So far I have to admit that the year has been disappointing. Save for Prison Break and Surface there has been a dearth of good shows released this year. Now I am sure that my detractors would be quick to point out that there is no real reason to call either of the two shows named above to be placed above its peers. However in a world where entertainment is placed on an equal footing, with livelihood, courting and that fun thing called living one’s life, the scripted, not reality of course, shows must be able to really extend ones imagination. After the 50 years of television history, it is indeed rare to experience the magic of big budget entertainment on a regular basis.
No offense to the cable companies, many of which spend significantly more on their releases, but the work produced by smaller companies with versatile actors, actresses and yes, CGI artists is worthy of the greatest of praise. Script writing has developed their art for a more edgy tone and darker plotlines. America and the world has changed, in this vulnerable times, the veil has been lifted off our eyes and we are more willing to accept even the most outrageous of truths.
In such an environment is it not acceptable to believe in conspiracies. Yes, conspiracies existed before Prison Break, but no conspiracy had a genius opposing it, just the common man. Michael Scofield is a man with a plan, one that is unfolding in the most nail-bitingly suspenseful manner, holding on to its viewers like a vice. Such brilliance will no doubt spawn its own copies next year, but for now it hold the title proudly as one of the best shows this year.
Surface was once derided for its Lost clone setting and a cash cow for NBC to use and throw away if it failed. However the people have spoken and Surface has emerged as an Abyss clone or very close to it. All kidding aside, the true novelty of the show lies in its big budget visual effects on small piles of cash. The consistent attention to detail over the creatures and the existence of, yet another, government conspiracy has fueled tensions in online debates over the relative merits of the three LOST clones. After the smoke clears, Surface is worthy of continued observation.
Speaking of LOST clones, Lost has held onto its fans building its viewership base over the summer, but like many other shows continuing from last year, a malaise has fallen over the screen. Much like Hollywood, the quality and experience of boob-tube entertainment has faded. The cause has yet to be determined, but it is hoped that the slump will reverse itself for the new year 2006, and that the midseason replacements will breathe new life in treasured companions, new and old, for a better couch experience tomorrow.