Hell on Wheels

     Many networks are trying to build up the amount of original content they broadcast, this is an attempt to pull in viewers.  AMC is one of these networks.  They have just recently created a show "Hell on Wheels."  This show is a period piece which takes place just after the civil war, while the transcontinental railroad is being built.  It chronicles the story of one mans journey to avenge the death of his wife.  There have only been three episodes, but even in just that short amount of time it is clear that this show is going to be awesome.  The characters are extremely well developed, and the drama between them, and the situations in which they are placed are believable and realistic.  I am a Civil War reenactor so I like to think that I know something about how the 19th century looked, and the sets and costumes are beautifully done and even the language is  appropriate.  My issue with the show is that the writing cheats sometimes.  There have been several times where a character will go on a huge monologue about something, and at times they are not even talking to anyone. I feel that this is a cheating way to get information out to the viewer and perhaps it is just because we are in the first few episodes, hopefully it will stop.  The show is very graphic and gritty, a definite draw for some people.  My big question now is whether or not the show will last.  It is very similar to "The Walking Dead" and has the same feel, this could pull some people in.  On the same hand it could drive people away, as they already have a show which fills that gritty show need.  Only time will tell, I hope it makes it.

Network Styles

     It is a well known fact that networks play shows that are similar, specifically original series.  In todays world, with thousands of channels, they must work hard to get an audience, to do this they focus on niche markets that are interested in only a few story lines.  What I find most interesting however, is that it is not only the type of show, such as crime or comedy but the entire look and feel of the programming.  The color pallets are the same as is the over arching concepts and editing styles.  USA for example has  many original shows.  They all have the same concept of a main character who is good at what they do even though they are not accepted in the professional world.  A detective who must pretend to be Psychic, a lawyer without a degree, a doctor without a hospital. On top of that these shows all have the same colors, witting, and quick edits around witty comments.





Somewhat new to the mix of original series AMC has "The Walking Dead" "Hell on Wheels" and "Breaking Bad" all of which share the down and dirty feel with people on the brink of disaster just trying to hold on, again the same colors and cinematography.





FX does the same with shows like "Wilfred" and "Always Sunny in Philadelphia." I find it interesting that they don't necessarily stick to a topic, but a feel.  USA is witty whether it is a medical show or a cop show. AMC is dark and cinematic with a dying father or a world overrun by zombies.  This tells us that we don't really care what kind of show we watch, as long as it plays the same emotional tune.