The Unforgivable Allure of Bad Television: Why We Can’t Look Away
The Harvey Weinstein scandal ignited a reckoning in Hollywood, exposing a pervasive culture of sexual misconduct. The domino effect was swift and merciless, toppling beloved stars and leaving viewers grappling with a complex dilemma: how to reconcile their enjoyment of art with the abhorrent actions of its creators. This is the enduring paradox of Bad Television – its ability to captivate us even when we know we should turn away.
The Guilty Pleasure of Watching Bad Men Fall
The public downfall of powerful figures, particularly those previously held in high esteem, carries a certain morbid fascination. There’s a visceral satisfaction in witnessing the consequences of their actions. But beneath the surface lies a less noble sentiment: the guilty pleasure of watching bad television unfold in real life. The drama, the intrigue, the schadenfreude – it’s a potent cocktail that’s hard to resist. The Jeffrey Tambor allegations, for instance, cast a dark shadow over the critically acclaimed series Transparent, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about the man behind the groundbreaking role.
The Illusion of Political Engagement
The rise of “woke TV” – programming that tackles social and political issues – promised a new era of engaged viewership. Shows like Transparent, Master of None, and Black-ish offered seemingly progressive narratives, creating a sense of shared political awareness. However, the transgressions of figures like Tambor and Aziz Ansari exposed the hollowness of this performative wokeness. The political became a mere aesthetic, a superficial layer applied to entertainment rather than a genuine catalyst for change. This begs the question: can we truly engage with political issues through the lens of bad television? Or is it merely an illusion of participation?
The Addictive Nature of Television
Television’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to cultivate a sense of belonging. From the early days of broadcast television to the current age of streaming, this medium has provided a shared cultural experience, fostering communities around fictional narratives. This social function, coupled with the inherent seriality of television, creates a powerful draw, making it difficult to disengage even from bad television. We become invested in the characters, the plotlines, the world that unfolds before us, regardless of its moral complexities. As Theodor Adorno observed, television fosters a sense of social belonging that masks our increasing alienation.
The Spectacle of #MeToo
The #MeToo movement, with its rapid-fire accusations and public reckonings, played out like a real-life drama, captivating audiences worldwide. The movement exposed the systemic nature of sexual abuse, but it also highlighted the challenges of navigating accusations and separating truth from fiction. The blurring of lines between reality and entertainment further complicated the issue, as real-life events mirrored the sensationalized narratives of bad television. The accusations against Aziz Ansari, in particular, sparked a heated debate about the nuances of consent and the role of public opinion in determining guilt or innocence.
The Enduring Question of Forgiveness
In the aftermath of scandal, the question of forgiveness inevitably arises. Can we separate the art from the artist? Can we continue to enjoy the work while condemning the creator’s actions? There are no easy answers. The lines are blurred, the complexities numerous. The Oscars ceremony following the Weinstein scandal served as a stark reminder of this dilemma, oscillating between acknowledging the movement and maintaining the status quo.
The allure of bad television ultimately lies in its reflection of our own flawed humanity. We are drawn to the drama, the conflict, the moral ambiguities. We watch, we judge, we forgive, we forget. And the cycle continues. Perhaps, the true power of bad television isn’t in its ability to entertain, but in its capacity to force us to confront our own complicity in the systems that perpetuate it. Wanting better television, and a better world, may be the beginning of real change.
