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 Not Remotely ControlledNotes on Televisionby Lee Siegel Jun 25, 2007
DescriptionTelevision has taken firm hold of American life ever since the first flickering images replaced the disembodied voices innocently crackling from the radio. Ever present and evolving, television thrives at the crossroads of commerce, art, and entertainment. In Not Remotely Controlled cultural critic Lee Siegel collects his reportage and musings on this most hybrid medium. Whether chronicling the history of the “cop” drama, revealing the inherent irony in Donald Trump’s character on “The Apprentice,” or shedding light on those unheralded gems that Neilsen ratings swept away prematurely, Siegel gives each episode, series, or documentary the attention and respect usually reserved for high-art and dusty literature. Going far beyond mere pans and praise, Siegel has given long-overdue attention to America’s most pervasive art form: television. Reviews[Siegel] plumbs game shows, reality programming, cartoons, sitcoms, miniseries and iconic personalities with equitable rigor and flare. Above all, this collection showcases Siegel’s talent as a semiotician, as he unmasks and dismantles the value system at work behind popular shows. Collection highlights include thoughtful articles on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Extras, and Deadwood, provide a spotlight on shows that justify sharp analysis. Siegel covers a lot of ground, describing the singular allure of a particular show, offering comparisons to historical predecessors, discussing influences on popular culture, and underlining relevance to various issues... these essays create a stimulating volume that will especially appeal to television enthusiasts and students of popular culture.
Falling Upwards author, renowned cultural critic and blog-fiasco creator Lee Siegel turns his sharp wit on the tube with this collection of essays. Selling TerritoryWorld |
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