TV Land and TCM Will Conquer Preservation Market (Part 4)

Classic Shows and Movies Are Key Components to the Film and Television Future

By AMIR ALI SAID

This is the last installment of the Preservation Market series from the TV Land slant. As I've stated on numerous occasions, TV Land is doing a great job of preserving classic TV shows. Shows that must be seen by any and everybody interested in any form of art. The TV shows are timeless classics that offer a lot of information and sort of hands-on opportunities to understand storyline structure. In it's essence, TV Land offers the opportunity to watch classic shows for as much time as you want. You can gather and take apart anything that you please and use it for yourself.

Eventually, I think they'll be a load of filmmakers, T.V. producers, and writers who will look back to classics like those shown on TV Land for material and reference. As stories become even more cliche and dialogue tends to be boring and uninteresting, I think the above mentioned groups will be desperate. By that time they'll be scrambling for ideas. I don't think there's a better place to start than the 50s, 60s, and 70s. That's the meat of authentic, well written shows and films. But even more far back for the film industry could see the 20s, 30s, and 40s getting support. T.V. stations like TV Land, and TCM will already be on the right side of history when that time comes around.

All of the shows that I've watched on TV Land have given me a piece of creativity that I would never gotten. Each show offers their own advice, character names, or even solid pieces of storyline that can be used for later projects. TV Land also offers a countless number of actors that exhibit what great acting and direction should look like. Too really understand, TV Land offers television shows that helped set standards for the future. I think that above all puts TV Land in a completely different region compared to other cable stations. To say the least, it's my favorite and I cherish the moments I get to watch the shows that TV Land allows to be available.

For the next installment I'll start speaking about TCM. The TCM series will be more lengthy as I will actually be combining film reviews along with this theme of preservation. Plus, the TCM series will take longer since there's more involved. There are a number of films that I can discuss that I discovered on TCM. But what I'm trying to capture through these posts is how much TV Land and TCM matter to the future in film and television. The shows and movies that are being shown on the respective channels are chosen to be studied. As well as, casually watched. But the main thing is to understand the importance of the channels and the TV shows or Movies that they offer.

'The Game' Revival May Not Turn Out Well

Writing Staff's Long Wait and New Network Equal Trouble

By AMIR ALI SAID

The Game became one of my favorite T.V. shows instantly. In fact, it only took one day for The Game to march into my favorites. This was a good show with solid acting and writing. After I did a bit of research and learned it had been cancelled was shocked. But I knew eventually the show would have to get picked up on some network. There was a lot of foundation that was laid and much more creativity left on the table to be used. Thus, the news of BET picking up The Game came as no surprise to me and I was glad. However, I did question the essence and feeling of the show being lost after a long time off set.

I don't think there's any doubting the chemistry between the actors will still be there in the upcoming season. But my questions and doubts relate to the writing, editing, and directing staff. I'm not sure if the wait or even the same staff will return with the same spirit of the last season. I might want to repeat that, I'm not sure if the same team will return since a new network has picked up the show. Plus, even if the same team returns they may not go in the same direction they intended. Not because they forgot, but simply because this time around I think they want to stay on air longer than three seasons. Which is a problem.

After I saw how the character Kelly Pitts (Brittany Daniel) was now being portrayed red flags immediately came up. Her character looks completely different from previous episodes. In some ways I guess that's the evolution the team of writers came up with. But I don't agree with their decision. Kelly now looks like an outgoing slut ready to solely have a good time. But she has a daughter and love for her ex-husband Jason. I don't think those two factors add up and equal a woman going on a spree with multiple males. In fact, I think she would be more introverted if anything. But since the writers didn't get that picture the result is a completely different Kelly than everybody knows. I think that'll be a major negative.

I'll be doing updates on the show after each episode, or every two. I have an optimistic outlook on the revival of the show. However, I do think in the back of my head that the show may not turn out well. There are too many variables working against the show. Plus, like I stated earlier the lay-off experienced by the writing staff is something that isn't easy to overcome. For the actors it's rather easy, but the writing process is different. Especially when you have pressure to do well. But as far as I think, The Game has a chance to go horribly wrong or incredibly right. Now, I'll just sit back and watch and give my take on the show as it develops.

'Human Target,' One of My Favorite Shows On Television

No Competition On Wednesdays, Yet Show Stays In Second Place

By AMIR ALI SAID

Perhaps one of the best television shows on right now lives on Fox. I'm talking about Human Target. But before I tell you why I'd like to give you some background on the show. Human Target premiered on CTV and on Fox in January last year. Fox renewed the show for a second that would premiere in November. Back in January, I hadn't heard of the show. Plus, I'm not sure it got much exposure on the two networks. But what the fact is, Fox had faith in the show. But since the second season I've been watching the show every Wednesday.

