Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Posted inColumns, TV

I generally try to avoid conflict. That comes naturally after growing up with four older brothers. It’s my survival mechanism.

I have extended this philosophy a little too far sometimes. I even don’t like to get in arguments with my TV shows.

When they have a plot that doesn’t interest me, I sit idly by far too often. When a new character comes in and ruins the chemistry, I bite my tongue.

Because of this loyalty to the shows I choose to follow, I tend to hang onto them a little longer than I should. I sometimes get angry at myself for sitting through a program out of sheer habit.

That has started to change, however. I have my own little version of attention deficit disorder to thank.

I broke up with two shows this TV season. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both are hour-long programs. I just don’t know how much I care about a program that needs 60 minutes each week.

Two Dimensions Are Fine

Posted inAmerica, Columns, TV

I take few things more seriously than my entertainment. That’s why I’m very close to having a big problem with the industry that makes me so happy.

Every generation has to find new ways to push the envelope. I completely get that. If no one took chances, the entire humor of “Superbad” would have passed right by us because that kind of shtick just doesn’t play in a silent movie.

I’m not saying the fine folks who bring us movies and television shows need to rest on their laurels. I’m just saying, enough with the 3-D stuff already.