Yesterday’s News – True Blood
So as I write this, I am watching the latest episode of HBO’s True Blood.
Why do I love this show so much?
I have not read the novels by Charlaine Harris, so it certainly isn’t that. I am not especially a fan of vampires or werewolves or supernatural romance. I don’t find the characters to be intelligent or deep or even sympathetic.
And yet, somehow, I look forward to every new episode.
I enjoy it in ways very different than most television I watch. I think it is pretty much the epitome of a guilty pleasure.
What I like about it is that, because there is essentially no depth or nuance, the story is freed from the burdens of traditional characterization and narrative structure, allowing them to abandon entire plot lines the instant they get boring, and dwell on the characters that are fun and interesting, rather than keeping the focus on traditional protagonists.
I like it because it is unpredictable. It’s not always good. It frequently makes very little sense. But it keeps me entertained.
