The Mt. Rushmore of Prestige TV
According to the Bill of Rights, for a viewer to place a show on Mt. Rushmore, it must follow a strict interpretation of the legal doctrine (completely constructed from my own mind)
Ten Commandments of Prestige TV
In order to make a compelling argument that something deserves to be on the Mt. Rushmore of anything, there must be a set of “legal principles“ to follow.
Legal Memo: Used to advocate for a certain position. “IRAC”
“I” Issue
“I” Issue
“I” Issue
Does ____ deserve to be on the Mt. Rushmore of Prestige TV?
“R” Rules
“I” Issue
“I” Issue
The aforementioned rules, though arbitrary, will serve as guideposts for longevity, cohesion, and ability to tell a story that finishes on their own terms.
“A” Analysis
“C” Conclusion
“C” Conclusion
This Is the section of the memoranda that applies the rule to the law. Most of the advocacy occurs during thi analysis. However, a thorough analysis will always address the weaknesses in their argument.
“C” Conclusion
“C” Conclusion
“C” Conclusion
Straightforward: “Therefore, __ deserves to be on the Mt. Rushmore of __”
1. Must last 5 seasons
Some of the best shows never got to stretch their legs and tell the full story. Deadwood probably has some of the best written dialogue ever. But after three seasons, David Milch and HBO parted ways. Three seasons is not enough to fully develop the relationship between Bullock, Swearengen and the town of Deadwood. Leftovers was original and thought-provoking, but ended so abruptly with some fascinating areas left to explore.
2. Main character cannot be a “hero”
Gone are the days of the White Knight coming to save the damsel in distress. Gone are the days of the cop that breaks all the rules to nab the criminal. The best shows have a normal man turning into a ruthless kingpin (Breaking Bad); a psychopath as the main character (Sopranos); no main character at all (The Wire); or what you think may be the main character that gets beheaded (GOT).
3. Has to be Binge-able/Rewatchable
“Binge-able” refers to the desire to find out what happens next. If the show is good enough, there is no way to turn it off. It must have WTF moments that keep your eyes glued to the screen. “Rewatchable” refers to the fact that you can keep returning to watch it on different levels. One can watch for plot, for character arc, and relationship arc. For example, one can have a great time getting high and laughing all the way through The Sopranos, part Chris’s intervention remains the funniest eve
4. Was a Water Cooler show
“Water Cooler” references the ability of a show to penetrate the Zeitgeist. Do you remember talking about a scene the day after (nowadays we can just call that ”soon after”)? Do you remember talking to your friends about McNulty and Bunk just using variations of the word “fuck” for an entire scene? Most people remember exactly where they were and the expression of shock after seeing the “Red Wedding“.
5. Cannot be an anthology series
It must tell one full story. True Detective, Fargo, Sherlock, and Black Mirror are absolutely phenomenal, culturally enlightening, and visually stunning . However, each season stands alone. In some cases, each episode stands alone. Changing characters, plot,and setting makes it too difficult to weave any comprehensive development.
6. Looming existential threat
The main story line is one thing. But each of the greats on Mt. Rushmore has an existential threat that drives some characters and plot lines. It can be the DEA, the FBI, the bureaucracy of Baltimore, or White Walkers. Whatever the name it goes by, this threat has the power to wipe out everything within their universe.
7. Iconic opening theme
There is little scientific evidence (none, actually) that an opening credit sequence contributes to the greatness of a show. That does not change the fact that all of these shows have kick-ass theme music. The music and credits that pan over a map of Westeros puts you in the world and pumps you up. Or Tony driving home on the New Jersey Turnpike immediately puts you in a gritty atmosphere as the words “got yourself a gun” hover over the credits.
8. Generated unforgettable memes.
Kids today don’t know where most of these memes come from (shaking an old man fist in the air).
Tuco: “Tight, tight, tight” when something hits.
Jesse: “These are great green beans Mrs. White” when it’s awkward.
Stringer: “She was a cop” (WeeBay’s reaction) when someone is fucked.
AJ Soprano: “So what? No fucking ziti now”
Everyone has said “sheeeeeeeeit”, but few can name the character that said it. Nevertheless, it’s amazing that 20 years later, the shows still exist in modern culture.
9. Depicts a life secretly curious about
If most people are honest with themselves, the popularity of these shows lies in the fact that the protagonists all seek unimaginable wealth and power. Every viewer is aware that these lifestyles can lead to incarceration, humiliation, or death. Perhaps the thrill is part of the allure. Skylar White wanted to be law-abiding, but Anna Gunn got more hate than maybe any actress in history. It speaks volumes that we stay on Walter’s side throughout.
10. Instantly recognizable side characters
Paulie Walnuts, Christopher Moltesanti, WeeBay, Omar, Hector Salamanca, Salamanca twins, Saul Goodman, Joffrey Lannister, the Hound. Each name evokes something. Some will even be memorabble enough to create of the best spin-offs ever, Better Call Saul. But let’s be honest, any spin-off would be amazing. Who wouldn’t watch a spin-off of Omar?
Conclusion: They Belong on Mt. Rushmore
Therefore, thusly, and hence, these four shows represent the best of the best. They all belong on the Mt. Rushmore of Prestige TV.
InstaFrenzy: Mt. Rushmore of . . . Highlights
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