Blue and the World of Web-Based Programming

Up until this point, I've been trying to keep this blog TV-centric. However, in an age when a series like House of Cards may never even be "broadcast" in the traditional sense of the word, "TV-centric" takes on a whole new meaning. I like to interpret "television" as basically any form of scripted, serialized story-telling. And if that's the case, than I quickly want to discuss a series I encountered, and enjoyed well-enough, called Blue.

Blue, starring Julia Stiles, is a webseries on a YouTube channel called WIGS. The channel has several scripted original series and short films-- all with female leads. (I have been meaning to look into the other series on the channel, but Blue is really the only one I'm familiar with at this point). Blue is the name of Julia Stiles character-- a single mother who supplements her day job by secretly prostituting herself at night (don't worry, she's the classy kind). The episodes are short (ten minutes at most) and there were only twelve in the show's first season. It took me about 90 minutes to watch.

I first watched the series last year and given the medium, I was pretty impressed by its production, by the acting, by the chancy storytelling and subject matter, and by the emotion on such a limited show. It's obvious they had a small budget, but in a series on YouTube, budget is barely important. Story and performance are what drive the show. Albiet flawed, I got drawn into the story and the character. It is clear that Blue has a dark past and demons to exorcise, but she keeps it all bottled up tight while struggling to provide for her son and keeping her two worlds separate. It really is a very interesting character-driven show that allows a well known actress like Julia Stiles explore something new and different. And there are other familiar faces as well-- aside from Stiles there is Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story; Game Change; Martha Marcy May Marlene), David Harbour (The Newsroom; Law & Order) and Kathleen Quinlan (Prison Break; Apollo 13).

This isn't anything groundbreaking or game-changing. It's actually melodramatic and often forced and awkward. But at least it's something new. The second season starts March 15th. And I have to say, based on the trailer below, I'm very interested to see what this show has to say and where this medium takes us. I am familiar with other webseries (The Guild, which I highly recommend; The Lizzie Bennett Diaries; Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome), and it's very interesting to experience the feel of these shows. In the case of Blue the show doesn't feel like a television series, but it also doesn't feel like a play nor a film nor a miniseries neither. It's something else entirely. And it's fascinating to see this medium shape itself with the help of such dynamic programming.

The Case for Enlightened

Lately, it seems like the critically trendy thing to throw your support behind HBO's Enlightened. Which isn't to say that it's undeserved-- or why I'm even choosing to write about it in the first place. On the contrary, I've been reading so many blog posts and tweets concerning the show that it actually motivated me to throw my two cents into the fray...




Here's the thing with Enlightened, the first season was very good. I enjoyed the meditative feel of the show. It was something different, something I can honestly say I never encountered on television before. It was unique and emotional and reflective and funny and straightforward all at the same time. Above all, it simply felt earnest. While, the first season lacked a strong plot, what pulled me in were certain character dynamics and seeing Laura Dern's character Amy Jellicoe struggle to keep her head clear and above water. It was interesting to see a character choose to make such an intense change in their outlook on life. And to remain committed. To maintain serenity while continuing to face all the people/things that drove her to break down in the first place. It felt human and complex. I personally related in a lot of ways and I admired Amy's devotion. I was drawn to her journey and challenges along the way (and not necessarily the usual twisty plot or ballsy storytelling I tend to love).

Now as its second season is coming to a close, I can honestly say Enlightened has really found its stride, has struck a great balance, and has found its voice. This current season is some fantastic television. I can't express enough how much I'm enjoying it (it's probably going to make my annual top-ten list come December). This show is refreshing. It makes me feel on a level very few other shows have achieved. One thing I distinctly like about the show is how it takes its time-- that each episode is just one A plot. They're not jumping from one character to another within the same episode. This has been true from the start. The first season had an entire episode revolving around Amy's mother (Diane Ladd) while the current season had episodes from the perspective of Amy's ex-husband Levi (Luke Wilson) and co-worker Tyler (the show's creator/writer/director Mike White). Each of these episodes were fantastic in their own right. But they also helped set a deliberate pace. There are so few episodes to work with and I appreciated that the show felt like it could take its time to pause and fruitfully focus on these characters and their mindsets. It helped to shed light on the complexities of their relationships. And while I was initially drawn to the meditations and the emotions of the show, I have to say this season I am enjoying the story in addition to the character's growth.

The best way for me to describe Enlightened is as "sadly-sweet", not bitter-sweet. There is no bitterness or snark here, which is something I find to be uncommonly refreshing. Today so many shows revolve around anti-heroes and their cringy, cruel, and degrading scenarios (which isn't to say I'm necessarily sick of that-- some of those shows are my favorite shows). It's just refreshing to see something different and earnest. To have a show that aspires to tell an emotional/cerebral/spiritual story. To be light and funny and meditative but also sad on such a deep level. (And not like, crying sad. But a sadness in your heart like a pang of loneliness or pity or empathy for these characters and their lives.)

As of right now, the future of Enlightened is uncertain. HBO hasn't ordered a third season and the current season is now coming to an end. I just hope someone decides to continue this show. It's so unique and it'd be a shame to squander all the work and foundation-building that has gone into it. And while I thought it was worth spending my two cents on this post-- on throwing my support behind Mike White and his show-- I'm now realizing I would have been better off saving these pennies and tossing them into the next fountain I see. All with a wish and the hope that I'm sending some good vibes out into the ether on behalf of this truly fantastic program.