Comedies and dramas are not exempt from breaking hearts, though. Sex and the City slumped in it's mid-seasons; Weeds lost it's footing in season four and five. One of my favourite new Canadian series, Being Erica sadly came down with a bad case of "people don't really act that way" syndrome this year. Faced with a commitment dilemma, the viewer must decide whether to ride it out, or cut and run.
Personally, I am willing to give a series multiple second chances - usually half a season's worth - before declaring a moratorium. Even then, it's a tough call to make. You were there for a reason. You loved the characters - the premise. The story. What happened? What changed? The answers are often locked inside the writer's room, never to be revealed. Disagreements? Network meddling? Bad showrunners? There are shows like United States of Tara that have flipped entire staffs faster than a Denny's flips pancakes, and have still managed to come up consistently smelling like roses. So what's the magic equation to keeping a series on air and alive?
Hopefully I'll have that answer for you someday. Meanwhile, I'm going to disappear into The Walking Dead premiere again. Yes, again - sometimes one slice of cake just isn't enough.
PS: Philsy, over at... somewhere... uhh... anyway - Philsy is participating in a little event called Mo'vember. It's a facial hair extravaganza aimed at expediting a cure for prostate cancer. Philsy's brother is a survivor. He's also honouring my Dad, who actually died from Lymphoma but sported a fine moustache for most of his adult life. I don't like to harp on donations, but if you're moved to, here's the link: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/978162/
3 comments:
Ah, I'm enjoying Being Erica. The only one I don't totally believe this season is Brent, 'cuz he went Way Too Dark.
We love it too, but I've had some recent gripes. Several of the male characters this season (not Tom) seem to speak in female voices, which drives me nuts. Also, there were multiple episodes before we saw Erica and her mother together - which for a new viewer might have made Sam and Mum's relationship confusing. Where's the tie-in? Even in a serial show, you want to be able to hook a new viewer here and there, and not have them be too lost.
I also feel like a lot of the themes touched on are being done in a cliche way. Sam lying about her new beau, saying he's a surgeon. We've seen that kind of situation many times before. We know that the relationship will be tough because of the "class difference" but let's have that evolve in a new and unexpected way. Taking the same story and putting it in a new location doesn't make it more interesting... James Cameron proved that (although, he also proved that if the location is pretty enough, the people will pay).
I suspect the payout for Sam's scenario is that her beau is a therapist (or one in training), but that's writerly speculation at best. In order to up the stakes this season, they need to drag someone in Erica's immediate circle into the "therapy" storyline.
And... (although this isn't the writer's room's fault) the product placement for the Ford Fiesta in episode 302 made me want to break my TV. Really, CBC? Is that where you need to turn for funding now? Oye. A tragic moment for Canadian TV indeed.
I kind of like Brent dark. But I'd like more explanation of what pushed him in that direction. Though I think working for Julianne might drive me nuts, too.
Ah, interesting thoughts!
I hadn't noticed female voices on the men - but I must admit, unless one complained about his menstrual cramps I'm not sure I would. I presuppose gender as a big pool, I imagine, and appreciate a variety - but I wasn't noting variety specifically. I'll listen for sameness of voice next time round.
I am also pretty annoyed by the Fiesta sponsorship! I mean, c'mon. And I must admit I was a bit confused about the Mom & Dad's relationship - I haven't seen all prior shows, I guess - so I can definitely see that Sam would be confusing.
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