Paul Arras

Paul's book, The Lonely Nineties: Visions of Community in Contemporary U.S. Television (August 2018), is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Paul received his Ph.D. in history from Syracuse University and now teaches communication studies at SUNY Cortland. His podcast about television, "Two Pauls, One Show," is available on iTunes. He lives in Syracuse, NY where he bikes or skis, depending on the weather. Connect with Paul on twitter or through his website.

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The Chemistry of Cluelessness in Michael Schur’s Comedies

Paul Arras

/ 12 July 2018

Mediocrity and cluelessness prevail in Michael Schur’s comedies, but kindness and understanding can also be found in his skewering criticisms.

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Sound and Silence in FX’s ‘The Americans’

Paul Arras

/ 31 May 2018

Quiet on the set! Nathan Barr's Emmy-nominated theme song -- and his at times chilling soundtrack for this tale of Russian spies in America during the Cold War -- is now available on CD.

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The Light and Dark Music in ‘ Mr. Robot’: A Conversation with Mac Quayle

Paul Arras

/ 16 November 2017

Emmy-winning Composer Mac Quayle is one of the best in the TV soundtrack business. His mastery of synthesized instrumentation is perfectly suited to Mr. Robot's theme.

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‘Mr. Robot’: Season 2 Widened the Narrative/Character Canvas Beyond Eliot’s Fractured Viewpoint

Paul Arras

/ 6 October 2017

Disconnecting technology, connecting humans: as the world came apart, Mr. Robot's characters came together in promising new configurations.

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Good, Bad Place: Season One of ‘The Good Place’ Upended Expectations

Paul Arras

/ 14 September 2017

Michael Schur's sinister community design used the ideals of the American Dream to fool its characters and its audience; what sort of critique will be built into season two?