Avatar: The Last Airbender is at its core a story about war. It features the Fire Nation on an imperialistic crusade expanding it's power and trying to take over the world. Through Aang, our main character, we see many different people and how this war has affected them. Analyse the effect of war in the Avatar universe and whether or not Avatar: The Last Airbender is anti-imperialism/anti-war.
To help with this idea, someone might want to reference Yamamoto Tsnunetomo's "Hagakure" and Sun Tzu's "Art of War." Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko build so much from Eastern culture. Also, consider how good characters echo Dalai Lama names: Tenzin and Gyatso. This type of discussion should balance Western and Eastern concepts of war (and peace). – Michael J. Berntsen9 years ago
I would suggest trying to draw connections between tactics that each of the Four Nations use to conflicts in history and each battles to real-life battles. – Xander959 years ago
There are some TV series that are very well known and popular. Of these, many attract rabid fandoms that follow the every move of the characters, analyze decisions, follow the actors, etc. Some of these followings are more substantial than others, and some can get crazy or rowdy. Supernatural, Doctor Who, and Sherlock (BBC) are some of the current fandoms that fit both categories. But why are these so popular? Why did they attract these fandoms? What kinds of other shows attract similarly crazy fandoms?
Korean dramas are gaining popularity. – sierrabam9 years ago
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and, most recently, "How to Get Away with Murder," makes a point of including characters of diverse races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and is well-known for her portrayal of strong women. However, her portrayals are not without controversy. She is often accused of portraying women and minorities in powerful positions without addressing the trials and tribulations it took for them to get there. Does this do an injustice to her characters as a form of white-washing history, or is it progressive that she portrays minority characters without making their race, sexual orientation, etc. their defining character trait?
This topic is especially timely for two reasons. First of all, Patrick Dempsey, the male lead of Grey's Anatomy, recently left the show; it will now focus on Meredith Grey and her experiences as a single mother of two and successful surgeon. Audiences will likely be interested to see how Rhimes handles the topic of single motherhood. Second of all, Viola Davis recently received an Emmy for her portrayal of Dr. Keating in "How to Get Away With Murder," making her the first African American woman to receive an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama.
You make excellent points and it is a great topic due to the popularity of Shonda's shows. On one hand, I want to say yes, it is white-washing history; yet why should there be explanations as to why people of color are successful? We never have that expectation when viewing successful white people on television. You raise interesting, relevant issues pertinent to society and I think this will make for a polarizing topic--the best kind. Even the fact that Viola Davis was the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama is pathetic in a society that prides it's "diversity." The way in which Shonda handles minority characters is in a respectful, real, contemporary manner. Her shows revolve around characters, not their social identities, something I hope to see more of on television, and film. – danielle5779 years ago
I think that a lot of people have opinions about this subject, which is a good reason, but not the only reason to write about it. Discussions of how gender ideologies, race, and other aspects of our culture are portrayed in the media (specifically in television) are important for furthering our development as a society. – Morgan R. Muller9 years ago
Rhimes isn't really "creator" of "How To Get Away With Murder," though, she's a producer but neither writer or director (Peter Nowalk is the creator). It would be important to include a discussion of how her influence over a series varies by her role in that series. – ashleybrooke9 years ago
Because it's on Adult Swim, I feel as though Rick and Morty is unfairly categorized as a vulgarly funny cartoon. Which it undoubtedly is. But it's also the best show on TV right now. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Rick is turning into an antihero as fascinating as Walter White. The endless creative possibilities of a show that allows its characters to go to alternate universes lets the show's creators flex their imaginations to a near breaking point. But when it gets too crazy, they always sneak in a moment of like, blistering humanity. Seriously. Watch it. Analyze it. Appreciate it. Maybe you could write about entropy on Rick and Morty. It is a show where literally anything could happen. Several episodes detail the chaos of this situation. Look at how chaos works to push forward both the show's comedy and its character development. One could look at how Rick and Morty began the show as foils, but Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland seem to suggest a future in which Morty takes on Rick's characteristics. What does this say about how we sometimes develop on a path that is parallel to our ancestors'? Another interesting aspect of the show is how it handles the art within its many worlds. In the "Get Schwifty" episode, art actually saves the entire planet. In the "Tiny Rick" episode, art becomes Rick's only way to communicate his inner struggle. What are Harmon and Roiland saying about the power of art to affect the real world? One of the core sources of the comedy in Rick and Morty is how it becomes a meta-commentary on the nature of storytelling. Characters constantly make fourth wall breaking references and critique the show while it is happening. It would be interesting to collect these moments and find a common theme.
