I don't get to watch much television. With my writing, my day job, a husband, three horses, three dogs, two cats and an elderly parent (plus a sizable extended family), time often seems to be in short supply and if I do have any I generally prefer to read or spend as much time writing as I can. But there are a few shows I love....
- Big Bang Theory....I love the banter between the characters and it always makes me smile, much like Frasier or MASH have done in the past.
- Supernatural....okay, I'm a girl and a huge Dean Winchester fan. And because there's often a humorous element to the storylines, it really can't be taken all that seriously.
- Air Crash Investigation....yeah, I have a somewhat morbid curiosity about this show, but can't seem to help myself listen as they go through the clues to find out the how's and the why's of the crashes.
- Bold And The Beautiful....half an hour of tossing hair and deep sighs and cued pauses....what's not to love? But I don't get to see this much as it's on during the day, so I catch maybe one episode a week (and can still follow the storylines....go figure)
- Downtown Abbey.... I did watch this until they killed off poor Matthew Crawley...my heart it seems is forever broken and I haven't quite summoned the heart to try again. So it probably shouldn't be on the list, but I liked it enough to give it a plug.
Now, a week ago I gave in to all the hype and peer pressure and watched the first two episodes of Game Of Thrones....then I made a teeny comment on Facebook and people came out of the woodwork to tell how wonderful it was. Alas, I didn't find it so. The murder, rape, incest, betrayal, animal mutilation....to name just a few things....well, they kind of disturbed me and I felt like I was having a minor panic attack the whole time I watched the show. I was on edge and uncomfortable for the entre duration. And yes, I've never been one for graphic violence - I'd much rather watch When Harry Met Sally than The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And I read mostly contemporary romance or biographies, although I love Austen and devour any BBC adaption of any of her books. Murder and mayhem aren't generally my cup of tea - unless is wrapped up in a Sci-Fi movie, al-la Terminator or Start Trek. But as a writer I am interested in plot and characters and storytelling. So I tried with this show. And failed in spectacular fashion. Much to the despair and outrage of several of my friends. I was looking for a hero in the two episodes I watched, and couldn't find one - someone redeemable - but he or she never came. And the violence put me off because it seemed unrelenting.
So, did I bail too soon after just two episodes? Probably. And since my husband just bought the first couple of seasons of Sons Of Anarchy, I think I'm about to do the same thing again.
Love to hear about it if you have.
Helen, I enjoy those air crash investigations too. Hasn't put me off flying either. Like you I don't watch much TV so am very selective, opting for suspense and crime mostly. I don't watch things like Game of Thrones as I know I'd turn it off before the end of the first episode. I'm not giving it a chance, I know, but I've heard enough to know it's not for me.
ReplyDeletethere was a movie I dragged my husband and daughter to once and we should've bailed. They did in a way, going to sleep and having to be woken at the end. I only wished I could've joined them. I can't remember the name now but we all refer to it as The Glass Church and for a long time I was not allowed to chose the movies we went to.
Hi Sue - I did fall asleep in a movie once....Romulus My father.....Zzzzzzz. Forgot about that one. :)
DeleteHelen
ReplyDeleteI don't watch much TV either if I do it is usually sport of some kind :) I have way too many books that I really want to read that keep me smiling I did start to watch Outlander Hubby recorded the episodes for me and it was OK but it did not pull me in that much I have not read the books and I still have the last episode waiting for me :) I don't think I have ever walked out on a movie though
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen - Sport.....I forgot to mention I LOVE ruby league and am currently waiting for boring cricket to end so my beloved Brisbane Broncos with grace the field once more :) I haven't tried Outlander - might be worth a look. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGame of Thrones is *very* gory, Helen.
ReplyDeleteAnd even if there was a "hero" to follow you can be damn sure he'd be dead not too far down the track - the show is known for killing off its darlings. I like it but I shut my eyes during the gory bits. I think they do this deliberately for ratings - same as the sex. We all know I'm up for sexy times but I reckon 50% of the time the sex/nudity is just there for the male audience and ratings. It's not love or relationships (mostly) its nudity and screwing with quite a violent undertone.
There's a really awful, really unneccesary imho, torture sub-plot with one of the characters too which is nothing short of stomach-turning. I avoid that bit altogether.
Having said that I have a huge crush on Tyrion and so far he's survived but I'm afraid to get too invested lest he end up dead too.
So yeh....as you can see, mixed feelings. I'll keep watching but if they stopped making it tomorrow I wouldn't be sad.
The same with Sons Of Anarchy (and Dexter) - I dont want to have sympathy with criminals/serial killers so its not something I'm signing on for.
Hi Amy - so I don't feel so bad now you've summed it up so well. I'm with you...sympathy for the bad guys doesn't cut it :)
DeleteHelen, I only made it a couple of eps into GoTs too. But, like you, I love Big Bang Theory.
