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osprey_archerHow psyched am I that there's already a fandom pimp post for this year's Yuletide? Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much. I've already got a new show out of it!
Although, naturally, I have reservations about it. Don't I always?
I've watched the first four episodes of Haven, a show which consistently reaches the dazzling heights of competent mediocrity. The leads have a fun if slightly cookie-cutter banter going, and the setting, the fishing town Haven in Maine, is picturesque if still a little one-dimensional. Neither characters nor setting feel quite lived in, quite real, but both are charming; I'm willing to give the show a few more episodes for it all to pop into three-dimensionality.
My main issue so far is that the writers have reused the same plot in three of the first four episodes. Supernatural havoc strikes Haven, and it turns out that a generally decent person has been causing it, unintentionally and generally without realizing it. Our heroes figure it out, the culprit realizes that he/she must remain calm at all times or else hell will break loose, happy end.
Even the one episode that doesn't follow this pattern - the culprit figures out his powers before the heroes do, and continues to do it on purpose - is merely a variation. He's still basically a good guy, doing bad deeds for Love, who is relieved when everyone figures out a way for him to use his powers without hurting anyone.
It makes for a very gentle show, which I appreciate; but also for an extraordinarily predictable one, which I don't. Moreover, it makes me worry that the writers lack the guts to give their show the touch of darkness that even the lightest show needs to spring to life. (Just look at Pushing Daisies.)
If the writers never allow their characters to develop a dark side - for goodness sake, even their smuggling conman is a good if obnoxious citizen! - then they'll remain charming but flat. It's chiaroscuro that brings characters to life.
Although, naturally, I have reservations about it. Don't I always?
I've watched the first four episodes of Haven, a show which consistently reaches the dazzling heights of competent mediocrity. The leads have a fun if slightly cookie-cutter banter going, and the setting, the fishing town Haven in Maine, is picturesque if still a little one-dimensional. Neither characters nor setting feel quite lived in, quite real, but both are charming; I'm willing to give the show a few more episodes for it all to pop into three-dimensionality.
My main issue so far is that the writers have reused the same plot in three of the first four episodes. Supernatural havoc strikes Haven, and it turns out that a generally decent person has been causing it, unintentionally and generally without realizing it. Our heroes figure it out, the culprit realizes that he/she must remain calm at all times or else hell will break loose, happy end.
Even the one episode that doesn't follow this pattern - the culprit figures out his powers before the heroes do, and continues to do it on purpose - is merely a variation. He's still basically a good guy, doing bad deeds for Love, who is relieved when everyone figures out a way for him to use his powers without hurting anyone.
It makes for a very gentle show, which I appreciate; but also for an extraordinarily predictable one, which I don't. Moreover, it makes me worry that the writers lack the guts to give their show the touch of darkness that even the lightest show needs to spring to life. (Just look at Pushing Daisies.)
If the writers never allow their characters to develop a dark side - for goodness sake, even their smuggling conman is a good if obnoxious citizen! - then they'll remain charming but flat. It's chiaroscuro that brings characters to life.
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no subject
Date: 2011-09-18 08:24 pm (UTC)It gets a LOT better in the back half of the season. It never varies from that formula, though; the thing you follow is the story arc for the lead characters.
I was head-over-heels in love with the show up until two weeks ago, when they put the final nail in the coffin of one issue that's been bothering me a LONG time. I haven't watched the most recent episode yet. I'm not sure whether I'm worried it's ruined for me now, or whether I'm worried that I'll easily forget the thing that bothers me so much.
no subject
Date: 2011-09-18 08:37 pm (UTC)Is the thing that bothers you going to be something that will bother me too, do you think?
no subject
Date: 2011-09-18 08:57 pm (UTC)Yes.
no subject
Date: 2011-09-18 09:04 pm (UTC)Oh well. I'm going to keep watching anyway.