Three Media Critics I love to read.
The first is Oliver Sava. He reviews television shows, comic books and movies for the A.V. Club on the Onion. I think he reads my mind. He reviews some of my favorite favorite cartoons, I love his comic reviews, and he recently co-wrote an article speaking on the new Arrested Development. I think I like his review styles so much because I'm a fan of these media just as much as he is. I like his brutal honesty and his knowledge of particular fandoms. I can read his reviews and find insightful opinions as well as stand at his level. Way to go Oliver.
http://www.avclub.com/authors/oliver-sava,34583/
My second choice isn't really a person but more of a conglomerative website that features articles from real-life girls and three-website co-owners that dive in a delve up juicy material all over the web and the cable wires.
www.hellogiggles.com is one of my favorite websites and the entertainment tab is by far the place to grab the best girly insights to favorite television shows. The site is ran by Zooey Deschanel and her two high school girlfriends. I like to read the reviews and throw back to a simpler time when being a girl was easy and pretened like being a girl in media isn't so damn hard.
Here is an example from Karen Belz a lover of all things Parks and Rec. and giver of information of what's continuing and what shows have been cancelled.
http://hellogiggles.com/parks-recreation-avoids-cancellation-other-shows-not-so-lucky
And finally my third media critic is Willa Paskin. She is head staff writer for Salon.com. Her awesome name precedes her awesome tone.
http://www.salon.com/2013/05/17/the_offices_sugar_coated_finale/
In this article covering the finale of The Office, (spoliers if you haven't watched!), she passionately recounts the shows final moments and gives insights into the who's, whats, whens, and whys of the characters and their final decisions. I love her opinions and insights and reading her material always justifies show concepts and gives a new look on things that I may not have caught the first time through. Great stuff from a great gal.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Blog Entry #2: Media Profiles: Slate Article Responses
I really enjoyed reading the two Slate articles. I'm not too familiar with Alan Sepinwall, however I do enjoy reading the reviews from the A.V. Club at the Onion. The two Slate articles really brought to my attention the changes that have occurred in television criticism. Like Levin says, "Television criticism used to be like restaurant criticism," but it has definitely developed to a more show-by-show breakdown structure. I personally agree with this change in direction. I like the symbolic breakdown, the fanboy commentary, and the insightful opinions of others. I like to talk about television and read articles from others who like to talk about television.
I also found it interesting that Sepinwall had a cameo on Community. In the second article Sepinwall tells Levin that he regrets doing the cameo due to "the blurring of the line it caused." Levin said that it seemed odd that a critic would cameo on a television show he critiqued and that it imposed an ordeal if the critic were to give unkindly criticism if the show were to drop below his/her typical standards. Sepinwall seems to see the same concerns.
For the two Hyperlinks I clicked on; one was: a fantastic A.V. Club dialogue about the state of TV criticism (hyperlink works if you're intrigued). I clicked on this link because it was written by Noel Murray and Scott Tobias from the A.V. Club. When I was redirected, I found it to be a more playful conversation between the two regarding their television watching habits and how the criticism executed couldn't be at near quality if either of them were to just drop into a serialized show (with emphasis on Murray doing such with Friday Night Lights). Murray disagreed with Tobias' idea that you had to see each episode in a serialized show in sequential order to be able to fully appreciate the later plots and events. He used the example of Jason's return to the game after his injury in the pilot. Tobias says that there wasn't anyway for Murray to appreciate the emphasis on that moment without having seen the intricate plot detail leading up to that moment, as with any other moments within the series. Murray thought that you could drop in at any episode and figure out who's who and what's what and still have a clear idea of the show.
The other hyperlink I clicked on was: an open letter to NBC executives. I clicked on this because I wanted to read Sepinwall's push to keep Chuck on the air. I've never taken the time to watch Chuck but seeing the passion Alan put into his pitch for its continuation, I may have to make the time. I agree fully with his ideas and reasonings behind keeping Chuck on air and I haven't even watched one episode! Product integration is real and it's heading fast. Sepinwall is right, DVRs are killing commercial advertisements, so why not make up the cash in ways that businesses are already chomping at the bit for? Consumers also want a show to escape to. I love mindless television, as long as it's done well and Sepinwall seems to think "Chuck" is there as refuge. I do enjoy "30 Rock" and "The Office" why kick a show off air if it's just as funny or as Sepinwall claims is better? I think it's wonderful that television critics like Sepinwall are on board for their favorite television shows. That kind of passion to keep a show running shows a passion for television. If Sepinwall likes the show enough to push for continuation, then his standards must be high enough to deliver tough criticism if the show were to drop below them.