ReplyDeleteOther shows I love: Arrested Development - there was a long break after the end of season 3 but they made another season that's showing in Aust atm. Unfortunately, I've missed a couple of episodes, so I might just wait now and buy the season (and it can sit on my shelf beside 1-3).
Modern Family - the writing is fabulous!
My go-to faves on DVD: Buffy, Firefly, West Wing, Dr Who. :)
Hi Rachel - yes, love Modern Family. And there's nothing more fun than a BuffyFest over a weekend. :)
DeleteRachel - We are up to Season 3 for Buffy. I also love The Good Wife, Blacklist, Justified, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder
ReplyDeleteTammy, you have so much good Buffy ahead! I liked seasons 1-3 but my fave seasons are after that. Would love to hear how you get on as you keep watching!
DeleteHi Tami - Buffy! Yes, Buffy rocks. I like the look of Scandal....must check it out. :)
DeleteI really enjoy all the police procedural and murder mystery shows, especially the British ones...and Castle.
ReplyDeleteI have never attempted to watch GofT and never will. My hubby watched it and I accidentally caught glimpses which put me off completely.
Hi Claire - my favourite British crime show is Lewis....just love the relationship between the two main detectives :)
DeleteHi Helen
ReplyDeleteI like shows with stand-alone episodes so if I miss an episode (or two) I won't be completely lost. So shows like GoT, which go on forever, generally don't really grab me (though I did watch the first series because a friend loaned us the DVDs - compelling but very gory and a bit cruel).
I'm another Big Bang Theory fan! isn't it fun! And I see Rachel mentioned Firefly! Loved it and the movie that finished it off, Serenity.
I don't watch Air Crash Investigation - I already hate flying! But I do enjoy watching serious Crash Unit and King's Cross ER. alas, it does feel a little indulgetn to spend time in front of the little square box... but I could call KC ER research, couldn't I!
Hi Sharon - yes, Firefly was great. I don't mind the medical shows either. :)
DeleteThe only time I see TV is when I'm in a hotel room with my husband. I gave up watching about 15 years ago and don't miss it. Last year I read 713 books. (Various lengths plus audio.) I couldn't have done that I was watching hours of TV each day. I should mention I'm retired too.
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine - wow, that's so impressive....some days I wish I could give it up completely - I wouldn't certainly like to read more books!
DeleteHi Helen, when we watch tv shows in our house we've somehow got in to the habit of glomming the whole series in two or three large bites- we're currently watching The Walking Dead which I NEVER thought I'd enjoy- zombies and a lot of gore! We also adore Big Bang Theory and I got season 7 for xmas, so looking forward to watching that. We sat down to watch GofT with the teenagers- not realising there would be so much sex- half way through episode one it was switched off - we were all too embarrassed!!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi Louisa - I've heard The Walking Dead is good and actually have the first two seasons I'm yet to watch. Glad to see I'm not the only one with the GOT thing :)
DeleteI remember years ago sitting through Friday the 13th in a double feature to see a film a friend was in. Definitely not my cup of tea. I should had left but needed to wait to see the next film. Turned out the friend (an extra) must have ended up on the cutting room floor because he wasn't to be seen and we'd endured it all for nothing. At least I can say I've seen it.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie - what a good friend you are! Great story :)
DeleteWow, you watch Air Crash Investigator! Very impressive. I'm terrified of flying and accidentally once watched this show, made my phobia so much worse (which is remarkable!!)
ReplyDeleteI read all the GoT books so was ready for the violence etc in the show, but still I find it very confronting!! There are a couple of scenes from the books I wish I could cut out of my mind as they are so disturbing.
Hi Jennifer - yes, love ACI - I think it's the puzzle solving that intrigues me. Maybe I should try the GoT books rather than the show itself :)
DeleteI've never watched GoT and haven't read the books. For me, it seems that it wouldn't be the type of thing I'd enjoy watching so I haven't bothered.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much reality TV on free-to-air channels in NZ at present, I'm scratching my head to think of the stuff I watch regularly.
I am another who loves watching Big Bang Theory too.
I don't watch Air Crash Investigations often, mainly because it's on Sky here in NZ. On the occasions that I do get the opportunity to watch it I do watch it. It's one of those shows that I consider myself as having a morbid inability not to watch it - it's the type of show that I'm not sure I want to be aware of these things, but I can't help but watch.
Hi Lyn - yes, I have that same curiosity....and I like seeing how they solve the mystery. Great to see so many Big Bang groupies here :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHi Helen, happy to see another person who doesn't watch my TV! I bailed on Downton Abbey during the second season, where life continually decided I shouldn't watch and then the next time I tuned in, Matthew died. Game of Thrones I've never got into...might be better not to start. I enjoy Mad Men and I'm always happy to have an episode of M*A*SH in the background.
ReplyDelete