Human Target is about a private contractor, body guard, hit man Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) who is hired to protect his clients. But instead of doing it alone, he has a team to help him. His business partner Winston, (Chi Mcbride), who specializes in muscle and technology. The last member of the crew is Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley). Guerrero's character is just as good as Chance, they both have similar attributes. But when it comes down to it Guerrero is the tech and the main muscle besides Chance. The woman funding and running the whole operation is former client Ilsa Pucci (Indira Varma). Along the way, the team allows an non-trustworthy jewel thief join the team, Ames (Janet Montgomery). As of the last couple of episodes, that's the whole team.

A show of its nature could show up in a film script easily. Which is why I'm surprised it does so well on television. Tackling the hit man storyline with a team of friends with different attributes isn't anything different. But it's the twist that matters. I think that everything about the story and execution is why Human Target is one of the best shows on television. Each character has their own past that's delved into by each episode. But the thing about this tight-knight group is that all of them are friends. They help each other and practically know their movements and decisions. The whole feel of the show is another thing to key in on.

Human Target feels like your a hitman racing against the clock. In it's essence, that's exactly what the show is about. In some way shape or fashion the team gets a client during the day and protects them until the problem is eliminated. Plus, the show also feels very engaging. Once your in the groove of watching a episode you don't want to step away for just a second during the commercial break. I think the actor's, editing, storyline, and directing is what gets this feeling across. With other shows I don't feel the same way sometimes. But with Human Target I feel it all the time, another reason why it's the best show on television.

The fact that I was sold on the show after one episode goes to show how much I like this show. I'm not sure how the first season went, but if it was anywhere near this season then I can see why the show got renewed. This is show that I think deserves more viewers. Listen to the competition in the 8:00 P.M. time slot. Oh that's right, there isn't much. Besides CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, or a sporting event there's nothing that should be able to compete with Human Target. However, The Middle on ABC does a pretty good job of sticking around. But above all, Human Target is the best show on Wednesday, and the best show on Television right now.

TV Land and TCM Will Conquer Preservation Market (Part 3): 'All in the Family'

Very Valuable Comedy-Drama Revival Inhabits TV Land

By AMIR ALI SAID

All in the Family has slowly become one of my favorite T.V. shows. TV Land has done a great job of ensuring that spot. All in the Family is about a bigoted, stubborn, near elderly WWII veteran, Archie (Carroll O'Connor) who's views clash head on with anyone he interacts with. His wife on the other hand, Edith (Jean Stapleton) is completely different. She's a more understanding, sometimes weak or naive who loves Archie very much. Together, they have one daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers). Gloria is married to Michael Stivic (Rob Reiner), he's often referred to as "Meathead" by Archie. There's more to all of these characters, tune in.

Michael and Archie don't get along, they're the perfect example of Archie's numerous culture clashes. Michael is somewhat of a hotshot hippie who grew up around WWII, the same war Archie fought in. Archie, because of his age, grew up during WWI so his background and views are completely different from Michael's. There in lies the heavily deep rooted conflict between the two. Even throughout the conflicts and troubles, Archie is truly a great family man with lots of love. This fact is evident in a number of episodes, just take your time to watch, it'll be worth it.

Many different parts of the storyline I've yet to be filled in on. In fact, most of what I know now is thanks to the fill-ins from my parents. At first glance, All in the Family doesn't film like your regular comedy. In fact, I think it's a drama with a touch of comedic relief. The show isn't ran purely off of the comedy, but more off of the storyline and Archie's lead. But the whole show as a collective effort between the acting and storyline is irreplaceable. This show is a pure classic that I could watch every day. The components to the show are all at high levels, some which I've never seen or heard of before. All in the Family has grown into one of my favorites quicker than I expected because I have no choice. It's a masterpiece.

I'm not the only who enjoyed All in the Family's eight year run. The television show was well received during its time. During the span of eight years, after the debut and 1976-1977 seasons, the show never dropped out of the top 10 spots. At one point, the show had a streak of six straight seasons at the top spot. I'm nowhere near surprised, the show was worth a number one spot. All in the Family featured enough jaw dropping, O's and Ah's that would have anyone anticipating the return of the next episode. All in the family holds the tenth most watched finale in television history. Make sure, you can be apart of the revival on TV Land.

