|
Realism takes back seat on action-packed '24' |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Written by R.D. Heldenfels, MCT
|
|
Tuesday, 30 January 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Q: After being a dedicated fan of "24" for five years, there are a few things that I am still wondering about. No one ever seems to take a restroom break. No one ever either sleeps or takes a short nap break. No one ever seems to eat anything. No one has ever charged the batteries in their cellular phones, even though they use them for all communications. I know that there must be an explanation for these points.
A: The show takes place over a single day, so the cell phones should hold up. With nukes and other disasters looming, I'd think everyone was too excited to sleep or eat. As for the bathroom, I suspect they take their breaks during the commercials — just the way viewers do!
More seriously, "24" is not remotely realistic, and it's easy to question not only the details but the big things (like the nuclear explosion in the second season, which was forgotten almost as soon as it happened). The show is more like a thrill ride, where all you remember is the sensation.
Q: I have been a faithful reader of your column for some time and have never seen this subject addressed. Why are the networks obsessed with sex and violence? Why can't we have any decent, clean programs these days? I have resorted to reading these days and leave the TV off.
A: Television does contain more sex and violence than it did when I was growing up in the '50s — although some people complained about the content then, too. The culture generally accepts rawer content than in the past, and people have been willing to spend money and viewing time on it.
But it's not all adult out there. The Parents Television Council, a strict TV watchdog, has said that "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "7th Heaven," "Deal or No Deal," "Wife Swap," "Supernanny" and "American Idol" are all "family — friendly" and promote "responsible themes and traditional values" — and that's just on the commercial broadcast networks. The availability of TV shows on DVD also makes it possible to watch family — friendly shows from the past instead of today's fare.
Q: I am trying to locate a VHS or a DVD of an old favorite movie called "The Last Angry Man" starring Paul Muni. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated.
A: I have seen it for sale on VHS, including at www.amazon.com. Used copies started at $10, but new copies had triple — digit price tags.
Q: In the late '50s or early '60s, there was a television program called "Science Fiction Theatre." Do you know if that is played on any television stations? I live in Northern California, San Mateo area.
A: The syndicated series, made from 1955 to 1957, "explored the 'what-ifs" of modern science" in individual dramas, says "The Complete Directory to Prime Time and Network Cable TV Shows." I do not know of stations televising it. I have seen it for sale on DVD, including through the sites www.tvaddicts.tv and www.skaryguyvideo.com. But I cannot vouch for the source or quality of products from those companies.
| Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
|
|  | "Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth." | |
|  | We're not that bright, even though in our own little world, we're geniuses. We like 80s hair bands and one-hit wonders, but among us we have respectable tastes, too. Metallica, Iron Maiden, U2. Pursuit of all things trivial is a lifestyle, not just a game. We like some sports, love other sports, and can find something to say about anything. We watch TV and movies and we've read a book or two, even a few classics (Yes, Classic Comics count!)
We call it insight, you call it what you will. | |
|  | Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. | |
|  | Hola Amigos! I'm Sandra. I like to believe that people are 70 percent good and 30 percent dumb. I'm stickin to that story. Reading this blog might make you want to be good, but probably just dumb. | |
|  | Donovan Henderson is editor of NEXTnc. | |
|  | Here at Nextnc we have some characters. Get a sneak peak behind the curtain and find out what amusing antics our staffers get themselves into on a weekly basis. | |
|  | What is up FoCo?
I am a recent college graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead. After recieving my B.A. in English and Mass Communications this past August I moved down to Colorado.
I enjoy long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, and heavy metal. My hobbies include reading and writing, music, movies, and getting drunk. Some of my favorite contemporary authors include Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, and Kurt Vonnegut. My top movies are anything directed by Kubrick. I enjoy listening to anything that rocks.
Right now I am just trying to get to know Colorado and FoCo better. Mostly in order to find the best drink specials on each day that ends in Y. So if you know where I can get a cheap drunk on, let me know!
--Drew | |
|  | Life's little morsels of inspiration, observation and encouragement seen through the eyes of the Nextnc reporter.
| |
|  | Ms. Giles currently lives in Colorado where she stars in her own private reality show. She writes aphoristic accounts of her life, taken completely out of context, and embellished with characters and situations disguised to resemble something close to interesting. | |
|  | over and out | |
| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
|
|
