Who am I and why am I here?

By: Jason Davis
Date: Monday, November 28, 2005

The great Douglas Adams once observed that "the quality of any advice anybody has to offer has to be judged against the quality of life they actually lead." That said, the least a TV columnist owes to his readership is an account of his own personal tastes so that they may applaud or condemn him relative to their own preferences.



It was with great trepidation that I took on TV Wasteland when Dave decided to move on. First off, he's funny and insightful--a terrible combination--to follow. Me, I'm just some joker who loves TV in a manner society would likely find wholly unacceptable. Sure, I like comics, novels, movies, and theatre too, but TV is the medium for me. It's the one I've devoted my life to--but more on that as we get to know each other. For now, the only important thing is that I had to say "yes" when I was asked to take over...when it comes to TV, I can't say "no."



So, we now return to the Douglas Adams quote I opened with. What am I all about? How do I relate to you, the reader? In a TV column, I figure the best answer to that question comes in the form of a list--the ten TV shows I love best and a quick appraisal of why I like 'em. So, heedless of the imminent slings and arrows, I enumerate in chronological order my top ten hopeful that you folks will assail and argue them to death in the talkbacks below.



1. THE TWILIGHT ZONE (1959-1964)
Good TV begins on the page and no series proved that better than Rod Serling's seminal anthology. With writers given free reign to craft their tales without the re-writing that has become endemic in today's industry, the shows convey the unmistakable voices of their respective authors. Each episode fully exploits the limitations imposed by the medium to create iconic plays of the human condition with a hint of magic garnishing a heart of character.



2. DOCTOR WHO (1963-1989)
In 26 years, there are bound to be missteps, but the great joy of DOCTOR WHO is that even the worst moments offer the pleasure of playful criticism. In conception, the adventures of a nigh-immortal alien armed with a time/space vehicle and overblown sense of cosmic morality, is a blueprint for infinite possibilities. This is the show that more than any other, made me the person that I am today--at it's best, it was genius; at it's worst, it was a hell of a laugh. Now, it's living again and I urge you to seek out the new series by hook or by crook so that you can experience the magic for yourself.



3. STAR TREK (1966-1969)
Strip away the last 35 years of spin-offs and feature films and your left with three solid years of adventure with a conscience (Yes, I count the somewhat compromised third season because producer Fred Freiberger managed quite a few astonishing episodes despite the limitations imposed on his reign). It's hard to imagine today that STAR TREK was up twice for best dramatic series and even though it's ratings were considered dismal at the time, it was still watched by larger audiences than hits today might garner. This was a series made for everyone...a comment that can scarcely be made about its increasingly narrow-focused offspring.



4. MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS (1969-1974)
Throw out the punchlines! Through out the traditional trappings of comedy while you're at it. Five Brits and an American are evidently all it takes to revolutionize the laugh with an unexpectedly erudite blend of satire and low comedy mashed together with bizarre animations and a healthy touch of irreverence.



5. YES, MINISTER (1980-1984) and YES, PRIME MINISTER (1986-1987)
THE WEST WING was by no means the beginning of politics in prime time... at least in the UK. Ostensibly a comedy, YES, MINISTER and its sequel series showcased with hilarity the essential dysfunction of a democracy where the politicians are perpetually at odds with the civil service meant to carry out their policies. With sparkling dialogue and pointed satire, the two series astonish while entertaining.



6. BABYLON 5 (1993-1998)
An epic story in every sense of the word. Not only does the series take on the fundamental importance of the individual in society, but it does so in the most elaborate television format ever attempted. A five-year novel for television, the predominantly pre-planned story weaves the lives of a handful of soldiers and dignitaries to events on a galactic scale while never loosing the personal touch. J. Michael Straczynski's series also manages to educate as it entertains. The writer-producer's ongoing Internet dialogue pulls aside the wizard's curtain so that we can see how the magic is performed.



7. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (1997-2003)
Essentially, a feminist tale of defining yourself and creating your own family, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER's post-modern wit and unlimited heart made it a cultural phenomenon despite its mid-season beginnings on the newly launched WB. Creator Joss Whedon's firm belief that suffering makes good television created a world that would have Charles Dickens calling child protective services and claiming harsh conditions. With even the bad guys worming their way into the audience's affections, how could a show not be great?



8. THE OFFICE (2001-2003)
This is what reality TV should be--alas, the networks keep serving up "real" reality shows thus missing the elegance that comes with a scripted production. Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant accomplished something disturbingly honest with this series and had the good sense to get out while they were on top. The two seasons and Christmas special are agonizing bits of art that get under the skin and make a connection like great art should.



What's that, you say? I've only named eight of my alleged ten favorites? That's right. I'm saving the last two because they're still on the air and that's the subject of next week's column. So, use the talkbacks to tell me what your all-time favorites are (I haven't got the Wasteland e-mail set up just yet) and I'll see you in seven.



* * * * *





MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27


SURFACE (8 PM PST, NBC) Filmed in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina, ancestral home of yours truly, I watch this one simply to see places where I spent my summers as a boy... and Lake Bell...



HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:30 PM PST, CBS) Allyson Hanigan continues to prove her genius while we eagerly await her return to VERONICA MARS.



PRISON BREAK (9 PM PST, Fox) I confess that I've yet to sample this compelling high concept outing, but every time I see an add, I think "Gee, why couldn't they have promoted The INSIDE this well?"



MEDIUM (10 PM PST, NBC) A Serling-free 2D experience this week, I'm afraid.





TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29


BONES (8 PM PST, Fox) "The Girl in the Fridge" That's a title that just says it all...



HOUSE, MD (9 PM PST, Fox) "Deception" Dr. House's least favorite aspect of humanity shows up in the title--this should be fun.



THE OFFICE (9:30 PM PST, NBC) "The Injury" I've yet to watch the American adaptation--though, as it continues...I grow more and more curious...




WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30


LOST (9 PM PST, ABC) "What Kate Did" Please! Please! Please! TELL US!



VERONICA MARS (9 PM PST, UPN) I'm currently dashing through season one as fast as my DVD player can load--I expect to be up-to-date within a week--I envy those of you watching this bit of genius as it airs.



THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1


HAVE NO FEAR: THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II (8 PM PST, ABC) It was only a matter of time...



REUNION (9 PM PST, FOX) Still not sure how you perpetuate this concept...





FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2


GHOST WHISPERER (8 PM PST, CBS) Alas, sweeps are over and re-runs have begun.



MASTERS OF HORROR (10 PM PST, Showtime) Soon to be followed by the cleverly titled MASTERS OF SCI FI.



SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3


Watch your favorite TV Show on DVD!



SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4


THE SIMPSONS (8 PM PST, Fox) Knowing that the end is near makes me feel both incredibly old and very sad.



THE DEAD ZONE (USA) A BBC-style Christmas special for Deadheads! Johnny Smith rocks your X-mas with some X-tra sensory yuletide cheer.