reality, (obviously), and some characters are way out of line and unbelivable. Just the same, it is another show that is simply about... life. For some reasons, these shows are appealing. Regardless of whether the settings are realistic or not, it's all about relating to characters, relating to life.
It's weird that I've even had time to watch TV this summer.
 Ablazed · Thu Jul 14, 2005 @ 11:44pm · 2 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
