My Stories
Avid soap opera watchers generally refer to their favorite soaps as “my story.” And my sister-in-law, over the holidays, referring to the writers’ strike and Grey’s Anatomy, said, “I miss my story.”
Where did that start? Calling a serial drama “my story”? Not a story but my story? I love that.
Many of my friends do not like T.V.; they carry their dislike to the point of disapproval. They did not watch television as kids, and they do not let their own children watch. They are always surprised when I defend television as a healthy pastime.
I know it’s politically correct to dislike television. But I can honestly say that some of my favorite moments have been sitting on the couch watching my stories. I like reading stories and creating stories and even teaching stories—why not watch them, too?
Television is full of great acting moments. For instance, scenes between Amy Brenneman and Tyne Daly in Judging Amy are some of the best mother/daughter moments I have witnessed. I also like bad acting moments—when I can say, “That was terrible.” And bad writing is fun to spot, but not near as satisfying as those moments of good writing. Television has plenty of both.
That’s the thing—I am drawn to human moments—in books, movies, artwork, plays, dance, television. The artist who can take that snapshot of human experience and show some sad, happy, comic, or angry truth—that’s so satisfying—in whatever medium it comes to me.
Comments
Oh, yeah! I remember that Chicago Hope episode. It was Peter MacNichol’s character, right? Talk about a great actor.
We like Ugly Betty in this house, too—especially the last episode that took aim at skinny models. That was a priceless moment when Betty showed the drawing of the skeleton in designer clothes.
If you have not watched Friday Night Lights, that’s worth a look. I think it’s some of the best writing and acting on TV right now. And Connie Britton—she’s amazing. Who knows? Maybe it will become your show.
Jan Jan 16, 09:26 am
Jan, it’s refreshing to hear someone stand up for TV. There is some amazing story telling happening on TV – ever watch The Wire ? The whole package is incredibly good. Or smart, funny, self-aware shows like 30 Rock? No one can deny that’s quality comedic writing and acting.
Nora Brown Feb 1, 12:01 pm
Nora,
I love 30 Rock. Tina Fey is amazing. And I just listened to a radio show that praised The Wire. By your recommendation, I will put the first season on my NetFlix Queue. Thanks.
Jan Feb 2, 02:42 pm
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I so agree with you, Jan. There is art and drama everywhere, and I sometimes find it on tv. Just remembering the E.R. episode in which the Anthony Edwards character (Dr. Marc Greene) died can give me goosebumps; I can’t talk about it without tearing up. Jimmy will cite the Chicago Hope episode in which the hospital lawyer is shot as a stunner.
I have never called anything “my story,” but I have called favorites “my show.” And, in fact, I don’t watch tv right now because, as I say, “I don’t have a show. I need a show.” I’m looking for a show (my show) in the same way I look for a good book to read.
As a lark, last semester I gave my students an assignment to watch and write about a favorite tv show. They loved the assignment, and our discussion about the writing was some of our most vivid all semester.
We’re getting into Ugly Betty in this house, but I’m not sure yet if it’s my show.
Jane Kokernak Jan 15, 08:34 pm