In the former years of television, especially in the 1970's, there seemed to be a hoist of sitcoms and TV shows that revolved around working class families. Shows that focus on the working class like The Honeymooners, All in the Family, Sanford & Son, and Roseanne seem to have vanished in recent years. What does this say about modern culture and the kind of lifestyle it promotes? Does this create unrealistic expectations for families viewing at home?
I personally wouldn't say that the way certain families are depicted on sitcoms would set an "expectation," per se. Sitcoms may have changed over the years from focusing on working class families to more "updated" versions to most likely reflect on how certain aspects of society have changed over the years, such as gay marriage being legalized and that more people choose to remain single today. – enizzari8 years ago
The 'typical' TV family seems to be stuck in kind of a weird place, where it's clear that the middle and working classes don't exist the way they used to , like in shows from the 70s - 90s, but at the same time there is a lot of resistance to depicting families that reflect the reality of today, with single parents, same-sex couples, blended families, etc. I should probably note that I'm coming at this from watching a lot of shows more geared towards tweens (my sister is a tween), and those shows seem to really stick to the ideal nuclear family setup. – chrischan8 years ago
This is a rich topic. Our middle class is disappearing, so... – Tigey8 years ago
An unprecedented level and frequency of communication between television show cast/crews and fans on twitter, at cons, in polls, and generally online has begun to influence some shows' creation.
You have Hannibal's Hettienne Park responding in a letter to fans upset at her character (an Asian-American and Jewish woman detective) was killed off. You have all levels of fanservice and queer-baiting. You have Bryan Konietzko announcing "Korrasami is canon." You have Supernatural and Arrow keeping on and creating huge roles for characters once fated to die off (Castiel and Felicity respectively). But sometimes, for art or for format (e.g. Netflix series premiering a season at once cannot adjust), the shows do not bend.
My question is, do you think this new level of responsiveness can be called, overall, good or bad? If so, which? What types of shows are expected to be open or closed to fan suggestions? Have any surprised you? Also, more examples and especially counter-examples are very welcome.
I also think something to be taken into consideration is the affect fan interaction has on the business side. Does greater fan interaction increase the size of the audience? Do these fans also purchase merchandise to show their dedication to the show? – MichelleAjodah9 years ago
The interaction between cast/crew members provides even more for the fans as they get more content via what cast/crew share and connection as questions are answered and feedback is given.
But I can see some problems that usually come with social media having a negative effect, such as some voices getting heard more than others' or people jumping on bandwagons. – LaRose9 years ago
It is probably important to recognize that the Internet does impose a greater sense of responsiveness and involvement, due to the competition steadily arising from Internet based entertainment. YouTube and other services intend to drive the television audience away from that media, and grant the audience the kind of ability to achieve this concept. It may be a good idea to pair this with your topic to emphasize what kind of outcome television may have with its audience. – N.D. Storlid9 years ago
There is something dystopian about this, recalling the gladiatorial thumbs-up or thumbs-down decision. It also recalls the chariot race riots of Constantinople in 532 when fans nearly killed Emperor Justinian I. Sometimes fans can be so fanatical. – Tigey8 years ago
Many long-running television series have at least one episode where two or more characters switch bodies with one another (generally for comedic purpose). Given that it has debatably become exhausted and overdone by this point, why does this trope continue to be so popular? What fascinates us about the concept of swapping bodies? Is it another form of escapism, or simply a plot device with easy jokes to be made?
Are there series that put a spin on this trope or use it in interesting ways? If so, do they change the formula, or do they apply it in a new way?
I've seen some variation of it, like in Charmed which utilized it a few times. Instead of two characters swapping bodies, they swapped powers, and given it was was a married couple, could be utilized beyond the plot device as more along the lines of couples counseling. There is the old saying, "In order to truly know someone, walk a mile in their shoes." This trope is a more literal interpretation of that, meant to be a point of understanding and enlightenment for the characters involved. Our skills in empathy can become stunted past a certain point in our lives, and such an experience makes a point of enabling us to appreciate life as we know it, and to learn that what is different can be better or worse than what we think. Yes, it is a trope that is used for comedy, but is one that allows us to expand our horizons of connection, bridging the gaps that separates individuals, to better complement each other, because in being able to facilitate empathy and understanding, we cut away prejudice and hatred. – artemis8229 years ago
I totally agree with artemis, and to add, body-swapping often gives TV shows a way to explore another character without moving away from the protagonist audiences are used to. – chrischan8 years ago
I always thought that it had to so with the display of actor's range of adaptation and capabilities. A sort of metafictional device to pick the interests of audiences, but nothing more. – T. Palomino2 years ago
Sleepy Hollow is a supernatural show with a black female lead (Abbie) and a white male lead (Ichabod). At times, especially in the second season, Abbie would be sidelined so the narrative could focus more on Ichabod's love life, and now, as of the season three finale, Abbie has been killed for Ichabod's sake.
Analyze the intersected representation of both race and gender in Sleepy Hollow. How is Abbie portrayed compared to her white male counterpart? How are other characters, such as Frank and Jenny, treated within the show's narrative? When it comes to attempts to portray female characters other than Abbie, how are they presented? What is the effect of the characters of color who only appear when their culture is appropriated for story purposes? (Big Ash.)
Emily you were reading my mind. I appreciate the gender and all the color in Sleepy Hollow. I may take this one on, time permitting. – Venus Echos8 years ago
Analyse "canon" vs. "fanon", and whether the latter has any validity as regards interpretations and criticism of the former. Are fan theories a legitimate way in which to explore the deeper facets of a certain work or franchise, or is it merely a socially acceptable way for adults to waste their time? Discuss how certain fan theories have influenced (or not) storylines in different franchises and creator's rejections, adoptions, or subversions of popular fan theories (e.g., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost, Doctor Who, etc.)
