Hey Everyone,
I saw a funny online discussion in which the question was asked, "In a zombie apocalypse, why are the lawns always perfectly mowed -- and WHO is mowing them?!"
I'd honestly never thought about that before because the only zombie stories I'd seen was where the rest of the world was also in a state of decay. But apparently, in shows like the Walking Dead, the lawns are still kept up even as the survivors rage against the Walkers? (I've never seen the show, so feel free to explain what's going on!)
And of course, then there are things like Plants Vs. Zombies, where I guess the zombies are required to mow the lawns?! (I've never played the game, so again, feel free to clue me in!)
When I asked our keep-in-touch group about this, one member said that this must be because the HOA's (Home Owners Associations) are so powerful and instill so much fear, even the zombies don't dare to defy them!
And this got me thinking about all the numerous black holes we find in the games, movies, and entertainment we enjoy.
I've watched all the Resident Evil movies (but have never played the games... Maybe you're noticing a pattern here!), but it's only because I like the main actress, Milla Jovovich. I've read that she really puts in the work and tries to do as many of her own stunts as she can, which seems to be rare these days (not everyone is willing to be the next Tom Cruise!)
But the movies drove me absolutely bonkers. I hated that every plot line that was set up never went anywhere; each movie completely ignored everything that happened in the last; characters I became invested in never showed up again; and each movie was a giant retcon of everything that had come before it.
ARGH!!! What I wouldn't give for a good series that actually paid attention to continuity and was able to continue a story without continually wiping the slate clean and making up something else!!!
How about you? Tell us about the things you loved -- shows, movies, books, games, etc. -- and all the frustrations you've had with the things within them that just don't make sense.
For example:
* What plot lines and twists were never answered? What things were retconned that drove you absolutely batty?
* What characters did you like that disappeared with no explanation?
* What powers, abilities, or feats of science (the way a ship propelled through space, etc.) were just pulled out of a hat with no logical or possible explanation?
* Did the soundtrack fit with the tone of the story, or was it terribly distracting?
* Was there any fan fiction that attempted to remedy any of these egregious errors?
* What would be your suggestions for fixing the problems you see with your favorite entertainment?
The main reasons I don't watch or participate in much mainstream media these days is because of these vary reasons. I'm certainly not judging anyone, just speaking for myself, but I find most shows and movies these days to be a waste of time.
Do you feel the same way, or have you found some hidden gems?
I saw a funny online discussion in which the question was asked, "In a zombie apocalypse, why are the lawns always perfectly mowed -- and WHO is mowing them?!"
I'd honestly never thought about that before because the only zombie stories I'd seen was where the rest of the world was also in a state of decay. But apparently, in shows like the Walking Dead, the lawns are still kept up even as the survivors rage against the Walkers? (I've never seen the show, so feel free to explain what's going on!)
And of course, then there are things like Plants Vs. Zombies, where I guess the zombies are required to mow the lawns?! (I've never played the game, so again, feel free to clue me in!)
When I asked our keep-in-touch group about this, one member said that this must be because the HOA's (Home Owners Associations) are so powerful and instill so much fear, even the zombies don't dare to defy them!
And this got me thinking about all the numerous black holes we find in the games, movies, and entertainment we enjoy.
I've watched all the Resident Evil movies (but have never played the games... Maybe you're noticing a pattern here!), but it's only because I like the main actress, Milla Jovovich. I've read that she really puts in the work and tries to do as many of her own stunts as she can, which seems to be rare these days (not everyone is willing to be the next Tom Cruise!)
But the movies drove me absolutely bonkers. I hated that every plot line that was set up never went anywhere; each movie completely ignored everything that happened in the last; characters I became invested in never showed up again; and each movie was a giant retcon of everything that had come before it.
ARGH!!! What I wouldn't give for a good series that actually paid attention to continuity and was able to continue a story without continually wiping the slate clean and making up something else!!!
How about you? Tell us about the things you loved -- shows, movies, books, games, etc. -- and all the frustrations you've had with the things within them that just don't make sense.
For example:
* What plot lines and twists were never answered? What things were retconned that drove you absolutely batty?
* What characters did you like that disappeared with no explanation?
* What powers, abilities, or feats of science (the way a ship propelled through space, etc.) were just pulled out of a hat with no logical or possible explanation?
* Did the soundtrack fit with the tone of the story, or was it terribly distracting?
* Was there any fan fiction that attempted to remedy any of these egregious errors?
* What would be your suggestions for fixing the problems you see with your favorite entertainment?
The main reasons I don't watch or participate in much mainstream media these days is because of these vary reasons. I'm certainly not judging anyone, just speaking for myself, but I find most shows and movies these days to be a waste of time.
Do you feel the same way, or have you found some hidden gems?
I suppose there's never really been a time when any show or story kept up regular continuity (if anyone knows of any, please mention them.) 
