Feel like I've not talked about TV for a while, and there's a lot to talk about. Tis' definitely seems to be the season for change. Breaking Bad has blown the boundaries and the rest of the broadcasting world is now reacting with major shifts to their respective structures, with varying degrees of success.
The shows which benefited most from it are the ones that have been bold, brave, and unapologetic in their change. They've disregarded the worn out tropes and episodic nature, for a shot at dramatic integrity. Brody missing the majority of this seasons Homeland, the split of Florreck & Agos from Lockheart/Gardner in The Good Wife, and The Mentalist finally resolving the Red John story line have all marked a substantial shift in the stakes of the shows involved. These were the show-runners and writers that stuck with their guns and did it right.
However, there were series that dipped their toes in the water of change but retreated back to their safe and warm comfort zones before their feet had a chance to dry. Beckett moving to the FBI in Castle, and Neil getting a new handler in White Collar were the main culprits. What's most frustrating is that it was actually an interesting and entertaining turn of events; there were new characters, unique scenarios, and heaps of potential, which were all dashed within a few episodes, losing any credibility it worked so hard to earn.
The moral of the story being, throw yourself against the rocks, burn the film that has started to settle on you, it'll probably be for the best. And even if it isn't, at least it'll be different.
