Grid Effect

I am hesitant to admit that I caught a half hour of the ABC series What About Brian? tonight and, um, who watches this nonsense? I apologize if you do, it is not my intention to be caustic. But this is the most heavy handed melodramatic show I have ever seen. And that is not an exaggeration. Literally every scene involved someone crying or on the verge of crying, and judging by the atmosphere the show presents, it isn’t an anomaly.

Most of the aforementioned crying jags involved some girl named Marjorie, who was marrying Brians best friend, Adam. But Adam apparently fell in love for Marjorie at some point and she reciprocated. When? You ask? The night before her wedding (its moments like this that I regret The Graduate was ever released, but then I assure myself there is a reason virtually everyone rips off this gimmick, and how groundbreaking that film is). But he rejected her advances for the benefit of his friend. His sister then, in so many words, called him a wuss (under the guise of “nice guy”) which prompted him to accost her right before she walks down the aisle. She rebuffs his advances, they both cry then Adam and Brian stared each other down while Brian is standing at the altar. Apparently they had confronted each other about Marjorie before. The end.

I understand there is a place for entertainment like this. It is ultimately harmless and better than another reality show… probably. But I just can’t help noticing how contrived it is. Every single conversation is this intense encounter with the world at stake for both parties. And the dialogue is cheap:
Adam: Are we really getting married today?

Marjorie: Yeah… we are.

Adam: So, this is the beginning.

Marjorie: Yes (sniffle) it is.

I might be paraphrasing, but my interpretation isn’t far off. Does anyone really talk like this? I certainly haven’t met anyone of this archtype. It reminds me of the “chick flick” equivalent to the standard action movie where some guy slaughters an entire military with no remorse. In the sense that both examples shamelessly pander to their very specific desired audience.

Is there someone who likes this show? Am I off base or out of line? I would love to hear from someone who regularly watches and enjoys the series. Either way, feel free to comment.

Recap and thoughts on Studio 60 tomorrow.