'Canon' has always had its 'fanon,' insofar as canonical work requires a certain apparatus of replication. Nothing is canonical if it does not get to the point where it invites imitation. Example: Cervantes's 'Don Quixote' invited, in C18th, the self-explanatory 'Female Quixote' of Charlotte Lennox. It also caused Flaubert to write, a century later, 'Madame Bovary' (about a woman who believes herself to be a character in her favorite romances). Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina' also deals with a protagonist who feels misplaced in the world she is inhabiting. If Cervantes was the original, then all the rest are reinforcements of the same 'canon.' They are, to a certain extent, 'fan fiction.' But they are also excellent examples of how imitation of a precedent can create powerful independent work. – Francisc Nona8 years ago
The R+L=J theory for Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire is practically considered canon in the fandom even though it hasn't been revealed...yet. I think it would be interesting to look into the psychology behind fan theories. Why do people discuss fan theories? What draws them into engaging in "fanon?" – Lexzie8 years ago
Vince Gilligan's attitude toward Breaking Bad is something like, Sure that could be in there. I guess that's a strength of ambiguity, which he admits to employing throughout the series. – Tigey8 years ago
A top 5 list of the best female villains of all time in either literature, TV or film with a description of what makes them so memorable, their motivations and their evil strategies. From Eve to Lady Macbeth to Catwoman to the Borg Queen.
Forever Femme Fatale: Reigning Female Villains A top 5 list of the best female villains of all time in either literature, TV or film with a description of what make them so memorable, their motivations and their evil strategies. From Eve to Lady Macbeth to Catwoman to the Borg Queen. – Munjeera8 years ago
I think this article should stick to one category (like only TV or only literature female villains) since there would be so many to choose from. – LaRose8 years ago
Analyze how TV shows can put people in a certain mindset which alters their real life behaviour. Are they just influencing and changing their perspective? or are they brainwashing as not every aspect of the situation is shown?
When thinking about reasons why people go to movies or why they are so engaged in television shows, it is either done to unwind and relax or to escape from one's own life.
TV shows often take place in very realistic settings, where the probability of the events taking place in the show are likely to take place in the viewers own life. However, especially after binge watching a show for hours on end, it is easy to get caught up in the TV shows world and try to apply their problem solving skills to one's own problems. This almost impossible to do. To perform a monologue of one's undying love for another may work in the staged construct of the show, but in reality it is kind of creepy and very over the top.
The situations on TV shows are being carefully calculated and balanced by the writers, and in real life people do not have set boundaries that they must act within. – Naomster78 years ago
I believe the TV shows give us unreasonable expectations for how relationships and behavior function. For example, How I Met Your Mother examines the relationship's between 5 friends in New York. Throughout the entire show I felt desperate to find similar relationships in my own life; but this is nearly impossible. Although fictional, the behavioral exchanges between characters seems realistic, but people do not behave like that in real life. Many of the characters have candid exchanges with new, and old, friends, but if the acted this way in real life, the responses would be quite different. For example, Ted's many romantic acts might warrant a restraining order in modern day society. People cannot be as carefree and friendly in real life as they are in shows, because our society does not support this type of behavior. – megduckworth8 years ago
I would actually be more worried about the influence of reputed news organizations in affecting the behavior of individuals. There are many viewers who will only watch one network, and since "news," follows the title, these individuals believe this to be the absolute, undisputed truth and will not pursue different avenues of thought. This leads to biases and ideologies that are difficult to change. – danielle5778 years ago
True. Look at right and left wing media. It does portray news in an unworthy way. – Munjeera8 years ago
House of Cards, Scandal, Veep and many before them have focused on The White House and what it means to be in power. Take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to portraying American politics on television. Is it a fair representation? Is it too sensationalized or is it brutally honest?
This sounds like a great starting point. One thing that you may want to keep in mind throughout this article is the relationship between the contemporary political landscape and political affiliations of the creators (ie. Left/Right creator under a Left/Right government). Noting how agreements and riffs between contemporary governments and creators could raise biases in presentation or other interesting patterns. – irmiculan8 years ago
I think this is a great topic, and i would be inclined to discuss the glamorization of underhanded dirty politics, and how that can even inspire people to want to take part in it (House of Cards inspiring law or political science majors). Despite it being a negative view of politics – justjosie8 years ago
I find this topic very interesting. I watch Scandal religiously (just starting House of Cards). As a Sociology and International Development major, I am intrigued by the way in which underhanded politics, optics, and spinsters to name a few are used to push agendas, garner support, and [re]structure the political landscape. I am Canadian, and admittedly not too familiar with the American political landscape, but I find that these kinds of shows are not only reflective of the America's politics, but of many political realities all too familiar to The West. Political-based shows are a niche at the moment, and capitalizing on them seems to be the way to go. I am interested in examining to what extent the sensationalization of American politics in these shows is accurate, and the effectiveness of these shows in reaching young adults and engaging them in/with politics. – TheSocialBee8 years ago
I think it would be interesting if someone from the political arena--let's say a poli.sci. major, or enthusiastic major--were to answer this question. Someone who believes in the system, or looks at it as a reputable powerhouse. Because, when analyzing the examples given, they do NOT paint a good picture of the political stage. Though, I am an avid fan of both Scandal and VEEP, I love shows that dig into this world, and part of me, thinks they are pretty accurate.... – danielle5778 years ago
I would say that to do this essay, there would need to be some development in the essay about the writers of these shows and where they are their information and background. – Joseph Cernik6 years ago
