The Chemistry of Cluelessness in Michael Schur’s Comedies
Mediocrity and cluelessness prevail in Michael Schur’s comedies, but kindness and understanding can also be found in his skewering criticisms.
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.
Sound and Silence in FX’s ‘The Americans’
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.
The Light and Dark Music in ‘ Mr. Robot’: A Conversation with Mac Quayle
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.
‘Mr. Robot’: Season 2 Widened the Narrative/Character Canvas Beyond Eliot’s Fractured Viewpoint
Disconnecting technology, connecting humans: as the world came apart, Mr. Robot's characters came together in promising new configurations.
Good, Bad Place: Season One of ‘The Good Place’ Upended Expectations
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?
Philosophy for X-Philes
The X-Files and Philosophy ponders deeper questions, both in Mulder's and Scully's world and our own.
Negotiating Technological Creep
Mind-blowing TVs, dog poop dropping drones, and other thoughts from the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show.