It’s the Story
We’ve started a new season of TV series, and with the conclusion of the Presidential Debates, we will soon be seeing which programs have made the cut. Actually, I haven’t heard all of the results yet, but the few cancellations I have heard bring a smile to my face.
I’ve tried out a few of the new series. Some I liked. Some—not so much.
I saw an episode of Animal Practice, which has been cancelled. About five minutes into the show, I would have ordered the cancellation myself, if I had that kind of influence. It seemed to have been written by seventh-grade boys. The humor was rude, at best, and animals’ cute factor only goes so far.
I watched a few episodes of Elementary. I think I would like it better if it wasn’t touted as a Sherlock Holmes retelling. The iconic aspects of Conan Doyle’s characters are pushed into the story lines in an obligatory way, and are distracting to the plot at hand. I know the network is trying to capitalize on the popularity of the BBC’s Sherlock, but I think they should have forgone the tropes and just focused on the story.
Another new series I have started watching is Nashville, and I confess that I’m hooked. I’m from Texas, but I’m not a huge country music fan. It has a place in my queue, but I like a variety of music. What has me addicted to this show is the story. Every scene has me wanting to slap somebody—and that somebody keeps changing. The characters are complex. You like them one minute and despise them the next. The plots are basic, but intertwined in a way that keeps you guessing as to where they will go next. I know what I want to happen, but then the next conversation changes my mind. I like it.
I enjoy a story with some meat to it. I want to be unsure of where the vehicle is going, but satisfied when I get there. Is that too much to ask?
What are your favorites TV shows this fall? Which ones do you hope get replaced? Let me know!
That’s a wrap for this Toast to Cinema. Thanks for reading.