Right now I'm watching Glee for the umpteenth time, trying to like it and I just can't. The songs are fun and of course I like Jane Lynch, but it's too cartoony. And not funny cartoony. In fact I'm so not into it that I'm blogging during it. I am sorry America. I know I'm supposed to like this and Cougartown and Community, but I don't. And worst of all, the most unforgivable crime one can commit -I don't like "30 Rock." What? I know. It's like being the one person who didn't love "Cats." I am told I AM Tina Fey and of course I want to be into the Emmy winners, but I have tried and tried but it too feelts a bit cartoony and Trace Morgan annoyed me away. And yes, America, I have given them chances. Time after time.
I like shows with stories, relationships and complexities. Lost had me at episode four for character development. Brothers & Sisters got me through a tough time. I cried with those Walkers and felt better about my life. At least my father didn't have an affair, one, maybe two love children that my brother then meets, discovers is not his sister and married… Did I say the shows I like were realistic? Either they're dramatic and have many levels (I trust you with my life, HBO), or it's really way out there (God bless The Office and Family Guy - both of which took a while for me to get into.)
Why do I stick with some of these shows and then I change my opinion and like them, and other times I don't? Well, I have my own strange, quirky tastes. But it's not just me giving up, We should also ask how come both America and the networks give some shows a longer time to find an audience than others? Some shows grow on you. Some they snip before they bloom.
My brother, Joe (I mention him from time to time) asked me why, when both shows weren't doing well when they debuted, "Seinfeld" lasted and became a cult fave, but Chris Elliott's "Get A Life" lasted 2 seasons and then tanked. Both went on the air in 1990. Neither did very well. He believes that Seinfeld became a "hit" around season five and the other show (He loved it, I remember it about a grown paperboy living with his parents) died after two seasons. I told him about character likability, politics, marketing and even where they are put in the lineup. Maybe it's on at a sucky night or time. And we all have our war stories. I can't believe they killed "My So Called Life", "Jack and Bobby", "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" and by now they've yanked "The Deep End." (On a trivial note, Matt Long was on both "Jack & Bobby" and "The Deep End"). These were good dramas.
So, if the network gods keep a show on the air for a while, how long will it take for me to know if it's meant for me or not? ot?
I think I used to ask this question about relationships.
Hmm.
So perhaps it's not Glee's fault. I'm just scared to open up and let it in.
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3 comments:
I didn't like Cats.
me enither. shhh.
NY times did an article this weekend that outlined why Glee isn't as good as the hype. Personally, it's not my cuppa tea either. And 30 rock is ruined by Tracy Morgan, for me at least. It's hard being on the outside of the cultural zeitgeist, but then it's up to you/us to change the conversation. Whenever Glee comes up, I try to steer the conversation to shows like Damages, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, etc.
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