In ripping our DVDs to a local #PLEX server at home, I've decided to rewatch some #LittleHouseOnThePrairie, partially to see why it was such a phenomenon.

Part of it, I am sure, is the lack of selection on television in those days.

That said, I'm watching the pilot now. There are lots of basic things this show has that every show should have, but doesn't.

Good cinematography
Believable (if merely serviceable) dialogue
Subtle but good soundtrack
Good acting
Clearly defined and well distinguished characters
Clear motivations for the main characters

All of these things should be bare minimums for any TV show. But many popular shows fair to meet these requirements.

I must say, for some reason my grandmother (who lives with us now that her husband has passed away) is enamoured with CBS and CBS shows. However, they all seem to fail on one or more of these points.

It is such a sorry sight that five minutes of any modern #CBS show is obviously and considerably worse than five minutes of any #LittleHouseOnThePrairie episode. Broadcast television should have gotten better by now.