“TV is a problem only if you’ve forgotten how to look and listen,” claims a university professor in Don DeLillo’s novel White Noise. He complains that his students are no longer open to the medium; they find television “worse than junk mail… They’re ashamed of their television past. They want to talk about movies.” White Noise was published in 1985, when television programs were regularly criticized for being formulaic, lacking real substance and focusing more on commercial success than artistic profit. In fact, television’s reputation as an artistic medium was so bad that, in 1996, the premium network HBO began running ads with their new slogan: “It’s not TV. it’s HBO.”
But now, the tables have turned. Personally, I have heard countless college students share viewpoints in perfect contradiction to the students in DeLillo’s book; they believe that film is dead, that television has been reborn. Avid fans of Game of Thrones and Mad Men will tell you; while Hollywood got hooked on commercially successful gimmicks like 3D superhero movies, television emerged as the premier platform for long-form storytelling. The “auteur” has been replaced by the “showrunner,” and art house cinemas are losing business to Netflix-streaming laptop computers.
HBO has long been fighting at the front lines of this television revolution. Oz, which debuted in 1997, was the network’s first long-form dramatic series, a dark story about life in prison that could be considered a forerunner in the push for weightier television content. Though Oz achieved little commercial success upon release, it paved the way for widely-acclaimed series like The Sopranos and The Wire. Then, unsurprisingly, the success of these high-quality dramas inspired imitations. The revolution that began on HBO spread across the television channels like static electricity. We saw Lost on ABC, then Friday Night Lights on NBC, followed by Mad Men and Breaking Bad on AMC. Fans and critics alike flocked proudly to their tubes; it was a new century, and the new content was no longer “worse than junk mail.” It was art.
But are we truly living in a “Golden Age” of television? Or is it a gilded age?
Though television may be better than it has ever been, I am too often disappointed by new series that turn out to be as formulaic as they are trendy. It is as if these shows are bouyed by the success of recent gems but still held to the low standards of classic television. This could be said of HBO’s most recent release, Westworld, a big-budget series that the network is banking on being the #NextBigThing. Though HBO’s Game of Thrones has maintained its army of followers, many of the network’s recent debuts—Vinyl, True Detective—have swallowed millions of dollars only to be cancelled in the prime time of their youth. For this reason, argues critic Emily Nussbaum in her New Yorker review of the series, Westworld “can’t just be good—it needs to be a hit, too.”
Unfortunately, Westworld, like those other eventual flops, blew its budget on flash to blind audiences to the sloppiness of its narrative. Critics should be the ones to remind us how to “look and listen” like DeLillo’s professor, to watch television with a critical eye. But for an array of reasons, critics like Nussbaum and the AV Club’s Zack Handlen are largely complacent in the inflation of the medium’s reputation. Though Nussbaum’s review of Westworld raises important questions about the show, it is ultimately as toothless as Handlen’s in its judgment.
Based on the Michael Crichton film from 1973, Westworld is an intriguing offering; the show follows an ensemble of characters involved in a fictional Western-themed amusement park where the wealthy guests can have their way—sexually and violently—with the artificially intelligent “hosts” that populate the expansive artificial frontier. The series is ambitious; it tackles the darker sides of entertainment and human nature, placing the AI robots in center frame and featuring most of the human characters as creepy executives or their bloodthirsty clientele. As the robots slowly gain awareness of their sad situation, they increasingly inspire our empathy; the poor things get shot, stabbed and raped until night falls and their memories are wiped for another day of human amusement.
“The show introduces itself as a science-fiction thriller about cyborgs who become self-aware,” writes Nussbaum, but “then reveals its true identity as what happens when an HBO drama struggles to do the same.” She argues that the series is an attempt at criticizing our sadistic enjoyment of sex and violence in the media, “an exploitation series about exploitation.” The show actually works though, argues Nussbaum, because of its “elegance” and the way it “gets under your skin.” She is not wrong; like its opening credits sequence—needled artificial ligaments and a shiny player piano—the show is often as unnerving as it is stylish.
Similarly, Handlen believes that the first episode of Westworld succeeds because it “never lets the horrors it depicts completely undercut a certain sense of wonder.” He discovers this sense of wonder in the hopeful robotic hosts, and also in himself as he puzzles over the mysteries of the amusement park. However, there is an important distinction to be made between elegance and wonder—while the former is a question of aesthetics, the latter is largely a function of plot. And the plot of Westworld creates a sense of wonder more through formulaic twists than through the emotive eyes of Dolores (the park’s “farmer’s daughter” attraction and the series’ main star).
