Readers, it's been a while. Let's all take a moment to really appreciate that I'm back. (Beat. Beat.) I know, I know. Just keep the sobbing to a minimum ok? That's drawing attention.
Today's topic is two-fold. I am a writer. (No, really. Stop laughing. It's rude.) As a writer I appreciate the fact that someday people will be watching my words and thoughts come to a reality. I also must accept the fact that some people will disagree with me. I am not perfect. (Close to it though.) Therefore, I must treat my fellow with the same respect.
Pleasing an entire viewing audience will never happen. It just won't. There will always be some point of contention or a viewer that doesn't like something you did. I think that's a good thing. If no one cares about the quality of TV they are watching then what's the point. TV can survive on reality shows. We all know that is not the case. Some say I care too much and I would have to agree. However, I feel it is my right to do so as I one day hope to get into the industry. If the quality of TV is based on reality shows and other ridiculous nonsense then my shows have no hope. Good TV breeds better TV.
An example of people caring about TV can be found in the fans of The Vampire Diaries. As a fan, I have yelled, screamed (quite literally just ask my dad), cried, and laughed with this show. There are plot points I don't understand but I still care about where these characters end up. The majority of the credit for that goes to Writer/Excutive Producer Julie Plec. Plec goes one step further and lets the fans in on her life and on the life of the show via Twitter. Most of the actors do the same.
Most people use Twitter to express their love of the show/characters/moments/couples but there are others that take to the social networking site to criticize and demoralize these people, especially Plec, personally. While I may not agree with every decision she makes ( I mean, Damon is losing everyone! Please just give him some happiness.) I respect her and her quality of TV more than any disagreement I might have.
This type of backlash is usually directed at movies of a similar fandom. (Seque. Nicely done Kate.) The most recent book to movie adaption is The Hunger Games. Let me first say that I loved the books. I don't think it could ever compare to my love of Harry Potter mostly because that series has so much history in my childhood. The Hunger Games feels more personal to me than the Twilight series or maybe just because the caliber of writing is much better. The first movie definitely delivered the emotional blows and the message from the book. The acting was well-above most and the casting was pitch-perfect. But I have two complaints...
SPOILER (Plot developments discussed. Don't read further if you haven't read the books or seen the movie!)
I don't know whose idea it was to make the movies center around the love triangle but that is not the main focus of the books. I understand that Liam Hemsworth is a swoonworthy individual (I have and probably still will. No judgement here.) but to diminish the plot by forcing his screen time in the first movie was not necessary. Peeta and Katniss needed to develop their incredibly complicated relationship without cutting to Gale's pained face mere seconds after any moment between the two tributes. ( You probably have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll just wrap this up real quick.) Overall, loved the movie but it's not about who Katniss chooses, it's about how these characters survive and if they can keep themselves intact and not change.
No one will ever be fully satisfied with a TV show or a beloved book/movie series. It's impossible. So you try to make the best product for the majority of the audience. They say hate is stronger than love. Maybe that's a good thing for TV/movies.
