Anybody ever notice just how much people get involved in their sit-coms. They can recite word for word every line from the last two seasons. They can diagnos instantly every plot twist and come up with a complete doctorate-quality thesis. They spend hours per day pondering what will happen in the next episode. They can comment on every single comment that their favorite character makes.
My brother and sister-in-law are hugely into 'Y and R', which I didn't know stands for the Young and the Restless. As I sit here typing this, I listen to "rachel" and her father "joe" discussing every single nuance and possibility. As best as I can understand, someone has either shot and tried to shoot somebody else. I can't really understand this, having never really watched much TV. But I can understand this fanatical devotion to the happenings of a completely fictional universe.
I read Star Wars novels. Actually, I addictively devour Star Wars novels. I can recite many of the ship classes from both the books and the movies. I can give you a quick biography from anyone in the books. I am currently enjoying the Legacy series, which takes place around 50 years after 'Return of the Jedi'. I am anticipating the release of the newest book in May.
The similarities are remarkable. Rachel and Joe can really break down everything. They attempted to explain the plotlines as an episode was running. They were attempting to tell me each character's history was as they appeared and disappeared rapidly on the screen. As anyone who has ever watched Y and R knows, this resulted in a confused blogger very quickly.
I also know, however, that if I try to explain a summary of all the Star Wars books that have been written, I could completely confuse them as well.
We all have our obsessions. Some are healthy, some are bad, and of course, some are just our own preferences. We each have different things we are addicted to, that's what makes us human and unique. It's part of life. On the other hand, trying to explain these things to anyone who doesn't understand in definitely impossible. After all, how does one explain how Luke marries an Imperial assasin who becomes a Jedi and.........
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3 comments:
Mr. X, it's called a soap! Sitcoms are half-hour comedic shows like Seinfeld or The Office...
I think your point is well made -- a continuing story element is present in both...some people just crave stories, whether it's in print, on the screen, or in their own heads...and what could be more appealing to a lover of stories than a story that doesn't end?
Alright, let me just say that I have tried to understand Star Wars for quite some time and I have not a clue. You're right, it just depends on tastes and interests. "Y and R" isn't my favorite, but I'm sure many could go into great detail to tell me what and where and how everyone got to where they are in each episode. Maybe it's just the escape from reality that appeals so much to us. Or maybe it could be that many are bored with their own lives and love watching others lead exciting ones.
Nice blog, and how true. I too am not a tv nut, my wife has that trophy. Her's is All My Children which is a Soap Opera and It is just as you described. She can recite the mini plots and tell life stories of all the characters, etc. etc. My world is that of books as well only I am a Stephen King fan...
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