I was just watching an episode of The Vampire Diaries with my housemates. The high drama genre eye-candy made me miss Smallville. That made me think of this. From Mar 9, 2007
I don't think it's any secret of my...disdain for certain television programs. It's been widely documented through a couple of entries on this very blog, a chain of responses to comments on said entries, several different private email communications in response to one bulletin posting which left little question as to my thoughts on how certain fictional characters should be dealt with.
But this week has been something of an eye-opener. I went into it with just as dismissive and cynical an attitude as ever toward select elements of pop culture. I therefore could not have foreseen what was to happen yesterday at lunch as my co-workers and I gathered in our breakroom. We were all trying our best to weather some recent very sad news for our office manager, going on with our normal lunchtime banter which, on Thursdays, usually includes what happened the night before on Lost. I was retrieving something from the refrigerator when Andy asked, "Is tonight's Grey's Anatomy a new episode?"
"Who cares?" I mumbled snidely beneath my breath, and it was not until I turned around back to the table to see not just a few suspended gazes directed my way that I realized what was supposed to be my inside dialogue had found it's way out of my mouth (this has happened frequently since my father literally dropped me on my head when I was six; I've tried to retrain myself to curb this, but to no avail). To my credit, I estimate only three of the nine people present were regular and enthusiastic viewers of the show. The five remaining besides myself held no significant opinion on the matter. I don't think any of them bore me any ill will for whatever opinion I myself might have had (unlike some I've encountered). But all of them seemed somewhat taken aback by my apparently sinister and hostile tone.
As soon as I realized their reaction, I slackened my posture and went into my cute little nervous laugh in a quick attempt to recover from my social faux paux and to summon myself back from the dark side. Hopefully by now my eyes had stopped glowing and changed back to their normal sea blue hues.
No dice.
"John!" Andrea authoritatively snipped at me. "We don't ever talk bad about Smallville."
"I hardly ever bring up Smallville," I said defensively.
"Is that show even still on?" Caran asked, snickering.
"Shh--!" I shot my crooked index finger at her.
"What's the issue with Grey's, John?" asked Andy, quite amused at this point. I heaved out a sigh of exasperation and dropped my head slightly, trying to collect myself for the apology (classical meaning: defense) which lay ahead.
I explained in short order my belief that the show had little at all to do with modern surgical medicine and the frustrations of the young interns employed. Rather, it has more to do with mostly young attractive people in scrubs and white coats behaving like common whores...and oh the drama and romantic "comedy" that ensues.
"Okay, so there was a whole ferry load of people in critical condition, and all of the doctors were focusing their efforts solely on Meredith..." Andy conceded.
"But John," Kristi patiently tried to explain to me. "It's Grey's Anatomy... 'Anatomy', John...!"
Instantly, it was like a fog had lifted. This was the most compelling point I'd yet heard, beating out every other thing I'd tried to use to convince myself not to take the show so seriously. It was right there all along! A double entendre...I love those! Elated, I apologized to all of my comrades for any offenses I may have incurred, and then took my seat to enjoy my lunch.
Last night I spent the evening with my good friend Stefanie. I caught my dark side mischeviously re-emerging as I saw a trailer for the next episode on television. Taking notice of my hateful remark, she confronted me on it. I explained again as best I could.
"But it's the only thing I ever watch," she pleaded. "I love George," she said, remarking about how she always gets a crush on gay actors.
Then and there, it seemed to me that if this show were indeed the only source of entertainment for some people...people who are important to me for that matter...then I really should try to meet its audience halfway.
Can I do this? Can I get over its ridiculously phenomenally insane popularity with its ensemble of award-winning stars who just recently renegotiated their six-figure salaries...? My personal history tells me not to hold my breath. I will say however that as long as ABC chooses not to pre-empt Boston Legal for it (again), or put it up against Smallville, anything's possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment