Back in 2006 when I decided to blog about television, I concocted a ranking system for all the hour-long dramas I watched each week. Since then, I decided to remove the ranking system because some shows that ranked "lower" seemed to be getting short changed. What did it really matter? I'm the only one reading this.

What matters though is that after reading over some of my older reviews, I've found that my viewing focus (and skill) was much more keen before. That's due, a lot, to being on a laptop or in the middle of a Words with Friends battle on the ipod while I watch the show. I think renewing this structure will help me be a more active viewer. I do want to get back to writing, so this is a good way to bring it back.

In my Wes Mantooth voice: "I hate you STRUCTURE..... but DAMN do I respect you."

the categories:

* Advancement of Plot *

(How well the show pushes forth the ongoing stories whether long term or short term. This doesn’t count for episode-contained plots. See Standalone Strength)

* Character Development *

(How well the show adds depth, complexity, and reasoning behind its characters.)

* Empathy Level *

(How well the show made me connect to the characters.)

* Intelligence/Wit

(I wasn’t sure how to operationalize humor since it isn’t necessarily a high point of focus for all of the shows. Instead, I felt that all writing has a level of complexity and wit to it without it necessarily being laugh-out-loud funny.)

* Charm/Initial Reaction *

(This is the original ranking system of initial enjoyment pre-BCS.)

* Standalone Strength *

(This is a tricky category because some shows are obviously built as serials. With that, I still believe each show, as in every chapter in a book, should be written within a compact, digestible arc. I believe that every episode should have all the elements of plot: introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. In the end, this category is asking, “Can I enjoy this episode by itself?”)

and I'm removing this one

- Long Term Bias

(This acknowledges that I’m already bought in to many of my must-see shows. Therefore, I’ve subtracted a point from each of these shows that qualify for long-term bias. Yet, I must contend that long-term bias can also mean that I’m harder on some episodes if I feel it’s under-par of past episodes.)

I won't be comparing the shows against each other. So, naturally, this won't be a ranking system. Instead, it will be a viewing and reviewing guideline. Hence, the need for a "Long Term Bias" category is unneeded.

posted by breakfast boy@ 4:18 PM