tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post4621754279248536432..comments2024-03-18T04:36:26.547-04:00Comments on Paul Levinson's Infinite Regress: Defending Television - This Time Against Critiques That It's Too Good!Paul Levinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609987407926836519noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-69959178238023948822007-07-13T13:22:00.000-04:002007-07-13T13:22:00.000-04:00In my opinion, I think we have reality TV to thank...In my opinion, I think we have reality TV to thank for the increase in the quality of writing and production in TV shows.<BR/><BR/>When you have to compete with the real life silliness that is appealling to the voyeur side of the general public, you can no longer risk putting a TV show out that isn't spectacular to begin with. Truth is often stranger than fiction, which is why when fiction is forced to compete with truth (or at least what is perceived to be truth) it must be as out there, if not more. So now you rarely see the 'safe' rehash of old ideas, and instead you see new innovative ideas.<BR/><BR/>Another reason is simply supply and demand. With fewer jobs, for writers (because you don't need a huge writing staff for reality TV), you have a deeper talent pool to draw from, and the new writers coming up with fresh ideas, get a chance because networks are looking to compete with the Big Brothers and the Survivors of the world and so they need the next, fresh idea.<BR/><BR/>Finally, look at the trends. The sitcom is all but dead and replaced by comedies like My Name Is Earl which gets away from telling when the audience should laugh with canned audiences—thereby insulting their intelligence—and instead getting rid of the laughtrack and relying on actual good writing to make you laugh.<BR/><BR/>And one of the most recent trends that is making TV that much better is the infusion of would-be big name hollywood stars opting for the small screen over the big screen. It's a snowball effect. As the quality of TV goes up, actors who—in the past—wouldn't consider leaving movies for TV, are now making that very decision. Actors such as Keifer Sutherland, James Woods, Marin Sheen, the list goes on and on.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the long comment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-49490631044822912122007-06-28T18:02:00.000-04:002007-06-28T18:02:00.000-04:00dawn - I'm definitely letting it go to my head ......dawn - I'm definitely letting it go to my head ... :)<BR/><BR/>but I agree with you in any case - I've always believed that television is in some, even many, ways better than books, movies, theatre and all other narrative media ... nothing like sprawling in a chair, on a couch, whatever and watching some good tv...<BR/><BR/>matt - you're more generous about Studio 60 than I am - I found it irritating from the start ...:)<BR/><BR/>but you're right that the irritation wasn't because it was too sophisticated, but too too talky...Paul Levinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07609987407926836519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-7518078319443308972007-06-28T15:54:00.000-04:002007-06-28T15:54:00.000-04:00The reason Studio 60 got cancelled wasn't that it ...The reason Studio 60 got cancelled wasn't that it was "too good" but that at the thing it was about(sketch comedy), it was terrible, and the surrounding stories became sanctimonious and less than entertaining(I have been saying it was great until the Christmas show when it drove off a cliff).MChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16984793682474594967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-46343579248707848442007-06-28T15:42:00.000-04:002007-06-28T15:42:00.000-04:00I am sad to see that this will be the last season ...I am sad to see that this will be the last season of "the wire". This is one show that has not gotten the recognition it deserves, in my book it is one of the best to air on television, besides being realistic, it shows all walks of life. It will be missed. Television is definetly my outlet and I am probably one of your more average down to earth posters. I think the fools with these studies are trying maybe subconsciously to feel superior. That is why I adore you, you are probably the most educated, well known person I know and your down to earth and take the time to be genuine. Hey, don't let this blow your head up. I like the fact that you make me think. Thanksdawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10741158153974994260noreply@blogger.com