I am a self-confessed addict to cheesy modern day drama series or soap operas. Recently, ETC channel has gotten me hooked to One Tree Hill and The OC. Ok, call it ridiculous but I’d actually hang-up my phone, turn-off my cell and tell people that I’m “indisposed” whenever these shows are on. This obsession started in my teenage years when Beverly Hills 90210 was aired in our local cable network in Bacolod. I remember it was a Wednesday night and I would rush and do homework earlier so I can have the rest of the night free watching, pondering, and calling friends to compare silly thoughts about the show.
Why do I like watching these shows? I wouldn’t say it’s because I can relate to the characters. It’s really more because their lives are so exciting that never in my wildest dreams would I live through so much drama. I have to admit though that the new dramas have gone a long way from Beverly Hills and Melrose Place.
My new favorite, The OC is about elite families living in beachfront properties in Orange County and Newport Beach. The story focuses on a young boy from the bad side of L.A. who is ‘adopted’ by one of the rich yet kind-hearted families, the Cohens. The show also revolves around the adults and the trivial and difficult problems they face while living in a posh part of California. The show is actually unique since it is not full of drama and most of the characters have witty roles.
The lines and the script are sardonic and the people have a wry sense of humor. No wonder, it’s such a hit in the U.S. I’ve also found out that a lot of people here watch the show. Interesting to note, too, is that it features beautiful beachfront houses and fabulous sights of Orange County.
One Tree Hill, on the other hand, revolves around stepbrothers and the difficulties of growing up with a single parent. It is more dramatic for me.
I enjoy these shows because the writers purposely create plots, that yes, may be predictable, but are also so darn exciting and “cliff-hanging” that they make you want for more. More drama, more “kilig” stories and admittedly, more cute guys!!!
JM:
You might think that I just write to oppose my sister, that is not true. We really disagree on a lot of things, but I always give the benefit of doubt. And so, I gave The OC (Orange County) the series a chance. I watched about three episodes and for some reason, I could not sit through it!
I could not help but change the channel for the simple reason that I was bored. I was thinking of why the show did not keep me still in front of the tube and I cannot find the right words to describe how I was feeling. Really.
Seriously, the relationship driven plot of The OC is not unique enough to me, compared to other shows like Nip/ Tuck, Alias and CSI.
I also noticed that the women in The OC are irrelevant to the story. They are merely objects of lust and fantasy. The two ladies exist solely to provide conflict for the developing story of Ryan and Seth's journey toward adulthood and the rejection of the materialistic values of a society that hates them. This show has no basis in reality at all. It is a series of mocked up characters in mocked situations. Orange County, the mansions, and the fast cars are only icing on the cake.
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