I'll illustrate my point with a Top Ten rundown of my favorite TV programs. And I mean programs I'm seriously excited to watch, will DVR, watch with full attention, make appointments for. Some are socially-acceptable and age-appropriate, but most are not.
For this first entry, I'm going to discuss a specific genre, because these shows can't really be separated by rankings and because I've got a lot more shows to discuss.
#10: MYSTERY SHOWS MADE FOR OLD PEOPLE
Matlock/Murder She Wrote/Columbo
What is more satisfying than a formulaic mystery solved by the elderly? Nothing, I say. There are scheming villains, small town cops with poorly-chosen accents, mullets, and soft focus camera work. There are big shoulder pads, many earnest facial expressions, and some outstandingly creative plot devices ("I know he isn't the real clown, because he just sneezed in this video frame! And the real clown isn't allergic to wigs! Look! Right here! We got 'em! The real clown is dead."). It's sort of like hanging out with my grandparents, while reliving my eighties childhood, while vicariously fighting crime.
Need I say more.
I think its important to reflect the earnestness with which these shows are watched.
ReplyDeleteThis is appointment TV... and any interruptions are "shsss"'d.
Also something worth mentioning about the fact that I dvr'd a "Matlock" the other day without suggestion or request.
lord.
the other day i tired getting the kids to all watch jessica solve a murder... they weren't having it.
ReplyDeletei hope discovery-type-documentaries-focusing-on-gruesome-and-morbidly-fascinating-medical problems-slash-syndromes is next.
They always made me feel that growing old could be fun and you could be useful even if you were bed ridden. A very positive force.
ReplyDelete