Into the Fire

I know some of you grow weary of TV Talk here, but I’m excited about the new fall lineups. As I’ve said innumerable times, I love the medium of television even though a lot of it isn’t worth viewing. That’s the way it is. I pick and choose what inspires me.

Number one: Chemistry. That doesn’t mean the shows I watch must contain the UST factor (Unresolved Sexual Tension for you amateurs). Admittedly that can get old over the long haul of a series. However, if done well, of course it can be an asset to the series. UST requires superb writers. Without them it’s just another daytime TV soap opera in the evening. The chemistry factor means the actors fit. They either spark or spar well on screen, and they present a believable reality in their drama whether long term or short term. I do not like the choices of “good guys” morphing into “bad guys” over the course of the episodes. They have to represent one side or the other and do it well, or if they’re wavering in their character, possibly have a redemptive moment near the end.

Number Two: Empathy. Somehow the main characters must elicit empathy. The goal must convey a purpose worth serving. If the show encompasses amazing specialization, there has to be a human core that grips the emotion and establishes characters worth rooting for and/or cheering on to some kind of victory. If it’s an ordinary neighborhood facing life in general, the characters and events must compel me to establish a favorite, a cause and reason for getting involved.

Number Three: Casting. If types of characters and actors don’t match, the story is off kilter from the beginning. Some actors grow into their roles and in the process don’t “offend” the viewer, but when an actor is miscast, it sticks out like neon on gold. It doesn’t work.

Of course there are other factors which endear us to our favorites, and if we continue to watch a series, it’s because we’ve made concessions for the weaknesses because the positives keep us tuning in week after week.

I used to love slapstick comedy. John Ritter was a master at it following in the footsteps of some of the greats like Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Harvey Gorman, Red Skelton. But nowadays the comedies are filled with filth and gross innuendoes. I can’t think of a single comedy I’ve watched in recent times even though some of the actors involved represent all kinds of solid comic types.

Recognizing the similarities in establishing good character types and purposeful stories in series television can be common to writing good fiction . . .

Let the series begin!

Lord, thank you for the small things. Raise up your people in the entertainment mediums. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.