I Wish I Knew How To Quit You....

I have a love/hate relationship with HBO.

Television-viewing hasn't played much of a part in my regular routine for quite a few years. By the time I turned 30, I had all but completely weaned myself from most tv programs save for "The Sopranos". I mean, I *had* to watch it...my heritage and all, y'know.

So when the fun-loving, warm and fuzzy family drama that was "The Sopranos" phased out a couple years ago, I thought I was going to finally be free from "must watch tv". I followed FX's "Nip/Tuck" for a couple seasons, but sadly, that program became rather mundane and mindless. I might tune in on occasion to HBO shows like "Entourage" or "Big Love", but wasn't feeling particularly committed either way. I began to debate whether or not to even keep paying for HBO...its not like they premiere movies anymore or anything. Did I even *need* a television? These are tough economic times, after all. I could save a nice chunk of change if I just put the kibash on satellite cable services altogether. Make a statement even. Live tv-free.

I was so close...*so* god damn close to giving it all up. Then HBO, in near Godfather-like fashion, seduced me once again. Every time I think I'm out, they pull me right back in.

Those HBO goons know exactly what they're doing. Despite their penchant for taking ridiculous hiatuses in between seasons of their top television programs, they *know* how to suck viewers in. Literally.

Now I'm fucking obsessed all over again. It started last year with "True Blood". Apparently the show is premised on some vampire literary chronicles which I've never even heard of, but Alan Ball, phenomenal writer/director of the television series, has taken the books premise and totally run with it. "True Blood" is filled with sex, violence, magic, subtle political undertones, more sex, and supernatural creatures sexin' it up with humans left and right. Now I ask, what is there not to love about a show that touches on each of those themes?!

Speaking of sex, the newest HBO program this season is another keeper. "Hung" premiered a couple weeks ago and yes, I am falling for this quirky com-dram too. In "Hung", the protoganist is a down-on-his-luck high school teacher/coach who starts turning tricks with the ladies in order to keep the bill collectors at bay. What I find most intriguing is the whole pimpification process of the male that is taking place in this show. The concept of "Hung" is unlike any before it...how often has there been a television program in which the main character, a white male, is portrayed through the lens of objectification and the female gaze? Not very often. I like the way this show is throwing out a potentially new way to explore sexuality, the commodification of relationships, and flipping the popular notion of (female) gendered sex work on its head. Looks intriguing, indeed.

Damn you, HBO. Will you never set me free???