You may not think comic books are taking over the entertainment industry, but I assure you the ink-painted pages aren't just invading your theaters, they're breaking into your small screens. Fact of the matter is, comic book television shows are taking the market and soon that's going to be the talked about genre. But just like movies, these shows have to fit a demographic, and we as viewers can't deny that.
Odds are if you don't watch any superhero shows, you've heard people gush about them. "Oh, you don't watch Arrow? How about The Flash? Agents of Shield is cool! Boy, I miss Constantine". To be fair I'm pretty sure I was the only person saying that last one. Oh, Constantine, you were too good for this world. CBS's upcoming "Supergirl" looks to be the next comic book craze, with season two of "Agent Carter" following it. Shows like "The Walking Dead" and "iZombie" are ripped from comics too, bet you didn't put that together. But this post isn't just about naming shows or questioning continuity-seriously, I think I complain about character rights enough already-it is rather a look at who these shows are being made for other than comic readers or superhero fans. I talked about something similar to this in "The Two Lanes of Comic Book Movies", go read it if you haven't, I'm quite happy with how it turned out. Oh Rao, now I'm doing advertisements in between my posts like they're commercials. Anyway, in order for these shows to gain viewers, TV producers have to advertise the shows to a certain demographic. For example: "Arrow" was originally produced to appeal to people who loved Nolan's Batman films and also appealed to women. Not being sexist, just being realistic. Seriously, have you seen an advertisement for Arrow that doesn't flaunt Stephan Amell's rock-hard abs? And look at "The Flash", a pure response to the fans who complained "Arrow" was too dark, drama heavy and boring. "The Flash" was made to be funny, bright, and like nothing audiences have ever seen before. You know, like a damn comic book! The only reason people didn't flock to Constantine is because without a costumed hero on the cover, people thought it was a late night knockoff of "Supernatural". These days everyone thinks they're comic book fans because they watch the movies, they have their preconceived criticisms dashed and walk away contempt with the two-hour story. But to get those people to sit down once a week for an hour-long show about a character who isn't in the movies and doesn't tell their story all at once is impossible without a catch, a gimmick, a feature of the show that gets people coming back. Sometimes that's romantic drama or constantly sexualized characters or funny supporting characters. When Marvel Studios followed "The Avengers" movie with "Agents of Shield" they got more views for the pilot episode than for the rest of the first season. Know why? Because after episode one viewers got pissed that there were no superheroes in the show. They thought a Shield show would have Iron Man and The Hulk show up in it despite The Avengers not being Shield agents and movie actors obviously not acting unless they get a blockbuster paycheck. Except for Samuel L. Jackson, that guy is a saint. Marvel's Netflix show "Daredevil" was a crowd pleasure because it took the dark vigilante themes of something like "Arrow" and mixed them with sensational character interactions like "The Flash", all the while hitting new points of interest for viewers.
Among many other TV shows, CBS's "Supergirl" is on its way and after it's first trailer many comic book fans were tilting their heads. Not because they didn't understand or question continuity. No, because they were asking "is this show for me". This Supergirl show is clearly aimed at a female demographic, it hits all the key marks. Single bumbling female trying to please her superiors? Check. Empowering growth of identity and independence? Check. Tall, dark and handsome love interest? Check-ity, check, check! Oh, and a less attractive best friend who's wise and always supportive? Bonus points! This show is to women what "The Flash" is to men. Don't believe me? Why else would both The Flash and Supergirl be on the cover of Variety Magazine? I'll tell you why, because producers want both men AND women to buy their magazines, watch their shows and pay for their products. It's not sinister or manipulative, it's classic business strategy. Soon enough we'll be getting superhero shows that hit every demographic. Fantasy, science fiction, crime noir, romantic comedy, horror, western, teen drama, hell maybe one day we'll get a buddy cop show with Blue Beetle and Booster Gold! Actually, I'd love that.
In conclusion, should we be upset because Arrow is too Playgirl? Supergirl is too New Girl? Agent Carter is too Madmen? Damn, ran out of TV shows ending with "Girl". I don't think so, we have to remember these are television shows before they're comic book adaptations. It's fan response that's slowly molding Arrow into the same tone as The Flash, so if the comic fans outweigh other viewers the Supergirl show will ultimately change gears too. Honestly though, I don't mind if Supergirl is clearly for girls and just not my cup of tea. I won't get mad or offended because I know there are other shows that do fit my interests like The Flash or Agents of Shield. Now if Supergirl and Arrow were the only names on the market, yeah I'd be kicking and screaming, but only because I'd feel ignored while other types of people have the superhero show they want. Movies change characters to fit the story, television changes characters to fit a demographic. It's a fact that we as viewers cannot control, but simply alter. Now if you excuse me.....Yes, hello? Is this Greg Berlanti? I had an idea for a buddy cop show starring Booster Gold and Blue Beetle. You can call it "World's Finest" and set it in Hub City, right, and....what? What do you mean "fuck Booster Gold"? Wait, Webby? Damn it Webby, since when does DistractionsMedia have a phone service? What? Well, you're stupid! I have to go deal with this, guys. Thanks for reading!
Facebook: The Panel Biter
Twitter: @ThePanelBiter
No comments:
Post a Comment