TV Finally Remembers It’s Supposed to Be Fun | Commentary
The "Baywatch" trailer proves that TV is growing out of its emo phase The post TV Finally Remembers It’s Supposed to Be Fun | Commentary appeared first on TheWrap .
Within the opening seconds of Fox's "Baywatch" reboot, a plane collides with a parasail, hurling two alarmed adolescents into the depths below. The trailer teems with prominent physiques, slow motion sequences, and thigh-high swimwear as lifeguards swiftly plunge into action. Shortly thereafter, Noah Beck's character navigates the submerged aircraft like a kneeboard, propelled by his colleague who guides him via speedboat.
The trailer's wild and extravagant nature raises questions about its true essence. In recent years, numerous shows have mirrored the cinematic style of "Breaking Bad," resulting in an overabundance of complex narratives. Consequently, many series have been labeled as "bummer" rather than enjoyable entertainment. A notable instance occurred when "BoJack Horseman" humorously addressed the trend with a satirical letter from its creator, Flip McVicker, in Season 5.
Despite the existence of exceptional storytelling on television, the entertainment value of the medium has historically been closely tied to its unexpected twists and moments of sheer madness. The term "jumping the shark" – a reference to Fonzie leaping over a live shark during an episode of "Happy Days" – aptly encapsulates the point at which a show, movie, or franchise adopts such an absurd turn that it often heralds a decline in quality.
However, in recent times, television has experienced a resurgence of that exuberant and disordered spirit. HBO's "A Knight of Seven Kingdoms," a comedy set in the realm of "Game of Thrones" with an abundance of fart jokes, demonstrates the medium's inherent ability to elicit laughter. "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" on Peacock offers a similarly refreshing take on comedy, effectively addressing the void left by NBC's golden era of must-see television.
Prime Video's "Sterling Point," a young-adult series lauded by The Guardian for its "expert escapism," further exemplifies the medium's capacity for pure fun. Lastly, the wildly acclaimed Apple TV+ horror comedy "Widow's Bay," which secured 14 Emmy Awards for its first season, serves as a testament to the joy of television without succumbing to heavy-handedness.
While "Baywatch" may not replicate the triumph of "Widow's Bay," its reemergence signals a long-needed return to television's playful origins.
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