otherwise 1) In another way, differently; 2) Under other circumstances; 3) In other respects.

TV Binge

Here's an interesting piece on Flow:

TV Binge by Michael Z. Newman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"This kind of viewing experience emphasizes the serial nature of a soapy show such as SFU [Six Feet Under], reproducing the daily rhythms of daytime drama with content originally intended to be seen weekly."

I think this description of "binging" is right on. Vincent Canby called shows like this (starting with The Sopranos in 1999) "megamovies" -- not open-ended series, not mini-series, but a new format entirely. Not only are they "movie-like" in their high-quality writing and production value, but the arrival of DVD box sets (and bittorrent downloads) have changed the way we consume these drama series. Which is what Amanda Lots says here.

Of course, Koreans (especially Korean American immigrants) may have started the whole trend years ago. I remember my parents coming home with shopping bags full of video cassettes, and lining them up in front of the TV. Popping them in one after another. You know what I'm talking about.

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