TV Land and TCM Will Conquer Preservation Market (Part 2): 'Bonanza'

Priceless Classic Western Lives on TV Land

By AMIR ALI SAID

Bonanza is my favorite television show. Over the past few weeks I've become accustomed to watching Bonanza for one, two or three hours straight on T.V. Land. The show's storyline, acting, and execution is superb. I can relate to certain parts of the show and it's very engaging and suspenseful. Bonanza is a show like no other and I noticed that it strives to instill a lot of morals in the audience. Bonanza isn't only a show that you watch for all the techniques used, but also for great entertainment. I could watch an episode of Bonanza every hour of the day if it was possible. The show is a classic that had a great run. Now T.V. Land is preserving it.

TV Land is preserving classic T.V. shows from a variety of time periods. Each show that's preserved is forever in rotation for new generations, kids, teens, and adults to see. TV land also serves as reference material for a wide range of ideas. Other T.V. Shows, plays, films, or even non-fictional books could be created off of watching one or two episodes of a show. The T.V. shows shown on TV Land are timeless and priceless. The only other thing I could compare the station with is Turner Classic Movies. TCM preserves classic films. But both do a great job of preservation for the future.

If there's a better show than Bonanza I've yet to see it, and it's yet to come out. A classic, priceless show of its nature is one of a kind. Perfect casting, writing, and execution doesn't come around everyday. Bonanza is a show that is hard to duplicate, or even come close to. I think that its writing team, directors, and producers would have to give some insight into what they did in order to accomplish most of their episodes. However, like I discussed with my Father, the Coen Brothers may be able to create another western show like Bonanza if they wanted to give it a try. But I still believe Bonanza is one of the greatest shows on television, and T.V. Land is a great station for keeping it around.

If I were in TV Land's position I would become a cable T.V. station focused solely on showing classic shows. I would go the route of TCM. There will always be a market full of people who are willing to embrace the past classic culture. TCM has since created their own fan base. TV Land also has theirs but I can see they still want to have one foot in the present. I think they should go all the way into the classic T.V. show door. In fact, they should try and buy the rights to show even more shows on their network. But Bonanza should be in the forefront along with All in the Family. Next up will be All in the Family since it's slowly become one of my favorite shows shown on TV Land as well.

TV Land and TCM Will Conquer Preservation Market (Part 1)

Classic Shows and Movies Important for the Television and Film Industries

By AMIR ALI SAID

Lately I've taken a lot of interest in watching TV Land. TV Land offers a lot of old T.V. shows from a variety of different time periods. For example, Bonanza from the late 50s, All in the Family from the 70s, and Sanford and Son from the 70s as well. Each show has their own angle at life in their respective periods. Each show also holds their own weight in my film/television vault. But the most important thing is that a T.V. station like TV Land exists on cable. I think that's something that deserves to stay around for a long time to come.

TV Land is preserving classic T.V. shows from a variety of time periods. Each show that's preserved is forever in rotation for new generations, kids, teens, and adults to see. TV land also serves as reference material for a wide range of ideas. Other T.V. Shows, plays, films, or even non-fictional books could be created off of watching one or two episodes of a show. The T.V. shows shown on TV Land are timeless and priceless. The only other thing I could compare the station with is Turner Classic Movies. TCM preserves classic films. But both do a great job of preservation for the future.

Eventually, I think they'll be a influx of filmmakers, T.V. producers, and writers who reach far back for material. As stories become even more cliche and dialogue tends to be boring and uninteresting, I think the above mentioned groups will be desperate. By that time they'll be scrambling for ideas. Now what better place to start than the 50s, 60s, and 70s. That's the meat of authentic, well written shows and films. But even more far back for the film industry will see the 20s, 30s, and 40s getting support. T.V. stations like TV Land, and TCM will already be on the right side of history when that time comes around.

The next installment of this article will focus on independent shows and films that I think are worth studying. Next time around I'll be delving into TV Land's shows first. I think that both stations are very important to the development of the arts in the United States. History matters in every market. As far as film goes it has continued to adapt and expand. But lately, I think films have hit a rutt because I think creativity is at a new low. Which is why, I can certainly see a lot of T.V. shows and films based on or adapted from parts of classic shows or movies.

Childhood Animated Favorites Have Final Showdown

Digimon and Pokémon Will Always Be Competitors, But the Latter Gets the Nod

By AMIR ALI SAID

Digimon was always looked at as the rival of Pokémon. I also think that Digimon was seen to be the lesser, "cheaper" brand of Pokémon. However, I watched both. I remember watching Digimon when I was a kid. I wasn't aware of market share or television/animation rivalries, instead, I thought both shows looked cool. But the only thing that I knew as a kid was that I had a strong alliance with Pokémon. I'd had about three seasons on VHS available for me to watch at any time. Nonetheless, in hindsight I realized Digimon challenged that alliance. Here's a comparison of the two series.

