Views on Shales

Regarding the commentary by Tom Shales entitled “For Viewers Whose Eyes Need a Rest” (TV Times, March 27): You have shown that I am not alone in the abhorrence (and if I knew a stronger word I would use it) of the camera work imposed on a defenseless TV audience by the advertisers. Split-second flashes of brightly lighted scenes, swiftly panned images, deliberately skewed from the vertical, rapid zooming in and out--all these and more make looking at the screen an unpleasant experience. I don’t see how it could in any way enhance the sales of a product.

Robert L. Sturmer, La Verne

*

I am writing regarding Tom Shales’ commentary on “The Road Home” (CBS) (TV Times, March 13): It is obvious that Mr. Shales didn’t watch the premiere very closely, or he would have noticed there were four children, not three. As for Grandma’s (Frances Sternhagen) “genteel” form of Alzheimer’s, it sounds as if Mr. Shales thinks she should one day be healthy and the next day completely lose her faculties and be put in a nursing home.

I’m offended and insulted by Mr. Shales, who thinks “The Road Home” is “hokey” and “crap” and a “colossal crock.” Personally, I enjoy this program with fine actors and I hope it continues.

Mrs. Erin R. Heulitt, Camarillo