I love Rick and Morty, it's definitely up there with Bojack Horseman for me. It gets those borderline deep subjects and bring them to the surface in such a comedic and lighthearted way. I love that I can relate to Rick, because he's so complicated and knows that life sucks, but also has a pure heart and likes to help people. That's such a great dynamic for a character. Rick is one of the best characters on TV right now, I faithfully watch this show. It's one of the best TV shows that can get those dark depressed feelings out and still make you laugh about it. I've seen every episode thus far and I think this article can do some magic! – scoleman9 years ago
I, too, love Rick and Morty, and I think that there is a lot to talk about between the power of art and its potential effect on the real world. Think, for instance, about the two episodes where the characters simply watch really bizarre, universe cable that seems to be adlibbed and improvised at that very moment. Also, with the first cable episode, there is a serious discussion about how Jerry and Beth have had seriously unhappy lives compared to what they originally want and how Summer wouldn't even be alive in a perfect world. After all this, they sit down and watch together, owing to your idea of TV and art as a potential effect for real world struggles; like many people who are frustrated with their lives, they use TV as an escape. This episode of Rick and Morty just takes it to a ridiculous extreme. – Gushanas9 years ago
This is a fantastic topic. I've been watching the show non-stop now for a few weeks. It's deeply philosophical, and like you said, meta. If it were possible, I'd really enjoy collaborating with someone on this topic. The show deserves an analysis and application to the human condition and questions of identity / art / story telling. – claytonpitcher9 years ago
Some of the most well known political comedians in North America are John Stewart, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and more recently Trevor Noah. These four have a great knack for political humor, but they will also come out of character when a real issue like a tragic shooting incident occurs in the news. So why do people rely on these political comedians when it comes to their daily news as opposed to actual news sources like CNN? Could it be because they are addressing issues that are often overlook or ignored in our country? Is there more sense of honesty because they are comedically addressing issues intend of mindless ranting like other political programs?
Intersting topic, but a crucial factor in this discussion is the fact that most of what these political comedians say is scripted. They are likely very intelligent people in their own right, but on shows like The Daily Show et al. they're simply charismatic frontmen for teams of behind-the-scenes writers. – Ali Van Houten9 years ago
Great topic, especially considering Jon Stewart (be careful of spelling) has made a few references that more young people watched his show than real news. I second Van Houten's suggestions and will also add that you should include a brief section of Barry Crimmins to show the "under-the-radar" comedian trying to make real change. The recent documentary "Call Me Lucky" highlights when he had an honest moment on stage to discuss his molestation. I'd also like to pose a few other questions: Do people watch the show to reconfirm their cynicism or liberal leanings? Do people watch the show as a form of couch-activism? Are they not watching the news, but reading it, especially from BBC news, Think-Progress, and other non-televised or podcasted sources? – Michael J. Berntsen9 years ago
Audiences have been captivated by Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, but could there be any evidence that the show has inspired a rise in advocacy for prison reform as the show brings attention to issues which would otherwise go unnoticed? Does the fact that the show focuses on a female prison garner more sympathy for prisoners than shows that focus on male prisons? Does the fact that it is based on a true story add to a need to investigate truths about the prison system in the U.S.? A study on the social impact of the show might want to take these things into consideration.
I think OITNB as well as the author's personal experiences and advocacy have brought attention to the prison-industrial complex and made it a prominent social issue. While this isn't a new problem, the prison system has been lifted to a topic of importance, s hopefully the advocation and the pushes for change won't slow. – abigailp9 years ago
As an avid fan of OITNB, I think there is a definite sympathetic tone to the show as compared to a male populated prison show such as, OZ. The difference that should be noted is that the creator wanted to set the tone of empathy for these women who found themselves in precarious situations--either by own fault or a victim of circumstance--whereas OZ wanted to be gritty, raw, and leave people in a state of shock. OZ aimed for sensationalism in focusing on the prison rapes, fights, and horrific treatment of prisoners. An interesting thing would be to have a medium between these two. Though I do enjoy OITNB, there are numerous moments where it almost feels as though it glorifies the women, and they have become such a topic of pop culture. I have a love/hate relationship with this ideology because, what if young girls view the show and think, "oh, that's not so bad." As for adults, we view the show through a different, more mature lens and look at social injustices that younger generations wouldn't view as horrific--such as lack of opportunity, low SES, inability to read, no available classes in prison, etc. – danielle5779 years ago
What will grab your attention when a new television show is premiering? Is it the graphic violence, the sex, the plot twists? In this day and age, just about everything has been done on television shows to boost ratings and hold onto viewers. We are living in a post True Blood, Sons of Anarchy and a current Game of Thrones era. All of these popular shows were known for their outrageous plot lines, extreme violence and blood, and graphic sexual scenes. Is that all that is needed to be considered a 'success' in television? Do the extremes overshadow true cinematic genus when it comes to television shows?
Interesting choice of topic. It's worth noting that writing is extremely important in television - would GoT be as acclaimed as it is if its content was solely violence and sex? The sweeping, epic storyline, unpredictability in the plot, and of course the uniquely captivating characters enhance the show greatly, making it far more than an indulgence in sex and violence alone. This aspect is potentially very important, and worth thinking about when writing such an article. – IRBurnett9 years ago
A delicate subject definitely, but could shed some incredible light on modern entertainment, and why exactly we as a society are so attracted to these elements, even beyond surface value. This as well pulls on the idea of "shock value", and how much the creators of various modes of entertainment use that solely to up their following. – Sherlock9 years ago
I would even tie in Law & Order SVU in this. I've only watched a few episodes of True Blood and the majority of Game of Thrones, but I would tie in some shows that aren't just in the sci-fi and fantasy realm. – JoeVito9 years ago
You could also mention something about how the appeal of tv shows that explore the normal day-to-day has greatly decreased in correlation to the increased desire for extreme escapism in their entertainment. – SuziAtaei9 years ago
Audience agency refers to the act and quantity of which the audience of a particular art piece attempt connection with both the artistic piece and its artist. In this case, examine the audience agency in regards to postmodern television. Examine cases such as television series being renewed through audience engagement, or a television series that changed plotlines or characters because of audience approval/disapproval. Discuss whether this degree of agency is good for the future of television or not.
