brad@looking.UUCP (Brad Templeton) (09/30/85)
The new TZ was somewhat disappointing. Better than average fare for TV, but not up to the Serling days. Shatterday was overacted, and "Peace and Quiet" was too predictable. Ghost Train (Amazing Stories) was good, but not superb. More worthy of TZ than the new TZ. Hitchcock was good. ------------- In general, I am very pleased to see the return of the anthology series. It is my favourite television format, and one that has hardly existed since the seventies. 5 new anothology shows are changing that. (The above three, plus Tales from the Darkside and Comedy Factory) But these shows must remember what makes them strong. Originality. Original stories by fresh new writers. Original performances by fresh new actors. Both the TZ movie and the new TZ seem to forget this somewhat. (By the way, one of the reasons for Doctor Who's success is that it is really an anthology series with a single continuing character.) -- Brad Templeton, Looking Glass Software Ltd. - Waterloo, Ontario 519/884-7473
jdb@mordor.UUCP (John Bruner) (10/03/85)
I've seen several postings expressing approval of the new "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." I was disappointed with this show. [I was also disappointed by TZ and was not surprised by "Amazing Stories", which I plan never to watch again.] I hated the coloration of Hitchcock's introduction. It would have had considerably more class in B&W, and I (partially colorblind!) was not impressed with the appearance of the colors. I felt no suspense at any time during the episode, except perhaps a desire to know when the predictable ending would occur. I certainly felt no sympathy for any of the characters. I've never seen this episode from the original anthology, so I can't compare the two. Perhaps I'm expecting too much. This is (U.S. commercial) television, after all. -- John Bruner (S-1 Project, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) MILNET: jdb@mordor [jdb@s1-c.ARPA] (415) 422-0758 UUCP: ...!ucbvax!dual!mordor!jdb ...!seismo!mordor!jdb