Life in Four Color

It's easy to break it down.
In life their are two types of people.  Audiophiles and Videophiles. 
Simple.  Those who would rather listen to music or those who require video stimulation.  Quite frankly and not to insult either an Audiophile are "leftlobes".  Born of creativity, their minds only require minor stimuli to get the creative juices flowing, whereas the videophile, the "rightlobe" requires more direct input.  In our house things are split rather unevenly.  My wife and elder son are audiophiles, whereas the rest of us would rather plant our hineys and let the idiot box do it for us.  Now that's not to say that we don't do other things to motivate our creativity, oh no!  Logan can be just as happy with a pen and paper creating his own intricate worlds of fantasy, Kaleb will zone out to "music" (if the latest remake of some HORRIFIC be-bop, rapish want-to be could be called "music"), Put some Lego's or a hammer in Owen's hands and he'll keep himself occupied for ours, whilst Rozy follows suit.  Izy just needs a paper towel tube and what ever else she gets her hands on in her travels. And i have been known to crack open a book now and then (try to do it more regularly in OUR house...HA!)
So it may come as a surprise to most of you that as of late, we have no cable in the house.  After years of doing without, when we moved into our new home everyone convinced me to put in cable.  Well that lasted for about three months, until they were finally convinced that with very few exceptions...there's nothing on!  We have NO like for the myriad of trash TV, "real life" shows, and perpetual re-runs of "The nanny"!  Trust me, other than that list there is little more to choose from!
That's when we discovered two entities.  Hulu and Zune.  With a tip of the "Hat of Discovery" to Elijah for the former and Ahmed for the later!  ON-line Directories of almost every movie and TV episode at your finger tips. 
And it is with that, that I talk of 3 shows that represent some of the FINEST story telling I have EVER seen!
USA Network:  White Collar.  A new generations re-make of the classic "To Catch A Thief" (with a little "Mod Squad" thrown in) it's the story of a VERY clever con man, Neil Cafferty who is doggedly pursued and caught (twice) by the equally clever G-man, Peter Burke.  And intertwining back stories and sub-plots, leads Neil to convince Peter to take him into FBI custody and out of the clink, to serve as an "Advisor".  Even though the standard detective fare is there, unbelievably "on-the-target" interpretation of scant info leading to big time arrests, within the confines of 1-episode, it is the sub-plots that keep you enthralled and the undeniable chemistry between the two leads, who clearly care for, and have each others back, at the same time wouldn't trust them as far as they could throw them, makes for some riveting TV!
The Next show is a whole new take on the "Crime-drama" genre.  That is "The Killing" on AMC.  Now at the end of it's first season of 13 episodes, it centers around two cops looking for the murderer of a young girl.  With SO many plot twists, mis-directions, second guesses, and surprises it's daring in it;s attempt to make what appears to be an entire multi-seasonal series on ONE investigation!  In a television landscape where most crimes are solved in one 43 minute episode, this one has taken the risk to flesh out a very talented cast of characters, all with their little peccadilloes, and dark secrets that keeps you guessing!  Any show that can keep you talking and theorizing hours after it's ending, is GOOD TV!!!
Third, and newly discovered by Angela and I, is also an AMC network show, Breaking Bad.  this one is not for the light of heart.  Although DARKLY comical, considering it's premise.  The story centers around Walter White (Bryan Cranston, the father from "Malcolm in the Middle) a recently turned 50, high school science teacher who is diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer.  And through a curious turn of fate, ends up utilizing his knowledge of chemicals to form a partnership with a high-school drop out turned drug pusher to cook Crystal meth.  And not just any meth, the BEST that both dealers and the DEA have ever seen!  Oh, and did I mention that Walters Brother in Law heads up the DEA's task force?  In the first few episode chronicling the duo's first foray into the drug-world is LESS then stellar, and sends Walter spiraling into a world that does not suit his mild manner exterior.  It's so compelling, as to be like a horrendous car wreck, that good taste mandates you respect the victims but can't help but keep taking a peek! Again and again.  I have no like for the drug world, but the characters metamorphosis is SO engaging that Angela and I sat through all of season 1 in one sitting last night (OY, were we tired this morning!)
So definitely call up Zune on your google, and give 'em all a Looksie!
On to the day!