Specifically, In order to build the foundations of a narrative that could last longer than the first episode’s ninety minutes, Westworld introduces layers of enigma that are clearly intended to reel audiences in without demonstrating any relevance to the rest of the story. For example, there is Ed Harris’ character, “The Man in Black,” who is searching for some kind of hidden objective within Westworld. Apparently, the only way to find this meta-game is to torture the robotic citizens until they divulge any relevant information—The Man in Black scalps a poor cowboy to find a maze hidden under his plastic forehead. Why should we, as an audience, care about this puzzling meta-game? It is not related to anything else that happens in the episode; the subplot only exists to develop a pervasive sense of conspiracy, as if beneath the main narrative there is something “bigger” going on. This tactic has been popular mostly in sci-fi and fantasy programs since Lost employed it to keep viewers intrigued for 121 cliffhanging episodes. The series constructed endless layers of mysteries while promising to reveal every secret, to eventually tie up each of its loose-ends. Spoiler alert: at Lost‘s finale, most of the series puzzles went entirely unsolved. If the generally held consensus is that a show is successful as long as it keeps audiences watching; I would argue that television succeeds only when a series keeps its promise to tell a complete and satisfying story. Lost‘s failure in this respect is enough to make me “wonder” about where Westworld is headed.
Though Handlen agrees that The Man in Black is “an element that doesn’t quite work,” the lack of real plot development only makes him nervous for the episodes to come. He perceives the pilot as a success even though it functions only as extended exposition, more like the first part of a riddle than the first chapter of a full story. I find this logic confusing, as you would never endorse a riddle without knowing its solution—one half is meaningless without the other. Although she is more hesitant to demonstrate outright support of the series, Nussbaum similarly advises that we keep watching.
Primarily, Nussbaum criticizes the show for making use of the same exploitation that it claims to denounce—patriarchal violence against women in entertainment tailored to straight men. This is a valid concern; social satire can be even more problematic than its targets when it takes societal flaws to extremes without delivering the message that they are, in fact, flaws. Nussbaum worries that Westworld rides dangerously close to this type of ambiguity. She asks, “Is Westworld the blinkered macho fantasy, or is that ‘Westworld’?” This is the kind of scalpel-sharp critique that is too often lacking in television criticism; looking past the face value of a show to dissect it under the light of a larger political framework.
But the way that Nussbaum follows her query reveals why serious critique of the medium can be so challenging: “It’s a meta-cliffhanger with its own allure,” she writes, “leaving us only one way to find out: stay tuned for next week’s episode.” Handlen makes a similar statement in his review, sharing that he is uncertain whether or not the story will be sustainable, but is “eager to find out.”
This is the paradox of television critique; a critic’s job is to swallow works of art whole, to digest them completely in oder to judge them fairly, but television is rarely complete. When a show has a strong following and commercial success, it can afford to close its narrative arcs and tell a whole story. But many series, like Lost, and probably Westworld, intentionally leave plot-lines soaring and mysteries unsolved so as to keep audiences hooked. How is a critic to judge a work that might be nothing but bait, that will only take off its mask after years of seasons have come and gone? Nussbaum and Handlen are somewhat critical of Westworld, but they hold their tongues in light of the fact that the series is only getting started, that their worries could be assuaged by future episodes. However, this position is insufficient, because future episodes will only exist if the audience responds positively to early episodes. In this way, television critics have their hands tied; they cannot fairly judge a show until it is finished, but still must play a role in whether or not that completion ever occurs. Netflix’s all-in-one season release model would help critics navigate this issue, but HBO has maintained its commitment to the classic episode-per-week trickle.
Moreover, the problem is only complicated by the fact that directors and writers are often shuffled between episodes and seasons—Westworld, for example, has had a unique creative team for each installment. Where does a singular work of television end and the next one begin? Handlen has written reviews of each Westworld episode one by one, becoming increasingly critical as HBO reveals more of its hand. “Spending hours showing us a curtain might hold our attention,” he writes in his review of episode five, “but sooner or later, you have to pull the curtain back.” Of course, penning piecemeal reviews like this limits a critic’s ability to judge the whole picture at once. On the other hand, Nussbaum’s review covers the first four episodes, an arbitrary number that is still too few to judge Westworld’s complete narrative, yet simultaneously too many to treat the episodes like individual works.
