Enchanting Original Programming

By E.M. Foster

There is nothing better than a fresh idea. It doesn't matter if the idea is absurd, unrealistic, or just flat out ridiculous- a new idea is original. In a time of copies and variations on story lines and characters, having an original, genuine creation is something to talk about. That is why it is necessary to give notice to two new television shows, Once Upon a Time (ABC) and Grimm (NBC).

These new shows really do stand out in the humdrum world of prime time serial dramas. While each has their flaws, and are clearly still gaining their footing, their premises are innovative enough to have captured a recurring audience. Let’s look at Once Upon a Time. Private investigator, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison, best known from House) is led to the small town of Storybrooke, Maine by her son Henry (Jared Gilmore, best known from Mad Men), who she had given up for adoption years ago. Once there, Henry reveals to her that the inhabitants of the town are, in fact, under the influence of the Evil Queen's curse. The townsfolk are actually classic fairy tale characters who have had their memories wiped, and have been banished to Storybrooke, where they will never have a happy ending

(it’s ok, my immature side giggled, too).The only person who can break the curse is Emma, who also happens to be Snow White’s and Prince Charming’s daughter.

Really, that is in a nutshell of what has been going on so far this half season. The story is told through current time and flashbacks of the characters’ fairy tale lives. The flashbacks add a depth to the fairy tale stories that has never been explored before on television. For example, Mary-Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin, best known for a slew of RomComs and as Margene on Big Love; she is also the best actress on Once by far) is actually Snow White, and let me tell you, who knew that princess was such a bad ass. Her back story portrays Snow as

independent, tough, and a little conniving.

The intricate story work of piecing together who the characters are, and how they have come to know each other, is truly fascinating. While at times the show can come across a little cartoonish, and a bit over-the-top, there is enough going on to maintain a viewer’s attention and intrigue them to return the next week.

The other, much darker fairy tale show that has come up is NBC’s Grimm. Taking a cue from the real Grimm brothers, the show revolves around their creepy worlds and stories- but in modern time. Officer Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli, best known from Privileged) begins to see strange visions while working- seemingly ordinary people suddenly turn into hideous monsters. This frightening ordeal does not make sense until a visit from his aunt reveals that he is actually from a long line of Grimms. The stories of monstrous creatures his ancestors wrote are far from fiction, and only Grimms have the ability to see them. It becomes Nick's duty to hunt down these evil creatures to keep humankind safe.

This crime and fantasy drama is quite visually stunning, and has a great mix of edgy dialogue and humor to keep an audience entertained from start to finish. The only major flaw is the obvious use of CGI to instantly morph people into creatures, but with the creative story lines, it can easily be overlooked.

While Giuntoli has done well in his first leading television role, the clear breakout star is Silas Weir Mitchell (best known from Prison Break), as reformed “Big Bad Wolf” Monroe, who enjoys tea and Pilates. His performance is both comedic and dramatic, adding yet another layer and dimension to not only the character, but also Grimm fairy tales themselves.

What makes Grimm so spectacular is that it does not create creatures to fit the show’s purpose, but instead stays true to the source material. Even the names of creatures are accurate, going back to the German vernacular of the time. Many of the literary references made, and the connections between the characters’ and their personalities, show thoughtfulness in the script’s writing.

Once Upon a Time and Grimm are perfect examples of original television programming, and is something I wish would be embraced more. Both shows are brilliant twists on the classic fairy tales, and I look forward to see what directions each series will take. You can catch Once Upon a Time on Sundays at 8/7c, and Grimm Fridays at 9/8c.

Pictures from:

http://filmmusicreporter.com/2011/12/11/fall-2011-television-music-roundup-part-5-abc/

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2011-10-20/once-upon-a-time-grimm/50846052/1

www.nbc.com/grimm

Title/Opening Sequences: Describing an Entire Television Show in Under 30 Seconds

By E. M. Foster

Despite the growing amount of television programming in this modern age of 2000 channels, there has been a recent decline in proper title sequences. This is a sad fact- as a good, well produced title sequence can describe the overall story and theme of a show in 15-30 seconds. Modern title sequences, specifically those on premium programming, are often as visually stunning as the show they are opening. To further explain their importance, and their brilliance, below are some of current televisions best opening:

True Blood

Ah, True Blood… The creepy, campy HBO smash hit about vampires and werepeople, centered on the love life of Louisiana waitress, Sookie Stackhouse. The opening is sinful, seductive, and compelling. Each shot describes the atmosphere and general feel of the show, while at the same time drawing parallels to real societal issues (example: the similarity between “Vampire Rights” and LGBT Rights). Let’s not forget the song, either. “I want to do bad things to you...” could be True Blood’s tagline.

Dexter

Breakfast has never been more violent. Using extreme close-ups, canted angles, jump cuts and bright colors against contrasting backgrounds, simple behaviors like shaving, tying a shoe, and eating breakfast becomes uneasy to watch. The meticulous nature in which each act is performed is a clear nod to the serial killer-- Dexter’s morning is just as routine as the way he slaughters a person. There is also a clear feeling of entrapment, even with key lighting being on each of the objects. It is a dark and enclosed view, despite being in the bright light, reflecting Dexter’s split life.

The Walking Dead

This title sequence is a classic bringing-the-viewer-up-to-speed-with-what’s-going-on (i.e. the great Zombie Apocalypse) sequence. It is moody, grimy, and gives an overall sense of fear and hopelessness. The abandoned highway of cars, the broken pictures, and the muted color scheme create dark confusion within a viewer’s mind. The anxious music only adds to the hurried feeling of needing to run from danger (aka cannibalistic zombies). The way the sequence is shot and edited in a surrealistic method pays a stunning homage to the series graphic novel beginning.

American Horror Story

If this doesn’t evoke the heebie-jeebies in a viewer, well, I just don’t know what will. In what is arguably the most terrifying opener on cable, the sequence is a series of shots describing events that have taken place in the Harmon family’s home. Blood, dead/aborted children in pieces lining shelves, a floating christening gown- all are puzzle pieces that only come together after watching the season. The use of shadows and single-source lighting gives the tingling sensation of feeling as though one is constantly being watched and preyed upon. It is a violent, offsetting tribute to the classic horror genre.
Note: The producer of American Horror Story has released information about the second season, stating it will be an entirely new story, involving an entirely new theme and family, which creates exciting possibilities for a new opening sequence!

The Big Bang Theory

The sitcom. With its under 30 minute airing, the time allotted for an opening sequence is cut in half (if not, removed entirely, and replaced with a quick picture of the title).Luckily, shows like The Big Bang Theory are able to make meaningful, fun opening sequences to match the light nature of a situation comedy. In a quick, catchy tune, a montage of Earth’s history is summed up. It ends with a shot of the main characters chowing down on some Chinese food, which is most likely a hysterical commentary on modern society, leaving the viewer wondering, “How far have we really come?”

The Office

A mocumentary about an office and its employees, this show’s title sequence is both informative on the characters and describes the setting. From season to season, small adjustments and changes have been made, mostly in a way to keep viewers up-to-date with who is still in the show, and who may have been “fired” or “promoted”. The shots of Scranton help to create a community feeling that adds to the idea that the office workers are their own odd family. What is most memorable, though, is the tune. It continues to stay consistent with the show, and is what first comes to mind when people think of The Office.