Bard in a Box: Shakespeare's Influence on Television
Although it may seem an odd combination--the "academic poshness" of Shakespeare, against the "boob tube" mindless entertainment persona of modern television--there actually are some very strong links when it comes to the entertainment tactics between the two. Take a look at the following:
The Sopranos: Looking at today's favorite mafia family, we can see definite similarities between the plot and characters in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and the HBO series, The Sopranos.
Star Trek: Although Gene Rodenbarry's classic long-running series is famous for using philosophical ideologies, Rodenbarry also used Shakespearean plots in the show as well.
The West Wing: Martin Sheen plays America's favorite fake president (with an almost King Lear-like quality) in the NBC Emmy-awarding winning series, the West Wing. Although this show takes place in present time and place, even it is subject to the broad-winged influence of the Bard of Bards.
Gabe LeDonne, ledonngb@wilkes.edu
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