Friday’s High Five is back…and today we’re talking television.
I watch way too much television. No matter how many things I leave over on my To-Do List every day, I always find the time to watch TV. Some people need to workout, meditate or have a glass of wine to end their day. I need TV.
I watch TV every single night before I go to bed no matter how tired I am and recently I’ve been less than pleased with the scope of my nightly entertainment because:
1. The worst series finale in history hit the small screen this week.
“Revenge” has been on the air since 2011 and even though it has been hitting the skids since about Season 2, I couldn’t stop watching. I wasn’t attached to the show because Emily Van Camp was so captivating (she wasn’t) or that I needed a weekly reminder that women over 50 could look like Madeline Stowe (she’s 56) or that there were such evil characters (I’m sorry but most villains pale in comparison to Dan Scott from One Tree Hill). I kept thinking the show would get better but it never, ever did.
I continued to watch via Hulu* mostly as background noise when I needed to do tasks I didn’t like (cooking, cleaning, laundry etc) and even though the story lines became more and more ridiculous, I always wanted to see the outfits that Nolan Ross (Gabriel Mann) was wearing.
“Revenge” had gone so far off course from it’s original storyline that the series finale should have been expected to be the turd that it was. However, I’m still in shock from just how bad the depths of awful went. I won’t give away any spoilers but I truly believe that this show might have had the worst ending to a series ever! If you disagree, let me know.
2. Message to Women: Happiness = Be under 30 years old and have a hot boyfriend.
We all know how prized youth culture is but I’m not loving the messaging I’m seeing toward women over 30 right now. For example, the show “Younger” is not doing women (or Brooklyn, for that matter) any favors.
Younger (TV Land, Tuesdays)
“Younger” (Tuesdays, TV Land) is a show by Darren Star (Sex and The City) starring Sutton Foster as Liza, a 40 year old recently divorced mother of a college aged child who undergoes a make-over to appear younger (she says she’s 26) to land a job in the NYC publishing industry. Liza’s best friend Maggie (Debi Mazar) is in on the ruse but is there to help her friend get back into being a single woman taking advantage of life in New York City. Liza’s new “Younger” life starts off well – a cool new job, a hot 20-something new boy-toy (an Adam Levine-like, Nico Tortorella) and a 20-something work bestie (Hilary Duff ) who helps Liza learn the ropes and manage the scary and old (aka 40-something) boss lady (Miriam Schor).
I was excited for this show. Age (and time) were used very well in VH1’s Hindsight and since Darren Star has a history of doing glitzy, guilty pleasure shows really well (SATC, 90210, Melrose Place etc), I was sure that “Younger” was going to be great….except that it wasn’t. Instead this is a show that seems to give the message that every woman over the age of 29 (or who has taken time off to be a stay-at-home parent) is ready to be put out to pasture. The idea of “with age comes wisdom” is not well highlighted on this show.
I took issue when Liza did not know a thing about cell phones, texting and social media. Just because someone has been married (and living in the suburbs) and/or hasn’t been in the workforce in awhile, it doesn’t mean that they are an absolute Luddite! Unfortunately, the digs don’t end there.
Yes, Liza seems more mature than other 26 year olds but the fact that the character often has to dumb herself down in order to fit in with her new friends and be acceptable at work, is disheartening. It also seems that a woman can’t truly be complete when she’s single. It seems that television believes that a woman is not fully be successful unless there’s a hot and younger boy toy involved. Said Boy-Toy also has to be fully enamored and make a point to either overlook age as a factor in the relationship (much like on Bravo’s “Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce” – whose season finale was disappointing as well) or make a point to talk about the future (“like in our 40’s”) often.
Sure, it’s been fun to see Hilary Duff curse and not be the Disney star of yesteryear. We’ve missed Debi Mazar since “Entourage” (who else can’t wait for the movie) but the cliche of having her play a lesbian artist living in Brooklyn is just too much. The cliches don’t end there – the clothes to make Liza “younger” must have been taken from the Forever 21 front window, big boss at the publishing house is definitely channeling the Miranda Priestley character from “The Devil Wears Prada”, the Boy-Toy is a tattoo artist and the many references to Brooklyn being the hot place to be is just too over the top. I’m sure those that love Cross Fit won’t be happy to see their fitness love being ridiculed either.
I really wanted to like this show but I just don’t. It’s been renewed for another season so if it improves, someone let me know.
3. The “good” binge shows are not living up to the hype.
I’m a binge television watcher (as evidenced by this vintage post – 15 Bingeworthy TV Shows). Even before the days of Netflix releasing an entire season of a new show at once, I used to binge watch shows. Jay and I spent one New Year’s Eve watching a few seasons of “24” (we gave up early) and “The Shield” (a series I watch over and over again). Now, when Netflix releases their new shows, I focus and watch each episode until I get to the end.
