Stop Killing TV Shows and Movies: Why Negativity Online Is Ruining Entertainment
In a change from my usual woodturning and craft-related posts, I need to address something I feel very strongly about—TV shows and movies, and how negativity online is slowly killing them and causing fewer and fewer new productions. From cancel culture to endless reboots, social media and media companies alike are taking a toll on creativity and storytelling.
This updated version first appeared on my original blog at davidcondonwoodcraft.ie. (linked below)
Why Boba Fett Was the Final Straw
The Rise of Social Media Negativity
Social Media started off as something great, something pure and positive. A communication tool for connecting people; a vision of a positive future for all mankind. These days it is far from the lofty ideals it was created for. I personally find it hard to look at any of the SM platforms these days as they are a hive of negativity, Karenisms, narcissism, racism, sexism and any other negative-ism you can think of. You can have a go at any network, producer, director, actor etc. without ever leaving your Parent's basement. Your ego trips have consequences.
When Online Opinions Cancel Shows
I have seen and owned thousands of movies and hundreds of TV Shows in my life from VHS to DVD to Blu Ray so I feel I'm somewhat qualified to comment on this topic. Many times in the past I would get interested in a TV Show only for it to be cancelled way too early. Firefly and Forever are 2 small examples of shows that had a bright future but were summarily cancelled.
Back in the day, some shows didn't get a chance because they were listed on a bad night during the week when audiences are otherwise busy. Politics, finances, bad luck, bad timing have affected the run of many other cancelled shows. Recently and most disturbingly, shows are being cancelled or placed on hold due to online reactions. Since when did we give keyboard warriors this much power? The Book of Boba Fett could end up being one of these cancellation victims if people are not careful. Please trust in Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau and give it more time. They have done a fantastic job so far and deserve vast discretion in their approach and work.
A Personal History with TV Shows
I believe the X Files was the first TV Show to listen to it's fan base and detractors online and this was great back in the early days of the internet. Media companies using online opinion to guide their product has grown exponentially over the years since but now I believe it has gone too far in the wrong direction. Social Media has become a place for millions of unhappy people to vent any old frustration and jump on a bandwagon of negativity towards anything and everything. Companies should take some of this onboard and ignore the vast amount of this negativity.
Opinions are like arseholes, everybody has one!
How Disney Fumbled (And Succeeded)
I wasn't exactly happy when Lucasfilm was sold to Disney but George Lucas never asked for my opinion on the matter (insert hysterical laughter). I will admit that I was excited to see what would happen after they promised to release a Star Wars movie just about every year and multiple new Live Action series. I grew up with Star Wars and from an early age developed an obsession that was shared by most of my friends. George Lucas could and should have expanded the universe himself over the years but alas he did not. The thought of having new Star Wars material every year was like a childhood dream coming true. Maybe Disney got a little too excited themselves after shelling out so much money. Dave and Jon now seem to have a new/old direction to bring Star Wars in and I for one am glad to see it.
Online negative reaction has forced Disney to stop moving forward and slow down. I think that they did need to slow down and take stock of what they were producing but the thought of long delays between new movies is now heartbreaking. Rogue One was brilliant even if it had a troubled production and Solo was not bad at all. If people hadn't given out, we would now have had a trilogy exploring Han Solo like never before. Disney now seem to be using the Live Action shows as a launching and rebranding platform. I hope it succeeds and they push forward with new projects soon.
The Sequels
Unfortunately, Disney shit the bed during episode 7, 8 and 9 and the negativity which had been building for a while exploded around the time of the Solo movie. I recently re-watched the sequels again and they are really bad! I had ignored a lot of issues when I saw them upon release. Rewatching again - The plots seemed aimless and made up on the spot and some of the story/action scenes were really bad to say the least. Gravity bombers in space, WTF? It certainly shows the prequels in a much better light. At least George had a consistent story to follow but then again; he wrote it.
Hope for Redemption: The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian was a breath of fresh air. It told a compelling tale and stayed true to the Star Wars universe and kept getting better and better as time went on. The action was just right and there was even an element of humour thrown in for good measure. Having showrunners who are passionate Star Wars fans themselves has paid dividends. I can safely say that everyone is excited for season 3 to be released.
The Book of Boba Fett
New Addition to the Blog Post - Andor
Andor came to be quietly after a gap of Star Wars material. Season 1 was very good, it was intriguing and engaging albeit kind of slow; but it was full of Star Wars stuff from Empire to Rebellion. It did give an hunger for season 2 which I have now also just finished. I should have gone from season 2 directly to Rogue One but I had watched it only 3 weeks prior and didn't think I could watch again so soon. I know that I probably will though in a few days as it is an excellent movie. Andor was definitely a step in the right direction and proof that Star Wars does not need the Skywalker family all the time to expand the universe. I look forward to the next storyline, hopefully we won't have to wait too long!
In Conclusion - Let Creators Tell Their Stories
My 2 cents here. 'If you've nothing good to say, then say nothing at all'; that is the way I was raised and it kinda stuck. Your innocent negative comment on a faraway post can have long lasting consequences when joined with hundreds or thousands of others around the world so please think carefully before posting. Positive comments with a little constructive criticism go a lot further than a hissy fit with expletives. 'I like the way you did this but could I suggest......' would be a far better way to go.
TV Shows are the modern equivalent of stories around the campfire which have existed since human beings could first communicate. Let them tell the story their way without your interference and just enjoy watching. Turn your brain off for a while, leave your ego at the door and don't join in on those negative posts to be part of the pack. The consequences of all this negativity can be seen in what Hollywood is pumping out these days. Reboots and reimaginings of past TV Shows and Movies that made money before.
Is this really what we want for the future of TV and film? Recycled stories and cancelled creativity?
💬 Blogger-Specific Ending Note
This post was originally published on my main website, but I've moved it here to keep my affiliate and pop-culture musings separate from my woodcraft work. If you like this kind of content, check out some of my other posts — and thanks for reading!
🔗 Want more? Check out my full blog archive over at David Condon Woodcraft where I share woodturning tips, craft ideas, and more personal reflections on Ireland and Craft in general.
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