I Watch TV: A Quick Rant on Broadcast Cropping

I don't know if this is a decision made on the local level or what, but NBC is the only network that consistently shows its 16:9 shows in 16:9 format, even on the non-HD broadcast. I don't understand this, because I guarantee the other stations would get more viewers if they didn't crop the shows to fit 4:3 screens. Audiences have gotten used to the black bars by now. For example, I was all excited about "Person of Interest", only everything was so crowded and fuzzy I couldn't make it to four episodes. I know, I know; I could watch it on Hulu or whatever, but it's just not the same. I have the same beef with movies, too, only that's just as bad on cable as it is anywhere.

I don't really have a larger point I'm getting to, just that it's annoying and I wish it would stop. Just wanted to get that off my chest.

Why yes, I do feel better. Thanks.

Avi's new motto is the wisdom of "Phineas & Ferb": "You know, 'willy-nilly barging' is a plan, of sorts."

I Watch TV: Awake (and a little Fringe), plus the Four Episode Test

[Note: "I Watch TV" will be an ongoing column, published when I feel like it at irregular intervals, where I blather about whatever I saw on TV that I especially liked/didn't like. This week, it's "Awake".]

It's official: NBC's "Awake" has passed the four episode test and is now penciled in on my "must-watch" list. I say penciled because we only just got the fourth episode last night. Very rarely do I write in shows in pen before at least midway through the first season. "Awake", however, is solidly on track for ink-inscribed immortality, unless the execs at NBC pull a "Firefly" or a "Life" and screw it up.

If there’s one thing I like on TV, it’s high-concept shows with strong characterization and consistently solid writing.