Pokémon was the mainstream animated virtual television show. Kids across the world were and still are fans of Pokémon. The show was based on "insect collecting", one of the favorite things the Executive Director, Satoshi Tajiri-Oniwa, did as a child. In Pokémon, there were the trainers and the Pokémon species they were trying to capture. The goal of the trainers were to capture every available Pokémon, while also building a team of Pokémon who could battle against other trainers. Ultimately, through this long road the trainer would become Pokémon master.

I liked Pokémon especially because of Ash and Pikachu. They had the perfect trainer- Pokémon-relationship and they appeared to be the best of friends. Pikachu didn't stay inside the Pokéball like most Pokémon and was allowed to walk around with Ash and his friends. I thought that touch to the story was a great move. I also liked Pokémon because of the graphics and characters alone. The battles seemed engaging and as a child I was in awe at the different scenes of action, comedy, and story. Nonetheless, Pokémon was embedded in my animation favorites. Every animated show was put up against that standard. Then Digimon came along.

Digimon challenged Pokémon 's status for a limited amount of time. I saw the Digimon movie and some T.V. episodes and I was attracted to the series. Digimon was about a digital world within the world's communication systems. Within the digital world Digimon lived and hatched from Digi-Eggs. In the world of Digimon the monsters are controlled by their pre-teen rulers. These group of leaders are a very small tight-knit group of "chosen" leaders. The thing about Digimon is the storyline was very intricate. The animation was also reaching new grounds as opposed to Pokémon. The digital monsters appeared bigger, stronger, and harder to defeat. Plus, the characters colors and architecture looked different, almost better than those found in Pokémon. The essence of the battles seemed lifelike. As a kid all I saw was the battles, and I thought those battles had the upper hand over Pokémon.

I was and will always be a Pokémon fan. But I'm also a Digimon fan. Had the Digimon series kept up what was working might views might've changed. But for now, Pokémon is the number one animated T.V. show from that age. As a matter of fact, it still is, but in the form of video games. Besides Nintendo's own, Mario series, Pokémon is the 2nd largest, most successful video game based media franchise. Not for that reason, but for the reasons that I've stated, Pokémon is my favorite animated franchise. However, Digimon will always be a close second, the show had a nice run. Pokémon outlasted you though. Looks like an Pokémon marathon may be in the works for the night.

AMA's Fall To Third Place, Viewers Decline

NBC and Sunday Night Football Blow Awards Show Out the Water

By Amir Ali Said

The Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants squared off last night on NBC for Sunday Night Football. Did anybody notice that the American Music Awards were on last night as well over on ABC? I forgot all about the American Music Awards because I was way more interested in the football game. Plus, by the time I remembered the 22nd Annual award show was on, the football game took the suspense up a few notches. Here's a few numbers to compare between NBC and ABC last night.

According to EW.com (entertainment weekly), as far as viewers goes, seventeen million people tuned into the NFC East division rivalry last night. ABC on the other hand came in a distant third place with ten million viewers watching the awards show. Not only did the show get blown out of the water by NBC, but the American Music Awards dropped twenty-two percent from last year. To put this in perspective, CBS was able to edge out ABC by two million viewers. CBS didn't have an award show, in fact, because of the four o'clock football game the programs times were thrown off. That's bad news for ABC.

I asked a few people if they watched the American Music Awards and I didn't get back that many results in favor of ABC. I think the marketing for the Awards weren't taken seriously. I also didn't even see that many commercials or ads for the Awards. When it comes time for the MTV awards you'll see commercials and ADs practically anywhere you go, but the American Music Awards didn't come anywhere near that. I'm not surprised the Awards show didn't do very well, marketing is key in these Awards shows doing well.

Whoever put the AMA's together must not have checked out the NFL Sunday Night schedule. A simple look at that schedule and I don't think the AMA's would've aired last night. The Giants and Eagles both have huge fan bases and a rivalry that goes back for many years. If both of these teams both were under 500. this year I think the game would've got more viewers than the American Music Awards. But the American Music Awards seems to come around every year out of nowhere. I'm not sure I've ever watched it either. Nonetheless, this year was a failure for ABC and the Awards show.

Since the AMA's did bad this year, I think you can assume its fate may be worse next year. Unless, an artists has a breakout year and they'll be featured on the show. The American Music Awards will also have to do a better job of advertising. If any of those two variables come true then maybe the show will do better than this and last year's shows. I think the Awards show needs that spark. Will it come? I don't think it's likely, but maybe.

