A few questions about the hour-long dramas–more serial than not these days–that feature pop music throughout the episode. I’m not so naive as to think the director has a choice of which songs to use. During the “let’s get together at the club” scene, the pop single will be used. During the love scene, the sensitive guitar ballad will be used. I’m nearly certain that the WB (for example) favors artists on WB-affiliated labels.
I know that Buffy: the Vampire Slayer had bands show up at The Bronze every now and again, and if Joss liked a piece, he’d get permission to use it as incidental music. But Smallville and Dawson’s Creek are nearly unwatchable if the blatant product placement bothers you as much as it bothers me. Even if I am rooting for the boy and girl to get it right this time, if they kiss and I hear this month’s over-hyped love ballad, my first thought is that their relationship will be as short-lived as this band’s popularity. ARGH!
So when did pop-chart soundtracks to TV shows start, and when did it become the norm? And was Buffy responsible for the meteoric rise in popularity of the hour-long serial teen drama?
hijack: Does anyone else think Lex Luthor is by far the most interesting character on Smallville?