The only full series I’ve loved this year has been Transparent [HD]
“House of Cards” Season 1 was so good, there were nights that Jay and I watched multiple shows until deep until the night. Season 2 was not as good (IMHO) and Season 3 just sucked. Yup, I said it. I didn’t like HOC S3 even a little bit. I think Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are both excellent in the show but the story lines never really hooked me this season. I definitely won’t be back for S4.
I also might be the only person who couldn’t get into “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Let me preface by saying that I didn’t enjoy “30 Rock”, “Parks and Recreation” or “The Office”. I like dry humor but for some reason, none of these shows clicked with me. I gave TUKS 4 episodes and then I was done. If I’m really off the mark here, I’d love to know.
I didn’t love Season 2 of “Orange Is The New Black” but I am sort-of looking forward to Season 3 on June 12th though.
Orange Is The New Black, Netflix
4. Some good shows are approaching “Jump The Shark” status.
Image: Sidereel.com
Television shows often reach a point where they just seem to run out of steam. It’s sad but it happens (except in the case of NBC’s “Parenthood”) and on the following shows, the writing is on the wall:
- “Grey’s Anatomy” killed Derek Shepard and of course, put Amelia and Owen (the only 2 major characters without love interests) together. Grey’s has legacy status but I’m not sure that Meredith Grey, Karev and Dr. Webber being the only 3 original characters left are enough to really keep me interested for much longer.
- WTF is going on with “Scandal”?!? The whacked out Olivia kidnapping and black market bidding for her return? How do you tease having Henry Ian Cusick on the show and not make him a regular?!? I can’t keep up with the Mellie-Fitz and Olivia-Jake thing at all. I used to love Cyrus and David but now I don’t even care. Quinn, Abby and Huck have all spun out on these weird tangents. All I can say, is thank you Shonda Rimes for putting Paul Adelstein and George Newbern on screen. This is another show that I have on alert.
- James Spader has always been a captivating actor and he was the reason people watched NBC’s “The Blacklist” last year. Even though Spader was a far cry from the Steff of “Pretty In Pink”, watching him as the smart and charismatic Raymond Reddington was always entertaining. This season however, the Reddington charm isn’t enough to overcome some of the characters and the odd story lines – the character of Elizabeth (Megan Boone) has become less tolerable and it was nice to see Diego Klatenhoff (formerly of “Homeland”) but I keep wondering what happened to the drug problem his character had earlier this season? I used to watch this show because I wanted to know the connection between Reddington and Elizabeth but now I can’t decided whether I occasionally watch so I can hear Henry Lennix speak (we’re talking James Earl Jones Jr voice here), to see Ryan Eggold exhibit some transformational acting or to see what areas of Brooklyn they try to pass off as Washington DC. Bottom line: Unless this show reveals something juicy enough to keep me interested, my attention is about to go elsewhere.
5. An untimely end for shows with more stories to tell.
- The end of a television era is coming to an end this week with the series finale of “Mad Men” this Sunday. This show was definitely groundbreaking – the style, writing, acting and even the historical facts woven into the story lines made this show a mass favorite. I’ll admit that there have been times that I’ve felt that the story line has gone over my head or that I haven’t enjoyed a direction a character has taken (Pete Campbell’s recent turn puzzles me) but I still think that “Mad Men” is one of the best shows I’ve seen in years. This is definitely a show that people will likely watch over and over again to analyze for clues and hidden subtexts. Thank you Matthew Weiner and company for a show well done. I will definitely miss this program.
- After I finished “Downton Abbey” (PBS) this past season, I was wistful for another an English period piece. I heard great things about “Call The Midwife” (PBS) so I gave it a shot and quickly fell in love. I binge watched 3 seasons via Netflix and then quickly caught up with the most current episode only to find out that the season ends next week! Set in London’s East End in the 1950’s, the women of this show exemplify strength and courage even at time when women were most definitely treated as the fairer sex. Not every character is exceptionally likable (I didn’t care for the main character, Jenny Lee) but “Call The Midwife” is definitely a show that is worth watching. It will be hard to wait for the Christmas Special in December and Season 5 to come in 2016.
What television show are you loving or hating right now?
Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I just felt the need to share my thoughts on the current state of TV. However, the Hulu link is an affiliate link so if you sign up for Hulu via the link above, I will receive 2 free weeks. If you sign up, thanks! If you already have Hulu, don’t you LOVE it?
It took a long time to finish Kimmy Schmidt. I thought it was great in the beginning but Titus’ stereotypical gay character was so f-ing annoying. Not all gay people are like that and even if you play it to the hilt for comedic value, it’s not funny. It’s degrading and stupid.
