I just took one look at the ads in the subway and they made me puke. The entire way the actors were posed and held themselves was inconsistent with the way people, much less royalty, behaved in that time and place. It's just so least-common-denominator. So I knew I would not watch it.
I almost gave up TV myself for a while there, but I decided there were too many treasures amidst the trash to be ignored. I still watch far less than most people--I have to be given a reason to think it worth my while.
But how can you live without things like Sesame Street for the kids? I know, I know, people lived without it for eons. But it's such a delight, and so helpful in certain ways.
As you say, Dean, some of us managed to eke out a level of literacy without Sesame Street! Not everyone agrees that is an unalloyed educational "plus." On the other hand I still miss Mr. Rogers.
TV is most useful as a babysitter. And that, we miss. But not the influence. We do rent DVD's and videos, though. Not everyone in our community does; some people just want nothing to do with anything that comes out of Hollywood or its equivalent. Is that so unreasonable? Videos are a rare treat around here.
Have to disagree with you on your assessment of "Rome", Dean. It provided a real slice of life for all different types of Romans, from soldiers and slaves and housewives, to the nobility and chattering classes. I think the title fit perfectly. If it were just about Julius Caesar, you'd have a point -- but it wasn't.
I saw the first episode of "The Tudors" on some free preview channel and was underwhelmed. "Rome" has spoiled me for this sort of historical what-have-you for some time, I think!
I must say I'm already moderately annoyed with "The Tudors" since from everything I read and hear about it, it is entirely about the early years of King Henry VIII. If that's true, why not call it "Young Henry" or something? Because when I first heard about it I thought, "Oh, it's about the Tudors, so it's going to go from Henry the seventh to Elizabeth the first?" Uh, no. It's about Henry the 8th, and only the early days of his reign.
The "Tudors" isn't anything spectacular as a title. However, from what I understand the show is about the whole family, not just Henry (though he is the central character) so the title is fitting.
Although I think a show about Romulus / Remus could be awesome, I also don't think it's practical. I'm not sure it would be possible to do and still keep it interesting television. Some things simply do not translate well to the medium.
As an aside, I have a real problem with people who look "down" on television like it's some sort of cultural wasteland. Frankly, that attitude is complete bullshit and smacks of faux-intellectualism. "Oh, I don't watch TV. There's sooo much garbage on it." Give me a break, please. There's plenty of shite on television, true -- but do you know how many truly crappy books are published each year in this country? Far more than television shows.
So if books (or whatever) are your medium of choice, that's totally cool. But don't pretend that makes you better than anybody else, or that you aren't also part of the "lowest common denominator."
Joan: Well Rome is a great series and did show multiple levels of Roman society very well. But my point is it only looked at a brief 10 or so year span in a 1,400 year story.
Jesse: I wouldn't actually start with the legend of Romulus and Remus, which is obviously a legend. But there are plenty of real stories from before the age of Julius Caesar and after that are worth telling and would make good television. I'm sure I could help write it if someone wanted me to. :-)
4.2.2007 3:04am
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
Okay, so I also don't have a TV. But still.
But how can you live without things like Sesame Street for the kids? I know, I know, people lived without it for eons. But it's such a delight, and so helpful in certain ways.
TV is most useful as a babysitter. And that, we miss. But not the influence. We do rent DVD's and videos, though. Not everyone in our community does; some people just want nothing to do with anything that comes out of Hollywood or its equivalent. Is that so unreasonable? Videos are a rare treat around here.
I saw the first episode of "The Tudors" on some free preview channel and was underwhelmed. "Rome" has spoiled me for this sort of historical what-have-you for some time, I think!
The "Tudors" isn't anything spectacular as a title. However, from what I understand the show is about the whole family, not just Henry (though he is the central character) so the title is fitting.
Although I think a show about Romulus / Remus could be awesome, I also don't think it's practical. I'm not sure it would be possible to do and still keep it interesting television. Some things simply do not translate well to the medium.
As an aside, I have a real problem with people who look "down" on television like it's some sort of cultural wasteland. Frankly, that attitude is complete bullshit and smacks of faux-intellectualism. "Oh, I don't watch TV. There's sooo much garbage on it." Give me a break, please. There's plenty of shite on television, true -- but do you know how many truly crappy books are published each year in this country? Far more than television shows.
So if books (or whatever) are your medium of choice, that's totally cool. But don't pretend that makes you better than anybody else, or that you aren't also part of the "lowest common denominator."
Rant over.
Jesse: I wouldn't actually start with the legend of Romulus and Remus, which is obviously a legend. But there are plenty of real stories from before the age of Julius Caesar and after that are worth telling and would make good television. I'm sure I could help write it if someone wanted me to. :-)
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.