When it comes to television, I have come to realise that I have inadvertently become something of a TV-snob. I might even go as far as to say I am definitely showing signs of one whom has joined the ranks of the TV-Fascist.
Born to a generation that grew up spoilt by delicacies such as Cagney & Lacey, thoroughly entertained by the timeless script-writing of Only Fools & Horses and bewitched by the mesmeric screen presence of Poitier, Bogart and Grant – I found myself lamenting the era of Endemol, Davina and all things ‘Real’.
The Big-Brother generation and their talentless pursuit of undeserved fame were quite literally driving me to despair. After such luminary offerings as Big Brother, The Salon and What Katie Did Next – I was left wondering just how much more of this bilge I could possibly take.
It was just as I was thinking that, perhaps, it was my paranoia that made me think every major broadcaster seemed to be obsessed with providing the next big thing ‘Real’ – that I happened to be listening to Radio 5 Live when a producer said “unfortunately – reality is the way to go…” You see – he quite delicately, and delicacy was required for what he was about to say, on a station funded for the masses by the masses – that it just cost too much to produce a high quality drama, whereas a reality show could be created for a tenth of the same.
How I didn’t run my car off the road at that statement – was but for the grace of whichever higher power you choose to proclaim. Here was the irrefutable proof that we, the consumer, were being, quite literally – short-changed. It was also the moment I began to think that TV, quite possibly, might never be the same again. That it might not ever rediscover the ability to enchant me with the heady delights of Attenborough, Winston and Sunday nights huddled around the TV watching Howard’s Way (yes, Howard’s Way).
But then it came. I won’t quite say it was salvation, but I will say that the BBC quite literally saved the day. Just when I thought the lazy, penny pinchers would continue to define what was to grace our screens – Professor Brian Cox arrived to help us unravel the myriad marvels and Wonders of the Universe; BBC3 gave us the elegantly produced and gorgeously crafted Being Human – whilst John Hurt effortlessly began to tell us about this Human Planet.
Three programmes that stand head and shoulders above the tacky and voyeuristic reality shows that come off the production line seemingly each and every day.
Three programmes that reminded me that true talent and quality will always prevail.
If you haven’t yet experienced any of these offerings – I wholeheartedly advise you to take the time to seek them out and be thoroughly entertained.
Mark My Words...
Musings of a TV-Snob
Posted: March 9, 2011 in Social CommentaryTags: Attenborough, BBC, BBC3, Being Human, Big Brother, Brian Cox, Davina McCall, Endemol, Human Planet, John Hurt, postaweek2011, Professor Ray Winston, Quality, Reality TV, The Salon, TV, Wonders of the Universe
When it comes to television, I have come to realise that I have inadvertently become something of a TV-snob. I might even go as far as to say I am definitely showing signs of one whom has joined the ranks of the TV-Fascist.
Born to a generation that grew up spoilt by delicacies such as Cagney & Lacey, thoroughly entertained by the timeless script-writing of Only Fools & Horses and bewitched by the mesmeric screen presence of Poitier, Bogart and Grant – I found myself lamenting the era of Endemol, Davina and all things ‘Real’.
The Big-Brother generation and their talentless pursuit of undeserved fame were quite literally driving me to despair. After such luminary offerings as Big Brother, The Salon and What Katie Did Next – I was left wondering just how much more of this bilge I could possibly take.
It was just as I was thinking that, perhaps, it was my paranoia that made me think every major broadcaster seemed to be obsessed with providing the next big thing ‘Real’ – that I happened to be listening to Radio 5 Live when a producer said “unfortunately – reality is the way to go…” You see – he quite delicately, and delicacy was required for what he was about to say, on a station funded for the masses by the masses – that it just cost too much to produce a high quality drama, whereas a reality show could be created for a tenth of the same.
How I didn’t run my car off the road at that statement – was but for the grace of whichever higher power you choose to proclaim. Here was the irrefutable proof that we, the consumer, were being, quite literally – short-changed. It was also the moment I began to think that TV, quite possibly, might never be the same again. That it might not ever rediscover the ability to enchant me with the heady delights of Attenborough, Winston and Sunday nights huddled around the TV watching Howard’s Way (yes, Howard’s Way).
But then it came. I won’t quite say it was salvation, but I will say that the BBC quite literally saved the day. Just when I thought the lazy, penny pinchers would continue to define what was to grace our screens – Professor Brian Cox arrived to help us unravel the myriad marvels and Wonders of the Universe; BBC3 gave us the elegantly produced and gorgeously crafted Being Human – whilst John Hurt effortlessly began to tell us about this Human Planet.
Three programmes that stand head and shoulders above the tacky and voyeuristic reality shows that come off the production line seemingly each and every day.
Three programmes that reminded me that true talent and quality will always prevail.
If you haven’t yet experienced any of these offerings – I wholeheartedly advise you to take the time to seek them out and be thoroughly entertained.