Fighting Lazy Writing in Television Series: Common Pitfalls and Optimizing SEO for News Pieces

Introduction

Television series, much like any form of storytelling, thrive on creativity, innovation, and a keen understanding of engaging the audience. However, it is not uncommon to come across instances where creative boundaries are stretched to accommodate expediency, resulting in what can be dubbed as lazy writing. This practice undermines the narrative integrity and can frustrate even the most devoted viewers. In this article, we will explore the concept of lazy writing in television series, highlight some glaring examples, and offer insights on how to avoid such pitfalls.

What is Lazy Writing in Television Series?

Lazy writing in the context of television series refers to practices or choices made by writers or producers that are avoidable and, to some extent, counterproductive. These choices often prioritize ease or cost over the development of a rich, engaging narrative. Examples of lazy writing might include:

Reusable monsters or plots that leave little room for originality Plot holes that require unrealistic coincidences to resolve Characters that exhibit illogical or inconsistent behaviors Plot devices that are used too frequently and become predictable

Examples of Lazy Writing in Television Series

Stranger Things

Stranger Things has been praised for its unique blend of science fiction and coming-of-age themes. However, it relies too heavily on a handful of tropes and monsters. For three seasons, the show has used the same monster and plot devices with minimal variation. This lack of diversity can make the narrative feel repetitive and may fail to engage viewers as effectively as a more varied storyline.

The Reboot of Lost in Space

The reboot of Lost in Space has been criticized for a major plot hole. The show uses one of the enemy robots as the best friend of Will Robinson, a character who often suffers from memory problems. This incoherent storyline not only undermines the logic of the narrative but also fails to provide a compelling character arc for the robots, ultimately making the plot less believable and less engaging.

Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot is known for its intense and realistic portrayal of cybersecurity, yet it often falls into lazy writing when it comes to the depiction of zombies. In the show, zombies are depicted in a shockingly unimaginative way. For instance, they are shown to be stupid enough to walk into chainsaws or fall off cliffs, yet they are smart enough to know to hide in closets and bathrooms and not to make a sound. This inconsistent portrayal of zombies not only breaks the narrative's suspension of disbelief but also diminishes the show's overall impact.

Independence Day

Another recurring lazy writing technique found in Independence Day is the usage of alien characters with the same Operating System (OS) as humans. This simplification of an otherwise complex storyline often results in weak and predictable alien behavior, which detracts from the overall entertainment value and narrative richness.

Orphan Black

The show Orphan Black has been lauded for its intricate web of parallel storylines and complex characters. However, the practice of using one clone to represent another for a plot point is a common example of lazy writing. This approach over-simplifies the narrative, makes the story predictable, and can be monotonous for viewers who seek a more diverse and complex storyline.

The Dallas Example: A Remnant of Lazy Writing

In a notable instance of lazy writing, the Dallas production team chose to rewrite a whole season by calling it a bad dream experienced by the character Pam Ewing because the original actor, Patrick Duffy, wanted to come back to the show. This decision is a prime example of prioritizing ease over narrative coherence and can leave the storyline feeling disjointed, confusing, and unsatisfying.

How to Avoid Lazy Writing

To avoid lazy writing, writers and producers should:

Invest in unique and innovative storylines Ensure character consistency and logical behavior Avoid overusing plot devices or tropes Create complex and realistic scenarios, even for fantastical elements Thoroughly plan and develop each season to maintain narrative integrity

Conclusion

While it is natural for television series to sometimes fall into the trap of lazy writing, doing so can significantly harm the narrative and the viewing experience. By addressing these issues and focusing on creativity and storytelling, TV shows can not only attract and retain viewers but also gain a reputation for excellence and innovation. For SEO optimization, ensuring the content is engaging, informative, and structured with proper headings can enhance its visibility and SEO performance.