Addicted to TV

A TV addict should never marry a television engineer. It's like a giving an alcoholic a job as a bartender. OK, it worked for Sam Malone on Cheers, but that was fiction.

My name is Camille M., and I'm addicted to TV. Preparing this blog, I was shocked to learn just how serious my addiction is. Never mind that I pretend it's research that every crime fiction writer needs to do; it's embarrassing. (But I can stop any time I want to.)

The Can't Miss Shows, roughly in order: 

1. "Homeland" – it's like having "24" back, with slightly less torture.

2. "Boardwalk Empire" – to relive every device in The Godfather movies.

3. "Dexter" – to prove that damaged goods need love too.

4. "Revenge" – because I'm Italian.

5. "Criminal Minds" – for the philosophical wisdom as we fly to the scene.

6. "Law & Order, SVU" – because it's the only L&O left.

7. "The Good Wife" – because now and then I need a courtroom.

8. "Person of Interest"– to prove that geeks need love too.

(This show was higher on my list until the appearance of the dog.)

9. "Blue Bloods" – in spite of Tom Selleck, who thinks he's  Jesse Stone running the NYPD.

10. "The Mentalist" – for Simon Baker.

 

The Could Miss, But Why Not Take a Break? Shows:

1. "Leverage" – unbelievable hijinks.

2. Reruns of "Flashpoint" – for Hugh Dillon.

3. "Hawaii 5-0" – for Scott Caan.

4. "Burn Notice" – when I need to see an explosion.

5. "White Collar" – at least it's set in New York.

6. "Covert Affairs" – no excuse.

I'm lucky I don't like comedies, even when crimes are involved (ix-nay on "Castle" and "Psych" and the like). Likewise, I never watch talk shows; vampires; fantasies; reality shows; or any dancing or singing amateur talent or any show that my neighbor might be on or that invites voting.

In case you're wondering how I manage watching all these shows: my TV engineer husband's latest achievement is providing the means (see schematic) to record 16 different shows simultaneously. It's a wonder we have room in the house for books. 

Comments

[Susan Shea]

What I'm wondering is how you find time to write! When I get hooked on a Netflix series and watch an episode or two every night for awhile, I feel like my brain cells are dying off in large numbers. Clearly I don't know how to watch TV!

[Camille Minichino]

Susan, you have to convince yourself that TV is energizing your brain cells. (It helps if you don't know much biology.)

[Susan Shea]

Camille, Even without a bio degree, I'd need to see (or feel) some evidence to believe it.

[Terry Shames]

My internet was wonky yesterday so I'm going to reply to both you and Priscilla. Basketball. Won't miss the Warriors. What does that say politically?

My husband also records everything so we don't have to watch commercials--which means most shows are about half as long as if you were watching them on TV. But Camille I have to say we watch Castle--but only last thing at night when we are tired. Doesn't hold up to too much inspection, but at least it has some clever lines.

My new favorite is Nashville. I keep wondering how my life would have been different if I'd just gone ahead and given in to my country and western side and become a singer!

[Camille Minichino]

Do you sing, Terry? I love country. Somewhere in the house, the Oak Ridge Boys are singing "I Sure Do Like Those Christmas Cookies, Sugar."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSzVjSTaNyI

[Margaret Lucke]

Great list, Camille! All of my favorites plus a few I haven't seen but will have to check out.

I'm envious of your being able to record 16 shows at once. I can record only two, and that's if I'm not trying to watch something at the same time.

[rita lakin]

Never mind your taste in shows. I don't watch any of yours. I'm addicted to 7 shows and they are all on Sunday night.
I need Dick to show me how I can watch them all. I have a system which includes tivo-ing (is that a word?)the 2 front runners, then catch a 3rd at midnight and then I have to catch up with the others during the week with either xfinity or On Demand. My life is a living hell. I no longer have time to write. Dick Rufer I need help!