Nerdful Things – TV Shows and the Things That Annoy Me
I want to start by saying that there are elements here that apply to movies as well but it seems more prevalent in TV shows – perhaps because of the repetition and almost formulaic habits shows employ.
I’ve complained before about this: lights in homes/apartments. Considering we’re all trying to be a bit ‘greener’ and more mindful of our carbon footprint, it seems like in TV and movie land, ne’er a care was given. How many times do you see people unlock their doors to walk into a practically fully lit abode? Or in a police procedural in which they force entry with the perp elsewhere and the lights are left on. I get that darkness doesn’t make for great camera shots but I find it to be a huge disconnect in terms of being immersed in their world.
You could argue the case that they have a smart home but, if that were the case, why not drop in some product placement and show it in action? I put it down to sheer laziness.
It bugs me even more when you have subject A with a flashlight on in a fairly well-lit room – what’s the bastard point?
Again, more prevalent in procedural shows like NCIS, Grimm and so on – hung conversations. This is another huge bugbear for me. You must have witnessed yourselves on multiple occasions. Picture the scene – partners at a crime scene discussing the evidence/case then it cuts to being back at the precinct and they carry on their conversation as if the journey back there never happened or you’re left to assume they just didn’t talk to each other at all in the car. Another major disconnect for me. It’s even more criminal than the typical soap opera cliffhanger which ends focusing on the character’s eyes as they stare slightly off camera to focus on the insinuated matter at hand (or the shifty-eyes malarkey often employed in Eastenders).
Is it really that difficult to perhaps get the odd shot of them in the car continuing their discussion? Or focus on them as they’re already mid-conversation as they waltz back to their desks? Or is that how police work is conducted? To only discuss the job in the presence of others/in certain locations? Come on, stop being lazy!
Akin to the above, another major gripe is when you have an overriding story arc that somehow manages to be completely forgotten about for a good few episodes before realising that that story needs to be continued – Supernatural is a prime one for this when the main plot is cast aside while Sam & Dean meander through some small-fry jobs whilst the world is about to end and that shit can’t wait. Or what about a main villain who seems to go off the grid for half a dozen episodes without anyone even wondering where the fuck he actually went before he pops back on the scene and it’s as if they never lost sight of him?
I get that there are a large number of small, moving parts and the intricacies can’t be simplified in such a manner but come on…writers get paid to work on and develop these intricacies. Doesn’t anyone who is involved with the editing/production of it not stop and think, “Wait a minute!” or do they just think we’re too stupid to notice?
What really grinds your gears in TV/Movie Land? Share below!
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—The Trying Scotsman has a ‘Don’t Be A Dick’ policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
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