As for where this conversation has gone, it seems to be in the hands of the average Joe's, the self-proclaimed internet opinionated. At first the article was responded to by top critics, mainly those mentioned, such as Sepinwall himself, Murray, and others among the A.V. Club and Slate. Sepinwall agreed with a lot of the points Levin made as mentioned before (Community Cameo). James Poniewozik also responded to Levin's claims suggesting that Levin was more for the critical observation of reviewers rather than a more recap-like review, which Levin says was the complete opposite of his intentions, however there is a strength in objectivity.
Now however, the comment section is full of interesting insights from the readers of these critics. Troy Patterson makes an interesting point asking in regards to Sepinwall, "He changed TV criticism. But can you be both a rabid fan and a thoughtful reviewer?" I think Levin asked the same question when speaking of Sepinwall's appearance on Community. But can a critic be a fan and thoughtful? Can you love a show and show it tough criticism? Are you more open to a shows flaws because you like it? Or should you review a show as a whole rather than weekly recaps? I believe that there is a more abstract answer to these questions. Judgement and opinions are delicate things. However, I feel that with precise reasoning and thoughtful insights any argument can be validated.
I also found it interesting that Sepinwall had a cameo on Community. In the second article Sepinwall tells Levin that he regrets doing the cameo due to "the blurring of the line it caused." Levin said that it seemed odd that a critic would cameo on a television show he critiqued and that it imposed an ordeal if the critic were to give unkindly criticism if the show were to drop below his/her typical standards. Sepinwall seems to see the same concerns.
For the two Hyperlinks I clicked on; one was: a fantastic A.V. Club dialogue about the state of TV criticism (hyperlink works if you're intrigued). I clicked on this link because it was written by Noel Murray and Scott Tobias from the A.V. Club. When I was redirected, I found it to be a more playful conversation between the two regarding their television watching habits and how the criticism executed couldn't be at near quality if either of them were to just drop into a serialized show (with emphasis on Murray doing such with Friday Night Lights). Murray disagreed with Tobias' idea that you had to see each episode in a serialized show in sequential order to be able to fully appreciate the later plots and events. He used the example of Jason's return to the game after his injury in the pilot. Tobias says that there wasn't anyway for Murray to appreciate the emphasis on that moment without having seen the intricate plot detail leading up to that moment, as with any other moments within the series. Murray thought that you could drop in at any episode and figure out who's who and what's what and still have a clear idea of the show.
The other hyperlink I clicked on was: an open letter to NBC executives. I clicked on this because I wanted to read Sepinwall's push to keep Chuck on the air. I've never taken the time to watch Chuck but seeing the passion Alan put into his pitch for its continuation, I may have to make the time. I agree fully with his ideas and reasonings behind keeping Chuck on air and I haven't even watched one episode! Product integration is real and it's heading fast. Sepinwall is right, DVRs are killing commercial advertisements, so why not make up the cash in ways that businesses are already chomping at the bit for? Consumers also want a show to escape to. I love mindless television, as long as it's done well and Sepinwall seems to think "Chuck" is there as refuge. I do enjoy "30 Rock" and "The Office" why kick a show off air if it's just as funny or as Sepinwall claims is better? I think it's wonderful that television critics like Sepinwall are on board for their favorite television shows. That kind of passion to keep a show running shows a passion for television. If Sepinwall likes the show enough to push for continuation, then his standards must be high enough to deliver tough criticism if the show were to drop below them.
