The Art of TV

We covered a lot of topics this semester in Leeper's class, but I feel as if not enough attention was given to the television genre. There are a lot of really good shows on TV right now, and even more really bad ones, but unlike films, I try not to open myself up to bad television. What does that mean? That means I don't experiment as much with TV as I do with films. I don't know why, but although I'm willing to (and often do) subject myself to bad films in order to expand my horizons, I'm not nearly as eager to open myself up to rotten television, like reality shows or "documentary" type shows that they show on TLC.

I do, however, love some of the shows that are on TV right now. I am a part of The Walking Dead fandom, both with the TV show and the comics (which, if you watch the show, you should REALLY read the comics to, they're excellent). I think The Walking Dead is an excellent example of a suspenseful drama/thriller series. The concept is not entirely unique (zombies) but the writing and acting is really well done. Plus, the special effects and makeup is extraordinary.

However, Breaking Bad is my favorite TV drama. I couldn't be more in love with that show. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have some of the best on screen chemistry since Zach Braff and Donald Faison in Scrubs. And yes I did just compare Breaking Bad to Scrubs. Honestly, I have never watched a show that is so... badass as Breaking Bad. The writing and the concept is beyond anything in the realm of perfect, and every single actor on the show takes it to a whole new level of great. Yes, it is about drugs, specifically meth, but the great part about the show is that it never glorifies anything within that "industry." There are some brutally harsh episodes depicting the cruel reality of meth on it's users. It's definitely a show worth watching. It's on Netflix, so you should just go watch it right now. Never mind finals.

Switching gears, the best comedy show on television at the moment is The Office. Unfortunately  it's ending this year with it's 9th season, but it's had an excellent run. However, if I had to pick a favorite tv comedy ever, it would easily be Arrested Development, which is not currently on TV (but it's on Netflix!) and is working on it's 4th season (FINALLY!) Honestly, it's the best show in the world. I got hooked a couple of years ago when my friend told me I had to watch it, and ever since it's been my go to show when I'm feeling upset and need a good laugh. Both The Office and Arrested Development are shot as mockumentaries, the only difference being that Arrested Development has a narrator. If you want a lighthearted comedy to fill up your winter break, watch either The Office or Arrested Development. You won't ever be disappointed again.

There's tons of shows out there besides these four that are just as great (Mad Men, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, Adventure Time, Lost) and are examples of really taking advantage of the television media. I wish we had discussed more about how television is prevalent in film making, because it seems like more and more sitcoms are going out of style and tv series are flaring up. I like to view shows like these almost as movies split into chapters. I think the story telling of these shows are sometimes even more extraordinary, because so much goes into creating them and keeping them running for season after season. I just wanted to share my favorite shows, because everyone should see them, and my views on television today.

- R.