dealing with the dilemmas of daily programming

i've been surviving life away from home by updating myself with updates from my favorite Mulawin series (check the network's violet channel, too!). a group of reliable bloggers had the good idea of posting the episode summaries for fans like me outside the country. (and later some screenshots to alleviate "visual-impairments"). it was a treasure of sorts (for a tv junkie), but the greater discovery were the bloggers themselves, whom i have had, only recently, conversed with through comments and opinions ranging from witty, thoughtful, interesting... all about the show, of course. but the interaction was always engaging, and what pleased me more was the knowledge that they chose to be, well, intelligent viewers.

my definition of intelligent viewers are those that have opted to patronize shows that offer more than the usual heartwrenching grips of soap operatic formulas. Philippine television, believe me, is bombarded with the latter, offering little choice on alternatives. me, i'm nearing the point of saturation with these soaps and their constant rehash of themes. i've been through it all - the shameful rags-to-riches story, the "shocking" family connections (most common plot: the main rich contrabida and the perpetually-abused poor victim are mother and daughter), true loves long sought but eventually, ultimately end up together, the endless blackmails and tarayans (bitchiness), sampalan (slapping) scenes, the works!!!... HAAAAY! (but, i'll admit it really IS guilty television)

discussing with fellow mulawin fans has lead to several interesting insights. recently, a good topic was raised, that of the pinoy's short attention span. like fashion trends, pinoys only go for what's hot (well, i'm partly guilty of this too). the cellphone industry is one perfect example.

sadly, short attention span may be the ultimate cause for the non-surgence of seasonal shows (something i've long yearned for). it boils down to viewers wanting everything in excess, more action scenes, more controversies, more iyakan (crying), more sampalan!

likewise, this also results in a disappointing conclusion for aspiring writers, who feel obligated to stick to these formulas to generate high ratings and using "bankable" or "It" actors and actresses who are then not being challenged enough, given their less-than-average (read: non-quality!) roles (if they are challenged, its only to pick the show that offers the most monetary reward). the domino effect doesn't stop there. sticking with the SAME talents over and over again also doesn't give opportunities for other better suited (and probably more talented) actors/actresses. (the filipino entertainment industry probably doesn't even believe in auditions anymore... but that's another story).

deteriorated programming is an education of the different type, forced, repetitive, abusive, and destructive. this same treatment, repeated over the years (and years to come), makes everybody suffer (except networks).

its a sad, sad cycle -- viewer's short span started it, viewers get crap in the end. its really the viewers.

thus it was to the relief and joy of all when mulawin showed up. but however exaggerated that may sound (after all, it has its faults. by no means is mulawin perfect, as it shares even some measures of what i discussed above), it must be told that it IS a notch higher than the rest. restless viewers have finally stood up and made the good decision. and networks are finally taking notice. its a step forward, so to speak. and a step forward is always good.

here's hoping for better times for tv.
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on another level, US programming is dominated by reality shows lately, which explains the successes of scripted shows like Lost (very very good! plugging!) and Desperate Housewives (kinda dark comedy.. not a fan though). sooooo, maybe reality shows in US are the soap opera equivalent of Philippines? i guess, to each country its own. sigh.

for those not familiar with mulawin, its a fantaserye (think fantasy and drama) currently shown in the Philippines. grabe ang plugging ko no? gma7, u had better pay me on this one!