The CW's Newest Addition to Night-Time TV

This issue of television network competition has not only become more intense but also much more broad. This spectrum has expanded so greatly because of the continued development of competitors; like HBO. Cable television has more of a target audience, who then pay to subscribe monthly. This may seem to be the easiest way to watch the type of TV you enjoy, however it does not benefit general broadcasting channels. ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX are all general, un-subscribing channels. This brings me to discuss the CW’s (another general station) introduction of Nikita. This show is positioned to be a prime time thriller, appealing to as broad of an audience as possible. In “Lethal Woman With Weapons Is Out for Covert Vengeance” Alessandra Stanley explains that the main character is not only female, but also presents a great amount of sex appeal – in a thriller it seems more rare that the woman be a hero alone. Comparing this factor to movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith; the female seems to be aided by some stronger force (in my experience). “ ‘Nikita’ isn’t original, but that’s not the measure of television series, which are almost always reworking past shows or familiar stories; even some of the best…” (Stanley 1). This is something that is seen more and more, not only on TV but in the retelling of movies. In the article by Stanley she explains all of the above, and also points out that the series is reflecting a harder time – presenting in some way political issues. Often, now, networks use common issues or elements of society to allow the viewer to relate. This I find correlates back to what I said at the beginning because they are attempting to grasp the largest audience in order to continue a successful series. The main actress, accompanied by younger actors and actresses allows for its’ greatest success and potential.

Source:
Stanley, Alessandra. "Nikita Lethal Woman With Weapons Is Out for Covert Vengeance." The New York Times. Web. 08 Sept. 2010. <http://tv.nytimes.com/2010/09/08/arts/television/08nikita.html?r=l&ref=television&pagewante=1>