I do not think Downton Abbey has jumped the shark because I do not think it is doing anything different. As I said yesterday, it has always been more about the characters than the plot. The plots have been contrived from the beginning. But the fact that they were forced to kill off two well-loved characters may be hard to overcome but even if it is I do not think you can jump the shark you have been riding all along.
I am trying to think of other shows which have indeed jumped the shark? I think you could make a case that LOST jumped the shark in its final season. 24 probably jumped the shark at some point. I think the high point of that series was Season 3. We sometimes watch The Mentalist, I think they jumped the shark when it turned out Red John was not dead. How can we ever trust the writers again?
The Brits generally have shorter TV seasons than we do. Is that why they have better quality and longer running shows? Midsomer Murder has now been on for over 20 years. Ir is interesting to note that Midsomer was forced to jump the shark when their producer made the mistake of pointing out that the coziness of the series was aimed at white Brits. He was fired and the show added in a more urban element. Too bad. Urban element is all over the place, cozy not so much.
What shows do you think jumped the shark? Is it impossible to keep up quality writing in a television show or do the good writers leave when they get bored?
In other news, I have been very sick this week. This is throwing a kink in my plans to run the 5K on Saturday. I haven't run since last Wednesday and I was hoping on working on my time. Right now I am anticipating a 45 minute 5K which is a bit dismal even though everyone keeps telling what an accomplishment that is. Ha, Ha. That feels a bit condescending. I guess the boys do get some of their competitiveness from me. It just hurts to lose a race to people in their 80s. I know, I know, there are no losers. I am nothing if not a plodder so I have not given up the idea of running the race but I feel right now as if I have pneumonia and I am not sure I can overcome that on Saturday.
Does anyone have a suggestion for the best place for a new runner to hang out online?
I cant sit back and let you dismiss your accomplished running/jogging skills. If you can complete 3.1 miles in 45 miles, that is FANTASTIC!!
ReplyDeleteAnything any faster would set you up for injury.
Let me know, if you find out a place for new runners (middle-aged women) because I'm interested. In the meantime, I reading about running/walking/jogging at about.com
Ideally you could find a running group in your community which I think would be far better than one online. In my town there is a running club that caters to all levels. It culminates in a 5k which people either build up to running or mostly walking. There are great tips, some coaching but mostly comraderie. If you can't run on Saturday maybe hang out at the finish line at the 45min. point, gather those finishers and then suggest you form a running group!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do not have pneumonia. You take care.
"Does anyone have a suggestion for the best place for a new runner to hang out online?"
ReplyDeleteIt is wrong of me that I laughed at this question?? :)
http://forums.runnersworld.com/forums
ReplyDeleteTry here. I used to frequent this forum before I had babies, so I can't vouch for it today, but it looks to still be pretty helpful. Get Well Soon! MrsD
Cindy, check out anothermotherrunner.com. Podcasts, articles, and a new forum...all aimed at women of all shapes and ages. Take a look at the photo project of real 'mother runners' if you don't believe me. :-)
ReplyDeletejust stopping by to say I hope you're feeling better....
ReplyDelete