Continuous story arcs vs. Status Quo is God (reset button).

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

So which do you prefer more when you're watching tv? Especially animation? I generally prefer continued story lines for most shows unless it is a really silly, simple, or crazy show. I like seeing characters grow and develop without a quick buildup into a reset to teach a broken aesop.

What do you think?

[JACK-2]

I like continuous arcs. Deferring to the status quo is only good in comics and even then.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Feb 2, 2014 18:40:08 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

I like continuous arcs. Deferring to the status quo is only good in comics and even then.

I think it depends on the nature of the show and comic.

For instance if I'm watching Ren and Stimpy, 2 Stupid Dogs, or Ducktales I don't mind the show resetting because they tend to be more over the top. Same with classic cartoon shorts.

Now with things like Spider-Man, Batman, Anime, Manga, etc. I think those are better on a continuous arc.

One thing that always annoyed me is with shows that are of course still somewhat over the top but have a touch of human element (like the Simpsons), they always have some plot that they take to the extreme and then destroy everything immediately just to teach a broken "lesson". Would be better if they at least kept that theme going for 5 episodes.

For instance Homer makes a ton of money and then blows it on something really stupid like betting on a slow horse. Then he's back to normal and you get the message that "money doesn't matter". Always thought that was cliche and dumb.

Couldn't he at least save some of it over and try to manage it properly so even if he did lose it, it would feel more realistic over time and not some contrived kind of way? It's been done to death.

[JACK-2]

Well, continuous arcs benefit from having an ending or transition. The problem is the transition or the ending might not be as well received as the status quo. American comics like status quos because it's essentially superheroes going on never-ending adventures. They make shake things up a bit, but they eventually return the status-quo. They both have their ups and downs as you said.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Feb 2, 2014 18:57:05 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

Well, continuous arcs benefit from having an ending or transition. The problem is the transition or the ending might not be as well received as the status quo. American comics like status quos because it's essentially superheroes going on never-ending adventures. They make shake things up a bit, but they eventually return the status-quo. They both have their ups and downs as you said.

Well superhero stories still follow an arc and many changes do seep over but they still have reset buttons done occasionally.

In terms of television comic style shows have a continuation although many episodes can be played in different orders without too much disturbance.

The difference is that comic book characters last as long as they're popular. Since Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, etc have been around for decades, you're going to get a reset button and alternate communities.

Anime and Manga ends, even the longer ones.

When I meant status quo I meant like the Simpsons or something where the episodes pretty much reset at the very end each and every time.

[JACK-2]

Every episode is a standalone thing? I dunno. I'm a fan of both. It seems western media uses both. Japanese stuff on the other hand favors for the most part one long continuous story that eventually ends. Kochi Kame being one of the few exceptions.

I like stand alones with the occasional over-arching story.

I think the status-quo should change permanently. I dislike constant returns to what things were.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Feb 2, 2014 19:16:27 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

Every episode is a standalone thing? I dunno. I'm a fan of both. It seems western media uses both. Japanese stuff on the other hand favors for the most part one long continuous story that eventually ends. Kochi Kame being one of the few exceptions.

I like stand alones with the occasional over-arching story.

I think the status-quo should change permanently. I dislike constant returns to what things were.

Well that's what I mean.

Every episode resets completely would be status quo is god and then you have the arcs.

I think it works on certain shows that are crazy and over the top or not as serious. If I'm watching Johnny Bravo or PowerPuff girls, I'm not going to care as much because those shows are more over the top. Now if I'm watching something a bit more serious with more of a human element then I'd rather it have some development and a continuous arc. I wouldn't mind Simpsons having arcs, at least for the season. What do you think?

[JACK-2]

I think I'm liable to agree. Especially with Simpsons being the type of show it is. But, I haven't watched it in years.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Feb 2, 2014 19:30:30 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

I think I'm liable to agree. Especially with Simpsons being the type of show it is. But, I haven't watched it in years.

Yea it's not in the prime years anymore. But any animated type show like that. Futurama, Family Guy, I'm not sure about South Park, it tends to parody itself so it might be an exception.

[JACK-2]

I still find South Park to be funny, never liked Family Guy and can't stand Seth Mcfarlane, Futurama lasted really well.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Feb 2, 2014 20:00:44 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

I still find South Park to be funny, never liked Family Guy and can't stand Seth Mcfarlane, Futurama lasted really well.

I thought Family Guy was decent way in the beginning but is much worse now. Too bleh.

South Park is definitely better, Futurama too.