“THE AGE OF MELODRAMATIC MINISERIES” BY SCOTT HUMPHRIES.

 

If you’re into glitzy miniseries from the ‘80’s like I am—and I have a big hunch that you are if you’re reading this—and if you’re always on the lookout for something related, well have I got the book for you. Oh yes, THE AGE OF MELODRAMATIC MINISERIES by Scott Humphries is a fascinating look at all the minis made between 1980 and 1995. And let me tell you, this guy knows his stuff.

 

Fool of me to ever think that I was perhaps the sole go-to when concerning miniseries and books from which they are based. Of course, other people, like this Scott Humphries fellow here, could be as knowledgeable, if not more. I recently discovered him on Facebook.  After happily browsing his online page I told myself that I had to get a copy of THE AGE OF MELODRAMATIC MINISERIES, and I’m so glad I did.

 

This highly entertaining book brings you right back into the era of high-budget TV adaptations based on American trashy bestsellers found mostly in supermarkets and airports. Moreover, the book also goes abroad by focusing on other minis derived from original ideas like Australian FLAIR and RING OF SCORPIO which I barely knew about. Humphries takes an in-depth look at all of their glorious and sometimes not so glorious productions and gleefully shows us what made them tick. 

 

From ‘Defining the Genre’ (‘Character Types and Tropes’...) to ‘Analyzing the Texts’ (‘Work, Power and Conflict’...) Scott’s thesis-like book is fun, insightful, filled with on-set photographs and publicity stills, and will certainly make you feel nostalgic. A truly treasure trove for lovers of ‘80s miniseries everywhere. So, go on, do as I did. Take a look at THE AGE OF  MELODRAMATIC MINISERIES and enjoy the ride.

 

Until next post—Martin