Arguing Quote by Nicholson Baker
“Some TV shows are like really good novels in that there are enough episodes that you start to have your own feelings about how the characters should act. When the scriptwriters go slightly wrong, when they make the character make a left turn that he or she wouldn't do, you know enough about the characters to say, "No, that's not what she would do there. That's wrong." You can actually argue with a TV show in a way that you can't do as much with movie - you inhabit a TV show in the way you inhabit a novel.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Television, The New Yorker, 1998
TV series can develop characters as deeply as novels, allowing viewers to form strong expectations; which can be broken when writers act inconsistently.
In simple terms: TV shows build deep character expectations like novels.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to character consistency when creating long‑form content.
Themes
media
storytelling
character
expectation
engagement
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- scriptwriting
- showrunning
- fan discussions
Key Concepts
narrative depth
audience investment
creative control
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a character feel authentic to you?
- How do you react when a story deviates from established traits?
A Different Perspective
Series may struggle to maintain consistency over many seasons.
