I'm interested in plot, but I'd rather get it from TV than books!
The advantage of books is that they (tend to) have one omnipotent author, who can stay on top of the plotlines and (if she's that way inclined) make sure they hang together.
This advantage is a disadvantage too though. In, let's say a TV show, you typically have dozens of writers collaborating to create a plotline. This greatly increases the probability of plotholes and contradictions I guess; but it also vastly improves the chances of there being lots of *interesting* ideas in the mix as opposed to just one or two. Even better, instead of all the characters being distinguished only by the author's ability to "act" by varying her authorial voice, every character gets its own personal actor to bring it to life.
To be honest I think TV has gone a bit wrong in its current obsession with "plot arc" - because too many cooks often serve up a plot arc that's extremely messy. But I'd rather a show that had a ton of ideas whizzing about than one that made complete sense at every point anyway - which is why my favourite show is still Doctor Who I guess!
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The advantage of books is that they (tend to) have one omnipotent author, who can stay on top of the plotlines and (if she's that way inclined) make sure they hang together.
This advantage is a disadvantage too though. In, let's say a TV show, you typically have dozens of writers collaborating to create a plotline. This greatly increases the probability of plotholes and contradictions I guess; but it also vastly improves the chances of there being lots of *interesting* ideas in the mix as opposed to just one or two. Even better, instead of all the characters being distinguished only by the author's ability to "act" by varying her authorial voice, every character gets its own personal actor to bring it to life.
To be honest I think TV has gone a bit wrong in its current obsession with "plot arc" - because too many cooks often serve up a plot arc that's extremely messy. But I'd rather a show that had a ton of ideas whizzing about than one that made complete sense at every point anyway - which is why my favourite show is still Doctor Who I guess!