It is tempting to submit the movie Ex Machina as the converse of Westworld (the film about artificial intelligence is subtle where Westworld is exploitative and narratively-taut where the show is tangled). It is equally tempting to entirely dismiss the show because of the painful performances from two of its actors, Simon Quarterman and Sidse Babett Knudsen, who play important Westworld executives (while he overacts enough to make Anthony Hopkins seem like a robot, she comes off colder than the robots due to her monotonic attempt at an American accent). But to make such warranted criticisms would be unfair to an artwork that is still unfinished. There is only one way to find out the truth about Westworld, and that is to pay for an expensive premium network subscription and watch one episode each week until most fans lose interest and the series is canceled. Only then will it be finished and we can criticize fairly in retrospect. But do not be discouraged! We are lucky to be living in the Golden Age of television.
13,548 Comments
This is the reason it really is greater you could important examination before creating. It will be possible to create better write-up like this. สิงโตมีกี่สายพันธุ์
I enjoy every one of the content, I must say i appreciated, I would really like more details concerning this, due to the fact it is extremely great., Thank you regarding revealing. ลักษณะของสิงโต
I’m any regarding a lot of the content, My partner and i totally savored, I might actually favor a lot more info relating to this kind of, considering that it really is great., Congrats designed for submitting. ลักษณะของสิงโต
It truly is while doing so a reliable area i always particularly savored checking. Is just not every day that include the prospect to look at a service. อเมริโกเวสปุสซี่
That’s the reason why it is better you need to focused explore prior to when making. Will also be possible for you to more suitable content this fashion. อเมริโกเวสปุสซี่
To check out become in your blog nevertheless environment remedy obviously merely a small little submits. Reasonable way of possible long term, We’re book-marking at a time safe types cease increases collectively. อเมริโกเวสปุสซี่
For that reason it is preferable you will want to similar analyze ahead of generating. You are able to release more effective post like this. แต่งตัว y2k ผู้ชาย
The extremely quite possibly a decent deal that in actual fact extremely savored perusing. Isn’t really usual that have the option to check a given idea. สาวโอนลี่แฟน
It really is also an incredible write-up i absolutely savored evaluating. It is not automatically day-to-day i produce the ability to find anything at all. โทนเนอร์กับคลีนซิ่งใช้อะไรก่อน
It all is wholly right. All of little components were definitely generated thru countless checklist learning. I enjoy your application tons. สระแอะ ภาษาอังกฤษ
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be exciting to read articles from other writers and use a little something from their sites.카지노사이트
“When you read these 19 shocking food facts, you’ll never want to eat again”토토사이트
This is often additionally an excellent post we truly loved taking a look at. It is never every single day we retain the likelihood to see anything. ข้อดี UFABET
i have some small garden of herbs at home, i use them for baking foods and as herbal medicines. SQM Club
I am hoping that you will continue writing this kind of blog. Thanks for sharing this information. интенсивный курс английского
I am impressed with this internet web site , very I am a fan . Інтернет-журнал Solar Heads
I believe other website owners should take this website as an model, very clean and great user pleasant pattern . What iPhones are Waterproof
You can check my post too for further related information
An excellent article. I recently came upon your blog and wanted to let you know how much I’ve been enjoying reading your writings i value the time you took to provide us with your insights. I want to read more from you in the future. Keep up the good job. I appreciate the effort you put into sharing your insights with us. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future
An excellent article. I recently came upon your blog and wanted to let you know how much I’ve been enjoying reading your writings i value the time you took to provide us with your insights. I want to read more from you in the future. Keep up the good job. I appreciate the effort you put into sharing your insights with us. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future
You can check my post too for further related information
Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. สระแอะ ภาษาอังกฤษ
Can I just say thats a relief to locate someone that truly knows what theyre referring to online. You certainly understand how to bring a concern to light and produce it essential. Workout . should look at this and understand this side from the story. I cant believe youre not more well-liked when you certainly contain the gift. Corteiz clothing
You have outdone yourself this time. It is probably the best, most short step by step guide that I have ever seen. true to loveมีกี่ตอน
Is There A Way A Minor Can Make Money Online For Free?: I am looking for any legitimate sites that i can make a li โทนเนอร์กับคลีนซิ่งใช้อะไรก่อน
Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! ที่เที่ยวนิวยอร์ก
Teak Furniture Malaysia operates as a specialist importer of best quality teak furniture malaysia solid wood furniture, indoor furniture, Garden Furniture and outdoor furniture . Visit Our Showroom Kuala Lumpur KL and Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia.
