Once upon a time … there lived an evil fad

 

 

By Ashleigh Evans

“One day you’re in, and the next day you’re out,” Heidi Klum said. This statement is not only true in the fashion world but is prevalent in all phases of our pop culture.

Every few years, what’s “current” changes. For example, a while ago there was the whole vampire phase. Sadly this included the “Twilight” franchise, “True Blood” and “Vampire Diaries,” to name a few. It was a low point for society. At that point, if you wrote anything about brooding modelesque vampires, you had hit the jackpot.

Vampires were current, so that dictated what was written about, what was in the theaters and what new TV shows were on.

Alas, once again, society has changed its interests. Fairytales have risen once again, but not the ones we grew up with. These modern fairytales are being rewritten with darker elements and targeted to an adult audience.

This trend has become evident with television shows such as “Once Upon a Time,” “Grimm” and the upcoming “Beauty and the Beast.” Don’t get me wrong, I love that these stories are making a comeback. But I think there is a limit on how many fairy tales should be remade, and we are slowly reaching it.

Yes, they can not only attract children but a wide range of ages. I’m a big fan of “Once Upon a Time” because it takes elements from old bedtime stories and incorporates many modern issues with a sense of originality.

The problem I have with these phases and fads are that there is a complete lack of innovation. There is nothing new. One show was enough, but now there are several shows that have the same plot line.

Sure, fairytales are popular, but it seems like Hollywood smothers its audiences. I don’t understand why Hollywood writers, and even some authors, write the same show or book, only with different characters. If it’s that easy, then who knows, maybe I could write the next bestseller.

If anything, there needs to be more inventiveness from the writers of novels, movies and television shows. Originality doesn’t seem to market as well, but it certainly entertains.

Take, for example, “Arrested Development.” It only had three seasons, but due to popular demand, is returning with a fourth season and a movie.

Original ideas do not last in Hollywood or anywhere else in society. The world does not need another vampire epidemic; we crossed that line and didn’t even think twice about it. But if we have a small amount of everything, like fairytales, vampires and sitcoms, then there is a perfect balance and something for everyone.

Although interests change over time, some good and some bad, society needs to be more innovative with entertainment.

We owe it to our sanity to prevent further horrid phases that ruin the development of good literature, film and music.