There are many hit TV programmes I've missed over the years by having lived in Japan. I think it is safe to say any personal growth that has been achieved over those years has not been hindered by my lack of access to western TV. That's not to say Japanese TV is anything to write home about - those I have written home to will testify to the fact that I have maintained a silvery silence on the subject. Here in Australia we have the television on because the main reason for our visit is to give the boys maximum exposure to English. So they watch their Japanese cartoons - in English of course - and they have become the biggest fans of 'The Simpsons' - two words that are sung in the house and not spoken.
The big hit programme that finished today was Big Brother and I'm at a loss (admittedly a little less of a loss than I was before we came, but still at a loss) as to what it is that draws people to this kind of tripe - both to go into prison for anything up to three months constantly on camera, and to watch it from the other side of the camera. It seems to take boredom on to new levels. New frightening levels. But I did say I was "a little less at a loss" and that is to say when you've had these faces in your living room for 3 months, it could be that they become part of the furniture. ('Bugger' was the winner's signature word by the way.)
As I've been writing Annie Lennox has been interviewed via satellite and she mentioned something which maybe provides an answer to some of the issues raised by this need for exposure. She said that over the last 5 to 10 years there has been a tremendous growth in the "industry of celebrity". Is it that we all want to be celebrities? Andy Warhol's 15 minutes of fame clearly isn't long enough for this new TV age.
Posted by Joe at July 21, 2003 09:38 PMI can't for the life of me understand the fascination with Big Brother. I prefer my soap operas fictional (and interesting).
Posted by: Lisa at July 22, 2003 12:47 AMDo you watch the Aussie soaps? The boys have started to sing the intro song for Neighbours. :+( We switch the channel quick, but it comes on directly after The Simpsons, so we have to be vigilant. ;+)
We used to do the same for Coronation Street in those early London days, but I did become a big fan during University! Is that any good any more?
Posted by: Joe at July 22, 2003 06:02 AMack, no. Can't stand Australian soaps - too much like American ones. All the people look too perfect. I watch Eastenders myself. Not entirely sure there's a single attractive person on the show, which makes it a bit more realistic in my mind. :-)
Posted by: Lisa at July 22, 2003 04:26 PMcorrie is not as good as the hilda ogden days, when you watched it, but it still has its moments. not as many laughs in it as there used to be though.
the great thing about soaps, any soap, from my point of view of hardly ever getting to watch any, is that you don't need to see it often to know what's going on. easy entertainment.
joe, if they are showing any episodes of The Office out there you ought to watch. that's one big laugh you missed out on living in japan.
Posted by: Honey at July 23, 2003 07:18 PM> that's one big laugh you missed out on living
> in japan
Hit the June archives link and read my entry on The Office. They were having an 'Office week' on BBC World when I was in the States. Absolutely brilliant.
As for 'Corrie' it was the laughs I used to watch it for. Them were the days!
Posted by: Joe at July 23, 2003 09:21 PM