‘Breaking Bad’ is still under the radar

‘Breaking Bad’ under the radar despite its quality

Overall, I agree with Neal Gabler’s assessment about the reasons for the superiority of cable TV drama [“Different Mind-Sets,” April 4], but I’m surprised he omitted one stellar example of this superiority: “Breaking Bad.” With its morally complicated characters and unpredictable narrative arcs, this show breaks all the rules of conventional dramaturgy except one: It is compulsively watchable. Predictably, it’s attracted only a small but devoted audience, as has the struggling “Damages.”

It is unlikely that dramas such as these will continue to draw anything other than a minority of viewers, since most TV consumers still want their story lines to (in William Gass’ phrase) “click shut like a cheap lock.” Television is a democratic medium, but in a true democracy everything isn’t always homogenized into the same bland texture.

Some people are better equipped, by temperament and experience, to want to see a more credible reflection of the world as it is rather than as they’d like it to be; hence, their attraction to edgier, more complex fare.

Given the anxieties produced by the Great Recession and other unpleasantness of contemporary history, their numbers won’t be burgeoning any time soon.

Posted by: pkibble48

From the Web

Troupe welcome any time in L.A.

I have been a fan of Hubbard Street since it was a “humble jazz ensemble in 1977,” and have been very energized by its growth, excellence and direction over all these years [“A Chicago Troupe’s L.A. Pursuits,” April 4]. It deserves its place in the national dance scene. L.A. dance lovers such as myself want excellent, exciting dance, with technically and artistically gifted performers and choreographers. As the managing director for Luminario Ballet, I can assuredly say that local dance lovers can expect the best these days from home- grown companies as well as out-of-towners. In the last couple of years, several other wonderful companies have sprouted up, and if you examine the Ford Summer Dance partnership series, you’ll find many of them performing this summer.

I say, adopt your home dance companies and enjoy the out-of-towners! It’s not mutually exclusive.

Judith “Flex” Helle

Valley Village

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From Debra Levine’s inviting description, there must be sprung wood floors all over L.A. that are jealous and wish Hubbard would come leap and frolic on them. And if a floor can be excited about an upcoming engagement, imagine how appreciative audiences must feel.

Debbie Devine

Van Nuys

This ‘Inception’ sounds intriguing

Regarding Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” [“Breaking Into Your Dreams,” April 4]: Sounds interesting and different, something that cannot be said for most formulaic detritus washing ashore from the SS Hollywood.

Posted by: screenscribbler

From the Web

When death can be a riot

Magnificent! Without a doubt, you sure nailed No. 1 [“Sometimes Death Is a Laughing Matter,” April 4]. What a show and cast. Mary Tyler Moore is magnificent in so many countless ways.

John Osborne

Westminster

I saw many of these episodes but you forgot one of the best -- the “Seinfield” episode where George’s fiancée dies licking the toxic wedding invitation envelopes.

Jack Fleming

Playa Vista

Don’t give up on theater: Be bold

Wonderful piece on fresh ideas in theater [“Needed: Fresh Dramatic Ideas,” March 28]. Charles McNulty tells it like it is -- and that’s exciting and encouraging. It’s never too late!

Jeff Hayden

Los Angeles