I am really enjoying “Grace and Frankie,” another Netflix series. This one stars old people and thought the writing/lines can be cliche or cutesy, it’s been refreshing to see old people on the screen. I can’t believe I said that. Lily Tomlin just kills, IMO.
While zombies might not be to your liking, you might like the first season of “The Walking Dead.” Of course, you’d have to wait til the little one is asleep. There are some really graphic scenes. And of course, I’ll always recommend “Roseanne” as one of the most realistic portrayals of working class families in America…with comedy.
Ok so my brain is on overload right now. *commence dump*
We stopped watching Revenge last season. It became a soap opera from the 80s and was unwatchable. I commend you (in a weird way) for watching until what sounds like the most bitter end.
I’m so glad I don’t have to continue watching HOC. We never got past season 2. Thank you!
Never watched Scandal, Grey’s and will most definitely not be watching Younger – WTF is happening there?
The Blacklist may be my most favorite show right now. I agree with a lot of the points you brought up and I’m assuming you watched the season finale? It was good but not GOOD. I’m mostly watching now because Tom/Jacob is super hot. #Shallow
Have you seen/are you watching The Walking Dead? AMAZEBALLS.
I’ve watched a couple of these. I still haven’t seen HOC Season 3 so thanks for giving spoilers. Unbreakable Kimmy. I liked the intro song. Titus’ character was over the top but I feel like as the episodes went on, I understood why. The finale was a little weird with Jane Krakowski’s character – like they weren’t sure what to do with her. But overall, I thought it was more funny than not.
I agree re House of Cards Season 3. It was SO bad. I don’t understand how they have let it deteriorate so much. I also agree about OITNB Season 2, though I did like the ending.
I love James Spader. He is so good. But this latter half of their season is just boring to me.
I can’t speak to a lot of the shows you mentioned (neve watched an episode of Scandal, gave up Grey’s two seasons ago, and I don’t watch Younger–I work in publishing and I know how BS it is!) though I agree with you in theory. I do love The Blacklist, and The Walking Dead, though a little slow, is worth every second. Brilliant casting and writing and great performers season after season (and THEY know how to craft a finale!) I watch Bates Motel, which is also slow but genius, and pretty much nothing on basic cable anymore. HBO and occasionally Starz for my weekly dose of Outlander . Overall I’d rather watch a juicy drama than anything else, but KL and I are hooked on The Goldbergs, the dumbest show on TV. Wendi McLendon-Covey is hilarious!
I LOVE the show Younger, but I thought the drug use (especially without addressing what it was) was really in poor taste. People learn by example… Shame on the producers, writers, and actors for that!
Interesting you mentioned the drug use, Robert. I barely even noticed that (I’m not sure what that says about me). I just think “Younger” has cliche after cliche and it makes me a bit upset.
I’ve been told I need to watch “The Goldbergs” but haven’t allowed myself to get committed. I don’t have Starz so I can’t watch “Outlander” (although I’ve heard it’s great). You’ve always been a fan of “Bates Motel” but again, I haven’t gotten around to that one either.
I know that I need to try “The Walking Dead”….
I’m glad that someone else that I respect felt the same way about HOC and OITNB (I liked the ending too). James Spader is fabulous but we will have to see if he can keep me through this season and next.
I will say that Jane Krakowski was brilliant on the one episode of “Younger” when she guest starred. I’m not a huge fan of hers but she killed it in this guest appearance. I wanted to like her on TUKS but couldn’t get into it.
I didn’t like “Roseanne” in the beginning but later, I came around. I do think it kind of jumped the shark too in later seasons but overall, the acting was fantastic. I did see the original Becky at a restaurant in Manhattan many years ago. I might have been the only one who knew who she was though.
I did give “Grace and Frankie” a try. It’s a little sad but I do like seeing Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen on screen. I’ve only gotten 2 episodes in but I think I’ll watch a little more. Thanks for the recommendation.
I haven’t caught up with “The Blacklist” but I need to. I’m with you on the Ryan Eggold front for sure.
You aren’t the first one to recommend “The Walking Dead”. I tried it a long time ago and was bored but so many people have said it’s good that I may need to give it another try.
Goldbergs is pure stupid-funny, very good when you just need a great laugh. I’m on the verge of quitting Game of Thrones despite my love of Peter Dinklage, because it has just gotten too gratuitously rapey for me, and for no apparent reason. (Why? Because they CAN? Ridiculous.)
I will miss Mad Men a lot. That was an amazing run, and like LOST, it was a bit of a game-changer when it came to characterization and storytelling. I hope Matt Weiner comes up with something else soon!
I’m not fully caught up with GOT but it’s so very slow this (and last season). I am very curious to see what Weiner comes up with next too!