High on the Idiot Box

TV is a monster. It’s the reason I am up studying at 3am in the morning. Its tainted glow is why I have thick glasses that keep falling off. Its controlling device is the spark that starts a war in my household. Once you enter its world, there's no going back. Some smoke, others drink...I browse.

Being addicted to TV shows is a time consuming hobby, and surprising requires a high threshold of patience and low level of common sense. Unfortunately, I have learnt to acquire both. Hindi shows particularly demand a high level of patience. Honestly it isn't very surprising that we Indians, who have been dealing with with government officials on a daily basis have accumulated these skills over the years.

TV depicts the local population, the emotions, life and hardships of the people. It’s a reflection of the society. I guess the rest of us live in Uganda then, as I haven't been able to find a single woman with that level of makeup on their face, living in huge bungalows, doing nothing but preparing for Puja, festivals or weddings. The vamps plot against anyone and everyone, plan things to the tee and execute them with precision. They show mind-blowing dedication in ruining others lives for absolutely no profit or gain of their own. If this does indeed depict India, then god help the bahu. Every scene in the show will play out at least twice, lest we forget what happened 3 seconds ago. The writers though have a simple yet taxing job. Every episode must contain around 20 dialogues, so not much work in that area. But they still have to keep a phenomenally ridiculous plot alive for 7 years, so I don't envy them. Who in their sane mind watches these shows? 1.2 billion Indians (according to the utterly flawed TRP system)

But then, TV does create this beautiful world where everything is as perfect as Hanna's hair in PLL.  I would love to believe that the health care system in America is as efficient as it is in 'Grey's Anatomy' or the world of law is as sexy as its shown in 'suits' but this tiny little nagging creature called common sense keeps buzzing incessantly. So, I increase the volume and change the channel.

 

Familiar faces, battling their demons. In the perfectly casual hair and clothes.