Commitment Issues

I am going through a television commitment crisis.

This season’s line-up began as it normally does, Glee and Modern Family — I had even considered catching up on Desperate Housewives, considering it’s the last season and all. I had expected to give House M.D. at least a couple of episodes and I was really eager to watch Dexter.

I had even begun watching The CW’s Ringer, and I made it to episode two. But, sorry, Sarah Michelle Gellar. I’m unable to continue. Not because I think Ringer is all that bad. It’s probably a bit campy (as in cheap special effects, but it IS The CW) and a bit telenovela, but I’m enjoying Gellar being back. No, I’m unable to continue because I’ve actually lost my will to watch television.

I haven’t even bothered to catch Dexter.

I didn’t think this problem was all that serious a few months ago when I got a break from the “regular” tv line-up, when all I really had to watch was Weeds, but I didn’t. I really was fine last season when I felt I had watched a good amount of shows that made me go, “Hey! I’ve seen that show” once Emmy nominations were out.

The idea of having issues watching a network television series are easier to understand. Half a year having to wait for all 20-something episodes of a season that you may or not enjoy. Half a year of your life complaining about the issues, or suffering alongside your favorite character. However, what about those cable shows that are only 13 episodes long?

Instead of watching new episodes of shows, or catching up with those shows that I oughta be catching up with — Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, Breaking Bad — I feel like relaxing with a variety program. Instead of watching scripted television, you can catch me laughing my butt off at repeat viewings of Family Outing. I can literally sit through four hrs. (roughly, four episodes) of that show in one sitting as I cry from my belly hurting from so much laughing.

While Yoo Jaesuk’s (far left, with glasses) Running Man is funny and kind of exciting for a variety program, the show doesn’t hold the same charisma as Family Outing, at least for me. As with any great show, sometimes great variety programs come once in a lifetime. Seriously, Korean variety programs — alongside Korean comedians — are making me appreciate a genre I never thought I would ever take with as much intent.

So tell me, people? Why don’t I feel like watching scripted television as I had done before?

WHAT’S MY PROBLEM?

amy

YAM Magazine editor, photographer, blogger, translator and part-time web designer. Film junkie, music junkie… and lately series (a.k.a. TV) junkie.

14 Responses

  1. Rodrigo says:

    I could cover Glee and Modern Family for YAM if it makes you feel any better.

    You should have listed Game of Thrones as a show you oughta be checking. :P That’s a high-quality adventure/drama/fantasy show and Peter Dinklage is worthy of his Emmy Award.

    I think I should give a full shot to Mad Men, Breaking Bad and Boardwalk Empire. I guess I could catch up easily with Empire since its second season has only begun. But I’m also a lazy person, lol.

    • amy says:

      @Rodrigo, I watched the first two seasons of Mad Men, but for me it wasn’t a show I had to know what’s going to happen.

      There are really good shows out there, but thinking about how much I have to put in really turns me off. And I really don’t know what is it about variety programs in Korea. Seriously, Family Outing is at least 40-ep long, but it’s really easier to watch. You can easily watch 2 episodes before dinner, and it’s perfect because you’re always hungry after the show anyway.

    • amy says:

      @Rodrigo, btw, since you have such sharp sense of humor – pretty dark and kinda hard to please. I would like to see you trying Family Outing LOL so…. I’ll send you a couple of links. LOL

  2. Julyssa says:

    Aw Amy is so cute seeing you try and play innocent here when you know pretty damn well that Japan has destroyed you.

    You hear about an American show, you go to check it out, you see the amount of episodes plus that you have to wait forever for the second season, you groan, you go see what Japan has to offer.

    Btw, go watch City Hunter. You won’t regret it.

    • amy says:

      @Julyssa, that would be the case…. if I were watching any Japanese dramas. But I’m not even watching those…

      So I really think it’s got to do with my television commitments overall. It’s like I can watch like 15 movies in the time I watch a season of a tv show… too much time investing? If there’s such a thing for entertainment?

  3. ghost says:

    I think you have commitment issues. period. Wasn’t there a 6-month mark period?

    • amy says:

      @ghost, there is a 6-month period mark in subject matters, not specific to shows. It’s usually with fandom, though. But that’s a whole different issue.

      I think a more proper title would be “tv lazy issues” – i just don’t get how one can be lazy about watching tv… that would be like…. the bottom of the lazy barrel. LOL

  4. Camiele says:

    Because once you watch a Korean variety show, your whole outlook on LIFE shifts…HaHa. It’s a varifiable fact that watching Family Outing or X-Man ruins you on most anything America has to show (unless, of course, it’s on HBO which has decided to be all fantastic the past five years or so). So you were pretty much done for when you started watching the K-variety…HaHa.

    • amy says:

      @Camiele, but that’s the thing. I’m not even watching HBO. Plus, I’ve never been able to get into HBO programming (I’ve found it easier to get into Showtime programming). Too much commitment, and I really watch TV to pass the time… or at least, used to.

      • Camiele says:

        @amy, That’s real. I was just referencing the fact that the only TV worth watching is HBO. But, yeah. You’ve got a fever and it can only be cured with more Korean variety shows…HaHa.

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