Monday, August 10, 2009

Jumped the Shark...

While sitting in my workshop today with Bill Harley, we were discussing the quest/hero stories. We were discussing how Hollywood really likes and is the Hero model. But then the phrase "jumped the shark" came up. "But that show jumped the shark." I find that my ears are constantly listening in new ways. ..thanks David! The phrase "jumped the shark" refers to a televsion program that veers off into left field and no longer makes any sense. They are doing this to draw in viewers. But what is interesting to know is the origin. The phrase comes from a Happy Days episode where Fonzie wearing swim trunks and his trademark leather jacket, jumps over a confined shark while water skiing. It was considered an odd episode, one where the show had lost its original appeal and was "fishing" for ratings.

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