1. Buffy is often described as cult TV - what characteristics do you think define a film or television programme as 'cult'? What relationship do these characteristics have with Thompson's (as cited in Wilcox and Lavery, 2002) description of 'quality television'?
2. Buffy questions the traditional filmic dichotomy between good and evil. How was this seen in the week 9 screenings of Buffy?
3. Buffy often makes reference to other genres or pre-texts. Do you think it is necessary to be familiar with these genres or pre-texts to understand or enjoy watching Buffy?
4. Although it is a fantasy, Buffy is often described as being more realistic than most 'serious' television. Did this come across in the week 9 screenings?
1. I was a bit unsure of the main characterisitcs that define a film or television programme as cult. But this is what I have come up with so if you guys think differently please correct me as I was a bit confused!
The main characteristic in cult would be the ficitonal world or the made up world. The common characteristics A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power.
A process [is in use] call[ed] coercive persuasion or thought reform.
Economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Also, they construct the present day set in fantasy world and take the real world and change it in some significant respect.
Some characteristics in buffy would be: The Old Ones, Vampires, Demons, Slayers, The good fight, magic and technology.
The relationship these characteristics have with Thompson's description of 'quality television' is it relates to the new genre by mixing with the old, it is self conscious, it aspires towards 'realism' and the subject matter of tends towrads the controversial. All these things are included in Buffy the vampire Slayer which makes it also quality television.
2. In my opinion you can see the good in Buffy at the start of the first episode when she becomes friends with Willow instead of the other girl who is mean and nasty. Buffy also saves Willow and another guy from Vampires when it is clear to see that she doesnt want to do it after she has been talking to her watcher (the librarian). I could not see any evil in Buffy from that first episode she might not want to fight the vampires anymore but she doesnt turn her back on being the chosen one. The only evil I saw in taht episode would be the vampires who were trying to capture Willow and other students from the town for their master. The vampires were intending to take over the town but now it has changed because Buffy is there and that is why she is there!
3. Yes, I do think it is necessary to be familiar with other genres or pre-texts to understand Buffy. I have never watched Buffy before until Thursday in class and I must say that it didnt attract me at all, I wasnt interested or eager to find out what happened next. But I do think that with seeing other genres or pre-texts it might make more sense and could help to understand what the programme is about and the purpose and messages it is trying to portray to the audiences. I also think that more people would enjoy watching Buffy if they understood more about the background etc.
4. To me, it did not come across as being realistic. I saw the programme as purely fantasy because thats what campires are to me, is fantasy. So, believeing a progamme where there is a chose one who goes around killing vampires as her second life who live underground and surface to kill innocent human beings to me is not realistic or serious television at all. Although I must admit the programme did sem convincing in some aspects. If I was into fantasy genres then maybe I would take the time to show an interest in Buffy and watch more and learn about the programme, but it hasnt captured me. I think because I am not interested in fantasy genres it doesnt appeal to me even more, ill just stick to my day time soaps where no blood get sucked from necks!
5. I found the frist episode of Buffy interesting at the start when Bufy went to her new school but then it got right into the killing of a student and her watcher (the librarian) telling her she must fight the demons in the town etc. At this point I lost interest in the porgramme and drifted into my own little world. Movies or tv programmes that are fantasy genres have never really captured me and made me want to no more or watch it, mainly because I dont believe in things like ghosts or vampires and demons. One thing I did like about the programme though was that Buffy was a very good actor and she played her role very well and made it convincing to the audience. This is a good thing also because it could attract peopel to watching it and maybe believe it because Bufy makes it look so real. But to me the whole storyline of killing vampires as her second life is not me, id rather watch real life drama life Outrageous Fortunes. What do you guys think??
Hi everyone, 1. Yes, I agree with Ashleigh's comments. I think we can define cult TV. as a genre covering all programmes that play with widely held beliefs and perceptions. This covers most programmes in genres such as science fiction, fantasy fiction, horror fiction and some forms of comedy films. Most adult animation programmes are included as well. Any programme that has a strong loyal audience that thinks a lot about the show (worship), especially the world in which it is set. Any programme that has achieved a moderate level of popularity, but not a large one. This is what is usually meant when a programme is said to have 'reached cult status.' Any unpopular or obscure programme. This defintion encompasses the above one, but also includes shows with only a small level of popularity.
Quality television (also called 'quality TV.' is a term used by television scholars, television critics and broadcasting advocacy groups to describe a genre or style of television programming that they argue is higher quality, due to its subject matter or content.
Well, first of all I did not have clear the concept of Cult.After doing a brief research, I can conclude that what makes something cult can be widely argued. Therefore, there are several different definitions of what cult is.However,it would possible to mention some popular and strongly interconnected definitions of cult TV such as : -A genre that play with widely held beliefs and perceptions. -A strong loyal audience that think a lot on the show especially the setting.This shows usually have a high level of intensity. -Any serie that encourages the audience to participate either interacting, debating etc. -A serie that has achieve a moderate level of popularity but not a massive one. -Any unpopular or obscure serie with low levels of popularity but crtically acclaimed and devoted following. Considering only "these definitions",The relationships with Thompson's distinctives tendencies/ characteristics of quality TV that I distinguish are: -Desirable demographics notwithstanding, the noble struggle against profit mongering networks and non appreciative audiences. -The subject matter of quality TV towards the controversial. -The aspiration towards realism.
