Brett Martin’s Difficult Men: Behind the Scenes of a Creative Revolution from The Sopranos and The Wire to Mad Men and Breaking Bad provides an inside look into the history of television. Martin shows how key series like Hill Street Blues opened the door to more daring TV series. Martin explores the marketing of cable TV which opened up new markets and new audiences. HBO’s impact on the viewing habits of viewers cannot be overestimated. If I have a quibble with this fine history, it’s that Martin really doesn’t explore what might be ahead. Network and cable TV are facing mounting pressure from the Internet and Netflix. Audiences for anything other than live sporting events are eroding. But if you’re interested in the recent history of television dramas, Difficult Men delivers. GRADE: B+
George, thanks for writing about this book. I’d be interested to know how cable television has evolved since it’s less than 25 years old in India. I think the urban television viewer has come to know more about the American way of life, to the extent that it’s real, through sitcoms and soap operas. I suspect serials like FRIENDS have shaped friendships and relationships among the youngsters. Sitcoms in non-English languages in India, numbering over a dozen. have cultivated their own identity. Most of them are tearjerkers with excessive display of emotion shot in repeated slow motion. These are popular among both urban and rural viewers.
No, thanks. How’s things in Albany?
Prashant, DIFFICULT MEN would answer many of your questions. Of course, these programs are fantasies.
Rick, I’ve scored a dozen books on Day One of BOUCHERCON! They’ll show up on my blog over the coming weeks. I’ve talked to Maggie Mason and the two Teds. Plenty of free books!
Yay George! Go man go. Please say “Hi” from me to any of the recent apa members you encounter, will you?
Kevin Spacey’s turn in the Netflix HOUSE OF CARDS is an excellent example of what you’re talking about of course – thanks George, does sound worthwhile all the same!
THE REVOLUTION WAS TELEVISED by Alan Sepinwall was also great.