I watch a lot of TV, and consequently have lots to say about the shows I watch. I like to think about what makes a good show, and believe television has the potential to be a more lasting and meaningful form of artistic expression than film, much as the comparison between a short story and a novel. With a movie, you can enter this world for 90-120 minutes, get enjoy a brief adventure with the characters and situations presented, then move on.

Television, when done right, requires more of an investment in that world. Characters evolve. Events have lasting impact. You get to experience what life is like for a drug dealer in the harsh neighborhoods of Baltimore, and grow a more real sense of empathy for their struggle, and the messages that are being told are stronger and speak more closely to you.

I think there is still a certain stigma attached to television as being mindless entertainment as compared to film. And of course, there certainly are PLENTY of programs that help promote this notion. However, just look at your movieplex this weekend and the crap that’s playing right now. It’s crap that’s expensive to make, but it’s still crap. TV used to be a whole lot cheaper to make, so the bar was a lot lower to get something out there than into your AMC 20.

But with the advent of HDTV comes a new breed of more expensive, more thoughtful program for a different breed of viewer. The pioneers were on the Premium channels, with The Sopranos on HBO and Weeds on Showtime. But basic cable is getting into the game now as well, trusting that even the non-paying, advertisement tolerant viewers contain more discerning tastes as well. The Shield on FX and Mad Men on AMC led the charge to bring smart original programming to channels that once aired repeats of M*A*S*H and movies from 30 years ago.

It’s a bright new age for TV! And I’ll tell you all about it!

Mayhew