Some people call it diversion, others call it escapism. I guess for me, it's a bit of both. What I like about watching TV is that I can get away from the daily grind, travel to somewhere far away from the confines of my tiny studio apartment, and follow the exploits of some celluloid character saving the world.
I realise that the type of shows that I watch nowadays has changed (or expanded) from those I used to watch when I was younger. Sure, people's tastes do evolve as they mature, but I think my viewing habits are quite telling of the type of life I lead nowadays. When I was in my teens, I loved all the cops, lawyers and doctors shows such as Law & Order, Miami Vice, The A-Team, Knight Rider, ER etc etc. I was a big X-Files fan too, but again, I liked it because of the coppas aspect. I guess my point is that I liked shows that were sort of reality-based (not reality shows, which I absolutely dislike), and kinda dreamt that adulthood would be full of such exciting adventures too.
Now I'm an adult, out of uni and working full-time. Instead of experiencing the constant adrenalin of such jobs, I'm desk-bound and bored as hell. Travelling to exotic places is pretty darn costly. I've only managed to go on such a trip recently, and not without burning a massive hole in my very small pocket.
So nowadays, I realise that I'm very much more drawn to science fiction and fantasy TV programs. I used to brush off such shows as airy fairy and nerdy (me ain't no Trekkie), but I'm started to appreciate their otherworldliness. It's become a way for me to live me life vicariously through others. I do make an effort to go out and meet friends and colleagues, but I find myself drawn deeper and deeper into the reel world of series such as Supernatural, Doctor Who and Torchwood. I love the heroics and adventure in shows like Relic Hunter and 24, and the cerebral gymnastics and wit of House. And with the speed of broadband and the magic of P2P sharing, I've always got some great shows waiting on my computer to watch every time I return home from work.
So what do I do? I can't quite afford to travel overseas to get the kick outta life that I'm searching for. I'm in the industry that I want to be in, but years and years away from the job that I want. I'm not in a relationship (ie. no distraction) and am kinda exhausted with all the current affairs reading I have to do. I wanna have some fun! I'm scared of being sucked into the vortex of celluloid life. But is there any other alternative to the tedium of life that is mine?
