Television is rapidly making good on the threat of being a 500-channel universe. There are now more channels and more content than ever before. But while the difference between mediocre and good television might not be that wide, there's an enormous gulf between good and great television. In abandoning the notion of "passive viewing," how does brilliant television get made? What are the elements in play that writers, directors and actors use to make a lasting impression on the medium - to create a visual work of art? In this class, we'll narrow the focus of our visual criticism by following acclaimed series from start to finish of a single season to chart the creative achievements. By the end of the semester, our in-class discussions and written papers will further illuminate how show runners seek and reach visual eloquence and sustain an ongoing, high-quality storytelling narrative.

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