Mass Market
Posted: Mon 19 February, 2007 Filed under: Domestic, Thoughts 5 Comments »Recently, I’ve noticed that I seem to have developed a really nasty habit of liking the TV series that America hates. By this I mean that – if I’m lucky – they get cancelled at the end of one season. If I’m unlucky, they’re cancelled halfway through, and we never get to find out what’s happening.
Recent/current examples of this have included
- Threshold – I know, I’m a late-comer on this one, and it’s already been on Sky One, but there we go. All the same, for the subject matter of alien invasion it’s pretty intelligent, and so far hasn’t had any dodgy monster suits. Cancelled at the end of Season One.
- Commander in Chief – OK, this one’s more of a “let’s try and beat West Wing” matter, but it’s been OK, if slower than frozen sludge. And cancelled
- Jericho – again, so far this is a pretty smart (if paranoid) vision of a nuclear war, and its effects. No word yet on whether this’ll be saved or cancelled
- Reunion – OK, I hated this one, but Herself liked it – cancelled mid-season
They’re the main onesat the moment, although there’s at least one (I’ve now remembered it was Reunion, now added to the list above) that I’ve forgotten, which didn’t even make it to a full season, and instead folded without mention – most annoying.
What’s even more interesting (to me, anyway) is that I find I really don’t like a large percentage of the stuff that makes it to multi-season status. Currently on this list (from American imports) are things like Ugly Betty, which the US raved about, and I can’t help but be distinctly underwhelmed by the entire thing. Admittedly there are exceptions to the rule (Stuff like ER, West Wing, etc.) and there are certain programmes where I liked the first season, but then just can’t be arsed with them after that (24, Lost, Desperate Housewives, etc. etc.).
I’m sure it’s of absolutely no relevance, and no interest to anyone else, but I still find it interesting – and somewhat reassuring, if I’m honest- that (again, in general) my taste in TV is pretty much a polar opposite of what mainstream America is keen on. And long may that situation last…
24 and Lost are the only things worth watching on TV !!!
And the same thing will likely happen to Studio 60 as well; it took forever, but they finally got round to ordering a complete first series. No word on if a second will happen. Damn and blast, etc.
Chris, that’s your opinion. In mine, they’re two bloody good reasons for the Off switch. As are the soaps. And anything with Ant and Dec in.
I agree you with on the soaps and Ant and Dec. To be honest with you I have pretty much given up with TV programmes now. Just films Lost and 24.
Surprised that 24 makes you reach for the off switch, especially if you enjoyed the first series. “Lost” I can understand – didn’t take to it myself either.