Watching too much TV, is there such a thing?
I have been told that I watch too much TV, but I disagree – I think I watch just enough. From drama to comedy, mystery to horror, I watch shows across different networks. And, to draw the ire of the intellectual property crowd, I watch them whenever it is convenient for me.
I think TV shows speak volumes about our society, morals, interests, and priorities. And there is much to learn, as we can look objectively at our life from a distance – the unpredictability of life (through Lost), the way our society has progressed toward equal treatment of women and minorities (through Mad Men), and the way in which we attempt to dismiss what we consider odd or immoral while trying to hinder progress (through Masters of Sex). Without these shows encapsulating the struggles of generations past, how can we truly appreciate all that we have accomplished? Is it not awe-inspiring to watch Nucky Thompson struggle to build and maintain an empire in the age of prohibition, or watching Dennis Quaid in Vegas? These shows lend context to our society, make us confront some deep-seated realizations (would you become The Governor if all hell broke loose? Or Walter White?), and in the meanwhile, provide us with entertainment and a chance to escape our often monotone lives. Why read about the PPSA when you could be watching Franklin & Bash go at it in court (however unbelievably), or critique the realism of Harvey and Mike’s partnership?
“These shows lend context to our society…”
Now that I have dealt with the artistic and philosophical undercurrents of shows, it is time to stop over-analyzing and just spit out my favorites. While I attempt to stay current with all the new shows out there, and keep up with all the ones that I’ve been watching (I have approximately 55 shows at the moment on which I’m fairly current), I haven’t watched everything. I only dabbled briefly in Lost because it was too unbelievable. Orange is the New Black didn’t appeal to me either – maybe it’s because all I can think of while watching it is American Pie. And I need to delve into some oldies like Law & Order. But as TV turned from a way to bond with my family over the critique of various shows, to a way to relax and kick back after a hard day/week (when I’m not binge-watching in place of doing my readings that is), my tastes have also changed. I started with the goodies – Fresh Prince, Saved by the Bell – but now…
Favorite TV Show of All Time: It’s hard for me to rank my top ten shows, because there are so many. But my number one, indisputably favorite TV show of all time, is The Wire. The talent that went into writing the show is mind-blowing. I enjoy character development and realism, and this show provides both in spades. From the futility of drug law enforcement to the way that children in ghettos are indoctrinated, (for lack of a better term), to a cross-section of a modern city’s main governance mechanisms, it is a masterpiece.
Favorite TV Show that is Currently Running: This is a tough one, because there are so many good ones, and so much variety. Graceland is amazing, and the LA scenes are great – who wouldn’t want a house on the beach, and a group of attractive compatriots with whom they go on crazy missions? And, does House of Cards, the epitome of great acting, count? Downton Abbey lets us harken to a time long ago. Chicago PD and Chicago Fire are raw, and Blacklist lets us imagine what’s behind the scenes of our daily lives. Sons of Anarchy makes us all want to ride a motorcycle and wear leather jackets, and Grey’s Anatomy makes one wish that he doesn’t end up in a hospital when one of the doctors is preoccupied with their emotional rollercoaster of the day. But I think one of the best, if underrated shows, on TV right now is Ray Donovan. The cast is amazing, the story is compelling; it is inventive and truly a masterpiece.