Lately when I’m watching older TV shows and movies, I’m struck by the number of plots that just wouldn’t work today due to the prevalence of mobile phones and smart phones. The inability of one person to get in touch with another was a key tool in the toolbox of fiction writers everywhere. You don’t need Lassie to go get help when you can dial 911 on your mobile phone, unless you’re on AT&T, in which case your phone won’t work from the bottom of the well, or pretty much anywhere else.
February 1, 2008 at 10:25 am
I find it more interesting to think about shows that straddle that gap.
there really were no cellphones when Seinfeld started but by the time it ended they were fairly wide spread yet the show never really acknowledged them.
Today though shows like The Wire and How I Meet Your Mother are constructing entire plot lines around cell phone use.
It is fascinating to see shows struggle with the ideas that arise around technology.
February 1, 2008 at 11:17 am
It’s funny, Seinfeld was the show that I had in mind when I was writing that post.
February 2, 2008 at 12:29 am
You don’t need Lassie to go get help when you can dial 911 on your mobile phone, unless you’re on AT&T,
If you’re on AT&T, the NSA should be able to get help to you.