3) Yes, I do think it is necessary to be familiar with other genres or pre-texts to understand Buffy. I do think that with seeing other genres or pre-texts it might help me to understand in depth about the text.
4) 4. To me, it did not come across as being realistic.I saw the programme as purely fantasy because what everything happens on television is all about the things that does not exist on the earth. at all.
5) I also found the frist episode of Buffy interesting at the start when Bufy went to her new school got the killing of a student and her watcher (the librarian) telling her she must fight the demons in the town
1. Im not to sure what this question meant but I think the characteristics that Buffy has to define it as cult tv, is that the storyline involves real life issues that everyone can relate to and understand. With such a big cast and different types of characters, they could explore all the issues that teenagers face and how they deal with them, like many other cult tv series eg. Beverly Hills, Party of Five, Dawsons Creek, etc. Another characteristic was the action throughout each episode. And the fact that the series is based in a fantasy world yet shows the audience the different issues in life that would happen in a real world. Also the series is filled with humour which is another appealing characteristic in literature.
The characteristics that Buffy has that relates to Thompsons decription of quality tv is that the show has a wide variety in its cast and characters. The show is also very controversial as it explored issues that would upset some people. The show is extremely real, when watching it i could relate to some of the things the characters were going through. And the show is skillfully written going into depth on most issues.
4. I think Buffy is 50/50. Half of the story is based around realistic issues and subjects but then the other half is based on vampires and other demons and how she has to defeat them. Buffy probably is a bit more realistic than most other fantasy shows as it provides the audience with a more indepth look at certain issues and different types of people.
2. I agree with Ashleigh, most of characters in Buffy are all "good" apart from the vampires. Like Beth Braun states, "Evil" is less fixed in these types of shows and that most characters demostrate decent traits and behaviours. However, Some aspects of evil do appear in goodish characters. Like Angel treating Buffy horible after they had sex, but this "Evil" perception of Angel is protected by him having a spell over him. Another character that can also be seen as being evil is Buffys mother and in the first few episodes, Cordelia.
5. I enjoyed watching Buffy, i liked it how the episodes kind of end with a 'to be continued' style. Thats what would encourage me to continue watching it, otherwise im not to sure whether i wouldve become a hardout fan.
13 comments:
Questions for discussion
1. Buffy is often described as cult TV - what characteristics do you think define a film or television programme as 'cult'?
What relationship do these characteristics have with Thompson's (as cited in Wilcox and Lavery, 2002) description of 'quality television'?
2. Buffy questions the traditional filmic dichotomy between good and evil. How was this seen in the week 9 screenings of Buffy?
3. Buffy often makes reference to other genres or pre-texts. Do you think it is necessary to be familiar with these genres or pre-texts to understand or enjoy watching Buffy?
4. Although it is a fantasy, Buffy is often described as being more realistic than most 'serious' television. Did this come across in the week 9 screenings?
5. Did you like watching Buffy?
1. I was a bit unsure of the main characterisitcs that define a film or television programme as cult. But this is what I have come up with so if you guys think differently please correct me as I was a bit confused!
The main characteristic in cult would be the ficitonal world or the made up world. The common characteristics A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power.
A process [is in use] call[ed] coercive persuasion or thought reform.
Economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Also, they construct the present day set in fantasy world and take the real world and change it in some significant respect.
Some characteristics in buffy would be: The Old Ones, Vampires, Demons, Slayers, The good fight, magic and technology.
The relationship these characteristics have with Thompson's description of 'quality television' is it relates to the new genre by mixing with the old, it is self conscious, it aspires towards 'realism' and the subject matter of tends towrads the controversial. All these things are included in Buffy the vampire Slayer which makes it also quality television.
2. In my opinion you can see the good in Buffy at the start of the first episode when she becomes friends with Willow instead of the other girl who is mean and nasty. Buffy also saves Willow and another guy from Vampires when it is clear to see that she doesnt want to do it after she has been talking to her watcher (the librarian). I could not see any evil in Buffy from that first episode she might not want to fight the vampires anymore but she doesnt turn her back on being the chosen one. The only evil I saw in taht episode would be the vampires who were trying to capture Willow and other students from the town for their master. The vampires were intending to take over the town but now it has changed because Buffy is there and that is why she is there!
3. Yes, I do think it is necessary to be familiar with other genres or pre-texts to understand Buffy. I have never watched Buffy before until Thursday in class and I must say that it didnt attract me at all, I wasnt interested or eager to find out what happened next. But I do think that with seeing other genres or pre-texts it might make more sense and could help to understand what the programme is about and the purpose and messages it is trying to portray to the audiences. I also think that more people would enjoy watching Buffy if they understood more about the background etc.
4. To me, it did not come across as being realistic. I saw the programme as purely fantasy because thats what campires are to me, is fantasy. So, believeing a progamme where there is a chose one who goes around killing vampires as her second life who live underground and surface to kill innocent human beings to me is not realistic or serious television at all.