As for where this conversation has gone, it seems to be in the hands of the average Joe's, the self-proclaimed internet opinionated. At first the article was responded to by top critics, mainly those mentioned, such as Sepinwall himself, Murray, and others among the A.V. Club and Slate. Sepinwall agreed with a lot of the points Levin made as mentioned before (Community Cameo). James Poniewozik also responded to Levin's claims suggesting that Levin was more for the critical observation of reviewers rather than a more recap-like review, which Levin says was the complete opposite of his intentions, however there is a strength in objectivity.
Now however, the comment section is full of interesting insights from the readers of these critics. Troy Patterson makes an interesting point asking in regards to Sepinwall, "He changed TV criticism. But can you be both a rabid fan and a thoughtful reviewer?" I think Levin asked the same question when speaking of Sepinwall's appearance on Community. But can a critic be a fan and thoughtful? Can you love a show and show it tough criticism? Are you more open to a shows flaws because you like it? Or should you review a show as a whole rather than weekly recaps? I believe that there is a more abstract answer to these questions. Judgement and opinions are delicate things. However, I feel that with precise reasoning and thoughtful insights any argument can be validated.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Blog Entry #1: Lists
Hello! My name is Jade and here are some awesome and not so awesome shows that fill up my life!
(1) Shows
you’re watching these days, since school’s been out;
- Doctor Who- Pretty much addicted to this show. I love the sic-fi elements and the blend of quirky humor and drama.
- Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares- Uk and American variations
- Adventure Time!- I have cable now, so I'm so excited to stay up-to-date. I've always been a cartoon network fan as well as adult swim so I love little mindless cartoons that take me out of my typical day of stress.
(2)
Peripheral Shows--shows you watch because someone else in the house
(significant other, parent, roommate) watches them;
- Monday Night Raw- I'm not a wrestling fan at all, but one roommate just can't get enough of CM Punk.
- Duck Dynasty- My parents watch this show and it's on every time I'm home. I find it to be relatively interesting, but just not my cup of tea.
- How I Met Your Mother- I'll be honest, I loved this show for the first two or three seasons, but it's met its end. The same roommate that loves CM Punk also loves Bob Saget and Neil Patrick Harris.
(3) Guilty
No-Gos--Shows you think you should watch (because critics like them or your
friends like them) but don’t;
- Big Bang Theory- Just no. I don't see the humor in this show and it's not because I don't get it. (I like physical science and pick up on more jokes than my parents).
- Super Jail!- I really can't see the appeal, but all of my friends love it.
(4)
Guilty Pleasures
- King of the Hill
- Reba- I watch this with my roommate and he and I wish we could be half as cool as Reba.
- Will and Grace
- What Not to Wear- I feel like one day I'll be a contestant and have $5,000 dollars to spend on clothes in NYC.
- Pretty much everything on lifetime and TLC
(5)
All-Time Favorites-- shows you’ll watch in re-runs even though you’ve seen them
many times before
- The Office- I love Jim and Pam and the multiple story lines they filter through out each episode. Perfection.
- Doctor Who- I like all of the doctors. I like to re-watch episodes on Netflix.
- Sherlock- Benedict Cumberbatch's voice has my soul. If you close your eyes he sounds like Alan Rickman.
- Adventure Time
- Breaking Bad
(6) Shows
I Used to Like, But Not So Much Anymore
- How I met Your Mother
- The Walking Dead- I still watch every Sunday during season but its straying from my attention.
(7) Shows
I Resisted for a Long Time, But
Now I’m a Fan!
- Weeds- I'm glad I started watching this on Netflix! The story line is rich and if like Breaking Bad this is a more mellow counterpart!
- United States of Tara- Definitely a great show! I was weary at first due to the main actress. But I love her more and more each time I watch.
(8) I
Would Rather Eat Charcoal Than Watch These Shows
- Honey Boo Boo- I'm not sure what television is coming to.
- Dance Moms- Do you really need to live life through your children?
- Toddlers and Tiaras- Children should not wear as much make-up as strippers. Sorry.
(9) Add a
category of your own
Awesome 90's Cartoons that have been re-discovered on Netflix and now you don't move when you get home from work because that show is available to you in all of its full season glory:
- Power Puff Girls
- Dexter's Laboratory
- Rugrats
- Rocko's Modern Life
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