What About The Wacky Landlord?




	What About The Wacky Landlord?
	What About The Wacky Landlord?
		September is bliss for television audiences. After months of reruns and failed new "not fit for regular season" series, the ninth month of the year always brings with it a sense of revival. New series and new episodes of our old favourites help once again strengthen our commitment to regular viewing. The concept of "appointment television" returns once the new season begins. So as we approach the dawn of the new fall television season, we desperately hope once again for a renaissance. But it seems regardless of what programs this or any other season offers there is nary a few series that don't rely or rehash the familiar formulas. TV is guiltier than most other mediums in its derivativeness. The predictability of TV is not just found in its tired concepts (ie. Single father raises three obnoxious children or a drama set in a hospital) or exhausted casting (ie. Starring Tony Danza, Ted Danson, or Heather Locklear) but also painfully in its situations and conventions. How much longer can television continue to employ these clichés? How many more times can these overused devices be worked into programs? Do they not think we are smart enough to spot these things? Like… Talking on the phone: Why don't people on television ever say goodbye when they hang up the phone? "You've got to be kidding me…I'll be over there as soon as I can" CLICK! Huh? How rude are these people. Would it really throw off the flow of the show to have Joey simply say "Well, goodbye"? It's just common courtesy. Do we really want to influence generations on breaking this hallowed rule of phone protocol? "Dinner at grandma's house on Sunday? I'll see what I can do" CLICK. "Uhh…son? Hello? Are you there? I think he just hung up on me Harold?" Keeping the front door open: This is sitcom faux pas 101. Why does no one ever close their apartment front door when they are home? How much would we hate being these peoples neighbour? You'd hear every bloody conversation they had. How about a little privacy! The whole world doesn't need to hear your speech to Blossom about the dangers of underage drinking alright? Close your damn door! You're letting all the warm air out! Ordering food at restaurants: This is one of my favourites. How many times on television do two characters meet at a restaurant, order, then right when the food or drinks come, one of the people concludes their statement and gets up and leaves. God forbid you stay and EAT! Wasn't that the point of this little get together? What is the deal with this? "Oh our coffee is here, but I have to run." I would never invite this person out for lunch again. I came down here to meet you for lunch and after telling me a vital plot point you left me sitting by myself and with the bill to boot. If you are so damn busy…why meet at a restaurant then? Why not just call….and of course, not say goodbye. The attractive woman who can't get a date: How the hell can Jennifer Aniston have troubles dating? How in any way are we supposed to believe this would be even remotely possible? Have you seen this woman? I just can't understand how we are supposed to relate to this notion of near perfect female characters on television that have troubles meeting men. For example, Ally McBeal is a successful, attractive, lawyer but struggles to get a date for Friday night? What bizzaro world is this that television is trying pull over on us? And I don't care what sort of issues this woman is supposed to have. I've known less stunning, smart, successful women with issues that have had NO problems meeting men. This concept is about as believable as the alien living with the family formula. Jennifer Aniston being hard up for a date?!?! That is too funny. Adults hanging out with teenagers: I call this the "Nat" factor. Every program that revolves around young adults always has a misplaced adult character that hangs out with the gang. For example, owner of the peach pit Nat on Beverly Hills 90210 or Grams on Dawsons Creek. What the hell is up with this? Who in the world ever had someone like this in their life when they were 18? (Outside of some token adult that would buy your beer). I can't think of one set of young adults that would invite Barry the Mr. Sub Manager to their pool party. Someone want to explain to me why Grams is living with the Dawsons Creek gang at University? Come on now… These and many, many other clichés (like how the hell does your favourite sitcom gang from high school all end up going to the same university?) continue to be utilized across our most loved (and not so loved) television programs. You would think after all these years we might be able to move past or even correct some of these tired television program habits. Thankfully there are some refreshingly innovative series out there albeit a small percentage. But for the most part, television seems content to continue to push out the same trite programming complete with the familiar cliches. It's a shame really. Something really must be done. CLICK. …no wait, the change must start here. GOODBYE. …but that's just my opinion. Got something to say about this article? Say it Here! or mail to michael@boldopinion.com Click here to see more articles by this Author!