Can We Talk 2

Dietland

         This was a bestseller that went straight to TV for a 10 part series. I have watched all 7 episodes so far on AMC. I do not like the companion talk show that follows it. I think that show misses the opportunity to discuss real issues addressed in the story, like the cosmetic and clothing industries, weight loss businesses, surgeries, etc. This show is not going to stop girls from cutting, eating disorders, or spending all their money on changing what and who they are. Instead this companion show allows these minor celebrities to showcase themselves and their own humor and express liberal politics. Not all women's issues involve liberal politics. And conservatives are interested in women's issues.

         I watch only the show itself now. While it's very interesting, it's very hard to follow. I still don't have all the major characters straight. If I weren't so interested in a young woman who can't accept herself I wouldn't keep watching. At times it's a little too graphic and even repulsive. While the occasional nasty word may be necessary to convey the message, the vulgarity is excessive. There are several story lines going on at once which usually enhances a story. However, here it is told a little jaggedly, like someone who is excited after an emergency and can't tell the story straight and jumps around too much for you to get the bottom line.

         At first I thought I might like to read the book and absorb the issues slowly. But at this point, I may not want to bother. I realize the TV show may digress a lot; there are different screen writers for each episode. But if the book is like the show, it's too exhaustive in trying to cover as many issues as possible and would be like trying to follow a Russian novel where you need a list of characters to follow the action.

         I noticed the number of viewers each week is going down. Like me, they're probably losing interest so when other things come up, they bail. I will probably stick it out for three more episodes, simply because I've invested this much time in it. May as well see it through. It had a lot of potential. It might pick up.