Wrote this up last night as I was pushing 40 hours without sleep. Looks like tumblr saved it so what the hell:
Just finished this week’s Glee, which has made me wanted to point out a common thread I’ve enjoyed in TV shows this season: family. Or rather, family done well.
V is something I have on in the background, but it started to catch my interest when the conflict became personal, down to a mom trying to protect her son—even if he is an annoying POS.
The best episodes of Chuck have dealt with spy life causing conflicts with normal life. Most recently, the season finale with Casey’s storyline and Scott Bakula returning as Chuck’s dad. Season 3 has been worst because it lacking the family moments which gave the show heart.
Fringe is the big winner here. The whole conflict between the two universes—all that scifi shit—arose because Walter (give John Noble an Emmy) crossed over to the other universe to save his son. Amazing. It kind of blows my mind. I hope the show doesn’t go back to it’s monster-of-the-week stories and sticks with exploring the mythology.
Glee is hit or miss with this stuff. Wish we would get more Quinn. Loved Rachel and her mom (it caused me to write this) and hope Idina can come back as a guest next season. You also have that excellent reveal in “Wheels” with Sue Sylvester and her sister.
So there you go. No matter what genre you are writing for zero in on family. Polish it and make it the heart. Everything becomes relatable when you put it in human terms. It may seem obvious, but I think it’s worth pointing out.
And of course, given where I am in life right now (and how things will change to some degree next month), I couldn’t help but take a moment to reflect on people in my life—from people who I’ve known for years and those who I’ve met just this past year.
Michael Bluth: What have we always said is the most important thing?
George Michael Bluth: Breakfast
Michael Bluth: Family
George Michael Bluth: Oh, right. Family. I thought you meant of the things you eat.
