Wednesday, May 10, 2006

TV Continuity

I think all TV shows should employ a continuity specialist, someone whose job it is to know past episodes and make sure that new episodes don't overlook or completely ignore something that's already been established.
Take ER, for example. I've been watching old episodes on TNT for the past week, and even though they're well into season 9, Carter made a Malucci reference just the other day - and Malucci was on during season 6! ER makes a lot of references to departed characters and story lines - I think they still mention Abby's crazy mother, and the show's in its 12th season.


Night Court, on the other hand, did a BAD job maintaining continuity. I haven't seen it in years, but I remember very distinctly that there was an episode where Roz the bailiff developed and was diagnosed with diabetes. I remember it so well because she wasn't going to be allowed to eat cake anymore, and even as a little girl, I had a deep and abiding love for cake. But after that episode - no more! I think I even saw Roz eating a doughnut once or twice after that. Bad move, Night Court.

I think bringing up old characters and story lines is a way to reward faithful viewers. It's a little treat when ER references something I already know about - it makes me feel special.

TV continuity - B (it's a good thing, but it always needs to be better)

5 comments:

Chargenda said...

Ooh, right, soaps try to do a good job at this, but will bring weird stuff up like 5 years after it happened, but then just try and erase other storylines from your head.

equippedtofascinate said...

Mama K couldn't have said it better. I'd just like to point out that Eric is diabetic, and I've seen him eat cake on many occasions.

Anonymous said...

speaking of Abby's crazy mother, I hear she is going to be back for some ER appearances in the fall...

amanda said...

And I saw John "Dan Fielding" Larroquette in Beverly Hills last spring! Any other Night Court sightings?

Anonymous said...

Night Court really jumped the shark when Christine fell in love, got married, had a baby and got divorced all in the space of six months.