Despite some problems in its final two seasons, I would say that BtVS had a more artistically successful run than XF. However, like you, I never gave my heart to BtVS in the same way as I gave it to XF. It also took me awhile to warm up to BtVS. Why?
First of all, I didn't like the self-congratulatory way critics were praising the show. They seemed to be saying, "Oh, look how broad-minded we are for liking a show about a teen-age vampire slayer." (Tom Carson's piece for "Esquire" is the best example of this.) Second, I saw the original movie once on cable and didn't like it. Third, I was growing old and thus acquiring a hate for all things youth-related. Fourth, the show indulged in that form of reflexive irony which I dislike in today's culture.
However, the best reason is this -- I got to XF first, and I got there on my own. No critics were hailing it as the "breakthrough show of the season." It was just this science fiction show from Fox tucked away on a Friday night. (My first episode was "Squeeze," by the way.) I watched it on my own. I developed my reactions to it without seeing it through somebody else's eyes first.
We always lean toward our "little discoveries." We appreciate the love we develop independently.
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Date: 2003-07-12 05:52 am (UTC)Despite some problems in its final two seasons, I would say that BtVS had a more artistically successful run than XF. However, like you, I never gave my heart to BtVS in the same way as I gave it to XF. It also took me awhile to warm up to BtVS. Why?
First of all, I didn't like the self-congratulatory way critics were praising the show. They seemed to be saying, "Oh, look how broad-minded we are for liking a show about a teen-age vampire slayer." (Tom Carson's piece for "Esquire" is the best example of this.) Second, I saw the original movie once on cable and didn't like it. Third, I was growing old and thus acquiring a hate for all things youth-related. Fourth, the show indulged in that form of reflexive irony which I dislike in today's culture.
However, the best reason is this -- I got to XF first, and I got there on my own. No critics were hailing it as the "breakthrough show of the season." It was just this science fiction show from Fox tucked away on a Friday night. (My first episode was "Squeeze," by the way.) I watched it on my own. I developed my reactions to it without seeing it through somebody else's eyes first.
We always lean toward our "little discoveries." We appreciate the love we develop independently.