The other day, I was sent a link (by a publicist) to T-Mobile's web series Connected. Honestly, I haven't quite decided that I like the notion of web series and webisodes at all yet, and Connected didn't do much to change my mind.
The series revolves around a C-list Hollywood talent agent and his cadre of insane wanna-be stars. He's got one legit actress in the group, and by "legit" I mean that she is well known, a Lindsay Lohan-type more than an actress. There's also the usual assortment of individuals - the independent film director, the bad comedian, the singer. Imagine, if you will, Entourage, but less funny and with a very low-rent feel. It's full of stereotypes and easy jokes. Some are funny, but they're all easy.
The real problem, however, is the format. Webisodes are generally (and Connected is no exception) short. It's a hard format to tell a story in and one that doesn't really substitute for television. Stringing together a bunch of them could make for more of a long format thing if done correctly (NBC will be trying this with Quarterlife, goodness knows if it'll work), but I don't think Connected would translate (and as a commercial more than a stand-alone series a harder sell).
The best thing about the series is that it's not too much of an obvious advertisement for T-Mobile. The agent hands out Sidekicks like candy, and people are often seen using them (probably in real life one would see Blackberrys in their stead), but that's about it.
Okay, here's the link. And, here's my question: am I wrong and/or just too plain old? Is this really the wave of the future? Do the production values/ acting/story really in any way compare with what you see on TV?
Please, WGA and AMPTP, sit down and chat with one another, because if there's nothing decent on this fall I'm going to be hugely distressed.
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Article comments
1 - FormerQuetteFan
I gave up on John Larroquette when he came to Boston Legal. He really showed his real personality as an egotistical actor that no longer cares about his acting, but rather who he works with. I personally wrote him a letter back in October expressing my disappointment in his Sack character. I have yet to get a reply or at least an autograph. O.o
I found Carl Sack to be just a piece of moving cardboard and the whole "Carl loves Shirley" thing to be contrived. Up to this point I think the season (And the show itself) will be left on a cliffhanger where Carl asks Shirley to marry him and Denny gets insanely jealous, only to steal Shirley back when and if they try to get married next season... that is if ABC renews it which seems to be up in the air up to this point.
Let's be honest, the show is ABC's live action version of 'King of the Hill'. It's only there for timeslot filler. Boston Legal is written like a very bad The Practice fan fiction. It's a truly overrated show.