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November 15, 2007
Top to bottom, left to right...
I've just learned that a new version of The Electric Company is under development for the Fall 2008 season.
I feel like I should be very unhappy at hearing this news, but I'm entirely indifferent. I know there's no way the revamp could be as fresh and original as the version I grew up with.
Looking back, I'm amazed at the talent behind TEC: Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman, Mel Brooks, Tom Lehrer, Chuck Jones, Gene Wilder, Bill Cosby... Irene Cara?
It's unlikely that they could reconstitute such a diverse group of artists for this next go-round. Besides that, I can't imagine that TEC II would receive the same creative freedom as the original. With yet another GOP hack at the helm, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is putting the Bush Touch on educational TV.
Ultimately, contemporary children's television is about merchandising and little else.
Before anyone points it out, I'm well aware that this post has a cranky "In my day..." tone to it, but I'm resolutely smug and self-satisfied about this: my generation came up in the golden age of educational TV.
I feel a little sorry for kids who dig on Dora the Explorer and Barney & Friends. The little I've seen of these programs lead me to believe that they're about as healthy and educational as lead-contaminated hamburgers coated with GHB-related compounds.
Anyway, you've eaten your vegetables, so here's dessert:
Is it just me, or is there a sexual vibe between Easy and Carmelita?
Posted by Your Protagonist at November 15, 2007 01:02 AM