What Are You Watching?

I have been watching very little television these days. How about you?

The reason? Hard to find programs that appeal to me. I loathe reality shows. Why? Because I see enough bickering and clawing for the top every day, and to watch more of it does not classify either as entertainment or newsworthy. OK, "American Idol" may have some redeeming social values for the contestants, namely exposure and possible fame. But I just tuned in this week to see the one of the best guys voted off by the "people." The contestant who was allowed to remain was in shock. Why did I even tune in? Because the shows that I normally watch during "American Idol" were not on or were in reruns.

"Survivor"--good grief. It's multiple dysfunction and greed. No, I won't watch it.

"The Greatest Race"--is that even the correct title? A gymkana gone bad.

Actually one of my favorite shows, "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip," takes this issue on without apologies and the new network hotshot calls them in "poor taste," suggests that they appeal to the lowest and worst common denominator in the demographics, and add nothing to culture, news, or the higher forms of entertainment. Of course, the other network execs are upset when this is said on air by the once head writer of the show--terminated immediately. But his replacements--hooray!--are committed to lifting the quality of the writing of their imaginary show, and in the process, they lift the discussion of what should and should not be the business of entertainment to a level I haven't seen since "West Wing," "House," "Nothing Sacred," "Northern Exposure," and for sheer fun and great writing, "Grey's Anatomy." The actors in this show shine brightly with few others in an otherwise smog-filled ether which represents today's airwaves.

"Gilmore Girls'" writing used to be some of the best and wittiest anywhere. I understand now that the network, in all its ignorance, wants to replace or change writers, so guess what Lauren Graham and the rest of the great cast are doing? You guessed it. So we will have to enjoy that show in reruns or buy the DVDs. The "new" show will lack viewers; at least I won't be watching it.

Then someone had a bright idea to spin off Kate Walsh's character from "Grey's Anatomy" into a new series. I didn't like her character in the first place, and from what I've gathered around the water cooler the new spin off will be "dead on arrival." Why can't you people learn not to muck around with a good thing?

"House" is wonderful. Hugh Laurie and the rest of the cast are superb, and every week, the show actually continues with a high standard of writing and medical and personal puzzles. PLEASE don't mess with this one.

"The Closer" follows suit as just a great show. Like "Grey's," "House," "Studio 60," and "Monk," it exhibits great writing and solid, well-rounded characters. I love great writing. But it seems I'm in the minority.

Who said "Never underestimate the stupidity of the American people?" I don't remember, but I surely don't.

Most American audiences--oh what the heck, most Americans period--seem to suffer from Drew Barrymore's memory problems in "Fifty First Dates." Talk about ADD!

And television reflects or projects and certainly exacerbates--I haven't quite decided which came first--this subtle amnesia. News--something as huge as 9/11--has to be retold, just so people in America don't forget what that date meant and means. Gee, guys, it's our Pearl Harbor. Why do people get so upset that our country responded in the same way we did to that foreign terrorist act with a declaration of war on terrorism?

Well, TV pundits don't help. Has anyone else noticed that journalists have put aside objectivity in reporting the news to telling us what we should think of the news they care to share with us?

Do you know how much news we actually are exposed to in the US, if we were to read all the big newspapers from cover to cover daily and watch the televised news? ONE PERCENT. That's right folks, and by and large it's the SAME one percent. Good grief.

Have people put their brains on some shelves so that others can do their thinking for them? Big Brother (and Sister) are not only watching, they are talking, and sadly most of us are listening....

Television is their primary tool.

So when you sit down at your TV and watch tonight, just try for a moment to think what messages underlie the gab and "plots." The messages that they're trying to sell and that you're buying without even looking at the large print, much less the small print at the bottom, are eating your souls.

Comments

[Batman]

Unfortunately, Studio 60 was canceled, simply because nobody watched... I guess no one wanted to see smart programming, which I guess was your point, however, the other shows you mention have found an audience....

And, it's the Amazing Race. I had to lookup gymkana, so, thanks for providing my word for the day.....