1. A Fresh Perspective: We are focusing on the new offerings on the 2013-2014 network television schedule. Our aim is to explore these first seasons in the context of current cultural trends in the most mainstream context.
2. TV as a Narrative: Rather than being obsessed with the industry angle, making our judgments solely on whether or not the shows will survive cancellation, we want to focus on the successes and failures of television as a narrative form. Production value, writing, acting chops, originality of the concept: all of these captures our passions more than Nielsen ratings.
3. TV Can Be Art: We are not building this site on a cynical view of the failure of mainstream culture. We’re watching television as die-hard fans of the medium. We believe that when it is done well, TV can be as evocative and entertaining as any other artform.
4. Context Is Everything: Part of our enjoyment of television and what we think we bring to this website is an understanding that show doesn’t have to be critically excellent to be considered “good.” We’re much more interested in taking on each show, be it light and fluffy or dark and edgy, and consider whether or not it’s succeeding within its own genre.
5. Summarize Not: Our website is not interested in straight recaps—we will be analyzing individual episodes as they related to the larger progression of the show and discussing whether or not the creative team is hitting the mark.
7. A Meeting of the Minds: This website and its open invitation for comments from readers is designed to encourage intelligent conversation between lovers of television. We think that scripted television is a rapidly evolving medium that most accurately mirrors and influences audience lives and social mindsets.
2. TV as a Narrative: Rather than being obsessed with the industry angle, making our judgments solely on whether or not the shows will survive cancellation, we want to focus on the successes and failures of television as a narrative form. Production value, writing, acting chops, originality of the concept: all of these captures our passions more than Nielsen ratings.
3. TV Can Be Art: We are not building this site on a cynical view of the failure of mainstream culture. We’re watching television as die-hard fans of the medium. We believe that when it is done well, TV can be as evocative and entertaining as any other artform.
4. Context Is Everything: Part of our enjoyment of television and what we think we bring to this website is an understanding that show doesn’t have to be critically excellent to be considered “good.” We’re much more interested in taking on each show, be it light and fluffy or dark and edgy, and consider whether or not it’s succeeding within its own genre.
5. Summarize Not: Our website is not interested in straight recaps—we will be analyzing individual episodes as they related to the larger progression of the show and discussing whether or not the creative team is hitting the mark.
7. A Meeting of the Minds: This website and its open invitation for comments from readers is designed to encourage intelligent conversation between lovers of television. We think that scripted television is a rapidly evolving medium that most accurately mirrors and influences audience lives and social mindsets.