drewmcgunn

The writing was amazing the first few seasons, but began to really suffer in season 4, when I'd say they jumped the shark. The writing sank and the stories began to smell like 3 day old fish.

In seasons 4 and 5, "Madam Secretary" seems to lean heavily on a formulaic approach to its storylines. The plots, once rich with nuanced perspectives and moral complexity, begin to feel predictably aligned with a singular ideological stance. The show, which initially thrived on its ability to present a multifaceted view of politics, gradually shifts towards a more one-dimensional narrative, lacking the thought diversity that once added depth and realism to its portrayal of global issues.

This lack of diversity in thought is mirrored in the character development, particularly with Elizabeth's children. Initially, these characters offered a personal window into Elizabeth's world, balancing her high-stakes political life with relatable family dynamics. However, as the series progresses, these characters become mere shadows of their former selves. They are reduced to vessels for platitudes, offering little in the way of unique thoughts or contributions to the storyline. Instead of evolving into complex individuals, they seem to exist solely to echo the overarching moral or message of the episode, stripping them of the authenticity and relatability they once possessed.

"Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America" sets out with a tantalizing premise - to uncover the stories behind America's forgotten structures. Yet, it tragically falls prey to the pitfall of presentism, an approach that distorts rather than enlightens.

The series, in an attempt to engage with contemporary issues, frames many abandoned relics within the context of modern sensibilities, often completely out of sync with the era they belong to. This is not just a minor flaw; it's a fundamental misstep that robs the past of its authenticity and complexity. By judging historical sites and events through today's values, the show perpetrates a form of intellectual colonialism, projecting current attitudes and beliefs onto times and places where they simply do not fit.

It's a disappointment, as the show had the potential to offer insightful glimpses into the past. Instead, it often feels like a shallow, patronizing lecture on how we, in our enlightened present, know better than those in our less sophisticated past. The talking heads, presumably experts, come off as less informed interpreters of history and more like actors performing a script designed to appease contemporary biases.

This is a disservice not only to history but to the audience as well. I came seeking knowledge and understanding of the past, only to receive a filtered and skewed version that aligns with current ideological trends. The richness of history lies in its ability to challenge our present-day perceptions, to show us how people thought, lived, and solved problems in contexts very different from our own. By ignoring this, "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America" loses an opportunity to genuinely educate and engage. It simply reaffirms contemporary moral grandstanding.

In essence, the series is a missed opportunity, a journey that could have been both informative and enlightening but ends up mired in the myopia of presentism. It's a reminder that history, when stripped of its context and complexity, becomes a mere shadow play for modern narratives, losing much of its value and relevance.

For those interested in a true exploration of America's abandoned past, free from the constraints of contemporary judgments, there are other, more faithful documentaries and series available. These alternatives respect the integrity of history and provide a more authentic and meaningful experience. "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America," unfortunately, is not one of them.