If you're anything like us, coronavirus lockdowns may have inspired you to rewatch a couple of old TV favourites over the last year.
But how do they stack up in 2021? Six ABC reporters watched the pilot episodes of their favourite series to see.
We analysed the episode's quality, how representative the pilot was of what the show became, and some bonus nuggets to look out for.
Missed the first edition of our pilot TV reviews? Check them out here.
Lost
LoadingReview by Dan Colasimone
Number of seasons: 6
Date it first aired: September 22, 2004
The show, in one sentence: An eclectic group of survivors stranded on an — apparently — deserted island find themselves caught up in a series of increasingly mysterious events as they begin to realise they're part of something much bigger.
The pilot, in one sentence: Handsome doctor Jack wakes up amid bedlam after a plane crash, then demonstrates his alpha-hero credentials by rushing around saving people — but there's obviously more to this Pacific paradise than meets the eye.
How has it aged? Surprisingly well. The island setting helps the timelessness, though there's a bit of an early 2000s Survivor vibe.
What would never fly today? I mean, these characters probably wouldn't have flown on that plane in hindsight.
Bonus nuggets include: Where to begin? The pilot serves as a cipher to the rest of the series. Just about every loaded line of dialogue and angsty stare-into-the-distance will be expanded upon in depth in future episodes.
How does the pilot stand up to the rest of the series: He didn't survive the first episode, sadly.
I joke.
This was the dawn of event television and JJ Abrams' Lost was at the vanguard. The pilot has the production values and tension of a movie, and set the ball rolling for what became one of the most addictive series of the decade.
The moment you saw a bloke sucked into a plane turbine and the spectacular explosion that followed, you knew this wasn't like anything you'd seen on TV before.
If anything, though, it set viewers up for disappointment when the series finally wrapped up.
Progressing through the six seasons, you often wondered how all the plot strands could possibly be tied neatly together — and ultimately they couldn't. But we had fun along the way deciding whether we were team Jack or team Sawyer, didn't we?
Gossip Girl
LoadingReview by Emily Sakzewski
Number of seasons: 6
Date it first aired: September 19, 2007
The show, in once sentence: A blog called Gossip Girl (narrated by Kristin Bell) posts rumours and tip-offs, any details at all, about the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, but no one knows Gossip Girl's true identity.
The pilot, in one sentence: Gossip Girl posts that 'it' girl Serena van der Woodsen has returned to Manhattan after mysteriously disappearing — and now every teen from the Upper East Side to Brooklyn is dying to know why she left and the reason for her sudden return.
How has it aged? Any millennial with an interest in music, fashion and phones could probably place the pilot in the mid-2000s. The headbands, vests, thick under-the-bust belts are all hallmarks of that period.
LoadingWhat would never fly today? Chuck Bass sexually assaults Serena in the hotel kitchen, then later Jenny Humphrey on the rooftop, and these attacks are brushed off.
Bonus nuggets include: The series finale reveals Gossip Girl's true identity, but going all the way back to the pilot episode — and that scene at Grand Central Station — it's clear we were given a big clue at the outset.
Supplied: The CW
)How does the pilot stand up to the rest of the series? It introduces us to the deception and manipulation within Manhattan's upper crust. These are common themes throughout the series.
One by one, we see 'outsiders' (read: poor characters) introduced to the opulence and become so drawn into the drama they're willing to do anything not to fall out of favour.
It might have also drawn in viewers too. In 2007, audiences were fascinated by these teens living in penthouses, drinking martinis at upscale bars and sitting front-row at fashion shows, while evading any consequences for bad behaviour.
That showy wealth wasn't so savoury in 2008 when the global financial crisis meant Americans were losing their jobs and banks were foreclosing on homes.
Although the show tried to be more relatable in later seasons by introducing more 'outsiders', it never seemed to become as popular after that first season.
The Office (US)
LoadingReview by Alexis Moran
Number of seasons: 9
Date it first aired: March 24, 2005
The show, in one sentence: The show is a mockumentary that focuses on the daily lives of a group of workers at the very basic mid-range paper supply company, Dunder Mifflin — but what makes this workplace so humorous is the characteristics and personalities of each of the characters.
The pilot, in one sentence: Michael Scott, regional manager, is warned by his superior that his branch (located in Scranton, Pennsylvania) could be downsized and his employees become worried.
How has it aged? The technology used throughout the show is a dead giveaway to the early 2000s like flip phones (Dwight has one attached to his belt) and outdated computer screens.
But the mockumentary style is what makes The Office ageless. I, for one, especially love the consistent close-ups of Jim's reactions.
LoadingWhat would never fly today? The Office doesn't shy away from sexism, stereotyping or insensitivity, particularly through Michael's character and his inappropriate behaviour.
In this particular episode, what wouldn't fly today is Michael's Hitler joke. He takes it too far by making a Nazi salute in front of the entire office.
Bonus nuggets include: If you've watched the series enough like me, you'll notice the random extras in this episode who fill up seats next to Pam in the conference room. They are never to be seen again! I guess the producers wanted to give the illusion of bigger workforce in the pilot.
How does the pilot stand up to the rest of the series: The episode is scripted exactly the same as the British version's pilot. The US show gets much better as it edges away from the UK comedy style.
LoadingWe also see Michael get more vulnerable as the series continues. He's a bit of a jerk in the pilot, which worked for Ricky Gervais's portrayal of manager David Brent in the UK version.
For me, Jim and Pam's relationship (#goals), is what keeps the series flowing. We get to see them flirt in the pilot and understand why they're a perfect match and it's fun to go back and see them interact before they're 'officially' together.
The show also improves as you learn more about the other characters who didn't make a cameo in the pilot. Characters such a Meredith, Creed, Kelly, Kevin and Oscar.
Whether it's their conference room interviews or zoomed-in reactions, they just add more humour to each episode.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMia2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAzLTI2L3R2LXNob3dzLXBpbG90LWxvc3QtZ29zc2lwLWdpcmwtdGhlLW9mZmljZS1zdGFjay11cC1pbi0yMDIxLzEzMDE2NDk00gEnaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEzMDE2NDk0?oc=5
2021-03-25 19:18:22Z
CAIiEO9kPJkmhoZ3cg78EUfEOQgqFggEKg4IACoGCAow3vI9MPeaCDDciw4
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar