Monday, July 11, 2005

Summer TV Blahs

Okay, I admit it, I'm a TV addict. At least, I'm a "good TV" addict. I'm not the type who will watch infomercials, or that Christmas station that just shows a yule log burning for days. What I watch has to be GOOD. But if it is, I'm there.

This past year has been agony and ecstasy for me with television. You want the good news or the bad news first? Okay, let's get the bad over with. THEY CANCELLED "ENTERPRISE"! In some ways, that was my dream Star Trek show. Okay, in one way: Scott Bakula. I've loved whatever he's done since the days of "Quantum Leap," so to me he was the perfect choice for a starship captain...intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and of course, good looking. I actually wrote a letter to UPN asking them not to cancel it. They did write me a nice letter in return, but darn it, that wasn't the result I was aiming for. ;-)

Now, the good news: LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed these two new shows. The only fly in the ointment is that my husband won't watch them with me, so I have to try to catch them when he's not around, or remember to set the VCR. And with my memory...let's just say, remembering to tape doesn't happen often. I've been a big fan of "disaster flicks" since the prime one, to me anyway: AIRPORT. Now, you wouldn't get me on a real plane...panic attacks, not a pretty sight. But show me AIRPORT and I'm there. So LOST had me from the first episode. And DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is a fantastic cross between The Stepford Wives and General Hospital. I just love it!

But then the summer comes, and it's all reruns or really strange shows that didn't make it during the rest of the year. What's a TV addict to do?

Well, one idea is to watch movies on video or DVD. We've discovered that our local library loans out (free!) videos and DVDs, and they have a pretty wide selection. Of course, some of the movies we have less interest in than others (Fly Fishing in Ten Easy Lessons!). But we've "rented" lots of great old B&W movies and had a blast.

Sometimes, though, we don't have time to run to the library, so we're back to what's available on the airwaves. One TV phenomenon I've never understood is the reality show. I am as confirmed a reality show-hater as you're going to find. I can't see how plopping an odd assortment of people down on an island and making them eat bugs and vote each other off is anywhere close to reality. Puh-leeze. LOST is a lot closer to reality than those survivor shows. ;-)

But this summer I've found a "reality show" that actually works for me. Care to take a guess which one?

[Imagine the Jeopardy theme music playing]

Time's up! Nope, you're wrong, it's not Superbabysitter, or Who Has the Worst Hair. It's Dancing With the Stars!

No, really. I've always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing...it looks so elegant, so much fun. But I know I'd never be able to do it. I have about five left feet. :-) So this series combined the best of both...the elegance of ballroom dancing, with the angst of watching someone trying, and sometimes failing, to master the steps. This is one reality show I'd watch if they bring it back next year.

So, enough blathering from me. What are YOU watching on TV this summer? Or are you giving the tube a break entirely? What else have you got planned?

7 comments:

Penelope Marzec said...

I like "Crossing Jordan" and "Numbers." That's about it. I don't like any of the reality shows--and I can't stand the lawyer shows.

Elizabeth Delisi said...

I haven't watched those two, Penelope, though I've heard of them. I haven't watched any lawyer shows either. Except during the one month last year I was at my mom's house, taking care of her after surgery. She watched...oh, what was it called...Boston Legal? Or is that the spinoff? Anyway, I watched those with her for a while but didn't get hooked enough to keep it up after I got home.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget the fun of "24" well acted, well plotted and captivating.

Elizabeth Delisi said...

What's '24'? I guess I'm more out of the loop than I thought. :-) With the exception of the few shows I mention, mostly I end up watching movies or documentaries, and don't see many network shows at all.

Anonymous said...

Hi Liz
When it premiered several years ago on the Fox Network, it was a new concept. A single story told in a single day (24 hours) so hence the title 24 for each hour of the day.
The hero is a CIA type agent who saves America, the President, the world; take your pick, from terrorists or folks trying to take over the government.
It's been nominated for an Emmy for best series, and if I recall right, the star won an Emmy.
You're not out of the loop; you just can't watch everything.
And, I miss your wonderful writing classes on AOL.
Bob
PS Recently had an agent pick up my book and she's sent it to five major publishers.

You probably remember me as RCS.

Anonymous said...

Hi Liz
I sent a long message a few hours ago, but it never appeared. So, here goes again, and maybe I'll learn how to do this.

24 is an action adventure series that takes place in one day, a 24 hour period in which the viewer watches the action one hour at a time; so the series is 24 hours long.

It's now in its third or fourth year on Fox network, and it's rather interesting since the hero saves America, the President or the world one day a year. The series has been nominated for an Emmy as best series, as has the star.

By the way I miss your wonderful morning classes and interaction with other writers.

Several weeks ago I signed on with an agent who has sent my book to five major publishing companies.

Elizabeth Delisi said...

Hi Bob, good to see you. 24 sounds like a great show...will have to look for it.

I miss the AOL chats also, but AOL in its infinite wisdom decided to do away with chat hosts, so...what can you do?

Congrats on snagging an agent. Hope they get you a terrific contract!