You delivered such an impressive piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain information. Thanks for sharing such information with us due to which my several concepts have been cleared. กฏกติกาฟุตซอล18ข้อ
Anda tahu cara menghitung kebutuhan semen untuk proyek konstruksi? Ini penting, jika Anda ingin menghindari pemborosan anggaran. Jangan sampai Anda membeli semen lebih dari kebutuhan. Mubazir, bukan? berikut 10 Cara Menghitung Kebutuhan Semen Untuk Plesteran Kolam Renang! cek selengkapnya !
Indulge in the richness of nature with our pure milk, a testament to uncompromised quality and taste. Sourced directly from trusted local farms, our milk undergoes rigorous quality checks, ensuring it’s free from additives and preservatives. Packed with essential nutrients, it embodies the natural goodness you deserve. From wholesome calcium to protein, every sip nourishes your body and soul. Experience the freshness and purity that defines our commitment to your well-being. Elevate your daily routine with the unparalleled richness of our pure milk, promising a delightful and nutritious experience with every pour. Taste the essence of nature today.pure milk
Awesome article , I’m going to spend more time researching this subject randcams
This site is likely one of the best options for you if you are looking for a friend or want to have some fun with random strangers. Strangercam.com keeps you connected to the rest of the world by providing all the necessary contact options for meeting new people. chatrandom
This definitely seems to be similar to without doubt amazing. Every one of these minimal things are created by making use of amount of groundwork recognition. I quite like these people noticeably. 1xbet промокод
I like most of the reports, I truly treasured, I’d prefer specifics concerning this, considering it is especially fine., Thanks a lot to get going over. 1хбет промокод
ds
I enjoy every single posts, I actually appreciated, I would personally adore extra information and facts because of this, mainly because its fairly pleasing., Have fun here ideal for allowing. 1хбет промокод
Appreciate it for this submit, I am a huge fan of this internet internet site online would love to preserve up to date. Fillers
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart artwork and reporting! Keep up the tremendous works guys I actually have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I assume it’s going to decorate the rate of my websitehttps://tu16888.com/
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart artwork and reporting! Keep up the tremendous works guys I actually have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I assume it’s going to decorate the rate of my website https://tu16888.com/
A lot of thanks for all of the hard work on this blog.
https://www.cmd368thai.co/
I might need to make extra christmas playing cards becuase subsequent month is december already“ Juvéderm®
Hey! Someone in my Myspace institution shared this website with us so I came to appearance it over. I’m truly loving the statistics. I’m ebook-marking and may be tweeting this to my fans! Wonderful blog and wonderful design and style. Juvéderm®
This unique appearances utterly suitable. Each one of modest data are prepared with the help of great number of experience practical knowledge. I’m keen it again very much Breakfast Seminyak Near me
That appears to be without doubt terrific. A good number of teeny facts are meant experiencing great deal of background abilities. I will be interested the thing a large amount. Best Dinner Restaurant Seminyak
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! Roadrunner Password Not working
That are unquestionably superb. The majority of tiny specs are fashioned owning lot of track record competence. I’m just seeking to it again quite a lot. scariest movies to watch
It’s on top of that a superb upload that him and i definitely treasured analyzing. It’s actually not each day we have opportunity to know a specific thing. scariest movies to watch
The appearance efficiently excellent. Every one of these miniscule information and facts will be designed working with wide range of track record practical experience. I like it a lot. dmt carts for sale
It’s on top of that a superb upload that him and i definitely treasured analyzing. It’s actually not each day we have opportunity to know a specific thing. dracula parrot breeders
Iím no longer that tons of a net reader to be sincere but your web sites truely quality, maintain it up! I’ll cross ahead and bookmark your internet site to return returned later. All the first-rate Juvéderm® in Surrey
비아그라, 비아그라 구매, 비아그라 구입,비아그라 판매,서비스를 통해 제공될 수 있으며, 처음 구매 든 노련한 구입 이든 이 가이드는 비아그라 경험을 최대한 활용하는 데 필요한 모든 정보를 제공합니다.
It can be as well a considerable position i incredibly savored surfing around. Isn’t really day by day that supply the candidate to watch a specific thing. transparent training bra