It’s been a while since my last TV Thursday post, and though my last post a few weeks ago was an introductory post about a new series- about my opinion on international shows and whether they are superior in quality to U.S. shows, I thought I would write a short special blog (combining it with Futuristic Fridays as well) as I delve into the concept of humans wanting to live forever- a theme that has been interwoven time and time again on TV, and more so this year on plenty of shows!
It’s been about a couple of weeks or so since I last posted (about Robin Williams’ last show), and in between that time I have had time to think about this next series. We took a break for TV Thursdays one week, and in the other week, my brother Jon wrote a guest post about his favourite 15 shows of 2014, and what he is planning to watch this coming 2014/2015 broadcast TV season. So, what is the topic for today?
If you know me by now through all the blog posts and reviews I have posted for 365 Days of Inspiring Media (no, I am not Josh, who usually writes for TV Thursdays, but rather his brother, Jon, who’s writing a guest post this week), you probably know that I watch a whole lot of TV. From past shows like MONK, Chuck, One Tree Hill, Eureka, Being Erica, Psych, Packed to the Rafters, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes and Suburgatory, to present shows like Royal Pains, Once Upon a Time, Parenthood, Orphan Black, Suits, Arrow, Person of Interest and Switched at Birth; television shows have always had something to say, whether it be for entertainment value, or with a message of hope, encouragement, or even a relevant issue for current society to gain from watching the show. Regardless of whatever reason you watch your favourite TV show, you gotta admit that TV show watching has been a form of education, learning, escapism, and a place where people can dream and hope.
Like I mentioned earlier in the week, it’s a very sad week that we as a nation and globe connected through social media may never fully ‘get over’; after the death of one of the most loved, respected, and popular TV and movie personalities ever- Robin Williams. It was shocking, it was unexpected, and soon enough, the tweets and messages flooded in from fans and his celebrity friends and acquaintances. I even wrote a post about my initial reactions, and writing down some personal thoughts, in the hope that people get some closure, healing, hope and understanding from this tragic and senseless mess. Now I think that it is only fitting that I delve into The Crazy Ones for this TV Thursday- the short lived 1 season CBS comedy TV show that would turn out to be Robin’s last role ever (not including the 4 movies in post production right now that Robin starred in, in some capacity). It’s an interesting show, although sometimes a little bit too procedural, and some people have said that if the show was renewed that Robin would still be alive. Well, that’s a very tricky subject matter, and one that I hope to answer with as little controversy as I can.
Continue reading TV Thursdays: The Last TV Show With Robin Williams Starring In It (The Crazy Ones)
A very sobering, uncomfortable, hotly debated, controversial and confronting topic, the notion that our actions in this life impact the next after we die, has been proposed in numerous formats by various religions and beliefs since the dawn of time.
Continue reading TV Thursdays: What Happens After We Die? (Life On Mars, Ashes To Ashes)
I know, I know, with a title like that, you probably might expect me to talk about stranger danger and mention that we never truly know someone until they do something horrific, and show their true colours. How I might say that our neighbours or close friends could be living double lives and we won’t know until much later. But that’s the opposite of what I am going to delve into today. Instead, let me ask you a question. When was the last time you had a conversation with your neighbour, and learn more about their story and life’s journey? When was the last time you said hello, had a cup of coffee with them and talked about a common topic? It may surprise you that not everyone has a secret agenda, and some people are genuinely nice because they are.
Continue reading TV Thursdays: Do We Know Our Neighbours Inside And Out? (Eureka)
Do you get envious from time to time? Like really jealous of the person sitting next to you, wondering why ‘he has this and this and this, and I have only that’? Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’re abnormal or anything, just that you are curious and human, like we all are. What if I were to tell you that most of the time (alright, some of the time then…), part of the reason why people succeed is because of an experienced and cultured mentor guiding them and giving them sound advice in their decision making? That part of the reason why people succeed is that a superior in work or in life experiences imparts wisdom and shares knowledge to them?
Continue reading TV Thursdays: What Can We Learn From Our Mentors? (Suits, White Collar)
Ever wondered how it would be if you lived your life again? Like for a second time, a do-over, a chance to start again? Regrets are common and universal to everyone. It’s something that people deal with, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, religion, morals, values, ethics, belief systems… you get my point.
As I mentioned in my X-Men review a week or so ago, humanity’s search for meaning and purpose has stretched across time, with the ache for something more ingrained in us as we long to discover the reason why we are put on this earth. Whether we are 10 or 90, I believe we will never stop searching for what we were meant to do with our lives, our short time on this planet, and we will also never stop looking for someone to guide us in this life.
Continue reading TV Thursdays: Our Search For A Saviour and a Hero (Chuck, Once Upon A Time)
Numerous times in my life I catch myself thinking if the opinion people around me form about me stems from and takes root in the actions taken and decisions made by my parents. Am I reduced to the level of my parents if they make a horrible decision or can I rise above familial expectations and prove people of worthiness if there is a pressurising precedent to follow?