(no subject)

[cjmarlowe]

I've been meaning to make a post about television for so long, and every time I think about it I have more and more to add until I'm at the point where it would probably be thousands of words if I tried. Which a) means I need to update with non-fic things more often and b) I'm going to limit this to two points.

Ever since watching the first episode of Parenthood I've been wanting to say something about it, because I am forever and always a fan of the original movie (seriously, I made HMV special order me a copy of the DVD because they didn't have it in stock). I really think this is one of those rare adaptations that they get right, with just enough of the original movie to make it recognisable, and just enough changes to both make it contemporary and, more importantly, make it sustainable as a television series without just retelling the same story over a longer period of time. And that's really interesting to me, because even as I was watching it I was thinking "wow, these are the right changes" at the same time as I was connecting to this whole new extended family. My one concern (and this is just for me, personally) is that I'm just not interested in watching this show be about teenagers and high school, but thus far that doesn't seem to be overwhelming everything else.

As I've mentioned before, I started a rewatch of The X-Files back in January, and as I'm writing this I'm watching the final episode of Season 7. It's been at times fun, at times riveting, and at times emotionally overwhelming. X-Files premiered right after I graduated from high school and in so many ways this rewatch has been revisiting my university years, this show is so inextricably entwined with my memories of that time. It practically defines that era of my life, what I was doing, what I was interested in, and what my hopes were for the future. I definitely have not realised all of those.

It's gotten easier now that I'm into the later seasons, and I've just reached that interesting point where I don't remember all of these episodes anymore. I stopped watching religiously--though I never stopped watching--somewhere around the middle of season 7, and so there are actually at least a few new episodes in my future. I have new episodes of X-Files to look forward to. Yeah, yeah, I know, there's a reason I didn't watch regularly after that point, but still. I'm in a place in my life right now where I'm sort of in transition, looking forward and wondering what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. Kind of like university. And in some way watching this, now, is bringing a lot of things full circle for me.

Maybe I have a lot of things to look forward to yet. :)

Comments

[alchemy]

I've been wondering about Parenthood myself for exactly the reasons you go into here. I absolutely adore the film, and I'm always a little wary when stories leap from big to small screen, but if you think they've made a good transition, maybe I'll go ahead and try it.

[cjmarlowe.livejournal.com]

I really do think they've done a good job, with a definite eye towards sustainability, and while there are things I miss about the original film that aren't here or that I don't expect to see here, I understand the changes. None of them seem pointless, which is the important thing. The spirit of the original is present.

I'd be really interested to hear what you think once you've seen it.

[poppetawoppet.livejournal.com]

OMG X-FILES

I WATCHED EVERY SINGLE EPISODE.

CHRIS CARTER COULD YOU FAIL MORE WITH A SERIES FINALE???

*sighs*

[cjmarlowe.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I think the answer is yes, which is why I'll take what I can get. :D

[rhythmsextion]

It's been about fifteen years since I last saw that movie and I remember absolutely nothing about it so I've been able to enjoy the show from a different kind of perspective from you, I think. I'm definitely interested in watching the movie again just to I can see the differences you've mentioned because I think it could really add a cool angle to the show.

Anyway, yeah. I'm really really liking it so far. It definitely has the feel of a show that could last for awhile and maintain a real level of excellence. I'm looking forward to it.

[cjmarlowe.livejournal.com]

Dude, you should definitely watch it again. Just because! You need no stinking reason. :D

[tangeriner.livejournal.com]

Wow, I didn't even know Parenthood was a movie first. I've been watching it because it comes on after the Biggest Loser, and I've been too lazy to change the channel. But I find myself actually watching it, and enjoying the characters.

[cjmarlowe.livejournal.com]

The movie had a LOT of big names in it, actually, including a wee Leaf Phoenix. I'm just really happy they did it justice, unlike the last time they tried to adapt it.

[scintilla10.livejournal.com]

I watched the first episode of Parenthood yesterday! I was originally attracted by the cast (Peter Krause and Lauren Graham!) but I was completely charmed by it. I am tracking down further episodes as we speak! *g*

(And I have to admit, I've never actually seen the movie. *hides*)

[oatmeal-cookie.livejournal.com]

I've only seen two episodes, but I'm totally falling in love with Parenthood. At first I was only in it for the cast, but the character interactions just pulled me in. I love, love, love when all the siblings are in a room together and are allowed to just be themselves - the scene after the auction in 1x02 might be one of my all-time favorite TV moments in the last five years. So so good.

With how TV is written nowadays, I'm kind of resigned to the fact that they'll probably - eventually - find a way to focus more on the kids than the parents, but right now I'm in this happy zen mode and just loving pretty much everything about it.

And darling, you have so many good things coming your way, I just know it. <3