Although I must admit the programme did sem convincing in some aspects. If I was into fantasy genres then maybe I would take the time to show an interest in Buffy and watch more and learn about the programme, but it hasnt captured me. I think because I am not interested in fantasy genres it doesnt appeal to me even more, ill just stick to my day time soaps where no blood get sucked from necks!
5. I found the frist episode of Buffy interesting at the start when Bufy went to her new school but then it got right into the killing of a student and her watcher (the librarian) telling her she must fight the demons in the town etc. At this point I lost interest in the porgramme and drifted into my own little world. Movies or tv programmes that are fantasy genres have never really captured me and made me want to no more or watch it, mainly because I dont believe in things like ghosts or vampires and demons. One thing I did like about the programme though was that Buffy was a very good actor and she played her role very well and made it convincing to the audience. This is a good thing also because it could attract peopel to watching it and maybe believe it because Bufy makes it look so real. But to me the whole storyline of killing vampires as her second life is not me, id rather watch real life drama life Outrageous Fortunes.
What do you guys think??
Hi everyone,
1. Yes, I agree with Ashleigh's comments.
I think we can define cult TV. as a genre covering all programmes that play with widely held beliefs and perceptions. This covers most programmes in genres such as science fiction, fantasy fiction, horror fiction and some forms of comedy films. Most adult animation programmes are included as well. Any programme that has a strong loyal audience that thinks a lot about the show (worship), especially the world in which it is set.
Any programme that has achieved a moderate level of popularity, but not a large one. This is what is usually meant when a programme is said to have 'reached cult status.'
Any unpopular or obscure programme. This defintion encompasses the above one, but also includes shows with only a small level of popularity.
Quality television (also called 'quality TV.' is a term used by television scholars, television critics and broadcasting advocacy groups to describe a genre or style of television programming that they argue is higher quality, due to its subject matter or content.
Well, first of all I did not have clear the concept of Cult.After doing a brief research, I can conclude that what makes something cult can be widely argued. Therefore, there are several different definitions of what cult is.However,it would possible to mention some popular and strongly interconnected definitions of cult TV such as :
-A genre that play with widely held beliefs and perceptions.
-A strong loyal audience that think a lot on the show especially the setting.This shows usually have a high level of intensity.
-Any serie that encourages the audience to participate either interacting, debating etc.
-A serie that has achieve a moderate level of popularity but not a massive one.
-Any unpopular or obscure serie with low levels of popularity but crtically acclaimed and devoted following.
Considering only "these definitions",The relationships with Thompson's distinctives tendencies/ characteristics of quality TV that I distinguish are:
-Desirable demographics notwithstanding, the noble struggle against profit mongering networks and non appreciative audiences.
-The subject matter of quality TV towards the controversial.
-The aspiration towards realism.
3) Yes, I do think it is necessary to be familiar with other genres or pre-texts to understand Buffy. I do think that with seeing other genres or pre-texts it might help me to understand in depth about the text.
4) 4. To me, it did not come across as being realistic.I saw the programme as purely fantasy because what everything happens on television is all about the things that does not exist on the earth. at all.
5) I also found the frist episode of Buffy interesting at the start when Bufy went to her new school got the killing of a student and her watcher (the librarian) telling her she must fight the demons in the town
1. Im not to sure what this question meant but I think the characteristics that Buffy has to define it as cult tv, is that the storyline involves real life issues that everyone can relate to and understand. With such a big cast and different types of characters, they could explore all the issues that teenagers face and how they deal with them, like many other cult tv series eg. Beverly Hills, Party of Five, Dawsons Creek, etc. Another characteristic was the action throughout each episode. And the fact that the series is based in a fantasy world yet shows the audience the different issues in life that would happen in a real world. Also the series is filled with humour which is another appealing characteristic in literature.
The characteristics that Buffy has that relates to Thompsons decription of quality tv is that the show has a wide variety in its cast and characters. The show is also very controversial as it explored issues that would upset some people. The show is extremely real, when watching it i could relate to some of the things the characters were going through. And the show is skillfully written going into depth on most issues.
4. I think Buffy is 50/50. Half of the story is based around realistic issues and subjects but then the other half is based on vampires and other demons and how she has to defeat them. Buffy probably is a bit more realistic than most other fantasy shows as it provides the audience with a more indepth look at certain issues and different types of people.
2. I agree with Ashleigh, most of characters in Buffy are all "good" apart from the vampires. Like Beth Braun states, "Evil" is less fixed in these types of shows and that most characters demostrate decent traits and behaviours. However, Some aspects of evil do appear in goodish characters. Like Angel treating Buffy horible after they had sex, but this "Evil" perception of Angel is protected by him having a spell over him. Another character that can also be seen as being evil is Buffys mother and in the first few episodes, Cordelia.
5. I enjoyed watching Buffy, i liked it how the episodes kind of end with a 'to be continued' style. Thats what would encourage me to continue watching it, otherwise im not to sure whether i wouldve become a hardout fan.
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