TV or not TV? (I know it doesn't relate to veg. topic, but interesting, anyway)

[Guest guest]

    Following the " TV or not TV? " thread: I do like TV, but I often avoid the

news and some of the really negative and violent stuff that's on the tube.  A

week ago, I watched the PBS Masterpiece Theatre's " Little Dorritt " (a Dickens

story) and found it fascinating, as I had never read the novel itself.  I also

like some " silly " programs--things like " America's Funniest Home Video's " (or

whatever the title is)--I never watch a whole segment, however, just enough to

laugh at how silly people are--and how we seem to love to catch those inane

moments " on camera " .  Interesting " mystery " stories (Poirot) catch my attention,

as well.

 

    Yeah, and I also like the on again-off again, sporadic series on USA

network, " Psych " .

The young fellow, Shawn, I guess I sort of identify with him, despite his

zaniness.  He's gotta be a really smart, grown-up-kid with a bit of A.D.D. and a

quick wit. I don't have the quick wit, but I admire it; I do have the A.D.D.

(LOL!).  I love it when Shawn and his cool friend, Gus, come thru and solve the

crime--despite all the misgivings of the " by-the-rules "  people around them,

including Shawn's strict but well-meaning dad. 

 

    On another side, I truly envy those who have HBO, as now that network is

airing the brand-new " No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency " series, from the novels by

Alexander McCall Smith.  I have read up through the 8th, and starting the 9th

installment of the book series--and I ADORE those stories!  

 

    Of course, I wonder whether the producers of the TV version have done true

justice to the " spirit " and " flavor " of the novels--which are so rich in

detail.  Reading the books, one can almost sense the very soul and scent of the

land and the people of Botswana (and Africa) through the conversation and

interactions of these very well-crafted (though fictional) characters.  I can't

help but think it's too bad that PBS's Masterpiece Theatre didn't take up the

telling of these stories instead of the more " commercial " HBO--I think MPT would

have done well by Mr. McCall Smith and his stories.  For myself, I am hoping the

programs come out on DVD at some point in future.  From what I have read

(reviews and PR for the series online), the TV version might disappoint me--too

much altered to resemble the original.

 

    Well, it is very late and I need to get outta here and off to bed!  Whomever

it was who observed that being online can be a time-hogger, just as much or more

than TV was right when it comes to my own embarrassing computer-addiction! 

Well, good-night to you all!

 

Peace!

--Laura B., in Illinois

 

PS:  Tonight, PBS had a really interesting installment of the " American

Experience " series on the Native Americans. I saw it 1 1/2 times, as I came in

late for the it and found it on another channel to see the whole segment on the

Cherokee experience and the historical background for the Trail of Tears

" relocation " .  I was deeply moved by it.