Has TV Surpassed Film In Creative Quality?

I hear you, innsmouth. That was my impression of GoT, reinforced when I watched part of the first episode and the scene that introduced Tyrion (The Imp) showed him enjoying the company of several prostitutes.


However, a friend whose taste I respect recommended it highly, and I gave it another chance. I found the writing, acting, and production quality to be exceptional, and the commentaries on power (and the unholy alliances formed to acquire and hold onto it), wealth (or the appearance of it), religion (and its influence on politics), class, and much more to be very finely-honed. 

Certainly, if you are put off by nudity or sex, you'll find plenty to offend you in GoT. I felt it was made less prurient by the frequency of it. It became matter-of-fact, until it had little impact, and was never very graphic or lasciviously lingered upon. It was just shown, as was the cruelty and violence, which, in fact, bothered me more. The battle scenes often felt longer and more explicit than needed, but, again, the series is pretty full-on in all regards. 

I've told my friend that I would enjoy entire episodes of Tyrion simply chatting with some of the other characters, or some of Baelish's maneuverings. There is much more to the series than the lurid aspects which have drawn so much attention. But that distorted focus is more a reflection of our culture and media than the essence of the series. 

Regardless, if those aspects are what push your buttons, you probably should avoid Game of Thrones. But you might temper your criticism of something with which you're not very well acquainted. 

I agree completely. It seems to me that, in theatrical films now, the studios are mostly concerned with packaging, clustering focus group approved actors with scripts written around special effects sequences.


Occasionally, something meets that criteria, and actually turns out to be entertaining and witty, like Deadpool. But it's rare. It would appear that the best creative talent is being drawn to TV, specifically cable (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), and services like Netflix (House of Cards).


Films appear to be targeting adolescents, who are more likely to be eager to get out of the house, and also a better market for the very profitable, overpriced offerings at the refreshment counter. 

You make your point very convincingly, and elegantly. As a bonus, you like a lot of the same stuff I do. One name I'd add to your TV list is Al Swearingen. 

I think your point is still valid, sariz. The TV names you listed are recognized by many more people than recent film characters. Not that that necessarily means the TV series are qualitatively better, but I think the work is attracting discriminating viewers who might not have considered TV on par with films.