Hulu Slashes Price On Subscription Service

Netflix Has "Competition," Price War Ready to Jump Off

By Amir Ali Said

According to a variety.com report, Hulu plans on slashing its "Hulu Plus Service" to $7.99 from its original $9.99 price. If you didn't know already, Netflix's subscription service clocks in at $8.99. In Canada however, the streaming only service costs $7.99. What does all of this mean? A price war is on the rise between Hulu and Netflix. I think, In the end who's gonna win and lose will be decided rather quickly. Too bad I don't think it'll be Hulu on the winning side.

Hulu has a fan base. I'm not sure how big or small that base is, but I know their competitor has an even larger base that most people are aware of. Hulu on the other hand has gotten a fan base that's grown a little over the years. I haven't heard of one huge flock of consumers going to Hulu, like I've seen happen with Netflix. But that's one of the things pulling for Hulu in this war. They'll one, get exposure, and two, under-sale their competitor (Netflix) until they fold and take over at a new price range. Hulu may lose money, but they will have gotten a group of people who will most likely stay with them.

In order for Netflix to capitalize on this opportunity I think they'll have to slash prices immediately. Their fans and customers will be happy, and those people who are in the middle will go with their service. Netflix is an established go to figure for streaming and DVD rentals. Hulu on the other hand is known for capturing the TV streaming market, they pretty much have that on lock, but the films they have aren't that great. Oh yea and one more thing, Hulu has aligned themselves with Sony and the PS3. Versus Microsoft and the XBOX 360? I don't think that's going to workout very well.

In a war between Netflix and any other company trying to catch hold of the streaming reigns, I'll take Netlfix each time. Hulu's in a position where they'll most likely benefit no matter what, but Netflix will be better off than Hulu after this war ends. Both of these companies have goals, and Netflix has practically achieved the biggest one, capture the streaming monopoly. The fact that Netflix is already at $7.99 in Canada goes to show that they're willing to go that low. That spells problems for Hulu. Don't think this war will end will.

This situation may effect the whole streaming business so I'll be monitoring this closely. Hulu isn't a slouch, I just don't think they'll be able to compete with the beast that is, Netflix. But hey there's always the chance that Hulu can make this a gritty battle that Netflix will regret ever entering. I think that's unlikely, but you never know. Hulu and Netflix are set for a heated battle, who will come out on top? I'm not sure, but its about time we pay attention to this situation.

BBC Journalists Cancel Planned Strike

Union Expects New Negotiated Settlement, Will BBC Change It's Stance?

By Amir Ali Said

According to a variety.com report, BBC journalists have called off a planned strike. Apparently there was a planned strike over changes to staff pension plans. The National Union of Journalists said the workforce wouldn't proceed with the strike. The BBC then agreed to have talks on the pension plan issue, as well as finding a resolution to a situation with three international journalists. The BBC appreciated the move.

BBC welcomed and was probably jolly about the move but according to the variety.com report they stated that their final offer on the pension plans wouldn't be changed. However, NUJ's general secretary, said the union was "pleased the BBC has changed its position and agreed to talks." Dear also said "We will endeavour to reach a negotiated settlement." I'm not sure how that's going to work out because I don't think the BBC will change its stance. The union decided to call of the strike, even though the BBC said their final offer wouldn't be changing. That's a win for BBC, but here's a look at the pension plan.

The strikers are fighting a plan by the BBC’s management that seeks to plug a pension funding gap, estimated at 1.5 billion in Euro ($2.4 billion) without increasing fees for the BBC audience in Britain. In a nutshell, the union is charging that the new plan would result in BBC's staff “paying more in contributions and working longer and getting less in retirement.” The BBC has stated that they won't be changing their stance, and I think that'll be the end result. I'm not sure BBC is ready to negotiate a minimal agreement.

The strike never took place, that's the good news for the Union. However, because of the sheer fact that the workers were ready to strike is a problem. The BBC probably respects their workforce more now that they had to the guts to be prepared to strike at any moment. But respect only gets you so far. However, there's still a chance this new found respect could result in a settlement. I doubt that'll happen, but I'm sure that's what the workforce is hoping for.

I like the BBC. If the workforce were to go on a strike I think it would be detrimental to all of the listeners across the world. I think the Journalists deserve a better pension plan based on what I've read, but I don't think they're going to get it now. If anything, the settlement may be no where near what the workforce is ready for, and if the BBC wants too not even improve that plan they can do that was well. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out for both sides, hopefully they can come to an agreement.