But unlike Being Human, the protagonist privilege remains intact - Angel gets away with murder, gets forgiven, gets a chance to fight another day. He really never pays for what he's done. Instead everyone around him does - Wes, Cordelia, Fred and Gunn all get corrupted and all die by story's end, the only one's not killed are Spike, his vampire with a soul comrade in arms and Connor, the erstwhile son with super-powers.
Shift to Being Human - which does a completely different tact, making me wonder if this is a cultural difference?
I think there are definitely cultural differences in the show as a whole. I have difficulty seeing Annie's character play out the same way on American TV. And given that BH is still going on and knowing who was showrunning the U.S. version, I had little interest in watching it even before I saw their new cast.
It really wasn't JUST an addiction story or a redemptive story, so much as a psychological and philosophical deconstruction of a monster. I personally find that fascinating. As well as an examination of the tricky emotions surrounding it. Plus, it helped a great deal that Spike was witty. Brooding vampires aren't witty. It's apparently a rule somewhere that if you brood you can't be witty. Because Spike wasn't the "protagonist" or lead character - the writers took more risks with his character, played with him more, and did not just flirt or tease then shy away. As a result, he remains the most interesting of the vampire characters and the least cliche.
::nods:: And speaking of other cultural differences, I don't see American TV making George the lead male character unless it's a comedy show. He's not considered the right "type." It'll be interesting to note if they make major changes in George's personality next season.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2011-04-13 12:17 am (UTC)Shift to Being Human - which does a completely different tact, making me wonder if this is a cultural difference?
I think there are definitely cultural differences in the show as a whole. I have difficulty seeing Annie's character play out the same way on American TV. And given that BH is still going on and knowing who was showrunning the U.S. version, I had little interest in watching it even before I saw their new cast.
It really wasn't JUST an addiction story or a redemptive story, so much as a psychological and philosophical deconstruction of a monster. I personally find that fascinating. As well as an examination of the tricky emotions surrounding it. Plus, it helped a great deal that Spike was witty. Brooding vampires aren't witty. It's apparently a rule somewhere that if you brood you can't be witty. Because Spike wasn't the "protagonist" or lead character - the writers took more risks with his character, played with him more, and did not just flirt or tease then shy away. As a result, he remains the most interesting of the vampire characters and the least cliche.
::nods:: And speaking of other cultural differences, I don't see American TV making George the lead male character unless it's a comedy show. He's not considered the right "type." It'll be interesting to note if they make major changes in George's personality next season.