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Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

Five things we never want to see again — and five we do

The 2009-2010 academic year held both blockbusters and flat-out busts in music, movies, television and the media. There is much to look forward to — and just as much to leave behind. With the smashes have come the flops, and with the thrills have come the mistakes. Here are five things Marquee wants to see more of — and five things that we would be happy to see fall off the face of the earth.

What We DO Want to See:

1. Conan O’Brien back on prime time

As one of the funniest men on any television network, Conan O’Brien remains a true late night legend. With his absence from prime time, he has created a void in the living rooms of his nearly 1 million fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter. One such fan, College of Nursing junior Gretchen Mitchell, misses his quirks, giggles and mannerisms — but mostly misses his hair. “It’s all about his hair,” Mitchell said. “Bring the hair back.” For her, O’Brien remains one of the most relatable comedians around. “He’s this over-six-foot tall, giant, poofy red-headed Irishman who you just want to go have a beer with,” Mitchell said.

2. Quality sci-fi on basic television (sans-‘Lost’)

After the critically-acclaimed TV show “Lost” ends its run this month, sci-fi fans will be left clambering for more. “Lost” redefined quality television for a generation faced with the horrors of reality TV, and the series’ sci-fi elements helped the genre drop its geeks-and-nerds-only stigma. Jay Taylor, a sophomore in the College of Engineering, has been following “Lost” since it started in 2004. He said the show’s impact on the sci-fi realm is revolutionizing the ways of television. “(Sci-fi’s) becoming more mainstream, especially with the rise in other sci-fi shows like ABC’s ‘V,’” Taylor said. However, with “Lost” soon to be (if you’ll pardon the pun) “lost,” other shows like “V,” “Flashforward” and “Fringe” are going to need to pick up the slack — if they don’t get canceled.

3. ‘Trigger Happy TV’ needs to come back

A remarkable reality show that captured real reality, hidden-camera show “Trigger Happy TV” offered honest comedy at its best. The show documented the responses and reactions of unaware individuals in the face of outlandish situations. Airing on Comedy Central for one season in 2003, it would stop at just about nothing for a laugh or two. The facial expressions alone were worth tuning in. From scenarios about a man in a full snail costume crawling across an intersection to a man dressed in a full gorilla suit escaping the zoo, it highlighted one riot after the next.

4. $10 shows at Turner Hall

When concert tickets often soar upwards of $50, Turner Hall’s $10 deal is a beautiful thing. It’s a place where big names like OK Go and Johnny Winter have graced the stage, but seats cost next to nothing. In a city famous for its music hotspots and festivals, Turner Hall boasts one of the best deals and one of the most historic venues. Most of its bargain shows feature up-and-coming albums and artists like folk musician Owen Pallett and neo-soul group Kings Go Forth.  Between the exposure and cheap entertainment, it proves a win-win for performers and fans alike.

5. The return of the Disney Princess

After the revival of Disney’s happily-ever-after fairy tales with the release of “The Princess and the Frog” last December, why not crown a new era of princesses and princes? While the 1990s produced characters like Aladdin, Belle and Pocahontas — all who lived long past their primes — Disney really should take advantage of its 3D-animation technology to bring more stories to life. Sure, they may be predictable, but with the magic of the music and visuals, they’re hard to resist. And as unrealistic as their plotlines are, when talking animals and blue genies are involved, what does it matter?

What We DON’T Want to See:

1. ‘Teen Mom’

Following the ups and downs of four teenage moms from the show “16 and Pregnant,” MTV’s “Teen Mom” illustrates the reality in trying to raise a kid while still practically being one. From the 3 a.m. feedings and diaper changes to the mounting expenses and bickering between couples, the show traces the struggles of teenage parents. In several cases, the parents prove bigger crybabies than their own. With this, the show attempts to act as some sort of birth control and deter teenage viewers from making the same mistake. In the end, however, as cute as the newborns may be, the drama and complaining really get old.

2. ‘Jersey Shore’

Sure, the guidos boasted the best hair and fist pump of anyone out on the East Coast, but the story their lives strung together offered little substance. Between the group’s consistent nights out at the club, orange tan lines and barrage of casual hookups, “Jersey Shore” seemed to lose meaning with each redundant episode. Tyler Harvey, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences could barely stand to watch two episodes. “It’s fake.  It’s kind of an insult to TV,” Harvey said. “I think it’s upsetting about our generation.  If this is what we find entertaining, it’s kind of sad.”

3. Another story about Michelle Obama’s arms

Toned and slender, Michelle Obama’s arms have stirred up quite the controversy. The uproars over her sleeveless dresses in portraits, on magazine covers and at State of the Union speeches have continued to draw gasps all across the country. While top critics consistently revere her style, comparing her to classic, iconic White House women like Jackie Kennedy, others condemn it for being too informal. Still, Mrs. Obama insists she will wear what she finds most comfortable — even if it means baring her biceps. As she should. After all, you don’t see people telling President Barack Obama what he should wear, do you? (Well, besides the whole “Mom jeans” fiasco.)

Marquee is sick and tired of Michelle Obama picking up flack for her toned guns.

4. Justin Bieber at the Rave

While he may be the latest tween heartthrob, Justin Bieber clearly does not belong at the Rave, a venue where moshing is a given with practically every show. A crowd of fans at a New Zealand airport trampled his mom last week. That’s the last thing the delicate 16-year-old needs. With his gleaming blonde locks, high-pitched tones and hits like “Favorite Girl” and “Love Me,” he exerts a much softer image and could use a much softer venue. Emily Flock, a senior in the College of Communication, describes Bieber and his crazed following as whiny and overdramatic. “When I first heard him, I thought he was a girl,” Flock said.

5. Miley Cyrus on the big screen

From an innocent preteen who became the Disney Channel’s instant cover girl to a brash 17-year-old on the verge of much raunchier performances, Miley Cyrus has grown up a little too fast. Her life has been one constant success after another, but her latest work as a serious actress in Nicholas Sparks’ “The Last Song” just crosses the line. Mary Delaat, a sophomore in the College of Communication, almost regrets seeing the movie. “She just didn’t sell it,” Delaat said. Delaat would prefer to see her step out of the spotlight.  “(Cyrus should) take a little break for a while, compose herself, grow up and mature,” she said.

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