Not as engaging as season one by far
This American Life was the initial radio shows with which I became utterly enthralled, revolving my Saturday morning schedule around it is airing until other means of listening came along. So I was happy when it comes to Showtime picking at up, and not at all skeptical that a TV version would disappoint.
And it didn’t, at first. Season one of the television show did not disappoint, and neither, truthfully, did season two. If I were to judge season two by nixing any preconceived notions when it comes to This American Life (either in radio format or the format laid out by season one of the TV show).
Something in season two was missing out for me right off the bat. It remained pure speculation as to why season two did not strike the same chord with me. I at long last figured out that it was lack of Ira Glass’s narrative. You see, the DVD has a live presentment as a bonus feature. And in it I see Chris Wilcha (co-director of the TV version) and Ira Glass talking about how they chose in season two to have Ira Glass be involved as little as possible(!).
This was the unfathomed divergence amongst season one and two. Chris Wilcha and Showtime mistakenly believed that it was wise to relegate Ira Glass to the background as much as possible, rather of letting him narrate the show as he had done in season one. From what I gathered, those whom had misgivings in regards to a TV version agree that episode one of primary season soothed those fears. The show was still lovable. No matter how a great deal of moving pictures were added, it was unquestionably still This American Life. Believing that Ira Glass wouldn’t surrender so much originative control, I had none of these misgivings and the TV show did not disappoint– in season one. That was season one though.
Showtime, in the second season, has chosen to deviate from the format that worked so well for them in the initial season. Chris Wilcha basically stated that the photography ought to speak for itself in the TV version of the show and that little to no narrative by Ira was necessary or desired. I couldn’t disagree more. Season one worked for the same reasons the radio show works. Ira Glass. While he isn’t perfectly *needed*, you could say the same for the moving photography of the Showtime show– it too, isn’t perfectly necessary. The new way they have Ira Glass introducing the show, as altho the story is an “afterthought”, left me sentiment cheated, as well as “cheapening” the overall quality of the primary narrative segments.
Ira, in my opinion, is more necessary to the show than the filmography, and his inclusion is paramount to keeping the spirit of the show alive in any format. No Ira, or very little Ira, will equivalent a failed This American Life. I don’t say this as a radio or television fan. I say this as a fan of “This American Life”, with our host, Ira Glass.
I have purchased season one three times- once for myself, and twice as gifts for others. I likewise purchased season two. Once, for myself. I will not be buying it again. Though the content is up to par- amazing, poignant, entertaining- and the DVD comes with a assortment of bonus features including audio commentary and the option for HDTV, looking at it with the minimum of Ira’s proud and comforting voice punctuating the story (sadly, in most segments he isn’t included at all- a deliberate choice, they explain in the bonus “live” excerpt.) is just not the same show. This renders a great deal of sequences that would commonly be exceedingly compelling into closely unforgettable weakened versions of what I imagine it is creators envisioned. It’s now like “every other television show”. These changes are an unwelcome shift away from not just what worked in season one, but from the spirit of the radio show as well.
Save your money. The radio version needs it more than Showtime. (The radio version is hosted by WBEZ and PRI, not NPR, as a lot of believe.)
I for one will be observing the DVD for the bonus inclusions, which are beauteous stellar. If there are more Showtime seasons planned, I can not imagine them being as gripping as the primary season was if they proceed to deviate wildly from the format of season one. Season one was veritably in keeping with the spirit of TAL. Season one WAS, “This American Life, with your host, Ira Glass.”
Season two? Eh, not so much.
Real life, beautifully filmed
I still do not forget when I primary came throughout the radio show for This American Life. My wife and I were initial dating, and, coming back from a movie, we sat in the car from 11pm to midnight, listening to the story that so captivated. In the 12 years since, I have never missed an radio show.
Ira Glass has taken his ear for story and married it to a pretty eye. Each episode this season is lovingly filmed, the themes running through each episode are familiar, yet meaningful, and the stories will stay with you for most of your life.
From the introductory episode in the series, “Escape”, which chronicles the life of an young man endeavoring to be on his own but constrained by a disease that leaves him physically helpless, to the last episode in the series, “Meet John Smith”, which chronicles a year in the life of 7 men named John Smith at dissimilar ages, this is what you Edward R. Murrow will have to have hoped TV would become.
Not a wasteland of reality TV shows and laugh tracks, but a respectful and deep record of the dignity and challenges surrounding daily life.
I got this season on iTunes, but I would highly commend that you pre-order this season. You will not be disappointed.
Moving
Why can’t TV shows be made for adults? Why can’t TV shows trust the audience to be intellectual and curious? This American Life is one of the rare shows on TV that aspires to fetch something more to the medium.
Subtle, easy-paced, and ultimately, enjoyable.
