I found out today that Television Without Pity (or TWoP) is closing in a couple of days. I don’t think the archives of recaps that entertained me and validated my TV obsession will be accessible after 4 April. Their detail, their snarkiness, their understanding that hating is loving when it comes to Dawson’s Creek or Alias or Buffy, all will be dearly missed.
I stopped reading when I stopped watching TV in that pre-child way (marathon followed by marathon, time stretching out like a long, straight road). I wonder why everyone else stopped too. Did we just grow up? Did we not bring along any younger TV lovers? Do we consume TV so differently nowadays that there is no demand for an undoubtedly painstaking recapping service?
It makes me feel sad and, stupidly, guilty – like it was my lack of recent visits that brought the site to an end. I suppose I thought that these words would be available to re-read whenever I want. I have over the years revisited particular recaps like I’m visiting old friends. The recap of Dawson grieving his dad’s death by ice cream is a thing of beauty. Now I’m feeling panicky that these words are to be lost forever. I have a horrid feeling I will be spending a few hours tomorrow night saving those words instead of planning my lessons for the week.
Notes From My Day 