Go Ahead, Make My Daze

Welcome Comrades,

Well, I hate to admit it, but I watch television. I know it can be an enormous time-waster, but occaisionally, gems surface through the mire. Beloved classics like "I, Claudius," and "Elizabeth R," on PBS in my youth informed my love of history and inspired me to read Robert Graves. Of course "Star Trek," made me yearn for a better future where poverty and crime were things of the past, money was a memory and women all wore miniskirts and go-go boots. Television is a wonderful escape valve from the pressures of modern life. Nowadays, it's more of a habit than a choice, and like a true addict I keep going back to the dealer hoping this time he's got the good stuff. I'm prepared to take what I can get, though, to satisfy my craving.

"The West Wing" is one of those pure experiences that recalls the 'cherry high' of early usage. Well written and informative, well acted and directed - I'm a big fan. Lately, however, I've noticed little disturbing things on TV. Is it my imagination or is Hollywood turning to the right? President Bartlett on the show is getting into assasinations and becoming outwardly cocky. His staff are becoming more and more brazen in their willingness to abuse power. Not that that's particularly right-wing or anything, but is now the time for my fantasy leader to falter? I appreciate the show creators' need to explore the characters, but everyone is watching. It matters what is done with the show.

After "West Wing," I'm usually comfortable to watch "Law & Order," which follows it. I'm a programmers' dream, I know. This week, however, there was a show about free speech in times of crisis. At least, I think so, anyway. Throughout the show, the authorities were harsh and vindictive, they lied, bent the rules of law freely, and to top it off, the character they based on ACLU attorney Gloria Allred was shot at the end of the show. What the hell are they trying to say? The new D.A. on the show is Republican Senator Fred Thompson! I guess they don't have to hit me over the head with it. "Law & Order," is a venerable show that is seldom great, but consistantly good and watchable. Now, at 10:00 PM, I'm turning the channel. As all this was dawning on me, I saw a promo for "Will & Grace." She's getting married?! What the Hell?! Now, they can change the show to "Normal Guy & Grace,", and get rid of those troublesome homosexuals. They make the sponsers and affiliates nervous, anyway. Say, has anyone seen Tom Sawyer? I need some more whitewash over here.

However, on the bright side, this represents an opportunity. Maybe, finally, I can wean myself off the pipe. Bad shows are really Digital Methadone. Tomorrow, instead of dreaming about a democracy, I can go participate in it! H. Jackson Brown, author of Life's Little Instruction Book, writes "Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." Bastard! Damn him. I hate having my inadequacies pointed out. Of course, none of those people had to contend with harsh Master Television. I suppose watching a little History Channel couldn't hurt.

Hasta la victoria siempre,

TVD

--- 11/21/02

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