A FULL HOUSE You certainly must have noticed that there has been a decided jump in the populace's interest in card playing games. Everywhere - the deal is on!
New television versions of "Poker" are appear within ever-increasing regularity. New deals are turning up in non-metro areas as well, so it will soon get to be possible for you to find a game going wherever you may happen to be. It won't be too long until housewives tire of being desperate and, once again, fill Middle America with "Bridge Clubs". They can fill slots left b y soaps which have gone on to become prime-time TV drama, featured films or Broadway shows. Some good ole times playing cards with agreeable friends; having some good food and drink and,perhaps, to connect with some of that Vegas variety of greens - colorful wrappings with presidential portraits properly positioned.
What could this rather abrupt return to the cardboards mean?
For one thing. It shows that TV production people have found yet another way which allows them to ship out newer stocks of low-budget programming.
The playing card has long been such an inspirational token for individuals of ability who have been led by the excitement of games to apply sensitive exactness to the work in improving our lot by inventing machines and systems which also follow set rules. The games are precise and accurate, depending on strict attention to other, higher rules which are also precise, fixed and firmly set. These rules must be adhered to or all can be lost.
The era of games on TV might a provide a needed lull in which producers and viewers can get over the excesses of several seasons which have over-produced a veritable plague of so-called "realism" ; cloned quiz shows with exorbitant cash giveaways and glamor and glitz by the gallon. Other TV fare has wavered a great deal and , no doubt, caused many viewers to seek havens in cable TV and other specialty outlets.
They are not lost. They are alienated and if TV producers simply take a look at the "cue cards"- bearing on their sides a rubric set of signs: "Spades" for the hard work it will demand; "Clubs" - to be used if knocking a few hard heads about is necessary; "Hearts" - for showing gratitude to writers, artists, actors,actresses, their stand-ins and tech-people - all those who do the work you want done often beyond your expectations; and "Diamonds" created by the efforts of all concerned. The rewards provide the mean by which you say "Thank You" to each other.
And remember this: wherever cards are present a gambler is prevalent.
There is always "Joker" - one,at least.
A.L.M. September 21, 2005 [c466wds]
