Archive for October 5, 2014
A WELCOMED CHANGE IN TV PROGRAMING
In an earlier piece, I mentioned I’ve noticed a new trend in TV programing I find refreshing. Never in my wildest dreams, and I have many, would I think I would make such a statement – but there it is. The trend I’m going to discuss is the shift from the never-ending series to story lines which more resemble the format of books, that is, they have a beginning (Duh), and more importantly, and ending. Also, another aspect to this new programing which I find most refreshing is that they kill off characters. Don’t get me wrong, I know important characters also die in your usual TV series, but the event is advertised days or weeks in advance and when it does occur, little or no surprise is left.
What shows inspire this article? I will not discuss some of the now classic programs like The Sopranos or Walking Dead because I have not followed them. The shows I have been following are Falling Skies, Extant, The Last Ship, The Strain and Under the Dome. All these shows have a ‘book feel’ to them, and of course, some of them are based on books.
The Strain is particularly efficient in killing off characters. I haven’t read the series yet, but fully intend to. As far as the Under the Dome is concerned, I have read the book, and in all honesty, although I am a huge fan of Stephen King, I found the end of the novel lacking. Listen to me criticizing The Master of my genre. Fat chance he’ll ever criticize me. You first have to read to criticize. I digress. As far as the TV version is concerned, I feel it’s gone from an effort based on the book by Stephen King to one inspired by Stephen King. Oh, they kill off characters as The Master is fond of doing, a characteristic I gladly follow, but the most recent episodes I find wandering and lacking. The writers appear to be making things up as they go along and the story line is becoming weak and confusing. That’s just my opinion.
There’s another aspect I’d like to discuss, but that’s enough for now for me and you.
Stay tuned.
On the whole, I enjoy this new trend and hope to see it sustained and increased. My writer and reader friends: What do you think?
To be continued…
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