I don’t own a television set, and while I do watch the odd show, it’s usually at a rate of about one or two programmes per week, give or take – and never on any particular schedule.*
If I have a bit of downtime, and my brain isn’t up to much, I’ll head to iPlayer for a panel show comedy of some kind, or a light and fluffy documentary programme like that Wonders of the Solar System thing I enjoyed half an hour of over the weekend.
But I love great television. Especially well-written television. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, I’m blown away by pretty much anything that Jane Espenson turns her hand to (with the possible exception of Andy Barker, PI) and I think Aaron Sorkin‘s a bit of a genius. I think the medium is capable of some fantastic long-arc storytelling, and some of it is easily the equal of some of the best cinema out there. Often it’s even better.
My problem is one of time. But I have an idea that provides me with a very simple solution to that…
It’s basically just a list
“No, I haven’t seen that TV series yet. It’s on my Retirement Pile…”
The Retirement Pile is something I invented to stop myself feeling like I was missing out by not watching all the great TV series that all my friends are raving about.
Of course it’s important that I watch Battlestar Galactica, Lost, The Wire, Breaking Bad and Mad Men. I love a really good TV series, and I can marathon a box set like it’s going out of fashion. Your recommendations and enthusiasms are much appreciated.
It’s just not important that I watch them right now. I have other things I’m doing at the moment. But one day, I’ll be retired, and think how many great shows I’ll get to sit down and watch. I’m really looking forward to it.
If you have any shows you’d recommend to me (or films for that matter), I’d love to hear them. And I will definitely check them out and no doubt enjoy them.
I’m just massively procrastinating about it – in an organised fashion.
*The glaring exception to this is Supernatural. Bobbie and I watch it together every week that it’s on – and not because it’s good. It’s a guilty pleasure. I mean – it’s The Dukes of Hazzard with ghosts. What’s not to like?